Tramlines Festival returned to Sheffield with a bang this year, bursting with brilliant music and local pride.
Now a firmly established cornerstone of the social calendar, Tramlines has proved itself to be a multi-stage celebration of music sprawled across Hillsborough Park.
This year the festival felt even more local than ever before, with two out of three headliners hailing from the steel city itself.
But it wasn't just about the headliners, each and every act delivered impeccable sets to roaring crowds. Complete with a blazing sun and a cheeky England win, it was definitely a Tramlines to remember.
Day One
Friday kicked off in the most Sheffield way possible - John Cooper Clarke taking to T'Other Stage and delivering an hour long set jam-packed with his charming, witty and hilariously inappropriate poems. Signing off with "I Wanna Be Yours", the iconic poem that inspired the Arctic Monkeys, we were ready to take on the festival.
Image: The Sheff
Hot Chip really got the party started with an electric DJ set, whilst Fat White Family performed to a packed-out Leadmill Stage just before the one we've all been waiting for began their set. That's right, Pulp.
Walking through the grounds it was clear to see the majority of festival-goers were here to see Pulp, with every other punter sporting a piece of their merch. And their set did not disappoint one bit.
From the opening riffs of “Spike Island” to the belting choruses of “Disco 2000” and “Common People”, Jarvis and co. fused their past legacy with a defiant nod to the present. With Richard Hawley invited for the encore and “Sheffield: Sex City” finally getting its live hometown debut, it was the kind of show you'd write home about - if you weren’t too busy screaming the lyrics back.
An iconic Tramlines moment that we won't be forgetting any time soon.
Day Two
Back again to Hillsborough Park, perhaps not so bright eyed and bushy-tailed, but did that stop us? Absolutely not.
Image: The Sheff
Saturday brought another day of unbeatable local energy, Rotherham lads The Reytons headlined the Sarah Nulty Main Stage with swagger that felt both underdog and overdue. Whilst Franz Ferdinand had the field fizzing with guitar drama and singalongs to “Take Me Out”, but not before nostalgic icon Natasha Bedingfield could perform her catalogue of anthems from “These Words” and "Pocket Full of Sunshine" to “Unwritten”. We're going to blame that one on losing our voice.
And if you weren't at The Reytons, then you were most likely at the Rizzle Kicks who are back and boy oh boy aren't we glad they are. The crowd's electric reaction to "Get Down With The Trumpets" got us all asking, why did they ever leave in the first place?
Day Three
Last but definitely not least, Sunday brought a day of proper laughs courtesy of Russel Howard kicking things off at T'Other Stage followed by Irish legend CMAT who had the crowd enamoured by both her flawless singing voice and immaculate stage presence.
Scouting For Girls brought the nostalgia to the main stage closely followed by The Last Dinner Party who underlined their position as one of the best girl groups in the country right now.
And of course, as we were all bopping our heads to this myriad of fantastic music the Women's England squad were playing Spain in the Euro's Final. Just before Kasabian exploded onto the stage, the penalties were played to a sea of adoring fans which can only be described as electric. A perfect way to set up the last act of the night.
Image: The Sheff
Opening with “Club Foot” and closing with “Fire”, Kasabian turned the park into a celebration of national pride which can only be described as something really quite special.
So, Tramlines 2025? A weekend which showcased an incredible array of British music, with an undeniable focus of Sheffield's roots and musical prowess. We'll absolutely take that.
Tramlines 2026 will return from Friday 24 - Sunday 26 July, tickets go on sale this Friday and you can grab yours here.
Read more:
Featured image - The Sheff
Audio
The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.
That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.
The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:“Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.
“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.
“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.