The 2025 Summer Sessions returned to Plymouth Hoe with a stellar weekend of live music that drew thousands to the scenic waterfront venue.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the sea and city, this year’s event once again proved why it’s fast becoming one of the South West’s most anticipated music festivals.
Thursday saw legendary British band James open the Sessions in style, performing a powerful set of classic hits and fresh tracks from their latest album, supported by Razorlight, Jamie Webster and Tom A Smith.
Friday turned up the tempo as Pendulum unleashed a high-octane set packed with their signature drum and bass anthems, before Saturday saw Irish icons The Corrs headline with support from Natalie Imbruglia and Dea Matrona.
The festival wrapped up on Sunday with an emotional and powerful set from Snow Patrol, featuring a blend of fan favourites and fresh material. Here, CHAOS Radio reporters Tom Howe, Harley Rowlands, and Janice Rose bring you their reviews and reflections from the Sessions they attended.
Night Two: Pendulum, with Wargasm, Hot Milk and Normandie
Pendulum brought pure, unfiltered energy to the Plymouth Summer Sessions and – despite Mother Nature throwing a bit of a tantrum – the crowd loved every second of it, writes Tom Howe.
As the sun set over Plymouth Hoe, the drum and bass giants started as they meant to go, launching into a powerful rendition of Napalm before treating the audience to their latest single and instant classic, Save the Cat.
That set the tone for a night that didn’t let up, with it clear from the outset that the Aussie-Brit five piece were here to make a statement in what was just their fourth date of 2025, and followed shows in Sydney, Miami and, of all places, Margate.
Vintage Pendulum was in full swing with Propane Nightmares, Granite, and Crush getting arms in the air and heads bouncing before a surprise appearance from WARGASM, who stormed the stage for Cannibal, which, in equal parts, was both loud and fierce.
Their mash-up of Blood Sugar and Voodoo People took things up a gear before phones lit up the night and fans sang every word of The Island Pt. I & II.
The pounding drums, gritty guitars, and mind-melting visuals were, as ever, accompanied by the incredible range of lead vocalist Rob Swire – one minute it was all-out screamo, the next smooth and melodic.
By the time Watercolour rolled around, they’d already blown the roof off — metaphorically, of course – but they still had one more in the tank. Tarantula as an encore was the perfect send-off.
Pendulum proved they’ve still got it — and then some – and are peaking at the just the right time ahead of their biggest ever live show in Milton Keynes this August and the release of their first album in 15 years, Inertia.
Night Three: The Corrs, with Natalie Imbruglia and Dea Matrona
Saturday saw night three of the Plymouth Summer Sessions as headliners The Corrs took centre stage, with support from Natalie Imbruglia and Dea Matrona.
The sun was shining late into the afternoon as CHAOS Radio’s Harley Rowlands joined the crowds gathered, all set for a night of entertainment.
With beverages in hand and a happy atmosphere among everyone, Dea Matrona took to the stage to kick the evening off. With their Irish rock melodies waking the crowd up, they were surprised at how warm Plymouth was but dressed suitably for the occasion.
They played a fantastic hour’s set made up of not just rock but some acoustic tunes too, and gained some new fans along the way.
As the sunshine made way for the rain and ponchos were donned, next to greet the Plymouth crowd was Natalie Imbruglia, who kicked off her set with a song from her 2021 album Firebird.
Dressed in a lovely flowing white floral dress, she performed an exceptional playlist with old favourites and new gems, while bringing a gentle and warming atmosphere to the stage. Her set finished with the 1997 hit Torn, which the crowd energetically sang along to, followed by a roaring applause.
With the rain slowly fizzling out and the sun going down, our headliners for the evening, The Corrs, were welcomed to the stage. Many fans will know their distinct sound, featuring violins and flutes, which made its way across the Hoe and beyond.
They brought hit after hit onto the stage, both old and new, while performing with the utmost excellence, still sounding like they used to in the early 00s.
A lovely feel was among the crowd, with couples hugging during the love ballads like Runaway as the sun set on us. The set climaxed with Breathless, leaving the crowd just that.
Overall, this Plymouth Summer Session Saturday never failed to amaze everyone who attended.
Night Four: Snow Patrol, with The Lathums, Somebody’s Child and Grace Lightman
You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect summer backdrop than Plymouth Hoe for the final night of the 2025 Plymouth Sessions, writes Janice Rose.
As the sun set over the sea and the statue of Sir Francis Drake looked on, the atmosphere was full of anticipation.
Festivalgoers arrived, and it was clear from chatting with them that many were devoted fans, evidenced by their ability to sing every lyric, old and new. The whole festival experience – from parking, entry, and security – was smooth and relaxed, with friendly staff adding to the warm atmosphere.
We enjoyed the show from the VIP Garden Room, which offered a wonderful mix of generations – from babies in prams to lifelong gig-goers – all drawn by the power of live music. Support acts Grace Lightman, Somebody’s Child, and The Lathums delivered excellent sets, building excitement for the main event.
As darkness fell, Snow Patrol burst onto the stage with “Take Back the City”, instantly igniting the crowd. Their setlist celebrated their decades-long career, with newer tracks like “The Beginning” from their 2024 album “The Forest Is the Path” sitting perfectly alongside the classics.
A standout moment and my all-time favourite was “Run” – the 2003 hit that catapulted them to fame. Frontman Gary Lightbody joked they’d forgotten the words and would need help. The crowd needed no invitation; the first chords drew a roar, and soon thousands were singing in unison, their voices echoing across the Hoe.
Then, towards the end of the evening, came the anthem of anthems, their signature track – “Chasing Cars”. The crowd fell silent for a breath before joining together in a powerful, emotional chorus. Arms swayed and voices rose – a shared moment of connection that made time stand still.
The final night of Plymouth Sessions 2025 wasn’t just a gig – it was a reminder of the emotional power of live music, of community, and of the memories we build when voices come together under a summer sky.
For more information on Plymouth Summer Sessions, visit https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/plymouth
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