Audio

Review: Tramlines Festival 2023

Clementine Hall - 31st July 2023

We're looking back at everything Tramlines 2023 brought to Yorkshire, and everything to look forward to for the 2024 weekender.

Tramlines Festival took over Hillsborough park this weekend and wow, what a weekend it was. 

Despite the dreary weather, the spirit of Sheffield shone through as thousands of festival-goers embraced the rain and the mud and partied to incredible performances over the three days. 

Here's a roundup of what we got up to over the weekend... 

Friday 

Kicking off the three-day-long festival, Scouse rockers Circa Waves took to the Sarah Nulty Main Stage and played a high energy set to get the party started. 

Playing one indie smash hit after another before ending an incredible set with "T-shirt Weather", we knew this was just the start of a long list of spectacular live performances. 

Next came one of the festival's biggest line-up clashes, with Pale Waves taking to T'Other Stage and the DMA's on the main stage. 

Both gave electric performances to packed-out crowds, with Pale Waves front woman Heather Baron-Gracie proclaiming "Northerners do it better!" mid set, and we have to say that we absolutely agree. 

At this point the rain was minimal and the festival buzz undeniable, festival goers were keeping the spirits high and enjoying the sights and sounds of Hillsborough Park. 

Continuing the party atmosphere at T'Other Stage was post-punk band Bloc Party, who recently supported Paramore on tour and pulled in a packed crowd of head-bobbing fans. 

Friday headliner Richard Ashcroft sauntered onto the main stage in an iconic puffer jacket, bucket hat and sunglasses. 

Playing a set which featured many of The Verve's hits, the obvious highlight was "Bitter Sweet Symphony" which not only rounded off a great set but a brilliant first day. 

Saturday 

Tramlines day number two saw a delayed entry of 30 minutes due to the severe rain overnight, but this of course did not dampen the fun. 

To lighten up the mood, the Everly Pregnant Brothers sent waves of laughter to a packed out crowd on the main stage with their usual tongue-in cheek favourites. 

Listed on the lineup as 'The Scottish Flies', a surprise set announcement of Mcfly sent ripples of excitement through Hillsborough Park. 

The nostalgic 4-piece pop rock band played a truly mesmerising set, making their way through their catalogue of absolute classics. 

Having been a band for 20 years, their showmanship and professionalism shone through as their pitch perfect performance held the crowds full attention and had them joyfully jumping up and down in the mud.

Stockport lads Blossoms jumped straight in with indie hit "Your Girlfriend" and maintained a high level of energy throughout. 

Announcing to the crowd that their very first festival was Tramlines back in 2014, Blossoms return to Hillsborough felt like a celebration of all their achievements thus far and the crowd met this statement with cheers of appreciation and awe. 

If there's anyone who knows how to captivate a crowd from a single beat, it was Saturday's headliner, The Courteeners. 

Playing through a carefully selected set sprinkled with crowd pleasers, it comes as no surprise that "Not Nineteen Forever" resulted in the biggest eruption of excitement from the crowd. 

It was not only a highlight of the set but perhaps of the whole weekend, a perfect ending to the second day of Tramlines which left festival-goers wanting more and ready for the next day ahead. 

Sunday 

As more rain poured and poured overnight, the festival's opening time was delayed once again with updates being given to music fans via the Tramlines social media pages. 

Fortunately, thanks to the gargantuan hard work from the organisers they were able to open just ninety minutes later than planned. 

As welly-wearing festival-goers made their way to the park, it became clear that no amount of rain was going to ruin their fun. 

One of the most highly-anticipated acts of the weekend the Sugababes made it to the main stage for a truly spellbinding performance. 

A sea of poncho clad music fans danced their heats out to the British girl band who proved why they themselves defined an era of 21st century pop. 

Sheffield's own Reverend and the Makers delivered a historic performance which brought locals out from under shelter to show their support for Jon McClure and company. 

Followed by Yorkshire legends the Kaiser Chiefs who brought their cult classics such as "I Predict a Riot" and "Ruby". 

Frontman Ricky Wilson gave a stellar performance and provided the energy needed to distract crowds from the relentless rain pouring down on Hillsborough Park. 

Tramlines Festival 2023, although a wet and rainy one, was definitely one for the history books. A line-up which showcased an incredible array of British music, with an undeniable focus of Sheffield's roots and musical prowess. 

But what stood out the most is the sheer spirit of the attendees who at no point let the dull weather dampen their spirits and who made the weekend such a memorable one. 

Tramlines 2024

Next year's festival will take place from the 26 - 28th July 2024. 

Super Early Bird tickets went on sale earlier this week at £89.50 plus booking fee which staggeringly have already sold out. 

Now, weekend tickets have moved into tier two sales, priced at £120 and VIP, £175.

There's no indication of who we will see next year on the Main Stage, but given the breadth of talent near and far from Tramlines 2023, we're confident that the 2024 three-day festival will return with just as anticipation, excitement and exceptional music. 

For the latest details on Tramlines Festival 2023, including the latest prices and what's on details, visit the Tramlines website.