Notts music festival is on shortlist for national award - as first names for 2025 edition are unveiled

Tens of thousands of festival fans have been casting their votes with over 200 UK festivals to choose from. GTSF now finds itself in the top six going into the final in Bristol in early December.

"We're over the moon to be shortlisted, “ says festival director Mike Kirrage.

“Since the move to Kirklington post-Covid, the festival has been on a definite up. So far this year, there have been record sales before we'd announced a single name; it’s a clear indication that people trust us to put on a great show.

"The Best Small Festival award is decided by the public, so a big thank you to all our loyal supporters, our friends, for their votes so far. Gate To Southwell is entirely run by volunteers and this achievement goes some way to acknowledging everything their dedication and hard work has created"

This positive news comes as GTSF announce the first wave of international artists for the 2025 festival (to take place at Kirklington from July 3 to 6).

Thursday night's headliner will be former Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden, performing with his award-winning band The Remnant Kings.

Jon has rightly been described in The Guardian’s folk reviews as “the stand out performer of his generation”.

Also lining up for GTSF 2025, the Madrid-based Track Dogs return after successful visits in 2021 and 2023, as do Italian country blues and ragtime duo Veronica Sbergia & Max Bernardi.

Much acclaimed London band Skinny Lister will make their first appearance at the festival bringing comparisons with the “high octane folk funk” of Dexys and The Pogues.

More traditionally, there’s the outstanding musicianship of The Rosie Hood Band, and also She Shanties, a group of vocally strong women who love a “right good sing”.

In addition, there’s Bohemian folk pop from Australian Lucy Gallant and the five-part harmonies and musical virtuosity of The Hunch led by Hedgehog Pie’s Mick Doonan.

Last but not least among the initial announcements, there’s the talented young folk band Evolution of Fishermen who have just released their first EP Days Like These and are selling out gigs in London.

Check GTSF.uk for further announcements and tickets.