THE FRONT ROW

If you thought you had your finger on the pulse of UK indie in 2025, this Friday at Bridlington Spa is here to challenge that. This Feeling By The Sea’s third year brings a lineup that’s equal parts tested and on-the-cusp, a masterclass in balancing breakthrough buzz with hard-earned credibility. It’s a day that maps the scene’s present and future, and you want to be there for every note.

The Lottery Winners: From Under-the-Radar to Headline Heroes

They’re touring the world with Robbie Williams right now, no, seriously. But before The Lottery Winners move on to filling arenas and festival main stages, they’re dropping in on Bridlington Spa for what might be your last chance to catch them in a venue this size. Formed back in 2008, they played the long game, and 2023’s Anxiety Replacement Therapy was their breakthrough moment, a UK number one album that turned heads and won hearts. March 2025’s Koko doubled down, hitting the top spot again.

What sets them apart? Their ability to write indie-pop hooks that stick in your brain but don’t feel disposable. Their lyrics cut through with real talk, mental health, working-class life, the stuff people actually live. Their live shows aren’t polished performances; they’re communal singalongs where you feel every word, every beat. If you’re a fan of a band that wears its heart on its sleeve without ever becoming cheesy, don’t miss this set. It’s a proper send-off before their next big leap.

Stanleys: Wigan’s Indie Alchemists

Stanleys are the sound of the 60s colliding with the 90s, made fresh and loud in 2025. We first flagged them on the blog back in 2020 with A Better Life, and since then they’ve been sharpening their blend of jangly guitars, tight grooves, and melodies that grab you by the collar. They’re the kind of band who make it look effortless, but their live shows are packed with energy and genuine warmth, the kind of thing that turns casual listeners into diehards.

2026 is shaping up to be their year, and This Feeling By The Sea is where you see exactly why they’ve been quietly building momentum for five years.

Finn Forster: The Voice of 2025

Finn Forster has been one of the most talked-about artists in 2025, and for good reason. After touring with Stereophonics and releasing his second EP Embers, Finn’s presence on festival stages has only grown, Leeds Festival awaits him later this month.

His music balances atmospheric indie textures with intimate songwriting, offering moments of both reflection and uplift. At Bridlington, his set will be a chance to witness an artist whose sound captures the emotional complexity of modern life without pretension.

Tom A Smith: Genre-Bending Storyteller

We caught Tom A Smith live recently, and what struck us was his effortless genre-hopping. He carries the soulful angst reminiscent of The Snuts; he brings the baggy beats of Happy Mondays; he channels the poignancy of Billy Bragg in solo form; and brings theatrical flair worthy of a Miles Kane collaboration.

Tom and his band continue to prove there’s nothing they can’t do, delivering each style with precision and heart. Expect his Bridlington set to reflect that versatility, weaving through moods and sounds seamlessly.

Sunbeam: Whitby’s Festival Smashers

If you missed Sunbeam when they tore up their hometown gig in front of a packed 1,000-strong crowd last month, you missed a show that cemented their 2025 festival domination. They’re mixing indie rock guts with passioante layers and production finesse, building songs that soar but always hit you in the chest.

Their relentless touring and festival appearances this year have turned heads. At Bridlington, expect a set that’s equal parts sweaty mosh pit and sonic journey.

The Bracknall: Moody Indie Rock with Depth

The Bracknall craft brooding indie rock dipped in shadows. Think atmospheric guitars, hazy synths, vocals that whisper rather than shout. This isn’t indie for the instant gratification crowd — it’s slow-burning, cinematic, the kind of soundtrack you want when the sun dips and the road stretches ahead.

If Arctic Monkeys’ early storytelling mixed with the ambient textures of The 1975 or Palace sounds like your thing, get to know I Don’t Understand It. They don’t rush the moment, and they’ll break your heart softly, every time.

Cruz: Sheffield’s Indie Rock Energy

CRUZ, a Sheffield four-piece formed in 2020, bring an indie-rock sound steeped in influences like Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, and DMA’s. With Sam (vocals), Tom (guitar), Ethan (drums), and Jamie (bass) locked in tight, their energetic live performances are a highlight.

Known for their punchy riffs and engaging stage presence, Cruz is carving a space for themselves in the UK indie scene, building steadily on their momentum.

Masi Masi: Kaleidoscope-Pop Charisma

Masi Masi, a Manchester-based trio living together in a Citroën Picasso, craft kaleidoscopic indie-pop inspired by Cage The Elephant, David Bowie, and MGMT. With five releases planned for 2025, the first dropped in March, they blend sharp songwriting with vibrant, genre-bending sounds.

Their live shows mix charisma and energy, injecting brightness into the festival atmosphere and keeping the crowd moving.

Acoustic Stage: Intimacy and Power

While the main stage ramps up the volume, the acoustic stage brings a vital balance with intimate performances full of heart and nuance.

Michael Gallagher is a natural for this setting, with indie running through his veins. Though we’d love a full band set, his energy-driven acoustic performances still deliver impact, as seen with the reception to his release Plastic Dreams this year.

Harriet Rose has been gigging since she was 12, growing into a performer born for the stage. Her warm yet powerful voice pairs with sharp guitar hooks and lyrics blending personal storytelling with universal appeal. Drawing on influences from The Smiths to modern indie acts, she brings a timeless sound with emotional honesty.

Her DIY ethic, managing her own career and creative decisions, gives her music an authenticity that shines on any stage. Highlights include tours with Peter Doherty and The Lottery Winners, plus major festival slots like Tramlines.

Pablo Carrizo is a proper grafter from Hull who doesn’t know how to slow down. His latest track went viral with the Hull FC crowd, and his sets are known for foot-tapping rhythms, dancing, and pure energy. Expect him to bring that same momentum to Bridlington’s acoustic stage, keeping the crowd hooked.

Why Friday at This Feeling By The Sea Matters

The Friday bill at This Feeling By The Sea 2025 is more than a collection of gigs, it’s a microcosm of the UK’s indie ecosystem right now.

The Lottery Winners sit at the top, balancing mainstream chart success with an authenticity that keeps them grounded. This Bridlington show is a rare chance to see them in an intimate venue before their sound fills arenas.

Stanleys and Sunbeam represent indie’s evolving sounds, blending past influences with new textures and production. Finn Forster and The Bracknall offer songwriting depth and emotional complexity that hint at the scene’s future.

Meanwhile, the acoustic stage grounds the day with heartfelt performances from artists who embody the DIY spirit and songwriting craft.

Friday at Bridlington Spa is where you come to witness artists at pivotal moments, some on the cusp of breakthrough, others consolidating their place, all linked by a commitment to genuine, compelling music.