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THE RIDDLE AT WILDERNESS FESTIVAL 2025:
THE RIDDLE AT WILDERNESS FESTIVAL 2025:
PREVIEW
PREVIEW
29th July 2025
Last year, The Riddle quietly established itself as one of the most distinct parts of the Wilderness experience.
Tucked away in the stables and slightly off the beaten track of the main spectacle, it offers something a little bit different. It’s not just another dance tent, but a space shaped by a clear ethos, build around: intimacy, intention, and a break from the culture of constant visibility.
The team behind it, Will Kayll and Jemima Howden, return this year with a new theme: Welcome to the Circus. It’s a shift in tone from last year’s secret garden, moving towards a louder and more theatrical form of escapism.
Yet, the core ideas remain the same this year; this is still a space very much for curiosity and new sonic exploration.
The no-phone policy also continues this year, which seems like a genuine attempt to protect the atmosphere on the dancefloor. The occasional, intentional capturing of a memory on a film camera offers a nice alternative to this increasing issue, in response to the rising sea of screens that dominate the modern crowd at events and festivals.
Disposable cameras will be in circulation throughout the weekend, with a chance your photos could feature in the aftermovie. Outside of this, though, the focus remains on real presence, shared space, and community-building music that brings people together.
The Music
This year’s programming reflects a careful balance between returning favourites and new energy. LukeUna, Greg Wilson, and Crazy P bring serious experience to the lineup, while artists like Carly Foxx, PBR Streetgang, and Sinego will likely push things deeper and perhaps a bit stranger across the weekend.
There’s also the return of Julio Victoria, whose live set last year, blending Colombian instrumentation with house, was a standout moment. Dombrance is also back after last year’s playful, synth-heavy legendary performance, and Grantly (from Little People Parties and the recent Energy Fields event that we have just returned from) leads a strong group of emerging names including Jade Blakemore, Amy OS, Freddie Fricker, and Will Kayll himself.
The Space
Visually and physically, The Riddle is immersive without being overproduced or over polished. The stretch tent setup creates a sense of enclosure without feeling claustrophobic. Performers wander through the crowd, interacting gently by posing riddles, keeping things colourful, and sometimes leading you somewhere – sometimes not.
This year’s circus theme is sure to push those theatrical elements just that bit further, but not at the cost of the music. Last year showed that the team understand balance: the spectacle exists to support the experience and immersion, not distract from it.
There’s also a Friday costume challenge where the best dressed wins a booth and drinks for ten friends next year. Be sure to get dressed up for a chance to win!
What’s Different?
The Riddle sits apart from the more polished areas of Wilderness, and it’s quite clearly not trying to be the main stage. Instead, it’s a quiet rebellion against passivity – encouraging people to talk to each other, dance with strangers, and exist in the moment without needing to document it to very little end.
The new stage also represents a trust in having a good time without having to show or tell people that you are having a good time. There’s a quiet confidence in curating a stage with this ethos, and while it’s not a radical concept, it feels increasingly rare in UK festival culture.
Credit - CreAAtive via The Riddle at Wilderness
We look forward to returning this year to pick a part some of the riddles thrown our way!
See you there! X
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