Parklife 2025 has burst into life at Heaton Park, Manchester, welcoming tens of thousands of music lovers for two days of non-stop dance, electronic, and hip-hop music. The festival, running June 14-15, has transformed the 600-acre estate into one of the UK’s biggest inner-city music celebrations, with no camping or tents—just pure music energy set against the city’s industrial backdrop.
Organized by the team behind The Warehouse Project, Parklife has become a beacon of UK rave culture, growing from humble beginnings in Platt Fields to attracting over 80,000 attendees today. This year’s lineup reads like a global who’s who of club culture, featuring an eclectic mix of house, techno, drum and bass, UK garage, and hip-hop.
Friday’s kickoff saw an electrifying atmosphere despite some early rain showers, with festival-goers sporting ponchos and hats to brave the weather. The Met Office forecast predicted on-and-off rain with a chance of thunderstorms, but sunny spells and highs of 21°C kept spirits high throughout the day.
Jorja Smith opened the festivities on The Valley stage, captivating thousands with her soulful vocals and commanding presence. Following her, the East London four-piece Rudimental took over the same stage, delivering a high-energy set that had the crowd dancing under the clearing skies. Known for their decade-long string of hits blending drum and bass, garage, soul, and pop, Rudimental’s performance was a festival highlight. One observer noted, "Rudimental + sunshine + Basement Jaxx: happy vibes," perfectly capturing the mood.
Elsewhere, LP Rhythm energized the G Stage with a hands-in-the-air set, while Flo, the R&B trio, serenaded the crowd with harmonies and infectious moves on The Valley stage. Local talent Antony Szmierek, a Hyde native, also made his mark, performing his song "The Great Pyramid of Stockport" to a warmly appreciative hometown crowd. JD Cliffe added to the vibe with his dynamic rap set, keeping the energy flowing into the evening.
Anticipation has been building for Friday evening’s headliner, American rapper 50 Cent, who returned for his second Parklife appearance. Fans Jacob and Talia from Staffordshire expressed their excitement ahead of his set, eager to hear classics from the hip-hop icon.
On the production side, road closures and waiting restrictions around Heaton Park have increased traffic and public transport usage, with shuttle buses running from Lever Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter to ease access. The Heaton Park tram stop was scheduled to close from 8pm Friday, with Bowker Vale recommended as an alternative for departing festival-goers.
Saturday promises more stellar performances, with Rudimental returning to the Valley stage and electronic heavyweights like Bicep and Andy C taking center stage. Bicep, hailing from Belfast, are known for their atmospheric melodies and precise production, while Andy C, the drum and bass pioneer and Ram Records co-founder, is set to deliver rapid-fire mixing that has defined the genre for decades.
Also on Saturday, PAWSA will bring his stripped-back tech-house sound to the Hangar stage, known for minimalist style and deep basslines that have earned him a loyal underground following. Liverpool’s Paige Tomlinson will light up the G Stage with a blend of 90s rave culture influences and modern dance beats, promising energetic sets that nod to the genre’s roots.
Closing out the G Stage on Sunday, Todd Edwards, the New Jersey native and influential UK garage figure, will perform a rare UK appearance. His signature chopped vocal samples and elastic grooves have shaped the DNA of UK garage and house music, and his sets are a joyful fusion of gospel, house, and garage that helped fuel a cultural movement.
Festival-goers should be prepared for the usual price hikes that come with such large-scale events. Spirits like Smirnoff No.21 Vodka, Captain Morgan spiced variants, Johnnie Walker Black Label, and Gordon’s Gin are priced at £11.80 for doubles and £7.90 for singles. Casamigos Blanco Tequila commands a premium at £14.80 for a double. Pre-mixed cans such as Smirnoff Miami Peach and Gordon’s Gin & Tonic are £9.50, while Jagermeister cocktails range from £6.90 to £11.80. Beer and cider options like Poretti Lager and Somersby Cider are priced at £6.65, and White Claw hard seltzers come in at £7.90.
Despite the costs, the festival atmosphere and stellar lineup make Parklife an unmissable event for UK music fans. The absence of camping and tents keeps the focus on music and culture, with Heaton Park’s sprawling grounds offering a perfect urban setting for the celebration.
As the weekend unfolds, expect more unforgettable performances, vibrant crowds, and the unmistakable pulse of Manchester’s rave heritage reverberating through the park. Whether you’re dancing to drum and bass legends, grooving to house beats, or soaking up the hip-hop vibes, Parklife 2025 is living up to its reputation as a defining fixture in the UK’s music festival calendar.
