The 15th instalment of Sheffield’s biggest music festival takes place later this month at Hillsborough Park across the weekend of 21st July, with Richard Ashcroft, Courteeners and Paul Heaton headlining proceedings.
They will be joined by a wonderfully diverse and genre-spanning line-up, and we’re here to fill you in on the eight acts you really do not want to miss.
Pale Waves
Queer Manchester four-piece Pale Waves released their third album, ‘Unwanted’ last year, which saw the band distancing themselves from their early ‘indie’ label and leaning further into alternative, pop-punk & grunge-esque territory. With performances already in the bag this year at both Glastonbury and Radio One’s Big Weekend, expect this to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Sea Girls
Make sure to catch Sea Girls on the main stage on Friday night to hear their arena-ready anthems such as ‘Call Me Out’, ‘Do You Really Wanna Know?’ and ‘Falling Apart’, the latter of which some of you may recognise from FIFA 23. The band recently released a live album, ‘The Hometown Tour Live’, recorded during their headline performance at Alexandra Palace last December.
Paul Smith (Comedy)
Blending audience interaction and hilarious storytelling, Scouse funny man Paul Smith will be headlining T’Other Comedy Stage on Saturday night. Expect to hear material from his latest show, ‘Joker’, which sold out multiple venues across the country earlier this year.
Bloc Party
Having only just announced a brand new EP, ‘The High Life’, indie legends Bloc Party will be headlining T’Other Stage on Friday night. With six albums under now their belt including the classic debut breakthrough ‘Silent Alarm’, as well as hits ‘Hunting For Witches’, ‘Flux’, ‘Helicopter’ and more, this promises to be one set you do not want to miss.
Paul Heaton
From lead singer of The Housemartins, to forming The Beautiful South with long-time collaborative partner Jacqui Abbot, to going solo, Paul Heaton is a lyrical genius, a musical icon and a national treasure. He celebrated his 60th birthday by selecting 60 pubs around the country, and put £1000 behind the bar of each one. Heaton will be joined by an as-yet unnamed special guest for his Sunday headline performance.
Circa Waves
Liverpool’s indie outfit Circa Waves will be performing on the main stage on Friday evening. Expect to hear songs such as ‘T-Shirt Weather’, ‘Movies’ as well as songs from their fifth and most recent album ‘Never Going Under’. The band very recently announced a handful of small intimate shows for October, with a percentage of profits going to local food banks in each area.
Sugababes
Recently reformed 90’s trio and pop royalty Sugababes will be headlining T’Other Stage on Sunday evening. Join the original line-up of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy as they perform classic smash hits such as ‘Freak Like Me’, ‘Push The Button’, ‘Hole In The Head’, ‘Round Round’ and many many more.
Barrioke feat. Sean Williamson
Sean Williamson, better known as Eastenders icon Barry Evans, brings his unique show to Tramlines once again this year. Hosting the event with his usual trademark warmth and teasing banter, and accompanying participants on stage, Sean creates riotous and joyous moments that people will never forget.
More at tramlines.org.uk.