Review and Photos By Fraser Allen
Festivals come and go, but when the Margate Rock Festival in Kent was announced, it instantly caught my attention. The lineup promised a mix of bands I’d seen before and some new discoveries, sparking my curiosity. Like most festivalgoers, I set up a playlist to familiarize myself with the artists, immersing myself in the music as the date drew closer. There was, however, a hiccup—Cobra Spell, one of the festival’s anticipated acts, had to pull out due to visa complications, dampening the excitement slightly. But as the day approached, any doubts I had quickly melted away.
The festival’s structure was unique and brilliantly executed. With two stages positioned to minimize downtime, each band kicked off at its designated slot. When a set ended, there was a brief five-minute gap, allowing the crowd to rush to the next stage where the next band was ready to start. This tight schedule meant a steady, uninterrupted stream of music all day long, a rarity that kept the energy high. There was no waiting around or awkward pauses—just a seamless flow from one performance to the next.
Stepping outside the main festival area at Dreamland, I found an array of food trucks offering a decent (though a bit pricey) selection of festival staples. For those looking to explore a bit, the festival offered re-entry, allowing attendees to venture into Margate to grab a bite. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere was an acoustic duo, Sunset Alley, stationed outside, serenading festival-goers who took a breather from the rock and metal marathon. The entire setup created a sense of camaraderie, with friendly, engaging staff who seemed as thrilled by the experience as the attendees.
Circadia, a five-piece rock band fronted by the formidable Mecia Jade, opened the day with an unforgettable set. Her powerful vocals blended seamlessly with the band’s heavy, melodic backing, setting a high bar for the performances to follow. While Circadia’s Spotify discography was limited, it had left a mark on me prior to the festival. Sadly, just days later, the band announced they were disbanding, a disappointing reminder of the challenges bands face on the road.
From Circadia’s melodic rock, we moved up to the main stage for Pryma, a four-piece from Herne Bay. I’ve seen them a few times now, and they never disappoint. With Gabrielle’s intense, heavy vocals leading the charge, Pryma is a thrilling live experience, delivering massive soundscapes with tight, catchy riffs that resonate long after the set ends. This was by far the best I’ve seen them perform; each member brought their A-game, making it a memorable highlight of the festival.
In the ballroom, the crowd’s excitement peaked as Drones—a heavy, Kent-based band fronted by the dynamic Rosie—stormed the stage, immediately commanding attention with their fierce energy. The lights dimmed, and as the first notes erupted from the amps, the audience knew they were in for something unforgettable. Rosie, with her bold makeup and unmistakable presence, led the band with an intensity that radiated across the room, her voice cutting through the air with raw power and conviction. Her energy was contagious, infusing each song with a visceral edge that pulled the crowd in deeper with every lyric. Drones are, without a doubt, a band to keep an eye on, and their performance tonight proved that they are ready to take on bigger stages and larger audiences. It’s exciting to think about where they’re headed next, and I’m already looking forward to catching them live again, knowing that their next show will only build on the incredible energy and artistry they showcased tonight.
On the main stage, Canterbury’s own Famyne took over, filling the venue with a powerful, atmospheric presence that immediately drew the crowd in. As the band launched into their first song, they unleashed a captivating doom-metal set that seemed to echo with the very spirit of the genre, draped in dark, sludgy riffs that pulsed through the audience. Each note felt heavy and deliberate, creating a thick sonic landscape that enveloped everyone in its path, casting a spell that was impossible to break.
At the heart of it all was vocalist Tom, who stood out as a magnetic force on stage, his haunting voice channeling vibes reminiscent of Hawkwind and bringing a mystical energy to the performance. His vocals were layered with a sense of intensity and almost ritualistic passion, guiding the crowd through the immersive, otherworldly journey that Famyne is known for. With every deep, reverberating riff and Tom’s resonant voice soaring over the music, the crowd was utterly entranced, swaying and nodding in sync as though hypnotized by the weight of the music.
Famyne’s performance demonstrated why they have cultivated such a loyal and dedicated following. Their unique sound—an intricate blend of traditional doom-metal foundations with progressive and psychedelic elements—has set them apart in the heavy music scene, and they proved that uniqueness tonight with every haunting, sludgy chord. Their connection to the audience was palpable, and as each song built upon the last, the crowd was drawn deeper into Famyne’s world, captivated by the sheer emotion and skill displayed by each member of the band.
By the end of their set, the atmosphere was thick with appreciation and awe; fans seemed to linger in the moment, reluctant to let the experience fade. Famyne’s performance was a testament to their artistry and the power of doom metal, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling acts on the festival circuit today.
The Color Blind Monks from Surrey, fronted by Phoebe Rose, lightened the tone slightly, bringing a more accessible, bouncy energy to the lineup. Despite being a bit lighter than other acts, they held their own and gave a memorable performance that added to the day’s musical diversity.
With Cobra Spell unable to perform, Stormborn from London took their slot on the main stage. I only discovered them a couple of days prior, but they quickly became one of my favorite acts. Their soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and driving power metal sound made them a standout, bringing a level of musicality that left a lasting impression.
The 70s-inspired, fuzzed-out tones of London’s The Lunar Effect came next, adding a rich layer of nostalgia to the day’s offerings. With gritty riffs and retro vibes, they transported the audience to a different era, showing the festival’s commitment to offering a wide spectrum of rock.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew charged with anticipation, and Collateral stepped onto the stage with all the confidence and energy of a band at the top of their game. From the first chord, they had the crowd wrapped around their fingers, launching into a series of infectious, sing-along hits that had everyone joining in. Angelo Tristan, with his powerful, soulful vocals, led the band through each track, his voice resonating across the crowd with a clarity and strength that demonstrated just how far they’ve come in their musical journey.
It was clear that Collateral’s hard work and commitment to their craft had paid off, as each track showcased a maturity and depth that only comes from years of honing their skills. They exuded a stage presence that filled the venue, with Angelo engaging the crowd between songs, sharing stories, and connecting with the audience on a personal level. By the time they reached the final songs of their set, the entire venue was buzzing, and the band’s infectious energy had left a lasting impact. Collateral proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their performance only left fans eagerly awaiting their next show.
Back downstairs, Kent’s own Black Rose picked up the pace, keeping the crowd’s energy at a peak with their infectious, hard-hitting sound. Baz and the band were in top form, delivering a string of fan-favorite tracks that had the audience singing along and cheering with every riff. Known for their magnetic stage presence and tight, polished performances, Black Rose proved once again why they’re considered festival favorites. Baz commanded the stage with ease, interacting with the crowd and drawing them deeper into the music, each note resonating with the raw power that fans have come to love.
London’s Devere kept the momentum going in the ballroom with a spirited set reminiscent of an 80s rock show, featuring guitarist Mike Wroe and frontman Sam Cassidy. Their energy and showmanship were infectious, proving that classic rock has a lasting appeal.
Florence Black took to the main stage with high energy and anticipation, poised to deliver one of the festival’s standout performances. However, as their set unfolded, it became clear that technical difficulties were working against them. From mic dropouts to sudden bursts of feedback, these issues hampered their sound quality and disrupted the flow of their performance, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a high-impact set. The band soldiered on with determination, giving their all despite the frustrations, and their dedication did not go unnoticed by their loyal fans, who cheered them on in support.
While the setbacks were disappointing for both Florence Black and the crowd, they highlighted the overall quality of the festival’s production, as the day’s events had otherwise run smoothly and seamlessly. In the end, this rare flaw was a minor blip in an otherwise meticulously organized festival, and it only served to underscore the skill and resilience of the artists who performed.
Watch Hazel brought a distinctly retro vibe to the festival, infusing the stage with the spirit of the 60s and 70s through their unique style and sound. Decked out in an all-white aesthetic, from their outfits to their instruments, the band created a cohesive visual presence that was impossible to ignore. Their classic rock sound, rich with vintage riffs and soulful melodies, transported the audience back in time, while their polished, confident energy kept the performance feeling fresh and alive. With a performance that seamlessly blended nostalgia and originality, they rounded out the lineup, adding a memorable flair and standing out as one of the festival’s most distinctive acts. It was a set that left fans buzzing, struck by both the band’s throwback style and their undeniable charisma on stage.
Finally, the day ended with a triumphant homecoming as Margate’s own Ben Ward stormed the stage with his band, Orange Goblin. With an electrifying performance that encapsulated the essence of true heavy metal, they delivered a powerhouse set that had the crowd roaring with energy. Every riff and thundering beat seemed to resonate deeply with the audience, uniting them in the raw spirit of rock. Ward’s commanding presence and the band’s tight, thunderous sound made them the ideal headliners to close out a festival brimming with rock talent. It was a fitting finale that left fans both exhilarated and yearning for more.
From start to finish, Margate Rock Festival was an incredible experience. The organization, diverse lineup, and positive energy from both staff and fans made it unforgettable. I can only hope it was a success for the organizers because I, for one, am already looking forward to next year!
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