Festival Anthems
It's coming up to that time, the weather gets warmer, the days get longer and pretty soon we are all in muddy fields, with warm pints waiting for a favourite artists and bands to step out onto the main stage. Festivals and outdoor gigs are around the corner.
Here's a few of my favourite festival anthems. Some absolute bangers that will be getting played this summer.
The Libertines- Don't Look Back into the Sun
'Don't Look Back into the Sun' is a weird one in The Libertines catalogue as it wasn't featured on an album, instead it was released between their debut 'Up the Bracket' and the bands self titled second record.
Despite not featuring on an album, the song has become arguably the bands most recognisable songs. Carl Barat described the story of how the song came to be in an interview with the NME.
We were borrowing a flat from a record label girl, and it was overlooking the Sacré-Cœur. Pete was trying to cook some potatoes, and he wasn’t doing a good job – they wouldn’t boil quick enough. For some reason we couldn’t eat them so we lobbed them out into this schoolyard. There were no kids in there.”
He continued: “A certain Oasis song and a certain Velvet Underground song, the titles of which were put together and made the title of that song – it’s also the same chord progression. We went about infusing it with our own rhyming idea, then when you start writing about something because it’s there, you start unintentionally outpouring whatever’s in your heart and mind at the time.
Despite having never revealed the songs true meaning. Many fans believe that the song details the turbulent relationship between Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, around that time.
Since it's release and despite it's not so obvious meaning it has become a huge anthem for fans of the band and even the most casual listener. Racking up over 117 million plays on Spotify and being a main stay in the bands setlist for over 20 years.
It's always the highlight of a Libertines set.
Courteeners- Not Nineteen Forever.
If ever a song can make thousands of people collectively lose themselves it's this one. Believe me I've seen it. 'Not Nineteen Forever' was released in 2008 as the fourth single from the Courteeners debut album 'St Jude' at the time it was just another single, what has happened since then is nothing short off extraordinary. It became the soundtrack to countless indie nights, football stadiums, and festivals, capturing a sense of Northern pride and working-class ethos A song that has defined a couple of generations. It has become a rallying cry for youth, self-discovery, and the inevitable passage of time.
Thousands of people sing, shout, dance and jump like their lives depend on on it. It's a song about leaving your youth behind but not wanting to. The reliability of the song makes it resonate with those of any age because the fear of growing up is something that we all face.
Whether it be at their own huge gigs, or in front of a festival crowd his song is always one to win fans over. It's one of those indie songs that has crossed over into the main stream in a big way.
The definition of a festival anthem.
Stereophonics- Dakota
Another noughties classic, that will be ringing out across stadiums and festival stages this summer. That this year is celebrating it's 20th birthday.
'Dakota' at the time became Stereophonics biggest hit. Reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart in 2005. It was a vast departure in sound, the band wanted to move away from the slow atmospheric sound of 'You Gotta Go There to Come Back'.
Kelly wrote the basic framework of the song on an acoustic guitar in Paris. Whilst the band were in America. More specifically in Vermillion, South Dakota. Originally naming the song after the place he'd finished the lyrics. Vermillion.
However, Slikpnott would release a song called Vermillion from an upcoming album. Leading to the name change. 'Dakota' was born.
The band were in the middle of a transition period, they'd lost their original drummer ‘Stuart Cable’ and had made quite an autobiographical soulful record with 'You Gotta Go There To Come Back.'
'Dakota' acted as the band starting again, a new sound, a new look. It was the start of a new era.
It marked the start of the band cementing their status of a staple UK live band. Filling out arenas and being a main stay on festival line ups.
Fans love of the song, saw it reach top spot of the UK Singles Chart, being the only song by the band to reach this milestone.
Stereophonics now over 25 years into their career are playing the biggest gigs they have ever played this summer. 'Dakota' will take pride of place at the end of the show, the final ace in a series of brilliant song. Everyone knows it's coming but it still brings down the house.
Sam Fender- People Watching
Sam Fender has a number of songs that could have made this list. His songs have become anthems of defiance. 'People Watching' is the lead single from his latest record, the record that has taken Sam back into stadiums, and to the biggest outdoor shows of his career.
A euphoric five minute epic, that opens third album of the same name. Sam has revealed that the song is about “somebody that was like a surrogate mother to me and passed away last November. I was by her side at the end, slept on a chair next to her. It’s about what was going through my head, to and from that place and home,”
“It’s kind of ironic because she was the one that gave me the confidence to go on stage, and always used to be like ‘why haven’t you mentioned my name in your acceptance speech’. But now an entire song (and album) connects to her. I hope that wherever she is now she’s looking down saying ‘about time kid’.”
It's a raw and emotional tribute, to someone he loved and cared for, and how that loss has affected him.
The song is deeply heartfelt but, really anthemic. It was ready made for festival fields, and headline shows. This will be perfect in the summer when Sam plays his stadium shows. Sam could have easilly tried and failed to record an album full of stadium rock songs, but what he did instead was write an album full of brilliant, and beautiful songs that question addiction, fame, his place in the world that will fit into a stadium show.
Just as 'Seventeen Going Under' did four years ago 'People Watching' will grow from strength to strength when played in front of the thousands of adoring fans.
Fontaines DC- Favourite
Following the release of their fourth album 'Romance' Fontaines DC have become one of the biggest, and most talked about bands in the world.
'Favourite' the final track from that album has already become a fan favourite. A song that sees the band looking back. The band describe the song as having “this never-ending sound to it, a continuous cycle from euphoria to sadness, two worlds spinning forever”
It's already become a live staple, and was played across countless festival stages last summer. Fontaines are taking to the stage in some huge UK shows this summer including a sold out gig at London's Finsbury Park and Manchester's Wythenshawe Park.
'Favourite' will definitely be one of the highlights of the show. The band take a sound that was beaten to a pulp in the 1980s and make it fresh, modern and firmly sound like a Fontaines DC song to create a brilliant introspective look at themselves and the world they live in but also a song that can be belted out in festival fields and arenas across the world.
Fontaines know just how good they are, and this summer they'll get to show it again. They may just be the best band in the world right now.
Gerry Cinnamon- Canter
Gerry Cinnamon's career is built around a festival appearance. After an incident with another artist pushed him up the bill at TRNSMT 2018, his songs were propelled in front of a much bigger audience on the main stage in Glasgow, as well as into peoples living rooms. People who didn't know quickly got to know.
That 45 minute set saw Gerry play most of his debut album, a cover of three happy hardcore songs as a medley 'Discoland / Wonderful Days / Wanna Be A Hippy' and even had time for what at that time was a new one 'Canter'.
The Glasgow crowd lapped it up, he was one of their own after all. Other acts were also impressed The Courteeners took him on tour, while a certain Liam Gallagher also expressed admiration for his music.
He had arrived.
In subsequent years, Gerry made the leap to headline major festivals such as Neighbourhood Weekender, TRNSMT, and Reading & Leeds.
'Canter' quickly became a standout track in his sets. While his songs and stage presence earned him the cheeky moniker of "The Dark Fruits Dylan," his unique blend of rabble-rousing Britpop and Merseybeat-infused folk has resonated deeply with fans.
His songs have a life of their own, and there's an undeniable charm to his performance that’s impossible to ignore. It’s clear why Gerry’s catalogue is filled with festival anthems, with "Canter" standing as his most iconic—and likely his best.
Wolf Alice- Don't Delete the Kisses
After a little while away Wolf Alice are returning this summer. A Glastonbury slot is already pencilled in, fans are already speculating a new album, and fingers are firmly crossed for some more live shows. 'Don't Delete the Kisses' has been the bands show closer since it's release in 2017 and despite it's romantic intro respective nature.
It has become the perfect sunset festival song. Made for those euphoric sun kissed moments with mates, a glittering melancholic yet euphoric affair about the power of being in love.
Wolf Alice are one of the best bands we have in Britain at the moment, and many argue that 'Don't Delete the Kisses' is their best work to date. As the sun sets over the Pyramid Stage at this years Glastonbury, a whole host of other people will get to see just how good Wolf Alice are.
The Vaccines- If You Wanna
The Vaccines have this brilliant knack of writing punchy, anthemic bangers. They have so many, 'If You Wanna' is arguably their most popular. Since it's release in 2011 it has gone on to soundtrack festival season.
It's simplistic nature and youthful urgency resonate with festival goers every year. From the first punchy chords and Julian Casablancas-style vocals to the shout-along chorus "If you wanna come back, it's alright, it's alright" — the track commands crowd participation.
At Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Isle of Wight where thousands of music lovers congregate annually, "If You Wanna" has become a reliable, almost nostalgic crowd-pleaser. There's a shared cultural memory tied to hearing that jangly riff blasting out over muddy fields under grey skies or golden sunsets. It’s the kind of song that unites strangers for three minutes of jumping, yelling, and letting go. For a generation that came of age with the post-Arctic Monkeys indie wave, The Vaccines' hit is not just a song.
It's one of those songs that is guaranteed to generate a huge response from a crowd no matter where it's played. The Vaccines have crafted a banger that has continued to age like a fine wine. Their are kids at festivals who were toddlers when it was released who collectively lose their shit to it.
The quintessential British festival anthem.
Wunderhorse- Teal
Wunderhorse are a band that a lot of people are talking about. Now two albums in, some high profile support slots and sold out headline shows. Their position on festival bills is getting higher as well.
The band have proven themselves as one of the best live bands in the country right now. 'Teal' their debut single has already become one of the best songs of recent memory and real marker for British guitar music.
Menacing, dark, profound, heartfelt and anthemic. This is the sound of a band with something to say but combine the impressive lyricism, with punchy guitars, and grunge like vocals. It's so emotional and thought provoking but also has the ability to be chanted back by thousands of punters in a muddy field.
This summer is a big one for Wunderhorse. Expect to be hearing this song and the name Wunderhorse a lot more.
The Wombats- Let's Dance to Joy Division
'Let's Dance to Joy Division' has been on indie playlists, and heard in festival fields since it's release in 2007. A chaotic, ironic and euphoric affair that has soundtracked multiple generations. It's chorus is perfect for chanting with your mates, all about embracing lives issues and problems with having a good time.
The song turns melancholy into a reason to dance, which might just be the most British attitude ever.
At festivals across the UK, “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” hits like a bolt of pure serotonin. It’s cheeky, it’s clever, and it taps into that chaotic joy that defines live music moments sweaty strangers, arms around shoulders, screaming the lyrics as if their lives depend on it.
Originally written about a night out in Liverpool where the bands lead singer Matthew Murphy and his then-girlfriend danced on a table to 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' by Joy Division. The lyrics examine the irony of dancing happily to a famously sad song.
That night out happened nearly twenty years ago, and now thousands of kids who weren't even born alive when it was written sing the song like their lives depend on it. It's one of the best songs of the 00s. Another generational festival banger.
Catfish & the Bottlemen- Cocoon
We've all had our moments with Catfish, when they dropped 'The Balcony' 11 years ago. Many of us thought that they were the saviours of British guitar music, and why it hasn't quite worked like that. They have certainly become one of the countries best live bands.
With songs like 'Cocoon' they have guranteed to carry the crowd on quite the ride (excuse the pun). It's the perfect end of set tune, one where the crowd give everything they have. It’s the kind of track that starts with a simmer a steady build of tension and then absolutely explodes in the chorus, making it tailor-made for a field full of people shouting every word
The shift from introspective to anthemic is what makes 'Cocoon' so powerful live. It doesn’t just soundtrack a moment it creates one, where the crowd moves as one, caught between nostalgia and release.
In the UK festival scene especially, where indie rock still holds a sacred place, 'Cocoon' feels like a rite of passage. Whether it's sunset at TRNSMT, a rainy afternoon at Reading, or a packed tent at Truck Festival, when that chorus drops “Fuck it, if they talk, fuck it if they try and get to us” it turns into a raw, unfiltered outpouring. It's defiant, passionate, and deeply relatable, especially for a generation that finds connection through chaos. In that sense, 'Cocoon' isn’t just a song you listen to it’s one you live through, together with thousands of strangers, arms raised, voices hoarse. A proper festival moment.
Two Door Cinema Club- What You Know
This song is part of the festival furniture, like a battered old deck chair, a cheap tent and warm beer. It just works. A burst of jittery, joyful energy that’s impossible to stand still to. Since its release in 2010, it’s become one of those indie tracks that’s instantly recognizable from the first jangly guitar riff, triggering an almost Pavlovian response: dancing, smiling, and belting out every lyric like it’s muscle memory.
The song’s infectious rhythm and razor-sharp hooks make it a no-brainer for festival stages, where its bright, bouncy sound cuts through the air and electrifies the crowd. It’s indie disco at its finest.
It’s a track about being stuck, unsure, maybe even a bit hurt, but you’re dancing anyway. And that’s what makes it a festival classic, especially in the UK, where that balance of emotional depth and feel-good sound is basically the blueprint for a great indie moment. When Two Door drops this one mid-set, you can feel the entire crowd go weightless for three minutes
The Last Dinner Party- Nothing Matters
The Last Dinner Party are one of the most intriguing bands around at the moment. They blend styles effortlessly, their songs are cathartic and intense. Full of emotive lyrics, sweeping orchestral moments and dark haunting melodies.
'Nothing Matters' falls firmly into this category, but is also a catchy cinematic pop masterpiece. Building into a baroque pop opera. It has Bowie's glam stomp, Kate Bush like vocals, and Queens grandeur.
Not something you'd expect to work in a muddy field.
However, From the moment the opening melody kicks in, it casts a spell over the crowd, drawing everyone into its lush, gothic world. And when that soaring chorus hits. "Touch me like I'm gonna burn!" it becomes a shared moment of release, where the whole field lights up with voices and energy. It’s the perfect blend of drama and euphoria, designed to be shouted into the night sky.
What truly gives 'Nothing Matters' festival anthem status is its ability to connect on both an intimate and communal level. There's something almost cinematic about hearing it live, surrounded by thousands of people, all swept up in the same wave of emotion. It's not just a song you listen to it's one you feel. The band’s theatrical flair only heightens the experience, turning their set into a full-blown spectacle.
Circa Waves-T-Shirt Weather
With it's energetic nostalgic sound, that was made for sunny days, beer gardens and muddy festival fields. 'T-Shirt Weather' isn’t just another song about enjoying good weather; it taps into the feeling of freedom and optimism that accompanies the transition into summer.
The title itself is a symbol of shedding the weight of the colder seasons and embracing a lighter, carefree attitude. The refrain "It's gonna be okay" makes up the songs bridge, and it reinforces the fact that brighter days are just around the corner, it's actually a lot more impactful than people give it credit for.
It has ended the Circa Waves live shows for years, and has crossed over to becoming one of the great British indie songs. 'T-Shirt Weather' sits in the camp alongside 'What You Know' and 'Let's Dance to Joy Division' as festival anthems.
Full of nostalgia and youthful excess, that crosses the generations. We can all agree that life is better when the sun is out.
The Clause- Weekend Millionaire
A fairly new song having only been released at the back end of 2024, this one is definitely a festival anthem for the future. Lyrically the song talks about the escapism that comes with going at the weekend. Whatever that may be. Tackling the idea of being young and ambitious but also with the fear of falling behind in the modern world
The band described the song as "A song for everyone who feels like their life is slipping away and there’s only one thing you can do about it…"
The reliability alongside the sing along nature of "Weekend Millionaire" makes it one of the best songs of the year. It's something we can all relate to, tackling friendships falling apart, the nature of the world at the moment, young lust, young love, the ecstasy and agony that comes with a heavy weekend. A song that will go on to soundtrack plenty more heavy weekends, and lead the indie faithful to the dancefloor.
It's a battle cry for the youth of today, and a song that will be played at festivals up and down the country for years to come.
Blossoms- There's A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
Blossoms have been on the UK festival circuit for nearly a decade now, and in that time they have gained a lot of experience and a whole host of songs to please crowds with.
'There's A Reason Why' is the perfect Blossoms song for this setting, it's bittersweet and anthemic. Perfect for those euphoric moments with friends but also carrying a slight emotional bite about a failed relationship.
The verses tell a story, of how it didn't work, why the relationship came to an end. However, the chorus lifts the weight a little one that shimmers and shines. Perfect to be played as a crowd sways and sings. It's playful and jovial but also deeply relatable, which is why thousands of punters will resonate with it. They can put themselves in those shoes.
Blossoms have countless songs that could have made this list, they are one of Britain's best festival bands. This one was a hard pick.
Bloc Party- This Modern Love
This song is anthemic in a different way, it lacks an explosive chorus, and a infectious hook. Instead it is a slow burning emotional knockout. One of those songs that is played after the sun has gone away, and the field descends into darkness. A song that hits hard.
The song’s intricate guitar work, relentless rhythm, and Kele Okereke’s urgent, aching vocals create a sense of beautiful tension, romantic, restless, and raw. When the layers build toward that hypnotic crescendo—"This modern love breaks me" it becomes the kind of moment that wraps around you and the crowd
What makes This Modern Love such a powerful festival moment is its emotional resonance. It taps into that universal feeling of longing and confusion, especially in the chaos of modern relationships. But live, with the music swelling and the crowd fully locked in, it feels almost transcendent. It's not the obvious anthem it’s the one that catches you off-guard, the one that leaves you swaying, eyes closed, screaming the words because somehow they feel like yours. It’s pure catharsis. Bloc Party takes a deeply personal song and, in the shared festival setting, turns it into something collective an emotional high point that lingers long after the lights fade.
It's one of the most moments that makes you take stock of not only what has just happened but also on a deeper level within your life. Hearing this song is a special moment.
The 1975- The Sound
After three headline sets at Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury finally took the plunge and have booked The 1975 to headline this year. About time!
The 1975 have built a collection of brilliant songs, and 'The Sound' was ready made for festival fields. Having already graced the worlds arenas with the song for the last couple of years. The Pyramid Stage is the next logical step, and they are in for a treat.
From the moment the track’s opening guitar riff kicks in, it builds an electric atmosphere, urging festival-goers to throw themselves into the moment. Its rhythm, with its bouncy, propulsive drive, encourages everyone to move, and that high-energy feeling is contagious in the festival setting, where the music is meant to bring people together.
Lyrically, 'The Sound' explores themes of disillusionment and yearning for authenticity amidst a superficial world sentiments that resonate deeply with the modern festival crowd. It’s a celebration of living in the moment, rejecting expectations, and embracing individuality, all of which align with the carefree, boundary-pushing ethos of festival culture.As the song builds in intensity, the crowd joins in, amplifying its sense of collective joy, making it a perfect fit for the shared euphoria of a live music experience.
LCD Soundsystem- All My Friends
Andrew Trendell said this in an NME post last year.
"If ever there was a song to best capture the communal love-in and the bleary-eyed sentimentalism of Glastonbury, you’d struggle to do better than LCD Soundsystem’s ‘All My Friends’.
He's right. It's a song that highlights the power and staying power of relationships, in particular friendships.
Lyrically it's almost written for the experiences that we share with our mates at festivals. “And if it’s crowded, all the better – because we know we’re gonna be up late,”
“But if you’re worried about the weather, then you picked the wrong place to stay. That’s how it starts.”
It's about making memories, and how the best memories are still yet to come. “And if the sun comes up and I still don’t wanna stagger home, then it’s the memory of our betters that are keeping us on our feet.” That’s how it starts.
It's a moment of communal euphoria, that taps into the bittersweet nature of growing older, dealing with the passage of time, and reconciling personal change with the unbreakable bonds of friendship. This universal theme strikes a chord with festival-goers, who, in a transient, celebratory environment, are often reminded of the fleeting moments that define their lives.
Not only is one of the best festival anthems ever, it's one of the best songs ever written. My words don't do it justice, watch that video.
Isn't music just brilliant.
Oasis- Live Forever
The biggest gigs of this summer, also happen to be the biggest gigs of this decade and argubably this century. Oasis reuniting was not something people saw coming 12 months ago but in August last year at Reading Festival and at a Blossoms gig in Wythenshawe Park. The British public were treated to a glimpse that the great wait was over. Noel and Liam had buried the hatchet and were back.
Liam performed at Reading & Leeds last year on his Definitely Maybe’ tour, one of his last gigs on that tour, and definitely one of the biggest crowds. Turning back time for an audience who mostly weren't even born when Oasis released 'Live Forever' most of who were still in nappies when the Big O broke up in Paris in 2009.
Noel also headed out on the road last summer, on his 'Council Skies' tour and he to played 'Live Forever' within his encore. Both brothers playing a song that helped launch the career of the band that changed British music forever.
This summer will be different though. They'll do it again but this time together, for the first time in over 15 years. It will be a special one.
The lyrics to 'Live Forever' resonate with simplicity and depth. They’re not weighed down with obscure metaphors or complicated imagery; instead, they embody universal emotions. With lines like, "Maybe I just want to fly / Want to live, I don't want to die," Noel Gallagher speaks to an instinctive desire for life and connection, something anyone could relate to
The chorus itself “You and I are gonna live forever” has become one of rock's most iconic lines. It’s about rejecting the constraints of time, fear, and failure and embracing the idea of eternal youth, at least in spirit. For many, this song is about immortality through music, love, or shared experiences an expression of the ambition to leave a lasting impact.
'Live Forever' is more than just a popular Oasis song; it’s a defining anthem of the Britpop era and a cornerstone of the band's legacy. When Definitely Maybe topped the UK charts in 1994, Oasis became part of a larger cultural movement that gave a voice to British youth in a post-Thatcherite era. "Live Forever" was a call to look forward, to dream big, and to celebrate life. It’s hard to imagine the wave of Britpop optimism without this song as a foundation.
It's one of the very best songs ever written and recorded by a British band, and the perfect manifesto for the youth even today.
For those hearing it live this year, it's certainly going to be a special moment.
Thank you for reading
What are your favourite festival anthems?
Jack