Where – Witton Albion Football Club, Northwich.
When – 23rd/24th August 2025
Sunday 24th Part One
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Following on from a great acoustic night at Rockwich Festival that eased everyone into the weekend, it was now the morning after the night before. The sun was belting down, spirits were high and there was a real anticipation for the day ahead. People mingled, caught up with friends and wandered towards the new marquee set up. The stage was setup at one end, the bar at the other, and a scattering of tables and chairs lined the sides for anyone who needed them. Thirteen bands were ready to entertain, so with drink in hand I’m ready for the day to begin.
Bands in order of appearance
ATLAS
Heartbreak Remedy
Sweet Electric
Sam Millar
Juliet’s Not Dead
ATLAS
Atlas opened with a solid set of melodic rock songs that filled the marquee with energy. Encouraging the crowd to come closer, people slowly edged forward but still kept behind that invisible line at the front of the stage.
As the tent filled, hands began clapping, heads started nodding and a couple of fans even danced right at the front. With two albums under their belt, Atlas gave a real showcase of who they are, combining a polished sound with a bit of 80s-inspired flair. They were a great opener and just what was needed to get the day moving.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/atlasprojectuk
Heartbreak Remedy
With more people strolling into the marquee Heartbreak Remedy brought a lively rock groove that sat perfectly with the festival mood. Their new album, Let the Good
Times Roll, did exactly that and had the tent buzzing. Between tracks they joked about needing people to buy a copy of their album to cover the petrol home, a tongue in cheek nod to the struggles many bands face. Their music spoke for itself as they sang great songs that the crowd loved; my favourites were one about the state of the country called Working Man Blues that had a great raw edge to it and Keep Rollin’ a more punked up track that finished off their set nicely.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/heartbreakremedy
Sweet Electric
Sweet Electric were a whirlwind from the very first note, and their set was pure chaos, in the best way possible. Singer Brad, in his questionable fashion choices that instantly raised a smile, was a ball of unstoppable energy.
He bounced around the stage, over the barrier, through the crowd, belted a cowbell and somehow kept up a pace that looked like he was continually being tasered!! The band were tight, with a barrage of high-voltage rock and roll music that made it impossible to stand still. Every song was big, bold, and relentless, keeping the marquee jumping from start to finish.
At one point Brad actually dislocated his thumb, casually popped it back in, and carried on as though nothing had happened. The crowd lapped it up, shouting, laughing, and joining in with his antics, completely caught up in the moment. By the end I was left exhausted just from watching, and later when I saw him, instead of telling him. They were brilliant, all I could say was “you’re nuts,” which felt about right. They brought an unforgettable burst of energy to the day that had everyone grinning long after they left the stage. A definite highlight of the festival for me, and I suspect for many others.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SweetElectricOfficial
Sam Millar
How do you follow that? You do it with a more relaxed tone and vibe in the shape of Sam Millar, who delivered an impressive set of melodic rock songs with an upbeat feel. Sam had the audience foot tapping and nodding along to his contagious tunes. One fan proudly held a copy of his debut album Virtual Summer, I suspect for signing but and he, along with the rest of us, were delighted to hear most of it played live. My favourites from the set were Fooling Yourself, Dancing on My Own, and Deja Vu, all songs that soaked up the sunshine and carried that perfect summer feel.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sammillarguitar
Juliet’s Not Dead
After cooling off with a drink it was time for Juliet’s Not Dead who have been steadily growing, and this set proved just how far they have come. Their songs are packed with infectious choruses and rhythms that hook you from the off. Playing tracks from their latest album, This World Is Ours, they had the tent singing, swaying, and clapping along. Their music carries that unmistakable summer festival feel, the kind that makes you feel part of something bigger, and shows you why live music matters.
I’ve already got the album in my playlist, and judging by the reaction in the tent, plenty more people will be adding it to theirs.
+ There are no comments
Add yours