Photo Credit: Press

For its fourth year, Stone Valley Festival Midlands is returns to Thoresby Hall & Park in Newark. The three-day festival features some of the finest bands and artists that were prominent in variety of British subcultures. Indie, Ska, Britpop, Mod, and Punk all come united for one event to bring people together through their shared love of music.

Fresh off their recent UK tour, ECHOBELLY resumed their schedule in to the summer with an early slot on the second day. Even though there wasn’t much shade to hide in when the intense sun first arrived, a sizable crowd nevertheless turned out to welcome the Britpop legends. Glenn Johansson continues to rip it up on guitar after 30+ years, while singer Sonya Madan is still grinning and dancing her way through every song. A sing-along was encouraged by ‘Great Things‘ and Sonya’s powerful voice in ‘King of the Kerb‘ still remains after all these years. With the success of their last recent tour, and festival slots across the summer, ECHOBELLY‘s 2024 is already off to a great start, and it’s fair to say that there’s still a big demand for the 90’s patrons.

Forming in the early 80’s out of expanding Liverpool scene was THE FARM. The Scouse icons achieved success with their #1 debut record in 1991 and have been a regular in the smaller-scale festival circuit for over the last decade, drawing in a packed crowd, especially down the front, with some getting down from their folding chairs to participate in party in the sun. The band’s opening track, ‘Love See No Colour‘ was accompanied by backup vocalist Alex Goatly, who gave the songs a nostalgic vibe similar to what Paula David had previously provided. People were up and dancing during ‘Stepping Stone‘, and their most recent song, ‘Let the Music (Take Control)‘, was well-received across the park, which was followed by the announcement that there would be more music coming soon. ‘Mind‘ and a rendition of ‘Bank Robber‘ by The Clash ensued, and the incredibly elegant ‘All Together Now‘ ended a magnificent show, eliciting the largest sing-along of the day.

A raucous applause erupted around the grounds as the freshly resurrected Scottish group THE SOUP DRAGONS made their crucial comeback to the stage, launching into the upbeat song ‘Whole Wide World‘ right away. Fans were enthralled by the band’s rendition of ‘I’m Free‘ by Rolling Stones, with their latest single ‘No Music on a Dead Planet‘, rounding off the set for the returning band.

Liverpool’s finest CAST delivered one of the most anticipated sets of the evening. The release of their new album is still very fresh and with a back catalogue full of hits, their appearance in the Midlands was definitely something to look forward to. John Power got things started with the epic ‘Sandstorm‘, and he hasn’t let up in all the years. A few people were already belting out the new songs ‘Love Is the Call‘ and ‘The Rain That Falls‘ early in the set and with every performance, Power’s voice gets stronger. As ‘History‘ began with a guitar tone reminiscent of a 1980’s video game, Liam Tyson demonstrates why he is among the most talented guitarists in this generation. CAST toned things down with its acoustic format of ‘Far Away’, before returning in full force for ‘Guiding Star‘, with an unforgettable chorus that never fails to get fans up and dancing. ‘Alright‘ concluded the bands unforgettable Saturday slot as John bounced around throughout.

Another year of STONE VALLEY FESTIVALS come to a close, with the postponement of the North addition pushed in to 2025, and dates for both Midlands and South already revealed, the next edition of the trio of events are set to be their biggest yet.

Stone Valley Festival Midlands returns to Thoresby Park in Newark on 27th – 29th June 2025. Tickets are on sale now.