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Rock N Roll Circus  will run from Thursday 27 August to Sunday 30 August at the South Yorkshire city’s Don Valley Bowl. The Kooks will headline the opening day (Thursday), while Friday will see The Streets headline. Wunderhorse will headline on Saturday before Richard Ashcroft is set to close the event on Sunday.

London-based rock set, Babyshambles are now set to join the lineup, another on the set of the band’s recent reunion which began in November 2025. August’s showing will mark lead vocalist, Pete Doherty’s, return to the Rock N Roll Circus. Doherty joined The Libertines at the festivals 2022 Newcastle debut. NME shared a quote from Doherty, “There’s something about Rock N Roll Circus that sticks with you. t’s not just the music, it’s the whole world they build around it. We’ve had some brilliant moments there before, so bringing Babyshambles into that tent feels like coming back to something special.” The band also recently released a 20^th anniversary edition of their album, ‘Down in Albion’  which included remasters versions of the original tracks as well as B-sides, rarities and session tracks. Babyshambles will play the Don Valley Bowl on Friday 28 August.

Rock N Roll Circus remains committed to showcasing up-and-coming talent.  On the bill is highly buzzed about Dublin-based punk-rock band, Gurriers. A critic said, in a October 2025 review of the band’s gig at the Barrowland Ballroom, “their unique, bass-filled sound drives their music and makes for some insanely passionate live performances and an immensely enjoyable gig-going experience.”

Other emerging acts on the line up include Cruz Beckham and his band The Breakers, London-based indie set Spanish Horses, indie band The Clause comprised of three childhood friends from the West Midlands, and many more acts.

But Sheffield’s festival will also honor a wide range of legacy acts. Including landmark Birmingham hip-hip garage group, The Streets. They are set to play their 2004 album, ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ in full on Friday 28 August. The Fratellis and Embrace will both perform on Sunday 30 August, adding to the rich catalog of long-standing acts on the bill. And Sheffield natives, Everly Pregnant Brothers, will also show on Sunday, giving the bank holiday weekend a hometown send-off.   

Rock N Roll Circus is a festival which not only shows off an impressive lineup of rock music, but also captivating circus acts alongside the sets. The official site says the event “[creates] a high-energy spectacle, where incredible live music meets the excitement, skill, and visual magic of the circus.”

Tickets can still be purchased here. 2026 Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place from Thursday 27 August to Sunday 30 August at the Don Valley Bowl.