FIREVOLT ROCK FESTIVAL 2026
Updated: Aug 20
SATURDAY REVIEW
Despite having my travel plans derailed by widespread train cancellations from Manchester that slashed my trip down to just Saturday and Sunday, stepping back onto Whitebottom Farm for my favourite outdoor festival, Firevolt, filled my heart with pure joy as I returned to my home away from home.
This moderately sized gem truly delivers everything you could possibly want, wrapping you in laughter, contentment, and a euphoric elateness surrounded by friends who quickly become your festival family.
The site is brilliantly equipped with convenient onsite showers and toilets for campers and glampers, alongside ample parking for motorhomes both on and offsite.
Culinary needs are more than covered by a fantastic lineup of catering vendors serving up the most delish dishes for every dietary requirement, perfectly paired with bars flowing with an array of thirst-quenching beers and ciders.
There is never a dull moment, whether you're joining the early risers for morning yoga, watching little kids and adults alike get hands-on with the music during the energetic 'Jam with Jack' barn sessions, where you will find me cheering on the youth of today as they belt out fabulous rock 'n' roll sing-alongs.
If you are after an incredible, family-orientated rock 'n' roll outlet to make memories over the summer, Firevolt is undoubtedly the place to be!
Saturday’s phenomenal lineup in Crowley delivered an unforgettable day of music, kicking off with a fabulous five
-piece on the Bludsucker stage who shook everyone awake with vibrant vocals and thunderous guitar riffs.
Then we took ourselves over to McHales Permanent Brew over on the Trooper stage for a heavy dose of old-school rock 'n' roll.
McHale's Permanent Brew deliver a masterclass in classic blues rock, driven by their heavy pulsing bass lines and luminous keys which set the stage for their power soaring guitars and soul-stirring vocals.
Their performance has an unshakable cadence, full of addictive rhythms that instantly sets the crowds bouncing with infectious momentum that locks the crowd in a unified groove.
Confined to a tight set, the band wisely keeps stage banter to a minimum, allowing the music to do the heavy lifting, with the soaring guitar work and commanding vocals, which converge in an electric performance where every second strikes home.
The energy soared as the day continued with Thieves of Liberty showing the crowd how to truly rock out; their guitarist was seen ripping it up on the hillside one moment and dancing with our Compère, Paul Cash, on stage the next.
With an undeniable drive, a massive sound, and magnetic stage presence, these boys are clearly on their way to bigger things—watch this space, because they are going to make it big someday!
We head back over to the Trooper stage once again to catch the fabulous yet terrifying LN.
Hailing from the rugged landscapes of the North East of England, LN is a formidable five-piece Pagan and Viking metal band fronted by the commanding vocals of LN Hirst.
Renowned for their intensely theatrical live shows and cinematic orchestration, the band forges a striking sonic identity that seamlessly bridges the ancient and the modern.
They expertly blend traditional Nordic folk melodies with heavy, crushing contemporary metal, creating a dynamic soundscape where clean, pure folk vocals collide with aggressive, guttural growls.
Driven by thundering guitar riffs and booming percussion, LN delivers a powerful, immersive musical experience that honors historical mythology while pushing the boundaries of modern extreme metal.
Even the most timid of men like one of my fellow photo pitt photographers 'Rich' became weak at the knees for this striking viking goddess.
Back over on the Bludsucker Stage we catch Muddi Brooke.
MuddiBrooke delivered their trademark grunge-infused sound in spades at Firevolt, anchored by a mesmerizing performance from frontwoman Harriet.
Her vocals were utterly spot-on, effortlessly weaving between soft, soul-stirring emotion during the verses before erupting into a visceral, high-energy explosion during the choruses.
This powerful vocal delivery served as a true highlight of the set, remaining steadfast, unwavering, and bursting with raw feeling.
Yet, Brooke's impact went far beyond mere vocal prowess; she commanded the attention of the entire audience from the very first note, proving herself to be an absolute magnetic presence on stage.
These Wicked Rivers delivered a potent mix of heavy blues riffs and soaring guitar work at Firevolt on the Trooper Stage, effortlessly shifting from high-energy, foot-stomping rockers to stripped-back, introspective acoustic numbers gripped me from the minute they stepped on stage.
True to their reputation for a distinctive stage presence, the band decorated the performance area with vintage standard lamps and hat stands, making the stage look delightfully like someone's nan's old living room.
This unique atmosphere perfectly complemented their 1970s-infused Southern rock style, which had the enthusiastic crowds swaying along to every groove-laden song throughout the festival.
Next up on the Bludsucker Stage was 1 of my highlights for Saturday - DARE!!!!
Formed in 1985 by former Thin Lizzy keyboardist Darren Wharton, the English melodic rock and AOR band Dare has long been celebrated for their atmospheric guitar work and enduring stage chemistry.
At the heart of the band's captivating sound is Wharton’s warm, emotive vocal delivery which appears effortless on stage here at Firevolt, which is expertly complemented by Vinny Burns’ delivering high-energy, crowd moving melodic solos that instantly elevate the atmosphere.
Together, the musicians captivate the audience with a powerful blend of brilliant melodies, massive harmonies, deeply passionate and clear vocals, and—above all else—unforgettably catchy songs that had the audience singing along.
Its no secret i love me a bit of old school rock n roll, and these guys did not dissapoint.
Back in the barn at the Trooper stage we catch the frighteningly fabulous Wednesday13!
My 1st time seeing these guys, ive heard alot about their stage performance, so im excited to see it 1st hand.
They are a unique band of makeup-clad, zombie-obsessed, tattooed outcasts, truly embodying horror-themed shock-punk rock.
The stage glows with a red lights and billowing smoke, offering brief glimpses of hair, dark stage outfits made up of leather and studs at the side of the stage, as their intro music begins they then charge across the stage in their striking, dramatic outfits.
Unleashing heavy guitars, thunderous drums, and fierce vocals, they tear through the set with wild energy.
It is more than just a show; it is an unforgettable experience forged in sound and intensity, showcasing the raw power of a great musical performance.
It brings incredible energy—and for my first time seeing them live, what an incredible set from this band.
You have to see them live to understand how truly crazy they are, they are more than words can describe!
Last band of the night for me before i have to get the last train home, Massive Wagons!
Having seen these boys a trillion times before, following them over more than decade, i can easily say they deserve to be headliners here today!
This unstoppable force brought the big guns here to Firevolt this weekend, with non stop Pyro, Riffs that outmatch the rest, and high flying jumps that could give Olympic Long Jumper Carl lewis a run for his money.
This high octane set, full of riff heavy classic rock and soaring vocals from frontman Barry Mills known for his boundless stage energy shows no sign in slowing down.
The audience participates in singing along to all their well known songs, turning this festival into a huge communal party like no other.
This band ignites something within the crowds here, the buzz here is electrifying.
Theres nothing quite like the energy of a live concert from Massive Wagons, these guys know how to captivate their audience, and the crowds here tonight are pumped up.
With their big riffs blowing the roof off Stockport, these lads have their set nailed down tight making it one hell of a memorable show.
Saturday at Firevolt has officially been a blast, home for sleep now so i can do it all over again tomorrow!
