The BrightFest 25 Line Up.
22:00 - 23:00
DJ Dan
90s Dance Anthems
From entertaining the local fete in the early 80s on tape decks with church organ and brass band music, DJ Dan went on to run illegal raves in the 90s, playing underground hardcore jungle tekno. You may even have been kept awake by him and his crew!
These days, he plays "slightly" more commercial music and in recent years has become the voice of Cholsey, hosting their Choko beer festival as well as many local events for young and old.
Expect a rocking set with a few choice dance tunes from the 90s onwards.
21:00 - 21:45
Sabertooth
80s Metal
Oxfordshire 80s hard rock style band playing a mixture of originals from their debut album and well-known classic covers.
20:00 - 20:45
The Atomic Prune
Blues Rock
A dynamic, energetic blues trio, their music is British Blues mixed with skiffle, rock, gospel and more. Influences include Cream, Free, Big Bill Broonzy and Rory Gallagher (traditional with a modern edge).
19:00 - 19:45
All About The Groove
Soul / Funk
All About The Groove is a high-energy fusion of funk, soul, and groove. With deep-pocket rhythms and powerhouse vocals, they bring the party to every stage. Think vintage soul, drenched in fresh funk—irresistible grooves, feel-good vibes, and just the right touch of grit. Whether it’s a packed club or a summer festival, their mission is simple: to make you dance, sweat, and smile.
All About The Groove is a last minute replacement for Khairika, who was forced to cancel due to illness.
18:00 - 18:45
Cutwater
Americana Rock
Classic line-up of electric guitars, bass and drums playing original songs with influences ranging from shuffling 70s boogie, through Americana to country rock. Cutwater is a band that loves the sound of their instruments: the Gibson 335 through the Lazy J, the vintage Tele through a Cornell, the '82 Precision Bass through an Ampeg, the Ludwig drums.
Playing together in a room, when recording, using minimal overdubs and striving to capture the sound they make, Cutwater thrives on what happens when they play together: the intuitive performance that creates the alchemy of harmonics and overtones with which the songs are adorned.
17:00 - 17:45
The Night Herons
Jazz / Funk / Folk / Pop
The Night Herons are a music band from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, playing original songs, and the occasional cover, including jazz, funk, folk and pop.
They were formed by Rachel Holmes, singer, and Dave Hemming, songwriter and keyboard player in 2013. They also feature Chris Baines on drums and Werner de Jong on bass.
The Night Herons play live music at festivals and venues around Oxford and Reading, and released an EP in 2023. They have recently been in the recording studio for their next EP, which will be released over the summer.
16:00 - 16:45
Five Mile Radius
Acoustic Pop
Playing covers and originals, they are hoping to release their first album this year. They have an acoustic / pop / indie sound and love to write thoughtful, intricate guitar parts with powerful female vocals.
15:00 - 15:45
Tubthumpers
Classic Rock
World famous band hailing from Brightwell cum Sotwell.
14:00 - 14:45
Who Stoned Who
Rolling Stones Tribute
Who Stoned Who were formed back in 2015 and have played many gigs since, including 2 appearances at BrightFest. Decimated by Covid as were many other local bands, they reformed just 4 months ago and are back on the scene with a vengeance.
As well as original founder / member Phil Hall, this line-up features Richard Hearle from the infamous Phogues, one of the UK’s best Pogues tributes, Kev who sings in a number of bands including INXS GB (who were at BrightFest in 2024), and the amazing Emily on bass, who knows more songs than the rest of the band combined.
Expect heavy versions of both the Stones and The Who as well as a few more faves from that incredible era!