Wythenshawe Park played host to an electrifying gig on Sunday 25th August, bringing together a mix of promising new talent and seasoned acts. With the weather playing nice except for a brief drizzle the day was perfect for a festival style gathering of music lovers. For a very reasonable price of around £50, fans were treated to performances from emerging acts like Ttrruuces,Seb Lowe and The K’s alongside the veterans Shed Seven, and the much-hypedInhaler. However, the crown jewel of the day was undoubtedly the headliner, Blossoms, who delivered a smash-hit set that had the crowd euphoric from start to finish.


The Rising Stars: Ttrruuces and Seb Lowe Starting with Ttrruuces, the duo consisting of Jules Apollinaire and Natalie Findlay, opened the day with a hypnotic set that left the crowd intrigued. Their mix of psychedelia and alt-pop is distinctively fresh, and it’s clear that their star is on the rise. The setlist included tracks like “Bad Kids” and “Sensations of cool”, both of which showcased their ability to blend storytelling with a sonic edge that sets them apart from the typical indie fare.

Seb Lowe followed, bringing a punchier, punk-infused energy to the stage. His sharp lyrics and raw performance style connected well with the crowd, particularly during tracks like “Ode to Britannia” and “Terms and conditions.” While still relatively unknown, Seb Lowe left a lasting impression, proving that he’s one to watch in the coming years.

The K’s: Possibly the Next Big Thing
A highlight of the day for many was The K’s, a band hailing from Earlestown, who are rapidly becoming a fixture on the UK’s indie scene. Frontman Jamie Boyle, guitarist Ryan Breslin, bassist Dexter Baker, and drummer Nathan Peers came out swinging, and their energy never dipped throughout their performance. The crowd was visibly pumped, especially during their standout tracks “Glass Towns” and “Sarajevo.”

Several fans I spoke to mentioned they had come specifically to see The K’s, and it’s easy to see why. Their combination of gritty lyrics, catchy hooks, and relentless energy had everyone in the audience bouncing and singing along. It’s not a stretch to say that The K’s might just be the next big band to come out of the North.


Shed Seven: The Veterans
Shed Seven, led by the charismatic Rick Witter, took the stage with the confidence of a band that knows exactly how to work a festival crowd. Backed by Paul Banks on guitar, Tom Gladwin on bass, Rob Maxfield on drums, and Tim Wills on keys, they delivered a set filled with classics like “Going for Gold” and “Chasing Rainbows.” Though they’ve been around for decades, their energy is still palpable, and their set was a nostalgic treat for the older fans in the crowd plus two special guests joined the Shed Seven line up in Issy Ferris and Rowetta which went down a storm with the crowd.

Inhaler
And one of the most anticipated was Inhaler. The Dublin-based band, fronted by Elijah Hewson (yes, Bono’s son), didn’t disappoint. Alongside bandmates Robert Keating on bass, Josh Jenkinson on guitar, and Ryan McMahon on drums, they performed a tight set that included fan favourites like “My Honest Face” and “It Won’t Always Be Like This.” Inhaler has been riding a wave of hype, and their performance showed why they bring a polished sound that’s ready for the big time.

The Blossoms: Headliner Magic
As the sun began to set, anticipation built for the day’s headliners, Blossoms. The Stockport five-piece—Tom Ogden (vocals/guitar), Charlie Salt (bass), Josh Dewhurst (guitar), Joe Donovan (drums), and Myles Kellock (keys)—delivered in spectacular fashion. From the opening notes of “Your Girlfriend,” the crowd was hooked, and by the time they launched into “Charlemagne,” the energy was electric.

Their setlist was a masterclass in how to balance old favourites with new material, with tracks like “The Keeper” and “If You Think This Is Real Life” seamlessly fitting alongside hits like “There’s a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls).” Ogden’s vocals were on point throughout, and the band’s chemistry was evident. The highlight of the night came during “At Most a Kiss,” where the entire park seemed to erupt in a mass sing along, proving that Blossoms are more than worthy headliners.

Final Thoughts: The Crowd’s Verdict
Throughout the day, I spoke to several fans who echoed a common sentiment—they were here for The K’s, Inhaler, and Blossoms. These three bands were undeniably the standouts, with each delivering a performance that felt both intimate and anthemic. The energy they brought had the crowd bouncing and singing along, creating a sense of community that’s rare at larger festivals.

In my opinion, The K’s, Inhaler, and Blossoms were the best bands of the day, and they all have the potential to climb even higher in the music world. It was a day that celebrated the future of indie music while paying homage to its roots, and I left Wythenshawe Park feeling optimistic about the next generation of UK bands.

Wythenshawe Park may have seen only a light drizzle, but the talent on display was nothing short of a storm, a musical one, that is. And not forgetting to mention Definitely Maybe Oasis! The Blossoms supporting?

All words by Gareth Johnson

All photos by Phil Marsden / The Songbird HQ