Well!!! In my possibly longest post to date. 2025, 7 events and one hell of a ride, it’s time for the 2025 recap

Natalie Martin
Dec 1
19 min read

Well 2025… what a year it's been!!!

From finally seeing two of my favourite DJs live, to seeing my favourite improv comedians three times in 4 weeks, yes three times!!!! Also finally getting a job I love and have been asked back for next year 😊. Can't say who for unfortunately, but if you know, you know 😊.

Let's start where my concert year started for me. Oliver Heldens at the O2 Academy in Brixton at the start of March. It was such a long day, as we had travelled the day of the concert, but honestly, it was soooooo worth it 😊. From start to finish, I couldn’t stop smiling, and he even came down at the end to say hello to all the fans 😊. The visuals especially were amazing, and honestly, when Oliver comes back to the uk to do another solo show, mum, my friend Kelsey, and I are going. No questions asked. He is one talented, humble, down to earth human being, and honestly why can’t everyone be like Oliver. I did write a blog post in March, so I’m going to quote some of it now.

“He then jumped down off the stage and spent at least ½ an hour with the fans. He jumped off to my right first (his left), so I had to wait for 5 minutes before he got to me, however when he did, I asked him to sign my sign, which he did. I got a bit emotional, so I asked him for a hug too. And he complied. It was a very sweaty hug, but it was a very much needed hug, as I had been so excited all day and all night”

I’ll go into more details on Tom Mayo hugs later on, but it was just as nice as a Tom hug, and that’s saying something!!! Oliver has been bucket list for what seems like an eternity, and March was just the cherry on top of the cake. One show down, now on to May!!!

For Christmas last year, I brought mum and I tickets to go and see Chase and Status at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, as we both love a bit of Drum and Bass, and we’ve wanted to see Chase and Status for what seems like an eternity. When we got to Nottingham, we went and checked in to the Hotel, chilled out for a bit, and then went to get the bus into the city centre to get some dinner. The restaurant of choice? Burger King 😊. Made a nice change from the usual McDonald’s, and even though the soft drink machine was the only drink choice we had, it was nice to get a table by the window, and watch the trams go by. As an avid tram spotter, it was a nice half an hour. Then after we finished our early dinner, it was gig time!!!! We got to the arena with around 25 minutes to spare before the doors opened, so we formed an orderly queue, and then when the doors opened, we got into the arena, and I went to get a shirt. There, to be honest, was quite a few options, but I went for the tour shirt. Then after, I found mum at our arena door, as the bowl hadn’t opened yet as they weren’t quite ready. So, I went to the toilet to get changed. The support acts were good too. Then it was time for the Main event. The intro was amazing, and when I say I was head bopping and moshing all night, I’m not lying either!!! Honestly, one of the best nights of the year for me, and that is saying something 😊. Think, fire pyrotechnics that literally blow your head in to a different dimension, and guest singers singing the songs you love. Was a great night, which is for sure. Went to the show with high expectations, and honestly, every single one of them were surpassed. If they do tour again in the future, I will defo go. No questions asked.

Then on to the end of July. The 2025 Marvel Fantastic 4 London ePrix. A weekend full of emotions. McLarens final weekend in the series, and what would turn out to be Laney’s last weekend too. Was a weekend full of highs and lows.

Saturday started off with a visit to the merch store, where I got a London exclusive cap, and also a pin badge for my sunflower lanyard. Then, after FP2, we went to the stage for the final Mclaren group photo before the team were due to leave the series ☹. Whilst it is sad, it also leaves a serious question over formula e, and I hate to be typing this right now, but if teams are only going to commit for a few seasons, and then just leave, it does raise a few concerns. But anyway!!! After that it was time to go and qualify. The session as always was very tense, with a lot of surprises along the way, with pole eventually going the way of Mitch Evans for Jaguar TCS Racing. Then after qualifying, Mum and I were lucky enough to be invited by McLaren to meet Sam and Taylor for one final time before they were to leave the team, and Sam the series. Laney as ever was happy to see me, and I got what would turn out to be my final Laney hug, as the day after, he told me that London was going to be his last weekend in the paddock ☹. Not gonna lie, when he told me, I just went and cried on his shoulder, as, as some of you may know, laney was more than Sam’s race engineer, he was a friend to me. The time he would take out of his day after qualifying to come and speak to me never went unnoticed, and even to this day, it makes me smile just thinking about it 😊. Then on to the race. The race was won by Jaguar’s Nick Cassidy in a very commanding style, and I think the whole of the excel heard me when he crossed the line. I was so happy, and I think I did almost cry as well. The podium was amazing, and then, as unfortunately we didn’t get autograph tickets this year, we went to wait outside the west entrance for the drivers. We were at west entrance for a few hours, and then around 9:30pm, we went back to the hotel after a crazy day.

Day 2 of the weekend followed pretty much the same pattern. Went to watch FP3 in my grandstand seat, then watched qualifying with James and Kelsey, where a very surprise pole position in the name of Dan Ticktum played out. He didn't start on pole however, as he had a 5 place grid drop to serve for causing a collision the day before, so Nick Cassidy was promoted to the front of the grid. The last race of the season, chaos, as usual, and a lot of emotion. I even got to relive my childhood for 30 minutes, as Rizzle Kicks were playing in the e Village. McLaren’s last race ended in a double DNF for the team... and Nick Cassidy got an emphatic double win in what would turn out to be his last race in a Jaguar Racing suit. So yeah. London this year was a whirlwind of emotions that is for sure. My 1st of three events in 9 weeks too. More on those in a bit😊.

Then after the ePrix weekend ended, we did a recce from Woolwich to Ealing Broadway via Westminster, where we had our annual Fish and Chips by the Thames, and Paddington, as that's where I was staying when I went to See Martin Garrix in August with Kelsey. We didn't do the full walk to Gunnersbury park, as it was too warm, and I was exhausted from the weekend, so we just found a bench on Ealing Common, and, of no surprise to anyone, I fell asleep on the grass. Was a really nice place to have a nap too.

Then, after that it was time, the next day mind, for the sad long journey home. It really was a sad day, as London is always an amazing event year on year. So we, and our suitcases went back to St Pancras train station via Farringdon, boarded the 15:05 East Midlands Railway service back to Nottingham, and then went our separate ways. Mum and I back to Burton on the 18:07 CrossCountry service to Cardiff, and Kelsey and Lizzie on the 17:45 EMR service to Skegness.

Then, 3 weeks later, was possibly the best concert of the year for me. Martin Garrix’s first London solo concert since 2017. We got there the day before, we being Myself and Kelsey, and then that night went for our usual pizza and doughballs at Pizza Express. And then it was gig day!!! I’d been so excited for this since I got the tickets for Christmas last year and boy he did not disappoint at all. We left the hotel at around 11am, to make sure we got there before doors, well technically gates as it was an outdoor concert, which we did. There were a few people in front of us, but we, and yes even I still can’t believe this, managed to get the barrier!!!! I was in shock, as if you know me, it does take a while for everything to sink in, and honestly, I wasn't expecting to get barrier as close to the stage as I was, and yeah. I posted the obligatory Instagram Stories, and let mum know. And then internally cried. Martin has been bucket list for 10 years, and to not only finally get the chance to see him, but do it front row too!!! Typing this today it still doesn't feel like that actually happened. It still feels like a fever dream. He even noticed my digital sign I made for if he played smile, which he did!!!! He made his signature X towards me, and honestly I died on the spot when Kelsey showed me on the train home the day after. There is a reason why I love martin, and the way he looks out not only for the fans, but makes them smile too, it is honestly why I love the guy😊 . He had amazing support acts in the form of Steve Angello, Nova Blue, Bunt, Lavern and Megisto, and all of them were amazing!! The day after, it took a while to set in. A few tears were shed when I got back to the hotel, as I couldn't quite believe that it had finally happened. Then, it was time for the sad journey home. So we got on the Elizabeth Line, changed at Farringdon for the Metropolitan line, got on the 15:35 back to Nottingham, slept a bit, and then woke up in Beeston!!! If you know me, you know I love my sleep, so it was a very nice nap. Once we got in to Nottingham, we went up to the concourse for a toilet break, and then we went to get our trains. As CrossCountry don't run a Sunday service from Nottingham at the moment, I had to split my journey, going with EMR to Derby before changing on to a Burton stopping Voyager there. There was also a Shoot from the Hip longform premiere on the way back from seeing Martin, so I watched that, and then also part of the Q&A, signal dependant obviously... had to watch the parts I missed when I got home, due to the signal on the Voyager being absolutely shite, but hey ho. At least I didn’t miss the longform, as I was originally planning to!!! Got weird looks on the train from laughing too much, but hey ho. You only live once as the saying goes.

Three weeks at home then followed before my first Shoot from the Hip show of 2025, which did actually turn out to be my first ever. If you know me, when I'm excited about things I rarely sleep well, so I woke myself up at the great time of 6am... but to be honest, if I didn't wake myself up, I’d have just sat tossing and turning in my bed until my alarm went off... anyway!!! Got up, made myself a coffee, got dressed and then went to catch the bus. I had to get 2 buses to the train station, as there isn't a direct bus to Lichfield from where I live, so I hopped on to the 9, changed at Burton, via McDonalds for breakfast and a drink, for the 12, and then got to Lichfield. My train wasn't until 10:15, but as I was early, I also managed to get a little bit of train spotting in too!!! The classic Lichfield Trent Valley lot of Pendolinos and Siemens Class 350s, until my Pendolino, the 10:15 Avanti West Coast service to London Euston, calling at Tamworth, pulled in. What to do on a train? Watch Shoot from the Hip of course!!! So I sat, watched a few of my favourite longforms on YouTube and relaxed. Then the train pulled in to Euston, I disembarked, and then made my way to the tube station. I first got off at Leicester square, and went near spoons to sit and have my brunch, before catching up on the discord to find out that there was going to be a discord meet up near the venue at Soho Gardens. I thought to myself, well if I don’t go I’m only going to be sat around for ages, and the show isn’t until 3:45pm, so I may as well go and make some friends. And that decision would lead to me making friends that I don’t regret making at all. Then I hopped back on the tube towards Tottenham Court Road, met Flower outside the Elizabeth Line Station and then went via Tesco’s past 21Soho to the meeting point. It was a nice thing to do, and I think, had I said no, then I wouldn’t have made some amazing friends 😊. Then around 3pm, we made our way to the venue. We weren’t let in until around 3:30 to take our seats, but when the show started, it was amazing from start to end. The longform especially was great, and ever since it has been uploaded to YouTube, it’s been one of my on repeats. Yes that good!! I’ll link it below with my link tree at the end. After the show, we went down to the bar and waited for the Meet and Greet. Saw Tom’s other half Pip, and went over to say hello, and hand over my bracelets I did for both of them, and then had a selfie and went to wait for Tom. They were honestly so sweet 😊. Then, after the boys came down, I had my first tom hug ever, and I got my selfies and hat signatures, I left the venue and started to head back to Euston. I went via Oxford Circus, and yes I did get a little bit lost… so I did have to use google maps… but I made it eventually. When I did get back to Euston train station, I sat for a bit, put my selfies in the discord, and waited for my train home. Honestly, the entire day was amazing from start to finish, and I didn’t wanna go home… luckily I did have my next shows booked, as I knew after the show I would love to come back, so I only had to wait 4 weeks!!! There were some friends I made that were gonna be there too, so I didn’t have to worry about not knowing anyone. Then at 20:31, my train left Euston, and I was on the way home… ☹. It was such a great day, but I was so tired when I got home. Having left the house at 7am, it was a very long day, but the friends I made, and the show itself was an amazing day. Worth leaving the house for!!! And as aforementioned, I didn’t have to wait long for my second batch of shows either, this time though with my sister Megan.

The day after the show, when my voice had fully recovered, I rang my grandma and asked her to ask Megan if she wanted to come with me, and see the boys. She asked her, and then told me she would love to. So I booked her tickets as well!! The 4 weeks between shows went so quickly. I had 1 days’ worth of annual leave approved for the show at the underbelly, so instead of making a 2 day trip, it turned in to 3.

I got on the bus at the absolutely glorious time of 8:15 am, made my way to Winshill, on 2 buses mind, as the bus that was running the 9 had some suspension issues, so I thought before it becomes an issue and I’m stranded in Bretby, I’ll get off and get the 8. Then when I eventually got in to Winshill, I met Megan and Grumpsie at the co-op, got my lunch, saw Misty the Co-op cat having a nap on the newspapers, and then went to Granny’s for a coffee and a quick catch up before we went to the train station. The coffee as usual was stunning (Nescafe Azera grounded coffee is the best. Other coffee is available), and granny was pleased to see me 😊. Then at around 10:30 ish, we got a lift to the train station, and awaited our train. The 11:21 CrossCountry service to Birmingham New Street calling at Tamworth, where we were alighting, Wilnecote and Birmingham New Street. The train as usual was absolutely packed, so it was a case of trying not to fall on people. Then we alighted at Tamworth, and made our way down to Platform 2. Classic British weather meant it was absolutely freezing and chucking it down, but I survived, barely but I did, and then around 25 minutes later, delayed, but not by much, the 11:56 London Northwestern Railway service to London Euston, calling at Atherstone, Rugby, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes Central and London Euston pulled in. I got a seat this time too, thank god, as there were two seats, and overhead suitcase space available, so I put the cases on the overhead rack, and then sat down. The last time I used LNR, was the time I went to see Oliver Heldens, and let’s say, the train was packed both times… anyway. We pulled in to Euston around 13:30, got off the train, went to the loo and then went to the underground station. We got the Victoria Line from Euston to King’s Cross St Pancras, changed there for the Sub Surface lines to Farringdon, got the Elizabeth line to Stratford, and then finally the DLR to Woolwich Arsenal. We checked in to our hotel, went to Lidl for some hotel snacks, and then chilled out for a bit. I got changed in to my Change Shirt, filmed a bit for my vlog, and then we left for pizza and the show. Going from Woolwich on the Elizabeth Line first, alighting at Bond Street, getting the Jubilee line to Green Park from Bond Street and then getting the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus. We went for Pizza first, and then straight to the venue. The show wasn’t until 9:15pm, but we still managed to get there early enough to meet up with Ashton, and Flower too. Then around 8:45, the staff took us up to the Balcony holding area, where we were there for around 10 minutes before being let in to the seating area. The show, from start to finish was absolutely spectacular, as always, and Ellie from the Hell or High Rollers podcast did an absolutely amazing job guesting, and the longform was spectacular. Zombie tom trying to kill me was fun, and that’s all the spoilers you’re getting!! Anyway, when the show finished, we went down to the bar for the meet and greet, and honestly, thank you to all the people who didn’t get annoyed when I went to see tom first, as I was on a time constraint, and needed to make the last Elizabeth Line train. Luckily, I did, and made it to Bond Street 10 minutes before it left. Anyway, tom, as usual, was happy to see me, and have a selfie with me too. AJ came down a bit later than the others, and thought it would be funny to photobomb my selfie with Tom, which on reflection was funny. If you’ve seen my weekend vlog, you’d have heard the reactions from when it happened. Megan and I couldn’t stop laughing when it happened, then when I composed myself, I got a picture of one of the best hugs of my life! Tom hugs are, no joke, like a really warm blanket on a really chilly night, and honestly, get one if you can!!! They’re so nice. He literally envelopes you in a big tom hug, and it just washes all the worries away. Then I went to see Luke, AJ and Sam, and then left the venue to go back to the hotel. As aforementioned, I’m glad I left when I did, as we made the last train with 10 minutes to spare. Any later than that, and I fear I would have missed it. so, sat on the floor of Bond Street Elizabeth Line station, I wrote my Instagram round up, and then the train arrived. The rush from the staff at Woolwich was not great, as I don’t like rushing, but as it was the last train of the night, I also did understand why. They also uploaded the full show to YouTube, so, along with the aforementioned Sins of the Gardener longform and the Longform from the night itself, all three links will be down below. I am honestly so glad that the full show is being uploaded (games on the 23rd nov and Longform on the 30th) to YouTube, as honestly, it was such a great night, and Ellie did such a great job as a show guest. And, just FYI, as this is a spoiler if you happen to be reading this before 18:00 on the 30th November (which you won’t as this now will be a December upload !! :) ), cardboard cutout tom, and zombie tom were the highlights of the longform for me!!!

Then on to day 2. As we didn’t get back to the hotel until 12:30am, we had a lie in, and then around 12pm, we started to make our way for food. As we got the Jubilee line from West Ham, we decided to alight at London Bridge, and get the Northern Line from there. We changed from the Bank branch to the Charing Cross branch at Euston, met Flower there, and then went to McDonald’s. the self-serve kiosks weren’t working, so I had to go and pay at the till, which was a pain in the rear end, as they put my order through the till and gave me salsa dips for my mozzarella sticks which I never asked for… but that’s standard McDonald’s … anyway. After that, we went to Starbucks in Soho, and then went sightseeing for a bit before heading to the venue. We aimed to be there later than we actually were, and almost went to the wrong venue… Side note the Top Secret venues are so close together… luckily I realised before it was too late, and when we got to the venue, to my surprise we were the first there. We saw the boys arrive at around half 5, and tom, being the nice human he is, saw me and came over for a quick chat and fist bump before going in to set up with the other boys. It was a nice interaction, and another reason why I love tom and the boys. Then around 6:10pm ish the security man came out, scanned the tickets, stamped our hands to show we had a valid ticket and then we were in the venue. Had to run for the two seats at the very end on the left-hand side (the boys’ right-hand side as they would be looking at it) but I managed to get front row!!!!! Third show and first front row!!! Yes, I finally did it!!! the show, from start to finish, was amazing, and even tom noticed my merch at the end. “Yeah, I see you!!!” 😊. That exact quote. Confession was especially funny when Sam said “General Erection…” why he did I’ll never know, but hey ho. Sam is always funny whilst on stage, and one more spoiler, they did a letter of complaint on Digital ID, and Sam’s face upon looking up some lets say spicy websites; wish I was allowed to take a photo!!! The longform was a pirate medical drama that tugged on my heartstrings, and how I didn’t end up crying god knows!! After the show, we went and hung around the bar area, until one of the venue staff informed us that the meet and greet was going to be outside the venue. So, Megan and I, along with everyone else, went upstairs and congregated outside the venue to wait for the boys.

The meet and greet, as usual was amazing. Tom photobombed my selfie with Sam… but as its Tom, I’ll let him off. Then, as tom was nearby, we had our selfie together, and then I went over to Luke and AJ, as mum wanted a picture signing from all 4 of them, so, as I had drew it for her, I got it signed there and then, as Underbelly the night before, I was in a bit of a rush. The boys, as ever, were lovely, and incredibly happy to see me, and when Sam started winding me up about Tom’s character from Roll From The Hip, and I went over and told tom, honestly, his reaction was priceless!!! I also got talking with Sam about family life, as you do, and yeah. When I had finished, Megan and I left the venue, and went back to the hotel. Tom was still there, and even I can believe that. He loves spending time with the fans, and even though it was an hour later when I left, the things he does for us fans is always amazing. We’d unfortunately missed the last Elizabeth Line train of the night; however, we went to catch the DLR, going from Holborn to Bond Street on the Central line, then we went to West Ham on the Jubilee line before picking up the DLR there, and going to Woolwich Arsenal. The whole weekend, from start to finish was absolutely amazing, and honestly, the friends I have made through these 4 awesome men have been the most amazing ones, and honestly, if you read this guys, thank you!!! Here’s to a 2026 full of amazing memories and shows.

2025 as a whole has been, quite possibly, one of the best years of my life, and to end this blog I do have quite a few thank you.

Starting off with the woman who I kickstarted the year with. A woman who I am proud to call my mum.

Love you lots. Its been an absolute pleasure getting to do all the events we have done together this year, whether its been freezing our unmentionables off in the queue for Oliver Heldens, or raving at chase and status until we couldn’t no more. This year, although it has been hard, you’ve always been one of the ones celebrating my highs, but also being there with me through my lows too. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better person to be my mum, and I love you to the moon and back. Here’s to a 2026 full of surprises, including your first Shoot from the Hip show, and our second Take That concert in as many years. Thank you for always being there for me, and also, I will always love you. No matter what 😊.

Kelsey, what a year we’ve had together. Thank you for coming with me to see Martin. Was such an unforgettable night!!! Will never forget the look on your face when martin noticed your cross stitch flag, and honestly, doing it with you was a no brainer. Thank you also for being a shoulder to cry on, or a rant post whenever I have needed it, or a general rant post when we’ve both needed it.

James, same applies for you as it does Kels. You are one amazing friend to have, and honestly, thank you for being there for me when I’ve needed it, and thanks for being a post of encouragement when I’ve needed it.

Tom, Sam, Luke and AJ, what to say!!! The three shows I have attended this year have been nothing short of amazing, and honestly, the friends I have made through you guys are honestly the reason why I continue to come back. And you guys during the meet and greets always have time to listen to what I, and others, have to say. Honestly thank you for this year. See you in Birmingham in March!!! And maybeeeee underbelly in feb :). Side note, the underbelly Boulevard in soho, to this date, remains my most visited venue, as Februarys show marks my third SFTH show at that venue!!

And finally, all the aforementioned friends. You guys are amazing, and thank you for hanging around with me pre and post-show. It has been one amazing year, and honestly, if it weren’t for some of you, I wouldn’t be the person I am. Thank you for embracing me with open arms, and I look forward to next year’s shows 😊. They’re gonna be a whirlwind of an adventure that is for sure!!

So yeah!!! 2025 out

2026 lets be having you !!!!

If you want more from me, all my social media, and my formula e blog are in my Link tree

https://linktr.ee/natmartin0907

Shoot From the Hip

Sins of the gardener Longform

https://youtu.be/EE4f1fpIgNM?si=KGBSQCHXNdDqmYEL

4th October First half

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooeh6-xcYXI

No time to die twice Longform

https://youtu.be/3w1mrxIzQV0?si=x6kx5PlKxECufvMV

Link tree for upcoming shows