We get an artists’ perspective on the festival as January Jam’s lead singer Lucy takes us with her on her journey through Staxtonbury 2026.
Staxtonbury Festival proved why it deserves its rightful place in Yorkshire’s live music scene. Just 30 minutes from home, it still felt like another world: music drifting through the air, food sizzling, flowing drinks, and children cartwheeling across the grass. I did not see everything – impossible at a festival this packed – but the acts I caught took me on a memorable little trail through the weekend. By the end, Staxtonbury had done what all good festivals do: sent everyone home a little tired, a little hoarse, and already wondering if it was too soon to start packing for next year.
My band, January Jam, had the joy of playing Staxtonbury for the first time on Friday evening. I stepped onto the stage feeling equal parts thrilled, grateful, and convinced my brain might suddenly delete every lyric I had ever known. Thankfully, it behaved. Mostly. Once we started, everything settled into place. The audience were welcoming, responsive and fully in weekend mode. By the end, I was floating around on post-gig adrenaline like someone had quietly swapped my shoes for the moon shoes I always wanted as a child. I felt genuinely lucky to have been part of it.
By Saturday midday, we were in festival-wanderer mode: coffee in hand, ears open, and ready to see where the day took us. We claimed a hay bale just as Accidentally Acoustic began, which felt like excellent timing. Their relaxed, open-hearted sound was the perfect start, showing the beauty of stripped-back live music. The lead vocalist’s voice had a tone that brought Michael Stipe of R.E.M. to mind. A real highlight came during their cover of Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics, when the saxophonist stepped in and gave the song a fresh, unexpected lift.
Teddy Sings, a tribute to Teddy Swims, drew a jam-packed audience before he had even sung a note, which is always a promising sign – and slightly intimidating if you happen to be the act on next. He was clearly already a beloved favourite, and it was easy to see why. With a fantastic voice, impressive range, and more than a little of Teddy Swims’ style and swagger, he looked completely at home on stage. This was no nervous act still finding his feet; he commanded the space, had the marquee singing along, and turned his slot into one big soulful singalong.
Later, we wandered back to the main stage for Leeds-based Happy Daggers, who served up a vibrant mix of soul, funk and disco that had people moving from the first song. Smooth, soulful vocals glided over layered keys, while the impressive brass section burst through like confetti. Best of all was their chemistry: they bounced off each other so naturally it felt less like watching a performance and more like being invited to the best party in the field. They were not just talented musicians; they bottled up the good vibes, shook them up and sprayed them everywhere – a must-see for anyone whose mood needs a lift.
After all that brass-fuelled joy, Pickering-based Rocketsmith brought a jolt of melodic rock with a punk edge. Their anthemic choruses had a habit of sneaking into your head, unpacking a bag, and refusing to leave. Their songs drew on real-life experience, giving the set plenty of heart alongside powerful guitar, driving rhythms, and a bassline you could practically feel through the grass. The lead singer had an easy, happy-go-lucky charm, backed up by strong vocals and an instantly likeable command of the stage. By the end, Rocketsmith had made a convincing case for why original music belongs at festivals like this.
Back in the Marquee, Project 13 arrived with their own built-in party switch. The local favourites delivered a lively blend of ska, punk and rock that had the packed tent dancing from the first note. The brass section added bright flashes of colour, while tight musicianship and infectious enthusiasm made every song feel like a celebration. Whether you were already a ska fan or simply swept up in the atmosphere, it was impossible not to smile through their performance. Honestly, try having a bad time during Project 13 – I’m fairly sure it can’t be done.
Heading outside again, we caught something gloriously dramatic. Kreye felt like a rock-and-roll time machine crash-landing onto the stage, all Queen-sized spectacle, and the larger-than-life glamour of 70s rock. The vocals soared effortlessly from delicate moments to powerhouse choruses, while driving basslines, intricate drumming and emotive guitar gave every song a heartbeat you could almost feel through the floor. Blending classic rock influences with their own modern edge, Kreye proved that big riffs, big vocals, and even bigger performances are very much alive and kicking. Their latest single, Heather’s Eyes, is well worth a listen – ideally somewhere your speakers can really go for it.
As the main stage headliner, Ellie Sax had the festival humming before she even played a note. Festivalgoers packed in shoulder to shoulder, glow sticks waving, as she and the DJ turned dance tracks into something electric. Her command of the stage was infectious, encouraging everyone to join in, until it felt less like a performance and more like a huge celebration with a sea of glowing neon.
I ended the night back in the warmth of the Marquee, where headliner Mally Jackson delivered a performance that felt both impressively polished and genuinely personal. A multi-instrumentalist and loop pedal artist, he built everything live in front of the audience, stacking each track layer by layer like a one-man musical Jenga tower – only with far better balance. His vocals were strong and assured, sitting perfectly over the evolving soundscapes he crafted on stage. His calm confidence was matched by easy humour between songs. By the end, the room was converted and calling for an encore. He answered in the best way: with an original track.
Photos from Ty Giorgiou
Sunday had a gentler pace, though Staxtonbury still had a few surprises tucked up its sleeve. When Mackie stepped onto the Marquee stage, I had a brief moment of confusion: I was expecting Dads Behaving Madly, and there seemed to be a suspicious shortage of dads. It turned out Mackie – who had been working as part of the sound crew – stepped in at the last minute, grabbed his guitar, and answered the musical distress call. Hailing from Whitby, he brought a raw mix of Irish folk, blues, and rock, with slide guitar and a gritty, powerful voice. He looked completely at home and won the audience over fast.
From there, we headed outside for Nick Tudor, whose performance had a strong 90s Britpop feel, with echoes of Oasis, Cast and alternative rock woven throughout, yet it still felt unmistakably his own. Using a vocal harmoniser to build rich layers and harmonies, he created a sound far bigger than one man and a guitar had any right to be. There was an effortless swagger about him that drew people in, and his easy connection with some of the younger festivalgoers added a lovely sense of warmth. His slot proved you do not need a full band behind you to take up plenty of space on a festival stage.
My final stop for the weekend brought one of the most heartwarming performances: 12-year-old drummer and singer Nancy Tilley. After reaching the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent, her talent was never in doubt, but what made the set truly special was the magical partnership she shared with her dad. He moved effortlessly between instruments, wrapping the songs in vintage guitar tones that brought The Shadows to mind. Together, they created a musical conversation that only comes from years of playing side by side. Then came the drumming – and Nancy did not so much keep time as politely ask it to keep up. With intricate fills, lightning-fast triplets, and sweet vocals throughout, she left no doubt she has an incredibly bright future ahead.
By the time I left, my weekend had taken me from hay bales and acoustic covers to brass sections, rock theatrics, neon saxophone and one very impressive drummer. Staxtonbury once again proved its magic lies not just in the music, but in the unexpected moments you stumble into along the way. Huge thanks to Brett and everyone involved for making it such a memorable weekend – roll on next year!
Photos from Milly Warkup
For more on upcoming events from the Staxtonbury team, check out:
And see Part 1 of our Staxtonbury coverage here.
