Loverocks Festival 2026 Day 3

Published June 20, 2026 · Updated July 6, 2026

Loverocks Festival, St Leonards Farm, Ferndown, Dorset

Featuring: Kris Barras’s Hollow Souls, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, Fury, Until 9, Molly Karloff. Thieves of Liberty, Alabama Crow, Phoenix Lake and Big Red Fire Truck

Day three of Loverocks Festival delivered exactly what a grassroots rock festival should: killer bands, a packed field, cold drinks, ice creams, mouth-watering food, plenty of laughs, and a community that feels more like family every year. If the previous two days had already set the bar high, Sunday simply picked it up, threw it over its shoulder, and cracked on.

Big Red Fire Truck 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8

Opening proceedings were Australian rockers Big Red Fire Truck, who had the unenviable task of shaking off any lingering cobwebs from the night before. They didn’t just wake everyone up—they practically set the place alight. Their fun-filled, high-energy set had smiles across the arena, helped in no small part by their trademark humour and the double-decker guitar-playing Truckosaurus. Blending classic rock with influences from the likes of Airbourne and Steel Panther, the energetic Aussies reminded everyone that festivals are just as much about having fun as they are about musical virtuosity. Tracks including Testarossa, Trouble in Paradise and Tokyo Karaoke Bar all left a lasting impression.

A special mention has to go to stand-in bassist Rory, who was nothing short of heroic. He travelled overnight from Scotland by bus, had never met the band before, hadn’t rehearsed with them live, and still delivered a flawless performance.

Phoenix Lake 1–2–3–4–5–6–7

Next up, Nottingham’s Phoenix Lake continued the day’s upward trajectory. Their modern alternative rock packs plenty of punch without sacrificing memorable hooks. Tight musicianship and genuine chemistry made this one of those early afternoon sets that quietly wins over plenty of new fans.

Like Big Red Fire Truck, Phoenix Lake also drafted in a last-minute stand-in, recruiting drummer Dan Brown from fellow Nottingham band Confyde, who did a sterling job. One of promoter Jim Love’s welcome curveballs this weekend, Phoenix Lake move away from the festival’s traditional classic rock profile with heavy rhythms, atmospheric melodies and a blend of clean and screamed vocals. Having recently released their debut album The Abyss, they proved themselves to be an excellent addition to the line-up.

Alabama Crow rolled into town with swagger and groove to spare. Mixing Southern rock attitude with bluesy grit, they delivered exactly the kind of set that gets feet tapping and pints raised. Their effortless confidence translated brilliantly on stage and, by the end, they’d gathered a sizeable crowd who clearly didn’t want them to leave.

Alabama Crow 1–2–3–4–5–6

Their trademark Scottish humour is always warmly welcomed in Dorset, and since their last appearance they’ve clearly gained plenty of new followers. The four shirtless Celtic warriors also performed their charity single Reach Out—a heartfelt song for anyone going through difficult times. Frontman Randy Owen once again extended an open invitation to anyone struggling to reach out to him for a chat, a gesture that perfectly sums up the band’s big-hearted approach.

Thieves Of Liberty 1–2–3–4–5

Sunderland five-piece Thieves of Liberty brought a heavier edge without ever losing sight of melody. There’s an honesty about this band that always shines through live. Big choruses, crunching riffs and a frontman who knows exactly how to work an audience made for another hugely entertaining set. The two guitarists almost seemed to challenge each other during their soaring solos, adding another layer of excitement. Their set featured tracks from Shangri-La, including the title track and the infectious Calypso, while fans also got an exciting glimpse of the future with brand-new song Rush.

Molly Karloff 1–2–3–4–5–6

If there were an award for determination and work ethic, Molly Karloff would surely be among the favourites. Their hard-hitting blend of modern rock and punk attitude landed perfectly with the Loverocks crowd. Loud, uncompromising and bursting with energy, they looked completely at home on the festival’s main stage despite being invited to join the bill at the eleventh hour after Hell’s Addiction were forced to withdraw.

Featuring Simon Gee (vocals/guitar), Dan Podbery (bass) and drummer David Morris, the trio grabbed the opportunity with both hands, delivering a powerful set packed with quality originals including Higher Than The Sun and new single Faceless, both of which packed a serious punch.

While enjoying a refreshing drink at the bar with my friend Mikey Ball, I suddenly heard a voice from the stage that bore more than a passing resemblance to System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian. Curious, I headed straight over to investigate Until 9.

Until 9 1–2–3–4–5–6–7

As someone with a soft spot for alternative metal, I wasn’t disappointed. Until 9 delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, bringing relentless energy and commanding stage presence from the moment they stepped on stage. From the grandeur of Kryptonite to the intensity of As Thick As Blood, they captivated the audience throughout. Crushing riffs, powerful vocals that switched effortlessly between clean melodies and ferocious screams, plus incredibly tight musicianship proved they can deliver an even bigger live performance than their impressive studio recordings suggest.

They’re undoubtedly more Bloodstock than Loverocks, making them another inspired curveball from Jim Love—and one that paid off brilliantly.

After all that excitement it was time to refuel. Mama’s Kitchen once again served up superb traditional Thai street food, and my chicken Pad Thai with vegetable spring rolls absolutely hit the spot. That was followed, purely for medicinal purposes of course, by a double espresso to keep me going until the end of the day.

Another new discovery for me was West Midlands five-piece Fury, a melodic heavy metal band with progressive influences and obvious respect for the genre’s greats. The pace never dropped as they took over the stage. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest melodic metal bands, they demonstrated exactly why they’ve earned such a loyal following.

Fury 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8

Dual vocalists Julian and Nayah brought real character to the band’s story-driven songs, supported by razor-sharp guitar work and a rhythm section that never missed a beat. From the riffs of Prince Of Darkness (which could equally be about Ozzy Osbourne or Count Dracula!) to Burnout and the epic Road Warrior, Fury delivered a memorable five-star performance that will undoubtedly send many festival-goers searching out their music afterwards.

One of the most eagerly anticipated appearances of the weekend belonged to Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, and they didn’t disappoint for a second. Louisiana-born Greta Valenti commanded the stage with effortless charisma, while Robin Davey’s guitar playing dripped with feel and finesse.

Beaux Gris Gris And The Apocalypse 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9

Their unique blend of blues rock, Americana, soul, country and classic rock produced one of the richest and most captivating musical performances of the entire weekend. They were every bit as visually engaging as they were musically accomplished, making it almost impossible to take your eyes off the stage.

Highlights included the irresistibly danceable I Told My Baby, complete with a wonderful saxophone solo, crowd favourite Rugaroo, the feline-inspired new single Me-Ye-Ye-Yow!, and an inspired reworking of Queens of the Stone Age’s Make It Wit Chu, given a wonderfully distinctive Apocalypse makeover. Yet another band I’d never seen before—and undoubtedly one of the finest performances I’ll witness anywhere this festival season.

Then it was time for something truly special.

Kris Barras has graced the Loverocks stage several times over the years and never fails to entertain. This time he arrived with his exciting new blues-rock project, assembled after being inspired by his time with Supersonic Blues Machine. Featuring Paddy Blight on bass, Nathan Haynes on drums, Josiah J. Manning on keys and guitar, and the outstanding Phoebe Jane on vocals, this wasn’t simply another side project—it felt like a fully realised band with its own identity.

Kris Barras’s Hollow Souls 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8

The songs carried groove, soul and emotion in equal measure, while Barras himself looked completely revitalised performing this fresh material. The chemistry between the musicians was exceptional, creating a performance that was technically outstanding while remaining warm, loose and thoroughly entertaining.

Phoebe Jane’s soaring vocals on Bad Things were superb, while a beautifully reworked version of Barras’ My Parade showcased the band’s versatility. The emotionally charged Chasing Ghosts, complete with passionate vocals and an atmospheric guitar solo, proved one of the defining moments of the entire weekend.

It was a stunning headline performance and a perfect way to bring another unforgettable Loverocks Festival to a close.

As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, painting the Dorset sky with spectacular colours, there was a genuine feeling that everyone present knew they’d shared something special. Once again, Loverocks had delivered far more than just a weekend of live music—it had reminded us why this wonderful festival continues to feel like coming home.

See You next year…

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