After a brief hiatus, Nottingham’s much-loved Splendour Festival is back and ready to reclaim its place in the East Midlands’ cultural calendar. On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, the two-day music extravaganza returns to its original home in Nottingham, Wollaton Park. With expanded stages, some very well-known names in UK music, and plenty of surprises in store, Splendour 2025 is more than just a returning festival — it’s a celebration of live music, community, and Nottingham culture.
Whether you’re planning to go for the sing-alongs, the new discoveries, or just a great pint with friends in the sun, this one’s not to be missed. To help get you hyped, here are ten very good reasons why you should mark your calendar now.
1 - Hits All Weekend Long
Splendour’s 2025 line-up is a feel-good, hits-smashing playlist brought to life. Picture thousands singing along under the sun to I Predict a Riot, Banquet, Rather Be and Murder on the Dancefloor…
Headliners Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, Clean Bandit, Travis and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are joined by Nottingham’s own Jake Bugg, along with Natasha Bedingfield and Echo & The Bunnymen.
Whatever your jam, this year’s offerings are primed to deliver those euphoric, arms-in-the-air moments from start to finish - so start learning the words to all these classic songs!
2 - Discover Your Next Favourite Artist on The Bodega Stage
Emerging talent has always been part of Splendour, and the new Bodega New Music Stage levels it up. Curated by the iconic Nottingham venue (recently awarded Grassroots Live Music Venue of the Year), the stage will showcase rising national stars such as Tom A. Smith, Aziya, Mickey Callisto and Cardinals, as well as upcoming local favourites Bloodworm, Bored Marsh and Swallowtail.
With so many talented artists across the weekend, it's the perfect place to stumble across the next big thing and then brag about it for years once they eventually appear on the main stage.
3 - Daytime Clubbing With Day Fever
Day Fever is Splendour’s boldest new addition, a proper retro day rave curated by Vicky McClure, Jonny Owen, and Jon McClure (of Reverend & The Makers).
Expect nostalgic bangers, full-on dancefloor vibes, and some surprise DJ guests. It’s big fun for grown-up ravers and perfectly placed in the (hopefully) sunny daytime slot for maximum serotonin. But don’t worry, it promises to get all ages rocking!
4 - Our Dementia Choir Returns For A Third Time
However, Day Fever isn’t the only place to catch Vicky McClure across the weekend as Our Dementia Choir, which was formed by Vicky herself, returns to the festival for the third time to bring warmth, courage and talent to the main stage.
Some moments at Splendour are about more than the music and their performances bring the crowd together in a way few acts can. So, get yourself prepared for some joy, emotion and plenty of heart from the main stage on Saturday.
5 - Six Stages Bringing Unlimited Vibes
With six stages now on site, including the returning Splendour, Confetti and Comedy stages — plus new additions Day Fever, Dance, and The Bodega — the 2025 edition is officially Splendour’s biggest yet.
Whether you're vibing with Trevor Nelson, throwing it back with Hedkandi, or grooving at Day Fever, there’s a stage and a sound for everyone.
6 - Family Fun with Free Kids Tickets
Splendour is a festival for all ages, and it is not all just talk: this event comes with free entry for under-11s, a dedicated Little Splendours kids’ area, fairground rides, hands-on workshops and even Trent Rockets popping up across the weekend.
There’s plenty to keep little ones happy and space for parents to relax too, giving families a great day out that doesn’t break the bank.
Whatever your jam, this year’s offerings are primed to deliver those euphoric, arms-in-the-air moments from start to finish
7 - Crack Up at the Comedy Stage
Need a break from the bass? Head to the Comedy Stage for some laughs, courtesy of acts including Jonny Awsum, Karen Bayley, Steve Royle and Duncan Oakley.
With a packed schedule across both days, it’s the perfect stop when you fancy a giggle or some fresh air away from the music.
8 - Nottingham Talent Front and Centre
Splendour has long championed East Midlands music, and this year’s line-up is a love letter to local talent.
Look out for local acts including LYVIA, Kezia Gill, The Publics and the winners of Future Sound of Nottingham: Saffron Gray (Saturday) and Archy and the Astronauts (Sunday). They will all be sharing stages with chart-toppers, offering breakout opportunities to the region’s finest. No other festival gives local acts this kind of platform!
9 - Eat, Sip, Shop, Repeat
This year, Splendour steps up its food and drink game.
The Main Arena will pour pints of Brooklyn Pilsner, Stonewall IPA and Thatchers Juicy Apple, with an Ale Tent serving local legends Black Iris, Castle Rock, Lenton Lane, Blue Monkey, Shipstones and Hollow Stone.
Canned cocktails, wines, sparkling drinks, and a dedicated Guinness bar (including zero alcohol cans) ensure no-one goes thirsty. VIPs can also enjoy Estrella Damm, Poretti and a frozen margarita bar. Meanwhile, the Bodega Stage serves up its own canned Bodega Lager.
Add food trucks, an independent market and the return of the Silent Disco, and you’ve got a full festival experience.
10 - Wollaton Park: The Star of the Show
And last but certainly not least, Nottingham’s most famous park might just be the city’s best festival venue, not forgetting that all of it combined makes Splendour Festival one of the biggest festivals in the East Midlands.
With sweeping lawns, scenic woods and that unmistakable hall, Wollaton Park offers a stunning backdrop just a short hop from the city centre.
Splendour Festival takes place at Wollaton Park on the 19 - 20 July.
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