Boardmasters 2025: RAYE dazzles in star-making headline set
In partnership with ZYN
When RAYE played the penultimate set on the Pyramid Stage at this summer’s Glastonbury, we said that it saw her pass an audition for future headline status with flying colours. On the Friday night at Boardmasters, she showed that she has no problem in stepping up to the top table.
Backed by a troupe of dancers and musicians all decked out in tuxedos, the singer’s set was part pop show, part old-style jazz performance and part luxurious musical theatre; she carried off all roles perfectly.
Still riding the wave of her rush of popularity following her high-profile bid for artistic independence, the bigger stages RAYE now plays have seen her step up to becoming the UK’s next musical superstar. Her chatty, conversational tone between songs had a distinctly Adele feel to it, while her stunning voice had notes of Amy Winehouse as well as her main influences including Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.
Her set – a masterclass of performance and artistry – ended a sublime first full day of Boardmasters 2025. Elsewhere on the main stage, The Wombats and Kaiser Chiefs showed that 2000s indie nostalgia is still well and truly thriving, while Leigh-Anne aimed to follow JADE into post-Little Mix success with an energetic set, and R&B trio FLO staked their claim as the UK’s up-and-coming answer to Destiny’s Child.
Other highlights came from Manchester DJ Interplanetary Criminal, who brought electric energy to the Mordos tent in the early evening, Dublin singer-songwriter and Lewis Capaldi co-sign Aaron Rowe, and Domino signings Fat Dog, who had moshpits from start to finish for their powerful post-punk-meets-dance sound.
Boardmasters 2025 continues tonight (August 9) with a headline set from Central Cee and performances by Nelly Furtado, Rizzle Kicks and more.
Our festival updates form part of our team-up with ZYN, the world’s no.1 nicotine pouch brand*. ZYN will be at the event offering nicotine users over the age of 18, who want to be at the festival without smoke or vapour getting in the way, the chance to explore a new nicotine experience.
Boardmasters is built on connection – to the ocean, the music and memories. ZYN offers a modern way to stay close to the moment, and their friends, without interruption.
Each ZYN pouch is crafted from high quality ingredients, available in a range of flavours and nicotine strengths (up to 16.5mg) for all adult nicotine users.
To use, place the pouch between your gum and lip and leave for up to 30 minutes. There’s no smoke, no vapour, no device and no need to bother those around you – just a discreet way to use nicotine, anytime and anywhere.
*PMI reported global shipment volumes and in-market sales estimates of nicotine pouch units, from December 2023 to December 2024ZYN is not risk free and contains nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adult nicotine users.