The British Grand Prix's opening night proves F1 has become more than a sport

The British Grand Prix weekend has become far more than simply a racing spectacle, and this year's festival of speed took it to the next level.

Formula 1 celebrates its 75th year in 2025, and with Silverstone being the place it all started back in May of 1950, it was only fitting fans could enjoy an all-star line-up of British talent on the main stage throughout the weekend.

SPORTbible were invited down to the weekend's opening day on Thursday, where there was no lack of entertainment.

With the F1 cars hitting the famous Silverstone tarmac on Friday, the activities on Thursday highlight how much more the sport has become in recent years.

Doors opened at 11am, with fans treated to driver interviews, iconic food trucks, in-depth panel discussions, and the highlight being the performances from Blossoms and Sam Fender.

Silverstone has always been known for its festival-like feel, with iconic headline acts entertaining fans throughout the years, however, 2025 was certainly a level above.

With the huge names of Raye, Fatboy Slim, and Becky Hill to headline the following days there was a lot of pressure on Thursday's performers, but the evening's entertainment proved to be the pick of the bunch.

Blossoms and Sam Fender

Blossoms took the stage just after 8pm in the evening, and if audience members weren't aware who they were, they certainly knew after a brilliant opening performance of their hit song 'Your Girlfriend'.

One of the biggest changes to the music at Silverstone this year was the quality and profile of the support acts, with Blossoms setting the tone well for JADE, Mabel, and Idris to follow.

Lead singer of Blossoms Tom Ogden performing in 2025 (credit: getty)

Following a 45-minute set that concluded with the iconic 'Charlamagne', it was almost time for the main event and the atmosphere was certainly building.

As a regular Silverstone attendee, the biggest difference I noticed this year was the enthusiasm of the crowd.

As Sam Fender entered the stage at just past 9:30pm, you would be forgiven for thinking he was being welcomed by tens of thousands of his biggest fans rather than racing fanatics.

After a jokey start to proceedings where the Geordie star got the crowd onside by insisting he 'likes cars too', the show got underway.

Sam Fender performing at Silverstone 2025 (credit: Tom Jenkins)

Despite canceling shows due to his voice following Silverstone, Fender was on top form with the crowd going electric for ‘People Watching’, ‘Hypersonic Missiles’, and ‘Seventeen Going Under’.

Fender was accompanied as usual by 'The Lip-Scorching Rollies', who put on a fine display that brought all of the 31-year-old's hits to life.

Live band performances were something fans at Silverstone ticket holders could get used to with Saturday's headliner, Raye, also playing with a live band adding levels of authenticity to the performance.

With headline music acts good enough for a stand-alone festival, Silverstone is certainly worth the hype both on and off the track.