As the summer festival season winds down, Sheffield’s Float Along emerges as a vibrant musical encore that captivates the city. Now in its third year, this multi-venue showcase takes over The Leadmill, Sidney & Matilda, and Corporation, transforming Sheffield city centre into a mesmerising musical wonderland that caters to a diverse range of tastes. Known for its exceptional line-ups featuring the most promising acts in the industry, Float Along offers an experience like no other. In addition to the incredible music, the festival includes talks with BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, providing unique insights and anecdotes that offer a deeper understanding of the world of music.
This year’s line-up boasted the likes of Honeyglaze, Crack Cloud, and headliners Shame – their performance was nothing short of spectacular. Their 75-minute set treated fans to highlights from their three albums, as well as first glimpses of new tracks, “Quiet Life” and “Screwdriver.” The band greeted attendees with their energetic stage presence, with bassist Josh Finerty bounding across the stage with the agility of a trapeze artist and vocalist Charlie Steen effortlessly gliding over the crowd like a seasoned surfer riding the waves. Their commanding stage presence combined with their formidable sound solidified Shame’s status as one of the UK’s best live acts.
The Leadmill, which recently emerged victorious in a court battle against eviction, played a pivotal role in the event’s success, its main stage becoming home to the likes of Shame, Antony Szmierek, and Bdrmm, where its ‘Steel Stage’ became home to the likes of Honeyglaze – who had one of the most packed out sets of the day, with fans flocking to see tracks from their latest album, Real Deal, live for the first time. Float Along felt like a joyous celebration of The Leadmill’s enduring presence and significance in the UK’s independent venue scene – solidifying the venue’s reputation as one of the most influential venues in the country.
Last-minute additions to the lineup, Bdrmm returned to Float Along with a triumphant performance on The Leadmill’s main stage. Having previously played the Steel Stage in 2023, the shoegaze band’s elevated status this year was well-deserved. Their energetic set drew a large crowd, proving their growing popularity among festival-goers, as the band played cuts from their self-titled album and 2023’s I Don’t Know for those lucky enough to catch their performance.
Float Along is a launchpad for the next breakthrough artists. The Orchestra (For Now), a rising force in London’s scene, proved their immense popularity with a packed early-afternoon set. Later, Ebbb provided an intense half-hour set of pure noise at Sidney & Matilda, mere minutes after Steve Lamacq’s interviews with Shame and Antony Szmierek, further showcasing the festival’s commitment to discovering the next big thing.
Elsewhere, Canadian seven-piece, Crack Cloud, provided one of the most exhilarating sets of the day at Corporation. The audience was in the palm of their hands, greeting the band with applause and cheers as they performed tracks from their most recent album, Red Mile. Earlier tracks like ‘Drab Measure’ sparked intense mosh pits that then continued to gain momentum throughout their set. The band’s connection with their audience felt palpable, creating an unforgettable experience for the crowd and band alike.
Unlike many other festivals of a similar kind, Float Along provides more than just a musical experience, offering talks, DJ sets, food stalls, and after-parties in an extravaganza that caters to a diverse range of tastes, making it a must-visit for music lovers seeking a truly immersive experience. With early bird tickets already available for next year’s festival, Float Along is the perfect addition to any festival-goers calendar. As anticipation begins to build for what 2025 may hold, keep an eye out to see what surprises their line-up will bring.
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