North Yorkshire’s Deer Shed Festival has announced their first bookings for their 2025 edition. The first acts scheduled to appear include headliner Wunderhorse, special guests Idlewild, plus Big Special, Ibibio Sound Machine, Joan As Police Woman, The Unthanks and more.
Joining the literary line up is Stuart Murdoch, the lead singer and songwriter of indie pop band Belle and Sebastian, who will be discussing his first novel ‘Nobody’s Empire’.
The comedy bill will see John Shuttleworth & Scummy Mummies, ‘Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Frankie Monroe, plus Barbara Nice and Eleanor Morten.
Making a very welcome return to Deer Shed is Ibibio Sound Machine, with a penultimate slot on the mainstage. No strangers to Deer Shed (remember the flash mob in 2017?), their sound has evolved since they last graced the festival, with their recently released EP ‘Black Notes’ (remixed by Joe Goddard, Hot Chip) taking an unmistakable housey sidestep. A vibrant ensemble, fusing West African rhythms with electronic beats, creating an irresistible blend of Afro-funk, disco, and modern dance music. Fronted by charismatic vocalist Eno Williams, the band draws inspiration from her Nigerian heritage, incorporating lyrics in English and Ibibio, a language of southern Nigeria. Their music features infectious grooves, brassy horns, and pulsating synths, seamlessly bridging traditional and futuristic sounds. The Deer Shed team are looking forward to how this widening of musical horizons manifests itself live.
Debuting at Deer Shed next summer is Scotland’s Hamish Hawk (mentored by Deer Shed favourite, King Creosote), Manchester’s spoken-word artist & rising-star Antony Szmierek, South African musician Moonchild Sanelly (bringing her signature blend of gqom, hip-hop, and Afro-punk energy to the stage) and Liverpool’s intoxicating indie rock duo King Hannah.
Also announced today are BODEGA, Divorce, Roddy Woomble, Honesty, The None, Olive Grinter, Tommy WÁ and Ugly, Kapow Wrestling, Nerf Gun Arena, Wild Swimming, Sauna Sessions, Ice Baths, Wild Run, Børn of the Forest, Theatre, Cinema, Fire Side Sessions, Kayaking, Tinkertown- City of Play, Science, Sport, Workshops, Yoga and more to come
An innovator of a family-friendly format that doesn’t forgo exciting and contemporary musical and cultural curation, Deer Shed Festival is an event carefully designed to be a brilliant experience for all ages. A festival for all – families, friends and fans.
