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FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Teddy Rocks Festival

This weekend Teddy Rocks Festival returns to Charisworth Farm in full swing, with a huge line-up across three days – and what’s more, for a fantastic cause.

Teddy Rocks Festival started from humble beginnings in a country pub in North Dorset in 2012. Founder of TRF, Tom Newton, wanted to help fundraise for the charity Teddy20 which was started by his parents to raise money for children and families fighting cancer after the sad loss of his brother, Ted Newton, who was 10 years old when he lost his life to a rare bone cancer. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the charity.

With plenty to choose from over the weekend, here are some of the bands that we think you should be checking out!

Mallory Knox

With a line-up reshuffle after the departure of vocalist Mikey ChapmanMallory Knox have taken a new direction and it’s one that we’ve grown to love. Latest single Black Holes will sound huge live, as bassist Sam Douglas steps up on vocal duties, and after their recent UK headline tour the four-piece will be well and truly warmed up for their appearance at the festival, which we anticipate will be one of the hottest sets of the weekend. (HG)

Nervus 

With catchy melodies and a classic punk rock sound there’s something about Nervus which will make you want to go back for more. Recently released album Everything Dies is going to take prominence during their set no doubt. With their honest, raw lyrics relating to avenues not spoken about often enough – such as gender dysphoria – it explains why they’re one of the most talked about bands on the scene right now. Be sure to see them this weekend to be a part of their special live set. (NC)

Dead! 

Having released their debut album The Golden Age Of Not Even Trying in January, Dead! are taking this year’s festival season by storm. Their atmospheric live shows captivates the audience, thanks to frontman Alex Mountford’s domineering stage presence. We’ve been lucky enough to see them a handful of times and trust us, this is a live set not to be missed. (NC)

Shields

Hot off the release of their debut album Life In Exile, London metalcore outfit Shields will deliver one of the most hard-hitting performances of the weekend. With an impressive live résumé, including countless tours in mainland Europe and the UK, as well as shows with the likes of Born Of Osiris, Chelsea Grin, Ice Nine Kills and Veil Of Maya, Shields are very much in demand and worthy of your attention. If you like your music heavy then these guys are a must. (HG)

Turbowolf 

Turbowolf have been full speed ahead since 2011 and have no signs of stopping. Teaching us about The Free Life their debut album has rocked the nation since it’s release in March and we cant wait to live it this festival season. The Bristolian rockers are upping the momentum with a USA tour, but not before they kick start the summer off at Teddy Rocks, who have truly raised the bar this year. We can’t wait to cram ourselves in at the front, see you there. (CP)

Grumble Bee 

Rapidly growing in success and popularity, Grumble Bee aka Jack Bennett will no doubt draw in a crowd this weekend – and for good reason. The multi-instrumentalist works alongside pals Zach Phelps and Callum Connell onstage to create an enchanting live performance. Expect to be surrounded by many of Grumble Bee’s captivated fanbase, singing along to the melodic tracks word for word. Grumble Bee’s second EP Everything Between is also set for release on 15th June. (NC)

I, The Mapmaker 

Having shared stages with Hundredth, Stray From the Path, Deez Nuts, Casey and Napoleon in their short time as a band, melodic hardcore outfit I, The Mapmaker have had plenty of practise in a live atmosphere. With the release of their debut EP Searching imminent, there’s hope of catching some of the new material live, especially latest single Capsized. If you love a combination of chaotic hardcore and mesmerising ambience then I, The Mapmaker will be a perfect addition to your weekend. (HG)

Written by: Charly Phillips, Nicola Craig & Hannah Gillicker

Teddy Rocks Festival takes place between the 4-6th May at Charisworth Farm. For tickets, the full line-up and further information head over to the Teddy Rocks website.

Get in the mood with the official Teddy Rocks Festival Spotify playlist HERE.

HannahGillicker
A 30-something year old journalist and freelance PR often found at a gig, a festival or holding a dictophone to a band and asking them all kinds of questions. I'm a sucker for whiskey and vinyl.