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.
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.
Saturdays General and Sunday Presale tickets go on sale Friday 7th March via www.bigsmokefest.london with payment plan options available. Fans can expect Sunday General Onsale to follow at the end of March.
South Facing Festival
South Facing is a summer open-air festival at the iconic Crystal Palace Bowl, featuring world-class music, top-tier street food, and craft drinks. Past headliners have included Grace Jones, Damian Marley, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, plus special performances from the English National Opera. Easily accessible via Crystal Palace, Penge West, and Gipsy Hill stations, South Facing combines music, food, and culture in a legendary venue. The festival is brought to life by the world’s leading live entertainment company, Live Nation Entertainment and Soundcrash, renowned for producing some of the UK’s most celebrated live music events, including Margate Summer Series at Dreamland, Colchester Castle Summer Series, Hitchin Priory Summer Series and a whole host of incredible touring shows. https://southfacingfestival.com/
