Bitfest 25': Day #1 Recap

Bitfest 25': Day #1 Recap

In our earlier article, 'Nostrshire—The UK's First Ever Nostr Conference at Bitfest 2025', we explored the impact and happenings in our efforts to host the UK's first-ever Nostr conference, bringing together Bitcoiners and Nostrians from the UK and beyond to discuss and present applications and concepts being built on and related to the Nostr protocol. The conference served as day zero to what would be the first-ever, full-scale Bitcoin conference festival in the UK.

Leading on from the legacy of the original Coinfest, an initiative set up by Adam Bates as far back as 2017 to celebrate innovation and community within the crypto space. Assisted and attended by Bitcoin OGs, Coinfest was Northern UK's largest crypto event for many years, before Adam himself wanted to focus the festival solely around Bitcoin post-pandemic.

Discussing the idea with active Bitcoiners nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytncd4ezuun0vd4hxqgawaehxw309aex2mrp0yhxy6t5vdhkjmnkv4hx2ar09ehhyecqyr9n8swk6vupkvghqkwv9y444rxgdzspmhuy7rrrqvvqg2nmtpz55wf2che and nostr:nprofile1qyw8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytfsxyh8jcttd95x7mnwv5hxxmmdqyw8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytfsxgh8jcttd95x7mnwv5hxxmmdqqsg8nw7q26ts3lmxleyykel0gq54gelhamp6dh0sxnxdagup3zrd7gxyjycc over the years, until the decision was finally made in early 2025 to put things into motion. Nind then introduced another OG to the core team, the amazing builder and educator nostr:nprofile1qythwumn8ghj7enfd36x2u3wdehhxarj9emkjmn9qy8hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnddaksqgxy7hn6wk5vud5r655ulurrdppec5572fpudvf9hf583yvcs4k2cuqjwfhh . Thus, forming a powerhouse core team that would go ahead to make Bitcoin history over a weekend in one of the UK's largest cities, with the largest Bitcoin event ever in the UK.

To clarify, when we say largest, we take into account 3 consecutive days of Bitcoin and Nostr-focused events and talks, broken into 5 parallel events, across multiple venues and activities. This was not a one-day meetup or one day of talks and two days of randomised, loosely related activity forced into a Bitcoin lens. Also, this is not an attempt to boast or brag but instead a reflection on just what we were able to achieve with a tiny team and the help of Bitcoiners, Bitcoin communities, and even some crypto individuals and groups across the UK coming together in unity, the love of Bitcoin, and cypherpunk values.

That being said, we'd like to say a massive shout-out to the teams behind The Bitcoin Adventure, BTCBSE, Glasgow Bitcoin, Bitcoin: A Competitive Advantage, Bitcoin Beach Retreat, and Advancing Bitcoin, who were the last teams in the UK to pull off large-scale, grassroots events in recent years that were open to the public and mainly focused on and driven by the culture and community-first principles.

The Main Event

Day one of the Bitfest conference opened up at 9 am for registrations, with talks beginning at 10 am. By 10:30 am, the event was already buzzing with a great opener by nostr:nprofile1qyx8wumn8ghj7cnjvghxjmcpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqqg9h8cwzy666xdtd8fhxjth4lfuq07mhys6pe8z222pf5cpmgqchly45dkgl setting things in motion, followed by a keynote summary of What's the Problem?, by nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqyw8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnzd96xxmmfdejhytnnda3kjctvqqsd4swcck5la98jynsftdf9wlpnctxzhre6944dnj75dpz6lryc0uqh2l3zj . The first big panel of the day, 'Bitcoin Global Adoption: Your Network is Your Net Worth', featured views from Bitcoin leaders around the world, moderated by nostr:nprofile1qyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2tcpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsqg8c6ssjffewmzvfvfr6myf0glwhdtrtdnw3plsh3a0qft8745x55gpvx32y , and consisting of nostr:nprofile1qythwumn8ghj7cnfw33k76twv4ezuum0vd5kzmp0qy38wumn8ghj7mn0wd68yttjv4kxz7fwwd3ksmnfw3ax2mpwwahhymry9uqzpkmztemrw4pu5ltmuegztq6dkvv2p3ahtv8z848mncuj986m5ma8hxf9sf , nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqyg8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqpqf40egu9fymsz0qmg9cyqgtl0u7vznxsyr3czse6x66jp3d9723usnhvfhf , and nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj7ct5d3shxtnwdaehgu3wd3skueqpp3mhxue69uhkyunz9e5k7qpqtdc9um9kqfp9cqvjqtwswzsvqzdsgzkpn9swamed3286kfwpaljsklkxan (pictured above). The panel set the scene for how events and community are driving Bitcoin adoption globally, strengthening development, engagement, education, and ultimately the Bitcoin network.

It had not even reached midday yet, but the halls were already buzzing with conversation and people exploring other areas of the conference, such as the Workshop and Pepe.X gallery.

Talks continued in the main arena with Renegade Investor giving a deeply insightful presentation on 'How Broke and Battered Britain Can Bounce Back with Bitcoin', followed shortly after by a Fireside Panel of Bitcoin Educators. 'Educating the Bitcoin Way,' featuring Sylvia Brinded-Püls, nostr:nprofile1qyt8wue69uhh2mtzwfjkctnvda3kzmp6xsurgwqpp3mhxue69uhkyunz9e5k7qpq2fymz80ln9kdjvyxpwxd2ryuf0yg02957dzzjlawdxhqaylq0aasvycees , nostr:nprofile1q9z8wue69uhhzmnj09ur2arewf5xver2dgexs6tsdsmrv7rkxdukc6t6vdcksar6w9n8x7p4v4mxyunzvu68yetjd9cxz7rxxaskgtn0de5k7m30qys8wumn8ghj7cnfw3ekzapwd4hkcmmwd3skyefwdphkcerfdenhxtcqypcjgvzqmfcjp9p7njh8d8ggdq5xmdte9gugv4hpv4pxgdhrppkrcawdhj6 and moderated by nostr:nprofile1qyx8wumn8ghj7cnjvghxjmcpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqqg9mjrnlq5caf2a288lc2zg4wap5ldha8tlee7ud5f63n83yr66wlunn2zl8 , focused on the different techniques and methods that are being used by Bitcoin educators today to get through to those who are yet to understand Bitcoin or its importance fully.

After a great presentation by Keto Miner on 'Running Nodes for Fun,' Rick Messit dropped in with a bombshell demonstration of a new Lightning Network-based lottery protocol. Featuring a grand prize of lottery ticket proceeds and his own Ford Fiesta, which was neatly parked outside the conference front door, before the main talks took a lunch break.

Focused on the Breakouts, Ignoring the Dip

One thing that was a next-to-nil discussion at the conference was Bitcoin's dollar cost, otherwise known as price. Aside from the talks, people, for the most part, were too busy exploring and enjoying the multiple breakout zones of the conference or spending time with intros or catch-ups in the communal areas and Lightning-powered bar and restaurant. Occasionally, people would bump into each other near the nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqyw8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtngd9nksmrfva58getj9e3k7mf0qqs8u5uf0rd2p9wmdxxaznpn54tkq8wwspmljy0cjqw6jdgm5kv84ds3selle -powered vending machine or Bitcoin Beer Taps, forming conversational groups and discussing what they were doing in Bitcoin.

The workshop area featured its own small stage with different activities throughout the day. The Pepe.X zone had OG Bitcoin artists and artworks, as well as exhibitors and vendors from around the Bitcoin space. Artworks adorned the artboards with QR codes powered by nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgtcppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qqsp7f8ttjugefs085gkd9p3aadlqnqgp92d02f73al2szuau8q04egnh83p5 , as day one of the auctions opened up to the public.

Each zone had its own unique focus, with people conversing a lot around those as they entered said zone. For the most part, the Bitflix theatre was quiet on day one, with the occasional group sitting in to watch one of the many great documentaries and films being shown back-to-back throughout the day. Still, the zone itself drew much interest later in the day and definitely on day 2, which we'll cover in our upcoming article feature.

Into the Afternoon

Following lunch, the legendary Dominic Frisby took the stage with the question, 'Are Bitcoiners too big-headed?' giving a great presentation on the things that Bitcoiners notice in the economy, which those with a Bitcoin mindset feel are all too apparent, providing clarity to ensure Bitcoiners weren't becoming disillusioned.

A fireside chat between Mad Bitcoins and Susie V. Ward followed, discussing Bitcoin in mainstream media, exploring the efforts Susie has undertaken to disseminate the truth, and how Bitcoin is typically portrayed by mainstream media outlets.

The afternoon roared on with panels covering 'Merchant Adoption in the UK' with nostr:nprofile1qqsvrlrhw86l5sv06wkyjgs6rrcekskvk7nx8k50qn9m7mqgeqxjpvg8u2e5q , Jordan Walker (Bitcoin Collective) and Christopher Gordon (Bridge2Bitcoin); 'Personal OPSEC' with Anon2140, nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj7ct4w35zumn0wd68yvfwvdhk6tcpzemhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejz7qpq5c88nc8d44gsp4658dnfu5fahswzzu8gaxm5lkuwjud068swdqfsad7v85 , Rick Messit and nostr:nprofile1qyg8wumn8ghj7vf5xqhxvdm69e5k7qgkwaehxw309ashgmrpwvhxummnw3ezumrpdejqqgx6r8cu6d97efztuax6fvcxm8gamp4kxs7wl9xwytzfcm6es9h9h5dhuvs5 , 'MoE vs SoV (Everyday Bitcoin)' with Prem, nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7cnjvghxjme0qyt8wumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgtcqypw9uej64xxult7um5t44cmf920h0yv5sfrle7e87fxuwjnfr6r3ufufxgq and nostr:nprofile1qqsgkz3tatmwhmujt688378s4kjp77ychrd892yhrwye3zlhs47nd8ckdyr67 .

That was all followed by a great audience for 'The History of Bitcoin Gaming' by nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnyv9kh2uewd9hj7qghwaehxw309aex2mrp0yh8qunfd4skctnwv46z7qpqyreyumw0xrc2mz324ul44c8pr2ellmg7t904h0e62kx5h53z6nnq3klpuz . 'Bitcoin Culture' with Nat Cole, nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj76twvfhhstnp0faxzmt09ehx2aqpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqqyql2e2nksvnd0h8gpahwz7k6rxd7helt8sdxpvumzns2tza6ceh7g62k7z2 , Jim.btc, Jean-Louis Lauwers and Mad Bitcoins. Professor Yathu Yoga of UCL took us through 'The Anthropology of Bitcoin & Crypto', closing off with a classic quiz from Joe Nakamoto and closing remarks from Mad Bitcoins.

The event didn't just stop there; some went to grab a bite to eat or to chill at the networking afterparty taking place 2 mins away from the venue at Joshua Brooks. Others made their way over to the iconic Factory251, on the opposite corner, to make the best of the happy hour open bar and prepare for the night of entertainment ahead, and oh boy, what a night it was.

The After Party: New Music Economy Showcase

In a collaborative effort between nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqf8waehxw309akxutnhv4jkgum5wghxuet59ahx7um5wfex2mrp0yhhwet9v3ehgusqyzuqe30jsl5juax0grggj8aap3y4srw4rpparlwculud2q5kdwp4x6t69rx , nostr:nprofile1qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq32amnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwv3sk6atn9e5k7tcqyqfvgyg5my8v6qvn6gpk7tz9fk73ewevxwvk6gzn8s94e5plfpk02xvnu9t and nostr:nprofile1qyj8wue69uhky6t5wdshgtnddakx7mnvv93x2tngdakxg6twvaen5dehxumj7qghwaehxw309ashgmrpwvhxummnw3ezumrpdejz7qpqlwsmhk9t2le9see32l006khunnk6qpxxs30enke3d8lykcd6wstqjpyx9j , the New Music Economy concert put together a slew of musicians from around the Bitcoin space to host an unforgettable display of creativity and technological intuitivity, all powered by Bitcoin.

Hosted at the iconic Factory 251, Manchester, the venue itself is a staple in British music history, as the former home of Factory Records. The venue was home to the beginning of the UK's underground indie band, acid house and rave scene, better known as the 'Madchester' era. Founded by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmaus, known for running one of the UK's most notorious indie venues, The Hacienda, and producing legendary bands such as Joy Division and Happy Mondays.

On the 22nd of November 2025, following Day 1 of the Bitfest conference, the room was filled with a different crowd of revolutionaries, though. Cypherpunks, creators, founders, plebs, and all types of attendees filled the largest and loudest room in the venue to witness something special.

After a bit of confusion, subsequently sorted with the open bar happy hour, revellers grabbed their drinks as nostr:nprofile1qythwumn8ghj7cnfw33k76twv4ezuum0vd5kzmp0qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uqzp3z2kmhwkwswt4wgmzhg9tadpcuhhhaujgqd0k8u8ms5560f7aqvxkyuuk took to the stage to give the opening intro and host a short panel with some of the musicians in attendance. The panel also featured an appearance from legendary UK Hip-Hop artist, Blade, considered the Godfather of independently crowdfunded music, who has recently been introduced to the world of Bitcoin via the 2140Music community.

Following the panel, we were treated to a quick speech and an empowering performance from the amazing nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqythwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnxd46zuamf0ghxy6t6qqsgsp3h9t6329dlfthcqu53h9jg06scymykdf2ed09gv6tmtk9j80qlr90st , who lit up the room immediately with excitement from the crowd in an energy-filled impromptu performance.

Next up was the OG Bitcoiner and parody rap meister known only as the Crypto Raptor with some hilarious anecdotal crypto raps over some classic hip-hop beats. This guy has been keeping UK meetups entertained since 2017 with his classic takes on what's going on in the space.

The next act to bless the stage was MC, producer, and instrumentalist nostr:nprofile1qywhwue69uhk7ang9ec8ymm8wdjhyan9wgh8x6t5v5argwp58qq3wamnwvaz7tmdv9ex6mm59ehx7um5wgcjucm0d5qzqp05zvept3jnxnhhr7vejpg092ghl9g65u2uamn7yxpedk3x73h7pkxaj4 , rocking the crowd with all kinds of hip-hop flavours and closing off with a hard-hitting performance of his single Hydroponics, getting the crowd hyped for the next act.

The performances continued, with the night's youngest performers, The Greensands, who gave a great full band performance, getting the place amped up as they thrashed guitars and drums with an amazing show of talent that the crowd went wild for.

Country and folk artist Edwin Williamson hit the stage next, bringing a homely and crowd-rocking vibe to the event with a mostly acoustic performance, filling the place with rich vocals and feel-good vibes before the next act.

Nathan Abbot and friends were the next act to keep the crowd stepping with acoustic and rock vibes, which had attendees hooked on the melodic sounds. A gripping performance from the V4V veteran.

Hard money and Hip-Hop were next on the bill as we were taken through a hard-hitting Hip-Hop and Danchall set by nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqgdwaehxw309ahx7uewd3hkcqpqp2zdf665pljjx9akfjmvtpmr2695588hdg6rgr0t37aw4sh4jkksvvv4kw , with plenty of Orange Pill jams and roaring crowd participation.

Another V4V legend and amazing musical talent, nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqyg8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqpq9ppwxjrqckwl4n2a7j960fjsvhn8vrggcd0h092nmq7zcgcskjfs4yl4uy grabbed the next, bringing the crowd to awe with acoustic riffs and rock anthems, accompanied by awe-inspiring vocals.

Following a great performance from Longy, was one of the UK's hardest working Hip-Hop MC's, with 20+ projects released in 2025 alone, nostr:nprofile1qyv8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnzv43kkmt909jhytn4wvq3yamnwvaz7tmwdamx7cfwdeskwmmevyqzqvew73pet8gy8sw96n4grgzddc7c4p333ust4yxezq0cf39g5kc74sx6mv rocked the crowd with deep boom bap Hip-Hop flavours.

The crowd was then blessed with the penultimate performance of the evening with cypherpunk-inspired rock n roll from yet another Bitcon OG and V4V veteran nostr:nprofile1qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq3qamnwvaz7tmwdaehgu3wd4hk6tcqypceq9nx7fljl9ff4cz4ju9q689memfnm9vtx8gcu5mt5v8rd52qzxw2jjt .

The night was closed off with an enthralling final performance from Manchester native band Fable, who kept the crowd rocking out until the lights came on and it was time to leave.

Overall, the NME Concert was a success, with speakers, revellers, fans and artists all interacting throughout the night. Each act entered the stage with two screens on either side displaying their QR codes for V4V tipping over lightning, with every artist receiving speculation from the crowd in enjoyment and sats.

The event proved that artists who perform live can earn in a sovereign way for providing immense value and entertainment to any conference or event globally, with a shared love and appreciation for Bitcoin and cypherpunk values. With the New Music Economy, built on a Bitcoin standard, both musicians and music fans can interact peer-to-peer, removing the restrictions associated with the legacy music industry, even through live experiences.

The Afterparty, after the uh, party...

Our time at the iconic Factory concluded at 10:30 PM, but still, the night was young.
The party continued across the road at Joshua Brooks, where DJs were already in full swing with DJ sets from nostr:nprofile1qythwumn8ghj7enjdfhhx6pwdehhxarjxyhxxmmdqyd8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnswdukx6r0v46zumn90p6hxqpq69jd0rqttrk7kgk4f9pveuhcz4d7lfzacr3hzlxplqws7yf52xlsnh7mpv and Funky Prem, followed up with further mixing sessions by Andy Princz and nostr:nprofile1qyw8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytfsxyh8jcttd95x7mnwv5hxxmmdqy28wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnyv9kh2uewd9hsqgq5f7pmty5wha0hywr6f96ajvre76cxm8728sds8szr4w3u2m3x6q3l8j3u , which included a surprise performance from Blade.

People were free to explore all levels of the club; however, the top floor was reserved for Bitfest attendees only. Groups of discussions formed, a lot of drinks were consumed as people hung out and connected or got together a team for the virtual darts lanes.

A special shoutout goes to Mad Munky, who took everyone all the way through the home stretch until 4 AM!

Rest Assured

The night was over, but the event was not. Day 1 of Bitfest felt surreal for the team. Besides the hustle and bustle and work of organisers and volunteers, the overall feedback was amazing, and all areas were buzzing with conversations about the previous day as we rolled on to day 2, which we'll be updating you on soon.

Thanks for reading this article. If you attended, volunteered or were a part of BItfest, in-person or online, we appreciate you!

For those who are discovering Bitfest, we hope to see you next year. Keep following for updates on Bitfest 2026.