Beat-Herder Celebrates 20th Anniversary With a Mammoth First Wave Line-up

This cherished Lancashire-based musical gathering returns for another petite and unique affair set against the gorgeous scenery of the Ribble Valley.

Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, eclectic musical offerings, and hedonistic spirit, Beat-Herder has stayed true to its free-party roots for two decades, delivering awe-inspiring stages, world-class DJs, live performances, comedy, and countless surprises year after year. The beloved music festival returns in mid-July, from 17 to 20, to mark its 20th anniversary in 2025.

The massive line-up reveal includes the enigmatic Ring stage hosts superstar of drum & bass, Goldie, alongside the sensational Anaïs, who has been making waves in the DnB circuit with her killer sets. Vocal maestro Doktor and jungle-infused banger specialist Benny Page join forces for a special set.

Heading into the weekend, over on the main stage is one of house music’s most revered DJ/producers, Armand Van Helden, promising a stellar headline set. With a career spanning three decades, the global dance icon of the late ’90s has a catalog of massive club hits, including ‘My My My’ and ‘U Don’t Know Me.’ He’s joined by house music legends K-Klass (live), the creative afro-fusion 9-piece collective K.O.G and lyrical talent MC Gardna.

Saturday’s main stage line-up features drum & bass pioneers Fabio & Grooverider, who will celebrate the rich history of jungle and DnB with a groundbreaking headline performance alongside The Outlook Orchestra. Continuing the festivities, you’ll find 1994-flavoured jungle enthusiasts 4 AM Kru, original pioneer of jungle Congo Natty and Beat-Herder favorites and jump-up party-starters, Dub Pistols.

On Sunday, one of the leading liquid drum & bass acts for over a decade, Hybrid Minds, will bring their deft drum work, emotive vocals, and soaring synths to the Beat-Herder stage. The UK’s ever-evolving jazz and soul scene, Nubiyan Twist, is also confirmed, alongside beat-maker, bassist and prolific international dub and reggae collaborator and producer Manudigital, and local legends The Lancashire Hotpots. 

Back in the magical Toil Trees on Friday, you’ll find LA producer Claude VonStroke, who spent over 20 years shaping underground dance music and building a community via his original Dirtybird brand. Also confirmed is tribal house innovator Melé, talented Polish duo Catz ‘n Dogz, and BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar spinning the next wave of emerging talent and mainstay of the UK house scene, Anish Kumar.

London-based, Australian-born HAAi leads Saturday in the woods, known for her boundary-pushing blend of psychedelia, techno and powerful beats. The compelling DJ Boring, who effortlessly pays homage to dance music’s dense past, is also confirmed, alongside the pioneer of electro-funk, re-edits and disco, Greg Wilson, Italian electronic dance maestro DJ Tennis, one of Ireland’s breakout music stars of 2024, SHEE, and Demi Riquísimo, who is gaining world-wide recognition for his standout acid, italo-house-inspired sonic palette. Seeing the day out is electro and chill out pioneers of the 90s, ZERO 7.

On Sunday, expect exciting young DJ Woody Cook, soulful house from TV personality Gok Wan, a DJ set from house music legends K-Klass, Godfather of retro house Paul Taylor, funky turntable trickery from Shaka Loves You, and an unmissable 4-hour set from UK selector Mr Scruff and MC Kwasi.

Joining the musical dots on Saturday are multi-genre DJ/producer Burt Cope, the formidable Tim Reaper, who’s been spreading gospel jungle for over a decade via Future Retro London, rising star in the new wave of UK garage MPH, bumpy house and 4X4 Garage from DJ Jackum, grooves and speed garage from Shuffa, and hard house from rising star Carli Jayne. On Sunday, catch certified drum & bass DJ Mark XTC, skilled jungle producer Dillinja, electronic duo Phibes, and Bristol-based selector Tropigyal. 

Over at the enigmatic Ring stage, two of the most exciting heavyweights in the scene go back to back on Friday night: Experience pop-infused speed garage, UKG and bass from Silva Bumpa B2B with Soul Mass Transit System. This unmissable set will be packed with a huge arsenal of unreleased dubs and highly acclaimed releases, with both acts having sold out numerous live shows throughout 2024. Also announced is DJ/broadcaster and deeply proud music nerd Charlie Tee, along with MC Savvy B.

Beyond the music, Beat-Herder is renowned far and wide for its enchanting and immersive landscape. With towering sculptures, interactive installations, and whimsical creations, the festival transforms its grounds into a wonderland of imagination, where every turn reveals a new surprise.

This meticulous attention to detail has earned Beat-Herder top honors, including Festival of the Year at the 2024 Northern Music Awards and TPD TV’s Best Festival of the Year. Past accolades include Unique Festival Arena (AIF Festival Awards) and the Extra Festival Award (UK Festival Awards) for creating unforgettable experiences. 

Ultimately, at the heart of Beat-Herder are six school pals who forged this incredible party in the fires of the 90s free rave scene and, with hearts on sleeves, remain committed to keeping it fiercely independent, twenty years on. It’s a gathering of kindred spirits united by a shared love for music.

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