The Green Man Festival 2025 in the breathtaking Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales, delivered an incredible experience, cementing its place as one of the UK’s most beloved music festivals. Known for its progressive and independent ethos, this year was no exception, offering a dynamic mix of folk-rock, indie, global sounds, and electrifying performances from artists like Kneecap, CMAT, and Joshua Idehen.
Kneecap and CMAT: A Bold Start to the Festival
The festival kicked off with an explosive performance by Irish trio Kneecap. With their unique blend of political commentary, rebellious energy, and razor-sharp mic techniques, they lit up the opening night, earning applause despite their controversial lyrics.
Hot on their heels, pop powerhouse CMAT took the stage, wowing audiences with her country-infused melodies and Stevie Nicks-inspired mysticism. Her playful banter and recognition of Welsh cultural icons, from Catatonia to Tom Jones, added a personal touch to her set, captivating what might have been Green Man’s largest mainstage crowd yet.
A Sonic Journey Through Folk and Indie
Green Man’s legacy as a haven for folk-rock and indie artistry shone brightly in 2025. From Caroline‘s emotive art-rock soundscapes to Jasmine.4.t‘s alt-rock anthems celebrating love and identity, every act brought something truly special. Standouts included MJ Lenderman’s soulful fusion of Southern rock with Neil Young-style musings and a moving Bob Dylan tribute by Broadside Hacks, which proved the enduring relevance of Dylan’s early protest songs like With God on Our Side.
A Celebration of Global Music and Diversity
This year, Green Man embraced even greater global diversity. Standout performances included the electrifying Congolese group Fulu Miziki, ethereal Indian artist Asha Puthli, and South African vocal powerhouse The Joy, whose harmonies felt like a divine gift beneath clear Welsh skies.
The festival’s Friday lineup saw echoes of spirituality, particularly during Joshua Idehen’s transcendent set. The poet and musician mesmerized crowds with a motivational performance that urged deeper self-reflection and celebrated themes of love, unity, and activism.
Dance Energy and Headliners
Green Man didn’t shy away from delivering pure dance-floor energy. From Underworld, whose upbeat electronic beats had the crowd moving like it was 1990s Ibiza, to Bicep’s Dove, which explored the depths of techno, speed garage, and UK bass, the festival achieved something for everyone.
Meanwhile, TV on the Radio closed the festival with a passionate and poignant message of resilience and hope, making space for both celebration and reflection in their affirmations of trans rights and calls for freedom in Palestine.
Green Man 2025: More Than Music
What makes Green Man Festival stand out isn’t just its stellar lineup—it’s its commitment to inclusivity, activism, and creating a unique experience free from the corporate feel of many other large-scale festivals. Attendees left not just entertained but inspired, carrying the belief that, as TV on the Radio put it, “love is the province of the brave.”
If you’re planning your next festival season, Green Man is an unmissable experience. Add to your essentials a lightweight hydrating sunscreen to protect your skin from daytime sun in the idyllic Brecon Beacons setting—perfect for long days outdoors.
