Bradford has always had rock running through its veins, and if Bradstock Festival proves anything, it’s that the city is rediscovering its swagger. As Tony Wright From Terrorvision once said you could “tour the venues in Bradford for a month and never play the same place twice,” the spirit is returning fuelled by grassroots passion, venues like Nightrain, and a festival that’s fast becoming a must on the UK rock calendar.
Now in its fifth year, Bradstock isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. It’s not bloated, it’s not overpriced, and it doesn’t chase trends. What it does is deliver a stacked, no-nonsense lineup of hard rock talent in a venue that feels like home. From established names to rising acts, the bill was packed: Scarlet Rebels, Bad Touch, The Cruel Knives, Midnite City, Ashen Reach, and more.
Scarlet Rebels topped the bill in style, serving up a 75-minute masterclass in modern British rock – polished, powerful, and completely in command. Bad Touch brought their trademark groove and swagger, effortlessly lifting the room, while The Cruel Knives injected raw energy with a high-octane set that refused to let up. Ashen Reach and A’priori backed it all up with performances that proved the depth of talent on show.
But for all the quality across the board, one band stood out. This was always going to be about This House We Built – and they didn’t just meet expectations; they blew them away.
Hailing from Scarborough, keeping it proudly Yorkshire, the band hit the stage with purpose. Opener Addiction wasted no time, launching in with a thick, driving riff and hooks that grabbed instantly. From there, the set-built momentum fast – Fairweather Friend brought attitude and groove, while Broken Dreams and Crash N Burn delivered the kind of crunching, riff-heavy punch that defines proper hard rock.
There’s no filler here. Tracks like Rain and One By One kept the energy high, every song stacked with big choruses and a sound that feels equally rooted in classic rock and modern grit. And then came It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll – an AC/DC-tinged closer that felt tailor-made to leave the crowd buzzing long after the final note rang out.
What makes This House We Built so compelling isn’t just the songs – it’s the delivery. Big riffs, bigger vocals, and that intangible sense that this is exactly what rock and roll should feel like: loud, unapologetic, and completely alive. The band – Scott Waddell (vocals/guitar), Andy Jackson (guitar), Chris Mayes (drums), and Wayne Dowkes (bass) – looked every bit a unit that knows how to command a stage and own a crowd.
Their sound leans into that 80s Sunset Strip vibe, but it never feels like nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, it’s a reminder of why that era mattered – the hooks, the attitude, the sheer fun of it all – updated with a modern edge that keeps it fresh.
Bradstock as a whole sums up everything that’s right about the current grassroots rock scene. It’s accessible, welcoming, and driven by people who genuinely care about the music. No pretence, no filler – just bands giving everything they’ve got in front of a crowd that’s there for the right reasons.
If 2026 was anything to go by, Bradstock 2027 should already be in your diary. Because nights like this prove that rock isn’t just alive in places like Bradford – it’s thriving again. And with bands like This House We Built leading the charge, it’s in very good hands.
Photos by David Pickles
With special thanks to Claire from Central Press PR for the media access.