DevaFest 2025: My Second Year, and What a Whirlwind!

Steven on the left and Phil Marston (Founder of DevaFest) on the right

Wow. Just wow... My second year being part of DevaFest, and once again, I’m left completely gob smacked at what we deliver.

If you’ve never run a festival before, let me tell you – it’s equal parts chaos, adrenaline and pure joy. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

From the moment the gates opened to the final encore on the main stage, this year was full of music, food, laughter, and yes… a little drama.

Let’s start with the big one: the Fratellis had to cancel due to illness, 24 hours notice. Cue intense stress and frantic calls. But we pulled through, thanks to the brilliant band CAST, who stepped in at the last minute. And wow… the response from attendees was incredible:

“Now Cast are playing I’m tempted to come see them! I’m fresh back from Edinburgh and I am going to see them in Liverpool in December but they were ace supporting Oasis! A fine swap if you ask me! If you ask them nice, they might play Chelsea Dagger?”

The Cast didn’t just fill the slot, they owned it, and along with the rest of the weekend’s performers, brought a level of energy that kept everyone dancing, singing, and grinning from ear to ear.

We finished with them, and started Thursday night with the Stickmen Project. What a way to kick off the festival! Judging by the feedback, it was a highlight for many. That evening set the tone for the entire weekend: electric, unforgettable, and full of fun.

And of course, we must talk about Gloria Gaynor. At 81 years young, she didn’t just perform, she owned it. She had everyone dancing, singing, and maybe even shedding a happy tear or two. Moments like that are what make all the chaos absolutely worth it. We were in the presence of a Grammy legend and you could feel it! Gloria was the highlight for me!

Now, behind the scenes is where the real magic (and madness) happens. From last-minute runs to Costco to grab hot water urns for the green room (my wife heroically handled that one!) to hauling cups, sauces, and drinks all the way from our Chester hotel so our artists could stay hydrated, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way – it’s these moments of improvisation that make festival life feel alive.

Club Deva, run by the legends at Rooftop Social, was another standout. Bingo Bango kept the energy high throughout the act breaks, and laughter echoed late into the night, creating a space where festival-goers could connect, dance, and just let loose in a comfortable place.

And the food! From street food like The Fat Greeks Gyros to classic festival treats like Foxxy Foods dirty fries (my Son’s very first venture in the on the road catering business), every corner of the festival offered something new and delicious.

And yes… the toilets and showers! Five dedicated staff worked tirelessly all weekend to keep everything spotless, and attendees noticed:

“Tidiest, best organised festival I have ever been to… toilets/showers were kept so clean. Excellent entertainment, such friendly, helpful people and lots and lots to do.”

“Honestly, the cleanest festival toilets I’ve ever seen! Hats off to the team keeping them perfect all weekend.”

Of course, running a festival isn’t without its lessons. Feedback about separate entrances for day visitors and weekend campers, and zoning for party campers vs early sleepers, has been noted – and we’re already planning improvements for next year...

But beyond logistics, what truly made my heart sing was the community vibe. Families, friends, and even strangers looking out for each other, laughing together, and making memories – that’s the real magic of DevaFest.

This year, we welcomed thousands of festival-goers (and yes, it felt like every one of them was smiling), who danced, sang and made DevaFest 2025 an unforgettable experience.

And the best part? Tickets for 2026 are already live, so if you thought this year was incredible, you definitely want to be there next year.

It’s also worth remembering that festivals like DevaFest are part of a huge UK festival scene – there are over 1,200 music and arts festivals in the UK each year, and the industry as a whole generates around £2.5 billion annually, supporting jobs, tourism, and local businesses. Being part of it is both a privilege and a wild ride – and pulling off something like DevaFest, for 25,000 amazing attendees, is no small feat.

From me, Phil, Anna and the wider DevaFest delivery team – thank you. Thank you to the performers, the staff, the volunteers, and of course the attendees. You make all the chaos, the long nights, and the last-minute scrambles worth it.

Running a festival isn’t easy, but it’s exactly this madness, the teamwork, the little crises that somehow turn into magical moments, that make it one of the most rewarding experiences in the world.

Bring on DevaFest 2026, we can’t wait to do it all again.