Live Review: No Play Festival | Liverpool City Centre, 05.09.26
No Play Festival hit Liverpool at the beginning of the month, bringing us a stacked line-up of the best up-and-coming names in the metal and hardcore scenes. The independent music festival is ran by those who truly care about DIY, celebrating big names in the scene, and giving a platform to smaller local bands, too. No Play is the place to hear old favourites and discover new ones.
Aside from one small delay at the beginning, No Play ran smoothly. There were no major issues or delays throughout the day. The Kazimer Garden stage was small and people definitely struggled to fit in at times. However, there was a staff member on the inside of the door to let you in before the set and to hold it open as you left. Nobody on this smaller stage seemed to check wristbands or search bags, and there was no security around. The two stages in the Arts Club were well-manned, lots of security checking bags and people checking wrist bands as you entered. Rough trade had security checking wristbands but not checking bags upon entry.
The festival had no food stalls in any of the venues, but all of the venues were around the city centre with lots of food and drink options. Some restaurants had discounts for ticket holders, meaning other independent businesses were supported. For drinks, each venue had their own selection, so there was plenty of options and variety to suit every taste and price range. While No Play organisers have been completely transparent about this, it has to be said that the festival isn’t very accessible. All of the venues and different stages were up at least a few stairs, and some venues were at least a 5 minute walk from one another. This isn’t at the fault of the organisers, but more so the venues. When having your festival located in Liverpool’s city centre, it’s hard to envision how amendments could be made for future accessibility.
North East metalcore, IMISSYOUALREADY, were up first with phenomenal vocals and heavy riffs, getting the crowd warmed up and setting the tone for the day. Unfortunately, the band had some technical difficulties at the start of their set, meaning they started 15 minutes late, but that didn’t deter the big crowd they’d brought in. The crowd was lively, with people getting involved and starting as they meant to go on. The day began on a real high with IMISSYOUALREADY, this band is one to watch. Next up was Shortdaughter, a new band hailing from Manchester. Switching the vibe up with some angry, punky, feminine rage. No Play Festival was the band’s first ever show and they smashed it. The venue was small, but they packed out the room and had the whole crowd connecting with them. The band gave a captivating performance, and you could tell they were having so much fun with it. The vocalist had an amazing stage presence, you felt every word and emotion like it was directed at you. What more could you possibly want?
Witherhorde, local deathcore band from the Wirral, were up first on the main stage. The band has made a name for themselves in the local scene, evident by the decent-sized crowd so early on in the day. They hit the ground running, on time, with no technical issues. This band always brings an unmatched energy, and their No Play set was no different. Witherhorde brought so much force to the main stage, with tons of movement from both the band and crowd. Playing a Jesus Piece cover had the crowd up on their feet and letting off steam. If you get the chance to see this band live, you won’t regret it. West Midlands hardcore, Victims of Life, brought some insanely heavy riffs and violent breakdowns next. The band packed out the tiny room with people struggling to fit in. They brought an impressive energy, you forgot they were crammed onto a small stage. Unfortunately, they deserved a spot somewhere bigger, as the atmosphere in the crowd was lacking. Vocalist, Ollie Wood did everything he could to get people involved and moving, but the crowd just wasn’t having it. It would be great to see this band on a bigger stage next year.
Safeguard switched it up entirely, bringing us some gut-wrenching, emotional pop punk. After a break, the Leeds band began making music and playing shows again in 2025, and it’s evident that they’ve still got it. Incredible vocals, a lively stage presence, and so much talent. Safeguard is the kind of band that sounds just like they do on record. Unfortunately, the crowd was small and didn’t share that same lively energy of the band, perhaps they could’ve benefitted from being on one of the smaller stages. If you see this band live, be prepared for tears. Another local band making moves right now is Bye Bye, and this band absolutely brought it. During the first song, the bassist had a snapped bass string, but the band didn’t falter, you wouldn’t have even guessed there was an interruption. The band made the most of the small stage with an amazing stage presence, which the crowd matched perfectly. It’s easy to get into the music when you can see how much the band is into it. Pulling out a Title Fight cover is exactly how you get the crowd moving, and Bye Bye clearly know their audience. If you’re wishing Title Fight would get back together, this is the band for you.
Drawing in a huge crowd on the main stage were Crowquill. This band has been getting a lot of well-deserved attention and it’s easy to see why. They were a force to be reckoned with, and owned the main stage with some serious riffs and hard breakdowns. Clearly they were a fan favourite, everyone was on their feet and finally making the most of the no-barrier stage. The band even had a stage invasion during their last song. Crowquill is definitely one to watch, this band is going to do huge things. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and vocalist, Liam Turton, used his time and voice on stage to deliver a powerful message to the crowd, “Look after each other. Look around the room, in this community, reach out to people. People who have been quiet, reach out to them. One message takes a few seconds and those seconds can be the difference between someone being here today and not tomorrow.” Taking the opportunity to speak from the heart and bare all in a display of vulnerability shows the true contrast between the internal struggles that many individuals face, and the music that brings them all together in unity. It was a beacon of light to have someone use their voice to speak up for a collective, and something that very clearly resonated with the crowd.
Bringing back the emo sound were Breakfast With Bears. This band was lively and energetic, bringing us incredible vocals and twinkly guitar riffs. They had an amazing stage presence, it was easy to get lost in the music and forget they were on a tiny stage. Unfortunately, the crowd was pretty motionless, and they definitely deserved a livelier atmosphere. There was a couple of technical difficulties and wires getting unplugged, but the band were completely un-phased and powered on despite that. Leeds thrash metal band, Pest Control, was a true highlight of the day with one of the best sets. The crowd they brought to the main stage was on par with the headliner. The whole room was packed for some fast-paced power, bringing a lively mood and lots of two-stepping. The vocalist, Leah Massey-Hay, always sounds exceptional live, and this set was no different. The hard and heavy riffs had a constant flow of people getting up on stage and diving off. The energy that Pest Control had on stage radiated through the room and everyone was feeling it. This band is a delight to witness live, if you get the chance, do not miss it.
Stick to Your Guns need no introduction. They’ve been in the game a long time, so the crowd had high expectations and they truly brought it. They provided that angsty, 2010 metalcore energy and everyone was there for it. The entire bottom section of the main stage was on their feet and two-stepping for the entire set. Energy was high, the atmosphere in the room was alive, and it seemed everyone had gotten their second wind. Vocalist, Jesse Barnett, knows how to command a stage, he asked for a circle pit and the crowd delivered a circle pit. Stick To Your Guns gave an unreal performance, with heavy riffs, hard breakdowns, angry vocals, and political lyrics, which felt just as relevant now as they did back in the day. No Play knew exactly what they were doing when they booked this band to headline, and they were the perfect end to an incredible day!
