what's on?
MAIN STAGE
day one
friday
Weetwood mac
Weetwood Mac are one of the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute bands. Comprising of ex-members of Ellen and The Escapades, Wayword Sons guitarist Sam Wood and Hope & Social drummer, singer/songwriter and Paul Simon afficionado Gary Stewart, Yorkshire’s answer to Fleetwood Mac play all of the hits.
King Zepha
Original jump blues, rocksteady, ska & dub with honkin’ horns, thumpin’ double bass and raucous 3-part vocal harmonies! King Zepha are sister band to The Intergallactic Brasstronauts who played a glorious set at the last Hopestock. Expect similar sunny, skanking vibes! Oh and be sure to check out their superb, freshly-released live album on Bandcamp!
Ryan Taylor Funk band
Ryan Taylor is a Sheffield based composer, producer and performer, who specialises in neo-soul, funk and jazz. Ryan’s award-winning compositions have been performed internationally and he is well-known across venues and festivals nationally, playing original tunes and covers ranging from James Brown to Jamiroquai.
Gareth John
We couldn’t have Hopestock without signer / songwriter Gee Dog playing! Treking over from north Wales once again he’ll become officially the only live act to have played at all 4 Hopestocks! Fresh off the back of some serious hours in the studio and with a new album imminent, expect some emotive original compositions with the odd cover mixed in.
Leeds DJ LEGENDS
We have the cream of the DJ crop from Leeds’ bar and club scene over the past 25 years. Expect party classics: funk, rock, soul, 80s, reggae, hip hop, disco and more. Anything goes and probably will! Featuring:
> Ade Playle ( Smokestack, Normans, Sandinista, Elbow Rooms)
> Sven (Sandinista legend)
> Paul Dunphy (Smokestack, Wardrobe)
> Hopie (Sandinista, Normans, Jakes, Oslo, Smokestack)
> Stu Bailie (Manchester various, Glasto)
Joe Feather
Pro PGA golfer, good looking bastard and brilliantly talented singer, guitarist and songwriter. I bloody hate Joe but I’m letting him have a go anyway.
Check his tunes out via the link below on Soundcloud or on Spotify. The use of rising melodies and his chord transitions remind me of Eddie Vedder’s solo work so I guess that’s a decent enough compliment!
CAMPFIRE ACOUSTIC
CARRY ON
The amplified music might go off at midnight but for those who want to, the party continues. Our acoustic carry-on round the firepits hosted by Gav and Joe usually carries through till day break. If you have a guitar, uke, some percussion maybe, we’d strongly encourage you to bring it along!
day two
SATURDAY
Bootleg Blondie
Fronted by the amazing Debbie Harris (no really), the world’s No.1 official Debbie Harry and Blondie tribute band tour all over the country and internationally (including periodic appearances at The Brudenell). Their highly authentic performances are lauded and endorsed by the original band, two original members of which – legendary drummer Clem Burke and singer, songwriter and bass player Gary Valentine – have even toured with them in the past.
Cassette Jam
DJ / Producer / Remixer duo Cassette Jam exploded onto the Global Dance Scene after Winning the Cream International Search for a DJ Competition in 2006. Through the late 00s and early 10s they played all over the world at some of the biggest clubs and festivals alongside residencies at Cream Ibiza, Ibiza Rocks, The Dirty Disco and Chibuku Shake Shake.
Will will be hitting the decks for us for a DJ set on Saturday!
Flat Moon
The awesomely out-there Flat Moon land somewhere between P-funk, fast-paced funk rock and a more soulful brit funk sound – groove is the key and the energy level is high! Think a mix of Funkadelic, early Red Hot Chillis and a bit of Mark King influence…. With a selection of recent releases and plenty of attention from BBC Introducing their star is very much on the rise!
Lana Shelley
Cutting her teeth whilst at University in Leeds, Lana was active on the music scene in several bands including The Bluefoot Project and Jazz hip hop band Thelonious (with Grammy Award-winner Bill Laurance). She went on to have a colourful solo career that saw her play in Avalon Fields at Glastonbury and the main stage at Secret Garden Party alongside having her music played on BBC 6 Music and performing a live session on Radio 2. She brings her incredible brand of 50s, Rock N Roll, jazz and blues inspired sounds, delivered with velvety, jazz-infused vocals.
Brothers on the slide
Keeping Leeds grooving for more than 20 years, Brothers on the Slide are one of Leeds top funk & soul bands. Performing regularly at the likes of The Wardrobe, Smokestack and The Domino Club, they specialise in putting their own spin on classic songs with bags of funk and plenty of Motown from artists such as The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
Cardboard radio
Back in the early 00s explosion of new indie/rock bands, Cardboard Radio were very much at the forefront of the scene in York / doing the festival circuit, and they still gig regularly today. They’ll be rocking out Saturday afternoon for us with a mix of their biggest tunes alongside a selection of covers.
Rave in a field
Closing out the festival we rave into darkness with DJ Hopie spinning dance classics and old school house bangers. Groove Armada to Orbital, Underworld to K-Klass, Basement Jaxx to Armand van Helden….
Gav Dickson
Getting the live schedule rolling on Saturday is local troubador Gav playing a mix of covers and original folky material with sounds from Dylan & Neil Young to Johnny Cash & Richie Havens.
CAMPFIRE ACOUSTIC
CARRY ON
The amplified music might go off at midnight but for those who want to, the party continues. Our acoustic carry-on round the firepits hosted by Gav and Joe usually carries through till day break. If you have a guitar, uke, some percussion maybe, we’d strongly encourage you to bring it along!
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Silent Disco
Entertainment for the slightly older kids. By popular demand! You asked… we sorted 🙂
Balloon modelling
Our friends from Yorkshire Circus will be a running a couple of balloon modelling sessions. Check the schedule for timings!
Circus Skills
Back by popular demand and running boths days are our drop-in circus skills sessions.
Graffiti wall
New for 2025 in response to the rising ages of some of the younger generation!
CreArtives
Local artist Heidi will be running crafting sessions both days. A chance for kids to make festival headwear and masks alongside creative crafting with a range of materials like silk, clay and drawing tools.
moo music
Moo Music bring their unique brand of music-based entertainment targeted at our younger attendees.
Tuck shop
Such a simple idea but what a massive hit this was last time! A tuck shop run by the kids for the kids. We’ll announce the chance to book a slot for you offspring closer to the date.
Get the
festival look!
Facepainting / glitter tattoos / hairbraiding both days!
Kids
Disco
Craigy’s back! No one does it better – high energy, interactive and game based disco antics – pure undiluted fun for kiddos!
Meraki Reconnect
Mindful, nature based crafting and art activities.
Giant
Bubbles
Giant bubble fun with the amazing Yorkshire Circus team.
Adult ACTIVITIES
Wine TASTING
Wine presentation and tastings with expert Danny from the fab Shawbury Vintners. And it’s included in your ticket price!! You’ll need to reserve a space for this one with the option to do so to be announced nearer the time.
Beer Presentation
& Tasting
Beer tasting and presentation by our friend Luke, boss of Ilkey Brewery. This is honestly fascinating – if you’ve got the vaguest interest in the old amber nectar, don’t miss this one!
DANCE LIKE A MOTHER
Get ready to throw some shapes and laugh like never before! Designed to do as a family and suitable for any age, Dance Like A Mother is a dance class full of energy, joy and good vibes! Whether you’re a Strictly contender or have 2 left feet, there’s routines to get everyone moving. The main aim is to have fun together as a family. Got a little one? Their experts will make sure the baby is snug and safe in one of their carriers (or bring your own). You get to enjoy the fun, baby gets a cosy nap!
RISE & SHINE
POETRY ISLAND
New for Hopestock 2025… Ease yourself into Saturday with our POETRY SESSION on the island in the pond – henceforth known as Poetry Island! – from 10am Saturday. Hosted by our lovely friend Fred, all are welcome. If you write poetry, come and read some of your work, or you might like to read a poem or two that you love. Or just come along and listen….
FANCY DRESS PARADE
Details to follow but there will be fancy dress, there will be a parade and there will be prizes.
