TRNSMT Festival 2025 | A Scottish Triumph
TRNSMT festival 2025, held from 11th to the 13th July at Glasgow Green, was an unforgettable celebration of indie and pop music. Music fans from all over the UK and beyond usually come prepared for rain, but this year was different, the sun shone brightly over everyone. With temperatures in the high 20s, festival-goers were encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, and sunscreen was even provided on site.
This unforgettable weekend was defined by an exceptional array of musical performances, with Saturday’s headline set ending in a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Glasgow sky. Across the festival grounds, three distinct stages offered dynamic platforms for a diverse range of artists. The Main Stage hosted a lineup of large, iconic acts, drawing massive crowds with their high-energy sets. Complementing this, the King Tut's Stage served as a vital hub for both established and burgeoning talent, allowing up-and-coming musicians to showcase their skills and connect with new fans. Additionally, the Riverside (BBC Introducing) Stage, nestled amongst dense trees, provided not only an intimate setting for emerging artists but also a much-appreciated shaded sanctuary for festival-goers seeking respite from the unusually strong sun. Each stage played a crucial role in curating a rich and varied musical experience throughout the event.
Friday, July 11th
Friday marked the dynamic opening of TRNSMT 2025, with blue skies overhead setting a vibrant tone. Eager fans arrived at the festival gates well in advance, keen to immerse themselves fully in every moment of the highly anticipated weekend. Kicking off the Main Stage proceedings were Glasgow's own Twin Atlantic, whose high-energy performance immediately captivated the crowd. Their set, concluding with the fan-favourite "Heart and Soul," effectively laid the groundwork for the day's excitement. While many attendees eagerly awaited the highly anticipated headline performance by 50 Cent, it was arguably Wet Leg that truly captivated and became the standout act of the day. The Isle of Wight duo, quickly emerging as one of TRNSMT's most talked-about acts, delivered an electrifying performance, with lead singer Rhian Teasdale commanding the stage with a blend of confidence and swagger, even playfully flexing her muscles during the introduction to their track "Catch These Fists."
The Smirnoff Presents King Tut's Stage on Friday consistently mirrored the high energy from the Main Stage, featuring a compelling lineup that included Good Neighbours, The Royston Club, and ultimately, the headlining act, Confidence Man. The Australian duo, Confidence Man, delivered what could only be described as a masterclass in festival performance, captivating the audience with their impeccably synchronized dance routines and irresistibly catchy vocals. This dynamic stage successfully maintained an elevated level of crowd energy and fostered an undeniably positive atmosphere as the sun set on a truly triumphant opening day at TRNSMT Festival.
Saturday, July 12th
The second day of TRNSMT, was once again bathed in glorious sunshine, a truly welcome rarity for Glasgow. The Main Stage was expertly warmed up by an array of exceptional artists in anticipation of Scotland's beloved Biffy Clyro. Notable performances included Lucia & the Best Boys, Inhaler, Sigrid, and Alessi Rose, each contributing to the escalating excitement. Simultaneously, the King Tut's Stage offered a diverse musical landscape, featuring acts spanning indie, folk, and electronic genres, ensuring a compelling experience for all musical preferences. The evening on this stage culminated with an electrifying set from electronic duo Underworld, who delivered a truly unforgettable performance.
One of Saturday's most anticipated moments was the secret set, which drew speculation from across the entire arena as attendees debated the identity of "Mrs. Rock and Roll." The reveal of Amy Macdonald on stage ignited an eruption of cheers and excitement from the crowd. Her performance served as an ideal prelude to her upcoming headline shows at the OVO Hydro later in the year.
As dusk settled over the TRNSMT Ferris wheel, Biffy Clyro dramatically took to the Main Stage, their arrival met with thunderous applause that echoed throughout Glasgow Green. Celebrating three decades since their formation, the trio demonstrated their status as one of Scotland’s most influential modern bands. Their set was a powerful retrospective, packed with fan favourites like "Bubbles" and "Mountains," complemented by impressive pyrotechnic displays. This deeply emotional and ferociously delivered performance ended in a stunning fireworks display, a memorable highlight for many who attended TRNSMT 2025.
Sunday, July 13th
As the third and final day dawned, Sunday saw music lovers once again congregate at Glasgow Green. This particular day truly shone a spotlight on emerging talent, beginning strongly on the Main Stage with Nieve Ella, who commanded the stage, surrounded by her loyal fanbase. Later, the King Tut's Stage proudly welcomed Scottish vocalists Rianne Downey and Nina Nesbitt, both of whom delivered captivating performances with their angelic vocals, thoroughly enchanting their respective audiences.
The Main Stage also played host to a series of heartfelt and engaging sets from artists such as Tom Walker, Nathan Evans, and Myles Smith, each delivering faultless vocal performances that resonated deeply with the crowd. While Snow Patrol delivered a nostalgic performance that brought the day to a close with beloved hits, it was Gracie Abrams's beautiful set that many considered the true highlight of Sunday.
Festival Conclusion
Scotland has proven that it can do summer festivals just as well as it does the cold and rain. From the power of Biffy Clyro’s anniversary set to Amy MacDonald’s secret set, every moment of TRNSMT 2025 was laced with unforgettable memories. The festival didn’t only deliver on the promise of incredible music, but redefined what a Scottish music festival can look like, proving that the only thing pouring consistently in Glasgow is their incredible fans and pure bliss.