Lindisfarne Festival 2025: DOVES Announced as Final Headliner for the North East’s Wildest Weekend

Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Northumberland coastline, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Holy Island, Lindisfarne Festival returns this August bank holiday for what promises to be its biggest, boldest, and most breathtaking celebration yet—marking an incredible 10 years of unforgettable music, mischief, and memories.

And now, with the legendary Doves confirmed to headline the Friday night alongside Armand Van Helden, the countdown just got even more exciting.

The Mercury Prize-nominated trio - known for their cinematic soundscapes and soaring, soul-stirring anthems - will take to the Shorefields Main Stage fresh off the release of their critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Constellations For The Lonely. Their long-awaited return adds an emotional, electric depth to a festival already known for its atmosphere.

“Doves are a band that move people - sonically and emotionally,” says festival spokesperson Debbie Travis-Waller. “Having them headline our Friday night feels momentous. This year is all about reflection, celebration, and looking forward, and their new album taps into all of that. It’s going to be magic.”

Whether you’re a festival first-timer or a returning reveller who knows their way to the Dingle Dell blindfolded, this guide has everything you need to prepare for a weekend of epic tunes, seaside sunrises and serious good vibes.

Having emerged from the ashes of 90s dance act Sub Sub, Doves burst onto the UK alternative scene in 2000 with their Mercury Prize-nominated debut Lost Souls, cementing their place as purveyors of emotionally rich, cinematic indie rock. Across six studio - albums including three UK Number 1s—the Manchester trio have developed a devoted following, drawn to their sweeping soundscapes and introspective lyricism.

Where It All Goes Down: The Stunning Setting of Beal Farm

Set on the private grounds of Beal Farm, with panoramic views stretching across to Lindisfarne (Holy Island), this boutique festival site is genuinely one of the most picturesque spots on the UK festival map. With open skies, sea air, and ancient castle silhouettes on the horizon, it feels a million miles from your day-to-day grind - yet it’s incredibly accessible by road or rail, located just an hour north of Newcastle and a little over an hour south of Edinburgh.

“It’s not just about the music,” says Debbie. “It’s about being completely transported - to a place where the sea meets the soul, and every corner of the site hides something new to discover.”

Tickets & Entry: What You Need to Know

This is an 18+ only event, meaning it’s exclusively for grown-up good times - no kids, no early bedtimes, just pure, uninhibited festival freedom.

- Full Weekend Tickets include access from Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st August, plus standard camping.

- Friday–Sunday Tickets offer entry from Friday 29th with full access to all stages, workshops, comedy, wellness areas, and more.

- Saturday Day Tickets are perfect for one-night-only adventurers, with camping included.

Don’t forget to purchase Vehicle Passes in advance for any cars, campervans or live-in vehicles. And yes - VIPee Toilets are back.

Sleeping Under the Stars: Camping & Glamping Options

Camping is included in all weekend tickets, but if you like your pillow plush, upgrade to glamping. Quiet camping areas are also available for those after a slower pace.

“This year we’ve gone bigger on the glamping village,” says the spokesperson. “We want people to wake up refreshed—even if they’ve been raving in The Temple ‘til 4am!”

Getting There, Parking Up & Shuttling In

Whether by car, train, or campervan, it’s easy to get here. Trains run to nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed, with shuttles whisking you straight into the festival spirit.

The Lineup: Music, Magic, and Mystery

Headliners for 2025 now include Doves, Armand Van Helden, Jamie Webster, The Waterboys, and Hawkwind—a genre-defying collective of indie legends, dancefloor icons and sonic storytellers.

Also performing this year are The Fratellis, Lottery Winners, Scouting for Girls, Lucy Spraggan, Dub Pistols, Utah Saints, and 150+ more artists. From singalongs at the Shorefields Main Stage to deep cuts in Dingle Dell, every part of the site hums with discovery.

“If you like discovering bands you’ve never heard of and then falling madly in love with them while dancing barefoot in a field - this is the place,” adds Debbie “We curate the lineup for curious souls.”

More Than Just Music

Expect:

- Comedy, poetry and spoken word

- Yoga, fire dancing, beatboxing and workshops

- Sea-shanties, meditation and wellness zones

- Secret sets, surprise performances and spontaneous silliness

Dog-Friendly Vibes (Yes, Really!)

Lindisfarne is dog-friendly - bring your pup, keep them on a lead, and let them enjoy the vibes too. There’s even a dog welfare station with shade tents, treats, and water courtesy of The Paw Society.

Accessibility for All

The festival is proudly inclusive with:

- Designated accessible camping and parking

- Main Stage viewing platform

- Free carer ticket options

- On-site accessibility stewards

So if you're looking for a soulless, corporate festival with overpriced pints and no personality- you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re ready to dance in wellies under the stars, howl at the moon with your dog, and lose yourself in music that moves you, Lindisfarne Festival 2025 is where it’s at.

“This isn’t just a festival,” Debbie finishes, “it’s a community, a celebration, and a reminder that life is best lived barefoot in a field with your favourite people and your favourite songs.”

Tickets are on sale now, and they’re flying. Head to lindisfarnefestival.com to grab yours, see the full lineup, and start dreaming of a weekend you’ll talk about for years to come.