Wed 4 June – Sun 8 June 2025
Primavera Sound 2025 returns to Barcelona with a clear message: the future of music is female, fearless, and fiercely global. For the first time in its history, the festival’s three main headline slots will be held by women – Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter – marking a bold stance In an industry that continues to strive for better gender balance, this landmark moment represents significant progress.
This milestone isn’t just symbolic. Each headliner represents a different force within contemporary pop: Charli XCX, the UK’s hyperpop maverick, tears up genre conventions with a club-ready edge; Chappell Roan, America’s pop sensation, delivers big, theatrical anthems that pulse with heart and hedonism; and Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off a stratospheric 2024, brings whip-smart lyricism and irresistible charisma to the Primavera main stage. At a time when conversations around representation and creative autonomy remain vital, Primavera’s all-women headliner bill feels not only progressive, but essential.
A Line-up That Balances Grit and Glitter
Beyond the historic top billing, Primavera Sound’s 2025 line-up is as expansive and eclectic as ever. LCD Soundsystem bring their genre-defying dance-rock to the Parc del Fòrum, while FKA Twigs promises an avant-garde performance that blurs the lines between music, art, and physical theatre. Indie darlings HAIM, post-punk force Fontaines D.C., and the resurgent TV on the Radio all add depth and nostalgia to the schedule.
Electronic music is especially well represented this year. Amelie Lens, Michael Bibi, and Paul Kalkbrenner anchor a packed electronic bill that also features Floating Points (live), DJ Koze, and a standout B2B from John Talabot & DJ Dustin. Expect cutting-edge club energy well into the early hours.
For fans of guitar-driven chaos, IDLES, Turnstile, and The Jesus Lizard offer raw, unfiltered energy, while UK acts like Beabadoobee, Confidence Man, Kelly Lee Owens, and Black Country, New Road continue the country’s proud tradition of exporting genre-bending brilliance.
There’s no shortage of rising stars either. Cassandra Jenkins, Glass Beams, and Magdalena Bay are poised for breakout moments, while Central Cee brings a touch of British grit to Barcelona with his sharp, cockney-inflected drill. It’s a bill that prizes curation over compromise-Primavera once again delivering breadth without sacrificing taste.
Barcelona Over a Field: A Festival for the City Dweller
For festival-goers who prefer an alternative to the more traditional camping experience, Primavera offers a more city-based approach. Set against the Mediterranean coastline at Parc del Fòrum, Primavera Sound integrates seamlessly into the fabric of Barcelona, offering festival-goers the chance to explore the city’s culture and vibrant energy. There’s no camping-attendees stay in nearby hotels, Airbnbs, or beachside apartments, and arrive fresh each day rather than bleary-eyed and rain-soaked.
The city adds another layer to the experience. Spend your mornings in the Gothic Quarter or soaking up the sun at Barceloneta beach; then head to the festival grounds for golden hour sets and midnight raves. And when the main stages wind down, Primavera’s late-night club programme keeps the energy going across venues throughout the city, featuring DJs, electronic showcases, and one-off performances in more intimate settings.
Sold Out for 2025 – But Worth Planning Ahead
Primavera Sound 2025 is officially sold out, with full weekend and day passes snapped up months in advance – a testament to the festival’s enduring global appeal. For those considering future editions, tickets typically start around €350 (£300) for a standard weekend pass, with VIP options priced at €495 (£425). Day tickets generally fall around €135 (£115), offering flexibility for shorter trips. Given the calibre of talent and the coastal-city setting, Primavera continues to offer one of the best value-for-money festival experiences on the circuit.
Two Decades of Reinvention
Primavera Sound launched in 2001 as a small, one-day event. As it approaches its 25th year, it has evolved into a global benchmark for festival curation. This isn’t just about legacy bookings or nostalgia trips-it’s about shaping the future of live music. With a line-up that embraces diversity, celebrates female creativity, and welcomes sounds from every corner of the globe, Primavera Sound 2025 offers more than just entertainment. It offers a vision.
Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a UK music fan looking for a sun-soaked alternative to the usual summer slog, this year’s edition is unmissable. Come for the headliners, stay for the vibrant after-hours scene, and leave with a new favourite artist or two.
