Scotland's Premier Music Festival Returns with Changes
Scotland's largest music festival, TRNSMT, is returning with notable differences from previous years. This year, the event at Glasgow Green is scheduled earlier than usual, taking place from 19 to 21 June instead of mid-July.
While numerous bands and artists will perform across the three days, the build-up has been influenced by the World Cup schedule. The opening night’s performances will occur just hours before Scotland’s match against Morocco in Boston, with the game being broadcast on the main stage.
Headliners include Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian, and Lewis Capaldi. BBC will cover the event extensively across television, radio, , and .
Who is Headlining TRNSMT This Year?
Richard Ashcroft, former lead singer of The Verve, headlines Friday night. Following a revitalizing support role on the Oasis reunion tour last year, Ashcroft also performed at the OVO Hydro earlier this year. His set is expected to feature many of his classic tracks, including the iconic 1990s hit "Bittersweet Symphony."
On Saturday, Kasabian from Leicester will close the night. This is not their first time in this slot; they headlined the inaugural TRNSMT nearly ten years ago. At that time, Tom Meighan was the lead vocalist, but he was dismissed in 2020 following an assault incident involving his then fiancée. Since then, guitarist Serge Pizzorno has taken over as frontman. The band’s ninth album, Act III, is scheduled for release next month.
Sunday’s headline act is Lewis Capaldi, known for his emotional performances. A regular at TRNSMT, Capaldi took a three-year break from touring due to mental health reasons, a decision made after a Glastonbury festival set. He resumed live performances last year and is currently on an arena tour supporting his EP Survive. Fans can expect a mix of chart-topping songs and engaging stage banter as he concludes the festival.
Is the World Cup Being Shown at TRNSMT?
Organisers DF Concerts faced scheduling challenges after the World Cup draw placed Scotland’s group stage match on the Friday night of TRNSMT at 23:00. This led to adjustments in the evening’s set times.
Following Richard Ashcroft’s set, which ends at 22:15, the main stage will transform into a fan zone where the Scotland vs. Morocco match will be broadcast on large screens. This arrangement offers a unique festival experience, whether for celebration or commiseration.
However, this plan has met opposition from community councils near Glasgow Green. They objected to the organisers’ request to extend the curfew from 23:00 to 01:00, citing concerns about increased noise and disruption. Despite these objections, Glasgow City Council’s licensing committee granted a one-off temporary public entertainment licence for the event.
What Other Bands Are Performing at TRNSMT?
The TRNSMT line-up continues to showcase a diverse range of genres including pop, rock, and dance music. Nile Rodgers and Chic will open Friday afternoon with energetic anthems, while indie band Wolf Alice is considered a strong contender for headliner status, having released their second consecutive chart-topping album, The Clearing, last year and completed a headline arena tour.
On the smaller King Tut's Stage on Friday, Fife’s Beta Band, reunited after more than two decades, will perform alongside rising Irish rock band Newdad.
Saturday features Scottish favourites The Snuts and The Fratellis, who will share the bill with art-rock group The Last Dinner Party and former Mercury Music Prize winners English Teacher. The smaller stages will also highlight acts such as Clementine Douglas, known for soulful dance music, and The Big Special, who blend poetry with punk.
Sunday’s lineup includes Irish artist CMAT, expected to attract a large crowd. BBC Introducing artist Jacob Alon is another notable performer, while former Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards adds pop appeal. Manchester indie band Westside Cowboy and Glasgow singer Shay O'Dowd, known for his emotive songwriting, are also on the bill.
One unique feature this year is Scottish singer Cammy Barnes, who will both open and close the main stage on Friday. Barnes will perform first and then return at night to sing "Flower of Scotland" before the Scotland game begins.
Why Is TRNSMT Taking Place Earlier This Year?
DF Concerts has not provided detailed reasons for the earlier scheduling. Last year’s event ran from 11 to 13 July and experienced very high temperatures.
Geoff Ellis, the festival director, stated: "TRNSMT is always evolving" and emphasised the focus on "giving fans, artists and the city the best possible experience."
It remains unclear whether this change is permanent or a one-time adjustment.
How Many Stages Are at TRNSMT and How to Get There?
TRNSMT features five stages: the Main Stage, King Tut's Stage, BBC Introducing stage, Boogie Stage, and the Hangout. The Main Stage hosts the biggest names, King Tut’s focuses on emerging talent, and the Introducing stage highlights new Scottish artists. The Boogie Stage, which has had various names over the years, is dedicated to DJs throughout the weekend. The Hangout is for attendees aged 18 and over and includes acoustic performances and stand-up comedy.
Most attendees enter through the west entrance, accessible from Saltmarket and Merchant City. The east entrance is reserved for VIPs and those requiring accessible access.
ScotRail is providing additional carriages on trains to and from Glasgow over the weekend, with extra late-night services after the music ends. However, no trains will be available after the Scotland vs. Morocco match concludes. Additionally, the Glasgow subway will not operate on Sunday by the time TRNSMT finishes.
Will There Be Secret Sets at TRNSMT?
Becky Hill was announced as a late addition to the lineup, though revealing a "secret set" weeks in advance reduces the element of surprise. In previous years, there have been spontaneous appearances; for example, Travis performed unexpectedly in 2024, and Amy Macdonald appeared at the Hangout stage last year.
There may be similar surprise performances this year.
What Is the Weather Forecast for TRNSMT and When Do the Gates Open?
Gates open at noon daily, with last entry at 21:30. Curfews are set for 23:00 on Saturday and Sunday, while Friday’s curfew extends to approximately 01:00 due to the Scotland game broadcast.
After last year’s intense heat, this year’s forecast is cooler, with temperatures around 18°C throughout the weekend. Light rain and breezy conditions are expected, though Glasgow weather can be unpredictable.
Food and Drink at TRNSMT
Numerous food and drink stalls offer a variety of options with varying prices. Typical costs include £13.50 for pizza, £9.50 for chicken burgers, and £15 for fish and chips. Loaded hot dogs are priced at £8.50. Vegan and vegetarian options are available at some stalls.
Drink prices for this year are not yet confirmed. Last year, a pint of lager cost £6.75, cider £6.95, and a 330ml non-alcoholic lager was £5.50, which was more expensive per volume than alcoholic beer.
Were Tickets Reduced for TRNSMT?
Discount platform itison offered tickets at £49 per night, significantly lower than the initial £82 price. Some online commentators attributed this to the lineup featuring many repeat acts, making it feel familiar.
Despite this, discounted tickets sold out quickly, so last-minute buyers will likely pay full price.
How to Watch TRNSMT on TV and
Shereen Cutkelvin will host BBC Scotland’s coverage throughout the weekend. Broadcast begins at 22:00 on Friday, with highlights on BBC Two an hour later. Similar schedules apply on Saturday and Sunday, with BBC Two airing coverage at 00:10 on Saturday into Sunday and at 22:45 on Sunday.
Highlights and full performance sets will be available on BBC . Additional clips, behind-the-scenes content, and image galleries will be shared on BBC Scotland’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
BBC Radio 1 will also broadcast live from Glasgow Green, with Arielle Free and Vicky Hawkesworth presenting from 13:00 on Friday.
When Did TRNSMT Start?
TRNSMT is in its ninth year, having begun in 2017. It is widely regarded as the successor to T in the Park, which ended after the 2016 festival amid controversy, including two deaths and transport issues.
Unlike T in the Park, TRNSMT is held in a major city, Glasgow, and does not offer camping on site.
The inaugural festival featured headliners Radiohead, Kasabian, and Biffy Clyro, with Kasabian returning as headliners this year. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has headlined three times: in 2018, 2021, and 2024.
The festival has faced criticism for a lack of diversity, particularly at the top of the bill. In its nine-year history, it has never booked a female singer or female-fronted band as headliners, while several bands have been repeatedly booked.
