The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, 14th – 17th May 2025
Who’s heading to Brighton next month? It’s getting very close to Great Escape time once again and another exceptional line-up of emerging artists, with some who are very likely already on your radar and some headliners guaranteed to impress.
Last week’s announcement adds over 175 new names, with a coveted slot on The Independent Stage at The Old Market being filled by the brilliant Skunk Anansie. Other acts appearing will include popular locals CLT DRP, along with fellow punk protagonists SLAG and Bruise Control. For those seeking out a more laid back vibe, expect soulful tunes from Nia Smith and catch Knats picking up the jazz mantle. The recently announced late night programme adds the likes of Badger, Sim0ne and Mechatok.
With around 450 artists performing and an eclectic mix of genres and venues, there’s sure to be lots to choose from. To help you start your daily plans, here’s our initial Top 20 selection of acts we’re hoping to catch – some already favourites and plenty who fulfil the aim of discovering new talent, which really is what TGE’s all about.
Adult DVD (UK) – Leeds’ answer to LCD Soundsystem, expect skilful electronic beats and bring your dancing shoes
Aggrasoppar (Faroe Islands) – ‘Flower-punk’ outfit with playful production and performances
Angry Blackmen (US) – A duo of emcees bringing experimental rap from the revered Deathbomb Arc label
Ashaine White (UK) – Soulful rock, some beautiful tunes and probably a story or two to boot
Bighead Tea Drinkers (UK) – If the name itself isn’t enough to lure you in, go for the accomplished indie tunes
Black Fondu (UK/Ghana) – ‘Abstract grime’ and bags of energy in this one-person extravaganza
CIFIKA (S Korea) – Experimental pop and crystallised vocals, one to watch
Laundromat Chicks (Austria) – Chilled out jangle pop with a dash of humour
Maria Uzor (UK) – Known as one half of Sink Ya Teeth, Uzor’s solo shows float through electro, dance and trip-hop
Mechatok (Germany) – Electro-pop underpinned by classical training, this’ll be interesting to see live
Peter Xan (UK) – Don’t miss what’s guaranteed to be a performance to remember, the whole band are fantastic
Polite Bureaux (UK) – Broken beats and razor sharp spoken word lyrics, they just get better and better
Say Sue Me (S Korea) – Despite a tumultuous journey, the current line up are still going strong
Search Results (Ireland) – Dublin trio making waves in the Irish indie-punk corner and beyond
SLAG (UK) – Popular and very present on the local Brighton scene, with a brush of jagged indie-pop
SOAPBOX (UK) – Glasgow’s latest name on the new music radar getting big live reviews
The Klittens (Netherlands) – Repping Amsterdam with catchy fuzz-pop with an edge
TV Death (UK) – A fine blend of garage rock tinged with psychedelia
Velvetine (UK) – Alt rock with smooth vocals and an ethereal atmosphere, time to relax
Witch Post (UK) – Scottish/American pairing bringing angst and just the right side of chaos to the table
The full line-up is available on the TGE website and app with schedules in progress – it’s always good to check in nearer the time and even during the festival for any updates. Come say hi if you see us around!
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Preview by Callum
Published 8th April 2025
Breaking Glass Magazine 