After a brief hiatus in 2024, Neighbourhood Weekender is making a highly anticipated return with one of its most electrifying lineups to date. The festival is set to take place on Saturday 24th May, and Sunday 25th May 2025, at Victoria Park in Warrington, promising an unforgettable weekend of music and memories.
Leading the charge on the main stage are James, who captivated audiences with an unforgettable headline performance in 2021 and topped the charts with their latest album Yummy last year, alongside Stereophonics, whose new album Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait soared to number one just last week.
While the main stage steals the spotlight, Neighbourhood Weekender also offers incredible performances across two other dynamic stages – the Big Top and the Viola Beach Stage. We’ve put together a list of must-see emerging artists performing across those two stages throughout the weekend, showcasing the next wave of talent you won’t want to miss.
The Bemonts
The Viola Beach Stage has become a launchpad for rising talent – and this year, Warrington’s own The Bemonts are stepping into the spotlight. Named after nearby Beamont High School, just a stone’s throw from the stage, their performance promises to be a hometown moment to remember. With a sound steeped in sun-drenched Americana and road trip-ready anthems, The Bemonts are bringing a dose of transatlantic warmth to the festival.
Wunderhorse
Since the release of their acclaimed 2022 debut Cub, indie rock outfit Wunderhorse have been steadily carving out a unique and powerful presence in the modern rock scene. Renowned for their raw yet melodic sound and deeply introspective lyrics, the band have quickly established themselves as one of the most captivating new voices in the genre. Now, with a sound that continues to grow in scale and ambition, they’re hitting a major milestone – embarking on their biggest tour to date and bringing the songs from their latest album Midas to life on stage for the very first time.
Kingfishr
This isn’t the first time that Irish indie folk band Kingfishr have graced the Neighbourhood Weekender stage. After a standout performance on the Viola Beach Stage in 2023, their growing string of releases has earned them a well-deserved promotion to the Big Top this year. From Edmond Keogh’s powerful vocals to the captivating melodies crafted by Eoghan McGrath on banjo and Eoin Fitzgibbon on guitar, the band’s colourful and dynamic sound has earned widespread acclaim from critics.
Tom A Smith
Tom A Smith is a name that’s been on everyone’s lips lately. Having first made waves at just 8 years of age, he quickly built a reputation with his impressive talent and unique sound. Over the years, Tom has continued to evolve as an artist, pushing boundaries and refining his style while sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry. Now, with a growing fanbase and a sound that blends raw energy and emotion, he’s ready to bring his electrifying performance to the Viola Beach Stage for a second time.
The Slow Readers Club
When it comes to DIY musicians, The Slow Readers Club are truly among the best. Since forming in 2009, the Manchester-based band have grown from playing small venues to selling out shows and landing main stage slots at major festivals. With a dedicated fanbase built over the years, their live performances are infused with a unique community vibe – something that’s bound to make their set at the Big Top an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
The Guest List
Up-and-coming Manchester band The Guest List will take to the Viola Beach Stage on Saturday. Praised for their seamless blend of indie and rock, the band have toured alongside acts like Blossoms and Inhaler, steadily building a fanbase of their own. Known for their energetic live sets that feature a mix of original material and popular covers, The Guest List are definitely a band you won’t want to miss.
Cliffords
Cliffords are another of Ireland’s most exciting emerging bands, blending influences in a way that’s hard to ignore. Though they self-financed and self-released their debut EP last year, it’s their latest track, ‘Dungarvan Bay‘, that’s really turning heads. With a rich, melody-driven sound and heavy guitar riffs, the band defy easy categorisation – melding the dreamy textures of shoegaze with the raw intensity of grunge. At the heart of their sound is frontwoman Iona Lynch, whose unrestrained vocals bring a powerful, distinctive energy to their music.
Sunday (1994)
If you’ve spent time scrolling through TikTok, you’ve likely come across the dreamy pop sounds of Sunday (1994), who went viral last year. With a love for cinema that shines through in their highly visual lyrics, the band’s aesthetic feels almost cinematic, giving them a unique edge. It’s this distinct style that makes them stand out, and it’s clear they won’t be confined to small stages for very long.
The Lottery Winners
Since their early days playing local pubs back in 2008, The Lottery Winners have risen to become one of the most exciting and dynamic forces in modern music, known for their infectious energy, heartfelt authenticity, and undeniable charisma. Their latest album, KOKO, recently gained them their second number one, solidifying their place at the forefront of the UK music scene. But it’s not just the music that makes their live shows so special – it’s the constant, genuine connection they share with the crowd and the pure joy they radiate every time they step on stage.
Nieve Ella
Thanks to her recent collaboration with Bradley Simpson, Nieve Ella’s name has been everywhere—and for good reason. She’s currently on tour with The Vamps member, a run of shows that wraps up just in time for her highly anticipated performance on the Big Top stage. TikTok played a major role in Nieve’s rise, as she gained a devoted following during the pandemic by sharing her original indie pop tracks. Blending raw, expressive vocals with a unique mix of pop and ‘90s rock influences, Nieve is carving out her own lane and showing no signs of slowing down.
For tickets and further lineup information, visit: nbhdweekender.com
Read our Neighbourhood Weekender 2023 roundup here.
