The BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is officially set to return to Greater Manchester from 26th–29th March 2025. Announced this morning by Nick Grimshaw, standing in for Lauren Laverne on the station’s breakfast show, the festival promises another packed programme of live performances, DJ sets, and unique collaborations.
The 6 Music Festival has become a cornerstone of the station’s identity, offering fans unforgettable moments they can’t experience anywhere else. With its permanent home in Greater Manchester, the event spans iconic local venues and features live broadcasts from MediaCityUK in Salford.
Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, Samantha Moy, said: “We’re really proud that our festival brings listeners truly unique performances from the artists they love, alongside a celebration of the fantastic acts that are emerging from Greater Manchester, and 2025 will be no different.”
While the full line-up won’t be revealed until February, the 2024 edition set a high bar, featuring standout performances from Young Fathers, Gossip, and The Smile’s orchestral collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra. Rising stars like CMAT and Hak Baker also graced the stage, showing the festival’s commitment to championing both established and emerging talent.
Fans can expect the same eclectic mix this year, with a line-up spanning new music debuts, surprise guests, and one-off collaborations. Highlights from the festival will also be broadcast on BBC TV, iPlayer, and the BBC Music YouTube channel, giving everyone a chance to tune in.
Since its debut in 2014, the 6 Music Festival has travelled across the UK, stopping in cities like Glasgow, Bristol, and Cardiff, before finding a permanent home in Manchester in 2023. With its loyal audience of 2.7 million weekly listeners, 6 Music continues to champion cutting-edge sounds alongside iconic classics, making the festival a fitting showcase for its diverse ethos.
Keep an eye out for the line-up announcement in February.
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