![\"SAM](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SAM-SCHERDEL-RNR-CIRCUS-5.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\nAfter an amazing day celebrating 20 years of Reverend and the Makers and a killer line-up, I felt like it would be both a tough one to beat but I was also buzzing with excitement, as a lot of the artists on the bill I loved, hadn\u2019t seen yet, or both.<\/p>\n
My day started with Doncaster\u2019s (Or South Yorkshire\u2019s for that matter) version of Springsteen, it was Sam Scherdel on the BBC Introducing Stage\u2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sam Scherdel and Luke Porthouse on the BBC Introducing Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus Sheffield 2025 \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n Sam had a performance that both raw and heartfelt, it is no secret that Sam and the band are very well deserving of these festival, support and gig slots, but he should have been much higher up on this occasion and on a bigger stage.<\/p>\n His set cut through the usual \u201cfirst act of the day\u201d lethargy, he instantly pulled in any early arrivals into his world with a voice that carried grit, vulnerability, and sincerity in equal measure, Sam has a perfect balance of storytelling and connection with his audience, and they were delivered with an edge that felt lived-in, resonating deeply with a Sheffield crowd that values honesty above sugar-coating.<\/p>\n The atmosphere at this point was relaxed, but Sam\u2019s ability to command attention so early in the day stood out, it was emotional, nostalgic and uplifting all in one as it just lifted spirits instantly. <\/p>\n Sam Scherdel on the BBC Introducing Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n Sam offered a reminder that festivals aren\u2019t only about big anthems and spectacle (but he definitely does have some anthems) sometimes, it\u2019s about connecting directly to the pulse of the audience from the very first note, he impressed a lot of punters and he is definitely one to watch for the future.<\/p>\n FIND SAM SCHERDEL ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Next up was Nottingham\u2019s GIRLBAND! On the Electric Carousel stage\u2026<\/p>\n Kay of Girlband! On the Electric Carousel Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n I\u2019d been wanting to see this band for a while, but somehow always missed them, so I was looking forward to this, the afternoon sun lifted and GIRLBAND! brought the an injection of energy that matched the sunny atmosphere and it was incredibly brighter and more playful. <\/p>\n Their pop-infused hooks and infectious choruses gave every reason for the crowd to loosen up, move and dance, while the set wasn\u2019t long, it was filled with an unfiltered joy that made them feel like a burst of adrenaline between heavier, more earnest acts and their laughter and happiness was infectious.<\/p>\n Jada of Girlband! Performing on the Electric Carousel Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n The band\u2019s enthusiasm was evident, and the crowd responded incredibly warmly to their charm and charisma, they didn\u2019t just perform, they bantered, and laughed with the crowd, which felt like a shared moment rather than just another festival slot.<\/p>\n Georgie of Girlband! on the Electric Carousel Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n It was the kind of performance that might have surprised a few attendees who weren\u2019t expecting to be swept up by a band so early in the day. FIND GIRLBAND ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Next up was a highly anticipated set, judging by the number of merchandise I saw in around Don Valley, it was The Lilacs\u2026<\/p>\n Ollie Anglesea, Frontman of The Lilacs on The Big Top Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n The Lilacs have everything from shit shirts, charisma, cheekiness and indie hooks that you cannot help but grin to, as always drummer Dave Gomersall swaggered on and started with a catchy drumbeat, leaving room for Luca, Matt and Ollie to enter the stage, carrying the baton with their signature indie charm, and getting straight into their hit single \u201cYou\u2019re Not That Daft\u201d, which is apparently about Shit Shirt Dave (if you know, you know).<\/p>\n Luka Gunes on Guitar for The Lilacs on The Big Top Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n They could have EASILY had a higher up slot, they brought the most impressive crowd for an early slot of the Big Top I\u2019d seen across both days \u2013 with the crowd chanting \u201cDo, do, do, do, do Up The Lilacs\u201d and holding up signs of affection, such as \u201cWigan\u201d, \u201cUp The Lilacs\u201d and of course the prominent \u201cThe Lilacs say Fuck Cancer\u201d \u2013 which is in reference to guitarist Sam Birchall, who is currently taking a break to have treatment, it\u2019s clear that he is missed, but Luca who was standing in did one hell of a job too, his smile lights up and you can tell he was having the time of his life, and the fanbase and crowd had warmly accepted him as one of their own.<\/p>\n Dave and Matt of The Lilacs on The Big Top Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n There was a sense of intimacy in their set that cut through the bustle of the Big Top and you know what, they blew the roof off, whilst providing thoughtful, melodic tracks with relatable and fun lyrics but also some honesty \u2013 it set the tone and standard expected for the rest of the day. <\/p>\n Their big hit \u201cVicarage Road\u201d went off, and also, apparently everyone in that tent is also called \u201cGrace\u201d, who knew? <\/p>\n FIND THE LILACS ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Next we were back to Electric Carousel Stage, with The Kairos\u2026<\/p>\n The Kairos on The Electric Carousel Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n The Kairos brought with them a slightly moodier, more atmospheric set, which leaned into some brooding melodies and darker undertones, it wasn\u2019t the shift I was expecting in all honesty, but it worked really well and offered an alternative taste that I didn\u2019t particularly expect.<\/p>\n It just added to the day\u2019s variety, it built from the foundation up and went more and more until their performance had their crowd in the palm of their hands, with layered instrumentals and a cool (but not cocky) confidence that suggested they\u2019re a band with a big future ahead of them.<\/p>\n The Kairo\u2019s frontman Tom Dempsey on The Electric Carousel Stage \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n The crowd loved it, it was a moment of pause, to take it all in, with it being slightly different to what I\u2019d seen so far, and it was really contempary with some bursts of explosion, which gave energy, big riffs and attitude, all in the right doses.<\/p>\n While not everyone may have been fully familiar with their music, they left an impression by standing apart from the brighter tones of the bands around them. The Kairos offered something more complex and moody, but it added a different edge of variety to the line-up, which was a good decision from organisers.<\/p>\n FIND THE KAIROS ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Back to the Big Top, where we\u2019ll be for the rest of the day generally now (bar one), and it\u2019s Liverpool\u2019s own Jamie Webster\u2026<\/p>\n Liverpool\u2019s Jamie Webster on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n Jamie Webster really set the standard for crowd connection, he\u2019s known for his storyteller\u2019s heart and Liverpudlian warmth, his set very much was part sing-along, part conversation, and entirely communal. <\/p>\n I\u2019d wanted to see Jamie Webster for a good few years now, and not got the chance, so I was looking forward to his set, having heard very good things, and they weren\u2019t wrong, Jamie offers acoustic-driven anthems, that have big sing-a-long credibility and it\u2019s clear he thrives on audience participation, and he brought out a big crowd in Sheffield, which responded in kind\u2014voices rising to meet his, creating some feel-good moments of shared unity between families, friends and strangers in the Big Top tent.<\/p>\n Jamie Webster\u2019s performance addresses the struggles and cultural issues that many have seen or experienced, he\u2019s never been one to shy away from calling it out, that grit clearly resonated strongly, with the crowd reacting with chants, to which he did shut down and say \u201cWe\u2019re here for a good time, forget the shit, lets have a dance and a singalong\u201d \u2013 but despite that, it is evident that he doesn\u2019t just play these songs, they are a voice to working-class stories, and it\u2019s a thread that has been a recurrent theme through British rock, indie and even and folk traditions. <\/p>\n Jamie Webster mid set on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n My highlights were \u201cWeekend In Paradise\u201d, \u201cThis Place\u201d and \u201cFickle Fran\u201d.<\/p>\n The set felt like a rallying cry and a celebration rolled into one, lifting the atmosphere as evening began to creep in, a fantastic and powerful set, and the tone of the day was changing.<\/p>\n FIND JAMIE WEBSTER ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Now the last few acts are just straight up legends that made their mark in the 1990\u2019s, Embrace is no exception\u2026<\/p>\n Embrace Frontman Danny McNamara on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n When Embrace took the stage, nostalgia hit the crowd instantly, their Brit-pop-era anthems are evidently tailor-made for festival moments, and the crowd welcomed them with open arms, they were ready for a sing-a-long, as their choruses rang out right to the back and out of the Big Top tent, and there was a noticeable but brilliant mix of voices old and young enjoying their music.<\/p>\n It was the kind of set that reminded everyone why Embrace hold such a cherished place in British music history.<\/p>\n Their stage presence was fantastic, frontman Danny McNamara knows how to use a stage, and can talk to a crowd brilliantly, whilst also keeping their attention, and you couldn\u2019t deny it, the tent was packed, and it was clear that Embrace\u2019s sweeping, emotionally charged songs have united multiple generations. <\/p>\n Danny McNamara of Embrace speaking to the crowd in the Big Top Tent at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield You can tell that alot of it was discovery for some and heavyweight nostalgia for the rest, and well, I was in awe, I\u2019d never seen Embrace before, although \u201cGravity\u201d is one of my favourite songs of all time, and I will die on this hill when I say that seeing one of your favourite songs ever live for the first time is a feeling that stays with you, even I was getting a little emotional. <\/p>\n Embrace\u2019s set wasn\u2019t just a throwback, it was a unity and soul-satisfying experience and I just knew that they had raised the bar of the Big Top yet again. <\/p>\n FIND EMBRACE ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Staying at the Big Top now, and it\u2019s more 90\u2019s legends, it\u2019s Ocean Colour Scene\u2026<\/p>\n Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n Ocean Colour Scene picked up the torch and carried it higher still, it was pure Britpop gold. There was a slight interruption, unfortunately there was a medical emergency in the crowd, so there was a show-stop four songs in, but the band took in their stride, and didn\u2019t let it dampen the set, they came straight back in, delighting the crowd with classics like \u201cThe Riverboat Song\u201d and later on, \u201cThe Day We Caught the Train\u201d which sparked a mass-euphoric sing-alongs, it was their pure trademark melodic rock.<\/p>\n Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n The crowd interaction wasn\u2019t the best if I\u2019m honest but from that, they made up for with warm and reassuring nostalgia, and their powerful showmanship and the crowd responded in kind, dancing, shouting, and reliving memories, all whilst creating new ones, a common theme of the day it had been.<\/p>\n FIND OCEAN COLOUR SCENE ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n For my penultimate act of the day (and festival season for that matter!) Doncaster\u2019s Freddie Halkon took to the Electric Carousel stage\u2026<\/p>\n Freddie Halkon headlining the Electric Carousel Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n Now I\u2019ve seen Freddie a couple of times and I\u2019ve always been impressed, so I was looking forward to this, it\u2019s clear to see why he was seen as the Electric Carousel headliner, as he immediately flipped the energy up several notches. And you know what, he smashed it, his fun presence and stage confidence made him feel like a completed festival favorite rather than a relative newcomer.<\/p>\n Freddie\u2019s performance leaned into catchy, indie-pop\u2014melodies that the crowd seemed to embody as soon as the first chord hit, these could easily be anthems in years to come, as even those who weren\u2019t as familiar seemed to pick up his tracks quite quickly, as Freddie\u2019s ability to connect with a crowd is way beyond his years. <\/p>\n Judging by the reaction and energy, he\u2019s clearly one to watch, already marking himself as one of the next major artists to emerge from South Yorkshire. <\/p>\n FIND FREDDIE HALKON ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n And now for the final act of the night and Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield, it\u2019s James\u2026<\/p>\n Saul Davies and Tim Booth of James The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n Straight talking now, James delivered an emotional and euphoric finale, they\u2019ve got an incredibly impressive catalogue of music and their hits echoed throughout the Big Top tent. <\/p>\n Frontman Tim Booth, knows how to use space, not only did he provide some of the most care-free, fun dancing I\u2019d ever seen, but he also made use of the platform on the barrier off the stage and ever did some crowd surfing! This is a frontman that knows how to connect with his fans and quite possibly trusts them a little bit too much, but I admire it.<\/p>\n Andy Diagram of James on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n The performance felt both celebratory and intimate, as if the band were inviting the audience into their world one last time before the lights went down, their big hits like \u201cSit Down\u201d and \u201cLaid\u201d did not miss a beat, but other tracks like \u201cInterrogation\u201d and \u201cShe\u2019s a Star\u201d also showcased the band\u2019s versatility and depth. <\/p>\n James Frontman Tim Booth on The Big Top Stage at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 in Sheffield \u2013 Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n What made James\u2019s closing set so powerful was the balance between spectacle and sincerity, Tim Booth\u2019s magnetic presence, combined with the band\u2019s expansive arrangements, it turned the Big Top into one big party, but in a spiritual way almost, as the connection with the crowd remained deeply personal. People danced, cried, hugged, and sang their hearts out particularly to \u201cLaid\u201d and understandably, it\u2019s a true 90\u2019s anthem that is still prominient thirty-two years later.<\/p>\n They were the perfect choice for the headliner and I feel priviledged to have experienced it.<\/p>\n FIND JAMES ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n So, that\u2019s Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Circus 2025 done and dusted, the 2026 dates have already been announced, with 21st \u2013 23rd August being hosted in Norwich and 4th \u2013 6th September back in Sheffield.<\/p>\n I feel like the lineup throughout the weekend has been incredible and it will be tough to beat, but consider me already intrigued, see you at Don Valley next year?<\/p>\n FIND ROCK \u2018N\u2019 ROLL CIRCUS ON INSTAGRAM<\/a> \/\/ FACEBOOK<\/a> \/\/ X<\/a> \/\/ ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n READ MORE RGM FESTIVAL NEWS HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"SAM](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SAM-SCHERDEL-RNR-CIRCUS-12-853x1024.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"GIRLBAND](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GIRLBAND-RNR-CIRCUS-4-788x1024.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"GIRLBAND](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GIRLBAND-RNR-CIRCUS-5.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"GIRLBAND](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GIRLBAND-RNR-CIRCUS-6-950x1024.webp.webp\")
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GIRLBAND! left the stage with a cheeky swagger, their energy leaving a lasting impression for many.<\/p>\n![\"THE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/THE-LILACS-RNR-CIRCUS-5.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"THE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/THE-LILACS-RNR-CIRCUS-4-854x1024.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"THE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/THE-LILACS-RNR-CIRCUS-10.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"THE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/THE-KAIROS-RNR-CIRCUS-6.webp.webp\")
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<\/p>\n![\"JAMIE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JAMIE-WEBSTER-RNR-CIRCUS-1.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"JAMIE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JAMIE-WEBSTER-RNR-CIRCUS-8-959x1024.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"EMBRACE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EMBRACE-RNR-CIRCUS-1.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"EMBRACE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EMBRACE-RNR-CIRCUS-3.webp.webp\")
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Photo Credit: Hayley Grice<\/a><\/p>\n![\"OCEAN](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/OCEAN-COLOUR-SCENE-RNR-CIRCUS-1-697x1024.webp.webp\")
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From the first chords, the audience was transported back to the mid-90s, it was another packed out Big Top tent, and Ocean Colour Scene have proved that they still have it.<\/p>\n![\"OCEAN](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/OCEAN-COLOUR-SCENE-RNR-CIRCUS-5.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"FREDDIE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/FREDDIE-HALKON-RNR-CIRCUS-5-874x1024.webp.webp\")
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The crowd was largely made up of younger fans and local supporters and they were quick to start with chants of \u201cFreddie f*cking Halkon,\u201d setting the tone for a high-octane set. <\/p>\n![\"JAMES](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JAMES-RNR-CIRCUS-6.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"JAMES](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JAMES-RNR-CIRCUS-12-697x1024.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"JAMES](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JAMES-RNR-CIRCUS-8-948x1024.webp.webp\")
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