Brid on the Map 3 – The third installment of great local and visiting music at Bridlington’s Stirling Castle took place in June, with exceptional performances from Beth Pilling, Eva Kiss, and Dirty Blonde.
An exciting night on this early summer evening at The Stirling Castle, showcasing some real talent starting with Bridlington’s own Beth Pilling accompanied by Bootlegger bandmate George Garnett, with a lovely acoustic set of the best Bootlegger’s tunes. The band has been gaining significant momentum recently, with their single “Wait” earning airtime on BBC Radio York this past May — a milestone that speaks volumes about the growing recognition of their ability.
Their set at The Stirling Castle is just another step in what promises to be a bright future and their performance that night served as a proud reminder of the depth of musical talent blossoming along the Yorkshire coast. With Beth’s natural ability to connect with the crowd, engaging with listeners between songs, it added a very nice personal touch to the set. Both Beth and George delivered impressive vocals.
Following the opener was Eva Kiss. Making the journey from the West of Yorkshire, Eva and her bandmates took to the stage with a powerful presence, delivering a grungy, emotionally charged set that instantly transported the audience back to the raw, unfiltered sound of the late ’80s and early ’90s. With distorted guitar riffs, heavy basslines, and a brooding energy, their performance embodied the spirit of classic grunge—authentic and unapologetic.
Eva’s vocals were striking, cutting through the haze with an intensity that made it impossible not to feel every lyric she sang. Her voice carried both vulnerability and grit – the band’s chemistry and commitment to their sound added depth and texture to the performance, creating a dark, immersive atmosphere that lingered long after their final chord. A personal favourite is “Shame”, I believe this song is an excellent example of her overall message and music.
Closing out the night—and headlining this segment of Brid on the Map 3—was none other than Manchester’s own Dirty Blonde, the self-described “fierce female alternative duo,” who more than lived up to the name. From the moment they stepped on stage, their commanding presence and assertive energy electrified the room, making it clear why they were the evening’s main event.
Delivering a set packed with what can only be described as future anthems, Dirty Blonde showcased a fresh yet fiery sound that fused raw alt-rock edge with infectious hooks and bold lyricism. One of the night’s standout moments came when Issy Sutcliffe took to her own set of drums mid-performance—an unexpected but very well received sight. With each thunderous beat, the crowd could feel the intensity of the music pulsing through them. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a full-bodied experience that demanded attention and left a lasting impression. “Rush” – a song that was the highlight for me – is an absolute must-listen.
Dirty Blonde didn’t just close the night—they carved their name into it, leaving the crowd buzzing and proving exactly why they’re a band to watch.
Links:
Beth Pilling and the Bootleggers
Metalines Studios & Live in Bridlington
