The much-loved Moovin live music festival over in Stockport is back for 2025 and the lineup is looking udderly brilliant.
Sorry…
In all seriousness, the increasingly popular festival is one of the Greater Manchester borough’s biggest dates on the calendar and we can’t wait to mosey back on over to Whitebottom Farm this summer.
Set to return for it’s 11th year, Moovin Fest is shaping up to be one the best yet, as proven by every single one of the early bird tickets being snapped up in a flash – here’s the lineup:
Moovin Festival lineup 2025Last year was a stormer
Taking place at the idyllic and eco-friendly outdoor space located within Etherow Country Park in the villahge of Compstall, Whitebottom is often used for weddings and other special events – but none quite as big as Moovin.
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It may have started out with a little over a few hundred people back in 2014 but since the flag-flying Stockport music festival has grown to a capacity over more than 5,000; while it’s still a fairly modest affair compared to other Northern contemporaries, its just as rich in culture and entertainment.
As you can see, the 2025 lineup is headlined by the revolutionary jazz-fusion ensemble, Ezra Collective, whose innovative sound has garnered international acclaim.
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Fresh from their awe-inspiring Wembley show, a Mercury Prize win back in 2023 and a four BRITs nominations thus far, Ezra’s music is a masterful blend of jazz, afrobeat and soul, characterized by infectious grooves, intricate melodies – music you simply have to dance to.
Joining the festivities will be the French house maestro and WHP favourite, Folamour, renowned for his soulful and emotive sound, as well as his captivating onstage charisma, making his performance an absolute must-see.
The lineup continues to impress with the inclusion of drum and bass pioneers Fabio and Grooverider as well as Roni Size; local funk and soul luminary Craig Charles, Manc legends Graeme Park and DJ Paulette, hip-hop royalty in The Sugarhill Gang and MANY more.
Be it rising stars or old-school Hacienda icons doing what they’ve done best for the past few decades, there’s something for everyone.
They’ve welcome everyone from Orbital and Groove Armada to De La Soul, Basement Jaxx, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lee Scratch Perry and countless others in the past and we’ve never heard bad word about this lively but equally family-friendly weekend.
Speaking ahead of this year’s return, the organisers said: “Moovin Festival is an exceptional celebration of sonic brilliance, eclectic music and quirkiness, all set within a beautiful and intimate environment.”
“Attendees can expect a lot of quirkiness and a host of amazing DJs and bands playing across cutting-edge sound systems alongside holistic healing treatments, yoga sessions, and captivating circus performances, all infused with a warm and welcoming vibe.”
As they go on to add: “There are no VIP areas, no overbearing security teams—just a hint of 90s free party magic and a close-knit community of music lovers who welcome everyone with open arms.”
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Spread across six fantastic stages, including the aptly named ‘Barn’, the next Moovin Festival takes place from Friday, 13 to Sunday, 15 June 2025.
Meanwhile, Stopfordians are being forced to wait a little longer for their fist taste of festival season as another cult favourite has sadly been postponed.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
13th February 2025 
