Live Report: Sunday at Longitude 2025 – a rain-soaked rave and a legendary finale

By the time the gates opened on Sunday at Marlay Park, the final day of Longitude 2025 was already pulsing with anticipation. It was your typical Irish Sunday in July: the sky was an ever shifting canvas of slate grey and pale blue which couldn’t decide between showers or sunshine. But if the elements were indecisive, the crowd was anything but. A sea of bucket hats, cowboy boots, and rain ponchos filled the park with a youthful, electric energy that didn’t wane, even when the heavens opened later in the day.

The day kicked off with a bang thanks to Dan Duffy and Dansie, who wasted no time setting the tone with a high octane opening set. Their chemistry behind the decks was undeniable, trading tracks with ease, layering house infused grooves with the kind of basslines that make even the most reluctant dancer start moving. Despite the early hour and some light drizzle, a solid crowd had already gathered, drawn in by the duo’s infectious energy. It felt like the gates had only just opened, but the party had already begun.

Up next was DART, who built seamlessly on the momentum. Known for his slick transitions and ear for late night anthems, the Irish DJ brought a sharper, more hypnotic sound to the stage. Blending techno textures with melodic flair, DART pulled the crowd into a deeper headspace, heads nodding, feet shuffling, bodies locked into the beat. For many, it was the set that properly marked the shift from warm up to full on rave mode.

The lineup across both days and stages was very techno heavy, and this was best typified by Hannah Laing’s explosive set on the day. The Scottish DJ and producer stepped up and didn’t let the tempo or energy dip for a second. With a set brimming with heavy synth riffs and pounding grooves, she had the crowd wrapped around her finger.

Hannah Laing at Longitude 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Her ability to blend nostalgic nods with a fresh, turbo charged energy made for a set that felt both familiar and fiercely new. Even those who had sought shelter from the ever shifting elements couldn’t resist being pulled back to the throng once her drops hit.

At the same time that the Tipperary hurlers were booking their place in Croke Park for this year’s All Ireland final, another Tipperary native was being met with roars of approval from adoring fans on the main stage at Longitude. This was, of course, blk., who delivered what can only be described as a sonic riot. Even amongst the plethora of talented techno connoisseurs on display this weekend at Longtitude, it was blk. who will be remembered for delivering the heaviest and hardest set.

blk. at Longitude 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

At times, it felt as if those in attendance were being transposed from Dublin 16 to an underground warehouse rave in Berlin, such was the raw energy on offer during his set. As the crowd danced and stomped their mud slicked boots stomping in time with the visceral industrial sounds on offer, it became clear to see why blk.’s live show has become world renowned over the past 12 months.

Another barnstorming performance on the main stage on the day was delivered from Sonny Fodera, whose signature blend of melodic house and groove heavy beats made for the perfect late evening pickmeup. The Australian DJ wasted no time easing in: from the first drop, the crowd erupted. Fodera’s set was a balance of euphoric highs and low end pulses, the kind that ripple through the ground and travel straight up your spine. Even the rain felt like it was dancing.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

50 Cent at Longitude 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

50 Cent, hip-hop royalty and the night’s headliner, strode onto the Main Stage to a roar of approval. Only upon seeing the rap superstar perform live does it become apparent just how many instantly recognisable hits he has. 'P.I.M.P.' is a prime example of one of those unique songs that is instantly known by all upon hearing its first note. There can be no doubt that 50 Cent brought old-school swagger with bulletproof hits to match. From 'In Da Club' to 'Candy Shop', it was a full blown nostalgia trip, with fans rapping every lyric word-for-word, cups aloft in tribute. A light drizzle fell midway through his set, but it only added to the drama - the stage lights catching every drop as the crowd surged closer, determined to make the most of every last moment.

By the end of the night, with shoes caked in mud and voices hoarse from singing and shouting, Sunday at Longitude had delivered everything it promised: a whirlwind of beats, bass, and brilliant madness, topped off with a seismic performance from a genuine rap heavyweight. The clouds may have loomed overhead as day turned to night, but nothing could dampen the youthful crowd and its energy. From dancefloor euphoria to hip-hop greatness, the festival closed with a bang, and the young, drenched masses wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Crowd at Longitude 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com