24 September sees Float Along Festival hit the streets of Sheffield for the first time: here is a preview of what to expect from the festival, encompassing psych-rock, a medley of the best in indie and alternative, and more which BSM have the privilege of reviewing for you.
Organised by Strange Days (promoters who have brought bands such as King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, Squid, Viagra Boys and Black Midi to the North), Float Along Festival has been dubbed a day of “mind blowing outsider pop and rock”. It will take place in various venues across the city, including the iconic The Leadmill.
Acts performing at include The Magic Gang, Warmduscher, Katy J Pearson, Los Bitchos and many, many more. Headlining are Manchester shape-shifting art rockers Everything Everything, whose most recent album Raw Data Feel was described as “pop gold” in NME’s four star review. Whilst steadily increasing their noise-rock loving base of fans – recently performing at Glastonbury for the first time – Newcastle’s powerhouse psych-rock behemoth Pigs x7 truly embody the festival’s ‘outsider’ foundations. The Sabbathian five-piece released their third record Viscerals in 2020, to praise as monumental as their riffs.
As well as more established bands, Float Along also features several rising acts. Signed to Leeds-based independent label Clue Records, Bored At My Grandmas House and their dreamy, mellifluous indie-pop recently earned a spot on the Wolf Alice curated BBC Introducing Glastonbury stage, as well as Manchester’s W. H. Lung, who have been described as being one of the best new live bands around – an absolute must see!
If you’re looking for a break from the music, you’ll find Steve Lamacq having a natter about his time as a journalist at the NME, as a radio presenter, gig goer and band obsessive over at Sidney & Matilda’s Yard Stage. Alongside these acts, the festival will also feature several DJ sets, street food, and vintage clothing.
The festival organisers are giving students 20% off the standard ticket price with code – Discount20 (proof of student status must be presented when exchanging your ticket for a wristband on the day of the festival). There are a limited number of these tickets available.
The live music element of the event will run from 12pm until 11pm (14+) with DJ’s from 11pm until 2am (18+). Get your tickets here
