The Independent announces today that it will be the exclusive news partner of The Great Escape for the third year running. This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever, kicking off a day early on Wednesday 14th May to bring an extra day of live music to Brighton’s most iconic venues.
Returning once more to The Old Market, The Independent Stage will this year present British rock icons Skunk Anansie, offering fans their only chance to join the band in an intimate club setting as part of their upcoming sold-out UK headline tour. The alternative quartet will take the stage a week before the release of their hugely anticipated new album The Painful Truth on 23rd May.
Formed in London in 1994, Skunk Anansie stood out from the get-go with their distinctive blend of alternative, rock, and punk. Lead singer Skin referred to this ‘amalgam of heavy metal and Black feminist rage’ as ‘clit-rock’. Outspoken lyrics and attention-grabbing live performances cemented the group’s position as one of the most significant bands of their generation.
The Great Escape today announced over 175 new names joining an already phenomenal line-up, representing a diverse array of hotly-tipped new talent from across the world. This new wave of musicians and performers brings the total number of acts for 2025 to over 450.
As well as presenting their eponymous stage, The Independent will bring its music-loving readership exclusive news and coverage from the festival. The partnership continues The Independent’s proud tradition of supporting music and cultural initiatives, forming collaborative relationships with major European festivals including Sziget and Bilbao BBK Live, and the literary hotspot Hay Festival.
The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, says: “I’m beyond thrilled that The Independent will host the phenomenal Skunk Anansie at The Great Escape 2025. One of the UK’s most pioneering and radical rock bands, they are poised to release their brilliant new album, The Painful Truth, and remind us why they continue to hold such a special place in British music. I can’t wait to join the TGE audience to see what I know will be an incredible and rare intimate performance, supported by some truly inspiring new talent.”
Adam Ryan, Head of Music, The Great Escape, comments: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Independent for this year’s festival. With their shared commitment to celebrating groundbreaking talent, this collaboration allows us to amplify the reach of both the festival and the conference. We’re especially excited to announce that the iconic Skunk Anansie will perform on their stage, bringing an electrifying energy to our already diverse lineup.”
The Great Escape will return to Brighton from 14th – 17th May 2025. Please see tickets for TGE 2025 here.
