Photo Credit: Caitlin Mellors
Returning for its second years, The Garrison welcomed another sell out crowd to their annual GARRISTONBURY event. Playing host to some of the UK’s best up and coming indie names, Barnsley has quickly become a hub for intimate shows of bands about to take the UK by storm.
London based LADY OF MARS graced The Garrison with their new wave rock sound that was a welcomed addition to the line-up. An already packed venue witnessing an exciting act, the band thrived off the crowds positive reception after each song.
GIRLBAND! are very familiar with South Yorkshire. Having performed at the likes of Gorrilafest and Rock N Roll Circus over the last couple of years, the Mansfield trio really know how to pack everything in to thirty minutes. All three members were smiling throughout, with no weight on their shoulders and feeling free.
Making their Barnsley debut were Liverpool rockers THE KAIROS. Having recently performed at Sheffield’s Rock N Roll Circus only a matter of weeks before, this was an event that was certainly one of their most looked forward to. Following a stint with The Reytons earlier this year, they have attracted a host of new fans throughout 2025, with a large portion of those taking over The Garrison. A flare was let off in the front row, to the bands amusement, filling the venue with orange smoke to give it that true festival atmosphere. Set list regulars ‘Thick Of It’ and ‘Rat Race’ continue to get the crowd bouncing around, with the bands Garristonbury performance one of their most well received performances of this year.
Portsmouth indie-pop outfit CRYSTAL TIDES brought their energetic performance back to South Yorkshire in style. As the darkness loomed over the Garrison roof, the lights played a more pivotal role from now to the end of the event, with the Pompey lads bringing their up beat anthems to Barnsley to keep the energy flowing. Their single ‘Sinner‘ was given its first run out live, while ‘Honey‘ capped off a performance that went down a storm and a contender for a return back to the venue in 2026.
Returning to the venue for the first time since his performance back in December 2023, Sunderland born rising star TOM A. SMITH and his band certainly know how to put on a show. From set list staples ‘Get Me Started‘ and ‘Little Bits‘ keeping his fans entertained from the off, Tom invited a young fan on stage to sing ‘Weirdo‘ alongside him to the crowds huge roaring applause to give the youngster a moment he won’t forget any time soon. Bassist Katie Anderson continues to jerk around on stage with a smile throughout, and new addition to the band Hannah Smith has been a great touch to give their collective sound that extra punch on stage.
Completing the night were this years headliners, THE LILACS. The Wigan based quartet have already made a stance in Sheffield over the past few years, now it was time to give Barnsley a taste of what they are all about. The capacity crowd cheered as the lads made their way on to the compact stage, opening with ‘Where’ve You Been Hiding‘ to get the place bouncing right from the off. Since the release of their EP ‘The 395 (To Forever)‘ and a busy festival season to accompany it, this was the perfect warm-up for them ahead of their biggest headline show in November. ‘Sticky Dancefloors‘ tested the crowds voices, and they did not disappoint. The front row were waving their The Lilacs flag throughout the performance, singing every word to every song.
‘Sally‘ kept up the intensity in to the latter stages of the set. Chants began to form for returning guitarist Sam Birchall, to which he responded “I’m back”. The crowd let out an almighty roar, with service quickly resuming with fan favourites ‘Act Your Age‘, ‘Sally‘ and finally ‘Vicarage Road‘ to see of The Lilacs‘ Barnsley return with one to remember for many.
Stepping up the mark from their debut year in 2024, Garristonbury have a tough decision on their hands to give the 2026 line-up that extra fire power. No doubt the organisers will accomplish that though.
Taped Magazine 