No Bounds Festival has announced the first wave of artists for its 2025 edition, with pioneering UK producer Joy Orbison confirmed as a headline act. Themed Grit & Graft, the three-day event returns to Sheffield and Rotherham from 10–12 October, expanding its footprint while continuing to champion cutting-edge sound, radical creativity and the unique spirit of South Yorkshire.
Now in its eighth year, No Bounds 2025 marks a turning point for the festival as it bids farewell to long-time home Hope Works, the beloved industrial venue that helped shape Sheffield’s underground music landscape. The team now sets its sights on a wider spread of venues across both cities — more than 16 in total, including 12 never before used by the festival.
“Grit & Graft” is more than a theme – it’s a reflection of the city’s roots in industry, resilience and community. From the DIY creativity of local artists to the perseverance of those navigating life’s challenges through art, this year’s edition puts labour, passion and defiance centre stage.
Joy Orbison joins a stacked Phase One line-up that includes These New Puritans (live a/v), dub heavyweight Aba Shanti-I, genre-pushing local favourites Rian Treanor, 96 Back, and Silva Bumpa, plus MC Yallah & Debmaster, Tristwch Y Fenywod (live), Ploy, and Big Ang – one of the original female pioneers of bassline.
Returning Sheffield legends Winston Hazel and Pipes are also set to play, with collectives like Off Me Nut Records, Gut Level, Footprints and Wub Club once again bringing the city’s electronic scenes to life.
New festival hubs include Peddler Warehouse – hosting a 12-hour dub-techno session powered by Sinai Sound System – as well as first-time No Bounds venues like Three Arches (formerly Wicker Arches), Igloo 360, Harmony Works, Alder, and Fagan’s. A new Sunday programme will also debut in Rotherham, with details to be announced soon.
Beyond the music, this year’s edition features immersive AV installations, multichannel sound art experiences for both youth groups and professional artists, and the launch of the No Bounds Cinema strand. A highlight of the expanded programme is Memory Dance x No Bounds 25, which reactivates the 1995 documentary Tales from a Hard City, alongside work from acclaimed Sheffield photographer Bill Stephenson.
As ever, No Bounds remains a celebration of community, innovation and collective joy — blending the political with the playful in a uniquely Sheffield way.
For the full Phase One line-up, tickets and info, visit noboundsfestival.co.uk or follow @noboundsfestivaluk.
