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) their show will feature Mike Ian on bass, vocals and guitar, borrowed from USA based ELP tribute, Tarkus.
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
Gypsy's Kiss
Gypsy’s Kiss were formed in the East End of London in early 1974 by Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris and David Smith who lived close to each other and went to the same school. Therefore, the band sit proudly at the ‘top of the Iron Maiden Family Tree’! They were determined to be a hard rocking band and quickly made a significant impact on the growing East London music scene playing at The Cart & Horses, Bridgehouse and other well-known local venues. They remain loyal to their Maiden heritage, and continue to bring their classic rock sound to a wider audience beyond their Iron Maiden roots. Their 2024 appearance at NVRF marked 50 years since their formation in 1974.
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.