Thursday
The Celtic Collection
The Welsh Experience! - Swan and Heron stages
These stages will alternate
Hand Of Dimes
After a storming performance at the 2023 NVRF, Hand Of Dimes are back to headline The Welsh Experience. They are the reunion of former Skin singer front man Neville MacDonald with his Kooga keyboard colleague Neil Garland. Their partnership goes back to the mid 80s, but they split up when Nev’s yearning was for more gutsy rock and roll, so the invitation to form Skin with guitarist Myke Gray was a no-brainer… Now Hand Of Dimes has picked up where they left off, with debut album ‘Raise’ full of soulful melodic rock which packs a serious punch and Nev’s unmistakable trademark voice over a blend of electric and acoustic material.
Karnataka
Originating from Wales UK, Karnataka’s storming live performances have entranced and captivated audiences across the UK, Europe and the USA and seen them perform alongside prestigious artists such as Robert Plant and Porcupine Tree. Creating music that shifts effortlessly from powerful to ethereal, breath-taking to haunting, and produced at some of the world’s most prestigious studios including Real World, Rockfield and Abbey Road, Karnataka’s music combines a widescreen cinematic vision with soaring melodies, lush harmonies and epic symphonic, progressive soundscapes whilst also drawing on their Celtic roots.
Greyfox Conspiracy
Greyfox Conspiracy was formed from the South Wales landscape to write songs about life which have been distilling away for many years, like a good whiskey.
Seasoned musicians who have been making music for as long as they can remember. They have now found common ground where they can enjoy writing songs and playing them live. The live shows are formed around the charismatic Greyfox Growl, but where this band works best, is to create something truly memorable for those who come to see them.
Tribe3
Anyone who attended the Thursday session at this years Winter's End festival in Chepstow, or more recently the Prog for Peart festival in Abingdon, can attest to many attendees describing them as the find of the festival. Steve, Jon & Chris have been active on the local Prog/Fusion scene on and off over the last 40 years, and have played in and recorded with various line-ups. As Tribe3, they have finally found the perfect combination of musicians who create huge memorable soundscapes with interesting melodic musical twists and thought provoking lyrics. Theirs is a modern take on Prog, with the occasional nod to some of the greats of the genre.
The Irish Experience! - Kingfisher stage
Crow Black Chicken
Crow Black Chicken have earned a reputation as one of Ireland's top blues acts. Their sound combines elements of folk and hard rock with the blues rock of bands like Gov't Mule, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Led Zeppelin. An extremely hard working band, they have built up a strong underground following throughout Ireland, the US, and Europe with multiple well received tours and one off gigs, including a slot at Glastonbury. Blues Rock Review said "Maybe it's the luck of the Irish or maybe it's these boys' immense talent, but they've managed to find a sound that's all their own. In a world of cliché blues songs, these lads take what they want and leave the rest far behind."
Cloak & Dagger (tribute to Rory Gallagher)
An authentic,energetic trio who deliver Rory Gallagher's music to fans from Southampton to Nantwich. The boys always deliver a passionate set from Rorys extensive back catalogue.
Chris, guitar vocals
Adam, bass
Mongo, drums
The lads have been playing together for years in 71chain, an original (slightly Rory influenced) rock band, then decided to give Rory a go; after a night at the pub it seemed like a good idea! Their thoughts? "We love it.... with a pride born from years as musicians and fans. Long live Rory!!"
Swords Of Light (tribute to Horslips)
Swords of Light are Ireland's, and thus the world's first and only dedicated tribute to Irish Celtic rock legends Horslips. Horslips changed the face of Irish rock and were pioneers of the Celtic Rock genre. They have now left the stage. Swords of Light were formed in 2022 and are enthusiastically endorsed by Horslips band members Jim Lockhart and Barry Devlin (who described them as "The Horslips Tribute Band of the Future" at Horslips Con 2022 in Belfast). Their mission is to recreate the infectious magic of Horslips' live gigs.
Treebeard
Treebeard have been a popular attraction on the pub, festival & beer festival circuit for many years now, with regular appearances up and down the UK. The band play lively Celtic folk-rock; traditional, contemporary & original songs & tunes that they call​ 'Heavy Wood', releasing a first CD of that name in 2002, a second CD 'Reel Ale’ in 2010 and the latest CD 'New Leaves' in 2017. The band line-up has always been flexible, but will feature Haze members Danny McMahon (drums), Chris McMahon (guitar, bouzouki & vocals), Paul McMahon (guitar, bass & vocals) and Catrin Ashton (fiddle, flute & vocals). Expect plenty of Treebeard songs, perhaps a Haze one, and a few well chosen covers!