Wildfire Festival

UPDATE. In what has been a difficult and at times testing period in the history of Wildfire Festival, we are pleased to announce that we will be going ahead with an event in 2019. There have been a lot of things written and said about me and my family recently. Some we can accept but many are simply not true. However, we will be sending an email to everyone on our mailing list this Saturday at 11am to explain the current situation and what we plan for next year. If you do not receive an email by 11am then please mail dave@wildfirefestival.co.uk as we clearly do not have you on our mailing list. Once that email has been received I am sure the majority of supporters will understand where we are heading in the next 12 months. Thank you from Dave and the Team.

Wildfire Festival update! Following the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s festival, we are giving serious thought to an event for 2019 and expect to make an announcement by the end of this month. For those that have purchased tickets for 2018, we will offer you a replacement ticket for 2019 for the price you paid in 2018. For those that would like a refund for 2018 we will honour this. We did email everyone on our mailing list on 5th June and we did have a few bou...nce backs and probably missed a few because of this. We will be writing again, to all those that purchased a ticket for 2018 in the next couple of weeks to ask which of the options you would prefer.
Thank you for bearing with us over the last week or two. We are committed to investing in the future of rock music and the decision to cancel 2018’s event was a very difficult and emotional decision to make. Dave
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Hi everyone.
This is GB from Great Music Stories posting here - the Wildfire team gave me permission to put a post up on their page.
A date for the diary. Next Saturday 23rd, I'm airing a live 12 hour 'spirit of wildfire' broadcast on meridianFM - you can tune in live online from anywhere via the TuneIn App or meridianfm.com
... The day will be a celebration of the work Wildfire has done to break new bands and help rising bands in recent years. We also have a load of new band interviews, features, in studio band appearances - and around 30 bands have put together acoustic & electric sessions exclusively for this broadcast.
For those that were looking forward to a day of great music making from the UK's bright new generation of bands this coming Saturday, well you still can. It's not the same as being at Wiston Lodge but the spirit of Wildfire will continue from the bands that have played its stages - and other bands that want to see the festival have a future.
And to help secure Wildfire for 2019, we have a crowdfunder now up and running at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/spiritofw ildfire If you enjoy the music on the day do give a few pounds, if you back the principle of what Wildfire is about feel free to make a donation tonight or next week before 23rd.
We've spend an absolute age putting next Saturday together - and dozens of bands have put a shift in too. The reason is simple - we think what Wildfire is about matters. Any grassroots event, venue or festival has challenges, but without them a lifeline for new talent goes, it's that simple. Let's come together next Saturday, enjoy great music making, celebrate the achievements to date of Wildfire and maybe by midnight have all helped secure 2019.
The bill for the day as it stands is below - and more bands are still being added by the day. Updates on my radio show Twitter page @GuyB_rockshow over the next 3-4 days. And do pledge a few pounds on the just giving page if and when you can.
Until Saturday Guy
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REGARDING REFUNDS
We have received numerous messages regarding refunds for the cancelled 2018 event.
We are currently still in the process of cancelling the event in full.... Please bear with us a little longer and we shall announce refund options as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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It is with a very heavy heart and no end of disappointment that I have decided to cancel this years Wildfire Festival. This will come as a shock to many and indeed to me. I have been working hard over the past few weeks to try and ensure this years event goes ahead, but I cannot make it work at the current location and with the infrastructure costs that have increased year on year. That coupled with the fact that a large percentage of our ticket sales only happen a few weeks ...before the event, means that I cannot meet all the financial commitments and deadlines in 2018 so I need a rethink. I have spent the last 7 years building this event at considerable cost, financially, at times to the detriment of my health and it has put a large strain on my family. I have no option other that to take a time out in 2018. I will be talking with all those involved in the support of and running of the event with a view to determining where we go in the future. I know this will cause many people, many problems and I can only apologise for that. I have worked tirelessly to try and keep the event going but as I say, perhaps not in the current format. I need a bit of time to rethink this and in these days of social media will no doubt be in for a bit of flack, however I would respectfully ask that you afford me a little time to consider my next move. I would also ask that all issues, enquiries and questions are directed to me via email daveritchie@sky.com and not through social media as I will be leaving the main platforms for the next few weeks. I would like to thank everyone who has supported and attended Les-Fest and then Wildfire it has been truly appreciated. I am so genuinely sorry, I have let many people down including family and the many people I now consider friends. Dave
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@Wildfire Festival BAND OF THE DAY #12 ‚ÄďSTONEFACE ūüŹīů†Āßů†ĀĘů†Ā≥ů†Ā£ů†Āīů†ĀŅ
Stoneface is a four-piece original rock band based in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Formed in 2013 they have created a significant impact on the local #music scene in a very short space of time having played a series of packed out shows at popular rock music venues including Ivory Blacks, The Classic Grand, the Glasgow Cathouse and The Hard Rock Cafe. ūü§ėūüí•
Stoneface's live shows have attracted 5 star ratings in the press and ...they've written and recorded a debut album (currently available via iTunes and google play) which has achieved extremely #positive reviews as well as airplay on local radio. ūüŹīů†Āßů†ĀĘů†Ā≥ů†Ā£ů†Āīů†ĀŅūüŹīů†Āßů†ĀĘů †Ā≥ů†Ā£ů†Āīů†ĀŅūüŹīů†Āßů†ĀĘů†Ā≥ů†Ā£ů†Āīů †ĀŅ
Two brothers, four long term friends, all of whom have played together in different bands over the last twenty years have come back together for the love of their favourite styles of #music; good old classic hard rock and #metal.
-WATCH AND LISTEN- Food For The Crows - Stoneface ūüĎáūüĎáūüĎá ūüé∂ūüĒ•
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@Wildfire Festival BAND OF THE DAY #11 ‚ÄďTAROT RATS
Kent-based rockers Tarot Rats may originate from the beautiful British countryside, but they're certainly not quaint. With their unique take on blues-rock, the Rat's offer a critically acclaimed, eclectic mix of filthy riffs with soulful melodies, playing around the UK with enthralling show-stealing performances.
Tarot Rats have just released their new EP, Pretty Faceless and we look forward to hearing it live for the first time @WildfireFestival2018 along with many more of their classics. Everyone has been telling us that this is a band to experience live ‚Äď so we‚Äôre excited to be welcoming them to Scotland this June.

Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #10 ‚Äď THE ROCKET DOLLS
The Rocket Dolls are a 3 piece riff rock band from Brighton made up of Nikki Smash, Benji Knopfler & Joe Constable. The Rocket Dolls are influenced by bands such as Nirvana, Alice in chains, Foo Fighters, Alkaline Trio and many more. In 2010 The Rocket Dolls won the best new band of the year award at Pure Rawk Records.
So far, the band has had a sensational 2018, various media giving them single of the week and ban...d of the week accolades. On the band of national and local #rock airplay, their new album ‚Äė#DeadHead‚Äô has been warmly received across the rock community.
The band will be very active on the live circuit this year and will be appearing at many rock festivals. Their music is passionate, authentic, original and arresting. We can‚Äôt wait for you to see them on the main stage at #Wildfire next month ‚Äď and there‚Äôs quite a travelling army of bands and fans journeying up to us from #Sussex and #Kent this year.
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Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #9 ‚ÄďSAMARKIND
Samarkind was one of highlight new arrivals to the rock scene in 2017, their self-titled debut album garnered widespread critical acclaim hot on the heels of their fabulous debut single ‚ÄėSun Stroke Heart.‚Äô ūüĎá -LISTEN & WATCH- BELOW... ūüĎá Following a run of UK tour dates earlier this year, the #Dublin rockers will play their first Wildfire #Festival next month - for us they were simply a must-book band and we‚Äôre sure they will win everyone‚Äôs hearts and minds when they hit the stage at Wiston Lodge.
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Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #8 ‚ÄďTHOSE DAMN CROWS
Returning to Wildfire Festival this summer is the band that blew the main stage apart on the final day of the festival last year - Those Damn Crows. Recently signed by Earache Records, Those Damn Crows are a hard-hitting five piece rock band from Bridgend, South Wales, that have turned heads following their spellbinding performances at festivals such as Camden Rocks, HRH, Giants Of Rock and Planet Rock’s Winters End.... They return to Wildfire Festival this June, ahead of other big festival appearances this summer at Steelhouse and Ramblin’ Man.
TDC hit the scene when their single 'Fear The Broken' premiered through Kerrang.com and they finished 2017 voted as GreatMusicStories.com band of the year, topping a massive poll of more than 160 bands.
Those Damn Crows‚Äô mission is simple...to write great songs and play as many shows as possible. Flag carriers for a new generation of rock bands emerging from Wales ‚Äď welcome to the world of Those Damn Crows
ROCK N ROLL AINT DEAD ūüĎáūüĎáūüĎá Fest your ear holes on this
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@Wildfire Festival BAND OF THE DAY #7 ‚ÄďTHE NEW BREED
The New Breed are a fresh, #RockNRoll band from the North West of England, encompassing everything great about the 70s and 80s of music, whilst driving proper Rock N Roll into a modern era. They play what they love listening too, but live to play live! ‚úĆÔłŹūüėé With a huge source of #inspiration spread out across the band, their music is both congenial and intriguing all at once. No matter where THE NEW BREED plays, they offer a... show that befits any venue, giving it all to the crowd down to every last bead of sweat.ūüí¶
Check out THE NEW BREED’S single #Soul Train (No Easy Way Out) here:
Come and support the band at Wildfire this #June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of #rock and #metal bands Get your #Wildfire #weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #6 ‚ÄďTHE RISING SOULS
The Rising Souls are one of #Scotland‚Äôs exciting new bands! Their sound is an intoxicating mix of vintage rock and soul with a contemporary twist; strong and meaty riffs, with intricate flowing grooves, and powerful, soaring vocals! In the space of 12 short months, The Rising Souls have stamped their authority on the music scene by ensuring that they deliver killer songs, tight musicianship, and with dominating stag...e presence.ūü§ėūüé∂
With several high-profile festival and support slots already under their belts, and sold out headline shows along the way, now is the right time for The Rising Souls to spread their message further afield! ūüĒ•ūüĒ• ūüĒ• Catch their video for 'Roulette Roulette' below.
Come and support the band at Wildfire this #June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of #rock and #metal bands Get your #Wildfire weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #5 -THEIA
Hailing from the heart of England‚Äôs ale brewing capital, on the edge of the National Forest, Burton-on-Trent three-piece, THEIAuk, bring the world their blend of hard rock n roll. It's a classic rock feel for the modern era, played with a smile on its face.ūüĆě
Having absolutely blown us away at last years wildfire festival, THEIA return for Wildifre2018 ūüí•ūüĒ•
... A second album Back In Line was released in Spring 2017 receiving highly favourable reviews, accompanied by a short headline tour and prestigious support slots.
A new album is on way from THEIA as well; tune into Meridian FM tonight at 18:00 to hear an interviews with the band talking about preparations for Wildfire Festival, along with many other marvellous things #greatmusicstories.
Watch their latest video ‚ÄėJust Go‚Äô ūüé∂
Come and support the band at Wildfire this June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of rock and metal bands Get your Wildfire weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #4 -WITCH TRIPPER ūü§ė
Witch Tripper A three piece Rock, Stoner, Groove band formed in 2014 by Bassist - Stoff and guitarist Richie one fabled meeting, recruiting the young Jimmy on drums, after a brief year of writing and gigging locally Witch Tripper solidified their sound and headed to Bloodstock 2015 to headline the Jaegermeister Stage after coming 2nd in the Midlands Metal 2 The Masses Competition! We are excited; we know you are too! ... ūüí•ūüĖ§
Check them out below performing State Of mind live:
Come and support the band at Wildfire this June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of rock and metal bands Get your Wildfire weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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Wildfire Festival 2018 Festival BAND OF THE DAY #3 ‚ÄďWALKWAY
Walkway’s distinct vocals, jaw dropping solos and solid rhythm section have created a huge buzz and gained the band the reputation as one of the UK’s best unsigned rock bands.
They have open for Status Quo, The Darkness, Black Stone Cherry, Slade, Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), Eric Martin (Mr Big), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) ūüĆąūüĒ•
... We can‚Äôt wait to host @WALKWAY @ #WildfireFestival2018! Check out their latest YouTube release STUTTER below from January this year ! ūüéłūüí•
Come and support the band at Wildfire this June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of rock and metal bands Get your Wildfire weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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Wildfire Festival 2018 2018l BAND OF THE DAY #2 ‚ÄďWESTERN SAND
Inspired by the finest of legendary bands, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy/Black Star Riders..! ūüéłūüé∂ūüé∂
WESTERN SAND is a four-piece, Southern inspired Hard Rock band, intending on putting Rock N' Roll and the South of England back on the map! Since 2012, Western Sand has been rapidly building a reputation as one of the best and brightest young Hard Rock bands in ...the UK.
If you weren‚Äôt a fan already, you will be after you see these guys play live @ #WildfireFestival2018!.. Check out there music video for Dark Horse below ūüí•ūüźīūüĖ§
Come and support the band at Wildfire this June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of rock and metal bands Get your Wildfire weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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It is that time of year again when we begin the countdown to #WildfireFestival2018!!!!
That means #BANDOFTHEDAY IS BACK! ūüí•ūüí•ūüí•
First up on the journey through a banging line up of fantastic bands we introduce...
... Wildfire Festival 2018 BAND OF THE DAY #1 ‚Äď TOMORROW IS LOST
Tomorrow Is Lost is the latest in ‚Äėmust see‚Äô band exploding onto the scene from Newcastle Upon Tyne. Formed only in February 2017, Tomorrow Is Lost has enjoyed a whirlwind of a year, having firmly made their presence known across the country with the release of their debut single 'INSANE'. In recent months, they‚Äôve followed this up with ‚ÄėWE ARE THE LOST‚Äô and a fantastic cover of ‚ÄėELASTIC HEART.‚Äô These new kids on the block are just getting started; with further singles and a debut album already in the pipeline, not to mention a heavy touring schedule for 2018.
And that includes a trip Scotland to perform @ our very own #WildfireFestival2018! You can check out their single ‚ÄėInsane‚Äô following the link below. ROCK ON! ūü§ėūüŹĹ
Come and support the band at Wildfire this June one of the best value for money rock festivals in the country, a festival that invests in our young generation of rock and metal bands Get your Wildfire weekend ticket today at www.wildfirefestival.co.uk
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We've got a big question for you to ponder this weekend: Classic Rock or Heavy Metal?
Comment with bands that embody your favourite genre and share this picture to find out what others think.
... Whatever you prefer, we have bands of all styles to keep your head banging this June. Grab your Wildfire ticket today: http://www.wildfirefestival.co.uk/tickets /
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Wish i could give wildfire more than 5*. This festival is immense. Iv never had a bad time. Me n my partner n the kids have been going every year since 2013 n I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm sure there's hiccups as there is when organising even such event but Dave and the team are professional, friendly and approachable. Keep up the amazing work dave n the crew you are legends n wildfire is the highlight of our year.

What's not to love?!! The people, the staff, the venue, the music, the atmosphere...superb! I'd never done camping or a festival, and it was the best weekend I've had, ever! One of the top family events you can get involved in, so please, please support local music and events like this and get involved for Wildfire 2017!

Was my first time to Wildfire. What an amazing festival. Great band's and the atmosphere was incredible. Met new friends and old. And of course, you can't forget the beautiful setting. Really a hidden treasure this festival. Will definitely be back for next year.

This is one of the best fests going don't listen to this guy .. He's just spat his dummy oot !!! Line ups always great and what a fantastic setting

The festival has grown over the years, but due to planning and great organisation it doesn't feel crowded even with a higher volume of attendees, great atmosphere great staff and brilliant line up something for all rockmetal fans

The best rock music festival around. Loads of great bands, beautiful location. Wildfire team are amazing and getting to have a few beers with the bands after they have played is pretty unique.....plus no rip off prices for food, drink and merchandise

Tantrums 1st time playing Wildfire Festival. Hopefully not our last. Dave and the team have this run like a well oiled machine....and there was beer....

So glad we found out about Scotland's hidden treasure!! Wildfire 2016 was awesome!!

From start to finish, my daughter and I had an absolute blast!!

We came to festival not knowing what to expect, but watched excellent bands and met some amazing people!!

We cannot wait until next year!!

Well done to all the team involved in making this event what it is, a great family festival!!!

Les-Fest 2014- wow wow wow! What a weekend! Every one of the 50+! bands was professional, talented, entertaining & rocking! For 3 days from 11am to 11.30pm it was a slick, smoothly run event by Dave & his team, the stage manager & coordinators, sound & lighting guys, stewards & the Wiston womble! Great friendly atmosphere, beautiful setting & delicious food from stalls & Wiston Lodge Rock cafe. The bar looked good but I was on the coffee! Money was raised from the lovely crowd for teenage cancer trust too. Accommodation & camping available & also drivable from Glasgow & Edinburgh. Highly recommend you come along in 2015!

Just had a Sunday tkt last year and took my 13 yr old daughter along to introduce her to some proper music and didn't fail. DOG TIRED, DISPOSABLE, BALLS DEEP & SPYRITUS standout for me and a really good day was had. So much so that a weekend tkt has been bought along with at least 5 other recruits and maybe another 12 Saturday tkts so if you haven't been before get yourself along to what is a fun and friendly festival you won't be disappointed.

I don't really do festivals as I get anxious in large crowds, but I attended on the Saturday and had a great day, it was smaller than I had imagined (which was good for me) and had a relaxed atmosphere and of course the music was great (I was particularly looking forward to Massive Waggons, who didn't disappoint).

I came in from Memphis last year to check out the festival and loved it. Hoping to comeback as a performer in 2018!

Great Festival thats grown so much over the years. We played at 11am and so many people got out their tents to come rock out with us despite it being early. Brilliant atmosphere all round and everyone was so friendly and up for a good day. The sound was fantasic on and off stage and it was a great set up with side by side tents meaning while one band was rocking one tent the next band was setting up next door. Awesome cider, burgers and clothing stalls. Great to see some old and new bands and meet new friends. Gutted we couldn't stay all weekend but will be back next year for the full thing. Well done Dave Ritchie and all involved ÔŅĹ

Gave my band a chance In the early stages and have seen the festival flourish as a fan in the years following. Never been let down by the quality and kindness of the organizers.

Fabulous value, great bands, great beer , good food. If you want a relaxed festival where it is all about the music and good company then this is a definite must go to event!



Folks can bring your pet dogs and your children so no need for a dog sitter or a child minder.

Brilliant day on the Saturday... Max Raptor were our standout find of the day. Lord Volture made us all smile and remember why we love metal. To cap it all off Lawnmower Deth were amazing, just could have done with a bit more time for their set. Thank you for a fantastic day!

Brilliant festival always recommend to anyone to go ÔŅĹÔŅĹ

Big shout out to Dave Ritchie and his team - yes you done it again !

Another wonderful weekend of great music , great company at a totally unique festival.

A great independant festival! Plenty for everyone even if hard rock and metal is not your thing. A great day out family friendly and a good laugh. Staff are lovely organisers rock! Would highly recommend!

Wish i could give wildfire more than 5*. This festival is immense. Iv never had a bad time. Me n my partner n the kids have been going every year since 2013 n I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm sure there's hiccups as there is when organising even such event but Dave and the team are professional, friendly and approachable. Keep up the amazing work dave n the crew you are legends n wildfire is the highlight of our year.

What's not to love?!! The people, the staff, the venue, the music, the atmosphere...superb! I'd never done camping or a festival, and it was the best weekend I've had, ever! One of the top family events you can get involved in, so please, please support local music and events like this and get involved for Wildfire 2017!

Was my first time to Wildfire. What an amazing festival. Great band's and the atmosphere was incredible. Met new friends and old. And of course, you can't forget the beautiful setting. Really a hidden treasure this festival. Will definitely be back for next year.

This is one of the best fests going don't listen to this guy .. He's just spat his dummy oot !!! Line ups always great and what a fantastic setting

The festival has grown over the years, but due to planning and great organisation it doesn't feel crowded even with a higher volume of attendees, great atmosphere great staff and brilliant line up something for all rockmetal fans

The best rock music festival around. Loads of great bands, beautiful location. Wildfire team are amazing and getting to have a few beers with the bands after they have played is pretty unique.....plus no rip off prices for food, drink and merchandise

Tantrums 1st time playing Wildfire Festival. Hopefully not our last. Dave and the team have this run like a well oiled machine....and there was beer....

So glad we found out about Scotland's hidden treasure!! Wildfire 2016 was awesome!!

From start to finish, my daughter and I had an absolute blast!!

We came to festival not knowing what to expect, but watched excellent bands and met some amazing people!!

We cannot wait until next year!!

Well done to all the team involved in making this event what it is, a great family festival!!!

Les-Fest 2014- wow wow wow! What a weekend! Every one of the 50+! bands was professional, talented, entertaining & rocking! For 3 days from 11am to 11.30pm it was a slick, smoothly run event by Dave & his team, the stage manager & coordinators, sound & lighting guys, stewards & the Wiston womble! Great friendly atmosphere, beautiful setting & delicious food from stalls & Wiston Lodge Rock cafe. The bar looked good but I was on the coffee! Money was raised from the lovely crowd for teenage cancer trust too. Accommodation & camping available & also drivable from Glasgow & Edinburgh. Highly recommend you come along in 2015!

Just had a Sunday tkt last year and took my 13 yr old daughter along to introduce her to some proper music and didn't fail. DOG TIRED, DISPOSABLE, BALLS DEEP & SPYRITUS standout for me and a really good day was had. So much so that a weekend tkt has been bought along with at least 5 other recruits and maybe another 12 Saturday tkts so if you haven't been before get yourself along to what is a fun and friendly festival you won't be disappointed.

I don't really do festivals as I get anxious in large crowds, but I attended on the Saturday and had a great day, it was smaller than I had imagined (which was good for me) and had a relaxed atmosphere and of course the music was great (I was particularly looking forward to Massive Waggons, who didn't disappoint).

I came in from Memphis last year to check out the festival and loved it. Hoping to comeback as a performer in 2018!

Great Festival thats grown so much over the years. We played at 11am and so many people got out their tents to come rock out with us despite it being early. Brilliant atmosphere all round and everyone was so friendly and up for a good day. The sound was fantasic on and off stage and it was a great set up with side by side tents meaning while one band was rocking one tent the next band was setting up next door. Awesome cider, burgers and clothing stalls. Great to see some old and new bands and meet new friends. Gutted we couldn't stay all weekend but will be back next year for the full thing. Well done Dave Ritchie and all involved ÔŅĹ

Gave my band a chance In the early stages and have seen the festival flourish as a fan in the years following. Never been let down by the quality and kindness of the organizers.

Fabulous value, great bands, great beer , good food. If you want a relaxed festival where it is all about the music and good company then this is a definite must go to event!



Folks can bring your pet dogs and your children so no need for a dog sitter or a child minder.

Brilliant day on the Saturday... Max Raptor were our standout find of the day. Lord Volture made us all smile and remember why we love metal. To cap it all off Lawnmower Deth were amazing, just could have done with a bit more time for their set. Thank you for a fantastic day!

Brilliant festival always recommend to anyone to go ÔŅĹÔŅĹ

Big shout out to Dave Ritchie and his team - yes you done it again !

Another wonderful weekend of great music , great company at a totally unique festival.

A great independant festival! Plenty for everyone even if hard rock and metal is not your thing. A great day out family friendly and a good laugh. Staff are lovely organisers rock! Would highly recommend!