Primavera, Pinkpop, Glastonbury... 10 of the best overseas music festivals in 2025
Brockwell Park, London Friday, May 23
Headliners: Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher
An independent festival for music fans looking for something different, Wide Awake 2025 is also for CMAT fans who just can't wait any longer to see her play new songs from her forthcoming third album Euro-Country, due out August 29.
Wide Awake kickstarts her tour that takes her through the summer, including All Together Now on the August bank holiday weekend. Joining her at Brockwell Park in south London are the notorious Irish rappers Kneecap, fresh from their month of controversy since appearing at Coachella, and plenty of buzzy up-and-coming acts like Fcukers and Fat Dog. Wide Awake is curated by the people behind beloved London venues the Shacklewell Arms and MOTH Club.
Tickets: £59.50
Primavera Sound
Parc Del Forum, Barcelona, June 4-8
Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan
Charli XCX is at Glastonbury and Primavera. (Photo by)
Overlooking the pristine Balearic Sea, Primavera Sound is gearing up for its 23rd iteration. It's boasted in recent years of a 50-50 gender balance in its lineup — a disappointingly hard target for some festivals both at home in Ireland and further afield to hit — and goes a step further in 2025: The three headliners are all female, all big pop acts, and all coming off an incredible year in 2024.
If for some reason you're not ready to reprise Brat Summer, there's plenty more to savour on the PS lineup — Fontaines DC should get a huge crowd for their Saturday showing. Unlike other festivals, Primavera is all about the music, which runs through the night until 6am. You won't want to go home.
Tickets: €350
Pinkpop
Landgraaf, Netherlands, June 20-22
Justin Timberlake, Olivia Rodrigo, Muse
One of Europe's longest-running music festivals, Pinkpop returns for its 54th edition with a lineup that bridges generations and genres. Justin Timberlake plays Malahide Castle at the end of June, but a week earlier will be headlining Pinkpop, with other acts on Friday including pop's next big hopeful Tate McRae and Dublin act Inhaler. Confidence Man are the definitive festival act while it's nice to see Mika still going strong 18 years after the release of the irresistible song Grace Kelly.
The Last Dinner Party, who had a breakout 18 months, have taken a break so far in 2025 — Pinkpop will be only their fourth show of the year. Pinkpop is a curious mix of, well, pop and rock — riff oldies Muse, Korn, and Biffy Clyro rub shoulders with Girl in Red and Hannah Mae on the Sunday.
Glastonbury
Worthy Farm, Somerset, June 23-29
The 1975, Neil Young and the Chromehearts, Olivia Rodrigo
Neil Young is among the headliners at Glastonbury. (Photo by)
Glastonbury says it's the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world and a template for all the festivals that have come after it. And it is simply unlike anywhere else.
Set across some 900 acres and over 100 stages, the attractions go much deeper than the lineup — though look past the three headliners listed above and you've got any number of highlights, such as Gracie Abrams and Charli XCX for the pop girlies, Ezra Collective and Amyl and the Sniffers for the hipsters, and Rod Stewart and Nile Rodgers for the grizzled music fan. But as people say, considering the crowd tops more than 200,000 people — and with talk about jam-packed crowds in the past couple years — the best way to experience Glasto is at home on BBC.
Tickets: £373.50 (sold out)
Rock Werchter
Festivalpark Werchter, Belgium, July 3-6
Linkin Park, Deftones, Green Day, Simple Minds, Sam Fender, Olivia Rodrigo
Celebrating its 50th anniversary — you can view all of its lineup posters dating back to 1975, which all festivals should provide for us music nerds — a special 2manydjs set to commemorate Rock Werchter's milestone will close the festival. After the untimely passing of Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park have made a tentative return in the past year.
With new vocalist Emily Armstrong, they released their eighth studio album From Zero last November and Rock Werchter is among a slew of European festivals they're headlining this summer. There's a classic rock feel, obviously, to this long-standing Belgian festival; Beth Gibbons, Overmono, and a host of local acts add to the experience. It also has a strong environmental bent.
Tickets: Four-day combi €312
Rock Werchter festival in Belgium. (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP)
Love International
Tisno, Croatia, July 9-15
Ben UFO, Shanti Celeste, Floating Points, Horse Meat Disco, Bonobo
Set beside the Adriatic Sea on the beautiful Croatian coastline, Love International celebrates 10 years in July. It's one of, if not the, prime dance music festival in the world, with DJs including NTS resident Moxie — putting together a compilation to mark the festival's 10th anniversary — and BBC 6 Music's Jamz Supernova as well as dozens of others to soundtrack every type of taste. There are boat parties and beach sessions, with the sun practically guaranteed to keep you dancing all night long.
Tickets: €230 (sold out)
Mad Cool
Iberdrola Music, Madrid Thursday-Sunday, July 10-13
Kings of Leon, Gracie Abrams, Nine Inch Nails, Olivia Rodrigo
Perhaps no festival packs as big a punch with its headliners this year as Mad Cool, held on the outskirts of Madrid in the sprawling Iberdrola Music venue. As well as the above mentioned names, there's Iggy Pop, Weezer, Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Benson Boone, Justice, and Jared Leto's Thirty Seconds to Mars, on top of dozens of other acts. Limerick trio Kingfishr, fresh from touring the US in April/May, are on the lineup for Thursday. Mad Cool actually reduced its capacity last year, from around 70,000 a day to 58,000, with improved travel options and late metro introduced.
Day tickets: From €99, three-day €210
OFF Festival
Perlage, Katowice, Poland, August 1-3
Kraftwerk, James Blake, Fontaines DC
Tucked away in the scenic Valley of Three Ponds, the 18th edition of OFF Festival is curated by Artur Rojek, the former frontman of Myslovitz, with a focus on curation — quality over quantity — and a capacity capped at 15,000 a day. Last year, concerts at OFF's BLIK Open Stage were interpreted into Polish sound language, 'removing yet another barrier to the enjoyment of the best alternative music and the event's unique atmosphere.' Kraftwerk are one of the headliners this summer, as they celebrate 50 years of Autobahn.
Tickets: Three-day pass 692 zł (approximately €160), camping 168 zł (€39)
We Out Here
Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, England, August 14-17
Michael Kiwanuka plays at Gilles Peterson's festival, We Out Here. (Photo by) desmusic
Michael Kiwanuka, Noname, Rotary Connection 222, Ben UFO, Theo Parrish
Curated by BBC Radio 6's Gilles Peterson, We Out Here promises a four-day musical getaway celebrating world-class music, alongside wellness, family and cultural activities with the help of an amazing community. Among the musical highlights are Rotary Connection 222, a commissioned 30-piece orchestral celebration of legendary composer, producer and arranger Charles Stepney, renowned for his work with Earth Wind & Fire, Minnie Riperton and Marlena Shaw. As you'd expect with Peterson, there's a strong focus on DJs and eclectic music, from jazz to rap to A Guy Called Gerald & The Jungle Drummer. We Out Here 2025 is a love letter to music far and near, legendary and emerging, celebrating the scenes and communities that nurture it.
Tickets: Day tickets £69, weekend camping £275 (plus £19.50 booking fee)
Rock En Seine
Domaine de Saint-Cloud, Paris, August 20-24
Chappell Roan, ASAP Rocky, Justice, Queens of the Stone Age
Set against the historic backdrop of the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud — the gateway to Paris, with 460 hectares of gardens alive with fountains and sculptures — Rock En Seine returns for its 21st edition. One of the big draws this year is Doechii, the US rapper who blew up late in 2024 — her Tiny Desk concert is essential viewing. She features on the festival's opening day, which comprises an all-female lineup headed by Chappell Roan alongside the likes of London Grammar, Suki Waterhouse, and Luvcat.
Tickets: Day tickets from €84, four-day pass €229
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
13 hours ago
- The Journal
"The recession has followed us, it's marked us": The children of the boom and bust
THE NEW SINGLE from CMAT with its recession-era inspired lyrics has shone a light on the experience of children who were born into the boom, but grew up during the bust. The artist shared a snippet online from her upcoming song Euro-Country this week, which includes the lyrics: 'All the big boys/All the Berties/All the envelopes, yeah they hurt me/I was 12 when the das started killing themselves all around me/And it was normal/Building houses that stay empty even now.' The lyrics hit home for many Irish people who were kids between 2008 and 2013 and are now in their twenties and thirties. 'What happened when the Celtic Tiger collapsed was the worst thing I've ever experienced as a child. Countless suicides, ghost towns and pay cuts,' one man said online. 'Not enough attention to this part of our recent history. It affected the younger generations so much', another person said. While another said they have never 'felt so specifically and deeply for a lyric.' As a child of the recession, the CMAT lyrics struck a chord with me, too. I remember trying to predict how long the recession would last over lunchtime in third class, and teachers warning us there was no future for young people in Ireland. During a visit to family in Donegal, playing in the local ghost estate became my favourite pastime. Paul Murray's award-winning bestseller The Bee Sting examined the same themes, looking at recession-era Ireland through the eyes of a couple – and of their son and daughter. The book showed the stress, anxiety and fear the children experience as their father's business falls apart and their parents' marriage comes under increasing strain RTÉ journalist Adam Maguire has a book coming out in September about the same topic. The book, called The Bailout Babies, examines how recession kids grew up in an era of economic prosperity but never got to benefit from it - and are now navigating a new type of adulthood in post-boom Ireland. Research from the massive Growing up in Ireland survey suggests the recession hit children hard. Mothers under economic pressure were 84% more likely to experience depression than mothers who weren't, while parents who felt economic distress – which was a lot of people – showed harsher styles of parenting and less warmth. They also experienced marital issues, reporting more arguments and unhappiness in their relationship. The worsened relationships between children and parents were associated with higher anxiety in children, bad behaviour, lower child happiness and lower educational test scores. 'I wouldn't have a lot of trust in things' Shannon, who was 14 when the crash hit, was hospitalised with anorexia in 2008, something she believes was partly caused by the stress of the recession. 'I remember life going from zero anxiety to being surrounded by it. You picked up the anxiety around you,' she told The Journal. As a teenager, Shannon was aware of what was going on with her family and the country as a whole, and struggled as there was nothing she could do to help. Advertisement She witnessed an increase in alcoholism and suicide, with several of her friends' older siblings taking their own lives. The stress she experienced as a teenager has never left her. 'I'm always on high alert. I wouldn't have a lot of trust in things. I know a lot of my generation are like that, that's just the way we grew up,' she said. Ultan from Wexford was 9 when the recession hit. His family were significantly impacted by the crash as they struggled to pay off loans they had taken out during the boom. '[My parents] tried their hardest not to let us feel they were stressed, but you could tell', he said. 'Mam and Dad had to work through Christmas because they couldn't afford not to,' he added. Ultan struggles with a scarcity mindset due to the experience, and finds it hard not to spend his money immediately. He said: 'I struggle with holding onto money because I feel like as soon as I have it, it will go. It's not a guarantee that it will be here next month.' He said seeing the CMAT lyrics brought back memories of the recession he hadn't realised had impacted him so much. 'The das killing themselves line, it brought back a lot of memories of being in school and it happening to people in my class', he said, explaining that as a child he didn't realise why it was happening. Several family members and whole families from his school emigrated. 'I remember thinking, this is just going to be how it will be, I'll just have to leave Ireland when I'm older. It wasn't until I was 21 that I realised I could stay,' he said. Róisín McManus from Cavan was 11 when the recession hit. She said news of the crash and stress over money was a constant during her childhood, something she feels has never left her. 'I think for people in our generation, the recession has followed us, it's marked us, we felt the burden of money from a young age, and we still do', she said. 'At this stage, it's almost like a lifelong experience that money can be tight, and you're always conscious of that,' she added. 'Growing up, I was more conscious of money and how it doesn't go very far,' she said. She recalls noticing things in her life were suddenly different, as trips to the cinema and meals out ended. Róisín's major memory is of people in their early twenties in her community emigrating for work. She wonders if growing up in this environment has contributed to a pattern where Ireland's young people are once again emigrating. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Charli XCX stuns in white wedding dress as she marries her The 1975 star fiancé
CHARLI XCX has married her The 1975 star fiancé George Daniel, according to reports. A video shared by Advertisement 2 Charli XCX has reportedly married George Daniel The pop star, 32, is holding a bouquet of flowers and looks to be flanked by beaming family members as they posed for pictures on the venue's steps. We revealed how George, 35, jetted off to Ibiza earlier in the week for a stag do in Ibiza. It is currently unclear where the couple tied the knot. We revealed how they were Advertisement READ MORE ON CHARLI XCX And the couple weren't holding back with the budget, with insiders saying the final bill is close to six figures. The insider said: ' "It's incredibly secluded and romantic. There will be no expense spared. It's costing tens of thousands of pounds and visually it will be mesmerising. 'Charli and George said they wanted a massive party and there are no restrictions on when the bar has to close, so it can go on all night. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Breaking 'They have both had such a busy summer with massive shows, but from mid-August they're able to slow down and focus on their big day. 'It's going to be pretty star-studded too, with plenty of their celeb mates making the journey over to Sicily to watch them say 'I do'. Charli and George are so excited to become man and wife.' Charli XCX fans say X-rated Grammys performance is 'best in show's history' - but critics blast the star's 'lip-syncing' It's the perfect end to an amazing year for the pair, who smashed their incredible sets at Glastonbury last month. Bizarre revealed in November 2023 that they had got engaged after dating for a year. Advertisement On plans for her wedding, Charli said earlier this year: "We're both very chill and we kind of just want to have a party. 'Neither of us are particularly formal about marriage or care about the formalities of the ceremony or whatever. 'We just want to be together forever and have a party with our friends.' Given there's no cut-off for the music or bar, I think this is going to be one epic celebration. Advertisement 2 Charli XCX and The 1975's George Daniel plan to tie the knot in romantic Sicily Credit: Rex
Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Kneecap in the clear as British police drop Glastonbury Festival ‘riot' probe
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings A criminal investigation into the performance of Belfast rap trio Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival has been dropped by police. Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'. The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival. Yesterday, the group, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer. One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over It said: 'Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.' In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.' Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival. Avon and Somerset Police said: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28. Kneecap at Glastonbury. Photo: PA Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence. 'Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today [Friday July 18]. 'Inquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance.' Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA) During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted 'Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]', while a member of Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support.' Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome of the investigation is 'another example of two-tier justice', and added that the 'start a riot' comment was 'clearly inciting violence'. Kneecap have been in the headlines after Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Kneecap are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestinian stance. Earlier in the week. they announced new tour dates to play their 'biggest run of shows ever' across Scotland, Wales and England.
