Trades Club/Music for the Many
Alan Dearling went along to the see the eight live bands who took to the outside stage on the temporarily closed street where Rose Villas headlined the August Bank Holiday street party in lively, music-loving, Hebden Bridge. And thankfully the rain stayed more or less at bay.
Rose Villas offered a wonderfully fresh and varied smorgasbord of music. It sounds and feels really original. Speaking to those around me at the event, I was struck by the fact that older folk, including the Music for the Many stewards were mightily impressed. “Wow, they are amazing, especially for their age…fabulous to see them headline” and “…they are fast becoming the absolute next big thing to come out of the Calder Valley.”
They are seemingly able to rapidly improve, develop their own material, and produce some amazingly accomplished sounds and songs. A dark, but rhythmic sound that is really infectious. Viral stuff!
Here’s what the hosts, the Trades Club said about them:
“A drum-roll please for our wonderful line-up of live acts, all lovingly curated by the one-and-only Sarah Courtney.
Your headline act, Rose Villas, are an atmospheric indie-rock four-piece set for huge things. Comprised of Alfie Hackett (vocals and rhythm guitar), Harry Cave (lead guitar), Charlie Pickens (bass), and Albie Shaw-White (drums), they artfully blend post-punk, shoegaze, and psych-rock influences to create a brooding, fresh sound that is entirely their own.”
“Crackling with potential” – Mal Campbell, Trades Club Promoter
“…a fresh young blisteringly talented band; Rose Villas. Delighted to see they are attracting the attention they deserve.” Andy Sloman Camies, Music promoter.
“It feels special to see a young band grow more confident and passionate with each show… I was incredibly pleased to see Rose Villas’ play more experimental tracks. Their efforts have certainly paid off. They have developed a groove that is a lot more pronounced. The basslines are funky, the guitar is grungy and the drums are crashing…”
Poppy Cortese, ‘Dirty Sunbeams’ after a Rose Villas’ gig for Independent Venue Week in February 2026 in on-line magazine
First single, ‘Life Dealer’ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtXkqnv8x0Y
BBC Introducing debut for the band: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1096596219540831
And, here’s what Trades Club said about the other bands at the Street Party:
*Terry Logan & Simon Partridge* Terry picked up a little guitar called Freedom and began writing songs about love, magic and the moon. Joining Terry on the day will be Simon Partridge, an experienced music educator, creative artist, researcher and author – and a master of improvisation.
*Welter* Paddy and Matt bring a hefty dose of blues-based skulduggery, laced with emotion and brimming with roots energy.
*Molly Tilston, Chris Manley & friends* Buddying up for the day are two very special local talents, Molly and Chris, who will be conjuring a swathe of contemporary folk-pop-rock beauty, all founded on the traditions of classic singer-songwriter partnerships.
*Romaband* A vibrant youth gypsy music and dance ensemble created by our Music for the Many. Born from chance street encounters with local young people in the Roma community, the group celebrates traditional Roma culture.
*Honey Andrews* A wonderful contemporary acoustic performer. Highly active on the local music scene, Honey can frequently be seen compering open mIc nights and jams. She is also a leading voice for the fast-growing youth music movement Calder Groove.
*Outside The Box* A renowned local band, Outside The Box deal in Scottish infused folk, alt.country and bluegrass. Vibrant, infectious and joyful to the core.
*Jiggerie Folkerie* An energetic youth folk group that simply love playing reels and jigs – and essentially, have a whole lot of fun in the process.”