Showcasing a selection of artists who will play at the Brighton festival next May, the FIRST FIFTY sees some of the freshest talent taking to the stage for a series of intimate performances.

If there’s one festival with its finger firmly on the pulse of new music, it’s The Great Escape. Set to return to Brighton in May 2025, the UK’s leading showcase festival just dropped the line-up for their iconic FIRST FIFTY live launch gigs across eight east London venues on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This early taste of the festival’s talent promises some of the world’s most exciting new artists, offering fans a chance to catch them live before their meteoric rise.

 

We’re getting in on the act, bringing a selection of our favourite artists to Folklore. Expect sets from soulful rising talent Konyikeh, Irish sensation Allie Sherlock and a mesmeric set from Jessy Blakemore.

 

Synonymous with discovering tomorrow’s stars, The Great Escape never fails to offer a stunning selection of talent. With over 450 artists set to play across more than 35 venues in Brighton from May 14–17, 2025, the festival remains the ultimate springboard for emerging talent. Whether you’re into lo-fi indie, hard-hitting rap, or ethereal soul, the FIRST FIFTY is just a taste of what’s to come.

 

As usual, tickets for each gig are affordable, starting at just £10, with performances spread across venues like MOTH Club, The Shacklewell Arms, and Oslo. You can buy tickets on The Great Escape’s website now.

 

THE GREAT ESCAPE 2025 LINE UP SO FAR (A-Z)

Allie Sherlock / Betty, Brògeal / Chloe Qisha / Chloe Slater / Cliffords / common goldfish / Curtisy / Disgusting Sisters / Elinborg /Jessy Blakemore / Keo / Konyikeh / Loshh / Luvcat / mudi sama / Queen Cult / Ray Bull / RUBII / Saïna / The Orchestra (For Now) / The Stingrays / TTSSFU / urika’s bedroom