Friday
Swan & Heron stages
These stages will operate alternately so you will be able to see all of every band if you wish.
Both stages, and the bar, are housed within one marquee to protect you from the weather.
Cats In Space
Imagine a heady mix of Queen, ELO, Elton John and all things 70s… then you have CATS in SPACE – a band brimming with majestic songs, boasting soaring vocal harmonies, power chord guitars, thundering drums and bass as well as huge, symphonic keyboards. Landing on the UK Rock scene in 2015, CATS in SPACE quickly built up a reputation as one of the finest Classic Rock bands to emerge this century and within a short space of time, and with two critically acclaimed albums under their belts, they had toured the major UK arenas with Status Quo, Deep Purple and Thunder.
Franck Carducci & the Fantastic Squad
FRANCK CARDUCCI & THE FANTASTIC SQUAD do not just offer an ordinary concert, they deliver a full show with costumes, staging and humour, whilst evoking authentic 70s rock that takes you back to Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Led Zeppelin. They oscillate from powerful and energetic sounds to atmospheric moods that lend themselves to daydreaming… We guarantee it is going to be a magical journey! They've opened for Sting in 2022 (to 15,000 people), garnered long-term support from Steve Hackett (who played on their 2nd album), won "best Overseas Band" from the Classic Rock Society and in 2025 will start their 11th UK tour.
Oye Santana
Oye Santana are former winners of the Official National Tribute Music Awards. They deliver a truly authentic, powerful tribute to the music of iconic Latin rock legend Carlos Santana, with spectacular, energetic performances driving a vibrant, rocking Latin dance rhythm guaranteed to get you up on your feet! The band are a truly exceptional and experienced line-up featuring guitarist Milan Webb playing the unique signature Santana sound. His accomplished technique recreates the intricate solo guitar parts that define Santana’s music.
Well known band we can't announce just yet!
For contractual reasons we can't yet tell you who is playing in this slot.... we will, just as soon as we can!
Gypsy's Kiss
Gypsy’s Kiss were formed in the East End of London in early 1974 by Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris and David Smith who lived close to each other and went to the same school. Therefore, the band sit proudly at the ‘top of the Iron Maiden Family Tree’! They were determined to be a hard rocking band and quickly made a significant impact on the growing East London music scene playing at The Cart & Horses, Bridgehouse and other well-known local venues. They remain loyal to their Maiden heritage, and continue to bring their classic rock sound to a wider audience beyond their Iron Maiden roots. Their 2024 appearance at NVRF marked 50 years since their formation in 1974.
Blackballed
Imagine a scorching desert crossroad, vultures circling high above three heat shimmering ratrods, windows down in the haze and you'e heading towards the sound of Manchester's Blackballed. Winding around the sound of roaring engines, hard hitting rock riffs and filthy blues grooves, wrapped in a gauze of pyschedelic soulfulness. A squeal of acceleration breaks free from a blast of streaking colour and scorching tyres, exploding into one huge melting pot of highly tuned, well oiled musical mastery.
Splink
Their early set last year drew a large crowd - we want more, you said... So they're back! Prog magazine said: "Splink set their joyous and sometimes mischievous space folk psych rock ball rolling with a hint of Solstice and Laid Back Curved Air!". Splink don't take themselves too seriously; Violinist Vikki Ings sports a permanent smile and with the madcap vocal shapes of Matt James their enjoyment is infectious. Themes evoke Hawkwind meets Zappa and the spirit of Ozric Tentacles! The band's plan is to build support through a series of great gigs, enabling them to grow their audience.
Izengard
IzenGard were signed by Massacre Records in 2019 after presenting their debut self-funded album Angel Heart to them earlier in that year. Angel Heart was received by the rock press with a number of excellent reviews; Raimer Kerber of Metalheads Forever Magazine said “Angel Heart” is an outstanding debut.
In October 2024 they supported Canadian legends 'Anvil' on the UK part of their European tour.
They are currently in the process of recording their next album due to be released earlier in 2025.
Zopp
The UK's leading 'neo-Canterbury' rock group. Expect gloriously intricate, intense keyboard heavy compositions, reminiscent of Frank Zappa, Egg, and Soft Machine. Zopp are a young band, with two internationally acclaimed, award-winning* studio albums to date. Their latest album, 'Dominion', has received high praise from Sid Smith, King Crimson biographer and writer for Prog Magazine, naming it his 'album of 2023'. Don't miss this epic performance from England's most exciting new progressive rock group.
Ruby Dawn
Ruby Dawn is a unique band in the world of progressive music, with a powerful sound firmly rooted in rock, with the spellbinding, weaving lyrical style of vocalist Carola Baer adding a haunting beauty. They’ve built a strong live reputation in the prog scene with performances at Prog For Peart, Summer’s End, Prog The Forest, and Southampton’s 1865 club, plus NVRF 2023. The band released their highly anticipated debut album ‘Beyond Tomorrow’ in April 2023, to wide acclaim.
Kingfisher stage
This stage will usually offer a clear contrast to the bands in our other marquee.
Stray
Stray, who formed in 1966, currently comprise original founding member Del Bromham, plus Pete Dyer, drummer Karl Randall, Simon Rinaldo on keys with Colin Kempster completing the line up. Their brand of bluesy, hook laden hard rock has survived the decades and their tours with Iron Maiden, Rush and Kiss have earned them a truly international reputation. They return again with their latest new album titled ‘About Time’ - already it has been hailed as their greatest work to date. Del Bromham also has his autobiography published titled ‘Rock and Roll Survivor’.
Gerry Jablonski
Powerful and energetic, standout act with an ultra confident, no-holds-barred swagger. Gerry Jablonski and the Electric Band have a unique trademark sound and style. Their raw and crafty stage show takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of dangerous, charming and gutsy music with hooks and melodies that cross genres and age groups. The band were acclaimed at the 2018 Blues Awards as UK Blues Act of the Year.
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Leadfeather
Formed in 2024 by guitarist Simon Hurts, Leadfeather is a high energy heavy rock band from London, UK. Known for their electrifying live performances and powerful lyrics, the band draws influence from the late ‘60s and ‘ 70s blues and rock sound, while creating a unique and distinctive sound that resonates with both rock purists and new fans alike. Their Ep “Roll The Dice” is a powerful and passionate journey through love, loss and rebellion, out everywhere in 2025.
Vmbra
Drawing inspiration from bands like Porcupine Tree, Haken, and The Dear Hunter, Vmbra crafts Progressive music characterised by powerful choruses, lush vocal harmonies, intricate riffs and structures, dramatic dynamic shifts and skilful genre fusion, which keeps the listener guessing. Formed in 2021 from the remnants of a previous project, Vmbra began gaining traction in 2023 reaching the semifinals at Manchester M2TM competition. In 2024, they have released their second EP, ‘DELAPSVS’, which has been featured in Prog Magazine’s 150th issue.
Troyen
Troyen first graced the NWOBHM scene in early 1981 playing dynamic crowd-pleasing hard rock to approximately 130 audiences and supporting Spider, Girlschool and Diamond Head amongst others. They also toured Europe in 1982 with Nightwing before sadly disbanding late on in 1982. Since reforming in 2014 they have played numerous festivals throughout the UK and Europe.
Z-Machine
Formed in 2019, Z Machine bring together the improvisation of jazz and the complex orchestrated passages of progressive rock. Featuring the fiery saxophone of Rob Harrison, the twin guitars of Owen Rosser and Gareth Piper, and the dynamic rhythm section of Kristian Rees on bass and Lester Greenhalgh on drums, Z Machine have an exciting and varied live show you can't miss. Likened to King Crimson, Gong, and Mahavishnu Orchestra, Adam Walton of BBC Radio Wales described us as "The sound of the cosmos folding in on itself fractaly"
tba
We can't tell you who is opening the Kingfisher stage on Friday just yet - but very soon!