Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl once again became home to the UK’s most unique festival this summer, as Rock N Roll Circus stretched its wings across five nights. What started life as a curious marriage of circus flair and live music now feels like a fully realised Sheffield landmark. This year’s event showcased it all: rock giants, pop icons, local legends, and new voices ready to claim their place.
Wednesday & Thursday – Queens of the Stone Age
The festival opened midweek with a thunderous double hit from Queens of the Stone Age, their first Sheffield appearances in 25 years. Josh Homme and company tore through No One Knows, Go With the Flow, and A Song for the Dead with the kind of raw power only they can conjure. Side-stage circus performers mirrored the chaos overhead, while the band’s swagger shook the tent to its core. Two nights and one unforgettable opening statement.
Friday – Bryan Adams
Friday switched tone but not energy. Bryan Adams proved the surprise of the weekend, reminding everyone why he remains one of rock’s most beloved voices. Timeless anthems like Summer of ’69 and (Everything I Do) I Do It For You were belted back at him by thousands, while newer songs held their own with grit and warmth. His voice was rock-solid—raspy in the right places, soaring when needed. This wasn’t just nostalgia; it was proof of an artist still at the top of his game. Surprise duets with Cassyette and Mel C sealed the deal.
Saturday – Reverend and the Makers
Saturday night belonged to Sheffield. Celebrating 20 years together, Reverend and the Makers delivered a headline set that had elements of day fever, Steve Bracknall, reflection, humour and circus! A truly triumphant homecoming. Singer Jon McClure was electric, prowling the stage as the band fired through old fan faves and newer, equally as strong material. The mix of nostalgia and showmanship made this a standout of the whole festival—an example of how to headline with heart and authority.
Sunday – James
Closing night was entrusted to James, who balanced euphoria and intimacy with ease. Their catalogue, spanning four decades, provided both soaring moments and reflective pauses. It wasn’t about spectacle but connection—a finale that allowed the festival to breathe out after five nights of intensity.
Nostalgia & Pop Surprises
Away from the main headliners, the festival carved space for other standout performances. Ocean Colour Scene and Embrace tapped into pure nostalgia, their anthems carrying whole sections of the crowd back to the ’90s and early 2000s. On the pop side, Mel C turned in one of the weekend’s most joyful sets, blending solo material with a touch of Spice Girls magic. Cassyette matched her with a fiery performance that proved why she’s one of the most exciting rising names in alt-pop and rock. The Lottery Winners proved that they are amongst the UK’s biggest emerging acts with a superb set full of fun, enthusiasm and great tunes. Day Fever with guest DJ appearances was a hit.
Rising Voices – Sheffield & Beyond
The smaller stages once again confirmed Rock N Roll Circus’s role as a launchpad. With too many to mention here, notable performances were
- Frankie Beetlestone launching a new band Canyon Blu who made an attention-grabbing debut.
- Harriet Rose brought finely tuned pop sensibilities.
- Sam Scherdel delivered grit and heart in equal measure.
- Somebody’s Child impressed with their sharp melodies and intensity.
- Bethany Grace showed promise with a heartfelt, polished set.
These and other performances gave the festival its pulse between the giants, ensuring every corner of the site buzzed with discovery.
Looking Ahead
Rock N Roll Circus 2025 was a festival of contrasts: the brute force of QOTSA, the evergreen heart of Bryan Adams, the hometown triumph of Reverend and the Makers, and the seasoned grace of James. Around them, nostalgia, pop sparkle, circus and rising stars completed a bill that felt as expansive as the Big Top itself.
The circus will return to Sheffield on 4–6 September 2026, and after this year’s success, expectations couldn’t be higher.
Photo Credits: Jason Siddall, Phil Wright, Tom Sunderland, Huw Williams
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