Liverpool’s Favourite Music Festival Returns: Sound City 2025 Preview
Liverpool City Centre | May 3rd & 4th 2025
Get ready to bounce between some of the best venues in the UK as Sound City takes over Liverpool for another bank holiday weekend of non-stop music. With a fresh lineup that mixes homegrown heroes, indie upstarts, gritty guitars and genre-bending newcomers, Sound City 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
This year’s edition runs across Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May, bringing a tidal wave of energy to the city’s grassroots venues and bars. Whether you’re a diehard indie kid or someone just looking for their next musical obsession, there’s something for everyone on this lineup.
From Baltic Triangle warehouses to quirky pub stages tucked behind neon-lit doors, Sound City is more than a music festival, it’s a full-on discovery mission. There’s no camping, no trudging through mud, just city streets packed with energy, creativity, and that iconic Liverpool spirit. You’re just as likely to stumble across your next favourite band in a backroom bar as you are watching a headliner tear it up in a packed theatre.
WHO’S HEADLINING?
The Royston Club (Saturday)
Wrexham’s finest are back in Liverpool to headline Saturday night with their infectious blend of jangly indie-rock, huge choruses, and gritty lyricism. With a debut album under their belt and a fanbase growing faster than you can say ‘Cold Sweats’, expect mosh pits and mass singalongs galore.
Dylan John Thomas (Sunday)
The Glaswegian troubadour has seen a meteoric rise thanks to his acoustic-driven anthems and heartfelt songwriting. Channeling a modern take on storytelling with nods to the likes of Gerry Cinnamon and Bob Dylan, he’s the perfect Sunday night send-off.
STONE (Afternoon Headliner – Sunday)
A Liverpool band with a post-punk heartbeat and a hip-hop soul. Stone blend social commentary, thumping riffs, and rapid-fire lyrics into an electrifying live show. Their rise has been impossible to ignore—and you’ll want to be front and centre.
TEN MUST-SEE ACTS THIS YEAR
With over 100 artists on the bill, narrowing it down is hard. But we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. Here are our five unmissable acts each day—including some of the most hyped newcomers in UK music right now.
What makes these picks special? It’s the mix. From sharp-dressed scouse rockers to dreamy northern poets, these are the acts that offer something a bit different, whether it’s a killer live show, a unique sound, or the kind of raw energy that makes you believe in the future of music again.
Saturday Must-Sees
🎧 Dirty Blonde
Liverpool’s finest grunge-pop outfit are making serious waves. Their sound is bold, full of attitude, and packed with hooks that will stay in your head all weekend. Expect dirty riffs, punk energy, and real presence on stage.
🌸 Ellur
A dreamy blend of alt-pop and northern edge. Ellur brings emotionally-charged vocals and synth-driven grooves that cut through the noise. She’s one of the most exciting young artists on the circuit today.
🏵️ Florentenes
Merseybeat revival with a fresh twist. Their blend of classic rock swagger and modern indie sensibility is made for Sound City. Gritty, melodic and magnetic.
🔥 Rosellas
Manchester’s Rosellas are building a strong reputation for their anthemic guitar music and nostalgic feel. If you’re into widescreen indie that tips a hat to the ‘90s without sounding tired, don’t miss these guys.
💎 Ruby J
Soulful, fierce, and fearless. Ruby J blends R&B vocals with genre-hopping flair. From smoky jazz clubs to indie stages, she commands attention wherever she plays.
Sunday Must-Sees
🖤 Keyside
Scouse indie rock at its finest. Keyside’s sound is slick, sharp and made for a festival stage. These lads are riding a wave right now, and Sound City will be a defining moment.
🎯 Overpass
Birmingham’s next big thing. Overpass bring massive riffs, soaring choruses, and a refined live show. For fans of Inhaler, The Sherlocks, and a good old-fashioned indie anthem.
🎸 Cliffords
A youthful garage rock explosion out of Manchester. Cliffords are gaining traction for their live shows and hook-laden tunes. They’re destined for big stages—see them now while you can.
🌪️ Keo
Genre-hopping and bold, Keo brings slick production, confident vocals, and an electronic edge to the Sound City lineup. A true wildcard pick that could steal the weekend.
🌊 Siobhan Winifred
Silky vocals, moody melodies and emotional honesty. Siobhan’s alt-pop aesthetic is quietly captivating. Perfect Sunday vibes before the chaos of the evening.
Why Sound City Matters
Sound City isn’t just a festival—it’s a launchpad. Over the years it’s been the springboard for names like Ed Sheeran, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Florence + The Machine, The 1975 and more. It’s the place where next year’s Glastonbury headliners get their first shot at blowing your mind.
What makes it different is the vibe. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relentlessly passionate about new music. Whether you’re front row at a packed club or catching stripped-back magic in an acoustic session, Sound City is about moments. The kind that stay with you. The kind you’ll tell people about for years.
🎟️ Tickets
Head over to seetickets.com to grab your wristbands. Day tickets, full weekend passes and VIP upgrades are all available now.
THE FRONT ROW 
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