Let’s be real: Cleethorpes isn’t usually the first name on the summer festival circuit, but DocksFest 2025 made a strong case for changing that. On 5th July, Meridian Showground played host to a stacked day of indie nostalgia, youthful chaos, and sun-soaked singalongs, with hometown heroes and indie heavyweights sharing the bill.
Whether you came for the indie bangers, the mosh pits or just a chance to dance under fading seaside light, DocksFest delivered the goods.
Kicking off with local energy
Last of the Wonder Kids opened proceedings with a knowing wink to their Grimsby roots: “Anyone not from Cleethorpes seen us before? I doubt it — we haven’t played anywhere else!” It set the tone perfectly: tongue-in-cheek, self-aware, and ready to just get stuck in. Their set was punchy, scrappy and full of Guitar Hero references (including a song cover that caught some off guard). As they wrapped up, a fog-drenched stage and pounding drums left the early crowd warmed up and on-side.
Between main stage sets, the VIP Acoustic stage gave festival-goers some quieter moments. Dean Fox stripped things back beautifully with a mix of Johnny Cash and Ben E. King covers, while later Alex Henderson brought a laid-back singalong vibe, Oasis’ Half the World Away got the best crowd response, naturally.
Youthful chaos and rising stars
At just 17, local favourites EVER proved themselves with powerful stage presence and that youthful mix of confidence and chaos. Kicking off their set with a loud “What’s up fuckers!”, they bounced through originals and rock covers (their take on Muse’s Hysteria properly went off) before heading straight to the merch tent to meet fans. Grimsby’s next generation is clearly in good hands.
Coach Party, freshly arrived from the Isle of Wight, wasted no time cranking up the energy. Their female-fronted indie-rock sounded massive, especially during Microagression, which really got the crowd moving. Their lead singer kept things fun throughout, no pretentiousness, just good vibes and as their set closed, the crowd was properly warmed up.
Corella’s summer-ready indie sparkle
Then came Corella, Manchester favourites, fresh from Glastonbury and a run of European festivals. Their crowd interaction was pure charm: dedicating Lady Masia to “all the amazing women in our lives”, including the frontman’s gran, who was apparently at the back of the crowd. Early in the set, the frontman, Joel Smith changed into a Grimsby Town football shirt, which earned a big cheer from locals and gave the set even more hometown spirit.
A mass singalong for Barcelona Girl sparked the day’s first big circle pit, before they joined their fans in the chaos of the mosh pit to close. Classic festival moment.
Maxïmo Park: slick, surreal and still brilliant
Maxïmo Park brought indie credentials and plenty of fun. Frontman Paul Smith was all glitter, dance moves, and mic-stand theatrics, weaving in surreal asides (“This is technically North East Lincolnshire, right?”) and shoutouts to a local lad starring in their next video. Their set was a reminder why they still draw such affection — Our Velocity got everyone moving, while new material slotted in seamlessly. Baby Sleeps, apparently inspired by sleep deprivation and trips to the local shopping centre, added a touch of Maxïmo’s usual offbeat humour.
Ash and The Charlatans close in style
By the time Ash took the stage, the crowd had packed in tight — drinks in the air, arms around shoulders, ready for some singalong classics. The energy was festive chaos: people on shoulders, security mildly unimpressed, and frontman Tim Wheeler loving every minute. Rick McMurray’s last show on drums got a sweet tribute, and their cover of Shake Shake Señora added unexpected fun. Naturally, Girl From Mars and Burn Baby Burn triggered full-scale moshing — even Last of the Wonder Kids’ singer could be spotted joining the crowd.
Finally, The Charlatans brought a perfect festival sunset closer. Frontman Tim Burgess was all smiles, waving and filming the crowd on his phone, clearly loving the energy from front row superfans to casual festivalgoers swaying at the back. The band celebrated the 40th anniversary of their self-titled “Black Album”, blending old favourites (The Only One I Know) with new material and funky jams. When the lights dipped, and Tim blew kisses to the crowd, it was a properly warm finish to a day of indie joy.
A festival with proper local soul
Host Lloyd Griffith kept spirits high throughout, decked out in various Grimsby Town shirts (including a goalkeeper kit at one point). DocksFest felt local in the best way — scrappy, slightly chaotic, but full of heart, celebrating homegrown talent and bringing in indie heavyweights to finish the job.
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