Nene Valley Rock Festival announces 2025 lineup at Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne

Excitement is brewing within the music community with the release of tickets for the highly anticipated Nene Valley Rock Festival, set to take place at Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne. This four-day extravaganza is a haven for rock, blues, and prog rock enthusiasts, offering a blend of live music, culinary delights, beverages, and entertainment from Thursday, September 4 to Sunday, September 7.

The festival, originally named after its former location, boasts an impressive line-up of headliners that promises an unforgettable experience for attendees. Dare, featuring Thin Lizzy’s Darren Wharton, will kick off the event on the first evening, followed by the ’80s rock stylings of Cats in Space on Friday. Legendary performer The Crazy World of Arthur Brown will captivate the crowd with his iconic track “Fire” during his Saturday headline performance. Closing out the festival on Sunday evening will be Uli Jon Roth, former frontman of The Scorpions, accompanied by support from Atomic Rooster, a popular band from the 1970s.

Local talent will also have a prominent presence at the festival, with Stamford’s Dancing Wu Li Masters taking the stage on Thursday. Other Lincolnshire acts, including Candacraig from Ruskington and Lincoln-based group Izengard, will also showcase their musical prowess. With a total of 56 bands spread across three stages, attendees can expect non-stop music from 5pm to around 11.30pm on Thursday and from 11am to 11.30pm on the remaining days.

In an exciting twist, one slot in the line-up is up for grabs in a ‘battle of the bands’ style competition. Four bands will compete in each of the four heats, with the winners progressing to the final showdown at the Jolly Brewer on July 27. The triumphant band will have the honor of opening the Saturday festivities at the festival.

For those looking to quench their thirst, the beer tent will cater to all preferences with a diverse selection of local and nationwide real ales, including favorites such as Elgood’s Black Dog and Oakham Inferno. In addition to beers, a variety of lagers, ciders, wines, and spirits will also be available to festival-goers.

Tickets for the Nene Valley Rock Festival, both for the entire four days and single-day passes, can be purchased online. Camping and motorhome spaces, along with electric hook-ups, can also be reserved through the festival’s website.