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.
Oasis in Heaton Park, Manchester 16/07/2025
Heaton Park, Manchester Heaton Park, , Manchester, United KingdomThe event Oasis will accure on 16/07/2025, start time 15:30:00 in Heaton Park
Alex Warren in Alexandra Palace Park, London 16/07/2025
Alexandra Palace Park, London Alexandra Palace Way, , London, United KingdomThe event Alex Warren will accure on 16/07/2025, start time 17:00:00 in Alexandra Palace Park
Maya Hawke in O2 Forum Kentish Town, London 16/07/2025
O2 Forum Kentish Town, London 9 - 17 Highgate RD, Kentish Town, , London, United KingdomThe event Maya Hawke will accure on 16/07/2025, start time 19:00:00 in O2 Forum Kentish Town
Mother Mother in O2 Academy Brixton, London 16/07/2025
United Kingdom , United KingdomThe event Mother Mother will accure on 16/07/2025, start time 19:00:00 in O2 Academy Brixton
Whitney – Queen of the Night in Truro Hall for Cornwall 16/07/2025
Truro Hall for Cornwall Back Quay, , Truro, United KingdomThe event Whitney - Queen of the Night will accure on 16/07/2025, start time 19:30:00 in Truro Hall for Cornwall, opening price stands on 36 GBP.
The Doobie Brothers in Utilita Arena Birmingham 17/07/2025
Utilita Arena Birmingham King Edwards Road, , Birmingham, United KingdomThe event The Doobie Brothers will accure on 17/07/2025, start time 19:00:00 in Utilita Arena Birmingham
GEL in Rebellion Manchester 17/07/2025
Rebellion Manchester 2B Whitworth St W, Manchester, Manchester, United KingdomThe event GEL will accure on 17/07/2025, start time 19:00:00 in Rebellion Manchester, opening price stands on 18 GBP.
Maid of Stone Festival 2025 in Mote Park, Maidstone 18/07/2025
Mote Park, Maidstone Mote Avenue, , Maidstone, United KingdomThe event Maid of Stone Festival 2025 will accure on 18/07/2025, start time 14:00:00 in Mote Park
Texas – Margate Summer Series in Dreamland, Margate 18/07/2025
Hall By The Sea, Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate, 49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate, United KingdomThe event Texas - Margate Summer Series will accure on 18/07/2025, start time 17:30:00 in Dreamland, opening price stands on 89.5 GBP.
GEL in Asylum Bar and Venue, Birmingham 18/07/2025
Asylum Bar and Venue, Birmingham 38-43 Hampton Street, Hockley, , Birmingham, United KingdomThe event GEL will accure on 18/07/2025, start time 18:00:00 in Asylum Bar and Venue, opening price stands on 18 GBP.
Funeral for a Friend in Millennium Square Leeds 18/07/2025
Millennium Square Leeds Caverley Street, , Leeds, United KingdomThe event Funeral for a Friend will accure on 18/07/2025, start time 18:30:00 in Millennium Square Leeds
Hevenshe in London Omeara 18/07/2025
London Omeara 6 O'Meara Street, , London, United KingdomThe event Hevenshe will accure on 18/07/2025, start time 19:00:00 in London Omeara