Denmark’s Roskilde Festival continues to stand apart as a beacon of artistic integrity and social impact since its inception in 1971. They recently unveiled the final fourteen acts and completed its full 2025 lineup; boasting an impressive 185 acts from forty-five countries, set to run from June 28th to July 5th. Featured artists include none other than Charli XCX, Deftones, Stormzy, Olivia Rodrigo, Doechii, Nine Inch Nails, and much more. Just as the festival brings on an impressive array of chart-topping legends and rising talent of all genres, the festival remains committed to charitable causes.
See the full lineup below:
New Talents Emerge
In the final lineup, among the 14 additions announced are several acts poised for breakthrough success. British rising star Rachel Chinouriri brings her quirky, upbeat alt-pop to Denmark. Nominated for two Brit Awards and known for her hits like “All I Ever Asked” and “Never Need Me”, Rachel is set to captivate audiences with her distinctive voice and indie-pop on July 5th, Saturday, in the Roskilde Arena.
Similarily, English soul collective MRCY also promises one of the festival’s most dynamic live performances. Set to perform at July 3rd, the duo promises to bring their jazz and soul infused, hypnotic hit tracks like “R.L.M”, “Lorelei”, “California”, and more to the Avalon stage.
The announcement also marks a significant moment for Danish hip-hop, as chart-topping duo Kenny, composed of Gilli and Benny Jamz, will make their stage debut at Roskilde’s Orange Scene this year. Despite their successes with hit tracks like “Reposado” and “Chicagenhagen”, the duo has never performed live as Kenny, which makes this highly anticipated debut a landmark event for the artists and their fans.
Spotlighting Danish talents, the lineup also features experimental Danish composer Astrid Sonne, who will present a custom-created live show designed specifically for the festival. Starting out as a classical viola musician, Astrid Sonne masterfully blends the organic with electronic, and found her breakthrough with tracks such as “Do You Wanna” and “Staying Here”. For the Roskilde festival, Astrid promises to bring a custom live performance with hypnotic visuals that is sure to transport the audience into an immersive, unforgettable experience.
Dedication to Global Diversity
Another side of Roskilde’s stellar programming is how it extends far beyond mainstream Western music, showcasing artistic excellence from every corner of the globe. The 2025 programme has a diverse lineup of 185 acts representing 45 different countries. True to tradition, the festival balances internationally renowned headliners with rising stars and exceptional artists from across the world. Some global stars include Indian sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, Ghana’s groove-heavy Kwashibu Area Band, and the thrilling punk-infused cumbia of Argentina’s Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso.
Notably, Mongolian throat-singing metal group The HU, known for their hit songs “Wolf Totem” and “Yuve Yuve Yu”, is set to perform on July 4th, Friday, on the Eos stage. Fusing muscular riffs with metal-infused melodies, The HU, inspired by an ancient Mongolian empire, adds yet another layer of cultural diversity to Roskilde’s eclectic lineup.
Also worth noting is Palestinian rapper Saint Levant, who further exemplifies the festival’s commitment to platforming diverse musical traditions and voices. Blending traditional Arabic music, hip hop, and R&B, Saint Levant is known for hits such as “Very Few Friends”, “Galbi”, “Deira”, and much more. Set to perform on the Eos stage, he is sure to bring a captivating, genre-defying, and multilingual set to the festival.
On top of these outstanding artists from around the globe, Brazilian legend Seu Jorge, Lithuanian ensemble Merope, and Sámi artists Seäjvvuot represent just a fraction of the global voices that will transform Roskilde’s grounds into a celebration of cultural and artistic innovation.
Global Pop Sensation Headliners
This year, the headliners’ star power is undeniable, with pop sensations Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo headlining alongside pioneers like Stormzy and rock legends Nine Inch Nails. These marquee names share the bill with critically acclaimed niche artists like FKA Twigs, Fontaines D.C., and Jamie xx, ensuring that Roskilde remains a premier destination for pop enthusiasts from around the world.
But it’s the festival’s commitment to musical discovery and global representation that truly distinguishes it from its peers.
A Festival Like No Other
What truly separates Roskilde from other major festivals is its nonprofit structure and unwavering commitment to social responsibility. Since 1972, the festival has generated an impressive 443 million DKK (approximately $66.45 million USD) for distribution to humanitarian and cultural initiatives worldwide.
Powered by 30,000 volunteers and organized by the Roskilde Festival Charity Society, the event channels 100% of its profits toward supporting youth-led initiatives globally. This model made Roskilde not just an exciting event, but a force for positive change through music.
Thomas Sønderby Jepsen, Roskilde Festival’s Head of Music, emphasizes this distinctive community spirit:
“Every summer, 130,000 participants and volunteers come together at Roskilde Festival to celebrate music, art, and community in a way that few other places can match.”
As music fans increasingly seek authentic experiences that align with their values, Roskilde Festival‘s commitment to combining diverse artistic excellence with social impact offers a compelling alternative to the typical festival formula, proving that the world’s best party can also be its most purposeful.
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