The Great Escape 2025 Just Dropped 175+ New Names – AND Skunk Anansie Are Playing a Secret Set

Brighton’s new music bonanza just got even juicier…

Hold onto your glitter boots and get your clashfinder ready, because The Great Escape has just unleashed a tidal wave of over 175 new artists for its 2025 edition – and yes, you read that right: Skunk Anansie are playing an intimate show. I’m not squealing, you are.

Known as the UK’s biggest celebration of new music (think SXSW but with fish and chips), The Great Escape will transform Brighton into a buzzing playground of emerging talent from 14–17 May 2025, and this latest announcement takes the line-up to over 450 acts. That’s right, four full days of ear candy across more than 35 venues by the sea. Bucket hats on, friends – it’s gonna be a wild one. New Music From Around the Globe

The new additions read like a global mixtape. From Japan to Germany, Ireland to the US, The Great Escape continues to prove it’s not just a showcase – it’s a movement. Expect fierce electro-punk from Brighton’s own CLT DRP, jazz-laced chaos from Manchester’s Maruja, and the genre-defying doom metal of Melbourne’s Divide and Dissolve.

Prefer your tunes more mellow? Soulful sets are coming your way from Nia Smith, dreamy indie from Girlpuppy, and lo-fi charm from Carol Ades. Plus, if you’re a sucker for a dancefloor moment (guilty), the Late Escape programme is bringing the rave with euphoric sets from Sim0ne, Mechatok, Pretty Girl (DJ), and Brighton bass wizard Badger.

SKUNK. ANANSIE. IN. A. CLUB.

In what can only be described as the mic-drop moment of the year, Skunk Anansie will play a one-off intimate show at The Independent Stage on Friday, 16 May. It’s part of their UK headline tour and comes just before they drop their hotly awaited new album The Painful Truth on 23 May. It’ll be your only chance to see the legendary rockers up close and personal before they hit the bigger stages – so get that wristband and plan to queue early.

Formed in 1994, the band became a defining voice in British rock with their raw lyrics, powerful presence and refusal to be put in a box. Expect fireworks.

The Late Escape – Because Who Sleeps Anyway?

If you’re the type who keeps the party going ‘til the gulls start squawking, the Late Escape is made for you. From 11:30pm ‘til 4am across Brighton’s night spots, this is where the club kids, beat fiends and synth heads come out to play. IRAH, Mina Galán, and SWIM are all on deck – and there are still surprise guests to come. Go on then.

Why It Matters (Especially for UK Festival Fans)

For those of us addicted to muddy wellies, overpriced pints, and discovering our new favourite band in a tiny tent, The Great Escape is the ultimate season opener. It’s where you go to find the names that’ll be topping posters next year – or smashing secret sets at Glasto (we see you, Wet Leg).

And for UK music lovers, it’s also a reminder of how strong our grassroots scene really is. While the festival keeps its ears tuned globally, there’s a huge chunk of homegrown talent here too – proof that the UK remains a powerhouse of genre-bending, boundary-breaking artistry.

Tickets are flying – day tickets, Friday/Saturday passes and 4-day wristbands are all on sale now. And trust me, with a line-up this stacked, it’s one of the best-value festival passes in the UK right now.

So whether you’re there to scout the next big thing, lose your voice at a secret gig, or simply soak in Brighton’s sea-salty vibes – TGE 2025 is shaping up to be legendary.

Cheat Sheet: Who to Watch at The Great Escape 2025

Because 450+ names is a lot to take in after one coffee…

Here’s your TGE 2025 Hotlist – a quick rundown of must-sees, buzzy names, and late-night legends in the making.

🌟 Big Names & Special Shows

• • Skunk Anansie – Iconic. Loud. Political. Unmissable. See them up close at The Independent Stage on Friday 16 May.
  • Rizzle Kicks – The Brighton boys are back for a spotlight show. Expect carnage.
  • Peter Doherty – Yes, that Peter. Performing a special spotlight show on Wednesday.
  • Warmduscher & Trampolene – Bringing the sleaze and swagger to Wednesday’s after-dark lineup.

🔥 UK Buzz Acts You’ll Be Hearing a LOT About

• • Courting – Scouse indie-punk chaos in all the right ways.
  • CLT DRP – Electro-punk trio from Brighton. Loud, proud and feminist AF.
  • Maruja – Manchester’s jazzy, post-punk explosion. Their live show? Intense.
  • Girlpuppy – Dreamy indie vibes from across the pond.
  • Nia Smith – Soulful vocals with real depth. One to catch before she blows up.
  • Mandrake Handshake – Psychedelic weirdness in the best way possible.

💃 Dancefloor Heroes (Late Escape Faves)

• • Sim0ne – House + disco bangers with total main character energy.
  • Mechatok (Live) – German electronic with a cinematic twist.
  • Pretty Girl (DJ Set) – Euphoric club feels incoming.
  • Badger – Brighton’s own bass wizard bringing garage heat.
  • SWIM – Genre-fluid and vibey. Stay late for this one.

🕺 Late Escape runs 11:30pm–4am daily. Wristband gets you in (venue capacity permitting), or grab a standalone ticket if you’re just here for the nightlife.

🤘 For the Rockers & Riff Lovers

• • Divide and Dissolve – Doom metal with serious purpose and message.
  • The Molotovs – Raw guitar energy – they’re young but they’ve got bite.
  • SLAG – Punk duo bringing queer rage and razor-sharp lyrics.
  • Bruise Control – DIY punk chaos from Manchester.
  • Ugly – Six-piece genre benders from Cambridge. Alt-rock, but make it warped.

💫 Hidden Gems Worth a Wander

• • Goddess – Electro-pop shapeshifters with a name that matches their vibe.
  • Knats – Jazz-meets-hip-hop-meets-funky chaos.
  • Akemi Fox – Dreamy R&B with silky vocals.
  • Zinadelphia – Soulful, raw, and beautifully stripped back.
  • RIP Magic – If you love the ‘90s, don’t miss this electronic/indie throwback fusion.

📅 Daily Highlights Snapshot

(*Spotlight shows require an extra ticket)
✅ = Not-to-miss moment

Wednesday 14 May

✅ Skunk Anansie (announced!)
✅ Peter Doherty*
Warmduscher*
CLT DRP
SLAG
Water Machine

Thursday 15 May

Eivør
Debby Friday
JD Cliffe
Total Tommy
Angry Blackmen
The Klittens

Friday 16 May

✅ Skunk Anansie
✅ Rizzle Kicks*
Courting
Sim0ne
Knats
Maruja
Pretty Girl (DJ Set)

Saturday 17 May

✅ Divide and Dissolve
✅ Blue Lab Beats
Goddess
Jodie Langford
Rabbitfoot
SULK
CROOKS INC.