DARWEN LIVE 2025 – LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT!

Darwen Live Returns for an Epic Weekend of Music – Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music and celebration as Darwen Live returns to the heart of Darwen town centre on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May 2025! Now in its 26th year, this iconic festival brings together music lovers from all walks of life for a truly special experience. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from afar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy— and it’s all completely free to attend!

Darwen Live first launched in 2000 as an opportunity to showcase emerging talent, support the local arts scene, and bring the community together through the magic of live music. Since then, it has grown into one of the most exciting and diverse festivals in the region, attracting over 500 bands from across the UK and beyond each year. 2025 promises to be another exceptional year, filled with incredible performances, great vibes, and plenty of chances to discover your new favorite artists.

A Celebration of Community, Talent, and Music

Festival organiser, Darren James, shared his excitement about the upcoming event:

“More than 500 bands from all over the UK and beyond apply to play at Darwen Live, and the festival really helps to put Darwen on the map. It showcases what our town has to offer, from its vibrant community to the fantastic local businesses that support it. Best of all, it gives everyone the chance to enjoy live music absolutely free of charge. It’s a weekend that truly brings the best of Darwen to life.”

Since its inception, Darwen Live has focused on supporting local emerging artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience. As Darren mentions, 95% of the artists who perform over the weekend hail from Darwen and the surrounding areas, making this a festival that celebrates the heart and soul of the local music scene.

But the festival isn’t just about local talent— Darwen Live also brings in some incredible music icons from all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of up-and-coming acoustic acts or you’re looking for a thrilling headliner performance, there is something for everyone at Darwen Live. With over 25 different venues hosting performances throughout the weekend, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a diverse range of music, from intimate acoustic sets to large-scale, high-energy gigs.

Headliners to Look Forward To

This year’s headliners are nothing short of legendary, with two iconic acts taking the stage to deliver unforgettable performances:

• The Undertones (Saturday 24th May) – Get ready to rock out to timeless punk rock anthems from these Saturday night legends. Known for their energetic performances and classic hits, The Undertones will have you singing along all night long.

• Crash Test Dummies (Sunday 25th May) – On Sunday night, experience the deep, soulful vocals and unmistakable sound of Crash Test Dummies. Their unique blend of folk-rock and heartfelt melodies will cap off the weekend in style.

Complete Lineup – Sat 24th & Sun 25th May 2025

Check out the full schedule of performances for Darwen Live 2025 below, featuring a wide range of artists across multiple genres!

Saturday 24th May

• 12:00 – Darwen Brass Band
• 13:15 – Fireflies
• 14:00 – Still Life
• 15:00 – Red Sky Falling
• 16:00 – Foxpalmer
• 17:00 – The Uptown Monotones
• 18:00 – Soul Convicts
• 19:00 – Ska Face
• 20:45 – The Undertones

Sunday 25th May

• 12:00 – DSOM Showcase
• 13:15 – Ruthless
• 14:00 – Will Edgar
• 15:00 – Molly Warburton
• 16:00 – Strawberry Lemonade
• 17:00 – Craig Lee and the Humblebees
• 18:00 – Tryptik
• 19:00 – Hiphopalippz
• 20:45 – Crash Test Dummies

Free Entry – Join Us for an Unmissable Weekend!

What makes Darwen Live even more special is that it is completely free to attend! That’s right—no tickets required, just bring your friends and family and enjoy two full days of live music, incredible performances, and a celebration of everything that makes Darwen such a fantastic place to live and visit.

With over 25 venues participating across the town centre, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy, from hidden gems in local pubs and cafes to larger outdoor stages filled with excitement. It’s the perfect weekend to discover new talent, support your favorite artists, and make unforgettable memories with music lovers from near and far.

Don’t Miss Out – Follow Us for More Updates!

Stay up-to-date with all the latest announcements, lineup reveals, and festival news by following Darwen Live on Facebook. Make sure you mark your calendars for May 24th and 25th, 2025, and get ready for the event of the year!