Bugeye
Bugeye are a fierce, female-led five-piece from Croydon, delivering a heady mix of gritty guitars, retro synths, and sharp, socially conscious lyrics, often called “Disco-Punk”. If John Peel were still alive, he’d love this!
Formed by childhood friends Angela Martin (vocals, guitar) and Paula Snow (bass), who bonded over music growing upon a council estate, the band later welcomed Kat Pihl (keys or a keytar!!), Lex Giggs (guitar), and Ana (drums) to complete their explosive line-up. With a bold DIY ethos and a reputation for riotous, high-energy live shows, Bugeye are a driving force in the UK’s underground scene—for fans of St. Vincent, Le Tigre, John Grant, and Bones UK.
The band will be familiar with anyone who regularly visits the Pump, as their tour dropped into town last year and blew us all away!
‘Summer in the City – Music Video – Winner of the London Movie Awards 2022
“They’re back and exploring new dimensions, sounding excellent! I really hope there’s plenty more where that comes from!” – John Kennedy, Radio X
‘Bugeye ooze class…Bugeye are a force to be reckoned with, a colourful, hilarious riposte to these patriarchal times’ – CLASH MAGAZINE
“Bugeye have crafted an album which has taken elements from Garbage to Sleater-Kinney and crafted something very special indeed” – Louder Than War
Come and see Bugeye live at Trowbridge Festival 2026 by
Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes
Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes
Folk-Rock with Heart and Conscience
Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes are a band that doesn’t just make music, they make a statement. Known for their emotive blend of protest folk, anthemic rock, and intricate violin-led melodies, the band’s songs weave together themes of social justice, personal reflection, and the deep-rooted desire for change. Their music delivers a powerful message: one of defiance, hope, and a call to action in a fractured world.
Formed by lead singer and songwriter Liam Vincent, the band draws from a diverse range of musical backgrounds. Liam, raised on traditional Irish music, spent two decades in punk and indie bands before pivoting to focus on writing songs that matter. His journey back to songwriting, following the loss of his grandmother in 2015, saw him experimenting during lockdown with a whirlwind project: writing, recording, and producing 7 new songs in 7 days. These raw creations laid the foundation for what would become The Odd Foxes.
The lineup features Rebecca, a classically trained violinist and pianist; James, a producer and multi-instrumentalist with global experience; Matt, a producer and bassist with a sharp ear for harmony; and Diz, a drummer with a long career in live touring bands. Together, they craft a sound where punk energy meets folk sensitivity, driven by three lead vocalists and an unusually collaborative writing process.
Their new material takes aim at modern life: two-faced politicians, self-help clichés, the puppet strings of capitalism, and the quiet yearning for something simpler. Lead single “Keep Running”, out 12th September 2025, is a rousing anthem of survival, capturing what it means to start again from scratch and keep going when no one’s watching.
Rooted in community, the band’s ethos centres around kindness, collaboration, and purpose. They care deeply about mental health, climate justice, wealth inequality, and the right to protest, and their music reflects that. Their fans, mostly left-leaning folk-rock lovers, turn up to dance, reflect, and be moved.
For fans of: Frank Turner, The Levellers, The Frames, Arcade Fire
RIYL: Honest, politically charged folk-rock with a modern edge
Carsick
“Trust me, I’ve heard worse.” – John the security guard, The Rockhouse, Andover
“What a great band… ‘Muzzle’ is a memorable slice of life in the raw.” – Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6Music
Ever since penning a 6 figure (or can) endorsement deal with Thatcher’s Cider, CARSICK have been getting a little bit ahead of themselves. But Trowbridge already knew that delicious Salisbury indie-punks CARSICK were a startling live force from the start. Famously their shows in 2022 in Trowbridge were recorded and passed to uber cool UK label, Alcopop Records. Who promptly signed them up, and sent them out on tour!
With their tour bus wheels forever on the ground as they capture all the right ears, they’ve been championed by James Threlfall at BBC Introducing In the West and subsequently played on BBC R1 by Gemma Bradley, BBC Radio 6 Music by both Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson and Radio X by John Kennedy – PHEW!
When you also include a taking over of Introducing stations across the country after being selected by Gemma Bradley as a pick of the week. CARSICK are the band you’ve ALWAYS wanted. Embrace them.
Now with two 12″ EPs behind them on Alcopop! Records, their debut “Drunk Hymns” and the follow up “Tough Luck” the band have cemented their place on the UK festival circuit. They are regulars at Oxford’s Truck Festival after winning repeatedly the Public Vote, as well as Cheltenham’s 2000 Trees, and in 2026 celebrate an unprecedented festival tour across Europe!
Their music is described as “fun and devilishly contagious, anchored around a lyrical and social observation that is as hard hitting and poignant as it is mischievous and often comes with an intimacy vein of personal experience.”
BBC Introducing Single of The Week – July 2025 for “Backseat”
“Watching CARSICK feels so special.” – Katie Hillier, Silence In Sound.
“These guys have fully, fully, just absolutely exploded my brain with their first tune and I love it.” – James Threlfall, BBC Introducing in the West
“I’m obsessed with this… if you’re into Slowthai this is for you.” – Gemma Bradley, BBC Radio 1
“What a great band… ‘Muzzle’ is a memorable slice of life in the raw.” – Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6Music
“That’s nice, that’s a little earworm… Big fan of that.” – IsaacHolman (Slaves/Baby Dave), Bangers and Trash Radio
“Trust me, I’ve heard worse.” – John the security guard, The Rockhouse, Andover
Come and see Carsick live at Trowbridge Festival 2026 by
Rusty Shackle
Welsh indie-roots six piece Rusty Shackle have been tearing up stages around the globe since 2010. Brandishing their distinct folk-roots sound with an electrifying mix of rampant fiddle, slick guitars, and hooky mandolin and banjo melodies, all underpinned by tight, pulsating drums and bass, they really are a force to be reckoned with.
The band have built up a devoted fanbase with their captivating, feel-good live shows. Their latest album, Under a Bloodshot Moon, stormed the Official UK Folk Albums Chart straight in at Number 2 with no label backing, highlighting the strength and support of their dedicated following.
Rusty Shackle have toured extensively across the UK, Europe, and the USA, becoming mainstays on the festival circuit. They deliver excitement every time they step on stage, giving everything they have to win over audiences and steal hearts with their music.
Quotes
“Under A Bloodshot Moon is an album that features rejuvenated, positive and inspiring folk music for the twenty-first century.”
Folk and Tumble
“They really have understood what contemporary folk music is about and aimed it for the big stage.”
Fatea Showcase Sessions
“They mine a vein of grubby, ball-waggling folk that Mumford & Sons would baulk at whilst supping champers.”
Live Music Scene
“Rusty Shackle come on like a punk Bellowhead or a poppier Pogues.”
A Soundreaction
Banter
Banter
Described as “The future of Folk”, Banter take English traditional music to thrilling new heights with their bold, iconic interpretations of classic songs and dance tunes. Blending deep respect for tradition with fearless musical invention, the band create a powerful contemporary folk sound that is both rooted and refreshingly original.
Following in the creative footsteps of pioneering acts such as Steeleye Span and La Bottine Souriante, core members Nina Zella, Simon Care and Tim Walker have reimagined what defines modern English folk music. Their rich harmonies, driving rhythms and inventive arrangements have earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking bands on the scene today.
Now joined by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mark Jolley (TradArrr, Feast of Fiddles), Banter’s dynamic live performances continue to win rave reviews from audiences across the UK and beyond. The band are currently touring material from their brand-new studio album english, alongside highlights from their celebrated fourth release HEROES and a selection of much-loved favourites from their repertoire.
Their sound moves effortlessly between atmospheric, beautifully crafted song interpretations and exuberant dance-tune energy, creating concerts that are both emotionally engaging and irresistibly uplifting. Banter’s music is a vibrant reminder that the folk tradition is a living, evolving art form.
“…wonderfully, powerfully dynamic. They really rock wherever they go.” Mike Harding
“…full of invention.” R&R Magazine ????
“…really atmospheric and exquisitely done.” Mark Radcliffe – BBC Radio 2 Folk Show
“Folk from a parallel reality… Banter stands up proud and makes you want to shout ‘Brilliant!’.” Tykes’ Stirrings Magazine
“…fantastic harmonies and great playing.” Ralph McTell
With their fresh perspective, exceptional musicianship and infectious stage presence, Banter continue to captivate festival audiences and concertgoers alike — proving that English folk music has an exciting and innovative future.