Skepta has announced the return of the Big Smoke Festival as part of this year’s South Facing, the highly anticipated multi-genre music event taking place at Crystal Palace Bowl on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th August 2025. Following the resounding success of last year’s debut, the festival is back with another incredible lineup, handpicked by the Mercury Prize-winning artist. With performances spread across two expertly curated days, the event continues to celebrate the vibrant music cultures that Skepta champions.
Headlining the Big Smoke stage on Saturday is Skepta himself, delivering another electrifying full-scale festival performance. Phase One line up includes the likes of up-and-comer Chy Cartier and Grime Scene Saviour, Chip, ahead of his hotly anticipated LP set for release in April. Big Smoke Festival will also bring together a never seen before B2B of Grime MC FM (JME) and The Den (Frisco), two legends of the UK independent scene. Expect special guests and unforgettable performances- summer 2025 really is the summer of grime.
The Phase One line-up for Sunday 10th August is revealed — and it’s a heavyweight showcase of global dance talent and underground energy, curated by Skepta under his Más Tiempo imprint. Plus, a very special guest is still to be announced — expect a name that will send shockwaves through the dance world.
On Sunday, Más Tiempo will take the reins for a full takeover with Skepta stepping back on stage, this time taking to the decks. Phase One line up will follow at the end of March- expect London club favourites and pioneers of the dance scene. Following sold-out shows at Fabric, the Cause, Drumsheds, the brand continues to solidify itself as a pioneering brand of London’s music scene.
Skepta says: “Big Smoke is a festival in London, for London and I can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve got planned for this year’s edition. We continue to think of new ways to do things differently, so I’m excited to release the full line up. See you at the Bowl in August- greaze!”
Skepta, award winning MC, producer, designer, director, and founding member of seminal British grime collective Boy Better Know, unveiled his new label Más Tiempo in 2022. Firmly rooted in the values of the UK’s thriving dance music community, Skepta and Más Tiempo have elevated the house music scene to new heights. Now returning to rap, Skepta launched his new project 48 Hours and released Why Lie? featuring Flo Milli.
Headlining the Sunday programme is Skepta himself, returning behind the decks for an exclusive Más Tiempo set, following a sold-out run of events at venues like Fabric, The Cause, and Drumshed all between a packed summer schedule for Más Tiempo, with a residency at UNVRS, Glastonbury, a US tour and more Joining him is genre-defying techno legend Maceo Plex, the dynamic and globally renowned Ilario Alicante, and grime pioneer Jammer, stepping into dance territory in signature Big Smoke style.
Also announced are some of the most exciting B2B sets of the summer: powerhouse duo Syreeta b2b Kitty Amor, underground stalwarts Djammin b2b Ossie, and the much-hyped The Menendez Brothers b2b Meeshy..
This follows the previously announced Saturday line-up, with live performances from Skepta, Central Cee, Chip, JME & Frisco (B2B), and more, showcasing the best of UK rap and grime in one of the most anticipated live moments of the year.
Big Smoke Festival is part of South Facing Festival, London’s leading open-air summer series. Past headliners have included Grace Jones, Damian Marley, Bombay Bicycle Club and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Final tier tickets are on sale now at www.bigsmokefest.london. Weekend passes are still available but running low — don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the biggest cultural moments of 2025.
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