Catton Park, Derby, 7th-9th August 2025
Second only to Back To The Beginning, it’s probably fair to say that Bloodstock 2025 was my most anticipated event of the year. Subject to much ongoing praise from university friends, it’s the one festival each year that for whatever reason I could never make. Thankfully, the stars aligned for me this time around, and so, my chariot awaited in the form of a Big Green Coach from York to Catton Park, Derby. I try to be optimistic about these things I swear, and as far as memory serves, my previous experience with the company was a much more neutral one (or maybe it wasn’t – perhaps the exhaustion of my first ever Download has led to selective memories). Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that this time round it was a bit of a nightmare.
On departure the the festival, the coach was around 45 minutes late – not the end of the world, but not the best start either. Regardless, I’d caught up with some pals catching the same ride and things were looking up. The coach, in fairness, did drop us off right by the main gates which was super handy. I was a little worried on arrival when I saw the size of the queue; I couldn’t quite comprehend how there would be camping space for all these people in what I’d heard was a relatively modest affair compared to Downloads. After about 45 minutes of waiting I had collected my wristband and was making my merry way to the Midgard campsite as instructed, sorely missing my camp trolley to cart everything I had overpacked.
I was meeting up with more friends from university, a pretty sizable group who I’d met through The Fringe – the metal music society. I pitched up, nipped back through the camp to grab a chair from Fat Frank’s Camping Shop, then let the good times roll. I think a huge reason behind Bloodstock being a standout event for me really does come down to the group I spent it with – it could have been a very different time had I had other company, and it was very reassuring to be camping with so many Bloodstock veterans.
Bloodstock 2025 presented a pretty remarkable lineup that showcased both established and emerging talent, making what I saw to be a genuine effort to offer something for everyone. A personal highlight for me was seeing Feuerschwanz perform for the first time. Thanks to a recommendation from my friend Finn, I’m so glad I managed to catch their set; their performance was a solid blend of humor, myth, and musicianship – captivating the audience with some serious theatrical flair.
Another standout moment was watching Gojira perform for the second time this year. Their set was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to their incredible musicianship and stage presence. The inclusion of some pretty intense pyro definitely added a bit of thrill to the set, with the crowd’s energy reaching its peak during , “Flying Whales.” My campmates had come prepared with inflatable whales, and it was surprisingly wholesome watching them bob over the crowd when the song began.
The weather at Bloodstock 2025 was nothing short of phenomenal, with clear skies and sunshine tying everything off in a nice little bow. Combined with great music and company… what more could anyone possibly want?! To sweeten the deal, I thought the food offerings at Bloodstock were pretty decent too, especially when you compare it to some of of the bigger evets in the sphere. It’s one thing putting together a solid lineup for a festival; keeping everyone well-fed and happy is something else… Even edgy veggies like myself weren’t let down, and while I’m not sure the quality of the food on offer would be a sole reason to book yourself a Bloodstock ticket, it’s at least an added bonus.
What I felt sets Bloodstock apart from other large-scale metal festivals is its sense of community. It’s more than just a music festival; it’s a gathering of like-minded individuals coming together for what is essentially… three days of partying in a field. Whether you’re attending for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, the festival’s inclusive and welcoming spirit is palpable, a real testament to its fan-centric ethos.
As the weekend drew to a close, I found myself already looking forward to Bloodstock 2026. The announcement of next year’s lineup was met largely with excitement throughout the festival grounds, and I couldn’t resist the temptation to secure an early bird ticket before heading home. Knowing I’ll be returning is certainly very exciting, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what tricks the organisers have up their sleeves for the 25th anniversary.