Fancy seeing your new favourite artist in an intimate setting? The Great Escape Festival is just the place to do it. Every May, Brighton transforms into a city bustling with up and coming artists and music industry personnel, with events taking place across an array of venues throughout the city, including the pier and beach. Many notable artists have played the festival just as they blew up, such as Wunderhorse, Kneecap and The Dare last year, and this year is no exception. Taking place from 14th to 17th May, there are many exciting names on the 2025 lineup, and here are five we are particularly looking forward to.
English Teacher:
Indie rock band English Teacher had an incredible year last year with their debut album This Could Be Texas receiving well deserved critical acclaim, including the 2024 Mercury Music Prize. The Leeds based band transcends genres, combining wiry guitars, punchy rhythm and a mix of melodic vocals and spoken word with surrealist lyrics, capturing social and political realities of today’s British society in a uniquely poetic way. Their set takes place on Friday night (22.15-23:00) at the TGE Beach Deep End stage – you don’t want to miss it!
Keo
We’ve talked about our love for Keo before so it’s no surprise we are looking forward to catching them at The Great Escape this year. If you’re a fan of 90s alternative/grunge as well as contemporary bands such as Wunderhorse and Fontaines D.C., we’re sure you’ll be a fan of Keo. With their recently announced UK tour selling out in minutes, don’t miss the chance to see them whilst they are still playing intimate venues! Catch them Friday 18.15-18.45 on the TGE Beach Soundwaves stage.
Welly
Brighton has its own share of local talent too, such as Welly, a brilliantly witty indie pop artist. Welly and his band released their debut album Big In The Suburbs last month, packed with humorous and satirical lyrics and catchy alt pop melodies that can get anyone smiling and dancing. Their live show captures this same energy, so be sure to check them out Thursday night from 22.15-22.45 at The Old Ship.
Balancing Act
Blending alternative rock with indie pop, Balancing Act are another band to add to your Great Escape schedule. The quartet has a dynamic, atmospheric sound, from slower, broody songs to upbeat melodies with catchy riffs. They are known for their energetic and captivating live performance, having recently sold out venues such as Oslo Hackney and The Deaf Institute. Trust us, their live show will have you looking up tickets to see them again the second you leave the venue! Balancing Act have an earlier set, taking TGE Beach Soundwaves stage at 12.10 on Thursday.
Brògeal
Last (and certainly not least!) on our list is Scottish folk punk band Brògeal. Combining influences from traditional Scottish and Irish folk with punk and garage rock, Brògeal have a uniquely addictive sound, adding banjo and mandolin to electric guitars. They are a refreshing addition to the alternative scene, and we can’t wait to catch them on the TGE Beach Deep End stage at 20.15 on Thursday night.
See the full Great Escape lineup and buy tickets at https://greatescapefestival.com/.