REVIEW: Five New Artists to Remember From Rock N Roll Circus
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY SAHAR GHADIRIAN ☆
Photos Provided By Rock N Roll Circus
ENTERING ITS FOURTH EDITION AT SHEFFIELD’S ICONIC DON VALLEY BOWL—Rock N Roll Circus 2026 returned with an eclectic lineup of some of the UK’s most loved indie-rock names alongside an array of circus performances. While the months-long heat wave disappeared ahead of the weekend’s festivities, thunder and lightning did little to dampen spirits, with some of the festival’s best moments unfolding in the rain and mud. Here are five emerging artists who brought their own storm to Rock N Roll Circus.
1. Bleech 9:3
Despite some of the weekend’s heaviest rain, Bleech 9:3 drew one of the biggest crowds on the second stage, with fans bouncing through the mud and climbing onto friends’ shoulders. Their raw, grunge-tinged guitars and powerful vocals cut through the downpour, with “Jacky,” “Ceiling” and “Figure 8,” providing some of the set’s biggest highlights. If this crowd was anything to go by, who’s to say Bleech 9:3 won’t be headlining the festival themselves in a few years?
2. Westside Cowboy
After releasing their debut record last month and recent touring slots with Geese, Blondshell, English Teacher, Black Country, New Road and a summer of festivals, Westside Cowboy walked onstage to Sheffield icons Pulp’s “Disco 2000,” launching straight into a fast, high-energy set. “Pin Up Boys,” “Dobro,” “Can’t See” and “Kick Stones (The Boys)” showcased the Manchester four-piece’s refreshing blend of indie, country and Americana. And as is tradition, singer and guitarist Reuben Haycocks played so fast his glasses eventually came off—a fitting snapshot of one of the most exciting young bands around.
3. Theatre
Irish four-piece Theatre brought a mesmerising, darker edge to their show as the Saturday downpour set in. Guitar-heavy and expansive, their mix of ’90s alternative, folk and shoegaze sat comfortably alongside fellow Irish newcomers Basht., Bleech 9:3 and Gurriers.
4. Ellur
A fellow Yorkshire native, Ellur’s presence was already evident in the crowd, with her tote bags dotted throughout the second stage. Her distinctive vocals, energetic stage presence and emotive songwriting made for a compelling set, with “Boys” and “Foster” among the strongest moments.
5. Day We Ran
Aussie trio Day We Ran headlined the second stage on the first night of the festival. Jangly, coastal influences suited the chillier evening as the three brothers brought a laid-back energy ahead of The Kooks’ performance on the Big Top. Tracks like “Carolina” echoed the guitar lines of The War on Drugs and Spacey Jane, while “Naked at Your Door” showcased stunning harmonies and vocals reminiscent of DMA’s, cutting through the misty atmosphere.
Rock N Roll Circus has already made a name for itself in Sheffield and Norwich, but who’s to say the festival’s unique format can’t go global? At a time when live events are increasingly viewed through phone screens and camera lenses, the circus element offers something increasingly rare: a reason to look up. There’s an almost instinctive rush in watching sparks fly from fire dancers, tightrope walkers and acrobats soar between swings and trapezes above the crowd. For a few moments, there’s nothing to capture and nowhere else to look, just the spectacle unfolding directly in front of you.
That sense of awe and adrenaline is what makes Rock N Roll Circus more than just another music festival. With 2027 dates already confirmed, its fifth edition could be its best yet.
