The countdown is officially on. Novacaine Festival, the UK’s new rising force in independent Rock and Metal, has today unveiled its brand-new “Refreshed and Reloaded” trailer — delivering an explosive preview of this year’s hard-hitting lineup and adding their new partners backing the event. Alongside the trailer drop, press and photography accreditation is coming soon, and fans can enter an exclusive competition to win 2x free tickets to the debut event.
Set to take place at Sheffield’s legendary Corporation venue, Novacaine Festival is more than a gig — it’s a bold new movement built to champion the underground Rock and Metal scene. With an ethos rooted in discovery, passion, and genuine artist support, the event aims to create a launchpad for emerging talent from around the globe.
“Our mission with Novacaine Festival is simple — we’re not here to be just ‘another event’,” says Scott O’Shea, Founder and Event Promoter. “We want to create a game-changing platform where emerging artists can unleash their sound in front of a passionate, high-energy crowd, while also connecting with key industry players like record labels and PR agencies.”
Founded in 2019, Novacaine began as a grassroots initiative to give underground artists a credible platform to be seen and heard. Now, after years of championing new music behind the scenes, the brand is stepping into the spotlight with its first-ever live festival event — determined to give rising talent the attention they deserve.
“We want to get as many eyes on this event as possible — not for fame or profit — but to amplify the voices of the artists,” Scott adds. “That’s why press and photo applications will be open to the public. We’re inviting a community of music lovers and industry heads alike to be part of something real.”
Killer Lineup, Real Talent, Affordable Price
Headlining the 2025 debut is The Five Hundred, a band known for their explosive live performances and growing acclaim across the UK festival circuit.
“We’ve seen them grow from the ground up, and their album launch show earlier this year in Nottingham was unreal,” says Scott. “They’re the perfect headliner for what we’re building here.”
Joining them are standout acts Bleed Again, Night Thieves, The Heir Apparition, Saints Among Us, Ocean Thieves, Reanimate, Dead Demons, Our City Fires, and Broken Empire — each bringing a unique flavor of heavy music to the stage.
“These bands are the future,” Scott says. “We’re talking serious talent, real energy, and music that deserves to be heard on a bigger stage. Novacaine is here to amplify that.”
With a focus on accessibility and discovery, tickets are priced at an incredibly affordable £15, underscoring the festival’s mission to make great music more reachable for fans and newcomers alike.
Strategic Partnerships Powering the Festival
This year’s festival is backed by a standout lineup of industry partners — each playing a key role in bringing the Novacaine vision to life:
- Pins & Knuckles Merchandise – Known for working with artists of all levels and major events like Slam Dunk Festival, Pins & Knuckles will be delivering high-quality, affordable merch that fans can wear long after the amps go quiet.
- San PR – A longtime collaborator since Novacaine’s early magazine days, San PR joins the live event campaign to handle marketing and promotions. Founder Gary brings an unwavering passion for rising talent and a deep understanding of the music media landscape.
- The Moshville Times – As the official media outlet partner, The Moshville Times will be conducting artist interviews and supporting the festival’s press coverage, helping boost exposure for every band on the bill
- Moshville Radio – Moshville Radio is a fast rising online radio station dedicated to amplifying the voice of the underground and are teaming up with Novacaine Festival to help give more exposure to the artists performing at this years event.
- BSB TV – A game-changer in digital music media, BSB TV will be showcasing festival artists across their platform, giving bands the opportunity to be seen by industry leaders and fans worldwide, whilst also helping to support our event.
- Start The Penguin Photography & Mason D Jones Photography
- Sam Potts, the talent behind Start The Penguin Photography, is widely respected across the UK underground scene for her dynamic and emotionally charged live music photography. She brings a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for capturing the raw intensity of performance. Joining her is Mason D Jones, a rising photographer who is launching his career in partnership with Novacaine. With strong ties to the festival’s magazine and event history, this marks a powerful full-circle moment in Mason’s journey — and both photographers are set to bring the atmosphere of Novacaine Festival to life, frame by frame.
