Mucky Weekender 2025 Preview - The Drum and Bass UK Festival Guide Article Image
8th August 2025

Mucky Weekender 2025 Preview - The Drum and Bass UK Festival Guide

Drum and Bass UK previews Mucky Weekender 2025 in Winchester, with Fabio & Grooverider, DJ Rap, DJ Krust and more across themed stages and a strong welcome for sober ravers.

11–13 September 2025 – Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott (Winchester)

For those still clinging to festival season before the weather turns, Mucky Weekender returns this September with a mighty line-up and a boutique setting that consistently punches above its weight. Curated by Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols, the event has grown into a cult favourite and not just for the music, but for its tight-knit atmosphere and crowd-first ethos.

Now in its sixth edition, and fifth at the scenic Vicarage Farm near Winchester, the 2025 instalment runs from Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 September and features a killer selection of talent across four themed stages and a countryside bar space. It may be compact at around 5,000 capacity, but there is nothing small about the line-up or the attention to detail.

Drum & Bass Royalty on the Bill

This year’s line-up is packed with bassweight legends. Headliners Fabio & Grooverider once again bring their foundation knowledge to the dance, joined by fellow pioneers like DJ Krust, DJ Die and the iconic DJ Rap.

Expect a proper Bristol-meets-London history lesson when these names hit the decks, from early jungle rollers to modern heavyweight selections. They are joined by Jaguar Skills, Eva Lazarus, Leeroy Thornhill (formerly of The Prodigy), and the ever-fierce Ray Keith, who continue to keep the breaks culture alive and evolving.

This is not a token D&B offering. It is a proper showcase woven through the weekend, with each artist given space to deliver on dedicated, high-production stages like the Riot Truck and Crazy Diamond.

Drum and Bass Icons at Mucky Weekender 2025

Beyond Bass - A Cross-Genre Carnival

While drum and bass is deeply embedded in the programme, Mucky Weekender casts its net wide. The event champions a broad mix of underground sounds, featuring artists like Groove Armada (DJ set), David Rodigan, Leftfield (DJ set), Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Don Letts, The Orb, Utah Saints, Alison Limerick, and Dub Pistols & Friends.

Spread across multiple immersive areas, each stage is decked out with lighting, decor and themes that create a genuinely transportive rave environment. Expect vibrant chaos with a sense of humour, and top-drawer sound quality throughout.

Sober Ravers and Solo Dancers: Come As You Are

One of the most distinctive aspects of Mucky Weekender is its active welcome to sober ravers and solo attendees. New for 2025 is FUNC, a dedicated non-alcoholic bar and social space serving up creative alcohol-free drinks with festival energy. It is a deliberate step toward accessibility and inclusion, making space for everyone to enjoy the music without pressure or exclusion.

Backing this up is the presence of Cocaine Anonymous UK, who will be on-site to offer non-judgemental, discreet support for anyone navigating recovery or looking for a calm moment away from the buzz.

Whether you are two months into sobriety, simply not drinking, or flying solo to your first festival, Mucky provides a respectful and welcoming environment. This is not just marketing speak. It’s a conscious cultural shift the team is proud to embed into the fabric of the event.

Dead Famous Returns

Every Mucky Weekender has a theme, and 2025 sees the return of the much-loved Dead Famous fancy dress concept. From Bowie to Winehouse, Hendrix to Prince, expect a field full of fallen icons resurrected through sequins, wigs and a serious amount of effort.

The commitment to costume is genuine and infectious. You do not have to dress up, but you might wish you had when you spot a full Ziggy Stardust in a mosh pit at midnight.

Tickets and Waiting List

The 2025 edition of Mucky Weekender is now completely sold out. With a 5,000-capacity limit and a fiercely loyal crowd, tickets moved faster than ever this year. For those still hoping to join the party, there is an official waiting list in place for any final returns.

If you want to be first in line for these, sign up now via the Linktree link or visit the Mucky Weekender website for the latest updates and festival information.

Final Thoughts

Mucky Weekender is not the biggest or most polished festival on the calendar, and that is exactly why it stands out. It is about connection, creativity, and the kind of lineup that manages to feel both legendary and down-to-earth. For the drum and bass community especially, it is a rare chance to see true originators side-by-side in an intimate, well-loved setting.

Drum and Bass UK will be there across the weekend to capture the energy and report back with a full post-event review. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket, we will see you in the fields.

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