Where – Lilliardsedge Park, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
When – 30th/31st August 2025
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Day Two Sunday 31st Aug 2025
After a cracking first day filled with bands to suit every taste, the campsite slowly stirs back to life, bleary-eyed but eager for more. For those who haven’t stayed on site, the gates are open at midday, the crowds are pouring in, and the stage is set for another round of carefully picked music. So, let’s dive straight into what day two had in store.
The bands today are:
Western End
Lucy Tay
Billy Reekie
Bay City Rollers
Venga boys
Nathan Carter
Example
Travis
At one o’clock Western End take to the stage opening day two inside the big blue top, while the sun shone outside. Hailing from Hawick, their blend of upbeat country folk music soon came alive, especially when they launched into Pogues favourites Dirty Old Town and Sally MacLennane, both of which added a spark and a proper feel-good vibe and showing those who didn’t know them where their influences came from. A banner waved proudly by family and friends showed just how special this first festival outing was for the band. Mixing their own material with crowd-pleasing covers, they struck the balance perfectly, with their infectious energy.
Western End Facebook https://www.facebook.com/westernendband
From Bellshill in Glasgow, Lucy Tay was up next, and by now the tent was packed as she announced it was her biggest crowd to date. Cowboy hat on and guitar in hand, Lucy owned the stage alongside her band, delivering a set full of self penned country songs and a fun rendition of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.” She also shared a song about a guy she fancied who didn’t fancy her back, his loss, as here she was playing to hundreds who loved every note she sung. Brimming with enthusiasm and gratitude, she closed with an upbeat tribute to her hometown, Glasgow, before signing off cheekily with, “Edgefest, you’re the best thing I’ve ever had!”
Lucy has another gig coming up on Friday 10th October in Macsorley’s in Glasgow, so why not get yourself along and give her your support.
Lucy Tay Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lucytaymusic
Video
Glasgow https://youtu.be/FiUOchS61bU?si=uxQMtEfYfxsKjfgo
Billy Reekie’s set may have only been 15 minutes, but he made every second count. Joined by his band, he hit the ground running and immediately struck up a connection with the crowd. His upbeat originals filled the tent with energy, showcasing both his voice and his knack for a catchy tune. It might have been a short slot, but it was enough to leave an impression and win over plenty of new fans. With his new single Easier due out on 12th September, it’s well worth keeping up with him on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Billy Reekie Facebook https://www.facebook.com/billyreekieofficial
What can you say about the Bay City Rollers? Nostalgia by the bucket load, even if Woody is the only original member left. The tent was rammed with fans young and old, with tartan scarves held high as the band reeled off the classics and had the crowd eating out of their hands.
Midway through came a run of covers, David Bowie’s “Suffragette City,” Dusty Springfield’s “I Only Want to Be with You,” and The Ramones’ “Baby I Love You,” all huge crowd-pleasers. With a history spanning over fifty years, they rolled out hit after hit to the crowd’s delight. It was impossible not to tap your feet as the memories came flooding back — a perfect choice for Edgefest.
To cap it off, bassist Mikey Smith popped out afterwards for a photo with a girl at the barrier, showing that the Rollers are still all about the fans.
Bay City Rollers
Video
Keep on Rollin’ https://youtu.be/r8Xl-hQdK_c?si=aJ7UPZd6KOdPYodw
How do you follow the Bay City Rollers? With the Vengaboys of course! The line-up at Edgefest really did have something for everyone, from grannies to parents, and from teenagers to kids. Judging by the number of people I spoke to, this was the act most were waiting for. As soon as the Vengaboys hit the stage, a huge roar filled the big top. With crowd-pleasers like “We’re Going to Ibiza” and “Barbie Girl,” the place was bouncing. They then fired through a mashup of anthems, “The Final Countdown,” “Jump,” “I Love Rock and Roll,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” all given the Venga dance treatment. At one point they even had the entire
tent stepping left, then right (well, nearly everyone), and the joy on faces was impossible to miss. There’s no doubting if you want to step up a gear at a festival and get that party atmosphere, The Vengaboys have got you covered.
Venga boys Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vengaboys
Nathan Carter, one of Ireland’s country music stars, brought his charisma and powerful vocals to Edgefest with a set that showed exactly why he’s at the top of the modern country scene. Backed by his five-piece band, who were given a great reception from the crowd, Nathan delivered hits such as Wagon Wheel and The Lucky Man along side other self penned songs.
His keyboard player impressed by juggling keys, flute, and sax, while the fiddle and drums kept the energy high as Nathan sung. He added in a song written in Temple Bar that added a personal touch, while another song lit up the tent with phones waving. To round things off, his cover of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You had the whole place singing along.
Nathan Carter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NathanCarterOfficial
Video
Cannibals https://youtu.be/2ZaYOFUco1E?si=OZOSPIaF8LZwmv_u
Example changed the direction of the music yet again, and with lights and smoke the big top was transformed into a full-on dance and electronic pop party. Backed by his DJ, he cranked up the energy and had the crowd moving as the beats boomed out into the wider festival area. With around ten albums behind him, including his latest released in 2022, and chart-topping hits like Changed the Way, You Kiss Me, Kickstarts and Won’t Go Quietly, Example proved why he’s one of the UK’s most versatile performers, effortlessly mixing different genres of music, that got everyone moving to the point that his set felt like an exciting exercise class!
Example Facebook https://www.facebook.com/leadingbyexample?locale=en_GB
Now it was time for the headliners, and Travis stepped up to show Edgefest how it’s done. From the first chord, it was obvious just how many people in this big blue tent knew their songs. Classics such as Driftwood, Writing to Reach You, and Flowers in the Window had the tent singing along like one big, slightly off-key choir.
Fran Healy took a moment between tracks to chat with the crowd, reminding us that no matter what politicians tell us, we’re all on the same side, and the tent cheered like we’d just won a gold medal. That sentiment led perfectly into Side, and later, when he asked everyone to think of someone who truly loves them, Travis delivered Closer with a warmth that made phones light up the tent.
They flew through their set with a mix of energy and ease that made it feel effortless, the kind of set where you sway, sing, laugh, and wonder where the time went. But, just like Olly Murs’ set on Saturday, it seemed over far too quickly.
Of course, Travis saved the best for last. Their encore, Why Does It Always Rain on Me, came with a challenge: pogo for the last chorus. And pogo we did, friends bouncing into friends, laughter erupting, a few near-collisions, all part of the fun. By the time the final note faded, the tent was buzzing with joy, hoarse voices, smiles everywhere, and memories made.
And that was Edgefest 2025, done, dusted, and utterly unforgettable.
Travis Facebook https://www.facebook.com/travistheband?locale=en_GB
Video
Sing https://youtu.be/eYO1-gGWJyo?si=WE0bH69k0PfdWb1N
Flowers in the Window https://youtu.be/AFvfX3Mfd9E?si=WuNoyrc8hK5dg08Q
Edgefest 2025 couldn’t have wrapped up in finer style. Across the weekend, the security were brilliant, engaging with punters and making getting in as painless as possible. The sound engineers also deserve a big shout-out, perfectly nailing it set after set. The atmosphere was full of laughter and friendly banter with people you knew and those you’d just met. From start to finish, it proved to be more than just a music festival, it was a coming together of like-minded people, and a much-needed asset to the Scottish Borders.
+ There are no comments
Add yours