NVRF 2026 ~ 3rd-6th September ~ Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincs
The UK's boutique Classic Rock, Prog and Blues Festival
Thursday
Swan and Heron stages
These stages will alternate
A Foreigner's Journey
Playing the music of both Journey and Foreigner, you're bound to hear songs you know! Continuing with our rule of any tribute band we book must offer something special, A Foreigner's Journey are another band who have won the National Tribute Award - the NTA calling it a "world class show", while Planet Rock are quoted as saying "great mix of songs, impeccably delivered".
Noddy's Puncture (2nd set)
Noddy's Puncture don't do things by halves - resisting all calls (mostly from within the band!) to just use modern keyboards, keyboard maestro Tom Szakaly has assembled a rig that is as close as you'll get to Keith Emerson's original 70s set-up. They rarely play festivals because the keyboards can take around 5 hours to acclimatise so no quick changeover. At NVRF we solved that by letting them play two sets, first and last on the same stage. You can't really do ELP in an hour, can you? Do be assured that we'll do the music justice! As well as Frank Askew on drums (he sometimes runs Carl Palmer's drum clinics) our show will feature Ron Ponella on bass, vocals and guitar, borrowed from USA based ELP tribute, Manticore.
Square Wild
Winners of Prog magazine's 2023 award for best unsigned band, followed by a battle of the bands for a slot at Bloodstock, Square Wild are confusing audiences around the land by playing thoughtful, original music that keeps going to places you don't expect! You'll find inspirational lyrics mixed with tales of fantasy, hook-laden rock anthems that might veer into ska or samba, inventive drumming reminiscent of some of the greats, mesmerising guitar, the odd bass solo and then there's Lucy's vocals and stage presence. Most likely thing you'll hear from the crowd? "Wow, wasn't expecting that!"
Noddy's Puncture (1st set)
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THE tribute to Emerson, Lake and Palmer, endorsed by Keith Emerson - indeed Keith used some of their keyboards at the final UK E.L.P. appearance at High Voltage. This is as authentic as you can get, complete with modular Moog! Expect most of the triple live "Welcome Back..." album and much more.
Stretching festival norms, at NVRF Noddy's Puncture will play two sets on one stage with Square Wild playing in between on the other.
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PS - Video 2 is probably the best pub video you'll ever see!
Kingfisher stage
Ten
Ten are an English melodic hard rock band which were formed in 1995. Until today, the band has released 16 studio albums, 6 compilation albums, 5 EPs and a double live album. The band has charted in the United Kingdom with 2012's Heresy and Creed, 2017's Gothica, 2018's Illuminati and 2022's Here Be Monsters. 2026 is the band’s 30th anniversary since the release of their first two studio albums “X” and “The Name Of The Rose” and the band will be touring in celebration of these two releases.
Thr3e
Thr3e plays Blues/Rock, or is it Rock/Blues? Who cares, they love what they do and go down well when we do it with “Blues” or “Rock” crowds. All their own songs too. They played the inaugural NVRF in 2023 and had a wonderful time as well as numerous other festivals. They will be out on the road in 2025 playing stuff from their forthcoming third album, which may be available in time for NVRF.
Fearless Scoundrels
Fearless Scoundrels is a Boogie, Blues and Rock’n’Roll band with a set list of original songs in the style of traditional blues, boogie blues, rock blues and country blues, all played with loads of enthusiasm and spirit... but with a twist of humour and a whole bunch of energy. The live show is geared up to entertain an audience with a balance of serious song performance and not-so-serious between song banter. The band is made up of four very accomplished and experienced musicians and has been playing the Midlands pub, club and festival circuit for the past 12 years.