Stonedead Festival - Newark Showground 23rd August 2025

There are festivals that come and go, and then there are those that etch themselves into the hearts of fans. Stonedead is very much the latter. Now in its seventh year, Stonedead Festival has firmly established itself with families as one of the UK’s most loved rock and metal gatherings. What began as a one-day celebration has grown into a weekend-long pilgrimage: a Friday night warm-up show, camping facilities, and a Saturday stacked with wall-to-wall rock and metal music.

Held at Newark Showground, Stonedead once again delivered everything fans have come to expect: a superbly curated line-up, smooth organisation, and a uniquely friendly, community atmosphere. Campers pitched up near their cars on both Friday and Saturday nights, creating an old-school festival spirit where neighbours quickly became friends, beers were shared, and anticipation built under the late-summer sky.

The weather could hardly have been kinder: warm with plenty of sunny spells, just enough cloud to soften the heat, and a light breeze to keep things comfortable. No mud, no rain, no hassle - just the perfect setting for a weekend of music.

The popularity of this event speaks for itself. Early bird tickets for 2026 went on sale the very morning of the festival and were snapped up in just seven minutes - a testament to its growing reputation and enduring appeal with a dedicated fanbase. Given the electric atmosphere throughout the day, it was no surprise. Families, first-timers, and seasoned rock veterans alike gathered together, proving once again that this is more than just a gig - it’s an annual pilgrimage.

Friday Night Warm-Up: Tyketto’s Long-Awaited Return

For those arriving early, Friday’s opening event brought a special treat: Tyketto, finally taking their place at Stonedead after being originally scheduled for the cancelled 2020 edition. Their performance felt like a long-overdue homecoming, and the crowd welcomed them with open arms. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the weekend, giving fans a taste of what was to come.

King Kraken Unleashed

As the first light of Saturday morning spilled across Newark Showground, fans began to gather en masse, ready for a full day of rock and metal. The crowd was a mix of seasoned festival-goers, families, and early risers eager to rock.

Hailing from Cardiff, King Kraken kicked things off with all the subtlety of a tidal wave in full force. The quintet stormed the stage, their entrance alone setting the mood: an inflatable octopus crowd-surfing overhead, delighting those who had gathered in impressive numbers for the opening slot.

Singer Mark Donoghue commanded attention with his raw stage presence, alongside Adam Healey (lead guitar), Pete Rose (rhythm guitar), Karl Meyer (bass), and Richard Mears (drums). Their mix of stoner grooves and heavy riffs from the acclaimed second album March of the Gods provided the perfect wake-up call.

Tracks like ‘Berserker’ immediately had the crowd’s heads banging and fists pumping, creating a wave of energy that rippled through the early audience. Children on shoulders bounced to the rhythm, teenagers threw fists and heads in unison, and older fans sang along word for word, bridging generations in a shared love of live music. For an opening act, this was no tentative warm-up; it was an all-out assault that set a high bar for the rest of the day. The message was clear: Stonedead 2025 had well and truly begun.

Honouring The Late and The Great

After the adrenaline of King Kraken’s opening set, the stage fell silent in the morning light. Through the smoke, festival organiser Chris Sumby stepped forward and delivered a heartfelt and poignant moment. He first paid tribute to the festival family lost in the past year - crew, fans and friends - before honouring the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the late, great Prince of Darkness. In an outpouring of joyous yet sorrowful energy, the crowd chanted “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!”

It wasn’t just a tribute - it was a moment of connection and release. In that shared grief and joy, the crowd felt both the weight of loss and the exhilaration of music that transcends time. It reminded everyone why Stonedead is more than a festival: it’s a family, a community, and a place where generations come together to celebrate both the living and the legends who’ve shaped rock and metal history.  Throughout the day, bands paid homage with covers of Ozzy’s classics, most memorably an epic rendition of ‘War Pigs’. Parents lifted children onto their shoulders, passing on the music to the next generation, while older fans sang every lyric from memory - a testament to Ozzy’s enduring legacy.

Black Oak County Deliver a White-Hot Performance

Next up were Denmark’s Black Oak County, who brought swagger, charm, and confidence alongside a hefty dose of arena-ready hard rock. Blending the polished muscle of Alter Bridge with the southern-fried sounds of Black Stone Cherry, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the first riff.

Each member radiated energy and showmanship. Singer/guitarist Niel Beirt, bassist/vocalist Rene Kristensen, guitarist Jack Svendsen, and drummer Mike Svendsen delivered a set that was both slick and raw, showing exactly why they’ve become one of Denmark’s most popular bands since forming in 2012.  The highlight came with ‘Boom Boom Baby’, which ignited the field and had the crowd clapping, stomping, and singing along, hands in the air, heads nodding in sync with the driving rhythm. Families, friends, and long-time Stonedead veterans jumped together in unison. The atmosphere was electric yet warm; strangers exchanged smiles over the shared joy of music, and moments of synchronised cheering punctuated the set. Beer in hand or fists raised, everyone was drawn in. By the end, it wasn’t just Black Oak County performing - the festival itself seemed to sing back, a collective roar of excitement that carried far beyond the stage.

Enforcer Were a Powerhouse Force

If King Kraken and Black Oak County lit the spark, then Sweden’s Enforcer threw a barrel of gasoline on the fire. Their brand of heavy speed metal is not for the faint-hearted - and judging by the eager crowd, that was exactly what people wanted.

The crowd surged like waves, bouncing in place, feeding off the band’s energy. Hair flew, heads banged, and chants echoed across the field, creating a visceral connection between stage and audience. Frontman Olof Wikstrand commanded the stage with ferocious energy, backed by his tight-knit bandmates, delivering a whirlwind of thunderous riffs and shrieking solos in relentless anthems like ‘Living for the Night’ and ‘Unshackle Me’.  Older fans at the front were clearly in their element, air-guitaring with gusto and belting every lyric. Enforcer’s set was less about subtlety and more about sheer adrenaline, and it left the field buzzing.

The New Roses Bloom

After the sonic storm of Enforcer, Germany’s The New Roses brought a melodic shift without losing any of the energy. When the title track of their debut Without a Trace was used on a German broadcast of Sons of Anarchy, their profile was solidified. Their music sits comfortably in the lineage of stadium-filling acts like Bon Jovi and Van Halen, but with a gritty modern edge that’s uniquely theirs.

Formed in Wiesbaden in 2007, the quartet have toured relentlessly, and their experience shows. Their stagecraft was smooth, confident, and seasoned, honed through years of opening for legends like KISS, ZZ Top, and Black Stone Cherry.

From the first note, the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers and swaying bodies. Fans sang along to every chorus, arms waving in the afternoon sun, while others clapped and stomped to the rhythm, creating a vibrant, pulsing wave of collective joy.

Primal Fear: A Primal Sound Without Fear!

From melodic rock to sheer metal power, the baton was passed to Germany’s Primal Fear, a band with a fearsome reputation in the power metal world. Formed in 1997 after vocalist Ralf Scheepers narrowly missed out on fronting Judas Priest, Primal Fear have since released 15 studio albums and built a loyal following.

From the first thunderous riff, it was clear why the band has endured: this was power metal at full force with raucous riffs, soaring choruses, and relentless energy. The crowd became a sea of chanting voices. Self-styled “Vikings” in the audience came alive with coordinated headbanging and synchronised cheering, adding a layer of theatre to the performance. By the time they concluded, the field was buzzing, hearts racing, ears ringing, and spirits soaring.

D-A-D: An Afternoon Delight!

By late afternoon, Danish veterans D-A-D took to the stage, reminding everyone why they’ve endured since forming in Copenhagen as school friends in 1982. Once known as Disneyland After Dark, Jesper Binzer (vocals), Jacob Binzer (lead guitar), Stig Pedersen (bass) and Laust Sonne (drums) recently celebrated their 40th anniversary and have 13 studio albums under their belt.

The band has evolved into a tight-knit powerhouse, blending punk grit, country twang, and hard rock swagger. ‘Sleeping My Day Away’, from 1989’s No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims, was the undeniable highlight, the entire crowd belting it out. Their unique brand of rock ’n’ roll mischief was a welcome tonic as the evening edged closer.

Sweet Blitz the Stage

If ever there was a band to unite generations, it’s Sweet. With roots stretching back to the glam rock explosion of the late 60s and the 70s, they remain one of the most influential names in British rock history.  The current line-up, introduced by Sweet’s longest-serving member Andy Scott - Paul Manzi (vocals), Lee Small (bass), Tom Cory (keys/guitar), and Adam Booth (drums) - did not disappoint, delivering a hit-packed set that had everyone singing.

‘Love Is Like Oxygen’ slowed things down just enough to let the audience soak in the melody, arms waving in unison and voices raised in the afternoon air. Finally came their unifying ending, which has been stuck in my head ever since: ‘Ballroom Blitz’ blasted through the erupting crowd, a sea of hands, glitter, and smiles. Young fans, parents, and grandparents shouted every lyric, dancing in collective joy. This was not just a performance but a festival-wide singalong - a reminder that great songs never age; they simply gain new voices.

The Dead Daisies Are Alive and Kicking

Transitioning from glam nostalgia to modern rock powerhouses, The Dead Daisies brought a polished, arena-ready confidence. Formed in Sydney in 2012, they’ve released eight studio albums featuring a rotating line-up of veteran musicians. Despite the changes, their camaraderie and professionalism shone through in every note.

Their set was high-energy, riff-heavy, and slickly delivered, with ‘Long Way to Go’ and ‘Dead and Gone’ receiving huge reactions from the fun-loving fans. By this point in the evening, the crowd, with beers in hand, were ready to rock - and The Dead Daisies provided the perfect soundtrack.

The Almighty Gave a God-Like Finale

Closing the festival with a bang were The Almighty, Glasgow’s hard rock heroes. Formed in 1988, their mix of punk spirit and rock attitude made them the perfect finale for a day packed with variety.  From the moment they launched into ‘Wild and Wonderful’, the energy surged. The band’s commanding presence and relentless riffs created a wall of sound that reverberated across the festival field.

The extended encore became a combustible mix of music, lights, and audience fervour. By the end, it was clear that The Almighty had delivered more than just a performance; they’d given Stonedead its triumphant, rebellious conclusion.

The Amazing Atmosphere and Exceptional Organisation

One of Stonedead’s greatest strengths has always been its meticulous organisation, and 2025 was no exception. Clear signage guided festival-goers seamlessly across the grounds, online video guides prepped newcomers, and onsite staff and volunteers were consistently friendly and approachable. Even the smallest touches - spotless toilets still stocked with paper late into the evening - spoke volumes about the organisers’ attention to detail and the respectfulness of the crowd.

Food and refreshment options were equally impressive. Festival-goers could choose from classic burgers, chicken and halloumi gyros, or decadent sweet treats drizzled with chocolate. New traders expanded the choice further, offering jewellery, clothing, and art - perfect souvenirs for festival-goers. Merch tents buzzed with excitement, bar queues moved efficiently, and free water stations ensured everyone stayed hydrated.

Accessibility and inclusivity were evident throughout. Spacious layouts, thoughtful planning, and clearly marked paths made it easy for everyone to navigate. Families were out in force, with children experiencing their first festival alongside parents and grandparents. Laughter, cheers, and spontaneous singalongs filled the air, creating a safe, joyful, and welcoming atmosphere.

The technical side was equally polished. Sound and lighting were exceptional, delivering a professional spectacle while preserving the intimacy that makes Stonedead so special. Every note, every spotlight was carefully calibrated to enhance the experience.

Perhaps the most touching detail came as the festival drew to a close. Staff waved warmly to the departing crowds, and in return, festival-goers called out their thanks - a simple but heartfelt exchange that perfectly encapsulated the camaraderie and shared love of music that defines Stonedead.

Top Moments

• Tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, honouring the enduring legacy of the Prince of Darkness.

• Sweet’s ‘Ballroom Blitz’ singalong - a joyous, unifying highlight that captured the festival’s inclusive spirit.

• The Almighty’s extended encore, closing the festival with raw, unrelenting power.

Final Thoughts

Stonedead Festival 2025 was everything a rock festival should be: meticulously organised, family-friendly, musically diverse, and brimming with unforgettable moments. From the inflatable octopus that welcomed early risers with King Kraken, to the thunderous finale by The Almighty, it was as much a celebration of community as it was of music.

Based on the original Monsters of Rock ethos, the team have brought the spirit into the 21st century with a focus on safety and community. It’s clear how much everyone cares about Stonedead and what it symbolises - and thrilling to see it not just surviving but thriving.

With early bird tickets for 2026 selling out within minutes, Stonedead’s reputation continues to soar. By Sunday night, all tickets for next year had been snapped up - proof that this is no longer just an event, but a cherished tradition.