LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival 2025 (Day 2, 26.07.2025)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to ensure I didn’t miss it every year since, I was very glad I got to have another dreamy time there last weekend. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing.

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, and. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before. See below for a few words and photos about the fantastic time we had on Saturday at the festival!

Still feeling all the feels from a glorious Friday night at the festival, I was excited to kick off our second day with Glasgow punk duo Cowboy Hunters. Having been pretty much obsessed with recent single ‘Mating Calls‘, their raw energy and immersive riotous power came as no surprise, but the fiercely engaging charisma and stark dry wit they exuded throughout their immense, instrument-swapping set exceeded all expectations. Strictly not adhering to the festival’s suggested reduced swearing policy, they go from raging about transphobes and needing money for drugs to ending the set by getting the whole crowd to join in doing The Macarena with them. The most surreal and perfect way to kick off a Saturday morning!

And then for a complete change of mood, we head to The Lodge Stage to be soothed by the sweet folk-bathed sounds of Sarah Smout. Despite having been unwell yesterday, through the power of Lucozade and support from an encouraging partner, she thankfully made it to Deer Shed this morning to deliver a glistening, heartfelt set; treating us to ruminations on Iceland, motherhood and nature, a captivating blissful grace flows from the stage throughout.

Thankfully, we make it to the Main Stage to catch the end of fellow South Londoners Honeyglaze. With shades of the reflective lyrical observations of English Teacher or Dry Cleaning, their swirling scuzzy hooks and the rich sugar-sweet vocals of front person Anouska are greeted by glimmers of sunshine beaming through the clouds.

Having been pretty much listening to Scottish queer artist Jacob Alon‘s exquisite album In Limerance on repeat in recent months, they were one of the performances I was most looking forward to seeing this weekend (especially as I’d missed their sets both when they supported Kae Tempest at KOKO recently, and at The Wilderwild stage here at Deer Shed last year). And they did not disappoint. Far from it. Delivering each of their strikingly stirring offerings with a shimmering heartfelt splendour and sensitivity, and playing against a much-welcomed backdrop of the Trans Pride and Palestine flags, Cob’s poignant creations are interspersed with moments of endearing charm and humour. Whilst dedicating ‘Confession’ to “all the queers… You are all so loved“, they go on to explain ‘Liquid Gold 25’ as being written after a “couple of dodgy hookups on Grindr… Perfect for these family vibes!“, before taking us to “a seductive world of dreams” with ‘Of Amber’. As I sway and sing along to each beautifully moving song in this sunny field surrounded by families of all ages, I can feel the raw emotion of each and every word. I’m left feeling spellbound and inspired; filled with hope that the young people in the crowd are able to absorb the sense of queer joy and subtle resistance that is radiating from the stage.

After catching the engaging energy and quirky charisma of another lovely Scot, and definite new fave, Hamish Hawk, I prepare to dance and sing along to London-Nigerian collective Ibibio Sound Machine. Delivering their colourful Afro-punk with an infectious joyous energy, they enliven and invigorate the crowd. Glistening with a regal, playful charm and emanating an effervescent sense of pride, vocalist Eno Williams swirls around the stage, immersing us all in the band’s traditional tribal-inspired cacophonies with a unique, punk-infused spirit. A performance filled with pure jubilation.

Another performance I’d been extremely excited about catching over the weekend, especially after speaking her for our recent interview feature, was innovative South African artist Moonchild Sanelly. And, despite her warning me about her ability to “KILL… We’re going to run out of body bags…” when we spoke, I still don’t think I was prepared for quite how intensely life-changing her set was going to be. Whatever I write here won’t do it justice, but the sheer euphoric energy and relentlessly cheeky charm blasting out from the stage throughout is unmatched. Particular highlights range from the validating and inspiring introduction to ‘Sweet & Savage’ – Moon proudly declaring her bisexuality and consistent inability to choose as she shoots the adoring all-ages crowds with bubbles – and the swirling chaotic energy of ‘Scrambled Eggs’ (“the reason I have all this energy is because I eat eggs“), to the screams of excitement as she vogues across the stage with Ashwin to ‘Big Booty‘ and the looks of pure ecstasy on her “boobeams“‘ faces as she joins them in the crowd for an epic dance-off. It’s hard to pick particular stand-out moments, as the set as a whole is an experience like no other; Moonchild Sanelly is a performer like no other. Put lightly, it’s forty five minutes of gloriously uplifting chaos and empowering delight.

Having seen Kae Tempest many times over the years, and most recently embracing so much Trans joy at their KOKO show in November last year, it was wonderful to now see him welcomed so whole heartedly by the all ages crowd for their headline slot here at Deer Shed. There’s not many words I haven’t already said about just how vital and moving it is to see him live, but tonight’s set offered a glimpse into a lot of new material with a fresh immersive poignancy and fierce sense of urgency. Accompanied by just one other musician on keys, despite the expansive setting, there’s a comforting intimacy to the set as each of Kae’s deeply stirring poetic ballads are delivered with a sweeping raw emotion and majestic sense of pride. As the propulsive beats and overwhelmingly resonant words flow from the stage throughout, Tempest’s offerings seem more powerful than ever before; necessary for us to unite in queer energy and maintain a subtle sense of hope that – through coming together in communities as life-affirming as those at Deer Shed – we can find the happiness and strength to overcome those intent on holding us back. And, as a kind of epitome of the joy and empowering energy that has shone throughout, Kae leaves us with a fiercely heartfelt rendition of George Michael’s ‘Freedom’. A perfect way to celebrate today’s Trans pride.

Huge thanks again to all involved with organising such a wonderful weekend – stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Day 3 at Deer Shed this year!

Words: Mari Lane / @mari_getinherears
Photos: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival, 2025 (Day 1, 25.07.2025)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to ensure I didn’t miss it every year since, I was very glad I got to have another dreamy time there last weekend. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing.

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, and. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

After an eight hour journey from London, we finally arrive at the haven of Deer Shed late in the afternoon. Although I was sad to be missing The Pill‘s set on the Main Stage, I could hear the playful charisma of the duo’s ‘Woman Driver’ flowing across the field to where we were unpacking the car and being welcomed by a super helpful and friendly person called Eden at the Tangerine Fields camp site. Once settled, with a pint of Brasscastle’s finest in hand, we headed to the main stage to catch Nottingham’s Divorce. As they mention, they last played the festival back in 2022, first thing on a Sunday morning at the In The Dock stage, so it’s a nice step up to be out on the main stage on a Friday night. Treating us to a range of songs, including old favourites as well as newer offerings from their recently released album, Drive To Goldenhammer, their scuzzy offerings seamlessly fuse together a dreamy romanticism and lush folk-inspired harmonies alongside a subtle, gritty energy. A perfectly uplifting way to get the festival started.

Next, in the shelter of the In The Dock stage, it’s time for The None. Having been desperate to catch this experimental supergroup for some time now, I’m excited to finally witness their abrasive punk cacophonies live for the first time. And they don’t disappoint – as front person Kaila White immerses the all-ages crowd with a captivatingly fierce, raw energy, the band deliver their immense, raging anthems with a swirling, tenacious spirit. In contrast to the metal-infused musical intensity, White’s between-song chat offers an endearing charm as she appeals to the younger members of the audience – “I hope you appreciate you have cool guardians that take you to festivals…” – and encourages an “under 5s mosh“. A suggestion which isn’t quite taken up by the crowd, but welcomed with cheers all the same. As always, at Deer Shed, it is pretty heartwarming to see kids who would not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with live music, especially of the heavier genres, be able to rage and sing along too.

After an extremely delicious vegan burger from one of the many ethical and locally sourced food stalls, I head back to the In The Dock stage; swapping my usual position of spectator to ‘artist’… If you can call DJing that. Although lurking in the shadows without being noticed is generally more my vibe, having had such a fantastic time DJing a little Silent Disco set at the festival last year, I was excited to do it again. Despite my nerves (and being on at the same time as the glorious Wunderhorse), playing tunes to a huge tent that ended up being full of people provided a much-needed hit of dopamine. And watching the people of all ages, families and friends alike, enjoying the music – making up dances, and getting excited by certain songs (particularly Chappell Roan and Le Tigre!) – was a pretty euphoric experience. I’m mega grateful to have had the opportunity to do it; huge thanks and love to Deer Shed for letting me unleash my danceable queer tunes onto the crowd once again!

Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Days 2 & 3 at Deer Shed this year!

Words: Mari Lane / @mari_getinherears
Photos: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival, 2023 (Day 3: 30.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking off the last day of the festival at the In The Dock stage, Divorce liven the spirits with their reverb strewn, Americana-tinged indie-pop. With the luscious honey-sweet-yet-husky vocals of front person Tiger leading the way, the Nottingham band treat us to a beautifully uplifting set; oozing a dreamy romanticism alongside a subtle gritty energy, I can’t get enough of the emotive lilting harmonies and scuzzy hooks. Though I’m very happily married, I wish every Sunday could start with a bit of Divorce.

Recommended by festival director Kate Webster as a must-see at the festival, Liverpool artist Pet Snake fulfils my expectations and more with her stirring alt-folk offerings. The solo project of Evelyn Halls (Clean Cut Kid), it’s an instantly immersive and beautifully heartwarming experience to see live. As Hall starts off by making the bold claim that Deer Shed is “the nicest festival I’ve ever been to“, I may have to agree; sitting in the Lodge Tent, G&T in hand, the all ages audience captivated and swaying along as each emotion-strewn offering flows from the stage. With shades of the catchy allure of Jenny Lewis, and themes ranging from life-changing love (a particularly touching moment when Hall dedicates ‘Jacket’ to her guitarist / husband) to the struggles of returning to the outside world post-pandemic, each song tugs at the heartstrings in all the right ways. With her rich vocals and charming charisma alongside the shimmering anthemic melodies, Pet Snake has me utterly spellbound. 

One of the bands I’d been most looking forward to seeing this weekend (and one who we’d been lucky enough to catch a sneak peek of when they joined Sprints yesterday), Leeds based English Teacher take to the main stage with a set so poignant and immersive that I almost don’t notice the rain. With a subtle political drive and poetic lyricism, each song hits with a cutting post-punk power, whilst maintaining the band’s truly unique tongue-in-cheek wit and fierce raw energy. Despite their trademark no-frills approach, the band lose none of what matters and deliver each driving offering with an engaging majesty. 

Glistening in emerald green, Gwenno charms the damp crowd with her magnetising shimmering aura. Alternating between singing in both Cornish and her native Welsh, she delivers soaring pastoral odes to her homeland (and cheese – “man’s greatest invention”) with a rich celestial splendour and uplifting grace.

After warming ourselves with some delicious vegan noodles (and getting my big warm jacket from the tent), it’s time for The Big Moon – having been a fan for years now, I’m not quite sure how I’ve never seen them live before, and I’m glad the moment has finally arrived, though it seems I’m not quite prepared for the power with which the ‘moment’ hits me. With my partner taking photos in the pit, I stand alone and immediately start to lose all track of whether it’s raindrops or tears running down my face, as the searing twinkling emotion of ‘Wide Eyes’ emanates from the stage. Slightly embarrassing, but testament to the truly evocative power this band are able to create. And, with their witty banter and sunny disposition, the teardrops are short-lived (sadly the rain isn’t), and The Big Moon succeed in brightening our spirits with the joyous, lilting allure of each and every offering. As they treat us to an eclectic array of songs new and old (including an acapella rendition of ‘Formidable’ which involves “huddling together for warmth”), the pac-a-mac-ed crowd of fans new and old sing along in unity, and I’m left cheered and inspired not only by The Big Moon’s beautiful musicality, but their infectious warmth and camaraderie. And it’s awesome to see Soph repping another GIHE fave, Brighton’s CLT DRP, on her t-shirt!

The rain continues, but so does the music. Despite the downpours, nineties Scottish band The Delgados close the festival with their blissful indie-pop anthems.

So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! See more words about Day 1 and Day 2 of the festival.

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival 2023 (Day 2: 29.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking things off nice and early at the In The Dock stage, Sister Wives rouse the senses with their evocative ethereal soundscapes. With their quirky charisma and glistening soaring harmonies, the Cardiff-via-Sheffield band offer a unique fusion of traditional folk-inspired musicality with a gritty, fierce energy, all delivered with a mystical, bewitching allure.

After a refreshing local beer, and with a glimmer of sunshine poking through the clouds, we catch the lilting uplifting energy of Rozi Plain on the main stage, as a soothing twinkling grace emanates throughout the swaying crowd.

With the sun now in full force, we return to the main stage to catch another Welsh band – I’m very excited to finally see Panic Shack, having been a fan of their frenzied tongue-in-cheek post punk for a couple of years now. Fully aware of the age range of the crowd, they kick things off with the perfectly anti-conventional ‘Baby’; there’s a weird sort of irony seeing kids on their parents’ shoulders bopping and singing along to “I don’t wanna hold your baby / Kids are not for everyone”, and I’m instantly in love with the fierce tenacity of this band. Apologising for some naughty words throughout the set (“Hope the kids have ear defenders on”), they blast through each song with an immense ferocious energy – from the synchronised statuesque poses of ‘Mannequin Man’, to the martial arts-inspired dance moves of ‘Jiu Jits You’, Panic Shack deliver each angst-driven, subtly political anthem with a searing riotous power and infectious sneering wit. A total must-see live band, and probably my highlight of the weekend. (A stand out moment for me being hearing a child ask their mum “what’s baccy?” after ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?’ closes the fantastic set.)

After all that excitement, and perhaps the tastiest vegan hot dog I’ve ever had (with extra pickles of course), we head to The Lodge tent for a chilled out interlude. I’ve been meaning to see Hussy for a while, so I’m very glad that she made it here – having had two trains cancelled, but “with perseverance we can get there in the end”. Exuding an effervescent grace as her dreamy offerings showcase her rich emotive vocals, it’s a beautifully stirring set oozing a shimmering musicality reminiscent of the likes of Lucy Dacus.

Continuing the dreamy vibes, it’s a delight to catch This Is The Kit for the first time in long while (I last saw them at the Southbank Centre about eight years ago, when a woman shouted at me for accidentally spilling my drink on her. So, I’m looking forward to a less traumatic set this time…!) With an endearing charm and witty birthday trivia interweaved in between each beautiful song, Kit and co immerse the crowd in their sparkling, uplifting energy as each track flows with a blissful allure.

Then it’s back to the In The Dock stage for total faves Sprints; having caught them live in Belfast at the Women’s Work Showcase last year, I couldn’t wait to catch their electrifying energy live again; and I wasn’t to be disappointed. Warmed by the sight of a front row filled with excitable teenage girls and pals lightly moshing, I’m once again grateful to Deer Shed for offering this experience to young people who wouldn’t necessarily get the chance to see live music of this kind normally; to see a band like Sprints, and a front person like Karla Chubb, inspiring and motivating young people gives me a bit of hope that everything is not quite so bad after all… From more familiar songs like ‘Literary Mind’ and ‘How Does The Story Go?’ to brand new, unreleased songs, the band race through the set with a truly compelling fierce energy as Chubb’s distinctive gritty vocals and empowering stage presence take hold. And, as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also treated to special guest stage invasion from English Teacher, who join Sprints for a magnificent mash-up of Wet Leg’s ‘Chaise Longue’ with Le Tigre’s ‘Deceptacon’. Pretty epic.

We return to The Lodge tent to absorb the glitchy, euphoric soundscapes of Glasgow’s Free Love. As bouquets of flowers are torn apart and showered over the crowd, trippy ethereal vibes emanate from the trio as I’m taken back to a ’90s French Disko and contentedly dance along with the kind of gentle confidence that only really comes from being in a field surrounded by live music and happy (slightly inebriated) fellow festival goers.

We end the night with the uplifting funk-fuelled sounds of all female jazz collective All Day Breakfast Cafe. With a playful energy, the band deliver a fantastic array of songs, showcasing each of their incredible musical talents and Jelly Cleaver’s artful skill of creating instantly catchy, nostalgic-yet-fresh takes on a mix of genres, all rooted in the empowering unity of the disco movement. As the all-ages crowd dance along in blissful unity (some people even winning pain au chocolats for their efforts!) to each colourful offering, the band’s effervescent energy spreads throughout the tent; a perfect way to close a joyous day of festivalling. And we even get a sneak peek of their upcoming new single, ‘Sweet Revenge’, set for release on 16th August – so, keep your ears and eyes peeled!


So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, Day 3! And see our review of Day 1 here.


Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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