Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Many people think that I improvise everything, making it up as I go along and cross every bridge when I get to it. Mostly they are right, after all worrying about the future on its own never changed a single thing so just get on with enjoying life. However, there are occasions when I diverge from this tried, tested and trusted philosophy and this is the case with Nene Valley Rock Festival. If someone waxes lyrical about an unfamiliar band, I will do a modicum of research and check out a few of their live videos on Facebook so I can get an idea of what to expect. The same can apply to other bands who catch my attention. Despite that I do have a life that doesn’t always allow for my curiosity to be sated to I can’t investigate every band in the vast festival line up and I am forced to experience a band from the position of total ignorance. Not always a bad thing as preconceptions can lead to disappointments.
It was in this state of unfamiliarity that I approached the first act of the Saturday, Earthdust.
Armed only with vague interest I started to listen and, I hate to admit it but the first impression was not great. Not the usual rock orientated fare that I was expecting and instead I was met with a sound which was reminiscent of the 80’s band Dodgy but in a space rock coat. Although that is not a bad thing, in itself, it was not what I expected and I was a tad disappointed, but wanting to be fair I stuck around to hear more and they slowly started to grow on me. I positioned myself, outside in the already warm fresh air and let the music flow. They were having fun, which is invariably infectious and, with the sun to help things along, I started to warm to them. I particularly liked their song Man With A Crooked Nose and by the end I was disappointed that they had finished. (DW)
Thanks to the timings and placings of the stages I didn’t have far to walk and only had to wait a few minutes before I saw the second band. This time I was on more familiar territory with Dikajee.
I had seen her live on many occasions and was expecting her usually high standard and I was not disappointed. In fact, she might possibly have upped her game, and I had never heard her sound better. All brightened up by her effervescent smile and penetrating eyes. The lilting and haunting voice along with the atmospheric guitar playing. Usually, I have seen her either on her own or as a duet but this time she had a band, and this allowed her far more freedom to utilise the stage and dance. Plus, the violin was a nice touch. I could tell that today was going to be a great day for music. (DW)
I made sure to arrive early on Saturday as I was keen not to miss Dikajee, who I’d seen earlier in the year playing a low key solo show. This time she had a full band, and the effect was a lot more robust. Her delicate elfin voice immediately holds the attention, and the band slip easily between measured restraint, and heavier bombastic moments.
The general tone is dark and brooding, but beautiful and graceful. Dikajee’s voice is simply amazing, and her presence is rather special. The similarity to fellow Russians Iamthemorning is definitely there, but Dikajee ploughs her own furrow. Her music might be at odds with an early slot, but she nevertheless dazzles the assembled early risers. (GT)
Having only recently seen Ice-9Ine live, when it came to seeing them I was eager and ready for some more.
The set might have been pretty much as when I saw them at Peacock Freakshow 2 but that didn’t mean that they were coasting. With a blue painted beard the bassist Nigel Route, looked like he had just eaten a blueberry ice cream and not wiped his chin but it was a sign that they were out to have fun and along with the inappropriate banter they certainly entertained. They were delayed from starting but offered one of the best excuses ever, the drummer was still eating breakfast.
Given a larger stage the entertainment grew as well, and the songs sounded more rounded and energetic thanks to the bigger venue. Still, the highbrow and clever songs entertain, along with subtly delivering messages about Tennyson, or issues due to a medical condition. (DW)
Catching Velvet Dead part way through their set, it’s clear they are doing something right, as the smaller Kingfisher stage is crowded with an enthusiastic audience.
The band have gothic dark wave tendencies, which although not quite my ‘thing’, I found very entertaining. The singer is charismatic, with a self deprecating sense of humour, and is thoroughly likeable. I witnessed some of the audience dancing. Whatever next? A band to watch. (GT)
I must admit I initially struggled with Velvet Dead. They are Goth but I have no problem with that per se, after all I grew up listening to Bauhaus and many other similar bands that seemed to haunt Leeds in my youth. And one of my closest friends is a Goth singer, so the genre was not the issue. It was that they seemed out of place in a festival that was mainly Prog, Rock and Blues. But, determined to be fair I gave them a chance and sat down to listen to them. I think that they gave my unfair misconceptions the figurative V sign and soon won me over.
Excellent thumping intense music that at times made me think of Rose of Avalanche, at others the Cure, and they were even able to do justice to a Depeche Mode song, so they soon found themselves with a new fan. (DW)
Like previous days the times of the bands meant that there were clashes and some bands got missed so my apologies to The Mighty Ra as I didn’t get to see enough of their set for me to give them an honest and fair review, but the couple of tracks I did catch were full, well-structured and displayed great musicianship. Thankfully however Graham Thomas did catch the band’s performance… (DW)
The Mighty Ra surprised me with a performance noticeably more engaging than I’d expected, having seen them before. They seem to have moved up a couple of gears, and delivered a great set of proggy goodness which really impressed. For me, the main reason for the powerful set here was the recent addition of guitarist, vocalist and front man Gee, who has boosted their sound and given them new energy and a sharper focus. Andy Edwards still drives the band forward, but there’s no denying that the addition of Gee has made a striking difference.
The Mighty Ra relaunch has begun, and I’d recommend catching them soon. (GT)
After the lovely surprise of the new Mighty Ra, Papa Shango are a circus!
At one point there were thirteen performers onstage, so it was quite crowded. They are an energetic bunch, with regular forays into the crowd from numerous members of the band. Not participating as a member of the audience isn’t really an option, so it’s best just to go with the flow. There’s a touch of the burlesque, coupled with a hefty dose of daftness about Papa Shango. During Biscuit Barrel, the four backing singers who provide visual accompaniment to each song, scamper amongst the assembled throng distributing biscuits; mine was a custard cream. It’s all a bit mad, but kind of fun. Water Sports sees a number of giant inflatable beach balls launched into the crowd prompting further audience interaction. Musically, it’s all quite basic rock, but that’s not really the point; it’s party time. There’s dancing, singing and fire eating!
What more could you want? (GT)
Darren Walker may have the answer…
When it comes to having a buzz about them the next band, Papa Shango, certainly had that. Several friends had already warned me that they were wild, and quite possibly insane and although the YouTube videos I saw reinforced the warning they didn’t prepare me for what was about to come.
First, and most obvious was the sheer number of them. With so many flitting about all over the place, I lost count of them all, but at a guess I’d say 18? Then there were the costumes. Erm, where do I start? Most striking and eye catching, to me at least, were the four backing singers, known as the Papettes. Dressed in skimpy basques, stockings and large leather boots they were memorable and this image was added to care of the Mexican Day of the Dead skull type painted faces. The rest of the band were mainly in white tops with white trim, while the two lead singers wore cloaks and big hats.
No such things as shy wallflowers with their performance. Fun has been mentioned before in my reviews, but this was taking it to new levels. There was a fire eater that looked like she was in danger of setting fire to the marquee roof, had having subsequently seen a photo of her artistry I think she got dangerously close to succeeding. But to add to that, it is the first time I’ve ever been to a concert and petrol has been spat in my direction and covered my trousers.
Then, thanks to the Papettes, there were water pistols that shirted water into the audience, biscuits distributed amongst the crowd and even squirty-foam delivered into people’s mouths as they mingled. It all seemed like improvised craziness, but I am sure that, for something to look that mad, they’d would have needed more than just luck and blind hope. They even had giant inflatable beach balls that were bouncing over the heads of the crowd, with one getting stuck in the lighting gantry, displacing one of the spotlights in the process. Not an easy fix in a marquee in the middle of a field.
As for the songs themselves, they were full of almost subtle innuendo which was not lost on the crowd, who were happy to play along. Simple but enjoyable lyrics for them to sing along to and hand gestures to match. They might not have any albums but, by their own admissions, they are a band to be seen live, and I can’t disagree with that. Roll on their next tour so I can get another fix of the modern-day Crazy Gangs. (DW)
The next band I caught were Greyfox Conspiracy who really knew how to rock, and rock hard.
Heads down, guitars at the ready they launched into a series of classic rock songs with a ‘don’t get in our way, or we’ll run you over’ attitude. The band’s singer had a gravely voice with an incredible range, making think of a cross between ZZ Top and AC/DC, only with more attitude and less schoolboy shorts. But perhaps not my area of expertise so I’ll hand it over to Chris… (DW)
The twin guitar sound was ‘big’, tight and when these guys cut loose, they did so in aces. With a distinct Southern Rock swagger the band locked into compelling bluesy grooves, topped off by lead singer, ‘Greyfox Growl’, whose voice was the perfect fit. To my ears we’re in Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot territory, but these guys tread their own South Wales stomp.
The sheer confidence of their performance this year belies the fact the band are relatively new (they formed circa 2020) and have grown in stature since their NVRF performance back in ’24. These seasoned musicians delivered a great set, the majority taken from their debut album, Preacherman, released this time last year.
Great band, great musicians, great show… (CS)
Over in the main tent Leafhound took to the stage:
Well, if ‘proper’ rock music is what you actually came for, Leafhound provide just that. Originally dating back to 1970/71, as a hard rock and psychedelic band, front man Pete French reformed the band with a different line up in 2004, and, apart from a brief stint singing with Atomic Rooster, has been playing in Leafhound ever since. Their style is very much hard rock, but with distinct prog or psychedelic tendencies. French is a good vocalist with real presence, and the songs are strong, while the band have the chops to pull off both the old and newer material with panache. Luke Rayner is a useful guitarist, handling both rhythm and lead very naturally, and Pete Herbert on bass and Dominic French on drums provide the solid base on which the songs are built and develop. Unpretentious classic rock, and ideal at Nene Valley. (GT)
[Editor note: The band’s sole LP back in the day, Growers Of Mushroom, is one of the most sought after by collectors. There are currently two on Discogs, the cheapest is a mere €8000!]
Often lauded as the most joyous band on the circuit, Solstice take very little time to justify that claim.
They are currently on a run of shows which will be the last with Jess Holland fronting the band, so there is a sense of bitter sweetness about the set, but there’s no denying that they are in a great position to carry on after she goes. They are awash with vocal talent, as well as a standard of musicianship which sets them apart from many other bands.
Founder Andy Glass shepherds his flock through a sublime set of Solstice splendour, starting with Morning Light. His presence is reassuring as he beams with benevolence, bending his strings with precision. He has an easy relaxed manner as he chats with the crowd between songs, and in an uncertain world, he creates an oasis of calm. New Life and Guardian follow, the band playing with quiet assurance and dazzling dexterity. Jenny Newman seems happy as she shines with her amazing fiddle playing, a key ingredient in the Solstice soundworld.
Shout is a joyful and exuberant highlight in a set bristling with peaks. It’s a song which defies the listener to sit still through; some sort of movement is mandatory. Leoni Jane Kennedy must get a special mention as she shines throughout the show, whether singing her heart out, or trading guitar licks with Andy. Jenny steps up again to lead us through the merry Mount Ephraim, before we close out with the majestic A New Day and Sacred Run.
A very special show from a very special band who simply never disappoint. (GT)
The day seemed to have flown by and, in what seemed like only a short time, it was Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash to fill the penultimate slot of the day.
I have heard discussions about which of the two bands that lay claim to the Wishbone Ash name are the best. I know such ‘who is best’ arguments are loved by Prog fans but not having seen either band before I had no frame of reference and was able to take this iteration on face value and assess them on what I saw and heard. Where do I start? With 50 years of music making and something like 22 albums under his belt, Martin Turner could never be accused of being an amateur and it showed with their set. Wishbone songs that spanned the five decades with each one delivered with energy of teenagers. And, of course, there were songs from my favourite album of theirs, Argus, so I was happy.
And, Graham was suitably happy…
It was touch and go whether Martin Turner and his band would be able to play this festival, following the tragic and untimely death of drummer Tim Brown, but just a few weeks later, and the familiar strains of The King Will Come relaunch the band with a fabulous set of classic Wishbone Ash music. Rob Hewins has taken up the drum stool, and he has slotted in perfectly with an assured and confident performance.
Martin and his band seem glad to be back onstage where they belong, and Blind Eye shows they have lost none of their enthusiasm for the old tunes. Errors of my Way and Ballad of the Beacon follow, with fine twin lead guitar playing from Danny Willson and Nisha Nikolic, who don’t put a foot wrong through the whole show. (DW)
Warrior is dedicated to the late Tim Brown, and the crowd by now are right behind the band, singing along with the chorus with gusto. Of course Throw Down the Sword follows Warrior, as it should, Danny and Nisha’s guitars singing in unison while Martin’s grumbling bass holds everything in place.
A few less well known tunes follow, before the bass intro to FUBB gives the band a chance to stretch out a bit more on this quirky instrumental from There’s The Rub. You See Red and Doctor get a welcome airing before the crowd pleasing Blowin’ Free and Jailbait round off the set.
Martin Turner proves he is a real trooper, and his band show that they’re still up for recreating this Wishbone magic. Long may they continue. (GT)
Finally, it was time for the final act, a band I had seen many times before and hope to see many time more, Focus.
Another act with a long and distinguished history full of great tunes and albums. The only original member, Thijs Van Leer, on keyboards and vocals was on top yodelling form and the rest of the band also knew what they were doing. Honourable mention also goes to long term drummer Pierre Van der Linden who despite being 80, played as if he had been possessed by Animal from the Muppets.
A great band, excellent music and a fantastic set. What more could anyone want from a band? (DW)
What seems like the biggest crowd of the day greets Thijs van Leer and Focus as they troop onstage late on Saturday evening.
For a couple of hours, they can do no wrong, as they weave their way through a familiar set of classic Focus tracks from across their career, but leaning more towards the glorious Seventies albums. Thijs has the crowd in the palm of his hand as Focus I opens proceedings, easing their way into the set. House of the King is greeted with tumultuous cheers and dancing, as their first ‘hit’ of the night. After the party atmosphere, comes the more serious Eruption from Moving Waves, their first real album success. Eruption made up side two of that album, and is played in its entirety tonight.
Menno Gootjes has been playing this music for years now, and his guitar style is perfect for Focus, and this piece in particular. It is a multi part suite, with many changes in mood and speed, and is flawless at Nene Valley. Pierre van der Linden, (almost) the original drummer, is dazzlingly good with his old school jazzy style, Thijs flits between keys and flute, Udo Pannakeet holds the bass lines together, and Menno shines his way throughout the piece.
This sets the template for the show. Longer more proggy and involved tracks interspersed with crowd pleasing hits we know and love. Focus VII giving way to Sylvia, and the crowd goes bonkers! It’s all great fun, and nobody is leaving early tonight. Focus II slows things down, then La Cathédrale de Strasbourg which Thijs says was inspired by the sound of the bells. It’s a beautiful piece, though I’m mystified as to why he decided to ‘ding dong’ in the chorus! The set concludes the only way it can, with a riotous Hocus Pocus, complete with mad yodelling naturally! An encore is demanded, and Focus III brings us back down to earth more gently. On this form, Focus could be doing this for years to come. (GT)
Another night over and it was time to leave. Ears ringing, exhausted and hungry but we were all very happy.
[We are only able to include a fraction of the photos taken by Chris Simmons at NVRF 2026. If any of the bands would like high-resolution (high-res) images you can get in touch with Chris: HERE]
LINKS
Nene Valley Rock Festival [NVRF] – Website | Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Trevor NVRF | Trevor NVRF YouTube
