In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes chat to Joe Hammond - the guitarist from the metalcore band Assurance, and also the creator of a new festival - The Sanctum festival in Digbeth, Birmingham. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/assurance-band-uk/t-rpvzmko with our sponsor: Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0...
Jun 21, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 77
In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes interview the six bands chosen to perform at the 2025 Takeover at Download. All Ears Avow, Collapse The Sky, Change Persona, Dacara, Two Year Break, and Exist Immortal all talk about their upcoming appearance on the Doghouse stage in June. Every year, six unsigned bands get picked to play on the first day of Download Festival at Donington Park. The Doghouse stage in District X, what used to be called The Village, can host thousand...
Jun 21, 2025•2 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 76
In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes discuss the latest updates from Download Festival 2025, including improvements to facilities, new camping options, and insights into the festival experience. They also introduce new sponsors and merchandise, while sharing personal anecdotes and humorous commentary on festival life. In this conversation, they discuss the evolution of festival experiences, particularly focusing on Download Festival. They explore: The increasing numb...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 4Ep. 75
Festival season 2025 is upon us and we're ready for action! We have two interviews in this, Episode 74. Firstly, we'll chat to Bleed Again who update us about their lives since headlining the Takeover at Download 2024, lineup changes, and their new track out Friday the 16th May - Obsession! Then, we get Harry White on the line from Hammerdown Festival, who gives us some backstory on its humble beginnings, the amazing lineup for this year, and where it's headed in the future! with our sponsor, Fa...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 74
This episode reveals the final six bands. Hevs, the organiser, joins us to discuss them and gives us her thoughts on the band's music, journey so far and potential reaction by the Download crowd. with our sponsor, Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl... Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://ets...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 73
It’s almost time for festival season, and we’ve got all the latest updates! The Download Takeover is open for band submissions—so if you’re in an unsigned band, this is your shot at playing the festival. We also discuss the secret sets confirmed for this year, the latest lineup details, and some truly bizarre festival facts (yes, the Download Dog is throwing 200 horns this year). Beyond Download, we also talk about other major UK festival updates, including Radar Festival’s expansion, Hammerdown...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 72
In the 71st episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, There are some big updates to Download & Bloodstock this time! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Pre Titles 0:47 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 01:28 - Title sequence 01:55 - Welcome -- Festival News -- 04:15 - Download adds 22 bands 10:39 - Day and stage splits for Download 29:39 - Bloodstock Winter Ga...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 71
In the 70th episode of Festpod: This episode, we're out at Lion's Den bar in Manchester to enjoy the Defences gig, with support from Crushed By Waves. By this point, we've already drunk a lot. Sorry. with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk #festpod #festival #music #livemusic #rock #metal #rockmusic #met...
Feb 15, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 70
In the 69th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, and Arran Prime from the metal band Crushed By Waves. This time we're talking about Radar Festival - a 3-day indoor rock festival held in Manchester. It's described as modern, contemporary and progressive. It won 'Best New Festival' in 2022. And we love it! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Pre-titles 0:26 - Fat Frank's Camp...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 4Ep. 69
In the 68th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. We'll talk about Download's lineup for 2025, Nova Rock, and Rock am Ring! Then we chat with Rich Halpin from Dubs of Rock - a rock festival of tributes, and finally, we catch up with Veiled at their album launch in Leeds! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Pre-titles 0:24 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 01:0...
Nov 30, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Season 4Ep. 68
In the 67th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. We'll talk about Download, Bloodstock, Slam Dunk, and Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Pre Titles 0:27 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 01:08 - Title sequence 01:35 - Welcome -- Festival News -- 03:41 - Bloodstock 2025 weekend camping tickets have sold out in record time 08:5...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 67
In the 66th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, and Arran Prime from Crushed By Waves. We've completed day 3 of Bloodstock and now we're having a beer in the guest area - Serpent's Lair! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 - Title sequence 01:00 - Intro 01:59 - We've been speaking to the punters 02:45 - The fans love Bloo...
Sep 20, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 66
In the 65th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, and Arran Prime from Crushed By Waves. We've completed day 2 of Bloodstock and now we're back at the Festpod House! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 - Title sequence 01:01 - Intro 39:40 - Outro Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy ou...
Sep 13, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 65
In the 64th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. We've just arrived at Bloodstock and despite the rain, we're giddy kippers! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 - Title sequence 01:01 - Intro 01:37 - Will it rain? 02:16 - Rich was the first customer at the bar 02:29 - Cherry Porter 03:07 - Interviews are happening 03:55 - ...
Sep 06, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 64
In the 63rd episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes, from Richard Holmes Photography. with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 - Title sequence 01:01 - Intro 01:49 - Hammerdown Festival interview with Harry White 25:27 - Skora break bumper 25:36 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot 26:33 - Interview with Lloyd Wood from Those Damn Crows 35:20 - Outro For ear...
Aug 30, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 63
In the 62nd episode of ' Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide ,' we get exclusive backstage access to the Takeover at Download. Six bands were chosen from the hundreds who applied, and today they play the Doghouse Stage - a huge tent in the District X, or what used to be called 'the village' at Download Festival. We get to meet the bands and ask how this hugely significant performance went for them, on the biggest stage they've ever played. We'll chat to: Veiled InDevth The Gallowgate Mur...
Aug 21, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Neill and Rich meet Trish Rayner, one of the forum admins and community organisers to record their latest episode at Download Festival. For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk #festpod #festival #music #livemusic #rock #metal #rockmusic #metalmusic #podcasting #podcast #wilkoproductionsuk #...
Jun 16, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 61
It's raining and muddy, which means one thing: It's Download Festival! Neill and Rich take shelter whilst chewing over the last 24 hours. For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk #festpod #festival #music #livemusic #rock #metal #rockmusic #metalmusic #podcasting #podcast #wilkoproductionsuk...
Jun 15, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 60
Neill and Rich chat with Emma Whitehead who runs Download Festival Dark Side and Download Festival Downsizing groups. For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk #festpod #festival #music #livemusic #rock #metal #rockmusic #metalmusic #podcasting #podcast #wilkoproductionsuk #wilkoproductions H...
Jun 14, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 59
We’ve arrived at Download Festival! Here’s what we’ve been up to so far! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 13, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 58
In the 57th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 Title sequence 01:01 Intro 02:12 Contact details 02:50 -- Band Interviews -- 03:34 - Veiled 20:13 - InDevth 35:30 - The Gallowgate Murders 56:01 - Confessions of a Traitor break bumper 56:08 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot 56:52 -- B...
Jun 10, 2024•2 hr•Season 3Ep. 57
In the 56th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography and Eamon Shortt - ShorttyETV from Twitch! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 Title sequence 01:01 Intro 05:34 Contact details 06:35 -- Festival News -- 06:39 Bad Omens pull out of all UK & EU gigs this year 17:34 Download merch too small? 24:23 Official DL T-shirt is not going down well 31:40 A new team to look aft...
May 30, 2024•2 hr•Season 3Ep. 56
In this Special episode of Festpod - The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, Hevs reveals the bands chosen to play at this year's Boardie Takeover at Download Festival. Hosted by Neill Wilkinson, with Rich Holmes. Guests are Heather Gibb (Hevs), Arran Prime from Crushed By Waves. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/festpod Merch: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod Our Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/festpod Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 04:49 -- Takeover News -- 05:03 - How does it work? 06:49 - Origin of th...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 55
In the 54th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, Eamon Shortt - ShorttyETV from Twitch, and Morgan Harding from Andromedous! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 08:02 -- Festival News -- 05:15 - Nimbus disability access card 16:51 - ArcTanGent is looking for volunteers to work in August 21:09 - Hellfest is sold out 24:35 - Andromedous update 31:16 - 5% VAT call for festivals 42:42 - Sharon gives more details a...
Mar 31, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Season 3Ep. 54
In the 53rd episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 05:11 -- Festival News -- 05:15 - Download festival release next wave of lineup INCLUDING BUSTED!? 13:47 - Damnation festival lineup update - Cradle of Filth 19:57 - Kanye uses Ozzy sample without permission and they’re LIVID 24:22 - AI plugin - Kanye West voice 31:44 - Sleep Token Arena tour announced and immediately sold out! - and just signed to major label RCA 38:33 - Volunteering with hotbox events ...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 53
In the 52nd episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 05:07 -- Festival News -- 05:23 - "We need to keep bringing new bands through" according to Download booker 18:45 - Download RIP is mostly sold out 24:31 - Live Nation ends merch cuts for small bands 31:46 - Sleep Token get doxxed 47:25 - Dave Mustaine says fans shouldn't complain about high ticket prices 58:22 - Anonymous metalhead donates 600 band shirts to charity shop 1:03:28 - Ladies' festival urina...
Jan 29, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Season 3Ep. 52
In the 51st episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we look forward to the year of rock and metal festivals in 2024! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 03:07 -- Festival News -- 03:21 Download Festival lineup 30:55 Radar festival lineup 34:16 Takedown festival lineup 39:51 Bloodstock lineup 47:54 Slam Dunk lineup 53:17 2000 Trees lineup 58:07 Rock am Ring lineup 1:04:31 Hellfest lineup 1:17:12 Nova Rock lineup 1:22:45 Isle of Wight festival lineup 1:31:35 Jera on Air festival lineup 1:33:0...
Dec 07, 2023•2 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 51
In the 50th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we chat to one of the festival directors from Bloodstock - Adam Gregory! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 03:31 -- Post Festival Season -- 06:08 -- Behind the Scenes at Bloodstock -- with Adam Gregory 46:57 Outro For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod Our Linktree here: h...
Oct 22, 2023•56 min•Season 2Ep. 50
In the 49th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we look back on the year of rock and metal festivals to decide how it went in 2023! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 05:06 -- Festival News -- 05:18 'Heavy Music Awards' Review 07:36 'Slam Dunk Festival' Review 13:23 'Download Festival' Review 20:09 'Boardie Takeover' Review 25:02 'Radar Festival' Review 29:56 'Bloodstock Open Air' Review 35:09 Download 2024 Car Park Pass will cost £29.00 39:00 Reading and Leeds ban disposable vapes 41:...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 49
In the 48th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we meet a huge chunk of the bands who played Bloodstock in 2023! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 02:33 Chris from Visions of Atlantis 06:28 The Violent Inzident 20:22 Martin from Headpress 25:51 Seething Akira 31:26 Skora 38:39 Waterlines 46:58 Matt from Repulsive Vision 52:36 Bloodmores 1:03:44 Pryma 1:12:05 Sentient 1:18:11 Phoenix Lake 1:25:18 Ofnus 1:30:40 Dystopian Sun 1:35:04 Embodiment 1:42:22 Dead Air 1:48:46 InVisions 2:07:27 ...
Sep 30, 2023•2 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 48
