Photo Credit: James Mirfield

Shortly after the release of their EP ‘The 395 (To Forever)‘, Wigan based quartet The Lilacs were set to celebrate a new era for the band with their biggest UK tour to date. But news of guitarist Sam being diagnosed with cancer sent shockwaves now only through the band, but their dedicated fanbase with the tour left in limbo. After making a speedy recovery and over coming the diagnosis, the band were ready to make sure the wait was well worth it.

Opening the show was Barnsley born now Newcastle native Harriet Rose. Accompanied by her band, Rose kicks off her 2026 in front of an already packed crowd as she gears up for her upcoming UK headline tour. Opening with ‘Bridges‘, the Yorkshire audience welcomed Rose with open arms. As she detailed stories behind her songs, both ‘Trouble‘ and ‘Empire‘ rounded off her return to the steel city with a country-Americana feel to bow out of her opening set.

Following on from the opener was Leeds band The Slates. As they prepare for the release of their upcoming EP, the Yorkshire lads made sure to leave their stance in the steel city with a swift return in the form of a headline performance in April on the cards. With set list stapes ‘Come Out & Play‘ and ‘Hello, Don’t You Know?‘ bringing out the bands’ true fans in the crowd, it was the unreleased ‘YIS‘ that had everyone engaged with Louis Barnes dropping his guitar and taking on a more solo frontman stance. As he moved freely around the stage, it was quickly back to how The Slates are usually displayed as they concluded with ‘Shield Your Drink‘.

For one of the biggest shows of the tour, and a venue move, the Sheffield crowd were more than up for it. As the quartet stepped on stage, the room erupted for The Lilacs. Opening with ‘Where’ve You Been Hiding‘, it was lift off right from the start. Churning out fan favourites all night, their dedicated fanbase, who no doubt have attended shows prior to Sheffield on this tour and for sure will be appearing on a day or two for the remainder, never seem to tire of a show no matter how often they see them. ‘Sticky Dancefloors‘, ‘Act Your Age‘ and a cover of The Beautiful South’s ‘Don’t Marry Her‘ had the capacity crowd singing along for a strong start to one of the biggest shows of the tour.

After Ollie Anglesea thanked the sold out crowd for their patience in waiting for the show to finally come around, the room erupted in cheers once again, with normal service soon resuming. ‘Sally‘ had the whole place joining in, and the energy continued to flow through the remainder of the show. ‘Seen It All‘, ‘Grace‘ and finally ‘Vicarage Road‘ concluded The Lilacs triumphant Sheffield return, and one for the history books.