Welcome to Yorkshire
News • November 26th, 2025
|Picture the scene. You are standing in a huge park, the sun is shining, and you have just discovered your new favourite band. That is the magic of music festivals. And for 2026, Tramlines in Sheffield looks set for one of its biggest years ever. Taking over Hillsborough Park from 24 to 26 July 2026, the festival has confirmed that two rising stars from Doncaster, Sam Scherdel and Freddie Halkon, are joining the lineup.
For both artists, it is a huge moment. Imagine growing up listening to some of the world’s biggest bands, only to later find your own name on the same festival poster. It is a major milestone for them and a proud moment for the Doncaster music scene.

Tramlines is bringing the noise to Sheffield
The Tramlines 2026 lineup is already stacked with massive names. Headliners include Fatboy Slim, Courteeners, and Wolf Alice, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend. But it does not stop there.
Here are some of the other acts performing:
Kaiser Chiefs
Blossoms
Wet Leg
Gabrielle
Lottery Winners
Rick Astley
Reverend and the Makers
The K’s
The Vaccines
Vanessa Carlton
The Enemy
The Everly Pregnant Brothers
There is even a full disco takeover hosted by Day Fever, keeping the party going long after the main stages finish.
Festival Operations Director Timm Cleasby thanked fans for their support, saying: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Hillsborough Park for another huge weekend of music, comedy and fun. See you in the summer.”
Adding Doncaster’s own rising stars into the mix only boosts the excitement.
Meet Sam Scherdel: The South Yorkshire Springsteen
First up is Sam Scherdel, affectionately nicknamed the South Yorkshire Springsteen. Born in Mexborough, Sam started writing songs as a teenager, but things really took off for him in 2022 when music turned from a hobby into a full-time career.
Sam’s sound blends big, anthemic rock with emotional depth. His gravelly voice and huge choruses have drawn comparisons to some of the greats. He has already achieved major milestones, including a performance at Glastonbury and a sold out hometown show at Doncaster Corn Exchange.
Going from local open mic nights to sharing a festival bill with Fatboy Slim and Wolf Alice shows how fast his career is rising. He is one of the region’s most exciting rock artists.
Introducing Freddie Halkon: The indie pop sensation
If 2024 belonged to anyone, it was Freddie Halkon. Bursting onto the scene at just 19, Freddie instantly grabbed attention. His first ever run of shows sold out in under an hour, something even established artists struggle to achieve.
Born in Doncaster and raised in the Isle of Axholme, Freddie blends indie guitars with a modern pop edge. His music moves effortlessly between soaring festival anthems and gentle acoustic tracks. His lyrics are heartfelt and relatable, which is why young fans across the country are quickly connecting with him.
With a meteoric start and rapidly growing audience, Freddie Halkon is tipped to become one of the next big British indie pop artists. His Tramlines set could easily become one of those “I was there when…” moments.
What this means for Doncaster music
Having two Doncaster artists on a festival lineup as big as Tramlines is a major win for the local scene. It shows the strength of musical talent coming out of South Yorkshire and proves that artists from the area can hold their own alongside household names.
Sam and Freddie will share space with acts who also emerged from the northern music circuit, such as Reverend and the Makers and Blossoms. Their success sends a powerful message to aspiring musicians in Mexborough, the Isle of Axholme or anywhere in Doncaster: it is possible to play on one of the country’s biggest festival stages.
For fans, it is a chance to head to Sheffield, support their local artists, and witness two rising stars taking huge steps in their careers. It is a proud moment for Doncaster and an exciting preview of the region’s future in music.






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