| The beloved music festival Beat-Herder marks its 20th anniversary in 2025 with further announcements, unveiling even more names added to the original lineup, alongside stage splits for this milestone edition. This cherished Lancashire event returns 17–20 July, for another petite and unique affair, bringing four days of music, mischief, and magic to the stunning Ribble Valley. Known for its fiercely independent spirit and a creative world like no other, Beat-Herder continues to deliver unforgettable experiences with awe-inspiring stages, world-class DJs, live performances, comedy, and countless surprises.This year, Thursday 17th July the official opening night for weekend ticket holders, has become an unmissable start to the long weekend. With a lineup stacked across multiple stages, Thursday is the new Friday. On the Toil Trees stage, viral TikTok sensation Fish56Octagon, house icon Darius Syrossian, and the legendary Slipmatt kick off the forest frenzy. Joining them – and newly announced – is rising star Paige Tomlinson, as well as Clara B and Emma Forster spinning house, disco, and afrobeats. On the main stage new additions include the powerhouse DJ duo Dick & Dom, 12-piece live dance music act Dutty Moonshine Big Band, epic drumming collective Drum Machine, and the award-winning Clitheroe Pop Choir. Over at The Ring, drum & bass heavyweight Goldie will be joined by The Medic MC, alongside D&B firestarters Anaïs, Doktor & Benny Page, DJ Helen, Dom James, and G-Breezy for a Thursday night tear-up. On the Smoky Tentacles stage, the British electronic duo Stanton Warriors, dance outfit Plump DJs, and Amy True joins the fold, adding conscious energy and lyrical prowess to the lineup. In a UK festival exclusive, Beat-Herder announced the return of none other than Claude VonStroke – for the first time since 2016! The Dirtybird label boss brings his unique, bouncy tech-house to a feverish Friday night in Toil Trees, marking a magical alignment between Claude’s 20 years and Beat-Herder’s two-decade celebration. The ever-evolving Stumblefunk stage goes fully turbo, adding to an already stacked weekend with Denham Audio, Kelvin 373, The Nextmen, Origin8a & Propa, Oram, Zapya, Gen-Z, and Ask My Bull, plus a whole host of bass bandits and beat-slingers, locked and loaded for maximum damage. |
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| Images left to right: Paige Tomlinson, Claude Vonstroke |
| Continuing venue announcements, the mighty Fortress line-up is unveiled in full force. With structural bass pressure from Dave Clarke, Dillinja, Tim Reaper, Ammara, Posthuman, D.A.V.E. the Drummer, and more, the Fortress blends acid, techno, UKG, D&B, jungle, and legendary house classics—complete with fire-blazing ramparts. If it bangs, it’s in! The Beat-Herder Parish Church also returns with a divine new lineup. This is the congregation to be a part of. Blasting from the pulpit & dishin’ it from the lectern, there’ll be singing & raving on the pews a’plenty. Reggae runs wild all weekend, not just Sundays, with the mighty Bushrocker Hi-Fi sound system and a hand-picked selection of UK dub talent including DJ Valvatron (Axis), Ramon Judah, Professor P, and more.Next up, things get soapy: The Launderette, presented by York’s Young Thugs. This venue hosts a spin cycle of mixed genre delights and a Sunday foam party (4–7pm) featuring Jodie Langford, Drooligan, Rothko, and more. The Sunrise crew are also back with a slightly-delic edge, UV eye candy, and late-night psychedelic stompers. Seventeen new DJs including Fuzzy Logic, Lost Element, and more have joined the lineup to keep you raving ‘til dawn in the glowing realm beyond.This latest announcement builds on an already stellar lineup revealed earlier this year, featuring global dance icon Armand Van Helden, jungle pioneers Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra, and liquid D&B masters Hybrid Minds. BBC Radio 1 tastemaker Jaguar, electrifying selector HAAi, Polish powerhouse duo Catz ‘n Dogz, rising D&B talent Anaïs, house innovator Emma Forster, and disco dynamo Clara B. Festival favourites like Goldie, Slipmatt, Dub Pistols, lyrical star Gardna, afro-fusion collective K.O.G., and electro icons ZERO 7 round out a line-up that’s bursting with 20 years of Beat-Herder magic. |
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| Images left to right: Silva Bumpa, Jaguar |
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| Beyond the music, Beat-Herder is renowned far and wide for its enchanting and immersive landscape. With towering sculptures, interactive installations, and whimsical creations, the festival transforms its grounds into a wonderland of imagination, where every turn reveals a new surprise. From hidden tunnels, a secret swimming pool, cars to dance on, teleporting phone boxes, and a parish church complete with stained glass windows and handmade hymn books, at Beat-Herder, creativity knows no bounds. This meticulous attention to detail has earned Beat-Herder top honours, including Festival of the Year at the 2024 Northern Music Awards and TPD TV’s Best Festival of the Year. Past accolades include Unique Festival Arena (AIF Festival Awards) and the Extra Festival Award (UK Festival Awards) for creating unforgettable experiences. Ultimately, at the heart of Beat-Herder are six school pals who forged this incredible party in the fires of the 90’s free rave scene and, with hearts on sleeves, remain committed to keeping it fiercely independent, twenty years on. It’s a gathering of kindred spirits united by a shared love for music. Here, strangers become friends, and the bonds forged amidst the festival’s infectious energy last a lifetime. |
MANCHESTER PULSE 