Pavilion Festival has today (Thursday, 30th January) announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live.
Taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend (Friday, 2nd - Sunday, 4th May 2025), this year’s event marks a new milestone, expanding into a three-day extravaganza with the debut of Ayr Beach Live on Friday, headlined by legendary Britpop icons James alongside a host of celebrated 00s and new alt-rock acts.
Day tickets and full weekend tickets go on sale Friday, 31st January at 10am via https://www.skiddle.com/g/pavilionfestival/ Payment plans available to split the costs for festival goers.
The seaside festival will now present three days of jam-packed electrifying shows and programming that is sure to connect with music fans everywhere across the bank holiday weekend. Friday will host 90s Britpop and alt-rock before headliners James; Saturday is for the dance fans with Ewan McVicar joined by his friends like Ben Hemsley, Annie Mac and more; whilst Sunday will see the STREETrave team take over with heritage dance acts and a closing night headline slot from Happy Mondays.
The Saturday lineup, curated by homegrown talent Ewan McVicar, brings together an outstanding selection of world-class electronic talent. For the first time at Ayr, McVicar will deliver an unmissable back-to-back set with his friends.
Joining McVicar at Pavilion Festival are heavy-hitters like award-winning electronic producer and DJ, Ben Hemsley, Swedish superstar DJ Seinfeld, and Radio 1 host broadcaster and author Annie Mac who first championed McVicar’s chart-topping hit Tell Me Something Good in 2021.
The three-dayer festival will also see a Sunday takeover by the much-loved STREETrave team, featuring the legendary Happy Mondays, STREETrave Classical with the awe-inspiring 35 piece symphonic orchestra and host of powerhouse talent like house legend Danny Rampling, beat godfather A Guy Called Gerald and Shades of Rhythm.
After last year’s debut, the Sub Club stage will once again bring the heat with legendary techno pioneer Robert Hood headlining, selectors Ogazón and Sub Club legendary residents Harri & Domenic, Telford and Stevie Cox. A platform for new talent, the Ten Tent will also return for 2025, with a programme of local artists, Dublin’s DART headlining and the Ten residents CAIRNS, ROOSE and DALE taking centre stage
The festival, co-founded by international DJ and producer Ewan McVicar and STREETrave pioneer Ricky Magowan, continues to showcase an unparalleled mix of live music and cutting-edge electronic beats in the picturesque seaside setting of Ayr Beach’s Low Green. With an expected audience of over 16,500 music lovers across the weekend, Pavilion Festival 2025 has gone all out to make year three a massive success.
Festival upgrades include major investments in infrastructure and design, ensuring attendees can enjoy a seamless experience no matter the weather. New features include enhanced weatherproofing with a state-of-the-art, 5000-cap, Big Top style tent (coined as the ‘Electric Brae’) alongside experiential lighting and high quality sound. Exciting pop-ups and secret bars hidden across the site and a dedication to event production and sound. .
Saul Davies from James said:
“Scotland has always been amazing for our band. And we are honoured to be able to kick off our year of live shows with our first ever performance in Ayr! Can't wait, it's going to be magic! See you there!"
Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays said: “We’re buzzing to be heading to the Pavilion Festival in Ayr on the 4th of May – it’s gonna be a top day, proper tunes, good vibes, and loads of happy faces.”
Ewan McVicar, co-founder of Pavilion Festival, said:
“It’s always been about bringing something different to Ayr; DJs and artists that would never make it to the west coast normally. We are an independent festival, so it’s about helping the town, supporting home-grown, grass-roots talent, and celebrating the community.”
Tickets are selling fast for what promises to be Pavilion Festival’s biggest year yet. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Scotland’s most exciting events on Ayr Beach.
Pavilion Festival takes place on Friday, 2nd May until Sunday, 4th May 2025 at Ayr Beach.
Pavilion Festival Presents:
Friday 2nd May: Ayr Beach Live
The all-new Friday lineup introduces Ayr Beach Live, an unmissable celebration of nostalgia featuring James as headliners. They’ll be joined by a host of other live Brit pop and alternative rock acts delivering a vibrant start to the weekend with timeless hits and crowd-pleasing performances.
Saturday, 3rd May: Ewan McVicar & Pals
Saturday sees Pavilion Festival co-founder and international sensation Ewan McVicar take the reins for a day curated by him and his closest friends. Highlights include Ewan’s electrifying B2B sets with top-tier talent, joined by Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, DJ Seinfield, Sally C, and more. For fans of underground sounds, the Sub Club Stage will host techno legend Robert Hood, Scottish trailblazers Optimo, and other top selectors.
Sunday, 4th May: STREETrave Takeover
Rounding off the weekend, Sunday brings a nostalgic STREETrave Takeover, headlined by Happy Mondays and featuring heritage dance acts alongside the awe-inspiring STREETrave Classical, celebrating 30+ years of dance music culture.
Tickets for all shows go on sale on Friday, 31st January. Payment Plans available to help festival goers split the cost. https://www.skiddle.com/g/pavilionfestival/
