PaxFest is a 'real' music festival, giving a platform to talented musicians from a range of genres, and we're proud to announce our line-up for 2025.
Line Up
Tunehead
Main Stage 7:18-8:18
Tunehead are a 5 piece funk and Soul band who set the groove from the first note to the last. For over 7 years, they've been the go-to band for festivals, clubs, private parties and weddings, bringing the energy and performance audiences love. They curate a dynamic set that blends sax-driven Funk, Soul, R&B, Motown and Acid Jazz with unexpected gems, creating a club DJ vibe brought to life by a powerhouse live band. Tunehead have rocked the stage at Cheltenham Jazz Festival and headlined the Upton Fringe Festival for four years running (and counting!) and this will be their 3 appearance at PaxFest. Get ready to dance!
www.tunehead.co.uk • Watch • Listen • Facebook • Insta
Raffle Prize Draw • Main Stage 7:03-7:15
Jack Harris
Acoustic Stage 6:33-7:03
Jack Harris was a SXSW showcasing artist at 17, and the youngest ever winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk Award in 2005 (previous winners include Gillian Welch, Steve Earle and Anais Mitchell) Since then he has established himself as an acclaimed and respected presence on the International Folk scene, winning praise for his literate, intelligent songwriting and theatrical live shows. “A natural songwriting talent” - The Telegraph “Powerful, poetic melodies” - The Guardian
Natural Right
Main Stage 5:46-6:31
Natural Right create their own unique blend of original reggae ska with an indie & Balkan influence. Band members are currently based between Reading, Brighton and London. They play mainly as a 5 piece, but occasionally a bit of extra brass can appear. The current members are Alex Rivers (vocals and guitar), Andy Whitaker (bass), Thejus Aby Joseph (keys) Jay Myers (drums), Tom Platts (sax) and the odd guest appearance from Sue Butler (fiddle). The band have been playing together in a similar format since 2016. The debut album, due out in 2025 is being recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and is being produced by Simon "Barny" Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Placebo) With a guest appearance from Barry "Baz" Warne of The Stranglers. Recent releases have achieved some reasonable radioplay in the UK, Europe & US, even getting airtime on BBC introducing and many online radio stations. The band have recently supported bands like Undercover Hippy, Captain Accident & The Disasters, The Kubricks, The Skapones & Buster Shuffle. Natural Right have a growing fan base, they are increasing their live shows and playing at varied festivals, which includes; One Love Festival, ReadiPop, Specialized Project, SKAfield, Blam Blam Fever, The Birmingham SKA Festival, March of the Mods, Specialized Reading, Urban Van Fest, Skegness Reggae Festival. It's gonna be a really exciting 2025.
Katie Maddocks
Acoustic Stage 5:14-5:44
Folk & post-folk musician Katie Maddocks is a comedic, spiritual, queer, geeky extra-terrestrial who uses a tremolo pedal to explain the unexplainable. Expect the unexpectable!
Firewatchers
Main Stage 4:32-5:12
Firewatchers are a band of experienced musicians playing original songs mixed with carefully chosen Americana style covers. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow, Eagles, and Jackson Browne, to name but a few, Firewatchers blend heartfelt lyrics with the timeless essence of American roots music. Firewatchers are poised to make a significant mark on the Americana and Country Rock music landscape. Keep an ear out for this rising band as they continue to turn personal stories into unforgettable melodies.
Richard Lee
Acoustic Stage 4:00-4:30
Richard Lee is a singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and distinctive guitar style, singing songs that capture today’s music, a dash of FM top 40 hit from yesterday, with hints of Rock, Nashville Americana and Country all thrown in. With a voice that is both warm and intimate, which can go from a whisper to a roar he delivers songs that are effortlessly upbeat, uniquely compelling, and with a lyrical content that provides even the most cynical listener with more catchy musical fodder than you can shake a stick at. Performing live is where Richard is truly in his element delivering performances that are engaging, with a positive energy infusing the audience. There’s no dreary navel gazing performances here just a truly energetic live show. With his amusing between song discussion and banter Richard always leaves the audience feeling like they were part of a performance that was anything but ordinary.
Closed Mondays
Main Stage 3:18-3:58
Closed Mondays is a lighter rock-based covers band. They play a selection of rock ‘classics’ that you’ll all know and want to sing and/or dance along to. Based in the Stratford-on-Avon area, the 5-piece is composed of experienced local musicians: Vocalist Claire, joint Lead Guitarists Jon (founder of Closed Mondays) and Rob, Bass Guitarist Simon, and Drummer Rob (breaking drumsticks since '96)!
Rebecca Scott-Dale & Jack Harris
Acoustic Stage 2:46-3:16
Rebecca Scott- Dale is a professional musical theatre performer with a passion for jazz and blues. Since graduating her masters in 2023 she’s found her self in jazz clubs more often than theatres, swapping jazz hands for saxophones and whiskey but ensuring there’s never a loss of storytelling. Whilst the jazz and blues is her first love of music the theme is stretched throughout her gigs exploring old and new alike. With intimate, stripped bare accompaniment from the wonderful Jack Harris get ready to relax and bop along to some soulful melodies, smoky ballads and sensual rhythms.
Amber Liadan
Main Stage 2:09-2:44
Amber Liadan is a captivating Soul New-Indie Pop-Folk artist known for her profound lyrics and powerful vocal performances that resonate deeply with her audience. As the daughter of renowned musicians Heather Mac and Tim Parr from the iconic 80s band Ella Mental, Amber has inherited a rich musical legacy, which she has further developed through her extensive touring and performances across various venues in South Africa, Ireland, and the UK. Her 2017 debut album, Warrior, produced by the esteemed Glenn Keiles, marked her arrival as a powerful voice, and her recent triumph at the Shipston Proms Introducing Competition in 2023 further elevated her status. The release of her new single, In Your Arms, garnered attention on BBC Introducing West Midlands, setting the stage for her exhilarating Sofar Sounds debut in Birmingham. In September 2024, she made waves in the music industry with the release of her highly anticipated single, "Saturday Night." This catchy track debuted to enthusiastic crowds at two iconic venues: The Albany Theatre in Coventry and the Fiddlers Elbow in London. "Saturday Night" has quickly garnered attention for its infectious beat and relatable lyrics, capturing the essence of carefree weekends and the joy of living in the moment. With 1.8K monthly listeners on Spotify and growing, Amber Liadan has a special connection to her audience. Amber Liadan is not just a talented performing musician and singer on stage; she embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and expression among young people. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to working with youth in schools, recognizing the profound impact that the performing arts can have on development, confidence, and self-discovery. As we look towards the British summer of 2025, all eyes are on her as she continues to weave her magic through music, encouraging us all to dance, feel, and dream. Amber Liadan is undoubtedly an artist to watch, an artist who invites us to join her on this beautiful journey of sound and soul.
Mike Maddams
Acoustic Stage 1:37-2:07
Mike Maddams cut his musical teeth as the front man of many successful corporate bands over the years, including the house band at the 02 Arena in London and Pink Floyd tribute ‘The Album Project’. More recently he has been playing on the Cotswolds music circuit while planning his next collaboration - A big band featuring the works of Gerry Rafferty! Mike will be performing his acoustic set and hosting the acoustic stage at PaxFest so be sure to check it out.
Banoffee
Main Stage 1:00-1:35
Banoffee is an indie folk band known for their heartfelt songwriting and intimate performances across Warwickshire, Coventry, and Birmingham. With two songs out, Bonfires and Mirror to Mirror, their sound blends soulful melodies with influences from Beabadoobee and Joni Mitchell.