Dundee’s WestFest 2025, held on Sunday, June 1, at Magdalen Green, delivered an unforgettable day of music and community celebration, reinforcing its status as the city’s largest free outdoor festival.
Organised by a volunteer-run charity, the event drew thousands of attendees and featured a vibrant music line-up headlined by acclaimed singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine. With new main sponsor Kerr’s Dairy marking its 125th anniversary, WestFest highlighted its commitment to grassroots music and emerging artists while navigating financial challenges after the loss of lottery funding and other support. Despite Dundee City Council’s tendency to claim credit, the festival remains fiercely independent, relying on donations, advertising, and sponsorships to thrive.
Music Lineup: A Platform for Talent
The 2025 WestFest lineup showcased a diverse array of local and international artists, emphasizing the festival’s dedication to grassroots music.
The Main Stage was headlined by Boo Hewerdine, one of the UK’s respected singer-songwriters, known for writing for artists like Eddi Reader and K.D. lang, and for his work with 1980s band The Bible. His performance, blending fine vocals and witty storytelling, captivated the crowd. Dundee’s The Funkin’ Idiots, a local funk and soul band, closed the festival with high-energy covers, encouraging festival-goers to dance as the sun set. Streamer, a Scottish/English trio blending indie, trance, electronic and rock, delivered a genre-defying set ahead of their Glastonbury appearance. Gleadhraich, led by Dundee piper Craig Weir, brought their unique Celtic-pop sound, celebrating both the band’s 15th anniversary alongside WestFest’s.
The Main Stage also featured a special opening performance by Dundee legends Andi Lothian and Watt Nicoll. Lothian, famed for bringing The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Dundee, played double bass and introduced his friend Nicoll, who marked his 90th birthday with a ukulele challenge alongside nine local players and the festival chairman Alan Wilson ‘Washie’ who joined in along with a selection of other local musicians including Andi’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson. The festival paid tribute to the Lothian Foundation and Andi Lothian’s ongoing support, which has been instrumental in amplifying community initiatives like Nicoll’s performance. Tayside Young Fiddlers, formed 30 years ago by Bob Edwards, and the Dundee Schools Rock Band showcased the region’s young talent, continuing WestFest’s tradition of nurturing the next generation.
The Sarah Buick Stage, named in memory of a beloved WestFest sound crew member highlighted emerging artists. Shakey Sean & Camilo, led by Dundee’s Sean Findlay, delivered retro-inspired pop rock, while James Liandu impressed with his genre-spanning songs. Marcel & St. John, a Scottish folk-rock duo, evoked Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, and 15-year-old Zack Gibson wowed with his self-taught guitar and soulful vocals. Other standout acts included Steph Fraser, a former Island Records signee, Justine Beverley, inspired by global folk scenes, Paul Langdale with his punk-infused “Zeg The Fish” project, Erin Ponsonby, a rising country-pop star, and Marley Davidson, whose cinematic dreampop was mastered at Abbey Road Studios.
The DJ Tent pulsed with energy from artists like Exiled From Culture (Mike Gregor), a veteran of Scotland’s dance scene since 1990, and Reece Burrows, who debuted at PRTY with heavy kicks and high-energy beats. Other DJs included Illogical Operator, The Old School “Soul Kitchen”, Day Moves, Miss Dlove, Acid Boner, and The Bombay Club, offering everything from soul and reggae to acid techno and cosmic balearic vibes.
Previous WestFest lineups have included acts like Funk Connection, Blue Rose Code, Stan Urban, Martin Stephenson and ex-Bhundu Boy Rise Cagona, with The Courier, in 2023 praising the festival’s “exciting and entertaining line-ups” for drawing large crowds since 2010.
Kerr’s Dairy: A Milestone Sponsor
WestFest welcomed Kerr’s Dairy as its main sponsor, coinciding with the Dundee-based dairy’s 125th anniversary. Their ongoing financial support added a celebratory touch, reinforcing the festival’s deep community ties. Organizers expressed gratitude for Kerr’s contribution, which helped keep the event free and accessible.
Financial Challenges and New Support
As a registered charity, WestFest is run entirely by volunteers and receives no funding from Dundee City Council. With lottery funding and other support no longer available, the festival now relies on donations, advertising, and sponsorships to continue. AC Digital has played a key role in introducing new sponsors and developing strategies to future-proof the event, ensuring its sustainability. Organizers are actively seeking further support to maintain WestFest’s free, inclusive model, a rarity for an event of its scale. In 2022, The Courier reported on WestFest’s appeal for donations to offset rising costs, highlighting the team’s commitment to accessibility.
Community Impact and Media Recognition
WestFest is a cultural lifeline for Dundee, fostering unity and drawing thousands to Magdalen Green annually. Visit Dundee has called it “Dundee’s largest outdoor festival,” noting its growth since 2010 and appeal to locals and visitors alike. The Courier lauded its ability to deliver “a Big Sunday to remember,” emphasizing its diverse entertainment and community focus. The festival’s family-friendly offerings, including carnival rides, local food stalls, face painting, and bouncy castles, make it a beloved event for all ages. Beyond entertainment, WestFest creates lasting memories, reinforcing Dundee’s vibrant music scene.
Looking Ahead
As WestFest 2025 concluded under the Dundee sunset, the sounds of Boo Hewerdine’s melodies, The Funkin’ Idiots’ grooves, and Andi Lothian’s ukulele tribute lingered in the air. With Kerr’s Dairy’s support, AC Digital’s innovative contributions, and a lineup championing both emerging and established talent, WestFest proved its enduring value. As the volunteer team plans for 2026, the festival remains a beacon of grassroots music, community spirit, and independent, charity-driven excellence.
For more information, to sponsor or to donate, visit dundeewestfest.org.
