Maid of Stone Festival Preview
Written by – Michelle Flynn
In 7 days rock fans will unite in the glorious setting of Maidstone’s Mote Park for the third Maid of Stone Festival – and if the weather doesn’t raise the temperatures, the bands on offer certainly will.
Whether you’ve already bagged your tickets and are looking for inspiration for who to add to your ‘must see’ list, or you’ve found yourself with a free weekend and are hovering over that ‘buy now’ button, let us give you a little taste of what will be on offer.
Maid of Stone Festival hosts three days rock music over the weekend of 18th – 20th July 2025 – covering everything from modern alternative to classic rock and whatever might fall in between. The team behind the festival know exactly who their customer base is and make a point of exceeding expectations when it comes to the line-ups. Their ethos of building a sustainable festival that supports grassroots and local bands is central to the unique atmosphere that this festival has. This year sees the introduction of a new setup, with the lineup of a wapping 43 bands being split across two stages. This means that apart from the limited VIP sets, there will be no clashes: something that’s music to every festival-goers ears! The Inferno Stage will play host to the legacy bands and those who are already known on the circuit, while the Firestarter Stage showcases the talent of tomorrow.
THE ERB ‘ONES TO WATCH’ LIST
Friday
The Inferno Stage – 13:30
Get those tents up early as you won’t want to miss Hillbilly Vegas as they open up the festival with their fusion of rootsy Southern-rock and outlaw-country storytelling. There’s also a secret set following Hillbilly Vegas that is being kept tightly under wraps.
The Firestarter Stage – 15:20
If you like your rock on the heavy side and driven by fuzz, then you will love no nonsense rock ‘n’ roll duo We Three Kings who always bring a high octane performance which will rock your socks off.
The Firestarter Stage – 16:30
For those who like things a little more alternative and grungier, angst-ridden vocals and exquisite harmonies will be the order of the day when Muddibrooke take to the stage in what will be a set full of raw energy and lyrical social commentary.
The Inferno Stage – 21:45
Crowning Friday night along with co-headliner Joanne Shaw Taylor, Dirty Honey promise to bring the swagger with raw rock ‘n’ roll energy with a sprinkling of sleaze that is sure to set Mote Park alight.
Saturday
The Firestarter Stage – 12:10
Delivering soulful vocals and authentic classic blue-rock chops, rising Kent-based band Big River will bring a southern dive-bar vibe to Mote Park to ease you into the day.
The Inferno Stage – 15:10
From the Welsh valleys to the Garden of England, Florence Black will hit Maid of Stone with the force of a freight train. Expect fast and hard rock with more energy than the national grid.
The Firestarter Stage – 20:10
Beaux Gris Gris & the Apocalypse will get you in the mood for a party as Louisiana-born bundle of pure joy Greta Valenti and British Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Robin Davey bring swampy, southern rock and energetic flair to Mote Park. Now remember, it’s Beaux Gris Gris – pronounced bo-gree-gree – you will be required to sing.
The Inferno Stage – 21:00
Luckily, it’s not too far to walk between stages, as Black Stone Cherry are returning to Mote Park for their only UK appearance of 2025. It doesn’t matter if you’re ‘Nervous’ or if you’re going to ‘Blame it on the Boom Boom’, we guarantee you’ll be in for a mighty fine time.
Sunday
The Inferno Stage – 16:15
These Wicked Rivers were unfortunately unable to play the festival last year and we have no doubt that this is one of the most highly anticipated sets of the weekend. Expect peace, love, and some lampshades.
The Firestarter Stage – 17:00
With melodic hooks, powerful riffs, and an endearing front man in Scott Wardell, This House We Built will bring the party to The Firestarter Stage. Bring your singing voices!
The Inferno Stage – 17:30
Stone Broken will take to the stage in one of their last performances before going on hiatus: for that reason alone, it’s not to be missed. We have no doubt that the sea of voices singing ‘Wait for You’ will be particularly poignant – people may have issues with leaking eyes.
The Firestarter Stage – 18:20
Worthy winners of the UK Blues Federation ‘Emerging Act of the Year 2025’, Blue Nation exude ‘70s-tinged blues-rock while keeping their sound fresh and modern. There is something mystical about their live performance that needs to be experienced.
In truth, you should watch as many bands as you’re able to. Or at least listen to them while you are at the bar, the merch stand, one of the many food stands, or vendor stalls – of which there are many.
Maid of Stone has quickly become a festival where it feels like you are returning home to your family. The atmosphere is friendly, the arena is well organised, and not having to walk a million miles to get back to your tent is a massive bonus.
ERB are proud to be associated with Maid of Stone Festival, and we can’t wait to be back at Mote Park. If you’re there too, please come and say hello!
If this has persuaded you to dip your toes in the mote, there are still some tickets available here
