Live Nation’s Biggest Investment Yet in New Talent – And It’s All Happening at The Great Escape 2025
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If there’s one festival that truly wears its heart on its sleeve for new music, it’s The Great Escape – and this year, things just got even bigger. Live Nation has announced a record-breaking investment into emerging talent for the 2025 edition of the beloved Brighton festival, cementing its reputation as the place to discover tomorrow’s headliners today.
With over 550 artists from across the globe descending on the seaside city for 750 live performances in more than 30 venues – the most in the festival’s history – this year’s TGE is shaping up to be the most exciting yet. And let’s be honest, we love a Brighton takeover.
It’s not just the scale that’s impressive. The Great Escape has an enviable legacy of giving the first big spotlight to names that have since gone stratospheric – think Adele, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, and Sam Fender, just to name a few. Next year, the festival celebrates its 20th birthday (where did the time go?), and it’s still doing what it does best – giving new artists a platform to be heard.
Brighton legends Rizzle Kicks, who played TGE back in 2011, are returning this year for the Spotlight show and summed up the vibe perfectly:
“Great Escape is a festival close to our hearts; we used to come as kids… Genuinely can’t believe that’s now us. Buzzing for it.”
Live Nation’s backing has been a major force behind the festival’s continued impact. Since 2018, they’ve doubled their investment in new talent – a move that’s seen over 19,000 performances take place in venues under 1,500 capacity across the UK and Ireland. That’s some serious grassroots support.
Denis Desmond, Chairman of Live Nation UK and Ireland, put it best: “Supporting emerging talent is essential to keeping the future of music strong.” And he’s right – especially in an era where new acts face more challenges than ever just to get heard.
Rory Bett, CEO of MAMA Festivals (the brains behind TGE), added: “Everyone loves finding their next favourite artist, and this is the place to do it.” Couldn’t agree more, Rory.
So if you fancy discovering the next big thing before they’re selling out arenas – or just love hopping between packed, sweaty little venues full of brilliant noise – Brighton is calling.
Head to greatescapefestival.com for the full lowdown.
