Where – Wanlockhead, Scotland
When – 26th/28th June 2026
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Day One – Friday 26th June
Welcome to Scotland! And what a welcome it is, especially for rockers making the climb to The Wanlockhead Inn, the highest pub in the country, for three days of grassroots music. Music fans head to this usually quiet village, where sheep roam freely through the streets and surrounding hills, while locals happily make room for campers and motorhomes for the weekend.
I arrived on Thursday evening ready for the weekend ahead, but Wanlockhead had a surprise in store. While much of the country was basking in sunshine, the heavens opened at around 2am. Thunder rolled overhead, lightning lit up the sky, and the rain battered the roof of the camper van for the best part of 2 hours. I’ll admit, I did wonder if a tin box was the best place to be, although I felt sorrier for those in tents! By morning, the storm had passed, leaving warm, humid air that promised one thing for certain, the midges were going to have a great weekend too.
With over thirty bands on the bill and eight set to kick things off today, the stage is set for a weekend of fantastic music, great company, and plenty of memories to be made.
Today’s Bands
Stay For Tomorrow
Atomic Mother
Six Year Silence
A New Nowhere
Hard Buds
Bad Actress
Pyroclast
Sisters Doll
Stay For Tomorrow had the honour of opening Wildfire 2026, and they wasted no time getting the growing crowd involved. Featuring keyboards the four-piece band quickly had the hot and steamy tent’s full attention with a set that mixed heavier tunes with a ballad, showing both sides of the band. Their rendition of Slither left nobody in any doubt where some of their influences come from, before playing the brilliant single Villains to round off a fantastic start to the week.
One thing that caught my eye during their set was a fan at the front, completely lost in the music and dancing as though nobody else was there. Seeing people enjoy themselves like that is what festivals are all about.
Stay For Tomorrow
https://www.facebook.com/StayForTomorrowOfficial
Aberdeen’s Atomic Mother grabbed the crowd by the proverbial balls and gave them a good shake. Their heavy rock sound filled the tent before one lucky fan, Kev, was invited on stage for the hugely important role of shouting “Woo!” before making a swift exit. It was silly, unexpected and had everyone laughing. A surprise burst of Livin’ La Vida Loca caught everyone off guard but had the crowd singing along at full volume, before the band got back to business with their latest single, Fire. When they announced their final song, the loud chorus of boos told you everything you needed to know about how no one wanted them to stop.
Atomic Mother
https://www.facebook.com/Atomicmother1
Keeping the heavy sound rolling, Six Year Silence hit hard from the very first note. Songs including My Enemy and King To A Clown showcased a band that reminded me of Florence Black, and that’s meant as a real compliment. Go listen to the album and you’ll nod your head in agreement. The energy never dipped, the vocals were huge and they gave both existing fans and newbies plenty to enjoy. I’ll definitely be downloading their music and adding them to my playlist.
Six Year Silence
https://www.facebook.com/Sixyearsilence
Bringing a little bit of a relaxed edge, A New Nowhere gave everyone an insight into what they’re all about. Neurotic and I Don’t Feel highlighted the band’s melodic side before Never Be The Same began gently and then burst into something much heavier, getting heads nodding around the tent. They finished with their latest single, Downright Dead Beat, a catchy track that had me bopping along from the start. There really wasn’t anything not to like.
A New Nowhere
https://www.facebook.com/anewnowhere
By now the humidity was taking its toll, making it hot and sticky both inside and outside the tent. Inbetween bands the bar was busy, for hydration purposes of course! Drinks were flowing and there was a relaxed atmosphere around the festival as everyone enjoyed the first full day of music.
If Hard Buds weren’t already on your radar, they certainly should be. The Spanish rockers music was bursting with energy from the moment they stepped on stage and never eased off. It’s Never To Late oozed energy and had the headbangers banging. With the weather playing a prominent part today, they launched into the very apt Thunderstorm, with more than a hint of AC/DC and Airbourne about them, and the crowd were loving it. They had everyone shouting “Hey!” when asked as they built up momentum. Fire somehow lifted things another notch before they rounded off their set with It’s Rock and Roll, leaving everyone singing along to the easy to learn chorus and cheering for more.
Hard Buds
https://www.facebook.com/HardBuds
There was something infectious about Bad Actress. The four young lads from Inverness looked like they were having the time of their lives and took the crowd along for the ride. Packed with upbeat rock songs, a superb vocal performance and plenty of solos and interaction, they had the tent clapping and singing along in no time. After thanking fans for helping raise £7,000 towards a new van, they launched into Never Felt More Alive and had me wanting to reach for my air guitar……… and there’s not too many bands that’ll make me do that!
Bad Actress
https://www.facebook.com/badactressband
Next up were Pyroclast, with their epic tales that draw you in and take you on a journey. Powerful guitar riffs combined with Mark’s commanding vocals echoed in every corner of the tent. Songs the likes of Pyroclast and The Judge are the foundations to their heavy metal music, those along with my personal favourite, Brought By A Flame, they really were on fire… (see what I did there?) David Bisset joined them for one song and produced impressive soaring notes that really caught everyone’s attention. Oh! And if you’ve never seen the video for Brought By A Flame, go watch it, it’s epic.
Pyroclast
https://www.facebook.com/pyroclastrocks
The variety of bands throughout the day had offered something for every rock fan, but there was still one more band to bring Friday night to a close.
The Australian brothers, Sisters Doll, who were playing the final date of their It’s A Good Day To Be Alive, UK and Ireland tour, finished the opening day in style. The tent was buzzing and, if I’m not mistaken, the ladies had secured their places at the front long before the band took to the stage. Anthem after anthem kept the crowd singing along, while Sage’s bass solo and Bryce’s laser gloves added something extra to an already entertaining show. One lovely moment saw Austin lean over the front of the stage to let the young lad who had been there all day join in on the guitar. Playing songs from across their three albums they didn’t disappoint. Songs such as United, Dollhouse and It’s A Good Day To Be Alive rocked the tent.
When the band announced they would be back in the UK next year, the news was met with a huge cheer. It was a brilliant way to round off a fantastic first day at the festival.
Sisters Doll
https://www.facebook.com/sistersdoll
Wildfire isn’t just about the music; it’s also about supporting a fantastic cause. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can buy raffle tickets for the chance to win signed memorabilia, drum skins and even a pair of signed Sisters Doll boxer shorts, complete with a generous splash of aftershave. Every ticket sold helps raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, proving once again that the rock community are amazing.
To support the Trust and find out more, please visit
So, day one is done and dusted, and what an opener it’s been. We’ve had heavy, melodic, glam, metal and everything in between, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Tomorrow promises another fantastic mix of bands, with the music getting underway from 11am. As for me, it’s time to call it a night… even if the party in the bar is only just getting started.
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