Music and Entertainment...
This page will be updated as and when attractions, events and acts are confirmed. Please keep visiting this page for up-to-date information.
Although the management will do its best to ensure all the acts perform as agreed, the management cannot accept responsibility for late cancellation or alteration of performance times and reserves the right to change the acts featured without prior notice.
Thursday 15th May 2025 - Day Session
12noon-6.00pm
A day out for the real ale connoisseur – the first opportunity to sample the vast range of beers on offer at this year’s Festival. The Beer of the Festival and other category winners will be announced during the session.
Please note - there will be no train rides.
Thursday 15th May 2025 - Trade & VIP Session
12noon-6.00pm
An opportunity to meet other brewers, publicans and suppliers to the trade in the unique atmosphere of the Rail Ale Festival. Applications for trade session tickets should be emailed to tradesession@railalefestival.com.
If you would enjoy a chance to judge some of our competition beers please indicate this in your email. We would value your judgement and hope you will consider joining a panel.
VIP Rail Ale Lunch
Please email VIPevents@railalefestival.com for more information.
Thursday 15th May 2025 - Evening Session
6.30pm to 11.00pm
Rail Ale Rock Night with Flash
Flash has earned its place as the UK’s premier live Queen tribute band, dedicated to replicating the magic of Queen's iconic live performances. Endorsed by the BBC as "as close as it gets," Flash has mastered the art of capturing the raw energy and passion that defined Queen's legendary shows. No other tribute band comes close to emulating the musical prowess and stage presence that made Queen a global phenomenon.
Flash goes beyond the musical experience, offering a pure visual feast with authentic costumes and identical instruments, making every performance not just a musical treat but a visual spectacle.
Flash has headlined some of the UK’s largest festivals, including the annual Fake Festival Tour, Marvellous Festival, and GlastonBarry. The band has headlined at Glastonbudget, one of the UK's biggest tribute band festivals, and they have taken their tribute to Queen to international stages, regularly performing in Europe and captivating audiences around the world.
Supported by Brüde, taking you on a classic Rock ‘n Roll ride.
Please note this is an all-standing event.
8.00pm Brüde – Taking you on a classic Rock ‘n Roll ride.
9.30pm Flash – A Tribute to Queen The epitome of Queen tribute excellence, with a relentless dedication to replicating the magic of Queen’s iconic live performances. Flash has mastered the art of capturing the raw energy and passion that defined Queen’s legendary shows.
Friday 16th May 2025
In the Marquee
1.30pm Rocks and Frocks - Good time dance band playing classics from the 50s and 60s, always smart and always happy.
Main Stage
1.00pm Darren Morgan
1.45pm Sticky Bones Jones
2.30pm Graham Hinckley
3.15pm Roundhouse
4.00pm Terry Faulkner
4.45pm The Storm Trees
5.30pm Jim Burke Band
BREAK
8.00pm Midnight Pumpkin Trucks – Covers band featuring songs from the 50s, 60, 708, 80s and so on…
9.30pm Jungle Lion – Performing uplifting and powerful SKA and reggae classics with a 6-piece brass section.
Saturday 17th May 2025
In the Marquee
3.00pm Ashover Brass Band - A great local band that never fail to please the Rail Ale crowd!
Main Stage
1.00pm Erin Cotton
1.45pm Rogue
2.30pm Country Folk
3.15pm The Charms Duo
4.00pm The Suffrajetz
4.45pm Mat Meakin
5.30pm The Honey Belles A lively ladies’ choir singing a diverse range of popular music.
BREAK
5.30pm The Crossroads Band – Playing rock guitar classics from the likes of Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Lynryd Skynyrd, Cream, Kings of Leon and Motorhead.
9.30pm ABBA Party Band – Love Abba? Love a party? Then this is the band for you! A night of high energy entertainment.
Sunday 18th May 2025
Join us for a celebration of 25 years of the iconic and unique Rail Ale Festival with an afternoon session featuring some of the best country bands and artists in the UK. This very special event will bring Rail Ale’s 25th birthday party to a close with a celebration of the best of everything country.
Featuring:
1.30pm Saguaro – Top East Midlands country band – great harmonies, bass, drums, pedal steel and more.
3.00pm Adam Harding – the UK’s top solo artist and member of the 21st Century Nashville Touring show
4.30pm Shania and Friends – If you’re a country music fan, then this is a show not to be missed. A high energy, fast paced tribute to the Queen of country pop, Shania Twain and a musical journey celebrating some of the greatest country stars of the 80s, 90s and 00s.
