Rock events in UK
Rock in the UK: A Thriving Scene of Festivals and Performances
The United Kingdom has long been a powerhouse in the world of rock music, with a rich history of producing influential bands and hosting legendary concerts. Today, the UK's rock scene continues to flourish, offering a diverse array of events across its major cities and beyond.
Glastonbury Festival: The Crown Jewel of UK Music Events
While not exclusively a rock festival, Glastonbury is undoubtedly the UK's most famous music event. Held annually (with occasional fallow years) in Somerset, this massive festival features multiple stages hosting rock acts alongside other genres. Headliners have included rock icons like The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Arctic Monkeys, drawing crowds of over 200,000.
Download Festival: Hard Rock and Metal Mecca
For fans of heavier rock, Download Festival at Donington Park is the place to be. This annual event has become the UK's premier destination for hard rock and metal, featuring both legendary acts and up-and-coming bands. Past headliners have included Iron Maiden, Slipknot, and Guns N' Roses.
Reading and Leeds Festivals: Twin Titans of Rock
The dual Reading and Leeds Festivals, held simultaneously on the August bank holiday weekend, have been pillars of the UK rock scene since the 1970s. These events blend established rock acts with alternative and indie bands, appealing to a wide range of rock fans. Notable past performers include Nirvana, The Cure, and Rage Against the Machine.
TRNSMT Festival: Scotland's Rock Showcase
Glasgow's TRNSMT Festival has quickly established itself as Scotland's biggest rock event since its inception in 2017. Held in Glasgow Green, it features a mix of international headliners and homegrown Scottish talent.
City-Specific Rock Scenes
London's rock scene is diverse and vibrant, with iconic venues like the O2 Arena and Wembley Stadium hosting major international acts. Smaller venues such as the Brixton Academy and the Roundhouse offer more intimate experiences with both established and emerging artists.
Manchester, with its rich musical heritage, continues to be a hotbed for rock music. Venues like the Manchester Arena attract big names, while places like the Albert Hall and O2 Ritz showcase a wide range of rock subgenres.
Birmingham, the birthplace of heavy metal, maintains a strong rock presence. The city hosts gigs at venues like the Utilita Arena and O2 Academy, while also nurturing local talent in smaller clubs.
Edinburgh and Glasgow both have thriving rock scenes, with venues like the Usher Hall and OVO Hydro regularly featuring both local and international rock acts.
International Acts and British Talent
The UK's rock events attract major international acts, with bands from the United States, Canada, and Europe regularly touring the country. Acts like Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Rammstein often include multiple UK dates on their world tours.
At the same time, the UK continues to produce world-class rock talent. Bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Royal Blood, and Wolf Alice have gained international acclaim while maintaining strong followings at home.
Boutique and Specialty Rock Festivals
Beyond the major events, the UK hosts numerous smaller, specialized rock festivals. Examples include:
- ArcTanGent in Bristol, focusing on math rock, post-rock, and alternative metal
- Bloodstock Open Air in Derbyshire, catering to the extreme metal community
- 2000trees in Gloucestershire, showcasing the best in alternative rock and indie
These events offer more intimate experiences and often feature cutting-edge acts alongside established favorites.
Twenty One Pilots – the Clancy World Tour in The O2, London 13/05/2025
Indigo at The O2, London Millennium Way, Peninsula Square, London, United KingdomThe event Twenty One Pilots - the Clancy World Tour will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:30:00 in The O2, opening price stands on 80 GBP.
Olly Murs in Utilita Arena Cardiff 13/05/2025
Utilita Arena Cardiff Mary Ann Street, , Cardiff, United KingdomThe event Olly Murs will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:30:00 in Utilita Arena Cardiff, opening price stands on 150 GBP.
Bryan Adams – Roll With The Punches in OVO Hydro, Glasgow 13/05/2025
OVO Hydro, Glasgow Exhibition Way, , Glasgow, United KingdomThe event Bryan Adams - Roll With The Punches will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:30:00 in OVO Hydro
Twenty One Pilots – Fan Premier Exhibit in The O2, London 13/05/2025
Indigo at The O2, London Millennium Way, Peninsula Square, London, United KingdomThe event Twenty One Pilots - Fan Premier Exhibit will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:30:00 in The O2
Noah Gundersen in Thekla, Bristol 13/05/2025
Thekla, Bristol The Grove, , Bristol, United KingdomThe event Noah Gundersen will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:30:00 in Thekla
Steven Wilson: The Overview Tour in The London Palladium 13/05/2025
The London Palladium Argyll Street, , London, United KingdomThe event Steven Wilson: The Overview Tour will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:45:00 in The London Palladium, opening price stands on 67.5 GBP.
Gary Barlow – Songbook Tour 2025 in Royal Albert Hall, London 13/05/2025
Royal Albert Hall, London Kensington Gore, , London, United KingdomThe event Gary Barlow - Songbook Tour 2025 will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 18:45:00 in Royal Albert Hall
The K’s – Pretty On the Internet Tour in Roundhouse, London 13/05/2025
Roundhouse, London Chalk Farm Road, Camden, , London, United KingdomThe event The K's - Pretty On the Internet Tour will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 19:00:00 in Roundhouse, opening price stands on 30.25 GBP.
Pixies in P&J Live, Aberdeen 13/05/2025
P&J Live, Aberdeen East Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen, United KingdomThe event Pixies will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 19:00:00 in P&J Live, Aberdeen
Vandenberg in Rebellion Manchester 13/05/2025
Rebellion Manchester 2B Whitworth St W, Manchester, Manchester, United KingdomThe event Vandenberg will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 19:00:00 in Rebellion Manchester
Josh Pyke in London Oslo 13/05/2025
London Oslo 1A Amhurst Road, , London, United KingdomThe event Josh Pyke will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 19:00:00 in London Oslo
Huey Morgan the Fun Loving Criminal in Digital, Newcastle 13/05/2025
Digital, Newcastle Times Square, , Newcastle, United KingdomThe event Huey Morgan the Fun Loving Criminal will accure on 13/05/2025, start time 19:00:00 in Digital