If ever there was an event to blow away the last twelve months then it has to be the STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL. International classic rock music in a breath-taking mountain top location in South Wales, seems like the perfect way to spend a weekend to us – and what a weekend this year’s festival is set to be.
Following the disappointment of having to postpone last year’s event, the team have come by announcing huge headline acts for this year, with three days of non-stop, unadulterated rock.
We reckon they have got it completely sorted with EUROPE and THE DARKNESS headlining the festival. Throw in another 20 or so of the best rock acts around, and you have the ultimate party on the outskirts of Ebbw Vale.
Who would have thought the Brecons would be the rock capital of our South Wales World. Take a look at the video below and you’ll see what we mean.
It’s been 11 years since the Welsh hills first came alive with the sound of Classic Rock. And like the towering, solid piece of stone it’s perched on, the Steelhouse Festival stands resolute – a seemingly immovable object on the festival landscape. Steelhouse looks set to be the biggest and best yet with rock soldiers from far and wide making the uphill ascent for a bill that mixes the classic and the contemporary and is as breathtaking as the location itself.
We can tell you you’re in for a treat and half with THE DARKNESS headlining the Saturday night slot. We’ve seen the guys a few times. First was right at the start of their career at a tiny venue in Bristol. Permission To Land was just about to launch, and to see the band up close was phenomenal. We’ve seen them a few times since in larger venues and each time they blew the roof off.
No roof to blow off in Ebbw Vale but it’s a set you have to catch. And as we creep ever more out of Covid, what better way to celebrate our way back into live music.
Justin Hawkins of The Darkness said……..
“People of rock! We are so happy to be able to come out and play with you again at the one and only Steelhouse festival! F*** Covid – let’s put our thumbs in our belt loops and rock like there’s no tomorrow… or yesterday”.
The Darkness made a new album/tour announcement recently, so we have new music to look forward to at Steelhouse.
“People! The time has come to put your fookin pants on your head and rock like Satan is eating your private parts with a pointy fork! Yes, we, The Darkness, are back on tour… so come and party with us like it’s the last orders at the last chance saloon! And there’s more! A new album is forthcoming in October. MOTORHEART! “
‘Motorheart’ is on Deluxe CD with bonus tracks, Exclusive Colour LP or good old Tape from their official TD store HERE All bundles also include a signed band photo.
Promoters Mikey Evans and Max Rhead said…..
“It gives us enormous pleasure to announce The Darkness as our SH2021 Saturday night headliners – a band so mighty that at the start of this century they single-handedly pulled the music we love out of depths and set it squarely back in front of the eyes and ears of our fair nation. They are the very best of British, dare we say a ‘National Treasure’. Welcome back boys!
“It makes us so happy to be able to announce something positive for the summer. There’s a feeling of optimism in the air following the announcement by the UK government. Couple that with the incredible vaccination roll-out and thankfully, the week-on-week fall in figures relating to the pandemic, we believe that Steelhouse is perfectly placed to finally celebrate its 10th anniversary…Thanks again to the Steelhouse family for their patience, understanding, sticking with us and wanting the festival to move forward.
EUROPE headline the Sunday night along with The Wildhearts, Bernie Marsden featuring Nev MacDonald, Black Spiders, H.E.A.T, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons and more.
Joey Tempest of Europe said………
‘We’ve really missed touring…I bet you’ve missed it too, hanging out with your friends and seeing your favourite bands. That’s why I’m so pleased to announce that Europe will be heading up that beautiful Welsh mountain once more to play at the wonderful Steelhouse Festival Sunday, 25th of July…See you there!
Promoters Mikey and Matt are understandably thrilled to get the guys in on the bill…..
“So pleased to announce our Sunday headliners, Europe. They are a thoroughbred outfit, classic rock champions who haven’t just stood the test of time, they’ve evolved with it. They’ve continued to create quality output that’s every inch as good as those colossal hits that are not just known by rock fans or even lovers of music – they’re known by everyone”.
Of course it all kicks off on the Friday with a packed day of incredible music. THE QUIREBOYS are no strangers to Steelhouse and will be powering through another set that will definitely be “A Bit of What You Fancy”. It’s all about playing live for the boys, and after the last year or so of no gigs, they will be more than ready to get back onto the Steelhouse stage.
We’re sure you’ve heard by now that Anthrax have had to pull out of their proposed only ÜK appearance of 2021, at the Steelhouse Festival.
They had been due to headline the Saturday night. However, in a statement issued in April, the festival organisers said……
“The uncertainty over international travel coupled with the cancellation of other events in mainland Europe where Covid-related cases remain high means the band have no choice but to withdraw”.
“We, along with the band and their representatives tried our very best to make it feasible for them to appear. Sadly but understandbly there just wasn’t a scenario whereby we could make this happen. However, we are certain Anthrax will appear at Steelhouse in the future.“
We can’t wait for the day that Anthrax make it up the mountain to do what they do best in a future festival.
Just one other thing to mention, and this ain’t no Robbie Williams thing. Every night there’ll be a full on ROCK DJ set in the beer tent when all the lovely bands are safely tucked up in bed after a hard days work. You have to go to at least one.
Officially the UK’s highest music festival, this unique event will once again be held in the spectacular surroundings of Hafod-y-Dafal Farm situated on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons.
Aiming to be the UK’s best value rock festival where families and friends can rock out at a price that won’t clear out the holiday kitty, the event has built up a loyal following and a real heritage over the years.
The Festival site is less than an hour from CARDIFF and BRISTOL, and less than 2 hours from BIRMINGHAM, READING and the WEST COUNTRY. Stick NP13 2ER into your sat-nav and you’ll be directed straight to the site. The nearest train station is Ebbw Vale.
As for tickets, we understand that Glamping is now sold out. Weekend tickets are £110 in advance, Saturday and Sunday day tickets are £65. Friday is free to anyone holding a weekend or single Sat/Sun day ticket. FREE Arena entry for children 14 and under accompanied by an adult 18+ (children DO require a camping ticket to stay on the campsite).
The STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL runs from the 23rd to 25th July. To check the line up and get your tickets, go here. STEELHOUSE
The organisers suggest you take this lot along if you heading to the festival…..
Clothes for warm and cold weather
Waterproofs
Wellies
Sun cream
Sunhat
Torch
Also – if you are camping:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Toilet paper
(If needed, you can buy emergency toiletries at the festival).
