NVRF 2026 ~ 3rd-6th September ~ Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincs
The UK's boutique Classic Rock, Prog and Blues Festival
Sunday
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.
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. Colosseum join a very select list of bands to headline the NVRF main marquee twice.
Curved Air
Curved Air is a unique band, synthesizing an eclectic blend of musical styles into an instantly identifiable sound. Their hits include "It Happened Today", "Vivaldi", "Marie Antoinette" and "Backstreet Luv". Founder member vocalist Sonja Kristina now leads a skilled and talented new line-up, bringing their unique music to an existing and new fanbase in the 21st Century. They continue to thrill a steadily increasing mass of new and old fans worldwide with their experimental blends of classical themes, electronic sounds and pop/rock energy and beautiful, timeless songs are performed with fire and passion and tremendous musicianship.
Atomic Rooster
Atomic Rooster formed in the late 60s and had top twenty singles in 1971 with "Tomorrow Night" and "Devil’s Answer", along with two top twenty albums in 1971/72. In their early days they featured Vincent Crane (keys) and even a talented young drummer called Carl Palmer - both were also previously members of Arthur Brown's band. Since then they've come and gone and featured a Who's Who of musicians including Steve Bolton, Peter French, Chris Farlowe, Ginger Baker, Bernie Torme etc. The current band - Steve Bolton (guitars), Shug Milledge (bass), Adrian Gautrey (keys) and Paul Everett (drums) will deliver classic bluesy progressive rock at its best.
Rhabstallion
Rhabstallion - a four piece all original NWOBHM band from Halifax, West Yorkshire return to NVRF bringing their hard but melodic style of rock. Currently playing venues thoughout the UK & Europe., they've previously played alongside bands such as Saxon, Trust, Diamond Head and The Tygers Of Pan Tang 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. "Back In The Saddle" a few years ago showcased reworkings of old songs and they'll be playing those alongside some newer ones from their 'Bat Shit Crazy' album, songs they previously premiered at NVRF last year!
Haze
An NVRF ever-present, Haze have been constant supporters of the festival. Despite their reputation as a progressive rock band, Haze have always included a wide variety of influences, from pop, rock, folk & metal. They established their reputation as one of the hardest working underground bands of the ‘80s and continue to perform regularly, including weekly live-streams during Lockdown. Their latest album "The Water's Edge" featured most of the McMahon family tree and was heavily previewed at the first NVRF but their extensive back-catalogue means you'll always hear something different. Haze’s legendary reputation is richly deserved!
Katie & The Bad Sign
​Gritty and raw with a voice that pours with emotion and fills a venue, having played across the UK at festivals their sound is a mix of Americana, Blues & good ole Rock n' Roll. Their 70's inspired music takes you on a journey from catchy melody to gravelly throttling vocals, giving an essence of Janis Joplin brought into modern-day dark rootsy rock.
They have received radio play from Planet Rock Radio, shared a main stage with Ocean Colour Scene and most recently supported Shane Smith & The Saints
Hekz
HeKz is a progressive rock band that stands at the crossroads of heavy metal legends and the luminaries of the prog rock genre. With each album release, they've sought to redefine and reimagine the progressive metal landscape, creating a unique and compelling musical experience. HeKz's fourth album, 'Terra Nova,' promises to be their most ambitious project yet. The band's rejuvenated live lineup consists of lead singer and bassist Matt Young, guitar virtuoso Mirko Fadda, the spellbinding Lucia LaRezza on violin and the percussion powerhouse Jerry Sadowski.
Credo
With more than 20 years of history, both recording and playing, Credo’s rise may have been gradual but it has also been constant. They've now come to maturity, producing powerful, melodic and lyrically challenging rock music, with three critically approved albums to their name and a fourth nearing completion. They've also become one of the leading lights of the European progressive rock scene and we're really pleased to have tempted them back to Grimsthorpe for what promises to be another great show.
The Round Window
The Round Window is a band from the East Anglia/Midlands area of the UK playing rock that is a melting pot of classic, melodic and progressive influences with a focus on narrative storytelling. Formed in 2019, the band have released two full albums - a self-titled debut in 2022 and the follow up, Everywhere and Nowhere in 2023 - and a mini-album, Fram, in late 2024. Each of these have received strong reviews and were all independently self-released and are available through Bandcamp.
Kingfisher stage
This stage will usually offer a clear contrast to the bands in our other marquee.
McHale's Permanent Brew
Another of NVRF's 'Fab Five', they have been staunch supporters of the festival and we felt thoroughly deserved this headline slot. They've toured extensively and were nominated for a 2023 UK Blues Federation Award 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 and are always a huge hit at NVRF.
Izengard
IzenGard were signed by Massacre Records in 2019 after presenting their debut self-funded album Angel Heart to them earlier in that year. Angel Heart was received by the rock press with a number of excellent reviews; Raimer Kerber of Metalheads Forever Magazine said “Angel Heart” is an outstanding debut. In October 2024 they supported Canadian legends 'Anvil' on the UK part of their European tour.
They are currently in the process of recording with another album due out in time for the festival.
Jump
On April 13th 1990 Jump hit the stage for their first gig, a thirty minute support slot with the legendary Les Payne. They'd agreed that if we went down like the proverbial lead balloon, they’d shake hands and go their separate ways. Now they're at NVRF in 2026, led as ever by the inimitable John Dexter Jones and with many progressive albums and shows to their name and a fan base that's showing no signs of going away. Always entertaining, if you've not seen them before they're one of those bands you're unlikely to forget!
Luna Marble
Luna Marble came to NVRF25 unknown to nearly everyone - and had one of the longest queues at their merch desk of any band - so we had to bring them back! They describe themselves as a contemporary classic rock band inspired by the blues and psychedelia from the 70s. With supercharged stadium-ready tunes the band marries their anthemic choruses with ethereal textures and enchanting melodies taking this well-loved genre to their own territory. Inspired by the live raw energy of the 70s, the band is not afraid to showcase their talent and musicianship on stage combined with starry stage decorations and outfits!
Soho Dukes
South London's Soho Dukes are neither as handsome nor as clever as they think they are. But they have smuggled out two glorious albums in the space of three years and their reputation is growing fast. Glowing reviews of their recorded work and their boisterous live appearances, particularly on festival stages, have earned them comparisons with bands such as Small Faces, The Rolling Stones, Heavy Metal Kids & Mott The Hoople. So why not grab yourself an earful? Soho Dukes. It's music for rascals.
Living In Shadows
Brainchild of the formidable Northeast-based duo Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion, the distinctive sound of Living In Shadows follows in the tradition of great English alt pop and progressive rock whilst reflecting their background in jazz. Zoe was the 2019 parliamentary jazz award winner and has performed worldwide at major jazz festivals. Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Andy's career spans 30 years, working in UK and Europe. He led his own progressive jazz quintet, ACV, releasing two critically acclaimed albums, touring with national radio coverage via the Edinburgh Festival and BBC Radio 3.