The Independent is pleased to announce its exclusive international news partnership with Bilbao BBK Live 2025. This new relationship will offer festival fans and The Independent’s music enthusiast readers an exhilarating combination of exclusive news, coverage and reviews of this year’s festival lineup.
Bilbao BBK Live, widely known for its diverse and artistic features of established and breakthrough talent, is set to return to Kobetamendi on 10–12 July 2025.
This year, the festival will be introducing Gorria, its new club concept that allows each night to be curated by a different collective. Pulp, one of Britpop’s most iconic bands, will kick off the fun, making their debut in Bilbao as one of the festival’s headliners. Grammy-award winner Kaytranada will be joining them, delivering his exciting blend of house, hip-hop, and R&B. With the promise of breakthrough talents like English Teacher, Wunderhorse and Hofe, day one of the festival looks set to be a hit.
As Bilbao BBK Live continues to celebrate female and queer talent, day two will be entirely led by female headliners, starting with dynamic vocalist Raye and dancehall queen Bad Gyal. Kylie Minogue will take the stage as the final headliner of the festival, providing her classic fusion of electronic beats and pop.
Others due to perform include Damiano David, frontman of Måneskin, and pioneering pop band Sparks, with Mirua and Tatta & Denso representing the local Basque scene. Many other new and returning talents will grace the stage in between, with The Blessed Madonna presenting ‘WE STILL BELIEVE’ as the event’s finale.
The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, remarked: “We’re so pleased to be partnering with Bilbao BBK, a festival that aligns with so much of what we stand for. In the UK, more music lovers choose The Independent than any other news brand – and our readers are incredibly passionate about travel too. So we’re looking forward to seeing many of them in Spain – and for those who can’t be there, we’ll bring highlights of this very special festival to homes around the world.”
Eva Castillo, Communications Director for Bilbao BBK Live, commented: “Partnering with The Independent is an exciting moment for Bilbao BBK Live. As a festival that thrives on creativity, diversity, and pushing boundaries, collaborating with such an iconic platform allows us to amplify our shared passion for music and culture. Through this partnership, we look forward to bringing audiences closer to the artists, stories, and experience that make Bilbao BBK Live so unique.”
Tickets for Bilbao BBK are available at bilbaobbklive.com and Fever Up, including promotional passes and group passes (limited until 1 April).
