First Impressions

Walking through the gates, the first thing that struck us wasn't the stages—it was the atmosphere.

There was a real buzz around the site. Plenty of people were talking about this being the last Terminal V at the Royal Highland Centre, and there was definitely a feeling that everyone wanted to make the most of it.

Unlike some larger festivals where people seem more interested in filming themselves than watching the music, Terminal V still feels refreshingly music-first. The conversations were about DJs, upcoming sets and where everyone was heading next—not just where to get the next drink.

As first-time visitors, it immediately felt different.

The Music Is Still the Star

Terminal V has built its reputation on consistently strong line-ups, and it's easy to understand why.

Every stage we visited felt busy without being overwhelming, and there weren't many quiet periods where the energy dipped. Whether you were watching established headliners or discovering someone new, there was a noticeable consistency in quality throughout the weekend.

What impressed us most was that people weren't constantly moving between stages chasing social media moments. Most stayed because they genuinely wanted to experience the music.

That creates an atmosphere that's becoming increasingly rare at larger festivals.

Production That Rivals European Festivals

If there's one thing Terminal V absolutely gets right, it's production.

The lighting, lasers, visuals and sound systems all combine to create an experience that feels far bigger than many UK festivals.

Walking into the main arena after dark was genuinely impressive. Massive LED screens, smoke effects and perfectly timed lighting transformed the performances into something far more immersive than simply watching DJs on stage.

It never felt overdone either. Everything complemented the music rather than distracting from it.

The Crowd Makes a Difference

One of the biggest surprises was the crowd.

Yes, it was busy, particularly later in the evening, but the atmosphere remained relaxed throughout the weekend.

People looked out for each other, there was very little pushing despite the numbers, and although queues naturally formed at popular points, they generally kept moving.

For anyone slightly nervous about attending alone or visiting for the first time, Terminal V felt far more welcoming than we expected.

Food, Drinks & Facilities

Festival food is never going to be cheap, and Terminal V is no exception.

There was a decent range of traders covering everything from burgers and pizza to vegan options, and while prices won't surprise anyone who's been to a UK festival recently, the quality was generally good.

Bar queues were fairly efficient considering the crowds, and toilet facilities remained in reasonable condition throughout the day.

Could there have been a few more seating areas? Probably.

Would more covered spaces have helped during poor weather? Definitely.

But overall, the site coped well with the number of people attending.

It Wasn't Perfect

No festival is.

As the evening headline sets approached, some walkways became noticeably congested, particularly when people were moving between stages at the same time.

If you're someone who likes lots of personal space, there were moments where it felt a little too crowded.

Likewise, food and drink prices continue to creep upwards, something that's becoming common across almost every major UK festival rather than being unique to Terminal V.

None of these issues ruined the weekend, but they're worth knowing before you go.

Saying Goodbye to the Royal Highland Centre

This year's edition felt different because everyone knew it was the last.

After nearly a decade, Terminal V has confirmed that it's leaving the Royal Highland Centre ahead of its landmark 10th anniversary in 2027, with a brand-new outdoor location in Glasgow set to become its future home.

That made this year's festival feel surprisingly emotional at times.

For many people, this venue has been part of their festival calendar for years, and while there's genuine excitement about what's coming next, there was also a sense that this chapter deserved a proper send-off.

Thankfully, it got one.

Is Terminal V Worth It?

If you're into techno, house or electronic music, we'd say absolutely.

Terminal V isn't trying to appeal to everyone, and that's probably why it works so well.

It's unapologetically focused on electronic music, invests heavily in production and attracts a crowd that's genuinely there for the experience rather than simply ticking another festival off their list.

It's not the cheapest weekend, and you'll still encounter queues and busy periods, but the positives comfortably outweigh the negatives.

Pros

• Outstanding sound and production
• Excellent line-up from start to finish
• Friendly, music-focused crowd
• Well organised site
• One of the UK's best electronic music festivals

Cons

• Food and drink are expensive
• Crowded during headline performances
• Limited seating and chill-out spaces

Final Verdict

Walking away from Terminal V, we completely understood why it has become one of the UK's most respected electronic music festivals.

What stood out wasn't just the impressive stages or the big-name DJs—it was the feeling that the event has a clear identity. It knows its audience and doesn't try to be everything to everyone.

Knowing this was the final edition at the Royal Highland Centre added an extra layer of significance. It felt like a fitting farewell to a venue that has played a huge part in the festival's story.

Now attention turns to 2027 and the move to Glasgow. The organisers have a big challenge ahead in recreating the atmosphere that made this site so memorable, but based on what we experienced this year, there's every reason to be optimistic.

Would we go back? Absolutely.