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...
Image: Tramlines
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.
Image: Tramlines
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.
Image: Tramlines
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.
Image: Tramlines
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.
Image: Tramlines
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.
Audio
The UK’s oldest nightclub is in Halifax – and now they’re campaigning for a blue plaque
An all-new fundraiser has been set up which aims to crown the UK's oldest nightclub with its very own blue plaque.
Situated in Halifax, Acapulco Club, has been providing clubbers and night out lovers with live music and entertainment for 65 years.
Alongside offering 75p drinks to any guests before 11pm and a whole host of DJs playing out beats and bangers on their mezzanine-floor decks, Acapulco has created lots of happy memories too.
This West Yorkshire cultural hub attracted lots of media attention back in 2022 when the club auctioned off pieces of its spiral carpet for just £20.
Now, this Halifax nightlife institution is giving itself a massive pat on the back by setting up a fundraiser for its very own blue plaque.
Working alongside Halifax BID and Halifax Civic Trust, this living piece of Halifax history is recognising its contributions to this West Yorkshire town and clubbing culture.
Commonly referred to as "Acca", the club prides itself on "Welcoming dancers before man landed on the Moon, before the M62 motorway transformed our region, and before colour television arrived in British homes."
The cost of a blue plaque is £650 and any excess funds that are raised will be donated to Halifax Street Angels - a local charity which works alongside the night-time economy to keep partygoers safe.
Acapulco is encouraging anyone who has visited the nightclub over its 65 year period to donate and also provide any memories or photos they have shared within this venue.
Some of the famous faces that have graced this legendary clubbing hotspot include Katie Price and her son Harvey, Joey Essex, as well as an array of Love Island and Big Brother stars.
The Acapulco Club has even welcomed 80's pop royalty courtesy of a visit from George Michael... the tribute act of course.
Anyone wanting to find out more information or make a donation to the recent fundraiser set up to honour the UK's oldest nightclub Acapulco with a blue plaque can do so HERE.
Featured Image - Google Street View (via supplied)
Audio
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Clementine Hall -
31st July 2023 
