The sun was out for the final day of Rock N Roll Circus, replacing the wind and rain of Saturday’s event. Thankfully, the Big Top hadn’t blown away overnight and the mud was drying up nicely.
As the gates open, the early birds were making their way to the barrier in a pretty civilised fashion, ready to enjoy a day of 90s indie nostalgia.
However, it would be remiss for the story of this festival to be told without talking about the fine circus performers that have been around the arena all weekend.
From Ellis Grover on the high-wire, gravity defying aerialists Lucy and Annie, to jugglers, stilt walkers and fire artists lighting up the festival site with their performances. It’s one of the things that makes this festival unique.
The musical action today starts on the outside stages though and first up on the Electric Carousel stage is Casino, indie-soul, Motown-inspired energy from Liverpool.
It’s early though, and there isn’t much of a crowd, but even so, the scouse lads put on a good show of danceable melodies and great rhythm to kick start the 3rd and final day of Rock N Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield.
At 2pm, we start our main stage trip down memory lane. Sleeper, more than 30 years after their career began, step up to a very warm welcome and show they can still rock after all these years.
Louise Wener, one of the 90s biggest indie female stars, commands the stage along with original members Andy McClure and Jon Stewart, delivering some of their biggest songs.
“Nice Guy Eddie”,” What Do I Do Now?”, and of course their top 10 single “Sale of the Century” which closes out the set in real style. Yes, it’s a throwback, but this day is going to be full of them in the Big Top, and this couldn’t have got off to a better start.
The middle part of the day focuses on more modern day indie, with two acts from across the Pennines. First, it’s The Lilacs, from Wigan, who are a band that have some good momentum behind them right now.
There’s an infectious energy about them on stage, spearheaded by lead singer Ollie Anglesea with Dave Gomersall (drums) and Matty Johnson (bass) driving the rhythm forward.
Stand-in guitarist Luka Gunes plays with the biggest smile on his face, just adding to that positive energy. Their catchy tunes possibly resonate with a younger audience than we have in the tent today.
The title of their fan fave song “Sticky Dancefloors” more of a distant memory for some of the crowd, while their brilliant song “Grace” tells of young optimistic love, found at a bus stop. Either way, it’s a cracking set, and it’s well worth seeing them if you get the chance.
Liverpool’s indie working-class warrior Jamie Webster brought his set of politically-charged songs to the stage to take us up to teatime. It’s a heartfelt set, singing songs that talk of community, struggle and how they’re overcome.
The modern day folk-rock songs are well received, but if I had one minor gripe, he labours his points in between songs somewhat. Yes, it’s positive, life affirming, “don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something”, type of stuff, but he manages to say a lot without saying anything. Musically though, very good.
Later on the Electric Carousel stage, there’s one for the younger people who have shown up, as Freddie Halkon, second-year law student and budding pop star, bounds on to the stage to a huge response. Halkon’s hyperactive energy is exactly what this crowd came for.
There are flags draped over the barriers and a constant chant of “Freddie f***ing Halkon”, and the songs are sung back like they’re long-standing anthems. He’s already headlined the iconic Leadmill in Sheffiled this year and is likely to be one of the next big things to come out of South Yorkshire.
Back on the main stage, the Big Top is more of a time machine that’s transported us to the 1990s. Halifax’s Embrace pack out the tent, probably as full as it’s been all weekend. From the front to the back, the crowd sing along with the highlight being a brilliant rendition of “Gravity.”
Ocean Colour Scene have never really stopped, right from their inception in 1990. Simon Fowler, Steve Cradock and Oscar Harrison have 10 albums behind them and still a legion of devoted fans.
There are t-shirts from tours recent and historic in the crowd, as the band deliver with the same quality of musicianship that they’ve had since the beginning. Opening up with “The Circle” the crowd are already getting what they came for, but the set is briefly interrupted by a medical emergency in the crowd.
When the band return to the stage, it hasn’t broken their stride and the classics, “The Riverboat Song” and traditional closer “The Day We Caught The Train” still grab the crowd just like they did in 1996.
The atmosphere builds and there’s a buzz in the tent as we wait for the final act of what’s been a brilliant festival. The lights drop and the crowd cheer as James take to the stage.
Last of all, clad in white faux-fur coat and a beanie hat, Tim Booth makes a grand entrance, and soon we’re “Waltzing Along” [a 1997 James fan-favourite song] to his typically energetic performance.
It’s a big sound, the band having grown over the years so the sound is richer, with Debbie Knox-Hewson on percussion and Chloe Alper’s vocals giving Booth’s delivery some fine support.
Shedding the coat and hat – it was pretty warm in the tent after all – Booth makes his way down to the barrier, reaching out and shaking hands with the lucky fans who have spent their day waiting at the front. It’s a set that’s a treat for the fans, leading right up to “Sit Down” and “Laid” to close out the set.
This is one of my favourite festivals of the year. Three days of quality nostalgia, topped off with some brilliant new acts. It’s a reminder of some of the great acts that are still out there, plying their trade after 20, 30, 40 years: James, Bryan Adams, Groove Armada…
Also a chance to see who is coming next. Casino, The Kairos, The Lilacs, Frankie Beetlestone and Lady of Mars – all of these are worth a look as they play around the UK in the coming months.
Check out Friday’s and Saturday’s coverage…
Words & Photos by Huw Williams
