NVRF 2026 ~ 3rd-6th September ~ Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincs
The UK's boutique Classic Rock, Prog and Blues Festival
Saturday
Swan & Heron stages
These stages will operate alternately so you will be able to see all of every band if you wish.
Both stages, and the bar, are housed within one marquee to protect you from the weather.
Focus
The band from the 1960/70’s that just keeps giving. Featuring original members Sir Thijs Van Leer and drummer Pierre Van Der Linden, they are joined by long-term guitarist Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet on bass. 2024 saw the release of latest album 'Focus 12'; live you'll hear many of their classic songs and two hit UK singles - the only band to have two instrumental singles in the UK top 20 chart at the same time! Each song is breathtakingly unique, and each performance different to the one before; if you've never seen them live you are in for a treat.
Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash
Wishbone Ash was formed by West Country musicians Martin Turner and Steve Upton. Intent on creating a musical sound that was rich in texture and melody, Martin Turner envisaged the band’s innovative harmony-guitar hallmark and guitarists Ted Turner and Andy Powell were recruited and the partnership of the original line-up of Wishbone Ash forged a unique musical identity that would produce some of rock music's best loved works and influencing numerous successful bands, resulting in millions of album sales and concert attendances. Wishbone Ash would become one of the most enduring British rock acts - its name synonymous with high quality, guitar-driven melodic rock music.
Solstice
A story that began at the legendary Marquee Club in London's Wardour Street finally arrives at the chapter PROG journalist Martin Kielty describes as "Solstice becoming the band they were always meant to be". With the beguiling presence of vocalist Jess Holland, Solstice are THE band to catch live this year. A string of high profile festival appearances from Glastonbury to Milan, and a career topping show in front of 20,000 people at Cropredy Festival, confirms the band’s journey moves ever onwards. Having played at NVRF two years ago, and won numerous awards, we are very pleased that they will be back in 2026.
Leaf Hound
Leaf Hound is an English hard rock band that formed from blues rock band Black Cat Bones in 1970, frequently cited as pioneers of heavy metal, hard rock, psychedelic rock and stoner rock. 1971 debut album ‘Growers of Mushroom’ reflects that and gained cult status – copies can be worth a fortune! After a long hiatus vocalist Peter French (Atomic Rooster) formed a new band and they recorded ‘Unleashed’. Leaf Hound gigs are as rare as Roosters’ teeth – we are excited to have them back at NVRF for a set in our main marquee.
Papa Shango
We put them on at NVRF 2023 - and a few wondered what on Earth we were doing! Then you saw them... and life was never the same again. "Please can we do it again?" they asked. "We want them back" you said. So we did as you asked... Self described as a circus rock act with mayhem and madness guaranteed to leave jaws dropped, Papa Shango mix all the elements to give the audience something very, very different! NME (no less) said of them “The internet killed live music… Papa Shango are saving it”! What else could we do but bring them back again, this time in the main marquee... be warned!
Ghost Of The Machine
Ghost Of The Machine formed in January 2021 when five former members of This Winter Machine joined forces with Charlie Bramald (flautist for Nova Cascade and former lead vocalist for all-eras prog tribute Harmony of Spheres). Taking the best elements from their previous endeavours and key influences such as Rush, Marillion, Dream Theater and Genesis, while pushing forward in a heavier, adventurous and exciting direction, Ghost Of The Machine has recorded its debut album 'Scissorgames' and for the last few years have been out touring the UK.
Blues Boy Kings
Sensational original blues rock band with exciting original songs from three albums!
Featuring singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist - Jason North; bass/vocals provided by extraordinary force of nature - Sammy J North; solid rhythm guitar/organ/ vocals from original BBK family member - Rich Taylor and finally a UK blues great, who needs no introduction, with former Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich completing the line-up! Don't miss this awesome true blues band!
Dikajee
Dikajee is a visionary prog/rock/metal/folk project led by vocalist and composer Olga "DIkajee" Karpova. Blending ethereal melodies with cinematic arrangements, Dikajee’s music moves between fragile intimacy and explosive power. With the full band, her sound expands into a rich tapestry of progressive rock, metal, folk, and orchestral textures—haunting harmonies, intricate rhythms, and soaring dynamics that create a truly immersive live experience. At once otherworldly and deeply human, Dikajee’s performances captivate audiences and transport them into a dreamlike world of sound.
Earthdust
Original Space Rock Psychedelic Sounds from Blackpool. We formed from bands such as Sons of Arqa, Section 25, ISIS and Earthling Society. We have 2 albums out so far with our third due for release in October. All songs are our own composition and unique sound. Currently supporting Hawklords as part of their tour. This sound is only achieved when each individual musician is at the top of their game, yet make each show different due to to effortless improvisation.
Kingfisher stage
This stage will usually offer a clear contrast to the bands in our other marquee.
Blue Nation
Birmingham has birthed legends from Black Sabbath to Duran Duran, now Blue Nation are poised to claim the city’s next global headline. Fronted by singer-guitarist Neil Murdoch, anchored by groove-master Luke Weston (bass, backing vocals), and driven by the explosive Nick Sharman on drums, this trio is igniting a new era of arena-ready blues-rock. Blue Nation fuse the swagger of classic British rock, Beatles, Cream, Zeppelin, with the modern fire of Rival Sons and Vintage Trouble. The result: riff-rich, melodic blues-rock that feels both timeless and thrillingly fresh. It’s music built to shake stadiums and win over the world.
Greyfox Conspiracy
Greyfox Conspiracy are a five-piece band hailing from the rugged hills of South Wales. Music influences include hard/classic rock and southern blues rock, which they put into a memorable, powerful and unique live show; playing live is where those old grizzlies work best. Music for them is a passion; it can't be anything else. If it does not move you, if it does not grip you soul, if it does not tear at your emotions, then it's not worth doing.
Light Damage
Light Damage is a 5 members band from Luxemburg whose music uses very contemporary sounds while remaining true to its progressive rock roots. Each band member brings their own inspirations and influences to create a cohesive sound. This results in a diverse musical landscape that appeals to a wide audience. The Band have performed at prestigious European festivals such as Prog’Résiste (Belgium), PPR Festival (Germany), Summer’s End Festival (United Kingdom), Prog En Beauce (France), Winter's End Festival (United Kingdom).
The Darker My Horizon
Since their debut album in 2015, TDmH have released 4 LP's and 2 E.P's. Played headline, festival and high profile support shows all over the UK. And in Europe (Spain, France, Czech Republic, Belgium & Netherlands). Their songs have received airplay all over the world and albums have been included in dozens of top 20 of the year lists. They've shared stages with everyone from the NWOCR to multi-million selling artists, mixing classic & modern rock with bags of melody!
Velvet Dead
Local band Velvet Dead entered the 2025 NVRF band competition and finished second. We gave them a slot, you rather liked them, so they're back! Velvet Dead are a dark and thematic vogue. Bringing a melodic and old school sound to the music scene, with atmospheric and nostalgic performances that carry charm, seductive uniqueness and fresh energy to every stage. With influences from The Cure, Depeche Mode, Creeper & Ghost, they set out to light an old spark to the scene, drawing in audiences from all age groups and giving every one of them a blast from the past.
Ice9INE
Another local band who made the final of last year's band competition, Ice9INE formed in the 90's as a synth pop outfit, toured the college, university, and club circuits, and played at the Whisky a-go-go and marquee clubs in London. The music evolved since then, morphing into rock, jazz, and trance, before the current alt-prog sound. Influenced by Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Led Zeppelin, the sound is a heady mix of atmospheric soundscapes, intricate prog-rock melodies, and clever arrangements. 2025 saw the release of "The Rapture Insane" and will be featured in the live set.