Festival Preview: Outbreak Ones to Watch
Festival season is well underway, and we turn our attention to one of the best and most exciting weekends of the year. Outbreak returns to Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre for another big year while also throwing in the bonus of a London edition for the very first time. With a stacked line-up spread over the 3 days, I’ll be looking at some of the must see acts that’ll be taking to the stage.
Kicking us off it’s hard not to mention the headline slot of Turnstile playing exclusively in London. Releasing their latest record ‘Never Enough’ only last week, the Turnstile summer is certainly off to a huge start – their versatility with this record highlights just where this band are in their career. The record is certainly a different vibe to what fans are used to but hits hard none the less, being one of the most anticipated records for 2025, they have delivered. Having look at some of their recent footage from shows at Primavera Sound over the weekend, the Outbreak faithful are in for something special when these guys close off the day.
Saturday will see some great names take on the Manchester crowds with the likes of Brooklyn based four-piece Momma who will be opening the main stage. Releasing their latest record ‘Welcome to My Blue Sky’ earlier this year, the quartet are set to play their first Outbreak and bring their hammering riffs, staccato drumbeats, and indelibly sweet vocals to the mix. Big names like Final Resting Place, Fleshwater and first timers Witch Fever are all must watch bands on Saturday – each bringing a different vibe to their sets but certainly all provide incredible live shows in their own way with intense high energy.
Opening up the 3rd stage on Saturday will be Londoners Ikhras who will bring their raging hardcore punk sound to the party. Their music exercises everything that this genre has to offer while highlighting everything that needs to be spoken about in this world. Their lyrics are sung in Arabic and English, taking you on a journey of resistance against illegal occupation, religious control, western fragility and serves as an attack on ignorance rooted in liberal thinking - this will be an experience not to be missed. Rounding off the Saturday will be the incredible Glassjaw who will be Performing songs from ‘Worship and Tribute’ and ‘Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence’ in what is set to be a special closer.
The Sunday is as stacked as it can possible get, cramming the must see’s into one space will never be easy but lets give it a go. One band for me that is a must will be the return of Leeds based Pest Control. The 5-piece are half way through what has been an incredible year so far for them with support slots with Knocked Loose, Obituary and Terror as well as having their own Kerrang! Magazine cover story. Singer Leah Massey works every inch of the stage and knows exactly how to get any crowd moving. This year will see them take place on the main stage for their biggest slot at the festival yet.
Turning our attention to the rest of Sunday’s mammoth selection, other notable names throughout the day are names that bring some serious action to their live shows - Aussie kings Speed are always welcomed on UK soil and bring one hell of a show every time. We are also in for a treat from the likes of Pain of Truth, Contention and a big opening day set from Xweaponx who will be kicking off the main stage. Mid-day will also see a secret set take place on the main stage, with fans guessing, whoever we have will be certain to have a big crowd to get going.
Out-with the music, there is other things to get up to in between your favourite acts. From a barbers to a great selection of alcohol and coffee as well as a wide spread of merch from bands to festival branded. The biggest question is what food vendors will be back this year - with the famous salt & chili on everyone’s mind, time will tell if they are back again for another year.
After their huge headline show for the 10 year anniversary in 2022, Kentucky giants Knocked Loose are back again to bring an even bigger show to the Outbreak site. With a new album under their belts as well as their sold out Manchester show in February earlier this year, this set is gearing up to be something on another level especially with no barrier. With a day filled with no stop action, Knocked Loose will be seeing off this festival in killer style. They already have a big summer and with this being their only UK appearance, its down to the Manchester and London to produce.
