1 Wristband, 15 Venues, 90 Plus Artists ... Welcome 'Dot To Dot' 2025

Dot To Dot Festival is the UK’s Premier Festival for unearthing the best new talent.

The award winning, multi-venue, metropolitan festival, hosted in Bristol and Nottingham over May Bank Holiday weekend, is returning to our glorious city centre for it's 20th anniversity Sunday 25th May.

Focused on supporting and uplifting brand new talent, this festival is your golden ticket to see the city in a whole new light. It’s not just about the music (though there’s plenty of that, trust us) — it’s a full-on adventure through Nottingham’s legendary live scene. From tucked-away underground bars to iconic venues that have hosted music royalty, you’ll be bouncing from stage to stage uncovering fresh sounds and hidden gems.

Think of it as a musical treasure hunt — one where the prize is discovering the next big thing beofre they blow up. In the past, huge names like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and Catfish and the Bottlemen all strummed, belted, and rocked their way through Nottingham’s streets at the very beginning of their journeys. So if you’re the type who loves to say “I saw them before they were cool,” this is your moment. You’ll earn those bragging rights for life.

The vibe ... ? Well it's without a doubt set to be ELECTRIC. The city comes alive with buzzing crowds, spontaneous performances, and a feeling that something special is always just around the corner. Whether you're a hardcore gig-goer or just love soaking up a good atmosphere, this is one event you definitely don’t want to miss. 

Whether it’s rocking out in the iconic main hall of Rock City, where the floor practically vibrates with musical history, or grabbing a pint before heading upstairs into the fairy light-lit 'Coban Chambers' of The Bodega — a cozy little haven that feels like your mate’s living room (if your mate happened to host the coolest live acts in town) — there’s truly something for everyone at this festival.

But here’s an insider tip: don’t just stick to the big names and well-trodden paths. Sure, they’re legendary for a reason, but this festival is all about discovery — and that goes for the venues too. Dot to Dot is a celebration of the fresh, the bold, and the soon-to-be legendary. It’s about stepping through a door you’ve never noticed before and finding your new favourite band playing to a crowd of a hundred people who are all falling in love with the music at the same time.

New to the 2025 venue lineup is The Grove, a brilliant new addition based in the ever-vibrant Sneinton Market. This independent music space is as fresh as the talent it hosts — complete with a state-of-the-art recording studio and a buzzing live performance area that already feels like the heart of something special. It’s raw, it’s real, and it completely embodies the spirit of Dot to Dot: championing grassroots talent, independent creativity, and unforgettable moments. Trust us, The Grove is the daytime hangout you don’t want to miss — whether you’re there to chill, chat with artists, or catch an acoustic set that’ll give you goosebumps.

In a time where supporting up and coming artists, grassroot venues and the local music scene is more important than ever, don't miss this stand out event. Lace up your boots, charge your phone, and get ready to venue-hop your way through the best of Nottingham’s music scene — from the iconic to the underground, and everything in between.

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This blog psot was written by Georgina Richardson