Barrelhouse Jukes Duo Pete Latham & Alan Bruce Acoustic Blues Americana at its Best…

Guerilla gigging from a handful of familiar festival faces…

Local singer and multi-instrumentalist Kathleen brings a wonderful interpretation of Joni Mitchell to the Festival…

Acoustic Anarchy - catch us live to hear refreshingly diverse covers of high energy rock and pop!

Who better to kick off the Festival than our very own joint chair, Mike Gledhill…playing a lovely set of acoustic crowd pleasers…

Letz Zep are now critically acclaimed as the leading tribute to the music of Led Zeppelin. And Baby they aint foolin. The band have been featured on BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and reviewed in the Sunday Times by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Even Robert Plant has seen the band perform, ‘I walked in, I saw me’ was his comment. Letz Zep received the ultimate accolade recently when they were invited to perform at the official launch party for the Led Zeppelin ‘Mothership’ CD, in London. A not to be missed show.

Lo-fi Rock’n’Soul, fuelled with energy!

Toby Lee is the real deal – a mind blowing guitarist with a voice to match. Some might say born in the wrong era, multi award winning Toby has been performing since the age of ten. Toby’s music oozes class and sophistication that belies his age and he boasts a musical resume to die for. The self-taught guitar slinger has appeared on countless TV shows around the world, performed in the West End bagging an Olivier Award and he’s still a teenager. Sharing the stage with Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Peter Frampton, Slash and Joe Bonamassa, Toby looks set for a bright future ahead. With a number one record under his belt and a new original album releasing this year, Toby is heading out on a 100 date tour – 60 with Rhythm & Blues maestro Jools Holland and 40 with his own band.

A true troubadour...Belfast's answer to Dylan? To use their own words they play pure "Rock'n'Folk'n'Roll". Enjoy!

JAXHILL are Mike Gledhill (guitar, resonator and vocals) and Phil Jackson (harmonicas and vocals). They play acoustic blues, americana and also their own songs.

Formed in Cheshire in the autumn of 2016, The Gus Glynn Band are an eclectic Alt Rock three-piece brewing heady concoctions of Classic Rock, Progressive Blues Rock, Post-Punk and Psychedelia. Their genre surfing sets draw serious music lovers and casual listeners alike with songs of irony and honesty that only the drive and integrity of a watertight trio can deliver in true Classic Rock n' Roll style. ​Live shows are packed with the feats and joys of intuitive musical cohorts who obviously love playing together, while recordings prove its possible to capture those hard hitting emotive vibes in the studio. Driving rootsy rhythms, soaring melodies, gutsy lyrics, rock out riffs and wailing blues define The Gus Glynn Band as a force to be reckoned with, drawing an ever increasing audience to a growing community of like minded-music lovers.

Born under a Manchester star, The Jukehouse Junkies love not only putting their own twist on Americana Folk and Alt. Country favourites but also adding their unique style to other less well known songs. Bursting with home-fried energy and Deep South flavour fun, we’ll make you sing, laugh and cry (and probably dance around a bit) all night long. The Jukehouse Junkies will be supporting Emilia Quinn on the 3rd October.

Portasound punk pioneers from Leek, Staffordshire.

Richard Staines (guitars and vocals), Satinder Grewal (tabla) and Jonathan Browing (harmonica and voice). A Mississippi blues band with a difference. Its fused with Indian music and whatever else goes.

Emilia Quinn is a dynamic UK-based musician and singer-songwriter known for her raw, soulful voice and genre-bending sound that fuses Americana, Country, Blues, Rock and more. With a background in classical training and a passion for storytelling, Emilia creates emotionally charged music that resonates deeply with her listeners. Her powerful vocals and honest lyricism explore themes of resilience self-discovery, heartache and love earning her recognition in both the British and international music scenes. Emilia’s career began in grassroots venues, but her unique blend of styles quickly caught attention, leading her to perform at major festivals like Country2Country, The Long Road, Black Deer and share the stage with prominent artists. Her British CMA Award nominated debut album 'Wanderlust & Breaking Rules" (2023), showcases her versatile talent, described as 'a real mix of southern gospel, 70s Rolling Stones style riffola and heartfelt Blues/Folk/Country emotions' - EF Country. Known for her captivating live performances, Emilia's on-stage energy and authenticity have solidified her reputation as a rising star in the indie Country and Americana scene. Currently, Emilia is recording her highly anticipated second album 'Dented Halos' scheduled for release 19th September 2025, with an intense single release schedule throughout the year for a taste of what the record will hold. Keep that third eye open!

British virtuoso blues-rock guitarist, former pro MMA fighter and hard rock frontman Kris Barras launches an exciting new musical collective that takes him back to his blues rock roots. Once the leading light of the young British blues-rock scene is back with a new band Hollow Souls.

Nancy has an acoustic take on popular covers, from Neil Young, to CMAT, to Ben Howard.

A three/piece band playing their self-penned songs in an acoustic/pop/Americana style. Hailing from nearby Biddulph!

Just three guys delivering their own brand of folk, rock, punk and country, distilled by age and bottled in their native hills of Romagna, Italy…

A fitting end to the Festival, as Vox Americana invite a few of their friends for a joyous jam to celebrate another year!

Blues-driven Rock’n’Roll at its finest, since 1989!

Sheffield based singer-songwriter Teah Lewis plays sunsoaked-soulful originals channeling a sound that harks back to the likes of Vashti Bunyan and Joni Mitchell.

Folkie and singer/songwriter, formerly known as Kid Conventional. Hailing from South Yorkshire he also doubles as John Lennon in the Sheffield Beatles project.

For over five decades, Climax Blues Band has thrilled audiences with their unique blend of blues, funk, soul, and jazz. Best known for their global hit “Couldn’t Get It Right” which hit #3 on the US Billboard chart, the band remains a vital live act with a sound that’s both timeless and fresh. Now led by long-standing keyboardist George Glover, the powerhouse lineup features Scott Ralph on vocals and trumpet, Chris ‘Beebe’ Aldridge on sax, Dan Machin on guitar, Neil Simpson on bass, and Roy Adams on drums. Together, they deliver a dynamic show that celebrates the band’s rich legacy while showcasing new material from their critically acclaimed album Hands of Time and upcoming release. Expect a night of soulful grooves, sharp musicianship, and classic tracks – all delivered with that unmistakable Climax Blues Band sound. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Climax Blues Band live and understand why they remain such an iconic force in British music. Tickets: https://wegottickets.com/event/660036

A Leek-based RnB four piece, evoking the sounds of Dr Feelgood. High energy rock, flavoured with a soupçon of punk and ska...

The five piece are described as 'Heartland Rock, raw Americana with infectious hooks and freewheeling melodies. An Alt-Americana road trip from the UK'.

The Purpletones is comprised of two of the most sensationally talented artists in the business.

American Singer, guitar player and songwriter Debbie Bond has been performing for decades in the Alabama backwoods and is now a regular on the Southern US and European club and festival circuit. Influenced by raw juke joint blues and the famed sounds of Muscle Shoals, Debbie's impressive story includes years of performing with traditional Alabama blues musicians, like Johnny Shines, Eddie Kirkland, Willie King, Shar Baby, Little Jimmy Reed and more. Immersion in Alabama roots music has deeply flavored her guitar playing, soulful voice and original song writing, giving her a contemporary and original sound, with soul, blues, and jazz influences. Debbie's collaboration with British born keyboard/harmonica player “Radiator” Rick has added a swampy New Orleans edge to her sound. Check out Debbie Bond on Facebook and YouTube! Debbie will be supported by Rowland Jones.

Vox Americana; fronted by American singer-songwriter Helen Walford, Vox Americana are an Alt Americana band based in Leek, Staffordshire. With musical influences that include Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits, and Gillian Welch, they perform locally and further afield in the Midlands with focus is on original material, as well as a few carefully chosen covers thrown in for good measure. Vox Americana are Helen Walford (guitar/vocals), Emily Bailey (drums), Hollie Vee (bass), and featured guitarists Steve Giddings and Luke Hodgkins. Also featuring Kathleen Ord on Fiddle.

"Some bands (at least the best ones) just make you smile, make you feel good, make you feel like all is right in the world, and the magnificent Fargo Railroad Co. fall firmly into this camp. If you’ve ever harboured even the slightest inkling of a liking for music of the Southern/Country rock persuasion – or frankly, even if you haven’t - you can’t fail to be enamoured by The Fargo Railroad Co and their beautifully melodic, good time rock n’ roll. The perfect band for a Saturday night party, when The Fargo Railroad Co. take to the stage, in a heartbeat the energy in the room changes and en-masse we’re enveloped by the warmth and charisma of the hugely talented and likeable Sheffield four-piece. Frontman Jody Davies plays the crowd with the roguish panache and road-honed skills of someone who knows exactly how to get the best out of any audience. With a fine line in self-deprecating humour, from the inspired call and response of “you’re an asshole” from ‘Drinkin’ Alone’ to the brilliantly structured ‘Punch Drunk’, every song is received with open arms and, as the set progresses, an ever more enthusiastic response from the crowd." Fargo Railroad Co will be supporting Emilia Quinn on the 3rd October.

Hailing from the hills of the Peak District, Eric Lawrence brings a mix of modern acoustic covers and self penned originals, taking inspiration from the likes of Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Luke Combs and many more. Saddle up for some toe tapping country straight out of the hills.

Tony Maloney And The Lonely Ponies, banjo fuelled Americana and beyond…

Comprising Mark Cole and Liam Ward, they deliver an entertaining and diverse show of Southern American music styles and a set from these two takes a "pass-the-parcel" approach with each given a chance to share their own styles and songs, with a growing number of co-written songs from their debut album, Blues and Other Truths. If you ask for an encore, you might even hear a harp duel between the two of them!

Kloe louise is an award winning female vocalist perfoming songs from 60s to the present day. Having years of experience in the industry you are guarenteed a good evening with Kloe as she gets the audience involved.

UK blues artist Alex Haynes draws influence from the ‘60s British blues boom, ‘50s R&B and Rock ’n’ Roll, and blues artists such as RL Burnside, John Lee Hooker and Jessie Mae Hemphill. As a live performer he has supported artists including US R&B legend Geno Washington, UK bluesman Big Boy Bloater, blues/dance act Alabama3, and one of the all time greats, Bobby Rush. Born and raised in Leeds, West Yorkshire, he moved to Newcastle upon Tyne to study Music Production. He played acoustic blues and folk in its cafés and bars, before heading south to spend over a dozen years in the capital, where he formed his band Alex Haynes & the Fever. In late ’15 he returned to the North with a move to Sheffield, South Yorkshire. His self-released debut in Jan ’11, ‘Last Train’ was followed by the album ‘Bandit Blues Motel’ in Dec ’14, and third release, ‘Howl’, released on Appaloosa Records in March ’18. With frequent appearances in the UK and Europe – having played across Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and in Amsterdam and Moscow. He has appeared at festivals such as the Salaise Blues Festival (France), Red Rooster (UK), Blues River (Italy), and the Vintage Weekender (France), and until recently, also held a longstanding solo residency (over seven years) at the Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, London.

Sticky Bones Jones, Matlock's answer to Billy Stringd, back from a busy 2025 festival season, including YNOT and Off The Tracks.

Americana, Alt-Country & folk influenced troubadours from Nottingham. “Taking inspiration and penning songs from the tales of our homeland and the country of our hearts Our desire is to share with you our stories, our music ... the folklore & sounds of our landscape, so that you can dance & sing along with us, to the heart & soul of Lawrence County”

Combining irresistibly charming, boot-stompin’ tunes with intertwined twangy and jangly guitars, powerful vocal harmonies and a kick drum made from an old suitcase, Jaime April and Jason Moon make up the Canadian duo APRIL MOON. Growing up on the wild prairies beside the North Saskatchewan River, the pair learned early that hitting the open road was a necessity to travel the vast distances between venues. They haven’t put down roots since, splitting their time between several countries and cruising from gig to gig in their beloved campervan, affectionately known as The Clubhouse.

In Rowland's own words: "Started playing guitar during the 60's Blues boom. Still doing it! My music has been described as 'Contemporary Blues and soulful Americana' My songs have been compared to John Martyn, Mose Allison and Richie Havens - and I'm fine with that!" Rowland will be opening for Debbie Bond.

Classic English Rhythm & Blues, from the wilds of Buxton…

Staffordshire based band available to hire! Performing popular hits from across the decades!

A.D. Scruffs is a Soul, Roots & Americana band hailing from Bristol, with a foot stomping collection of ear-worm infested originals and a storming stage presence sure to captivate any audience! They will be supporting Emilia Quinn on the 3rd October.

Ashley Sherlock is a Manchester-based singer/songwriter citing his inspirations as Jeff Buckley, The Marcus King Band, The Cadillac Three, Gary Clark Jr and Chris Stapleton. Working alongside producer Kenneth Nixon (of Framing Hanley fame) Ashley’s material, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, presents a modern outlook on the sound of the deep south; combined with his fantastic vocal range and song writing style. After several years, and hundreds of gigs performed as a solo artist, Ashley Sherlock formed a blues rock trio. A fantastic blend of gritty blues, falsetto vocal melodies and a dynamic rhythm section creates a unique sound. Since then, the band have received nominations for the UK Blues Awards, toured with international artists and have been featured on popular radio stations.

Seven Dark Lords are a UK-based Americana and alt-country band from Nottingham. They are known for their energetic approach to songwriting and have released a second album, Ghost In Here, which builds on their established sound. The band is a collaborative songwriting project between Darren Capp and Bill Kerry.

Americana / Roots 5-piece band from North West UK fronted by highly regarded Florida native Sara Beth.

Born through a collaboration between three singer-songwriters, this project interprets the vast world of Americana (Folk, Swing, Country & Blues). With their original songs and unforgettable attitude this magical band will bring a smile to your face and keep you dancing all night long. These are no newcomers to the world of Americana — they’ve brought their music to a variety of festivals and venues, always capturing audiences with their sweet groove and unpredictable antics!

Unlucky Strike are a neo-Rockabilly band bringing a modern twist to a timeless genre. Since 2020, the band has built a loyal following through live-streamed performances and energetic festival slots. Their breakout came in 2021 supporting The Hawkmen, followed by a 2022 UK tour slot with The Damn Truth. They have also shared stages with John Miller and his Country Casuals, John Lewis, Thomas Truax, and Jo Carley and the Old Dry Skulls. In 2023, Unlucky Strike released their debut album, Meanwhile, Back in the Lab…, cementing their reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live Rockabilly acts. Founders Chris and Gemma Rushton then expanded the lineup in 2024 to a full band with drummer Matt Ball and bassist Andrew Wakefield. Expect story-driven lyrics, epic guitar solos, and Rockabilly swagger with a modern edge. If Rockabilly is a classic car, Unlucky Strike are the custom hot rod—keeping the timeless look but upgrading the engine for the 21st century.