Recovery Connects is set to return to Glasgow this summer with an iconic 90s line-up

Scotland’s pioneering alcohol-free music festival, Recovery Connects, is back with its 2025 edition, promising an unforgettable day of live music, fun activities, and community connection. Held at Queen’s Park Arena in Glasgow, this unique event celebrates recovery and offers a safe and inclusive space for all.

The 2025 festival will take place on Sunday 6 July, bringing together thousands of attendees for an alcohol-free celebration. Leading the line-up are two heavyweights of the 90s music scene, promising to make this year’s event the biggest and most exciting one yet.

90s Legends Headlining the Alcohol-Free Music Festival

Music fans are in for a treat this summer as the main stage features legendary acts. Leeroy Thornhill, formerly of The Prodigy, will be headlining and bringing his iconic beats to the festival. Joining him is a special acoustic set from The Bluetones, one of the Britpop era’s most beloved indie bands.

The line-up doesn’t end there. DJ Snoopy, renowned from Saltcoats’ Metro nightclub, will treat fans to floor-filling tracks, while tribute band Ocean Colour Scheme will bring nostalgic hits to life. Adding more charm to the day will be comedian Darren Connell, who will introduce each act with his witty humour.

Recovery Connects isn’t just about music; it’s a movement. The alcohol-free environment celebrates the achievements of people in recovery and aims to challenge the stigma surrounding substance abuse.

Why Recovery Connects is One of a Kind

Recovery Connects is far more than a gig. Open to everyone, this gathering is an opportunity to foster a sense of community and celebrate life without alcohol. While traditional festivals are often tied to alcohol culture, this event shifts the focus back to the pure enjoyment of music in a supportive atmosphere.

The festival has been growing steadily since its inception. Last year, 2,900 people joined the alcohol-free celebration, a huge leap from the smaller crowds a few years ago. Organisers Eddie Clarke, Derek Watt, and Shaun Kenny, who form The Recovery Collective, are proud of how far the event has come.

Eddie Clarke, one of the founders, shared his thoughts on Recovery Connects’ success:

“The festival started with the simple idea of bringing people in recovery together to celebrate what they’ve achieved, rather than hiding it away. Recovery Connects keeps getting bigger every year, and we can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd in Queen’s Park Arena this summer as they sing along to some 90s classics.”

The Ultimate Family-Friendly Festival

If you’re attending with family, there’s plenty on offer beyond great music. The festival is designed to entertain guests of all ages in a safe and welcoming environment.

• Family-Friendly Activities: From arts and crafts to games, there’s something for everyone.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Food Stalls: Enjoy a range of delicious food options with refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.
• Community Stalls: Explore stalls from local recovery groups, mental health services, homelessness organisations, and social enterprises, offering insights and resources.

Entry to Recovery Connects is completely free, and you don’t need to book tickets in advance. Just show up with friends and family to enjoy a sunny day in Glasgow’s Queen’s Park. Doors open at 12 pm, with the event wrapping up at 6.30 pm.

What Makes an Alcohol-Free Festival Special

The alcohol-free format brings an entirely different festival experience, as described by both organisers and past performers.

Shaun Kenny, one of the founders, captured the essence of this style of event:

“Recovery Connects is a safe place for people to enjoy music without the alcohol-related carnage you often see at other festivals.”

Past performers have also applauded the alcohol-free atmosphere. John Power, former frontman of Cast, reflected on his experience last year:

“The crowd were great; it was a bit of a party atmosphere. Music will always get people dancing. You can enjoy music and things without being trashed.”

Similarly, Bez of Happy Mondays, who performed in 2023, described the people he met as inspirational:

“This gig was the first I’ve done without a drink or drugs. You know what the greatest escape is? Music.”

Meet the Organisers

Recovery Connects was born out of a shared vision between three friends, all in recovery themselves. Eddie Clarke, Derek Watt, and Shaun Kenny formed The Recovery Collective to bring the benefits of recovery centres into the wider community. Their hard work has transformed what began as a small gathering into a trailblazing movement in addiction recovery advocacy.

Speaking about the festival’s purpose, Derek Watt explained the importance of holding such alcohol-free events:

“It’s a long day when you’re not drinking. At most festivals, as the day goes on, you start to feel drained. Recovery Connects offers a space where people don’t have to deal with those challenges.”

Their aim is simple yet powerful – to prove that people can enjoy music and celebrate freely without substances.

Be Part of the Movement

Whether you’re in recovery, know someone who is, or simply want to enjoy a day of music and fun in a different kind of atmosphere, Recovery Connects is the festival for you.

Don’t forget the details:

• When: Sunday 6 July 2025
• Where: Queen’s Park Arena, Glasgow
• Time: Doors open at 12 pm, event ends at 6.30 pm
• Entry: Free and open to everyone

Join us for a day filled with incredible live music, laughter, and connection, and experience the energy of Scotland’s first alcohol-free music festival.

Source: Scotland’s First Alcohol-Free Music Festival Announces 2025 Line-Up