Friday
Kingfisher stage
This stage will usually offer a clear contrast to the bands in our other marquee.
Pearl Handled Revolver
Pearl Handled Revolver have travelled a long way to get to 2023. Thankfully, over the last decade they have had the decency to send regular updates of their escapades. Their four EPs, two Live albums and four studio albums chart a journey from the limits of primal blues, via unlikely liaisons between cult film scores and bare bones Stoner Rock, to blackened psychedelic soul music.
Aiden Pryor Band
The Aiden Pryor Band is a three piece rock blues trio with emphasis on the rock. Northamptonshire lads with Jamie Layton on drums, Luke Palmer on bass and powerhouse guitarist, Aiden fronting the band. If you have been to the Rory Gallagher International Tribute festival in Ballyshannon Ireland, or to any of the other Rory Gallagher festivals, you will be familiar with Aiden's tribute to the great man.
Hunted By Elephants
Reviving the raw classic rock sounds of yesteryear, Hunted by Elephants are a high-energy 5-piece hard rock band honouring the time-tested union of soaring vocals, growling riffs and energising drumming. Formed mid-2018 by Apostolos Liapis (vocals), Roman Flourendzou (guitar) and Raymond Phelan (bass) the band were later joined by Alex Butticè (drums) and now George Chronis (guitar, keys).
Doris Brendel & Lee Dunham (acoustic)
Taking a Covid-induced break from touring with Marillion frontman Fish, Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham are going ‘unplugged’ until the next big tour. Their acoustic set has been described as “esoteric singer-songwriter with bluesy twist meets charismatic chat and humour”. Indeed they are getting a reputation for fun and audience participation mixed with madcap songs like ‘Blue Egg from Another Planet’ and ‘Today I sold Myself on Ebay’. Seriously memorable.
Landmarq
Now in their 33nd year, Landmarq are firmly established within the UK Prog rock scene and further afield internationally. The band have an extensive product catalogue and have played numerous shows over the years, both as headliners and guest support with bands such as Marillion, Focus, Atomic Rooster, Pendragon and even Suzi Quatro. To quote Richard Swan's review of Fusion 3.5 - “…a thoroughly enjoyable set for which (Landmarq) richly deserved their standing ovation…".
This House We Built
Carrying glowing endorsements and reviews from Dave Ling (Classic Rock) – “Immensely promising quartet playing a confident, summery, sometimes funk-fuelled style that will leave you grinning from ear to ear” and Rob Evans (Powerplay Rock & Metal) – “The best independent album I’ve heard this year”, This House We Built are already on rock solid foundations on which to build a successful career in the music scene.
Big River
Big River play modern heavy Blues Rock, no frills, no nonsense, great riffs, memorable hooks, melody and groove. They were formed in the U.K. in 2016 and have played shows with well known artists and had radio play in the UK, Europe and USA. Big River have a Classic British Rock Sound, akin to Bad Company and early Free.
Stan The Band
The legendary North East guitar 4 piece were described by Crack Magazine as having an uncanny knack for producing “insanely catchy songs which will simultaneously tug at the heartstrings while exercising the brain.” They formed in Newcastle at the turn of the millenium and were memorably described at an early appearance as “…like Crowded House on steroids!” The band have released several albums, working with members of Hawkwind and Tygers of Pan Tang and supporting a diverse range of artists from Brian May (Queen) to Big Country, The Christians and The Zombies
Trilogy
Trilogy are a three-piece band from Essex, who combine heavy rock influences with the quirky time signatures and virtuoso musicianship of classic Prog. 40 years on from their BBC Friday Rock Show session in 1983, the enthusiastic response to Trilogy’s social media pages has led to a reunion, with fans old and new eager to see the band onstage again after so many years.
Fluctus Quadratum
Fluctus Quadratum are a synth and keyboard led progressive rock band who aim to take you back to the serious progressive rock era, with a considerable modern twist. Their style is a mix between the sweeping riffs of Pink Floyd, the technical ability of Marillion and the modern soundscapes of Steven Wilson.
The band was formed in 2019 in a small rural village in East Sussex, England. The father and son duo, Rick and Jopheus, soon built a band around Jopheus' music.