Now in its fourth year, Maid of Stone has built a reputation as one of the best small festivals in the UK. Taking place from 17 - 19 July at Mote Park in Maidstone, 2026's bill featured Saxon, Uriah Heep, The Almighty and more.
Uriah Heep at Maid of Stone 2026. Photo: Louise Phillips.
After weeks of glorious weather, 2026's festival season has been an absolute belter. Sunshine always brings good vibes, and as we stroll into Mote Park, that's exactly what greets us.
Launched in 2023, Maid of Stone is now four years young, and this year's line-up is stacked with big names, exciting new talent, and plenty more besides. With a capped capacity of 5,000, it feels more like a garden party with a seriously rocking soundtrack than a sprawling festival. The site is split between two stages: the Main Stage, home to the established heavy hitters, and the Firestarter Stage, where emerging bands get their chance to shine. Positioned just a short walk apart at opposite ends of the arena, it's easy to bounce between them without missing any of the action.
Between sets, you can kick back on a hay bale by the cider bar, escape the sun in the VIP area, or browse stalls selling everything from vinyl records to cowboy hats. It's a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements a weekend packed with great music.
It all kicks off on Friday [17 July], as Cassidy Paris struts out dressed as a devil ready to raise a little hell. Although relatively unknown in the UK, she delivers a thunderous set that wakes everyone and leaves a lasting impression.
It's a tough act to follow, but DeVere are up for the challenge. Not content to simply go through the motions, they grab the audience by the throat and whip the pit into a fever. The manic energy they unleash is palpable, and the raw, unfiltered excitement rippling through the audience is amazing to watch.
British melodic rock stalwarts FM are up next, and there's a devoted gathering waiting for them as they amble onto the main stage. Front man Steve Overland has one of the finest voices in rock, and musically, the band are outstanding on every level. They've got the songs too, armed with a hit-heavy set they get the fans singing every word right back at them from early single 'That Girl' to newies like 'Black Water'. The years may have passed, but FM are just as vital as ever.
By the time the evening finally rolls around, The Temperance Movement swagger out to serve up a full-throttle headline set. Front man Phil Campbell is an absolute livewire, pent up like a hand grenade waiting to explode, and from the very first chord, he has the entire venue eating out of the palm of his hand. An unbridled explosion of soul and grit, they leave the exhausted crowd begging for more.
Launched in 2023, Maid of Stone is now four years young, and this year's line-up is stacked with big names, exciting new talent, and plenty more besides. With a capped capacity of 5,000, it feels more like a garden party with a seriously rocking soundtrack than a sprawling festival. The site is split between two stages: the Main Stage, home to the established heavy hitters, and the Firestarter Stage, where emerging bands get their chance to shine. Positioned just a short walk apart at opposite ends of the arena, it's easy to bounce between them without missing any of the action.
Between sets, you can kick back on a hay bale by the cider bar, escape the sun in the VIP area, or browse stalls selling everything from vinyl records to cowboy hats. It's a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements a weekend packed with great music.
It all kicks off on Friday [17 July], as Cassidy Paris struts out dressed as a devil ready to raise a little hell. Although relatively unknown in the UK, she delivers a thunderous set that wakes everyone and leaves a lasting impression.
It's a tough act to follow, but DeVere are up for the challenge. Not content to simply go through the motions, they grab the audience by the throat and whip the pit into a fever. The manic energy they unleash is palpable, and the raw, unfiltered excitement rippling through the audience is amazing to watch.
British melodic rock stalwarts FM are up next, and there's a devoted gathering waiting for them as they amble onto the main stage. Front man Steve Overland has one of the finest voices in rock, and musically, the band are outstanding on every level. They've got the songs too, armed with a hit-heavy set they get the fans singing every word right back at them from early single 'That Girl' to newies like 'Black Water'. The years may have passed, but FM are just as vital as ever.
By the time the evening finally rolls around, The Temperance Movement swagger out to serve up a full-throttle headline set. Front man Phil Campbell is an absolute livewire, pent up like a hand grenade waiting to explode, and from the very first chord, he has the entire venue eating out of the palm of his hand. An unbridled explosion of soul and grit, they leave the exhausted crowd begging for more.
Phil Campbell of The Temperance Movement at Maid of Stone 2026. Photo: Louise Phillips.
We arrive on Saturday [18 July] just as Girlschool take to the stage. Introduced by DJ Paul Anthony as "the band that have seen and done it all", the NWOBHM institution blow the gates off with a blistering 'Demolition Boys'. Their ramshackle sound may not be perfect, but it's part of their charm, and cramming their set with the classics that built their reputation including covers of 'Devil's Gun' and Motörhead's 'Bomber', they make a lasting impression.
In a further nod to Lemmy and co, Phil Campbell may have sadly passed, but his Bastard Sons are carrying on his legacy, in tribute to their fallen father. It's only a few months since Phil died - on 13 March 2025 - and there's barely a dry eye in the park as his voice introduces the first track, a cover of David Bowie's 'Heroes'.
It's thoroughly moving, and it's clear that the sons are still reeling from the sudden passing of their father and band leader. The audience though, is right with them, and when Tyler Campbell thanks them for their support in the last few months, they're rewarded with a huge round of applause.
Mixing up originals with the best from Phil's four-decade career with Motörhead the four-piece prove that there's life in the band yet. A fitting tribute to not just Phil, but the other fallen members.
"Guess who's back? Me, mother fucker!", screams Danko Jones. The Canadian has never been the shy and retiring type, and playing his first UK date since 2025, he's here to remind everyone what they've missed. The trio are playing a blinder, and saying all the right things; "What a great festival", gushes Jones; "it's so great, I want to kiss the festival's ass so we can come back!". It may be the heat, or the midway fatigue, but the enthusiasm is not being returned from the crowd. Jones however, more than makes up for it himself. "I'm in a band and I love it", he sings, and it's entirely believable.
Doro who is up next, is an unashamed metal purist, and her sound has barely shifted from her days fronting Warlock in the early 1980s. Metal is what she does, and she does it well, and today, she mixes newies like 'Time For Justice' with classics like 'Burning the Witches' and 'All We Are'.
Receiving a hero's welcome, she is her usual charming self, declaring; "this country, I love it, I love it!" after a rip-roaring 'Raise Your Fists'. She later reminisces about her first trip to the UK in 1986 where Warlock opened for W.A.S.P., and later, plays a unique take on Judas Priest's 'Breaking the Law'. cementing her metal credentials.
It's mostly hard and heavy, but power ballad 'Für immer' is the real high point, and offers some respite in an otherwise full on set.
In a further nod to Lemmy and co, Phil Campbell may have sadly passed, but his Bastard Sons are carrying on his legacy, in tribute to their fallen father. It's only a few months since Phil died - on 13 March 2025 - and there's barely a dry eye in the park as his voice introduces the first track, a cover of David Bowie's 'Heroes'.
It's thoroughly moving, and it's clear that the sons are still reeling from the sudden passing of their father and band leader. The audience though, is right with them, and when Tyler Campbell thanks them for their support in the last few months, they're rewarded with a huge round of applause.
Mixing up originals with the best from Phil's four-decade career with Motörhead the four-piece prove that there's life in the band yet. A fitting tribute to not just Phil, but the other fallen members.
"Guess who's back? Me, mother fucker!", screams Danko Jones. The Canadian has never been the shy and retiring type, and playing his first UK date since 2025, he's here to remind everyone what they've missed. The trio are playing a blinder, and saying all the right things; "What a great festival", gushes Jones; "it's so great, I want to kiss the festival's ass so we can come back!". It may be the heat, or the midway fatigue, but the enthusiasm is not being returned from the crowd. Jones however, more than makes up for it himself. "I'm in a band and I love it", he sings, and it's entirely believable.
Doro who is up next, is an unashamed metal purist, and her sound has barely shifted from her days fronting Warlock in the early 1980s. Metal is what she does, and she does it well, and today, she mixes newies like 'Time For Justice' with classics like 'Burning the Witches' and 'All We Are'.
Receiving a hero's welcome, she is her usual charming self, declaring; "this country, I love it, I love it!" after a rip-roaring 'Raise Your Fists'. She later reminisces about her first trip to the UK in 1986 where Warlock opened for W.A.S.P., and later, plays a unique take on Judas Priest's 'Breaking the Law'. cementing her metal credentials.
It's mostly hard and heavy, but power ballad 'Für immer' is the real high point, and offers some respite in an otherwise full on set.
Doro at Maid of Stone 2026. Photo: Louise Phillips.
Over on the Firestarter stage meanwhile, it's been a full on day with power rock trio Kitt Trig, French metallers Rattlesnakes - who later take to socials to hail the festival "a truly unforgettable experience" - and battle metal band Battle Born all putting in impressive performances that win over the crowd. Veteran duo the Virginmarys close out the night with an impassioned set that sets up the masses for Saxon's headline slot at the opposite end of the arena.
"Its good to be back in England!", announces Biff Byford as Saxon get going. Opening with a rousing 'Hell, Fire and Damnation' before old favourite 'Power and the Glory', the band prove that the new material as equally as potent as the old. The set is filled with all their best material, from early classics like 'Wheels of Steel', and 'Motorcycle Man', to anthems like 'Strong Arm of the Law' and 'Crusader'.
Biff may be in charge, but he loses the vote to the audience who choose 'The Eagle Has Landed' - which is brought all the more to life with moon landing animations on the big screens - over 'Broken Heroes'. "I know it's not on a classic album, but it's a fucking good song!", he protests.
The band meanwhile are razor sharp. Since the addition of Brian Tatler on guitar in 2023, Saxon have been given a new lease of life, and both he and fellow six-stringer Doug Scarratt feed off each other, trading licks and sharing leads.
Tatler earlier revealed the title of the new Saxon album to us during interview, however we are under strict instruction not to give it away until an official announcement is made. Byford, however, has other ideas; "we've got a new album. It's called 'Gods of Thunder', and it comes out in January", he excitedly announces. A new song, however, does not follow, meaning we'll have to wait until then to hear what they have in store.
The night finishes with the glorious nocturnal pairing of '747 (Strangers in the Night)', and 'Princess of the Night', and the Maid of Stone masses depart ahead of the final day.
"Its good to be back in England!", announces Biff Byford as Saxon get going. Opening with a rousing 'Hell, Fire and Damnation' before old favourite 'Power and the Glory', the band prove that the new material as equally as potent as the old. The set is filled with all their best material, from early classics like 'Wheels of Steel', and 'Motorcycle Man', to anthems like 'Strong Arm of the Law' and 'Crusader'.
Biff may be in charge, but he loses the vote to the audience who choose 'The Eagle Has Landed' - which is brought all the more to life with moon landing animations on the big screens - over 'Broken Heroes'. "I know it's not on a classic album, but it's a fucking good song!", he protests.
The band meanwhile are razor sharp. Since the addition of Brian Tatler on guitar in 2023, Saxon have been given a new lease of life, and both he and fellow six-stringer Doug Scarratt feed off each other, trading licks and sharing leads.
Tatler earlier revealed the title of the new Saxon album to us during interview, however we are under strict instruction not to give it away until an official announcement is made. Byford, however, has other ideas; "we've got a new album. It's called 'Gods of Thunder', and it comes out in January", he excitedly announces. A new song, however, does not follow, meaning we'll have to wait until then to hear what they have in store.
The night finishes with the glorious nocturnal pairing of '747 (Strangers in the Night)', and 'Princess of the Night', and the Maid of Stone masses depart ahead of the final day.
Biff Byford of Saxon at Maid of Stone 2026. Photo: Louise Phillips.
Sunday [19 July] sees Thin Lizzy harmonies and rock and roll attitude as Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts take to the main stage. Mixing originals with choice covers including Cheap Trick's 'Surrender', the Nashville rockers prove the perfect appetiser.
Back after decades away, Heavy Pettin meanwhile, have much to prove. Making their mark in the early '80s but disbanding soon after, they returned in 2025 with comeback album 'Rock Generation'; an set they're so proud of that they open today with its infectious title track.
"We're going to play some old, we're going to play some new", says singer Hamie, and they deliver exactly that, following up with the debut album favourite 'In and Out of Love'. For a band given a second chance this long after their first run, they perform with conviction, proving they're determined to make this comeback count.
Injecting the afternoon with a healthy dose of South Carolina soul and blues, Hannah Wicklund turns in one of the day's most effortlessly captivating sets. Sprinkled with inspired renditions of soul standard 'Piece of My Heart' and Neil Young's 'Southern Man' - as well as the only flute solo of the entire festival - her passionate, deeply felt performance leaves a lasting impression.
"We've all been through a lot to be here today, and this is a celebration of life", says Ginger, who's been through more than most. The Wildhearts main man may be living on borrowed time, but he's determined to make the most of it, in his way. What this means is that instead of the hits, we get what Ginger wants, and that's riff after riff after motherfucking riff. This might leave some puzzled faces in the crowd as 'Everlone' evolves into a riff medley, but on stage they're loving it.
Ginger is in fine form throughout. "The party has officially started!" he declares. "What a beautiful place. I wouldn't be anywhere else!", he adds, instantly winning over the entire audience. By the time the set reaches its thunderous conclusion, it hardly matters what made the setlist and what didn't; this wasn't about ticking boxes or indulging nostalgia, it was about a man revelling in the joy of making a glorious racket.
Back after decades away, Heavy Pettin meanwhile, have much to prove. Making their mark in the early '80s but disbanding soon after, they returned in 2025 with comeback album 'Rock Generation'; an set they're so proud of that they open today with its infectious title track.
"We're going to play some old, we're going to play some new", says singer Hamie, and they deliver exactly that, following up with the debut album favourite 'In and Out of Love'. For a band given a second chance this long after their first run, they perform with conviction, proving they're determined to make this comeback count.
Injecting the afternoon with a healthy dose of South Carolina soul and blues, Hannah Wicklund turns in one of the day's most effortlessly captivating sets. Sprinkled with inspired renditions of soul standard 'Piece of My Heart' and Neil Young's 'Southern Man' - as well as the only flute solo of the entire festival - her passionate, deeply felt performance leaves a lasting impression.
"We've all been through a lot to be here today, and this is a celebration of life", says Ginger, who's been through more than most. The Wildhearts main man may be living on borrowed time, but he's determined to make the most of it, in his way. What this means is that instead of the hits, we get what Ginger wants, and that's riff after riff after motherfucking riff. This might leave some puzzled faces in the crowd as 'Everlone' evolves into a riff medley, but on stage they're loving it.
Ginger is in fine form throughout. "The party has officially started!" he declares. "What a beautiful place. I wouldn't be anywhere else!", he adds, instantly winning over the entire audience. By the time the set reaches its thunderous conclusion, it hardly matters what made the setlist and what didn't; this wasn't about ticking boxes or indulging nostalgia, it was about a man revelling in the joy of making a glorious racket.
The Wildhearts at Maid of Stone 2026. Photo: Louise Phillips.
"You look fabulous. What's your secret? Drinking all weekend?" quips Ricky Warwick knowingly as The Almighty take to the stage. One of the most welcome returns of 2023, the Scottish four-piece may have only reunited for sporadic shows, but judging by this fierce, high-energy performance, it's as if they've never been away.
Reaching back to the beginning, they open with debut album cut 'Power', before tearing through highlights from their early years, including 'Addiction', 'Wrench', and set highlight 'Little Lost Sometimes'.
It's all over far too soon, and as their time draws to a close, Warwick reveals that the band will celebrate the 35th anniversary of 'Soul Destruction' by performing the album in full in Glasgow later this year. On the strength of tonight's performance, that promises to be an unmissable occasion. For now though, this triumphant return is more than enough to remind everyone just how formidable The Almighty remain.
And so it falls to Uriah Heep to close out Maid of Stone 2026. Now an unbelievable five and a half decades in existence, the veteran act have nothing left to prove, but they play like their life is depending on it. Remaining original member Mick Box grins, makes his magic man gestures, and solos wildly, singer Bernie Shaw is the consummate host, and the rest of the band provide faultless support throughout.
It's a relatively short set tonight at only thirteen tracks, but we get staples like 'July Morning' - which features an incredible vocal from Shaw - and a magical 'The Wizard', as well as a number from latest album 'Chaos and Colour'.
By the time they take their bows following an exhilarating 'Easy Livin', Uriah Heep have provided a fitting finale to another triumphant Maid of Stone. More than half a century into their career, they remain a masterclass in how to age gracefully without sacrificing power, passion or sheer entertainment.
As the crowds drift away from Mote Park for another year, Maid of Stone once again proves that bigger doesn't always mean better. Blending legendary names with tomorrow's stars in a relaxed, fan-focused setting, the festival strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and discovery. Four years in, it has firmly established itself, and if this year's unforgettable performances are anything to go by, the future looks every bit as bright as the summer sun that bathed the weekend from start to finish.
Words by Eamon O'Neill and Louise Phillips [Friday]. All photos by Louise Phillips.
Reaching back to the beginning, they open with debut album cut 'Power', before tearing through highlights from their early years, including 'Addiction', 'Wrench', and set highlight 'Little Lost Sometimes'.
It's all over far too soon, and as their time draws to a close, Warwick reveals that the band will celebrate the 35th anniversary of 'Soul Destruction' by performing the album in full in Glasgow later this year. On the strength of tonight's performance, that promises to be an unmissable occasion. For now though, this triumphant return is more than enough to remind everyone just how formidable The Almighty remain.
And so it falls to Uriah Heep to close out Maid of Stone 2026. Now an unbelievable five and a half decades in existence, the veteran act have nothing left to prove, but they play like their life is depending on it. Remaining original member Mick Box grins, makes his magic man gestures, and solos wildly, singer Bernie Shaw is the consummate host, and the rest of the band provide faultless support throughout.
It's a relatively short set tonight at only thirteen tracks, but we get staples like 'July Morning' - which features an incredible vocal from Shaw - and a magical 'The Wizard', as well as a number from latest album 'Chaos and Colour'.
By the time they take their bows following an exhilarating 'Easy Livin', Uriah Heep have provided a fitting finale to another triumphant Maid of Stone. More than half a century into their career, they remain a masterclass in how to age gracefully without sacrificing power, passion or sheer entertainment.
As the crowds drift away from Mote Park for another year, Maid of Stone once again proves that bigger doesn't always mean better. Blending legendary names with tomorrow's stars in a relaxed, fan-focused setting, the festival strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and discovery. Four years in, it has firmly established itself, and if this year's unforgettable performances are anything to go by, the future looks every bit as bright as the summer sun that bathed the weekend from start to finish.
Words by Eamon O'Neill and Louise Phillips [Friday]. All photos by Louise Phillips.
