Festwich

Festwich is the music festival with all the biggest names, from Elvis to Amy Winehouse. Ok, so they’re not the real thing but it’s as close as you’ll get without a time machine. The emphasis is on fun and ticket prices are a lot more accessible when you’re watching a tribute act.

It has a rock edge but it’s family-friendly too. Think of it as a cross between Reading (and Leeds) Festival on the hardcore day crossed with Stars In Your Eyes.

Festwich 2025

30-31 August, Heaton Park

The theatrics and rock god approximations of Festwich continue to get bigger and better in its second year at Heaton Park.

There are now five bars and over 30 bands across three stages. Festwich is known for its rock reincarnations but this year the heavy stuff is strictly for Saturday whilst Sunday sees a more indie pop take on the tribute act.

Saturday’s headliners include Metal Militia (a Metallica tribute), Spouky Kids (a Marilyn Manson tribute), Popestars (a Ghost tribute) and Knotslip (you can probably work that one out).

Sunday’s biggest names are Ultimate Coldplay, Simulation who are a Muse mock-up, The Darkest and Echoes of the Bunnymen.

From Green Day to Kings of Lyon, all sorts of acts run through the biggest hits the real bands are too cool to play. It makes Festwich a lot more fun than watching some former legend noodle their way through their experimental thirteenth album instead of playing the tracks that made them a legend in the first place.

And pun of the year goes to Yourythmics but it’s a slightly disappointing line-up on the word play front.

See the full line-up here.