New October music festival in Lancaster will host two-day BBC Introducing Live show

A new event replacing Lancaster Music Festival 2025 will now include a two-day live music show by the BBC.

BBC Introducing Live will take place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025 during the Love Lancaster Live festival.

The event’s organisers consist of a partnership between BBC Radio Lancashire, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster Business Improvements District (BID). 

In January, volunteers organising the Lancaster Music Festival announced they were taking a break and that 2025’s festival wouldn’t take place. However, Lancaster BID, a not-for-profit company funded by Lancaster businesses, has planned an event so Lancaster will still have a music festival this October. 

Past event at Lancaster Music Festival

Multiple venues across Lancaster will host the event, which is named Love Lancaster Live. Each gig will be aired on BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Cumbria. It will take place from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th October with BBC Introducing Live on the weekend.

BBC Introducing Live will consists of a showcase of up-and-coming bands playing at The Storey in Lancaster. Six music artists from across Lancashire will perform at the event, hosted by William Wolstenholme, presenter of BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Cumbria.

William said: “Six brilliant artists from across the region will take to the stage over both nights.”

“The Auditorium in The Storey is the perfect space for BBC Introducing Live. The acoustics are great and the audience will feel a real sense of intimacy with the acts.” 

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Councillor Martin Bottoms, the Lancaster City Council cabinet member responsible for arts and festivals, added: “We’re thrilled to be hosting this two-day event in one of our stunning buildings, adding another standout highlight to its dynamic programme of events.”

“As part of Love Lancaster Live, it’s another fantastic opportunity to celebrate arts, culture, and community in the heart of our city.”

Tony Johnson, manager of Lancaster BID who is organising the event, also said: “Lancaster will be buzzing for the festival and I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to bring BBC Introducing to our city.”

“Over the four days there will be hundreds of performances and this will certainly be a highlight. We are also bringing ‘Locals Live on the plinth’ – a day of local artists playing in Market Square.” 

Tickets for BBC Introducing Live in Lancaster will go on sale in the spring.