As spring fades into summer, the verdant grounds of Belvoir Castle prepare to transform into a magical playground for electronic music lovers once again. Forbidden Forest returns from May 29 to June 1, promising a weekend where nature and music collide under the canopy of ancient trees and rolling hills.
Since its inception in 2016, this festival has blossomed into a beloved haven where the love of music unites a devoted community, and 2025’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Without further ado, here are some of the artists that I'm most excited to see from the star-studded lineup:
Making his debut at Forbidden Forest's sprawling stages for the first time, Australian tech-house titan Fisher is set to bring his signature high-energy tracks and addictive party spirit on Friday at the Tempest stage. Known globally for his breakthrough anthem “Losing It,” Fisher’s music is a no-nonsense celebration of the dancefloor- stripped back, catchy, and irresistibly fun. From the Gold Coast waves to the festival woods of Leicestershire, Fisher’s arrival signals a vibrant boost of carefree joy and house music mastery.
Another of Friday's unmissable acts is Rossi. – best suited for fans of the minimal and deep house sound. His approach is more subtle but effective- featuring steady grooves that will pull you in and keeps you hooked for hours. He’s been building a solid reputation with residencies at Fabric and gigs at major clubs, and Forbidden Forest is the perfect place to see what’s making him stand out right now.
With a reputation for blessing Forbidden Forest's stages is CamelPhat– set to perform for the 5th time on Saturday. Their music is rich, focusing on building immersive atmospheres with clever layers, creating big festival moments with a refined edge. Their sound is far beyond just club bangers and that balance between dancefloor power and thoughtful production is why their sets at Forbidden Forest always deliver.
Representing the drum & bass side of things with more melodic, emotionally driven tracks is Hybrid Minds. Their sound isn’t just fast-paced beats; they blend rich harmonies and smooth vocals that make you feel as much as you move. It’s that mix that really connects with the crowd and stands out from a lot of other D&B DJs, and a compelling reason to catch them at their set on the Reactor stage on Saturday.
Then there’s Shy FX- a true legend who’s been around since jungle’s early days. His sets pull from all corners of his career, mixing classic jungle vibes with modern bass and reggae influences. If you're looking to experience one of electronic music's pioneers live and in action, Shy FX is an artist you won't want to miss out on- catch him at the Bunker stage on Saturday.
Rounding out the lineup on Sunday is Chris Stussy, known for drawing in large crowds with his forward-thinking house sets. He’s known for mixing fresh productions with a real sense of flow, creating journeys that feel modern but always danceable. With his label Up The Stuss hitting its fifth year, his sets reflect that mix of underground credibility and festival-ready energy.
Forbidden Forest has grown from a secret woodland rave into something much greater- a place where the music and the setting come together so well, it feels like stepping into another world. Whether you’re chasing big moments with Fisher or soaking up the depth of CamelPhat and Hybrid Minds, this weekend offers an experience like no other.
If you're craving a big weekend, grab tickets while you can- I know you won't regret it.
Tickets Available: Here
