Maid Of Stone Festival 2025 Announces First 20 Bands For Lineup

by Glenn Sargeant | Nov 26, 2024

Maid of Stone 2025 is set to raise the bar for rock festivals in the UK, with an exciting line-up that includes Kentucky rock icons Black Stone Cherry, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker, and a host of other major international and homegrown acts. The festival will take place at Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent, on July 18th – 20th, 2025.

Black Stone Cherry to Headline Exclusive UK Show
Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry will headline Maid of Stone 2025 with an exclusive one-off UK performance on Saturday 19th July. This will be the band’s only UK appearance in 2025, making it a must-see for fans. Known for their electrifying live performances, the band will deliver a set featuring their signature hits, including “Me and Mary Jane,” “White Trash Millionaire,” “Blame It on the Boom Boom,” and “Lonesome Train.” This performance marks their debut at Maid of Stone, though it will be their third appearance at Mote Park, having previously headlined Ramblin’ Man Fair in 2019.

Michael Schenker to Bring ‘My Years in UFO’ Show to Maid of Stone
On Sunday 20th July, Michael Schenker, the legendary guitarist formerly of Scorpions and UFO, will take the main stage with his acclaimed “My Years in UFO” show. Fans can expect a masterclass in rock guitar, as Schenker is joined by Erik Grönwall, former frontman of Skid Row and H.E.A.T. The performance promises to be a highlight of the weekend, featuring classic tracks from Schenker’s legendary career.

SWEET, Stone Broken, and More to Rock the Main Stage
Also joining the lineup are SWEET—fronted by guitarist Andy Scott—whose classic hits continue to captivate audiences worldwide. After the success of their latest album, the band is ready to bring their timeless anthems to Maid of Stone for a huge singalong. Stone Broken, one of the UK’s fastest-rising rock acts, will also take to the main stage, as will The Raven Age, who are fresh off a stadium tour with Iron Maiden.

Joining the Southern rock celebration are The Georgia Thunderbolts, long-time friends of Black Stone Cherry and managed by Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters (and father to Blackstone’s drummer John Fred Young). They will perform on Saturday, July 19th, alongside Rosalie Cunningham, the award-winning multi-instrumentalist known for her vaudeville-inspired prog rock.

Rising Stars and Local Talent
The festival will also spotlight some of the best up-and-coming acts in rock, with These Wicked Rivers set for their delayed debut and American Blues rocker Sari Schorr, bringing their high-energy performances to the main stage on Sunday 20th July . On the second stage, Empyre will headline with their atmospheric rock sound, while Hillbilly Vegas, a southern rock trio from Oklahoma, will kick off the festival on Friday 18th July on main.

Our second stage will showcase unsigned talent from across the rock, blues rock and metal genres, including local acts from Kent. This stage is designed to give rising stars a platform to perform alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

An All-Inclusive Rock Festival Experience
Maid of Stone 2025 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. The festival will feature not only incredible live music but also a range of activities including cask ales, gourmet street food vendors, walkabout entertainment, a signing tent, axe throwing, and a VIP chillout area. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the festival for the full weekend, camping, glamping, and motorhome options will be available.

The festival’s welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by its “rock family” vibe, where fans and artists mingle in a relaxed and friendly environment. Maid of Stone is renowned for its outstanding facilities and easy access to all areas, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable festival experience for all attendees.

Festival booker Chris Wright commented, “Booking arena-level bands like Black Stone Cherry underscores our commitment to the continued growth of Maid of Stone. Our focus has always been on building a sustainable, high-quality event that rock fans can rely on, year after year. The support we’ve received from fans both locally and internationally is second to none, and we’re more excited than ever for 2025.”

More Bands to be Announced Soon
Maid of Stone 2025 will announce the final 20 bands for the line-up in December 2024 or January 2025. With an already stellar roster, rock fans are eagerly anticipating the full list of performers.

Maid of Stone is Kent’s premier rock festival, celebrating all genres of rock music from heavy rock to southern rock, blues rock, melodic rock, and metal. Now in its third year, the festival has quickly become a fixture in the UK rock calendar, attracting fans from across the globe. Held in the beautiful Mote Park, Maid of Stone offers an unparalleled festival experience in a stunning, family-friendly setting.

FRIDAY 18 – SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025

BLACK STONE CHERRY

MICHAEL SCHENKER

SWEET

STONE BROKEN

THE RAVEN AGE

ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM

THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS

THESE WICKED RIVERS

SARI SCHORR

EMPYRE

HILLBILLY VEGAS