Richard Ashcroft has been announced as the headliner for Rock N’ Roll Circus 2026 in Sheffield, leading a bill that also features The Fratellis and Cast. The exciting event is the last day of the 4-day festival, taking place at the Don Valley Bowl on Sunday, 30th August 2026.
Now a staple of the city’s live calendar, Rock N’ Roll Circus has quickly grown from a novel concept into a bank holiday tradition, drawing fans from across the UK for its blend of big-name acts and left-field entertainment. The 2026 edition promises to build on this reputation with upgraded production, expanded bar and food offerings, and more interactive spaces designed to keep the energy high from doors open to curfew. For Sheffield, it underlines Don Valley Bowl’s status as one of the north’s key outdoor music destinations.
What sets Rock N’ Roll Circus apart is the way it merges world-class performances with a visually striking circus atmosphere. Attendees can experience live music under a huge big top, surrounded by aerial performers, acrobats, fire-breathers and roaming street acts that transform the site into a surreal, immersive playground. Between sets, festival-goers can wander through installations, grab a drink at themed bars or catch pop-up performances, ensuring that there are no lulls in the day and that the spectacle extends far beyond the main stage.
As the ex-frontman of Britpop legends The Verve, Richard Ashcroft brings an iconic pedigree to the lineup. Best known for anthems like “Bittersweet Symphony” and “The Drugs Don’t Work,” his solo catalogue has cemented him as one of Britain’s most enduring songwriters, able to shift from widescreen euphoria to intimate confessionals with ease. His live shows are renowned for their emotional heft and rousing delivery, promising a headline set that weaves together Verve classics, solo staples and newer material for a multi-generational crowd.
The Fratellis will take the stage as main support, adding their vibrant indie-rock energy to the night. Celebrating 20 years of their debut album ‘Costello Music’, they’re primed for a set packed with festival-ready singalongs like “Chelsea Dagger” and “Henrietta,” the kind of choruses built for mass, beer-in-the-air catharsis.
Also on the bill, Cast keep the spirit of ’90s Britpop alive with favourites such as “Walkaway” and “Alright,” ensuring that long-time fans of the era are as well served as younger attendees discovering these songs for the first time.
The Don Valley Bowl will once again host the Circus, with clear instructions for customer entry, gate times and site layout to be provided ahead of the event. The festival maintains an all-ages policy, allowing under-14s to attend with an accompanying adult, while children under five can enter for free, reinforcing its reputation as a family-friendly weekender. Attendees are advised to plan travel carefully, as there is no parking on site, making public transport, walking, ride-shares or dedicated shuttle services the most practical options for getting to and from the Big Top in style.
Tickets go on sale this Friday. Presale sign up is available here.
