'The Greatest Show in Sheffield': Rock N Roll Circus is back for 2024

Organisers are promising a 'bigger, brighter and better' event - which is back for its second year

Rock N Roll Circus
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 28th Aug 2024

Here in South Yorkshire, the summer of music certainly isn't over.

This weekend, the crowds are set to be dazzled in what organisers are promising to be a 'bigger, brighter and better' Rock N Roll Circus than ever before.

It returns from this Thursday (29 August) to Saturday - and this time, there are three stages to explore.

With household icons including Becky Hill, Jake Bugg and Joel Corry returning to back in the Sheffield sunshine - and fresher names like ADMT and Bedroom High Club - it promises to be an awesome conclusion to what's been an exciting year of outdoor events here in our region.

In fact, it's going to be an extra special evening for Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot - as on the same day he performs, his new track 'Can't Even Hate You' is released to the world.

Read more:South Yorkshire basks in the summer sun for Tramlines 2024

Organisers promise a mix of local talent and big-name stars - and it all takes place in the magical atmosphere of a travelling circus.

That's exactly why they're calling it 'The Greatest Show' in Sheffield.

Organisers are emphasising 'a particular focus' on home-grown established and emerging artists - with the event on Thursday kicking off with some absolute Sheffield legends.

Hometown hero and two-time Mercury Prize nominee Richard Hawley headlines on Thursday 29th August, with a personally curated lineup of artists, in what is his biggest headline show to-date.

Pop queen Becky Hill headlines on Friday 30th August, whilst there's a focus once again on the Steel City on Saturday, when local legends Milburn take to the stage for their first big show since the 2017 tour.

Theres a lot for this year's line-up to live up to, after Sheffield icon and Mercury Prize nominee Self Esteem was one of the 2023 headliners, said to have wowed the crowds with her dazzling performance.

And is was this time last year when Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds took the iconic Friday slot - many back then wouldn't have thought he'd reunite with Liam in 2024 and bring back Oasis.

Read more: Oasis announce reunion

It wouldn't be a circus without actual circus tricks - and that's what festival-goers get the chance to indulge themselves in.

There are daily circus workshops, a Honda bikes training and testing area, a huge food and drinks village, plus Sheffield’s famous relish people from Henderson’s.

The talented circus team at Circus Antics help bring the event to life - with the festival featuring aerialists, fire performers, contortionists, acrobats, stilts walkers - just to name a few.

There’s soaring aerialist Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Farqward Presto the incredible juggler, Gem Vaudeville with brilliant fire performances, hula performer Sophiabellatricks. New for this year is Ellis Grover, an incredible high wire act who will be walking above the crowds in the Big Top.

The festival also celebrates local and emerging talent with acts such as Cinematics, City Parking, Gia Ford, Cruz, Big Special, Luxury Goods, Ben Ellis, Malah Palinka, Ed Cosens, Sonni Mills, and Harriet Rose across all the various stages.

Opening Times

  • Thursday 29th August - Gates Open at 4:00PM
  • Friday 30th August - Gates Open at 3:30PM
  • Saturday 31st August - Gates Open at 12PM

You can find all of the travel information you need on the Rock N Roll Circus website.

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