Winterstorm Festival – Year 9, Day Two

Troon Town Hall – planB
Review by Darren McIntyre
Photos by Scott Anderson

lineupsAs Winterstorm rolls confidently into its ninth year, the seaside town of Troon once again proves why this festival has become a must-attend event on the UK rock calendar. Since launching in 2016, Winterstorm has consistently delivered world-class line-ups within an atmosphere that is as welcoming as it is electrifying. Fans travel from far and wide to be part of a community built on shared passion, great music, and a genuine sense of togetherness.

stormtroopersWhat makes Winterstorm truly special is how smoothly it operates. From the Stormtroopers and booking team to sound engineers, lighting crew, stagehands, and vendors, the festival runs like a well-oiled machine. Having attended since year one—first as a fan and now as a reviewer and interviewer for Jace Media Music—it’s a joy to see the event grow year on year while retaining its soul.

Friday’s action kicked off at midday, and from the opening note it was clear Day Two was stacked with quality.

This House We Built had the honor of opening proceedings and did so with confidence and class. The Scarborough quartet has been steadily building momentum since 2019, and their anthemic songwriting feels tailor-made for large stages. Drawing heavily from their latest album, Get Out of the Rain, tracks such as Coming Home to You, Broken Dream, and Rain immediately warmed the crowd. Infectious, uplifting, and polished, this was a strong statement from a band clearly on the rise.

On the Sessions Stage, Annastaisyer made her Winterstorm debut and left a lasting impression. The Stevenston-based singer-songwriter possesses a powerful, emotive voice, backed by a tight and experienced band. Between songs, she shared deeply personal stories, including her journey into using a wheelchair, adding real emotional weight to her performance. Honest, moving, and fearless, she is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

Kent rockers Collateral brought pure, riff-driven energy to the main stage. Formed in 2018, the band have earned their stripes through relentless touring, including support slots with Skid Row and Bon Jovi. Frontman Angelo’s kilt mishap raised a few laughs, but musically the band was razor sharp, tearing through Midnight Queen, Glass Sky, Lullaby, Mr. Big Shot, On the Long Road, and Merry Go Round. A proven crowd-pleasing force.

Starlight,Glasgow trio Eld Varg followed with a blast of no-nonsense heavy metal. Riding high on the release of their new album Destroyer, the band delivered a gritty, high-impact set featuring Destroyer, Black Starlight and Wolfpack, injecting some serious volume into the chilly Ayrshire afternoon.

Next up, Powell Payne showcased slick, melodic AOR at its finest. Featuring former members of Psycho Kiss and Airrace, the band—now signed to Frontiers Records—drew a healthy crowd and justified the attention with an uplifting set that included The Storm, Taking Back Yesterday, and No Escape. Confident, polished, and clearly going places.

Sessions Stage favourites FangSlinger brought their gothic western metal theatrics to life with flair. The trio—FangSlinger, BloodRose, and Hangman—blended sleaze, groove, and dark storytelling through tracks such as Bloodsucker Blues, Bare Your Teeth, We Are the Night, and The Lost Souls Saloon. A bold and distinctive performance that turned heads.

Derby blues-rock powerhouse These Wicked Rivers delivered one of the day’s standout sets. Having interviewed the band previously, it was clear they had grown into a formidable live act. Frontman Arran’s high-energy stage presence lit up the hall as the band powered through Force of Nature, Black Gold, Evergreen, Testify, Shine On, and the outstanding closer Don’t Pray for Me. A band firing on all cylinders.

Scottish punk legends The Skids were a personal highlight. Formed in Dunfermline in 1977 by Stuart Adamson and Richard Jobson, their influence remains undeniable. The band delivered a blistering set including Charade, Masquerade, Complete Control, Working for the Yankee Dollar, The Saints Are Coming, and Into the Valley, the latter bringing the hall to its feet in a moment of pure nostalgia-fueled joy.

Lancaster-based Wytch Hazel offered something completely different, transporting Troon back to the 1970s with their medieval-inspired aesthetic and classic heavy rock sound. Cloaks, capes, and a strong sense of theater accompanied tracks such as I Am Redeemed, Still We Fight, Archangel, Woven, Spirit & Fire, and Healing Power. A unique and memorable performance that undoubtedly earned them new fans.

Over on the Sessions Stage, Cologne rockers Sweet Electric turned up the heat with their unapologetic, high-octane rock ’n’ roll. Fronted by the magnetic Brad Marr, the band ripped through Hard Times, Heir to the Throne, Killer Katherina, and the explosive Party Rock Anthem, delivering one of the most energetic sets of the day.

Closing Friday night in spectacular fashion were glam rock icons Sweet. With Andy Scott—now 76 and the last remaining original member—still leading the charge, the band delivered a hit-packed 14-song set that celebrated their legendary catalogue. From Action through Teenage Rampage, Wig-Wam Bam, Little Willy, Fox on the Run, and Blockbuster, the night ended in emphatic style with Ballroom Blitz, leaving the crowd chanting for more.

Day Two of Winter Storm Year 9 was a perfect blend of old, new, and everything in between—proof that this festival continues to deliver unforgettable moments year after year.