This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
Article Source: Pavilion Festival
Last Updated: 30 April 2025 9:49
The countdown and build is on! This weekend is set to be a sunshine scorcher and Pavilion Festival will return to Ayr for its third and biggest year yet, transforming the iconic Low Green into a bank holiday weekender like no other.
Making its grand debut for 2025 is the Electric Brae Big Top, a state-of-the-art, 5,000-capacity tent that will anchor - and weatherproof, the beachfront festival across three stacked days of live music, DJs, immersive experiences, and unforgettable energy.
Spanning four stages and welcoming over 120 artists, selectors and DJs, Pavilion will showcase a genre-spanning programme from legendary Britpop bands to underground electronic pioneers. With an expected audience of over 13,000, this year’s edition marks a serious step up.
Speaking about the new main stage, Ewan McVicar said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to bring a brand new main stage experience to Pavilion Festival for year three. We all know Ayr Beach can be a wee bit windy, so the new big top means we’re covered whatever the weather! From a DJ’s point of view, it’s a total game-changer with better sound, better atmosphere, and for the first time ever, we’ll be able to fire up the lasers. It’s going to be pure magic, and I can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working so hard on for this year!”
Final tickets are now on sale via www.skiddle.com
The festival, co-founded by Ewan McVicar and STREETrave pioneer Ricky Magowan brings world-class acts to Ayr Beach, showcasing an unparalleled mix of live music, cutting edge electronic beats and heritage dance superstars.
Sunshine is forecasted for all three days down at the seaside in Ayr, bringing the feel good factor of sun, a stacked lineup and of course the seaside for Pavilion Year 3!
WHAT TO EXPECT
• The Electric Brae Big Top: A state-of-the-art, 5,000-capacity tent designed to keep the energy high, regardless of the Scottish weather.
• Immersive Production: Enhanced lighting and sound systems to elevate every performance.
• Pop-Up Experiences: Discover secret bars and unique installations scattered throughout the festival grounds. Look out for the Pavilions Arms - a secret bar if you find it! Decorated like a pub, complete with a wooden interior, dart board, and a bar area. It also has a full DJ setup, including CDJs, a mixer, and a sound system. The bar has limited capacity, adding to the intimate experience, and features secret sets from DJs, including Ewan McVicar himself.
• Seaside Vibes: Enjoy the stunning coastal backdrop of Ayr's Low Green as you dance the weekend away.
• New Breakthrough and Powerhouse tent with local programming seeing Ayrshire bands take to the stage. Watch out for Local Authority, The Marches, Seaside Sons and Pelikan Rogue.
Friday 2nd May: Ayr Beach Live
Kicking things off, Ayr Beach Live is an unmissable nostalgia-fuelled celebration, headlined by James and featuring Starsailor, VISTAS, and Swim School and rising Scottish and local talent across the day.
Saturday, 3rd May: Ewan McVicar & Pals
Saturday sees Pavilion Festival co-founder and international sensation Ewan McVicar take the reins for a day curated by him and his closest friends. Highlights include Ewan’s electrifying B2B sets with top-tier talent, joined by Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, DJ Seinfield, Sally C, and more. For fans of underground sounds, the Sub Club Stage will host techno legend Robert Hood, Scottish trailblazers Optimo, and other top selectors.
Sunday, 4th May: STREETrave Takeover
Rounding off the weekend, Sunday brings a nostalgic STREETrave Takeover, headlined by Happy Mondays and featuring heritage dance acts alongside the awe-inspiring STREETrave Classical, celebrating 30+ years of dance music culture. Look out for. A Guy Called Gerald, Jeremy Healy, Danny Rampling, Altern-8, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) and more.
Pavilion Festival remains Scotland’s most affordable festival, offering an unrivalled lineup at an unbeatable price. Travel made easy: Pavilion has teamed up with Happy Bus for direct transfers from key locations. Guests can also travel by Scotrail to Ayr Station, just a short walk from the festival gates.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links