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.
A horror, rock and wrestle festival is coming to Manchester this month
Thomas Melia
Manchester is known for hosting all kinds of celebrations from Parklife to Pride, and now the city is obsessing over horror and rock.
The always wonderful Bowlers Exhibition Centre, one of Greater Manchester’s biggest and busiest event spaces, will be hosting a brand-new event this weekend.
This new ‘Horror, Rock and Wrestle festival’ will boast an unmissable line-up boasting faces from the Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchises.
Expect to see David Arquette, Joseph Whipp, Jsu Garcia, Caroline Williams and more actors who have contributed to horror cult classics.
But it’s not just horror that’s taking centre stage at this convention, there’s also chance to spotlight both the rock and wrestling world.
Musicians and professional wrestlers Joe Hendry and Chris Jericho will also be making an appearance with Robert Maillet getting in on the action too.
With so many celebrities of film and screen all popping up in one building, any attendees might think they’ve entered a mini Hollywood.
Taking place at BEC Arena, also known as Bowlers Exhibition Centre, this event will bring together not just film stars and legends, but lots of fun activities and interactive workshops too.
There’s no confirmation of who’s taking the wheel for the rock scene but there is a chance that guests will see live performances from ‘renowned rock bands’ at this mighty ‘Horror, Rock and Wrestle festival’.
You’ll also be able to grab a tattoo, with previous years seeing many fans getting the actor’s signature tatted on them for life, all done by on-site professional artists.
An insight into past events similar to Horror, Rock and Wrestle Festival.With the Horror, Rock and Wrestle Festival could we see Chucky paying another visit to Manchester?Credit: Supplied
Attendees are encouraged to show off your creativity by cosplaying as your favourite character, wrestling icon or rock legend.
Across these two dates there will also be live wrestling matches, circus acts and stunt performers, and even monster trucks.
Collectors get ready as the Exhibitor Hall will be packed with all things comics, collectables, merchandise, apparel and more.
Where else can you meet one of your movie idols then shortly after get a tattoo, watch some wrestling and weave your way through a scare maze?
There will be plenty of guest talks and live performances too.Some of the crazy outfits we might be seeing at Horror, Rock and Wrestle Festival.Credit: Supplied
Taking place on 22 and 23 March ‘Horror, Rock and Wrestle festival’ is coming to Bowlers Exhibition Centre and you can find out everything you need to know and bag yourself some tickets HERE.
Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
Danny Jones -
13th February 2025 
