Where – Witton Albion Football Club, Northwich.
When – 23rd/24th August 2025
Sunday 24th
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Victory or Die
Moskito
Slyder Smith & the Oblivion Kids
Takeaway Thieves
Troy Redfern
Trucker Diablo
Dan Byrne
Collateral
Sunday Part Two
The sun was blazing, and the day was in full swing at Rockwich Festival, with half the bands having given their all for the crowd, (see separate review.)The marquee’s larger stage made the space feel open and welcoming, giving fans plenty of room to settle in for the next wave of music.
Victory or Die
The festival had a proper summer fee, with cold drinks, hot food and a stage that kept on delivering. Now it was Victory or Die who came at the crowd with a raw punky energy that instantly grabbed the crowd. Their sound had that, no-nonsense edge I love about punk, driving riffs with plenty of attitude and a rhythm that made it impossible to stand still.
The tent was moving within minutes, and I found myself right there with them, bouncing along. They might not be a household name yet, but they played like a band with nothing to lose and everything to prove. With a handful of singles already out and a heavy touring schedule lined up, they are definitely ones to watch, and I suspect I’ll be hearing them mentioned by others in my circle real soon. I will be catching them at Rockmantic in Grimsby, and I cannot wait.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VictoryOrDieUK
Moskito
Moskito are next and are a band I’ll never have a bad word to say about, simply because they refuse to play it safe. They are fresh, intense, and unpredictable, the kind of band that thrives on chaos and makes it look effortless. They cross lines that most bands wouldn’t even go near at a rock festival, but that is exactly what makes them stand out.
Their set crashed through older releases like Clinomania and Killing Joke, tore into STFU, and then unveiled their brand-new single Satisfaction, which had the place bouncing. Their fans, the Divvy’s, matched the band’s ferocity, screaming lyrics back at full tilt. It was unpredictable, explosive, and brilliant, the sort of set that reminds you why live music is so exciting. If they keep this up, it is only a matter of time before they find themselves on much bigger stages with even bigger crowds to shake up.
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/moskitouk/
Slyder Smith & the Oblivion Kids
With the festival in full swing the atmosphere was primed for an artist who knows exactly how to connect with the Rockwich faithful. Slyder Smith is a firm favourite at Rockwich, and it’s easy to see why. Returning to both the acoustic night and the main stage over the years, he commanded the marquee with charm and skill.
He kicked off with Pleasure Victim, a classic that instantly got everyone moving, other favourites included the laid-back groove of Maya, which had the crowd swaying along. When the Rain Comes has the fans at the front hanging on every note, fully immersed in the performance. He closed his set with a roaring cover of Motörhead’s Bomber, leaving the marquee buzzing and proving that Slyder Smith is as much about fun and energy as he is about musicality and the Rockwich crowd love him.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/slyder.smith
Takeaway Thieves
Just beside it, the social club offered a cooler spot to grab a drink, a bite to eat, or browse through the merch stands and stalls, while catching up with friends and fellow festivalgoers. With laughter, chatter, filling the air, anticipation was building for the rest of the day. The crowd knew it was time for the next act to take over, and Takeaway Thieves were ready to deliver their high-energy, rock-fuelled set, so it was back to the tent to be entertained by this great band.
Takeaway Thieves are entertainment through and through, and there was no let-up in their rock and roll beat. Moving around the stage, they were having such a laugh that the audience couldn’t help but smile. They played songs from both Diamond Point and 9, starting with the beat-fuelled 13 Feathers, setting the mood for a proper rockin’ session.
From there, it was an avalanche of great upbeat songs that were impossible not to move to. Tracks like Hot Cat, Gypsy and Crazy Horse thundered through the tent to the crowd’s delight, before they closed their set the way they started it, with Lose It, a fantastic high-tempo finale that left everyone exhilarated.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/takeawaythieves
Troy Redfern
Troy Redfern returned the music to a bluesy rock and roll feel, and with only him and the drummer on stage, they filled the space with a sound that didn’t need anyone else. Playing a selection of songs from his albums, Troy was on fire.
Tracks like Native, with its underlying tempo that perfectly complements the guitar, Come On, which cranked up the beat, and the foot-tapper Sanctify had the audience fully engaged. With a back catalogue of seven albums, he has no shortage of material to draw from, and his set showcased exactly why he is such a powerful presence on stage.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/troy.redfern.3
Trucker Diablo
Rockwich thrives on big moments, and everyone knew the next set was going to be one of them. Trucker Diablo arrived with swagger, ready to tear into their set. The Irish favourites already had a strong following in the crowd, and the packed marquee was filled with excitement. From the very first track, the energy was sky high, with fans singing every word back at the band. Their big, riff-filled songs landed perfectly, and you could feel the connection between band and crowd growing with each song. By the time they left the stage, their fan base had no doubt swelled even further.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TRUCKERDIABLO
Dan Byrne
Dan Byrne kept the tempo high with his nine-song set that wasted no time in grabbing the audience. His recent single Sentimental got a great response, and the four tracks from his EP, Beginnings went down a storm. Dan’s voice is a real strength, rich and emotive yet clear enough to carry big choruses that had people singing along. Confident and commanding, his set showed just why he is commands so much attention.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/danbyrne8
Collateral
After twelve bands and a day that had flown by in a blur of riffs, cheers and sunshine Rockwich wasn’t done yet. Collateral closed the festival with a headline set that showed exactly why they were chosen for the slot.
They have grown massively in the past couple of years and brought an infectious energy that swept through the crowd. Opening with Original Criminal, they powered through a set that spanned their three albums, including Lullaby, Midnight Queen, and One of Those Days. There was also a poignant moment as they announced it was Ben’s final show, wishing him well before launching into Final Stand in his honour.
Keeping the songs coming they provided such a great party atmosphere that no one wanted it to end. But end it must, and they did it with Mr Big Shot, a song that had the entire tent singing along that sent everyone away on a high. You can’t ask for more than that.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/collateralrocks
This festival may be small, but it packs a punch. The promoters and their team run it with such care and organisation that it always feels effortless from a punters point of view. Year after year it sells out, because it brings in brilliant grassroots talent and creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and full of discovery. It is a place for finding new music, meeting like-minded people, and feeling part of something special. Rockwich really is a little pocket rocket, and I for one cannot wait to be back
If you want a ticket for next years festival which is on 29th/30th August, check out the Rockwich Festival Facebook page, but don’t think you can wait until nearer the time, because as I said, this festival sells out fast …….
Rockwich Festival
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