FESTIVAL REVIEW | TRAMLINES DAY ONE, SHEFFIELD | 24th July 2026 by Morgan Hermiston
The first day of Tramlines 2026 brought an exhilarating atmosphere to Sheffield, where the sun shone brightly over eager festival-goers. The air was filled with laughter and palpable excitement as attendees enjoyed pints and the vibrant community spirit that is synonymous with this beloved music festival.
The Clause
Kicking off the festivities on the Sarah Nulty Main Stage was The Clause, a Birmingham quartet that captivated the crowd from the moment they took the stage. Launching their performance with the infectious “Nothing’s As It Seems,” they quickly established a high-energy vibe that had fans jumping and singing along. Their setlist featured tracks from their striking 2025 debut album, Victim Of A Casual Thing, including crowd-pleasers like “Tell Me What You Want” and “In My Element.” Witnessing the massive audience’s enthusiastic reaction was a testament to their transition from intimate gigs to the main stage.
The Coral
Next up was The Coral, a veteran band whose survival in the music industry since 1996 is nothing short of remarkable. Their twelve-track set was saturated with both beloved hits and fresh material, opening with the nostalgic “Bill McCai.” Highpoints included their enchanting song “Lover Undiscovered,” from the 2021 album Coral Island, which drew a whole-hearted singalong from the enthusiastic crowd. The closing tracks “In The Morning” and “Dreaming Of You” sent revelers into a trance-like state, making this performance one of the day’s undeniable highlights.
The Coral (credit: Carolina Faruolo/Tramlines)
The Vaccines
As the sun continued its ascent, The Vaccines took to the stage, much to the delight of fans celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? Their setlist comprised mostly of this cherished record alongside other anthems that kept the crowd hyped. Frontman Justin Hayward-Young mastered the stage, sharing unreleased tracks like “Ten Years Too Far,” which the crowd embraced wholeheartedly, singing along as if it were a fan favorite. Classics like “If You Wanna” and “All My Friends Are Falling In Love” ensured the energy remained sky-high, culminating in a performance that left everyone wanting more.
The Vaccines (Gracie Erskine/Northern Exposure)
Kaiser Chiefs
Anticipation heightened as Kaiser Chiefs strolled onto the stage—this had been a highly awaited performance, and they didn’t disappoint. Emerging to the iconic “2-4-6-8 Motorway,” frontman Ricky Wilson injected electric energy into each song. The set brilliantly blended the band’s newer material, like “Hole In My Heart,” with enduring hits such as “Ruby” and “I Predict A Riot.” Wilson’s daredevil antics, including scaling scaffolding, kept fans on their toes, showcasing why they have remained a staple in the live music scene for so long.
Kaiser Chiefs (credit: Carolina Faruolo/Tramlines)
The K’s
Transitioning to T’Other Stage, I caught The K’s in a headline set that demonstrated their remarkable prowess. After successful shows at venues like the Castlefield Bowl, their performance drew a massive crowd, all eagerly singing along from their latest album, _I Wonder If The World Knows? The spirited vibe extended to tracks like “Icarus” and classic hits from their previous album, ensuring a night filled with unforgettable singalongs, heightened by energetic audience flares that illuminated the music and atmosphere.
The K’s (Gracie Erskine/Northern Exposure)
Fatboy Slim
As the sun began to set, we returned to the Sarah Nulty Main Stage for the grand finale of the night: Fatboy Slim. The energy emanating from the crowd was palpable as electronic beats filled the air. Deep bass lines and nostalgic remixes of tracks like “Mr Brightside” painted a vibrant soundscape that felt almost euphoric. Attendees danced freely, soaking up the moment, with no phone in sight. The infectious rhythms of “Praise You” and “Right Here, Right Now” resonated, encapsulating the festival’s jubilant spirit and ensuring the first day of Tramlines ended on an unbelievably high note.
Fatboy Slim (credit: Carolina Faruolo/Tramlines)
*Super Early Bird and Early Bird Tickets for 2027 sold out in minutes, but Tier 1 tickets are on sale now and selling fast. Get yours [here](https://tramlines.org.uk/tickets/?_gl=115in4dg_upMQ.._gaMjA1ODM4Mzg3OS4xNzg1NjY0Mzk2_ga_X3Y30QXW1CczE3ODU2NjQzOTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODU2NjQzOTUkajYwJGwwJGg1MjY3ODY0NzA).**
