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 Renfrewshire News
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links