Bilbao BBK Live: The ‘carefully curated’ music festival strengthening the Spanish music scene

The tenth-largest city in Spain hosts one of Europe’s largest music festivals. One of the first towns established in the fourteenth century and blossoming from there in food, culture, and history, is a city worth visiting with or without an ever-impressive festival line-up. Bilbao BBK Live is just a year away from celebrating its twentieth anniversary, the rapid growth of a “festival held in the heart of nature,” as Communication Director Eva Castillo described it to Cult Following.

This year, the festival will see headliners Pulp, Kylie Minogue, and Raye, feature on the main stage in a set which will no doubt feature more of those “unforgettable moments” which has made the festival a staple part of the city. UK-based festivals feel a step behind European offerings. Line-ups for this year’s Bilbao BBK Live, last year’s Øyafestivalen, and Mad Cool, tower over the likes of Reading, Leeds, and Tramlines. The cultural scene may be different, but European festivals, such as Bilbao BBK Live, have a talent for picking English-speaking acts overlooked by the mainstream festival circuit.

Take returning stage veterans Pulp, a band who have “never performed in Bilbao”, and Minogue, described as a “landmark moment for the festival.” Rising stars from the UK scene, including Wunderhorse, English Teacher, and Fat Dog, also feature on the line-up.

They may feature on UK festival line-ups, but considering ticket prices, it is in some instances only slightly more expensive to travel to Spain, Ireland, or Norway for a festival experience, a holiday included. Press passes certainly help cut down the cost, but even the average fan can get a pass, hostel and travel package for the £325 Leeds Festival is charging.

Part of the charm for Bilbao, which is consistent with other European festivals, is embedding the culture of the city, its foods and its history, into the identity of the show.

Castillo said: “Every festival has its own character. In our case, Bilbao BBK Live is not just about music: it’s about food, nature, local culture, and a city with a strong identity. The proximity between the venue and Bilbao’s city centre allows festivalgoers to immerse themselves in the city — a 24-hour experience, especially as part of the musical programme also takes place in town during the day.

“The scale of the festival is also very balanced: large enough to attract major acts, but with an intimate and carefully curated atmosphere. All of this, while remaining firmly rooted in the local context. That combination of setting, musical quality, and authenticity is rare — and we believe it’s our strongest asset.

“Bilbao BBK Live has been a key ingredient in the city’s international projection as a cultural destination. Each summer, thousands of people travel to Bilbao for the festival, but also for its gastronomy, nearby beaches, and cultural offerings such as the Guggenheim and the Fine Arts Museum.

“Many discover a vibrant, modern city with a strong sense of identity. The festival has played a part in placing Bilbao on the global live music map. What’s more, we collaborate with local cultural organisations and community-based projects like Herrian, Hirian, and Bereziak, reaffirming our commitment to culture as an essential force that generates impact in the region.”

Bilbao BBK Live is fast becoming a part of that culture, too. Established in 2006, the festival featured Guns N’ Roses in a headline slot, and the very next year would boast Iron Maiden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica, in its show toppers. The festival, according to LTI spokesman Alfonso Santiago, is now the third-largest concert capital in Spain, behind Madrid’s Mad Cool, and Barcelona’s Primavera.

It is solid company for Bilbao BBK Live to share, and with clear competition for attendees, the festival has relied on one thing in particular. Loyalty. Castillo said: “Over the past two decades, we’ve experienced countless unforgettable moments: from the legendary sets of Radiohead and Depeche Mode to the unstoppable energy of Rosalía, or the early performances of artists like Childish Gambino before they became household names.

“But without a doubt, beyond the artists who have taken to our stages, what matters most to us is the loyalty of those who return year after year — and the first-timers who tell us they’ve had a truly memorable experience.

“Every edition has had something special. In 2025, we aim to celebrate these two decades with a truly special edition — one that not only looks back but projects the festival into the future.”

Looking to the future, after a staggering 2025 lineup which will see 90s legends, staples of UK music, and a fresh batch of up-and-comers from across the globe, Bilbao BBK Live are committing to what they have always prided themselves on. Sharing news of the new acts appearing at the festival this year, Castillo said: “On the other hand, we’re equally excited about acts like Judeline, Amaia, Pablopablo, and Rusowsky, all of whom represent a new wave of Spanish talent with a strong and distinctive voice.”

Castillo added: “In addition, we are committed to a diverse line-up that brings together both major international names and emerging talent, always ensuring space for local artists and music in Basque. We place great care on the audience experience — from Basque gastronomy to sustainability, diversity, and respect for the environment.”