Dundee is gearing up for a summer of unforgettable music as Slessor Gardens welcomes a showstopping lineup of events, including the return of 80s Calling! on Saturday 26 July 2025, and the three-day Discovery Festival from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July. Organised by the Liz Hobbs Group, these events promise a vibrant celebration of music, nostalgia, and community, with iconic headliners like The Human League, ABC, and Sir Tom Jones taking centre stage.
Fresh from sponsoring the main stage at Dundee’s beloved Westfest, Liz Hobbs Group continues to invest in the city’s cultural heartbeat, turning Slessor Gardens into the epicentre of Scottish summer sound.
80s Calling! – A One-Day Retro Celebration
On Saturday 26 July, Slessor Gardens will be transformed into an electric 80s dreamscape for 80s Calling!, a high-energy festival of synth-pop, new wave, and chart-topping anthems. Headlining the day are BRIT Award winners The Human League, whose pioneering electronic hits like Don’t You Want Me and Together in Electric Dreams defined a generation.
Joining them are fellow icons ABC, The Christians, Big Country, Toyah, Altered Images, and T’Pau. With gates opening at 12 noon, fans can expect a full day of neon outfits, shoulder pads, and non-stop classics from some of the most influential acts of the decade.
ClashMusic.com has long recognised The Human League’s influence, hailing their 1981 album Dare as a cornerstone of electronic pop. Similarly, ABC’s The Lexicon of Love remains one of the era’s most essential records, and frontman Martin Fry is expected to tease material from the band’s upcoming 2025 tour with the Lexicon Sinfonia Orchestra.
Also taking the stage, The Christians bring soul-powered hits like Harvest for the World, while Big Country revive the soaring anthems of their signature Celtic rock. Toyah, fresh from her 2024 Strictly Come Dancing appearance, promises a high-octane performance, and Altered Images, led by Clare Grogan, will deliver pure pop joy with Happy Birthday. Completing the lineup, T’Pau’s Carol Decker brings chart staples like China in Your Hand to the heart of Dundee.
Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of Liz Hobbs Group, shared her excitement: “We’re thrilled to bring 80s Calling! to Dundee. It’s a celebration for lifelong fans and new audiences alike. Bring on the neon, bring on the shades, and let’s have a party!”
Tickets are priced from £62.90 (general admission) and £91 (golden circle), plus booking fees, and are available via Ticketmaster, Gigantic, or directly from lizhobbsgroup.com. General sale opened on 6 December 2024 at 10am.
Discovery Festival – Three Days, Endless Sound
Spanning the full weekend, Discovery Festival delivers something for every music lover. Backed by local partners including The Courier and Dundee City Council, the full schedule is as follows:
Friday 25 July
Kick-starting the weekend, Ocean Colour Scene headline, supported by The Fratellis, White Lies, and Cammy Barnes. Gates open at 5pm.
Tickets: From £49.50 plus fees, available via Gigantic and Liz Hobbs Group
Saturday 26 July
80s Calling! (see full details above)
Tickets: From £62.90 plus fees
Sunday 27 July
Legendary crooner Sir Tom Jones brings the weekend to a spectacular close with his Defy Explanation tour. Gates open at 4pm, with support acts to be announced.
Tickets: From £55 plus fees, available via Ticketmaster and Liz Hobbs Group
Still selling out venues worldwide, Tom Jones needs little introduction. With timeless hits like It’s Not Unusual and Delilah, his set promises singalongs, soul, and showmanship. As ClashMusic.com puts it, Jones continues to blend “timeless charisma with contemporary relevance,” making his Dundee appearance a summer must.
What to Know Before You Go
Slessor Gardens will be fully kitted out with food and drink stalls, though no outside food is permitted unless for medical or dietary needs. Bags larger than an A4 sheet are prohibited, and re-entry is not allowed.
Get Your Tickets
80s Calling! – Saturday 26 July 2025
Discovery Festival – Friday 25 July (Ocean Colour Scene)
Discovery Festival – Sunday 27 July (Tom Jones)
With a mix of retro icons, Britpop favourites, and living legends, Dundee’s summer 2025 music season is set to be one for the ages. Alongside these Events we also have Franz Ferdinand, Amy McDonald and the DOOF in the park events all gracing our city. Mark your calendar, secure your tickets, and get ready to dance!
