Merry Hell

Multi-award-winning Merry Hell bring their joyful, uplifting folk-rock sound, delivering a powerful message of hope for troubled times.
Hailing from the North-West of England, this dynamic 8-piece grew from the ashes of folk-punk favourites The Tansads, forging a vibrant identity of their own. Their music is driven by energy, passion, and a genuine desire to bring people together through positivity and song.

With six acclaimed albums and hundreds of performances under their belt, they’ve built a reputation as one of the most engaging live acts on the scene—recently described as “every performance a celebration.” They are also proud holders of Folking.com’s Best Live Band Award.

Whether performing as a full electric lineup or a more intimate acoustic setup, Merry Hell deliver the same spirit, energy, and unforgettable experience every time.

Rusty Shackle

Welsh indie-roots favourites Rusty Shackle have been setting stages alight across the globe since 2010. Their distinctive sound blends rampant fiddle, slick guitars, and irresistible mandolin and banjo hooks, all powered by a driving rhythm section.

Known for their electrifying and feel-good live shows, the band have built a devoted following. Their latest album, Under a Bloodshot Moon, shot straight to Number 2 in the Official UK Folk Albums Chart without label backing—testament to their loyal fanbase and undeniable appeal.

Having toured extensively across the UK, Europe, and the USA, Rusty Shackle are festival veterans who guarantee energy, excitement, and crowd-pleasing performances wherever they go.

The Magpies

Transatlantic folk innovators The Magpies are rapidly making waves as one of the most exciting acts on the contemporary roots scene. Blending Anglo and American traditions, they create a rich musical tapestry inspired by Celtic folk, bluegrass, and Appalachian sounds.

At the core are Bella Gaffney and Holly Brandon, joined by a stellar lineup of musicians including Kate Griffin and Ellie Gowers. Together, they craft intricate harmonies, powerful songwriting, and a fresh, collaborative sound while championing inclusivity and gender equality in music.

Following their acclaimed albums and a BBC Radio 2 live session, they’ve toured extensively and appeared at major festivals including Glastonbury and Cambridge. Their live shows are known for their energy, warmth, and ability to transport audiences through stunning vocals and musicianship.

Juniper

Birmingham-formed 6-piece Juniper will be bringing their unmistakable energy to the Main Stage on Sunday—and that’s not all…

They’ll also be hosting a lively Ceilidh in The Pump Stage tent on Sunday afternoon, so get your dancing shoes ready!

Blending orchestral Celtic influences with contemporary folk, Juniper create a powerful, genre-crossing sound. Their music moves effortlessly between driving, high-energy arrangements and beautifully delicate, intimate moments.

2026 sees the release of their new album, Halfway Home, created in collaboration with producer and guest artist Cormac Byrne. Expect soaring textures, infectious rhythms, and a truly immersive live experience.

3 Daft Monkeys

Festival favourites 3 Daft Monkeys bring their exhilarating fusion of world folk, Celtic influences and theatrical energy to Trowbridge. Known for their explosive live performances and infectious rhythms, they are guaranteed to whip the crowd into a joyous frenzy.

Chris Difford

Legendary songwriter and Squeeze co-founder Chris Difford joins us for what promises to be a truly special appearance. With a catalogue of timeless classics including Up The Junction, Cool For Cats and Tempted, his warm storytelling and masterful songwriting will create a memorable festival moment.

Banter

Described as “The future of Folk”, Banter are redefining English traditional music with bold arrangements, rich harmonies and driving rhythms. Their inventive and energetic live shows have earned rave reviews across the UK and beyond.

Spill The Whisky Ceilidh

When it’s time to hit the dance floor, ceilidh favourites Spill The Whisky will lead the celebrations. With lively tunes and welcoming calling for dancers of all abilities, they promise a joyful communal highlight of the festival weekend.

Following a few years of steady growth and increasingly memorable editions, Trowbridge Festival continues to go from strength to strength. Having re-established itself as one of Wiltshire’s much loved small festivals, the team now turn their attention to delivering an even better experience in 2026.

Continuing our commitment to young people, the Child and Teen tickets will remain FREE of charge, allowing all under-18s to attend the festival free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. We believe strongly that young people are the future of a vibrant and successful Trowbridge Festival, and we’re proud to help make the event accessible for families.