Neighbourhood Weekender 2025 is officially back, after making a triumphant return to Victoria Park, Warrington, over the May Bank Holiday weekend (May 24th-25th).
Following a break in 2024, there was a clear hunger for the return of the North West’s flagship indie music festival.
And returning once again to the commendably organised, family-friendly event, festival-goers were revelling in its return.
The festival showcased a stellar lineup across three stages, comprising iconic bands, festival favourites, and rising stars.
Once again, the Main Stage, The Big Top, and The Viola Beach Stage were supplemented by on-site pub and entertainment venue, The Neighbourhood Inn, the Corner Shop disco rave, and some of the best local food and drink vendors.
So who shone at NBHD Weekender 2025?
STEREOPHONICS
Headlining Sunday night, and fresh from their number one album, it was a real coup for NBHD Weekender to land one of the UK’s finest live bands in Stereophonics. And as expected, they delivered a stellar live show on their NBHD debut, with a set packed with classic hits such as “Dakota” and “The Bartender and the Thief”. A must-see live band in any music fan’s lifetime, and great to see Stereophonics finally headlining this festival.
WUNDERHORSE
From a stadium-ready band expected to deliver, to a raw modern breakthrough band on the cusp of something special. The Wunderhorse hype is in full flow following sophomore success, “Midas”, and their live show is something to behold. With elements of grunge and indie, Jacob Slater and co brought the energy and lived up to the billing. It won’t be long before this group are topping the lineups on UK festival posters.
SUNDAY (1994)
Making the trip over to Warrington from the U.S, it was a huge moment for Sunday (1994), as Victoria Park played host to their first ever festival performance. Their uniquely mysterious indie sound was captivating passers by at the Viola Beach Stage, and it is no surprise that many are predicting big things for these transatlantic newcomers. Based on their performance, we predict the bigger stages are just around the corner.
ALEX SPENCER
Playing the early afternoon slot at a festival can sometimes be daunting, as fans are often still filtering in or travelling to attend. However, for Manchester’s Alex Spencer, making the step up from busking on northern streets to opening the 2nd stage at NBHD Weekender in 2025, there was nothing to worry about. The crowd packed into The Big Top for a memorable performance from one of the brightest local hopes in music.
TOM A. SMITH
In a coming-of-age performance, Sunderland’s Tom A. Smith returned to NBHD Weekender with his now tight-knit live band to perform a set brimming with confidence. Attracting a big crowd at the Viola Beach Stage, Smith played a variety of tracks from his acclaimed EPs, and now presents a stark contrast to the Tom Mouse Smith of old who performed covers at festivals during his early teens. Boy to man, Tom A. Smith is the real deal.
After a year away, it was a welcome return for Neighbourhood Weekender in 2025. A favourite fixture on the indie music calendar, and a must-attend festival for UK music fans!
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