Wildfire Festival – Grassroots Music For The Rock Community

Where – Wanlockhead Inn, Scotland

When – 26th/28^th June 2026

Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott

Day Three – Sunday 28^th June

Day three of Wildfire Festival at The Wanlockhead Inn, Scotland’s highest pub. (See separate reviews for days one and two.) A festival packed with brilliant grassroots rock bands that brings the rock community together.

The heavy rain overnight had finally eased, and despite a grey start, it was dry as I made my way over to the pub. Passing the campsite, people were up and about, although a few looked a little worse for wear after another great night. Whether that was down to the weather or the celebrations, I’m not entirely sure!

Today was fancy dress day with a cowboy theme and with FangSlinger in town, it was definitely the day for the undead and lost souls.

Opening at 11am, Permacrisis wasted no time making an impression. The young Kirkcaldy band blasted heavy metal through the tent, attracting an impressive crowd for the first act of the day. With an EP due out in September, they gave us a taster of what’s to come and it’s certainly one to look out for. For such a young band, they were hugely impressive, not only with their songs and musicianship but with the confidence they showed on stage. They knew exactly how to involve the audience too. Phone torches lit up the tent during their slowest song before the crowd happily split down the middle for a wall of death. They rounded things off with the excellent self-titled Permacrisis. I’d really like to see them appearing on more festival bills because they’re exactly the sort of band that will keep the grassroots scene thriving.

Not Now Norman kept the pace high with Taylor-Grace leading the way through a set packed with attitude and honest songwriting. Complete with her trademark make-up and feathered hat, the band launched into songs from both albums. After saying that she had “shitty taste in men,” much to the amusement of the crowd and with confirmation from her dad, who also happens to be the band’s guitarist, they launched into Bad Liar before Why Don’t You Like Me had everyone clapping along.

The most powerful moment came with Shut Your Mouth. Taylor-Grace explained how she’d written it after being assaulted by an ex in Newcastle city centre, and how he hadn’t wanted anyone to know. She turned that experience into a song and included other survivors in the video. The crowd were completely behind her before the band finished a superb set with What I Want, undoubtedly gaining plenty of new fans.

Next up were Domapé, making both their Wildfire and Scottish debut. The singer joked that it was also the first time his family had seen him play and they were probably wondering what on earth he was doing. I, however, knew exactly what he was doing. The Norwich band have a groove all of their own, from the melodic Beauty and the Beast to the audience participation during Heartstrings, they made a great first impression and are definitely worth checking out.

The day was now in full swing, with plenty of laughter and smiles around the festival, as Edinburgh’s Holyrude Vault took to the stage. Their lively rock ‘n’ roll set soon had the tent moving. Opening with Answers, they quickly gathered a crowd before powering through energetic tracks including Round & Round and Skin &Bones. Their mix of upbeat rock songs and infectious melodies kept the feel-good atmosphere going, with plenty of feet tapping around the tent. Slowing things down briefly before lifting the pace again, they finished another strong set that was warmly received by the Wildfire crowd.

After a few technical issues, Manchester’s The Heir Apparition got underway, apologising for coming from “the wrong side of the border” before opening with the cracking single The Others. They immediately found their stride with an energetic set built around songs from their album Part 1: Broken Crowns. The heavier Evil Things contrasted perfectly with the beautifully melodic The Dancers in the Dark, and by the end of the set their album had already found its way onto my playlist. They’re definitely a band I’ll be looking out for again.

With cowboy hats everywhere, it was the perfect time for FangSlinger to ride into town. Opening with Bloodsucker Blues, they quickly had the tent bouncing before encouraging everyone to join in with Bare Your Teeth. Their stage presence draws you straight into their undead redneck world, while sharing lead vocals adds another dimension to their sound.

The crowd also got an early preview of forthcoming single Undead Redneck, due for release in October. It sticks to the formula that works so well, it’s hard-hitting, anthemic rock with huge singalong choruses. Welcome to the Lost Souls Saloon is still an album I play regularly, and the new material suggests there’s plenty more to look forward to.

What can you say about Ransom? Quite a lot, actually. After packing out the pub with their covers set the previous night, the tent was full of people eager to hear their own songs, and they certainly weren’t disappointed.

There’s something about Ransom that simply makes people smile. Their enthusiasm is infectious, they look like they’re playing to an arena rather than a festival tent, and they involve the audience every chance they get. With it being cowboy day there was even a bit of line dancing added in just for the hell of it. Matt’s stories between songs are as entertaining as the music itself. Introducing Even Nuns Watch Porn, he explained how it had never been played on the radio before launching into a burst of fast, feel-good rock ‘n’ roll. I loved every minute of the set. Looking around, I wasn’t the only one smiling. I may just have to start campaigning for more Ransom at more festivals.

After a wee break for food and a catch-up with other festival-goers about who they’d discovered over the weekend, it was back into the tent.

Skies Turn Black brought something completely different with their electronic metal sound, dual vocalists and even a keytar adding another dimension to the performance. Songs from Broken Hearts and Bad Habits showcased some clever songwriting, while Edge of the World, written about mental health, steadily built into a haunting and emotional performance that clearly connected with the audience.

Recent single Playing With Fire, about struggling with alcohol, began quietly before exploding into a thunderous rhythm and a powerful roar that drove the song forward. It was an epic performance that left a lasting impression.

Australian rockers Big Red Fire Truck bounded onto the stage all fur coat, smiles, and energy. After introducing Roy, their stand-in bass player for the tour, they launched into a set packed with catchy 80s-inspired rock. The frontman Digby joked that he must have Scottish blood in him, whether it be his ginger hair or his appreciation of a good drink, I’m not sure but he was rewarded by a big cheer from the crowd.

Tokyo Karaoke Bar had everyone joining in as he stepped into the audience to make sure nobody was standing still, although he really didn’t need to worry on that score. He also thanked everyone for the support, saying crowds like this are hard to come by back home in Australia. Psychotropic Thunder was another standout song and with Ben now on Digby’s shoulders their whole performance was magical.

Bringing Wildfire Festival to a close were Thieves of Liberty, and they couldn’t have been a better choice. I love their music because there’s an honesty to it that’s hard to beat. Great riffs, soaring guitar solos, driving rhythms and James’ impressive vocals combined to lift the whole tent.

Having not seen them for a couple of years, it was great to hear they have been working on new material with another album on the horizon. Alongside favourites from Shangri-La, they introduced newer songs including Better Believe, a fantastic melodic rock track that I’d love to see released as their next single.

The heavier Sick Pup and Rabbit Hole kept the momentum going before one of the highlights saw Kieran and Liam step into the crowd for a brilliant guitar duel. Honestly, how do you separate two musicians that talented? They finished with Shangri-La, but the crowd weren’t ready for the weekend to end. Calls for “one more song” brought the band back for not one but two encore tracks, bringing Wildfire Festival 2026 to a fantastic close.

What a weekend. Great bands, excellent organisation, and amazing memories made despite the bonkers weather.

Best of all, the incredible Wildfire community raised more than £600 for Teenage Cancer Trust. If it’s something you’d like to support, you can find out more at www.teenagecancertrust.org

Until next year, Wildfire

Bands Facebook Pages

Thieves of Liberty

https://www.facebook.com/ThievesOfLiberty

Big Red Fire Truck

https://www.facebook.com/brftband

Skies Turn Black

https://www.facebook.com/SkiesTurnBlack

Ransom

https://www.facebook.com/TheRansomUK

Fangslinger

https://www.facebook.com/FangSlinger