Photos and words by Emma Turner
Thousands of music fans gathered over the past weekend for the return of Tramlines festival, bringing together well-established artists and rising stars. Despite the unpredictable weather on the final day, the atmosphere in the crowd was electric no matter the stage.
From Dublin, Ireland came the band Brooki, taking to the Leadmill stage earlier in the day with their alternative rock-infused sound. Lead singer Sarah Brookfield brought raw intensity into the performance through her exasperated vocals, accompanied by heavy drums and jagged guitar riffs. Their confidence and infectious energy made them stand out as one of the most compelling emerging acts.
A few hours later, the crowd for the Leadmill stage was overflowing with eager fans, all waiting to see none other than Bleech 9:3. Having already supported bands such as Keo and Deadletter, the group is growing at a rate that will no doubt have them playing on one of the main stages next year. They captured everyone’s attention immediately. From the first song, vocalist Baz encouraged mosh pits that stayed consistent throughout, before jumping straight onto the barricade to sing to fans. It was absolutely the place to be if you were looking for chaos and relentless drive. Their set relied on thunderous, distorted guitars inspired by 90s grunge, surging into explosive choruses which barely left the crowd with a moment to catch their breath.
Over on the main stage was a staple of the Tramlines line-up, Reverend And The Makers — the embodiment of Sheffield’s musical identity. The local legends had the crowd bouncing, with frontman Jon McClure commanding the stage and their upbeat indie sound encouraging a widespread singalong. Their signature hit, ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World ’, instantly became a defining moment. As it elevated the passion amongst the crowd, suddenly there was a sea of raised arms from the front of the barricade all the way to the back.
Across the festival at T’other stage, Brooke Combe’s set suffered from a delay, causing her to only be able to perform three tracks. However, this unfortunate news didn’t stop the packed tent from dancing along to her music and giving her a warm welcome. Despite the holdup, she still managed to provide one of the most vibrant performances of the day, with uplifting melodies and soulful vocals.
As it got later into the evening, the Tramlines crowd began to split, with some staying put for The Royston Club, and the rest making their way to catch Wet Leg over at the main stage. Emerging through a cloud of smoke, Wet Leg’s rockstar energy shone on stage, mesmerising the crowd and delivering a certain kind of presence that few can achieve. From their crisp guitar work and hypnotic rhythms to the witty and playful lyrics, the group provides music that’s impossible not to dance along to.
Closing the Leadmill stage was Florence Road, a band on the rise due to their astonishing live performances and rapid social media growth. Their sound balances shimmering guitar work with soaring vocals, creating fierce choruses that were genuinely hypnotic to witness live. Their unique softness, mixed with emotion-filled lyrics, built a dreamy and warm atmosphere that surrounded the stage. Fans in the front row were tearing up as they sang every word back to them; the band’s musical impact on their fanbase is clear to see already. With a crowd spilling out beyond the tent, they’re certainly one to keep an eye on.
The main headliner for Sunday was, of course, Wolf Alice, and they ended Tramlines with an unforgettable, breathtaking conclusion. The atmosphere was already charged, but once Wolf Alice stepped out onto the stage, the crowd lost their minds. Confetti immediately rained down onto fans, taking their excitement to a whole new level. With such a diverse range in their discography, there was something for everyone. Mosh pits opened for songs like ‘Yuk Foo’, joined by Ellie Rowsell’s confident and charismatic performance, and she added an edge that matched each song’s tone. ‘Play The Greatest Hits’ even got fans up close with Rowsell as she charged onto the barricade, which was no doubt a moment they’ll cherish. For more dream pop-infused tracks like ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ and ‘bros’, fans were living in the moment, dancing along with friends and projecting their emotions through their voices. Wolf Alice were the perfect way to end Tramlines, their ability to shift between intimate moments and bursts of rock made for the perfect performance that felt both emotional and monumental.
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