After a triumphant return in 2024, Simple Things Festival will once again take over some of Bristol’s most iconic venues for a day and night of boundary-pushing live and electronic music. And, as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking music festivals, expect a “playground of cutting-edge sounds.”
It’s back on Saturday, November 8, with the festival once again placing Bristol Beacon and its five stages at Simple Things’ heart.Well-known throughout the country for its bold programming and innovative curation, you can expect performances from groundbreaking artists, rising talents and industry legends spanning the city.
The likes of Dry Cleaning, Tunde Adebimpe, Factory Floor, Decius and Rich(ard) Dawson lead the line-up that captures where modern music is heading – blending live electronics, heavy experimentalism, off-centre pop and raw guitar energy. Other venues being used for the 2025 edition include the former Bristol IMAX, Strange Brew, The Sportsmans, Rough Trade, and The Christmas Steps.
Also announced are: These New Puritans, Fievel Is Glauque, Joshua Idehen + The Social Singing Choir, MOULD, Rachika Nayar, Lucy Gooch, Florence Sinclair, The Zawose Queens, Hotline TNT, Mandrake Handshake, Mechatok, Jawnino, Ceephax Acid Crew, Y, Horse Vision, Mystery Tiime, 10 years of Nyege Nyege Tapes showcase, The Sick Man of Europe, Smerz, The Orielles, Malibu, Upchuck, Iglooghost and a showcase of favourite acts from World Snooker Champion, DJ and Bristol resident Steve Davis.
“There is never a year when getting all the Simple Things jigsaw pieces out of the box isn’t exciting,” said Thomas Frost, Co-Founder and Director at Crack Magazine. “This edition is no different. Working together on a line-up that is musically representative of what we do at Crack Magazine, and creating a whole package that feels essential, is always a highlight, and we can’t wait to continue building around this incredible first phase of musical talent.”
More acts will be revealed over the coming months, as well as a closing show on Sunday, November 9 and other shows in the lead-up to the main day, plus after-party details for November 8. Tickets to Simple Things are on sale now starting from £55. You can keep up to date with Simple Things and purchase tickets by heading here.