THE OUT OF RAGE 2025 GIG GUIDE

Words: Amber Brooks, Amy Watson, Dulce Mendes, Katerina Stepanikova and Vee Richardson

Here it is- The monolithic 20+ festival guide to your summer season! From basement one-dayers to entire weekend affairs, this is a comprehensive list of the alternative communities must attends. We've also thrown in some impressive day shows from the likes of Sabbath, Slayer and Idles. With a variety of acts ranging from idie rock, to hardcore and extreme metal, there is something for everyone here.

As we're getting this out in April, we must give honorable mentions to Wide Awake and Reality Unfolds Festival, which both gave it their all earlier in the year. They both made massive waves in the London underground scene, providing an eclectic mix of breakthrough artists in authentic and exciting community spaces.

TAKEDOWN FESTIVAL (4 - 5 April)

Headliners: Kris Barras Band and Ferocious Dog

OOR picks: Urne, Lake Malice, Harbinger and Kite Thief

Takedown Festival is a centre point for alternative rock and metal, a high-octane celebration where chaos meets community. With a lineup that blends seasoned titans and rising stars, this year’s edition is set to be an unmissable riot. Headlining are the blues-infused hard rock powerhouse Kris Barras Band and the folk-punk energy of Ferocious Dog, proving that Takedown thrives on diversity in sound and spirit.

The festival’s undercard is equally stacked, with Lake Malice bringing their electrifying fusion of metal and electronic chaos, tech-metal bruisers Harbinger delivering bone-snapping riffs, and the ever-unpredictable Kid Bookie, who blurs the lines between rap, punk, and pure aggression. Whether you’re a pit veteran or just there for the vibes, Takedown is a space where all shades of heavy music collide. - VR

SHREDDLER FEST (12 April)

Headliner: Delilah Bon

OOR picks: In Retrospect, Tropic Gold, Graywave and Still In Love

A one-day two-stage Festival in the heart of Sheffield at the Peddler Market, (Yes, try to say that ten times really fast!) Shreddler Fest is a celebration of the breakthrough and the alternative. With brat punk headliner Delilah Bon making the most of her hometown after the triumphant ‘Evil Hate Filled Female’ tour, the festival has While She Sleep’s Loz Taylor curating the lineup. Oh yes, it can’t get more Sheffield! 

Joining Delilah on the main stage includes Lake Malice, Sick Joy and Oversize, alongside hardcore heavyweights Rough Justice, Bodyweb and Still In Love. On the second Factory Floor stage, Stoke-On-Trent behemoths Black Coast front an impressive lineup of primarily metalcore bands, including In Retrospect, Rxptrs and Alchemise. For what it's worth, the inauguration of this festival onto the festival circuit this April is going to be the start of something truly spectacular. - AB

MANCHESTER PUNK FESTIVAL (18 - 20 April)

Headliners: The Menzingers, Dillinger Four and Strung Out

OOR picks: The Chisel, False Reality, Gen and the Degenerates and Cherym

Manchester Punk Festival (MPF) is a three-day, city-wide celebration of punk in all its forms, from classic anthemic sing-alongs to fast, chaotic hardcore. With over 140 bands playing across seven of Manchester’s best venues, it’s a festival built by punks, for punks. MPF is DIY, inclusive, and full of energy.

This year’s lineup is stacked to the rafters, with The Menzingers headlining, bringing their signature mix of heartfelt lyricism and huge choruses. Legendary Midwest punks Dillinger Four add a dose of rough-edged, beer-soaked anthems, while Snatch Game, Deadwax, and Victim Unit keep things fresh with everything from raw, aggressive hardcore to genre (and gender) bending punk experimentation.

What makes MPF special isn’t just the bands, it’s the community. With its grassroots ethos, the festival thrives on the passion of the scene, creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming, wild, and built for discovery. Whether you’re a lifelong punk fan or just diving in, MPF is the place to be for three days of sweat, noise, and absolute chaos. - VR

NOIZZEFEST (26 April)

Headliners: Unpeople and Knife Bride

OOr picks: Gender Warfare, Hidden Mothers, Love Rarely and High Regard

Following the success of the last year, Noizzefest is back in 2025 with a second edition of its day festival, held in Cardiff. The festival is a self-proclaimed celebration of growth and community, and uses a physical platform you can utilize to find and support your next favourite band. Noizzefest is primarily a festival for up-and-coming talent within the alternative and rock genre. This year, we have Unpeople headlining, who have made a significant impact on the alternative music scene since their rise. We will also see rising titans such as Continents, Love Rarely, Atlas Theory and many more who are guaranteed to make it one to remember in a day full of uninterrupted music and good vibes. - AW

INCINERATION FESTIVAL (3 May)

Headliner: Triptykon

OOR picks: Naut, Decapitated, Grief Ritual and Cryptopsy

Incineration Festival is a relentless onslaught of extreme metal, taking over five London venues for a single day of unfiltered brutality. On May 3rd, 2025, the festival will bring together some of the heaviest and most uncompromising acts in the genre, making it a must-attend event for those who crave intensity.

This year’s headline act is none other than Triptykon, performing their infamous Celtic Frost set, a rare and unmissable tribute to one of extreme metal’s most influential bands. They’re joined by Polish death metal titans Decapitated, the bleak and crushing Grief Ritual, and thrash maniacs Warbringer, ensuring a lineup that spans the full spectrum of brutality.

Incineration Fest thrives on raw energy, offering an underground atmosphere with top-tier acts. The multi-venue format lets fans experience everything from cavernous blasts of black metal to tight, sweat-drenched death metal sets. For those who live and breathe extreme music, there’s no better place to be. - VR

NORTHERN UNFEST (10 - 11 May)

Headliners: All Out War and Soul Search

OOR picks: T.S. Warspite, Echo Chamber, Eat Your Brains Out and Dynamite

We head to Glasgow for the hardcore behemoths, Northern Unfest. The festival started a breakthrough movement of the underground with this two-day event, and now for its 2025 edition, theres no escape from the pit with headliners All Out War and Soul Search. 

The festival is a triumph of community spirit, a love for DIY and also a best-kept secret for those that love hardcore. With this homegrown talent, there is also international acclaim, with bands flocking from across the world to attend. Japan’s Eat Your Brains Out share a bill with Germany’s Echo Chamber on the Saturday, whilst the best of UK hardcore makes itself known on the Sunday, featuring returning favourites TS Warspite and Dynamite. 

Few places make breakthrough bands in hardcore known. Alongside our friends at Reality Unfolds, its heavy music at its best. Loud, in your face and full of attitude. - AB

DESERTFEST (16 - 18 May)

Headliners: Elder, Zeal & Ardor and Earth

OOR picks: Froglord, Castle Rat, Planet of Zeus and Stoned Jesus

Desertfest is the ultimate pilgrimage for fans of stoner rock, doom, sludge, and psych, bringing three days of heavy, hypnotic riffs to five venues across the city. This year’s lineup is as immersive as ever, with Zeal & Ardor’s haunting blend of gospel and black metal headlining alongside the progressive, monolithic soundscapes of Elder.

Beyond the headliners, Desertfest continues to champion the underground. Barbarian Hermit deliver crushing grooves, Froglord bring their surreal, amphibian-themed stoner rock, and Wallowing craft sci-fi-inspired sludge nightmares. Meanwhile, Slump weave psychedelia into their doom-laden sound, proving that Desertfest is as much about sonic exploration as sheer heaviness.

With its multi-venue setup, the festival offers a choose-your-own-adventure experience, letting you drift between intimate, smoke-filled rooms and larger, high-energy spaces. Whether you’re there for the slow, crushing weight of doom or the fuzz-drenched haze of psych, Desertfest is a haven for those who like their music heavy, immersive, and a little out of this world. - VR

BEARDED THEORY (21 - 25 May)

Headliners: Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers and Paul Heaton

OOR picks: The Sisters Of Mercy, Mannequin Pussy, Divorce and Man/Woman/Chainsaw

Bearded Theory is the UK festival that refuses to be boxed in. Taking over Catton Park from May 21st to 25th, it brings together an eclectic lineup spanning indie, punk, metal, and beyond, making it one of the UK’s most diverse and vibrant festivals.

This year’s headliners are nothing short of legendary: Iggy Pop, the godfather of punk, and Manic Street Preachers, masters of anthemic, politically charged rock. But Bearded Theory thrives on variety, and the undercard is just as exciting. Nova Twins bring their genre-smashing mix of rock, grime, and punk, while Terrorvision deliver 90s alt-rock nostalgia. Rising stars Alt Blk Era, Millie Manders & The Shutup, and The Meffs inject fresh energy, alongside one of Bradfords fastest growing grime/nu-metal crossover bands, Rupcha Farms.

More than just a music festival, Bearded Theory has built a reputation for its inclusive and community-driven atmosphere. With a lineup that spans multiple genres, it’s a place where fans of all kinds can discover something new, whether it’s a legendary act or an emerging artist on the rise. Set against the backdrop of Catton Park, it’s a weekend that offers both nostalgia and fresh energy, making it a standout event in the festival calendar. - VR

SLAM DUNK (24 - 25 May)

Headliner- A Day To Remember

OOR picks: Neck Deep, Noahfinnce, South Arcade and Hot Milk

Slam Dunk is an alternative music festival held in the UK and has been growing yearly since its launch in 2006. What started as a single stage in Leeds, now consists of two days (with the same line-up) in two different locations, with 5 stages - one in the North (Leeds) and the other in the South (London). The festival is typically home to pop-punk and various metal-type bands; however, this year we are seeing the biggest and most diverse line-up of the festival so far. Headlining and must-see, we have, following their banging brand new album, A Day To Remember. Along with Electric Callboy, whose sets are always absolute vibes and bring the best crowd atmosphere! Bringing the nostalgia, we also have Alkaline Trio appearing as a stage headliner. We can see appearances from early 2000’s icons such as Neck Deep, New Found Glory and Less Than Jake on the lineup, along with more new artists such as Noahfinnce.

Overall, expect huge headliners, iconic throwbacks and rising stars across multiple stages, delivering a weekend packed with punk, metal, emo, and everything in between.Slam Dunk 2025 is shaping up to be one for the history books for sure! - AW

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL (13 - 15 June)

Headliners: Green Day, Korn and Sleep Token

OOR Picks: Loathe, Dayseeker, Poppy and Spiritbox

The legendary rock festival, Download, returns to Donington Park for a 22nd head banging summer, with a heavy yet varied lineup that offers something for everyone. Making their headliner debuts are Green Day and Korn, along with controversial additions Sleep Token, who have divided the festival community.

One to watch on the Apex stage is Spiritbox; their latest album release, Tsunami Sea, has received rave reviews, with Kerrang and NME both of giving five-star ratings. With success in the UK Independent Albums and UK Rock & Metal Albums charts, safe to say Spiritbox will not leave you disappointed.

Another to look out for is surprise headliners Sleep Token. Sleep Token have seen a meteoric rise and, although not to everyone’s tastes, they have certainly got everyone talking. Their seductive blend of metal and funk is sure to draw fans in, while their show production quality exhibits their headliner credentials.

First festival or going solo? Don’t worry! Download is famous for its open and friendly atmosphere, welcoming rockers of all ages and backgrounds (including families). Not keen on the headliners? No problem! Download offers four stages with acts from all across the rock spectrum, alongside entertainment in District X - there is something for everyone at Download! - DM

OUTBREAK FESTIVAL (13 - 15 June)

Headliners: Knocked Loose, Alex G, Slowdive and Turnstile

OOR Picks: Speed, Glassjaw, Ikhras and Pest Control

Outbreak Festival is now a staple of the hardcore punk scene. Coming back this year with three days full of the fan favourite bands, the organisers are promising one day in London and two days in Manchester full of moshpits, raw energy and unforgettable performances.

Starting on 13th June in London and continuing on 14th and 15th of June in Manchester, the fans are promised different lineups in both cities. One of the biggest attractions of the festival is the UK exclusive no-barrier sets from Knocked Loose, who are coming back after their sold-out tour in March. Other unmissable bands are Glassjaw, who are set to perform their records ‘Worship & Tribute’ and Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence’ each respective day in Manchester and songs from both records in London, Denzel Curry who is performing just on 14th and 15th and Turnstile, who are performing on 13th only.

With most of the acts being announced for the two-day festival and more to be announced for the London one in Victoria Park, fans ought to expect a top-notch lineup that is going to make them enjoy every single second of the infamous event. - KS

GHOSTFEST (21 June)

Headliners: Injested, Signs of the Swarm and Humanities Last Breath

OOR Picks: Desolated, Pintglass, Party Cannon and Veiled

We like it loud, and we like it extreme. Leeds University Union is home to the 20-year edition of Ghostfest, living it loud for a one-day event of feathcore, hardcore and everything heavy. Making the most of the weekend includes Manchester Metal outfit Ingested. Pennsylvania behemoth’s Signs Of The Swarm and Swedish progressive death metallers Humanity’s Last Breath.

With more bands to be announced, the festival pushes its hardcore mentality to the extreme with Veiled and Desolated, but also uses Party Cannon and Pintglass to provide some much-needed comic relief to the intensity of the day. Greebo’s and moshers alike will find solace in its sticky pits and sweaty floors. A must for anyone who likes a bit of filth. - AB

RADAR FESTIVAL (4 - 6 July)

Headliners: Carpenter Brut, Bob Vylan and Underoath

OOR Picks: As Everything Unfolds, Vukovi, ALLT and Mother Vulture

Radar Festival is a forward-thinking celebration of genre-spanning progressive and technical music, bringing together some of the most innovative artists in metal and rock. Held at Victoria Warehouse from July 4th to 6th, it’s a festival where precision, creativity, and heavy riffs collide.

This year’s lineup is led by the dark synthwave-meets-metal intensity of Carpenter Brut, a headliner that pushes the boundaries of heavy music in a completely unique way. Beyond that, the festival showcases everything from the crushing, beatdown-infused energy of Pintglass, to the soaring post-hardcore melodies of Future Palace, and the intricate, riff-packed prog metal of Tiberius.

With a lineup that crosses genres but stays rooted in technical mastery and innovation, Radar Fest is perfect for those who like their music heavy, complex, and boundary-pushing. Whether you’re into shredding guitar work, futuristic soundscapes, or pure rhythmic chaos, Radar offers something a touch different from the usual metal festival experience. - VR

SLAYER (3 & 6 July)

Headliner: Slayer

OOR Picks: Mastodon, Anthrax and Hatebreed

“SLAYER!” After a hiatus, the band are back to raise hell in the UK. Tom Araya and Kerry King enlist Exodus guitarist Gary Holt and drummer Paul Bostaph to perform in Wales’ Blackwater Fields and London’s Finsbury Park this July. As one of thrash’s big four - alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax - their glorious return is welcomed enormously by the metal community. 

Supports are Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Mastodon, Hatebreed and Neckbreaker for both dates. The band will also make an appearance at the star-studded Black Sabbath final show that takes place inbetween the two dates on the 5th . Six years and a pandemic could not keep the thrashers away from the stage, and when the iconic intro to Raining Blood begins, you know the band will take no survivors. 

BLACK SABBATH 'BACK TO THE BEGINNING' FINAL SHOW

Headliner: Black Sabbath

OOR Picks: Metallica, Slayer, Gojira and Halestorm

It writes itself: Black Sabbath headliner. Not only is this the last appearance for the Birmingham trailblazers Black Sabbath, but also the last performance of frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The iconic bat-eating vocalist will take to the stage for the last time this July at Villa Park. Joining the band are some of the greatest metal bands that Sabbath have inspired, including Metallica, Slayer and Alice In Chains. Current scene frontrunners Gojira, Halestorm and Mastodon also make themselves known on the lineup. 

Alongside the lineup, rock and metal royalty will attend the show to provide one-off performances. Billy Corgan, Fred Durst, Jonathan Davis and Slash are some of the names included at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ show. 

This performance will be a one-off spectacle that champions the scene at its UK birthplace. Metal has never come together on this scale, and arguably never will again. 

2000TREES FESTIVAL (9 - 12 July)

Headliners: Kneecap, Pvris, Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria and Alexisonfire

OOR Picks: La Dispute, Letlive, Unpeople and Lake Malice

2000trees is an independent rock music festival held over three days in Gloucestershire, UK. Since its birth in 2007, it has focused on upcoming and underground acts within the rock and indie scene. However, over recent years, we have also seen bigger headlining acts.

This year we have big names such as Alexisonfire, Taking Back Sunday and Kneecap headlining with appearances from must-sees Kid Kapichi, Rory and Pvris.

There is a big focus on families at 2000 trees with a lot of planned, family oriented activities throughout the weekend such as a play area within the main arena, a ‘forest area’ where you and the kids can craft, build dens or simply explore nature. 

The festival is also known for its unique, close-knit atmosphere, with an attendee cap of 15,000. - AW

MANGATA FESTIVAL (12 July)

Headliner: The Raven Age

OOR Picks: Mallavora, Defences, Desert Storm and Black Coast

Off to Nottingham now for its signature alternative romp this July. Mangata is back and features the best of the alternative scene. Headlined by goth rockers, The Raven Age, it also brings together an impressive mix of underground bands, including Seething Akira, Desert Storm and The Five Hundred that represent some of the best in the UK touring scene. 

There are some hidden gems in this lineup, such as the spectacular Defences, Mallavora and Froglord. Promising over 45 bands across five stages, it puts Nottingham on the map for alternative breakthrough talent. - AB

TRNSMT FESTIVAL (11 - 13 July)

Headliners: 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro and Snow Patrol OOR Picks: Fontaines DC, Twin Atlantic, Kneecap and Wunderhorse

We know what you’re all thinking- this is a bit unlike us to cover TRNSMT this year, but with the immense Biffy Clyro and Fontaines DC making the most of the Saturday, it's something we’re prepared to dive headfirst into. Taking place in Glasgow in July, the festival promises to be an exciting mix of all the 2025 leading festival acts. Twin Atlantic and Kneecap also make welcome appearances on the Friday that we just cannot ignore.

More importantly, it's the only time we could potentially cover James Marriott- and our online community can’t get enough of him. Good Bin. Bad Bin. TRNSMT, this year, we are firm friends. The festival fun never ends.

OFFAL FEST (25 - 27 July)

Headliners: Internal Bleeding, Skinless and Defeated Sanity

OOR Picks: Foetal Juice, Chainsaw Castration and Cerebral Effusion

At Out Of Rage, we provide festivals across the broad and exciting spectrum of rock and metal acts. Offal Fest is definitely on the pinnacle of that scale, being Manchester’s home for brutal death metal, slam and grind. The third edition of the festival brings together the best names you can’t read on the poster, including headliners Internal Bleeding, Skinless and Defeated Sanity. 

At the iconic Rebellion music festival, punters can get their fix of high-intensity pits and heavy collisions across the weekend, including a pre-show to well and truly kick things off. If you judge the bands by how brutal they sound, you’ll absolutely love this. From Iniquitous Savagery, Cerebral Effusion and Chainsaw Castration, by the end of the weekend, you’ll be more beat up than some of the poor fellas at Manchester Royal’s A&E. -AB

IDLES BLOCK PARTY (1 - 2 August)

Headliners: Idles

OOR Picks: Soft Play and Lambrini Girls

Idles have gone above and beyond this year to headline two consecutive dates in Bristol this August. Dubbed the ‘Idles Block Party’, these are the only two dates the indie rockers will play in the UK this year. The homecoming shows will be joined by a host of their nearest and dearest, including punk acts Soft Play and Lambrini Girls.

Punk meets electronica as the festival also boasts a cohort of local DJs and electronica acts including Hinds, Scaler and Grove. In the heart of Bristol at the iconic Queen Square, this is not one to be missed. Shout it from the rooftops - or Jo Talbot will do it for you - Idles is coming home.

BOOMTOWN (6 - 10 August)

Headliners: Sex Pistols, Maribou State and Sean Paul

OOR Picks: Joey Valence & Brae, Nova Twins, Third Kulture and Raised By Owls

Boomtown is a five-day music festival and theatre production held annually in Hampshire, UK. Since 2009, the event has been known for not only its diverse lineup but also the storytelling aspect behind the festival. Boomtown takes place in a fictional city consisting of 8 districts. Each district has a distinct identity with actors portraying citizens of the fictional city, all with their quests, which you can get involved in.

Each year has a different storyline which unravels throughout the five days and then climaxes on the closing ceremony of the final night, all with the theme of transforming our world and environment and making Earth a better place. Music-wise, you can expect a lineup that dances across musical genres, including reggae, punk, electronic, folk, and more. The 2025 line-up includes big names such as Sex Pistols (ft. Frank Carter), Sean Paul, Azealia Banks, Rudimental, plus so many more, catering to all tastes. -AW

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR (7 - 10 August)

Headliners: Trivium, Gojira and Machine Head

OOR Picks: Heriot, Mastodon, Obituary and Lacuna Coil

For those who crave the raw energy of heavy metal in its purest form, Bloodstock Open Air 2025 is the place to be. Held in the hallowed fields of Catton Hall Park, this festival remains the UK’s top destination for metalheads, uniting tens of thousands in a shared love of blistering riffs, ferocious mosh pits, and an unshakeable community spirit.

Whether you’re there for Gojira headlining the main stage, to support your favourite hometown band (looking at you, Waterlines) on the Sophie Lancaster Stage, or to catch some rising stars on the New Blood Stage, there’s something for everyone. Expect chaos in the pits, drinks flowing like a sacrament, and the friendliest crowd you’ll ever throw horns with.

With monstrous sets from some of the heaviest names in the industry, alongside rising stars pushing the boundaries of metal, 2025 promises to be a truly unmissable year. Make sure to catch the next wave of brutality on the Sophie Lancaster Stage, and definitely don’t sleep on the Metal 2 the Masses winners; they could be your next favourite band. - VR

ARCTANGENT FESTIVAL (13 - 17 August)

Headliners: Wardruna, Karnovool and Tesseract

OOR Picks: Green Lung, Rolo Tomassi, Battlesnake and The Callous Daoboys

ArcTanGent isn’t your standard metal festival, it’s a haven for those who love their music dense, intricate, and atmospheric. Taking over Bristol from August 13th to 16th, it champions the experimental side of heavy music, from crushing riffs to haunting soundscapes.

This year’s lineup is as diverse as ever. Wardruna bring their spellbinding Nordic folk rituals, Karnivool return with their deeply emotive prog mastery, and Tesseract promise a set packed with shimmering melodies and thunderous djent grooves. The undercard is just as exciting; Green Lung’s occult rock swagger, Vower’s genre-defying intensity, Lowen’s hypnotic doom, and the sheer metallic ferocity of Burner all make this a festival for those who like their music immersive and unpredictable.

ArcTanGent thrives on its community of dedicated music fans, where the crowd is just as passionate as the bands on stage. Whether you’re into mind-bending time signatures, atmospheric walls of sound, or just want to see some of the most creative heavy bands around, this is where you’ll find them.

READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL (22 - 24 August)

Headliners: Hosier, Chappell Roan, Bring me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit and Travis Scott

OOR Picks: Bilmuri, Mouth Culture, Lambrini Girls and Amyl and the Sniffers

Reading and Leeds Festivals are two of the most important annual live music events in the UK. With both events taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, each site of the festival attracts several thousand music lovers from all around the world every year. The festival is jam-packed with the biggest artists and bands from every genre imaginable, therefore, attracting crowds of a mass variety.

This year’s headliners are rap legend Travis Scott, the iconic Hozier, the queer queen herself who is currently taking over the world, Chappell Roan and metal royalty Bring Me The Horizon and Limp Bizkit. We will also see unmissable sets from Amyl And The Sniffers, The Kooks, Becky Hill, Enter Shikari, House of Protection, Bilmuri and many more. With such a diverse range of acts, you are guaranteed to have an absolute smash of a time, whether you go for just one day or the entire weekend.

As a standout rite-of-passage festival with hundreds of thrilling acts, Reading & Leeds is set to return as the ultimate festival weekend of the summer of 2025! - AW

BURN IT DOWN (29 - 30 August)

Headliners: TBA

OOR Picks: Hyphen, Blood Command, Bodyweb and The Menstrual Cramps

For a weekend, Torquay becomes the centre of the British alternative music scene. For a town on the rural fringes of life in Devon, it surely packs a punch. The best breakthrough bands flock to the south for intimate stages and intense pitting. Alternative acts like Hyphen, Karen Dio and Mouth Culture get pulled onto the same stages as hardcore heavyweights God Complex, Desolated and Bodyweb.

Every corner of this lineup is stacked, and exciting bands can be found wherever you end up (potentially with some lovely fish and chips) Our picks for the weekend include: Long Goodbye, Native James, Shooting Daggers and Still In Love, but this is only scratching the surface.

Burn It Down is an exciting chance to witness future major stars live, in some of the best small venues. - AB

NO PLAY FESTIVAL (6 September)

Headliner: TBA

OOR Picks: TBA

We loved working with the iconic No Play Festival last year, we want to do it all over again. Promising some of the best local and international talent that Liverpool has to offer, the festival fronts an impressive display of hardcore and heavy acts. 

Last years headliners, Seeyouspacecowboy were a phenomenal addition to the lineup, alongside a community of talented bands including Caudron, Grove Street and Forager. Taking place in local venues, there is a great community feel that provides a welcome break from some of the festival heavy hitters. - AB

CORE FESTIVAL (12 - 14 September)

Headliners: TBA

OOR Picks: TBA

Self-proclaimed ‘celebration of noise’ Core Festival is Glasgow’s hot and heavy festival of sound. Whilst the lineup has not been announced for the 2025 edition, it brings together eclectic mixes of alternative music, from the likes of Deafheaven, Empire State Bastard and Show Me The Body 

The third edition of the festival will take place this September in Glasgow’s west end.  -AB

DAMNATION FESTIVAL (8 - 9 November)

Headliners: Deafheaven and Perturbator

OOR Picks: Pig Destroyer, Gaerea, Meryl Streak, and Hellripper

Europe’s biggest indoor metal festival, Damnation, is set to take place this September at the BEC in Manchester. Headliners Perturbator and Deafheaven make themselves known across a cohort of extreme rock and metal acts, including The Haunted, Author and Punisher and Onslaught. With half the lineup already announced, this is set to be one of the biggest years for Damnation. We can’t wait to join the fun! - AB