Dementia Aware Fest 2026 was more than just a showcase of rising rock talent – it was a powerful, loud, and heartfelt celebration of music with purpose. Held under the banner Red by Night, the festival brought together a diverse lineup of bands from across the UK (and beyond), each delivering their own take on modern rock while uniting for a cause that truly matters. From the opening chords to the final encore, this was a festival driven by passion, community, and a genuine love for live music.
Opening the festival was Red by Night, a four-piece rock band from the Black Country who wasted no time in setting the tone. For such a young band, their confidence and stage presence were remarkable. Delivering hard-hitting, hardcore rock with strong, assured vocals, they sounded like a band far beyond their years. Having built a solid following over their four-year journey through festivals and popular venues, it was clear they were already a fan favourite. Their energy was infectious, and as an opener, they couldn’t have done more to get the crowd fired up. This really did feel like a glimpse into the future of rock.
Next up was 4 Foxsake, a London-based four-piece made up of musicians from across the Mediterranean. Bringing full-on classic hard rock vibes, they delivered a set packed with anthemic hooks and heavy riffs. Their singer and guitarist stood out as a commanding frontman, effortlessly engaging with the crowd and owning the stage. Backed brilliantly by the rest of the band, their sound was tight, powerful, and unapologetically old-school. This was hard rock done properly, and judging by the crowd reaction, their growing following is well deserved.
Not Now Norman followed, representing the Scottish Borders with a set full of personality and emotional honesty. Led by a striking female vocalist, she immediately grabbed attention – not least due to the much-celebrated reunion with her missing hat from a previous Giffard Arms appearance. Jokes aside, her stage presence was immense. The band’s songs tackled personal home truths, delivered with sincerity and strong songwriting. Her powerful voice soared above the music, supported by a tight and talented band, making for a set that was both engaging and memorable.
Sheffield’s Baronovich brought a heavier edge, combining hard-hitting riffs with anthemic choruses that blended modern rock with classic influences. This was new-style classic rock done right. The band clearly enjoy performing, frequently bantering with the audience and keeping the atmosphere lively. Their lead singer’s rich, commanding voice anchored the set, while the lead guitarist impressed with technically brilliant solos that never felt excessive. With rhythm guitar, bass, and drums locking everything in place, Baronovich delivered one of the most powerful and well-rounded performances of the day.
Despite being reduced to a three-piece due to their drummer’s absence, Webb delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the festival. With the sound engineer stepping in to add programmed drums, the band powered through with confidence. Their hardcore rock sound hit hard, driven by superb vocals rich in tone and emotion. The standout moment came with a special-request cover of Nights in White Satin, reimagined so effectively that it may forever change how it’s heard. The bass player was phenomenal, darting up and down the fretboard with dizzying skill, making this an unforgettable performance.
From Hereford, Kinstrife brought hard melodic rock infused with strong 80s influences. Their songs were catchy, riff-driven, and packed with energy. The youthful-looking frontman surprised many with his powerful vocal delivery, proving appearances can be deceiving. A brief bass mishap caused a short delay, but it was quickly resolved and barely dented their momentum. Their easy-going banter with both the crowd and each other added warmth and charm, rounding out a very solid and enjoyable set.
One of the most innovative performances came from Shape of Water, a three-piece who truly live up to their name. With no fixed boundaries, their music blends rock with electronic elements, creating something immersive and artistic. Enhanced by striking backdrops, their set invited the audience to sit back and absorb the experience. Powerful vocals, inventive guitar work, and an outstanding drummer combined to produce a performance that felt fresh and forward-thinking. The world really is their oyster.
White Raven Down delivered a set that clearly left a lasting impression. The band set was full of confidence; the crowd response couldn’t have been greater.
The band landed their set perfectly, earning enthusiastic reactions and glowing feedback that only added to the electric atmosphere in the room. It was a performance charged with gratitude as much as power, with the band openly appreciating the love from their ever-growing WRD family. Special thanks were rightly given to Mark Parsley for bringing together such an incredible event, packed with great acts and backed by a top-tier support team, making the night one to remember for everyone involved.
Closing the festival were Departed, a four-piece from the South West who left absolutely nothing on the stage. Drawing clear inspiration from 80s rock while forging their own identity, they delivered an energetic, technically impressive set.
The frontman’s vocals were strong and commanding, matched by show-stopping guitar work from the lead guitarist. With rock-solid bass and drums driving everything forward, their hunger and passion were impossible to ignore. Bigger and better things surely lie ahead for this band.
Dementia Aware Fest 2026 wasn’t just a success – it was a statement. A reminder of how powerful live music can be when talent, heart, and community come together for a meaningful cause.
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