Bristol Sounds All-Dayer Round-Up

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Bristol Sounds Live featuring The Fratellis, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, Bristol, Saturday 28 June 2025  

Bristol Sounds bounced into a sunny Glastonbury weekend as the perfect, inner-city alternative to the crowded fields of Pilton. This year, the summer series spanned five days, with headliners including Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, The Fratellis, and Olly Murs.

Located on Bristol Harbourside at the Canons Marsh Amphitheatre – “the best location for live music in the city,” says promoter Connor Cupples of Crosstown Concerts and Bristol Sounds – Saturday’s event was a jam-packed, all-day affair featuring five bands, headlined by The Fratellis. Here’s what you missed…

Picture credit: AJ Stark

Goldie Lookin Chain

GLC, the Newport rap group you didn’t know you were missing from your life, opened the proceedings with upbeat, humorous tunes and an infectious energy that got the crowd moving. Each member sported a bold gold chain, with cult fans in the audience appropriately accessorised too. There are very few people who wouldn’t enjoy a Goldie Lookin Chain set – they play into the clichés of rap groups with a strong sense of identity and an irony that’s impossible not to smile at. The band are on tour this October, tickets are on sale here.

Picture credit: AJ Stark

Stereo MCs

Formed in 1985 and known for their Top 20 hit Step It Up, from their 1992 album Connected, the second act of the day were Stereo MCs. Moving into a dubbier style of hip-hop they perfectly complimented the mid afternoon heat. Fronted by Rob Birch, the band are continuing to tour this year and are the perfect act to liven up your festival experience.

Picture credit: AJ Stark

Sleeper

Sleeper, of 90s Britpop fame, effortlessly took to the stage as fans flocked to the barriers. Their music, characterised by observational lyrics and hooky melodies, carried across the crowd and into the harbour. Since reforming in 2017, Louise Wener and co. have played numerous sold-out tours and will hit the road again this September. Remaining tickets on sale here. 

Picture credit: AJ Stark

Cast

Ahead of supporting Oasis on their highly anticipated reunion tour, Cast brought a perfect slice of Britpop to the stage. With a super tight set it felt like no time had passed since their hit Flying reached No.4 on the album charts in 1996. Even the harbour master passing the venue on boat could be heard shouting across to find out what time he could catch a glimpse of the band as the sound travelled across the water into the city.

Picture credit: AJ Stark

The Fratellis

To finish the night were headliners The Fratellis. The Scottish rockers celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic 2006 album Costello Music, next year. Beginning the celebration early they played the album in full, set against the sunny backdrop of a glorious Bristol June evening. Chelsea Dagger is certainly a crowd fave with the ‘Do do do’s’ sung back in the thousands. The band gave a spectacular performance backed with three singers and a brass section. It was the perfect way to end the all day event. The Fratellis are touring in February 2026 to celebrate the anniversary of the album. For tickets click here.

Words by Holly Bradley and all pictures by AJ Stark

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