Big Country bring their unmistakable anthemic rock sound to BishFest, delivering the soaring guitars and powerful choruses that made them one of the UK’s most distinctive bands. With a catalogue packed full of classic hits and festival-ready favourites, their live show combines energy, atmosphere and sing-along moments in equal measure. Expect a headline set built for big crowds and even bigger memories.
Saturday 11th July
The Fabs
The Fabs make their BishopFest debut with a high-energy tribute to the Cavern Club’s 1960s beat boom. Two Scousers and a Geordie deliver guitar, bass, drums and harmonies that capture the spirit of true Merseybeat. Expect live renditions of classics by The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Searchers, Kinks, Spencer Davis Group and more from a band that regularly sells out theatres.
Saturday 11th July
Zeus
Formed in Durham in 1979 during the NWOBHM era, Zeus were Battle of the Bands winners before stepping away. Now reformed 40 years later, they return with classic material, new songs, a debut EP, and their first full album on the way
Saturday 11th July
Nova
Nova are a group of local lads bringing indie anthems to the stage with big choruses, big energy and a love of live music. Covering crowd-pleasing favourites from every era, they deliver lively sets built for singalongs and good times. Expect plenty of atmosphere, a few questionable dance moves and a show that feels like a proper night out with your mates.
Saturday 11th July
The Ded Wrongenz
The Ded Wrongenz deliver high-energy sets blending rock anthems with dance-floor classics, putting their own twist on everything from Van Halen to Faithless. Their shows are loud, lively and built for a crowd. Every penny they earn is donated to charities including cancer research, the air ambulance and community defibrillator projects.
Saturday 11th July
Circuit 68
Circuit 68 are a long-standing Bishop Auckland rock and roll band, drawing inspiration from The Beatles to The Sex Pistols. With two acclaimed albums and a recent single, The Reflection, they’ve built a strong national reputation. Their energetic live shows have seen them share stages with major acts including Status Quo, Wilko Johnson, Cast, Bruce Foxton and The Farm.
Saturday 11th July
The DeeTees
Four decent blokes from Durham playing dirty rock ’n’ roll the way it should be done. Proper tunes. Proper instruments. No messing about.
Sunday 12th July
JD & The Woodsmen
This ferocious five-piece have been breathing new life into classic funk, soul, and rock ’n’ roll since 2012. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Gemma and backed by Gary, Harry, Tom, and Pete, these local legends have built their reputation on their outstanding live shows and never fail to deliver. If you’ve seen them before, you know exactly what you’re in for…
Sunday 12th July
Winter In Eden
Winter In Eden are one of the UK’s most distinctive symphonic rock/metal acts, known for fusing soaring melodies, emotional depth, and cinematic storytelling. Their music explores the depths of human strength, vulnerability, and resilience. With critically acclaimed releases, festival-proven live energy and a distinctive sound that balances melodic beauty with hard-hitting intensity, Winter In Eden are primed to release their fifth studio album in 2026.
Sunday 12th July
Middle Aged Dirtbags
The Middle Aged Dirtbags are a North East covers band serving up a loud, fast throwback to the glory days of Warped Tour. Joint frontmen Joe Metcalfe and Joe Hyam trade vocals and guitars, backed by a tight rhythm section delivering full-throttle pop-punk energy. Expect huge sing-alongs and nostalgic anthems inspired by Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and Bowling for Soup — a high-octane blast from your teenage soundtrack.
Sunday 12th July
The Shamrocks
The Shamrocks bring a lively mix of songs from Irish favourites — and a few not-so-Irish classics thrown in for good measure. This four-piece acoustic outfit delivers a foot-stamping sound guaranteed to get the crowd singing and dancing along.
Sunday 12th July
Graham Henderson Experience
The Graham Henderson Experience is a classic power rock trio led by respected Crook guitarist Graham Henderson, joined by his brother Dave on drums and Duncan Sams on bass. Drawing on years of live experience, the band deliver a powerful set celebrating icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Sunday 12th July
The Tube Yard
Tube Yard are a four-piece covers band from the Tees Valley, delivering rock and party anthems from across the decades. From classic crowd-pleasers to modern favourites, their set is built for sing-alongs, dancing and a packed front-of-stage atmosphere. Tight, energetic and made for live crowds, they bring big tunes and even bigger energy to BishFest.
Sunday 12th July
Stellacaster
Stellacaster fire through indie bangers from the ’90s to today, mixed with their own impressive original tracks. Their live shows are energetic, tight and full of momentum. With talent well beyond their years, they’re fast becoming a standout act from Bishop Auckland and Sunderland.