edge fest 2025
Edgefest 2025: Small Town, Big Sound
★★★★☆
EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
SATURDAY
Now in its third year, Edgefest has cemented itself as one of the Borders’ best kept secrets. Set against the backdrop of Jedburgh, it’s a festival that thrives on intimacy and character, drawing crowds who want the thrill of live music without the sprawling chaos of larger events. Saturday may have been a dreich day, but even grey skies couldn’t dampen the sense of anticipation or the atmosphere inside the festival grounds.
This year also saw a few thoughtful improvements. The stage, now raised higher, finally allowed those at the back of the tent to see all the action, a small change that made a big difference. A new VIP area gave festivalgoers the option of a little added comfort, while one of Edgefest’s charms remains its welcoming approach: attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs and blankets, with dedicated sections to sit back and relax when the sun peeks out. It’s this blend of community feel and creature comforts that makes Edgefest stand apart — a festival that feels equally friendly for families, groups of friends, and seasoned gig-goers alike.
Saturday opened with Cody Feechan, whose soulful voice set the tone perfectly. Her set mixed heartfelt originals with familiar covers, but it was her take on Fleetwood Mac that captured the crowd’s attention, uniting the tent in an early singalong that cut straight through the drizzle outside.
Following her was Cammy Barnes, who impressed with a performance that balanced rich vocals with a proud nod to his Scottish roots. Midway through, he stunned the audience by picking up the bagpipes, weaving them seamlessly into his set as he moved between singing and playing. It was a bold move that paid off, leaving the crowd cheering and stamping their feet in appreciation.
CAMMY BARNES PERFORMING ON SATURDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
As afternoon turned to evening, Newton Faulkner arrived with his awkward yet utterly endearing stage presence. There’s always something disarming about the way he interacts with a crowd, and he charmed Jedburgh with his dazzling guitar work and warm humour. He played fan favourites including “Dream Catch Me” — the one everyone had clearly been waiting for — alongside teasers from his new album, Octopus, his eighth studio release due out on 19 September 2025. Both nostalgic and forward-looking, his set struck the perfect balance for a festival crowd.
NEWTON FAULKNER PERFORMING ON SATURDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
From there, the atmosphere took a sharp turn as Generation GBX unleashed a wave of bass-heavy dance tracks. Within minutes, the tent had transformed into a rave, the beats reverberating so intensely that car alarms outside were reportedly triggered. It was a moment of pure chaos, in the best way, with glow sticks flashing and the crowd bouncing as though they’d been transported to a club night in Glasgow.
GBX ANTHEMS (GEORGE BOWIE) PERFORMING ON SATURDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
Skippinish followed, keeping the energy alive but steering it back towards something distinctly Scottish. Their blend of folk tradition and contemporary flair had the audience clapping and stomping along, celebrating the sound of homegrown music.
SKIPINNISH PERFORMING ON SATURDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
Then it was time for Sister Sledge. Of the four original sisters, Debbie is the only remaining performer, but with a fantastic backing line-up behind her the show lost none of its sparkle. They powered through all their greatest hits, transporting the audience back to the disco heyday of Studio 54. When they launched into “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” four concertgoers were brought on stage to prove their moves. The only man among them, John, stole the show with his funky dancing — a moment that had the tent roaring with laughter and cheers.
Closing the first night was Olly Murs, who bounded onto stage with his trademark cheeky charm. While the rain poured down outside, the tent was full of energy and warmth, Olly’s upbeat pop anthems keeping the crowd on their feet and singing along. His easy banter and boundless enthusiasm made for a feel-good finale, proving that even a wet Borders night can end on a high.
SUNDAY
If Saturday had been defined by grey skies and stomping feet, Sunday carried a lighter more relaxed atmosphere to begin with. Western End opened with a polished set that gently drew people back into the swing of things, followed by Lucy Tay, whose soulful voice held the early crowd captivated.
LUCY TAY PERFORMING ON SUNDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
An added treat came in the form of Billy Reekie, a rising male artist that this reviewer has known for many years. From Kirkcaldy, Fife, Billy’s charisma and confidence shone throughout his performance. His newly released single “Song that I Sing” was a definite crowd favourite, and though only added to the bill late on, he made a a very strong impression and I’m sure has earned himself plenty of new fans. With upcoming shows in Kirkcaldy at the Adam Smith Theatre, and plenty of new singles yet to be released, he’s clearly a talent to keep an eye on.
Then came a burst of nostalgia as the Bay City Rollers took to the stage. Tartan scarves waved proudly in the air, and the tent erupted into song as the crowd relived the band’s biggest hits. To everyone’s delight, their set also included a David Bowie cover and even a nod to punk with a Ramones song, showing their versatility as well as their enduring legacy.
THE BAY CITY ROLLERS PERFORMING ON SUNDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
The Vengaboys kept the party going, swapping subtlety for sheer joy. Giant balloons were passed around the tent as the group powered through a mix of their greatest hits and well-known party anthems. The crowd burst with energy, dancing, singing, and proving once again why the Vengaboys remain festival favourites.
VENGABOYS PERFORMING ON SUNDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
From there, Nathan Carter brought a change of pace with his mix of country and Irish charm. His set was full of warmth and energy, finishing in style with a rousing “Wagon Wheel”, before launching into a medley of “We Will Rock You,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “Does Your Mother Know.” The tent erupted, and the crowd left buzzing, clearly riding a high.
Example followed, but his performance left people with a mixed review. His biggest hits — including “Changed the Way You Kiss Me” and “Kickstarts” — went down brilliantly and had the tent bouncing. However, much of the set saw him hyping the DJ rather than leading the performance himself. Many of the songs played were by other artists and were cut before reaching their peak moments. It left parts of the audience disappointed, feeling more like a club warm-up than a headline set.
EXAMPLE PERFORMING ON SUNDAY AT EDGE FEST 2025 AT JEDBURGH’S LILLIARDSEDGE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: EDGE FEST
Finally, Travis closed the weekend with a performance that was nothing short of incredible. As one of Scotland’s most beloved bands, they carried the weight of expectation with ease. A truly special moment came when they stripped things back for “Flowers in the Window,” performing it acoustically as the whole band gathered at the front of the stage. It was intimate, heartfelt, and spine-tingling — a reminder of just how good live music can be. Their set finished with the inevitable “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?”, which turned into a jubilant singalong and the perfect closing chapter to the weekend.
Edgefest 2025 once again proved why it’s fast becoming a staple of the Borders’ summer calendar. The weather may not have been on its side, but the sense of community, the thoughtful touches for comfort, and a line-up that balanced nostalgia with fresh talent made it a weekend to remember. Small in scale but big in heart, Jedburgh’s little festival has once again shown that the best-kept secrets are often the most rewarding.
With another year of memorable performances now behind it, we’re already looking forward to seeing what Edgefest 2026 will bring.
REVIEW BY: KAYLA LOUISE LANDALE
PHOTOS BY: EDGE FEST