Heather Gosling takes a look at the exciting festival line-ups for Bilbao Live and Sziget festival for next year

Two exciting festivals have recently announced their lineups for next summer. Bilbao Live and Sziget festival both have jam-packed lineups full of incredible artists that will provide an unforgettable experience next summer, so lift those winter blues and read ahead to find out more about what both festivals have in store.

Sziget festival

Sziget festival is located on Óbuda Island in Budapest, Hungary and it is also known as ‘The Island of Freedom’. Read our reviews of the 2024 festival here.

The festival is back again this year from the 6th - 11th August, and it promises to go above and beyond. With over 60 stages, Sziget is all about providing an experience that caters to all music lovers. For all those who had ‘Good Luck Babe!’ in their Spotify Wrapped, the party down at Sziget will continue as pop-sensation Chappell Roan was recently announced as a headliner. Chappell Roan has been named best new artist of 2024. From supporting Olivia Rodrigo, to her own ‘The Rise & Fall of Midwest Princess Tour’, Chappell Roan is one of the most exciting new talents.

BRAT Summer will also be making a return next year with Charli XCX bringing the club classics to Sziget festival. As an album, BRAT has made a huge cultural impact this year, and Charli XCX’s high-energy performance will keep the crowd dancing.

Anyma, the solo project of Matteo Malleri, has also been announced as a headliner and his ground-breaking Geneys albums earned him #17 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list. Anyma has recently collaborated with FKA Twigs and Sevdaliza, and his musical talent and passion for innovation has captivated a worldwide audience. Anyma is also known for his immersive audio-visual performances that are sure to captivate the crowd.

KNEECAP, the politically-charged Belfast rap group, have also been announced on the line up. Following their legal victory over the UK government blocking their grant for political reasons, the group remains a force for artistic freedom.

For techno and electronic music fans, Brutalismus 3000 blend Gabber, Punk and Wave music. French duo Justice were recently nominated for 'Best Dance/Electronic Music Album' and recognised for their track ‘Neverender’ featuring Tame Impala, and they are set to bring dancey tunes.

Papa Roach is celebrating 25 years since their breakthrough album Infest at Sziget, and they will continue to thrill fans with their legendary hits. The Blessed Madonna is also set to ignite the crowd with party starters from her album ‘Godspeed’. British Indie rockers Blossoms have had a brilliant year of touring the UK with their album ‘Gary’, and they are well known for their incredible live performances.

Kenya Grace is one of the most exciting breakout artists of 2024 and is known for her captivating, soulful performances. After securing ‘Song of the Year’ at the BRIT Awards for her track ‘Strangers’, Kenya Grace has experienced a whirlwind of a year.

Sziget festival curates an experience that draws together music, art and global cultures to bring people together. The festival is set to provide global superstar headliners, along with 41 additional acts. Sziget will immerse festivalgoers in an exciting programme that goes far beyond music – there is always something to do at Sziget. There will be captivating theatre performances, jaw-dropping circus acts and mesmerising walkabouts. The iconic Magic Mirror is also set to return this year. Magic Mirror is an LGBT+ space that provides thought-provoking panel discussions, drag queen performances and film screenings. The Magic Mirror is the place that makes Sziget truly feel like ‘The Island of Freedom’; it is a place to connect with others and embrace your true self.

Sziget tickets can be purchased here: szigetfestival.com

Bilbao BBK Live:

Bilbao BBK Live is set to make a return this summer from the 10th to 12th July 2025 in Kobetamendi, Bilbao. The first wave of headliners have recently been announced and include pop royalty Kylie Minogue. As a global pop icon, Kylie Minogue is set to deliver pop-rave energy from her four-decade discography of legendary classics.

Iconic Brit-Pop group, Pulp, are also set to headline, led by the charismatic Jarvis Cocker, they will deliver nostalgic 90s vibes. Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka, recently made a return with his first album in five years entitled ‘Small Changes’, and he is renowned for his soulful voice. The shining star Raye has had a brilliant year, winning 6 out of 7 BRIT Awards that she was nominated for. She has made history and cemented her place as a legendary artist in modern pop.

With outstanding headliners confirmed, Bilbao BBK Live is set to provide a dynamic lineup that includes up-and-coming artists. Wunderhorse has recently been touring with Sam Fender and are rapidly rising to fame, their latest album ‘Midas’ consolidated them as one of Britain’s most prominent guitar bands. Aussie rock stars Amyl and the Sniffers are also on the lineup and will bring explosive guitar music that will ignite the crowd.

The festival’s lineup spans multiple genres – there truly is something for everyone. Genre-defying artist Obongjayar featured on Fred Again..’s ‘Adore u’ track, and has also released two new songs, ‘Just My Luck’ and ‘Tomorrow Man’Keeping’. His music fuses Afro-beats, groove and post-punk guitar riffs. Jalen Ngonda is a rising sensation in soul music with a timeless voice and emotive storytelling. Alice Phoebe Lou is also on the line-up following her current tour supporting Clairo on the ‘Charm Tour’ and her release of two singles ‘Better’ and ‘The World Above’ this year.

Bilbao BBK Live is an experience like no other, and the setting is an unforgettable and magical escape. Set in the natural beauty of Kobetamendi, a 10-minute walk from Bilbao, the festival offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and a star-studded bill. Bilbao BBK Live is an event that you do not want to miss.

The Bilbao BBK Live team would like to especially thank the support of the Bilbao City Council, which, along with sponsors and collaborating institutions, makes this event possible.

The special fan sale will run from Monday, 9 December at 12:00 PM CET until Wednesday, 11 December at 11:59 PM CET. To access this sale you must sign up for the waiting list available from today on the festival's website. General ticket sales will begin on Wednesday, 11 December at 12:00 PM CET. Tickets are available on bilbaobbklive.com and Fever Up.

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Heather Gosling is a university student currently studying English Literature at York. She is passionate about journalism, creative writing and music. She has written for many online and print publications and is working on a music magazine (@circulationzine).

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