BIMM Students Take Centre Stage at Festivals Across the UK

2025 has been another unforgettable year for BIMM students, alumni, and staff, who have left their mark on some of the biggest and most exciting festivals in the world. 

From Glastonbury’s legendary Pyramid Stage to the colourful celebrations of Brighton & Hove Pride, our community has been performing, working, and gaining vital industry experience in real-world settings that most music students can only dream of. 

Here’s a round-up of the incredible festivals where BIMM made its presence felt this summer. 

Glastonbury

When Glastonbury returned to Worthy Farm in June, it once again proved why it’s the world’s most iconic festival. With a 210,000-strong audience and a line-up that included The 1975, Charli XCX, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and Nile Rodgers & Chic, Glastonbury 2025 was a cultural phenomenon – and BIMM was right at the heart of it. 

Across multiple stages, our alumni and lecturers showcased their talents:  

• Hannah Morgan dazzled on drums with CMAT at the Pyramid Stage. 

• Clemence Faurere performed with Lola Young. 

• Raquel Martins played guitar for Loyle Carner. 

• Jake Woodward brought the beat for Nova Twins. 

• Glowe and Chloe Slater (with Rosie Rayworth and Justin Mclean) lit up stages across the site. 

• Webmoms impressed on BBC Introducing. 

• Michael Fagbohun played drums for Rachel Chinouriri, managed by BIMM graduate Hope James. 

Even our lecturers joined the spotlight: Aaron Forbes (guitarist for AJ Tracey) and Andrew McKinney (bass player for Pulp). 

Behind the scenes, 16 Brighton students helped run operations at the Pyramid Stage. Music Business student Imogen Wright also secured a paid month-long role in the Pyramid production office, after networking with Glastonbury’s Head of Production at one of our Masterclasses.   

From backstage to centre stage, Glastonbury once again proved that BIMM graduates and students are shaping the future of live music. 

Brighton & Hove Pride 

This summer also saw 14 BIMM students join the team behind Brighton & Hove Pride, one of the UK’s most vibrant and inclusive festivals. Thanks to a partnership with the award-winning agency WMA, our students gained hands-on media and marketing experience inside the official Press Tent. 

Armed with all-access passes, students worked in the photo pit, captured backstage moments, and produced real-time content for Pride’s official social media channels – covering legendary sets from Mariah Carey, Fatboy Slim, Sugababes, and Will Young.  

Music Business student Tessa Carlisle summed up the experience: 

“It’s been great to get live feedback on my shots and build contacts with WMA – I’m hoping to apply for an internship with them in the future.” 

 From sharpening photography skills to networking with industry professionals, BIMM students weren’t just documenting the festival – they were shaping how the world experienced it online. 

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 

In August, BIMM partnered with Team Love Productions to curate the Moon Stage at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which drew over 300,000 visitors. 

Performances from BIMM students and alumni provided the perfect soundtrack to mass balloon ascents and stunning night shows. Highlights included Liana, a Popular Music Practice Masters graduate, and Emelina Murphy, who delivered an energetic set with her band. For Emelina, the chance came through BIMM Connect: 

“My advice to new artists is to just give it a go – even if you make something you think is rubbish, it’s all part of the process and how you learn.”  

With balloons floating above and crowds relaxing on the lawns, it was a magical moment where music and community came together – and BIMM talent shone brightly. 

Victorious Festival  

Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival once again featured a huge BIMM presence – both on stage and behind the scenes.  

Students worked as artist liaisons, sound engineers, and stage managers, keeping the World Music Stage and The People’s Lounge running smoothly across the weekend. Music Business student Tessa reflected on her role: 

“I helped make sure all of the artists got checked in on time and assisted the tech teams. It was such an amazing experience.” 

Alongside headliners like Queens of the Stone Age, Bloc Party, Vampire Weekend, and Kaiser Chiefs, BIMM artists including Kitty Bella, Ava McKechnie, IMMY, The Devil’s Lotus, and Heron Red wowed festival crowds with original performances. 

Victorious wasn’t just about watching world-class acts – it was about being part of the team that made it all happen. 

The Great Escape 

Brighton came alive in May with The Great Escape, one of Europe’s biggest festivals for new music. As always, BIMM played a central role in showcasing emerging talent from across our campuses. 

Highlights included: 

• BIMM Brighton showcase at Patterns with local favourites like Slag, Chitchat, and Bighead Tea Drinkers. 

• Official BIMM x DIY showcase at Dust, where Berlin’s Kings and Pills, Dublin’s Martina and the Moons, and Manchester’s Bayboards played to a full-capacity crowd. 

• The BIMM busking stage on Jubilee Street, drawing spontaneous audiences. 

• Alt Escape stage at North Laine Brewhouse, featuring a diverse mix of BIMM acts.

The Great Escape has always been about discovery – and for our students, it’s as much about building connections and gaining experience as it is about stepping onto the stage. 

Where talent meets opportunity  

From Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage to Pride’s press pit, from Bristol’s balloon fields to Brighton’s buzzing venues, BIMM students have shown that real-world experience is at the core of everything we do. Our students don’t just study music – they live it, breathe it, and make it happen at the highest level. 

If you want to be part of a community where your music, creativity, and ambition can take you to the biggest stages in the world, there’s no better place than BIMM. 

Book your Open Day today and start your journey.