Firevolt Festival 2023
by Ange Cobham
It is time for the second year of Firevolt festival, held at Etherow Country Park just outside Stockport, Manchester, which I was lucky enough to be invited again to cover it! If it’s as good as last year we are in for a treat. I heard ticket sales have been through the roof so we knew it was going to be better!
I arrived on Friday in my car, and my check in was done so easy and quickly by the amazing staff on the gate. Not forgetting to mention the brilliant security on the first gate letting you in. I will say it now in case I forget to later in the review, they were spot on the whole weekend, doing a grand job of negotiating the traffic in and out of the park.
I park up and go straight in just in time to catch White Raven Down on the big top stage delivering some awesome hard rock. This is a brilliant stage by the way, located just a few steps from the main Trouper stage. Around the tent were seating (including bails of hay) and a small bar, then press area was round the back. Such a great atmosphere here, and the band sure warmed up the crowd for their weekend ahead. Unfortunately I missed Luna Marble’s set who were battle of the bands winners, but heard they smashed the set and I hope to catch them soon.
White Raven Down
The next few bands of the day were Hell’s Addiction, Sons of Liberty & Hollowstar. The line up was scheduled so that you would not miss a band as they were alternating between each stage. The sun was out and everyone was in high spirits and atmosphere was hotting up. Hell’s Addiction were a crowd pleaser with their heavy rock, personally one of my faves. It was first time seeing Sons of Liberty with new frontman Russ Grimmett, he fits right in with his powerhouse vocals. Hollowstar, having seen these a few time, the lads delivered yet another strong performance, lively and energetic as ever! Crowd got going with each band leaving no one disappointed. With the stages being so intimate, it meant the crowd had a good view/listening from the area round each stage it is the best layout I have seen in a festival.
Hell’s Addiction
Sons of Liberty
Hollowstar
I took a bit of time in between bands to take a look around and grab some food and drink from one of the many food stalls around the venue. Loads to choose from, pizza, street food, burgers, desserts – something for everyone. My favourite was the beer bus, seeing it’s second year here, it is always a big hit with festival goers. I managed a seat on top deck for ten minutes of down time. Cheers! 🙂 In addition there are various stalls selling jewellery, clothes and lots of other items. I purchased a lovely handmade necklace.
Rounding off a fantastic day one were Cardinal Black, When Rivers Meet, Massive Wagons and headliners Royal Republic. Wagons wow’ed the crowd with their own pyros and ever energetic set. Royal Republic fans donned their fake tashes in tribute to frontman Adam. I really didn’t know this band much, but could see they had a strong following, that crowd bounced the whole set! They included a short acoustic set which I thought was genius to throw in the middle of the set. Love a bit of acoustic !
When Rivers Meet
Massive Wagons
Royal Republic
As I only live 20 mins away I was driving home each evening. I left after the headliners, and returned Saturday all refreshed ready for day 2. On the headline slot were The Answer who I personally am a fan of, so was very excited.
Early bands for the day included Blackpool 3 piece A’Priori who brought their own fan club it seemed, so many fan t shirts in the crowd. I met these guys a few times, and they are lovely, it comes across in their stage prescence. Great set boys! Valhalla Awaits delivered huge riffs and melodies sending the roof off the Trouper stage! Scruffy Bear, seeing their 2nd time at the festival and were brilliant yet again. Absolva – hailing from Manchester gave the crowd what they expect from this hard working hard rock/melodic metal band. Their songs are punchy and catchy, grabbing the crowd right from the off.
A’Priori
Scruffy Bear
Absolva
The crowd were enjoying themselves, and the atmosphere was great. Beer was flowing at the main bar situated opposite the main stage, so in staggering distance from the live music. You can also enjoy a beer sat outside in the sun and still hear the bands playing. Even the pooches were having fun!
Rounding off a brilliant second day were Vega, The Virginmarys, Mason Hill and headliners The Answer who saw the sundown with tracks from their latest album ‘Sundowners’ Blasting out song after song, this was a great set as always and saw Cormac joining the crowd for a singalong. What a day that was and I heard there was surprise after party featuring White Tyger, one my feet couldn’t have lasted for!
Vega
Mason Hill
The Answer
Day 3, and not as sunny Sunday arrived. I get on site a for the little later than usual start time and but in enough time to watch Ashen Reach in the big top, who got a mosh pit going at 1130am! Very impressive and and I am a fan of this band’s heavy rock sound, they will go far in my opinion. I head over to main stage straight after for Gin Annie. This is Bev’s favourite band so only right she got to announce them on stage. The guys brought their energetic set and rocked that Trouper stage to the max!
Ashen Reach
Gin Annie
Jack J Hutchinson brought his blues rock set to the big top and showcased some excellent guitar skills! Black Spiders next up, another one I haven’t seen before. With legendary Planet Rock DJ Wyatt Wendals on drums, the band performed an awesome set.
Collateral smashed the Trouper stage, Angelo is such a brilliant frontman, and just about everyone was dancing and singing with him. I think I took the most photos of this band, they are naturals for the camera ! My last band was Dare, as I had to head home early which meant sadly missing Kris Barras. Dare have been rocking since the 80’s and don’t look like they are giving up soon! They had their die hard fans dancing and singing along the whole set. Legends!
Collateral
Dare
This concludes yet another successful awesome weekend at Firevolt Festival. I recommend you head down next year to experience a weekend filled with face melting rock n roll!
Thank you to Bev & Stret for having me and thanks to the bands, fans and staff for making this the fastest growing rock festival in the UK! See you next year.
I have added slideshows showing more photos of the bands serving up their awesome rock sets, and the fans having a great time.
The dates for next year are 8th – 11th August 2024. Check out the link below for next year’s line up and to grab your tickets before they sell out!
https://www.firevoltfestival.co.uk/
Cobspix Photography 