We had the pleasure of returning to Sheffield for Tramlines Festival once again this year and we have to say it was one of our favourite festival experiences we've ever had. Tramlines has always been one of our favourite festivals, combining the energy and excitement of a major festival with a more welcoming, all-inclusive atmosphere and localised, community spirit that makes for an electrifying yet wholesome festival weekend for moshpit seekers, new music connoisseurs and families alike.
Photo Credit: Matt Higgs
We have attended the festival for the last 4 or 5 years and this year really stood out to us, not just thanks to the sunny weather but thanks to the fantastic line up which blended anthemic Indie giants, family-friendly retro legends and the most exciting new acts in the UK.
Here are our top seven highlights from this year's festival that made it one of our favourite's ever...
Jamie T
Our favourite festival highlight has to be Jamie T. Headlining the Saturday night, there was a lot of pressure on him and the band to step up and fill those headliner shoes, something that even Jamie himself commented was new for them. However, despite his humble self-doubt about how they'd found themselves in that position, the set that followed proved exactly why they were there!
Photo Credit: Matt Higgs
Some earlier fan-favourites like 'Operation' and '368' got the Jamie T obsessives on-side (us included) and provided a nice context for some of the more casual fans, showcasing the back catalogue that makes Jamie T far more than an Indie hit maker with some familiar mid-00s anthems. 'Rabbit Hole' then upped the tempo, opening up the first mosh pits of the night. The set was punctuated with some poignant moments and beautiful interactions between Jamie and the fans. Yet, the climax came in the form of a wonderfully energetic final four of 'Back In The Game', 'Sheila', 'Sticks and Stones' and 'Zombie' that had everyone singing their lungs out and dancing from start to finish.
This was exactly what a headline festival set should be. One of our favourite Tramlines moments ever.
SOFT PLAY
Packing out the T'Other tent, newly renamed SOFT PLAY proved that their play is soft in name only, delivering a frantic, high-octane set that produced some of the most intense and unrelenting moshpits we've endured. Opening with 'Punk's Dead' was the perfect way to mark their return and stick up two fingers to any doubters surrounding the name change fiasco. From that point on, the energy never stopped, apart from the wonderfully emotive, much-needed rest bite of 'Everything and Nothing' which showcased the heart that lies at the core of their music as well as their melodic abilities.
At times, the room was so possessed with feverish energy that the duo's attempts to enter the crowd failed, resulting in them heading back on stage with slight frustration. Some may take this as further evidence that they have "gone soft" and turned into the "snowflakes" that 'Punk's Dead' refers to...but this is bollocks! It was merely evidence that the name change has not dampened the love from their fans whatsoever and their ability to write mosh-pit stompers and produce an infectiously angst-ridden, high-intensity live set has not faltered one bit. 'Act Violently' and 'The Hunter' stole the show.
English Teacher
English Teacher have been one of the most hotly talked about newcomers of the year. Following their recent Mercury Prize nomination for their debut album 'This Could Be Texas', their was a real sense in the crowd that we were lucky to be seeing them in this setting, witnessing true artistry inside The Leadmill tent when they will undoubtedly be playing the main stage at festivals next year.
Photo Credit: Carolina Faruolo
This booking was testament to Tramlines' ability to have their finger on the pulse and programme the country's next wave of exciting talent alongside the aforementioned Indie festival regulars. Their show lived up to the hype, blending moments of quirky Art-Rock angst with more intimate, sentimental performances that showcased the truly beautiful vocals of front-woman Lily Fontaine. The delicate vibrancy and silky intricacy of their playing was mesmerising and showed just why they are one of the most hyped bands of the year.
Miles Kane
Having close ties to Sheffield, the Wirral-riddler himself, Miles Kane, was an early highlight of the festival. As soon as the lead singer walks on stage with shades, died hair and a custom poncho with his name written in gold lettering on the back, you can be sure that the subsequent set will be far from boring.
The perfect festival performer, Miles' Indie hits had the festival chanting along in the sun and dancing from left to right as he skipped between FIFA-era anthems and funky Glam grooves. His guitar work really shone on the big screen as he finished off a couple of tracks with an impromptu solo. The double whammy finale of 'Come Closer' and 'Don't Forget Who You Are' proved him as one of the most reliable festival performers once again.
The Snuts
Often, festival line ups are packed full of heritage acts and retro Indie outfits that can pull a big crowd yet haven't quite been at their peak for a good number of years. While we love these nostalgic moments, it was fantastic to see one of the best current Indie acts take to the main stage and show that they can offer just as much as these older bands.
Photo Credit: Carolina Faruolo
45 minutes of non-stop singalong anthems in the sun made for the perfect festival atmosphere. You can truly see The Snuts becoming a mainstay of UK festival line ups for years to come and we wouldn't be surprised if they headline Tramlines one day.
Corella
Talking of acts that are set to become a festival mainstay, Manchester's Corella packed out The Leadmill tent and delivered a super fun set full of bouncy Indie anthems that got people on shoulders and singing along within minutes.
Their debut album, released earlier this year, is full of hits like 'Drifting' and 'Don't Stop Me Now' which came across wonderfully in the live setting! Definitely ones to look out for on the main stage at future festivals.
SPRINTS
Dublin Punk outfit SPRINTS also had a debut album earlier this year. Packed full of angst, energy and unfiltered lyrics that convey personal, political and social unrest, it made for a rousing live set.
Photo Credit: Lindsay Melbourne
Although one of the tents may have worked as a better setting to allow their intensity to bounce around the room and emphasise the angsty-feel, they still put on a punchy performance which won them over many new fans. A good blend of performative swagger but wholesome, down-to-earth personality made them a really likeable band and their music was the perfect thing to wake us up and get us ready for more on Saturday afternoon.
Photo Credit: Carolina Faruolo
Tickets for Tramlines 2025 go on sale on Friday 2 August at midday for £89.50 + bf. You can sign up now for priority access at https://tramlines.org.uk/
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