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.
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Colosseum
Arguably the most influential of the early British jazz/blues fusion bands with progressive overtones, Colosseum fuse an adventurous approach to rock with classical keyboard accents. Anyone drawing a classic rock family tree would find their branches reaching all over the place! Formed in 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman, early line-ups featured sax player Dick Heckstall-Smith, Dave Greenslade (keys) and Tony Reeves (bass). Dave “Clem” Clempson (guitars), Chris Farlowe (vocals) Mark Clarke (bass) joined soon after and have remained with the band ever since.
Hand Of Dimes
Hand Of Dimes is the reunion of former Skin singer and front man Neville MacDonald and keyboard player Neil Garland. Their partnership goes back to the mid 80s when they were both part of the Welsh rock band Kooga, but when they split up Nev’s yearning was for more gutsy rock and roll, so the invitation to form Skin with guitarist Myke Gray was a no-brainer… Now Hand Of Dimes has picked up where they left off, with debut album ‘Raise’ full of soulful melodic rock which packs a serious punch and Nev’s unmistakable trademark voice over a blend of electric and acoustic material.
Ken Pustelnik's Groundhogs
Originally formed way, way back in 1962, the classic line-up of The Groundhogs featured Tony McPhee, Pete Cruikshank and Ken Pustelnik (drums). Ken then left the band and rejoined a few times and now has a new version of The Groundhogs under his own name, playing much of the classic early psychedelic blues material with a renewed energy for generations old and new! The band now includes Chris d'Avoine (guitar/vocals), Sol Latif (guitar) and Latch Manghat (bass).
Rhabstallion
Rhabstallion - a four piece all original NWOBHM band from Halifax, West Yorkshire are bringing their hard but melodic style of rock to venues thoughout the UK & Europe.
Having played with bands such as Saxon, Trust, Diamond Head and The Tygers Of Pan Tang the Rhabs are comfortable on any stage. The onslaught of guitars and soaring vocals backed with the pounding drums and bass are not to be missed. This is a must see band.
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The Blackheart Orchestra
Blackheart Orchestra is officially the smallest orchestra in the world. Two people playing 13 instruments between them, Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington perform in what has been described as a ‘musical space station’ of instruments including guitar, bass, percussion, mandola, piano, organ, omnichord and their collection of vintage synthesisers. After over 1000 concerts and 3 albums they’ve played everywhere from Southampton to Sydney including London’s Palladium and Royal Albert Hall and winning numerous awards.
McHale's Permanent Brew
The five member band have toured extensively in 2022, they were nominated for a 2023 UK Blues Federation Award. The band have received rave reviews throughout 2022, and are best known for their amazing live performances. They have supported Atomic Rooster, Dr Feelgood, Nine Below Zero and Gino Washington. Influences are Rory Gallagher, Pink Floyd, 60/70s based rock. They've been described as Blues Rock Psych. Not to be missed!
Viper Soup Complex
Viper Soup Complex is a Maltese Progressive/Avant-Garde Rock/Metal band formed in 2012 that specializes in unconventional music and unorthodox stage antics. Stylistically, VSC delves into multilayered sonic outbursts, often accompanied by dreamlike musical textures.
Thematically, the lyrics are mostly influenced by the absurd. So far, all the songs take a form of a story telling scenario. Currently, VSC is composing new material, while revisiting their first Album: Red Fugue (2018).
Jamie Porter Band
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The Jamie Porter Band is a 3 piece rock n roll band taking their influences from many blues/rock and country artists. Fronted by songwriter and singer/guitarist Jamie, he is joined by Dave Paveley on bass/vocals and Simon Waterhouse on drums. The power trio are described as '...blues rock with a little bit of country swagger...' and the band have a growing live reputation, having recently supported Kira Mac on all dates of their headline UK tour during May/June 2023.
Genius The Fool
Genius The Fool started out featuring Barry Cassells (drums), Paul Teasdale (bass) and Mark Rowen (guitars) - all former members of either York based band 'Stolen Earth' or ex-Mostly Autumn offshoot band 'Breathing Space'.... or both!! 2022 saw seismic changes with the introduction of new keyboard player Phil Rushfirth, bass player James Peck, and backing vocalist Rosie Axon. But the biggest change is the recruitment of a new lead singer to replace Lisa Box. These were mighty shoes to fill, but they believe they've done it and cannot wait for you to see and hear their latest recruit.