The tenth anniversary of Sheffield’s biggest music festival kicked off on July 20th at the new venue of Hillsborough Park. With a capacity of 40,000, the venue welcomed music lovers who had a plethora of choices across five stages, complemented by family activities and DJ sessions. Here are some of the highlights from day one:
The Magic Gang
The four-piece band from Brighton took to the Leadmill Stage, captivating an impressively sized crowd that sang along to every word from the first note. Fan favorites like “All This Way” and “Getting Along” were personal highlights as the devoted audience belted out the lyrics back to the band with palpable emotion. They also performed a special cover of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons classic “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” which they had only rehearsed “four or five times” in preparation for guitarist Kristian’s brother’s wedding the following day. The Magic Gang’s infectious enthusiasm on stage resonated with the crowd, ensuring everyone had a smile on their face while enjoying their catchy and energetic choruses.
No Hot Ashes
The Stockport music scene is thriving, with bands like Blossoms and Fuzzy Sun putting the Greater Manchester town on the map. No Hot Ashes are the latest product of this vibrant scene, bringing their indie disco-funk sound to the Library Stage, where they drew a sizable crowd. Performing tracks from their new EP titled “Skint Kids Disco,” fans were ready to dance to songs like “Eight Till Late” and “Cool Cats.” Frontman Isaac Taylor exuded confidence, while the band sported a vintage ’80s look that’s proving to be popular among fans.
Everything Everything
Now veterans of the UK festival scene, Everything Everything recently wrapped up a massive tour in the spring, playing to nearly 10,000 fans at London’s Alexandra Palace. Their performance in Sheffield matched that energy, with lead singer Jonathan Higgs showcasing his impressive vocal range with ease. Primarily playing tracks from their politically charged latest album, “A Fever Dream,” they presented the band in a new light. Songs such as “Night of the Long Knives” and “Desire” combined melodic pop riffs with electronic influences, lifting the crowd’s spirits.
