The STARMUS festival is set to return in 2025 with an impressive line-up of renowned scientists, astronauts, and musical icons. Taking place in La Palma from 25 to 29 April, the festival will focus on the pressing issue of sky protection, highlighting concerns over space debris and light pollution.
Among the headliners is the STARMUS All Stars, a supergroup featuring legendary rock musicians, including Glenn Hughes, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Derek Sherinian, Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, and Dino Jelusick. Joining them is Oscar and 15-time Grammy-winning composer Jorge Drexler, as well as Spanish pop-rock favourites Efecto Pasillo.
The festival’s speaker line-up is equally prestigious. Esteemed ethologist and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall will be among the keynote speakers, alongside STARMUS co-founder and Queen guitarist Brian May. They will be joined by eight Nobel Laureates, including John Mather, Michel Mayor, Kip Thorne, Steven Chu, and Donna Strickland.
Notable astronauts taking part include Chris Hadfield, Kathryn Thornton, Terry Virts, Pablo Álvarez, and Sara García. Experts from the fields of technology and AI, such as iPhone co-inventor Tony Fadell and cybersecurity specialist Chema Alonso, will also contribute to discussions on scientific innovation and the challenges facing modern space exploration.
A Celebration of Music and Science
The festival’s programme includes a range of events blending scientific dialogue with musical performances. The Sonic Universe concert on 26 April will bring together the STARMUS All Stars, Jorge Drexler, and Efecto Pasillo, with support from Chilean Astro-Pop band FLANGR, reggaeton-pop duo K-Narias, and former astronaut-turned-musician Chris Boshuizen, known as Dr. Chrispy.
Classical music will also have a significant presence at the festival. The Classical Night series, taking place on 25 and 27 April, will showcase performances from Montserrat Martí, Simona Todaro Pavarotti, Luis Santana, Víctor Carbajo, and the STARMUS Orchestra in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Engaging the Public
Beyond the main performances, STARMUS La Palma will introduce two STARMUS Camps, held in Santa Cruz and Los Llanos de Aridane. These interactive zones will offer exhibitions, talks, and live performances, featuring organisations such as the Starlight Foundation, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Keynote lectures, scheduled for 25, 26, and 28 April in Puerto Naos, will cover a wide range of scientific topics, with a particular focus on protecting the night sky.
The festival will also engage younger audiences through its Interscholar by STARMUS programme. Designed for Canarian primary and secondary school students, this initiative will feature workshops and interactive sessions led by science communicator Javier Santaolalla, Efecto Pasillo, Jorge Drexler, and representatives from the Jane Goodall Institute.
With all events free to attend, STARMUS La Palma 2025 aims to inspire both science and music enthusiasts alike, with full programme details set to be announced soon.
