DOT TO DOT: 2025
Dot To Dot
In 2005, the first ever Dot to Dot festival was held in just three venues across Nottingham. Now, 20 years on from bursting onto the scene, this festival has gained a large following in Nottingham, Bristol and Manchester. In Nottingham alone, the festival now spans the entire city centre, taking place in over 10 venues. Through its popularity, the festival has rightfully prided itself on shining a spotlight on some of Nottingham's most talented musicians and has showcased some of the industry's biggest names like The 1975, Lewis Capaldi, Dua Lipa and most recently Wunderhorse.
This year's festival, though, was the first that I had ever experienced, and it's safe to say that nothing prepared me for it.
When I arrived in Nottingham, I had only one goal in mind: to see as many venues and bands as possible before the end of the day. Over the next 12 hours, I was able to experience over 10 different bands at over 10 different stages, with the first in the Black Cherry Lounge at the famous Rock City.
Skitz at the Black Cherry Lounge
When I walked into the Black Cherry Lounge, I knew that it was a stage fit for one purpose... to play heart-pumping music. So when Skitz entered the stage, I knew they would get me going – and wow, were they an unforgettable start to the day.
It was all calm, and then as soon as the lead singer screamed 'MOVE!' the room came to life and the atmosphere was electric. The intense throat-searing lyrics mixed with the loud drums and the moshpit madness gave me a huge adrenaline rush that I had never experienced before. It truly is the type of fan experience you can only get at stages like the Black Cherry Lounge. Even as someone who isn't involved in the heavy metal community, seeing Skitz perform felt truly special and exhilarating.
Marvin's Revenge at Rescue Rooms
The next stage I went to was Rescue Rooms, and this is a special place for not just those who go out on the weekend, but also for the history of this festival itself. This is because it was one of the first venues for Dot to Dot back in the 2000s, and from what I experienced, it is still the place to go.
Seeing the stage itself was magnificent, and I could tell it's one made for the indie rock experience. The lighting at the venue was half the entertainment for me as the beams wiped and sparked across the whole stage, flashing to every beat, lyric and song played. The thrill from the lights and the venue itself were all on show when Marvin's Revenge took the stage, and I was hooked.
From the first minute, their performance was soul-capturing, and I was in awe of how their music surrounded the venue. It didn't matter where you stood or how busy it would get, because this large venue is perfect for the indie experience. So if you're a huge fan of indie music, then I couldn't recommend a stage more fitting for that genre.
Keo at Rescue Rooms
Another band that I experienced at Rescue Rooms was Keo, and I could feel a lot of anticipation for this band. It was very clear to me that they had a huge following, as I heard people all around me chanting 'KEEEOOOO', so my expectations were high. However, they absolutely blew me away with their rhythmic songs and beautiful chords. From the way that they confidently took on the stage to how they took control of the audience, they gave me goosebumps. Out of all the bands I saw that day, I remember their lyrics sticking with me the most. They are definitely a band to look out for in the future.
Raining Blue at the Acoustic Rooms
There was also another stage in the room opposite, and this was the Acoustic Rooms. The two stages in Rescue Rooms couldn't be more different from each other, as the Acoustic Rooms' brick walls and industrial light bulbs gave it a very warm and relaxing atmosphere. I found this to be the best spot if you want to chill during the festival or if you want a quick break from the madness of Rock City and Bodega.
The band that I saw live at this stage was Raining Blue and whilst they weren't particularly acoustic, this indie duo brought a very chill vibe to the stage. The mix of the reverberated guitar chords, the singer's soft voice and the soft percussion made it a very relaxing and enjoyable show.
Vee Adu at The Carousel
The Carousel is a venue that I heard nothing about until the festival. I walked past it many times in Nottingham without even knowing what it was, so being able to experience this unique spot was very intriguing. Like the Acoustic Rooms, this is also a great place to relax between shows, and the performances there were the perfect vibe for the location. Seeing this venue reinforced to me the importance of festivals like Dot to Dot, as it supports and gives places like The Carousel the platform they need to express themselves.
This also goes for the musicians too, and it was at this venue where I saw the wonderfully talented Vee Adu. She brought a lovely '70s, acoustic soul vibe to the festival, and her heartwarming, angelic voice took her songs to another level. It was also clear to see that she takes a lot of inspiration from the jazz genre and Amy Winehouse, as she not only has a voice like hers, but also sang a cover of 'Valerie', which was very pleasant to hear.
Blood Wizard at the Metronome
From the students who study there to the BBC Introducing shows, this campus for Confetti College has shown itself to be a great place for showcasing local upcoming bands, and this festival is no exception. Metronome is very similar to Rescue Rooms' energetic lights and pumping atmosphere. It doesn't matter if it's fast, slow, loud or quiet – this venue knows how to show off the power of music. This is why even though the venue is larger than some of the others, it still feels very intimate and personal.
At this venue I saw Blood Wizard take on the stage, and they were easily one of my favourites during the festival. The lead singer's monotone lyrics mixed with the enchanting chords struck me with an effortless charm of entertainment and escapism. Their slow tempo instrumentals glided through the venue and captured me for their whole set. They are definitely a great band to listen to during a late-night car journey or when you're lying in a park during a sunset.
It also wasn't just the music that I loved though, as the frontman (Cai Burns) carried himself with a confident bravado around the stage, that made this charming band that much more charming to watch live.
The Albions at 31K
31K is another venue that I had not experienced before Dot to Dot, and wow, the music is loud in there. Without the festival running, I can imagine it being a place where you can get a nice drink, but with The Albions on show it felt like a different place. These Confetti students have recently made a name for themselves at BBC Introducing and are the only band I had previously seen live before the festival.
They brought a very classic indie vibe and style, with their sound emulating what The Libertines and the Arctic Monkeys brought to the genre in the 2000s. That being said though, my experience in the venue was slightly tarnished by the intense volume of the performance. So if you have sensitive ears, then it may be best to come to this stage during an acoustic performance. However, I did thoroughly enjoy their performance and how expressive the frontman was onstage.
BASHT. at the Bodega Bar Stage
This was a venue that I went to early in the day, but wow, was it cramped in there. For such a small space they managed to fill it with a lot of people, and somehow I managed to squeeze through and find a comfortable position in the seated area. However, the venue's small size does make it a lovely place for a more intimate musical experience. Even though the stage was tucked into the corner of the room, the music of BASHT. worked perfectly with the venue's size and audience.
Throughout their set, they played a lot of songs with a slow rhythmic tempo to them, and the lead singer's voice was very reminiscent of a softer Jacob Slater. So if you have a simple appreciation for indie rock, then you'll easily enjoy this band.
Girl Group at Bodega
Seeing Girl Group was a definite one-of-a-kind experience, which completely separated them from any of the other artists that played during the festival. I could feel the excitement in the room build as it was packed full of people eager to hear their sound. In contrast with the bar stage, it wasn't as cramped, but once it gets busy, good luck getting a drink.
However, when Girl Group's performance started, I found a nice spot in the sofa area, which gave me a great view of the whole stage. From there I experienced what was not just a musical performance, but an actual show with choreography, beautiful harmonies and creatively talented musicians. The choreography wasn't just simple either; it was complex, vibrant, and full of character. Their songs also have a great variety of electronic and techno sounds mixed with incredible tempo and beat changes, keeping you literally on your toes throughout the whole set.
I can never stress enough the unique nature of this band, as I have never seen a performance where the lead singer alternates from one song to the next. Every member of this band is truly talented vocally and instrumentally, and you can tell that they really love what they do. So if you love pop rock music, or bands like Wet Leg, then I couldn't recommend this group more to you.
The New Eves at Rock City Beta
Near the end of the day, I travelled back to Rock City and explored the Rock City Beta stage. This stage is where the nightclub aesthetic of Rock City is fully on show, as its dim lighting and bright neon tables set you up for the perfect clubbing experience. However, I knew instantly from their vintage costumes and the cello on stage, that The New Eves couldn't be more different from the room, and I was once again preparing myself for a unique experience.
Their booming vocals, thunderous drums and screeching cello really reminded me of the lost sound of the New Romantic era in the '80s and in particular of the sound of bands like Adam and the Ants. Their lyrics felt very theatrical, and like Girl Group, they too put on their own show of harmonious sounds and chanting that completely captivated me. Then out of nowhere they switched to a sound reminiscent of the '60s, and I was once again hooked.
The experience of seeing this group live flew by, and when an audience member said, 'You're not done, are ya?', I couldn't believe it too. What a group.
Fat Dog at Rock City
Finally, I was in the Rock City main room. Famous for its history with the indie and grunge movement of the '90s, this venue is undoubtedly the most prominent in all of Nottingham, and rock had certainly arrived once again.
It was time for the headline act, and this was the performance that many had been waiting for all day. The excitement was palpable, the anticipation was unbelievable, the suspense was unbearable, and then... Fat Dog entered the stage. Each member entered with a strong, powerful confidence that illuminated the stage, and then we waited and waited and... BANG!!!
The moshpit exploded, the saxophone roared, and the lead singer screamed down the mic. The energy was pulsing through my body. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I couldn't believe it was real. I was in shock, I was in awe, I was completely blown away, and I can never imagine what it would feel like to control a crowd like that.
I never wanted to leave. I never wanted it to end.
Whatever their sound was, I wanted to hear it forever and live it forever. What a band and what an experience. Truly one of the greatest musical experiences I have had so far in my life and one that I will never forget. It was by far the highlight of the day, and it showed me just how amazing Dot to Dot truly is.
Final Thoughts
So, after seeing the wide range of musical talent at this festival, I can safely say that Nottingham still has a lot to offer in the world of music. If there is any part of you that wants to experience this festival, I say do it! But don't just go for the bands or genres you enjoy – experiment and have a go at each venue, as you never know, you may just find your next favourite band.