{"id":3194,"date":"2026-09-09T23:03:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T22:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/?p=3194"},"modified":"2026-09-09T23:03:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T22:03:15","slug":"fomo-fest-2026-the-main-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/09\/fomo-fest-2026-the-main-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"FOMO FEST 2026 – The Main Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Review By John Rawstron<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Showhawk Duo <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are live performances that you enjoy, and then there are performances that completely change the atmosphere of a festival. The Showhawk Duo\u2019s appearance at FOMO Fest 2026 was firmly in the latter category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking to the main stage at the Food Museum in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on Saturday, September 5, the duo delivered a thrilling, high-energy set that demonstrated exactly why their unique fusion of acoustic musicianship and electronic dance music has such enormous live appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the moment they launched into their performance, it was clear that this was going to be far more than a conventional acoustic set.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Showhawk Duo have an extraordinary ability to take the immediacy and rawness of live string playing and combine it with the pulse, scale and euphoria of a dance anthem. In their hands, familiar electronic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mercians: A Last-Minute Replacement Who Stole the Show<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the best festival moments are the ones you never saw coming. When Midlands-born indie outfit The Mercians<\/strong> were announced as a last-minute replacement for The Holloways on the main stage, there was every possibility that they could have been overshadowed by the circumstances. Instead, they grabbed the opportunity with both hands and delivered a performance that felt anything but last-minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the moment The Mercians took to the stage, the atmosphere around the main stage changed dramatically. The area quickly became packed, loud and incredibly lively, with the crowd responding to every beat, every riff and every infectious chorus. Down at the front, there was a sea of fans with plenty of room for the full festival experience \u2014 people standing, moshing, jumping and cheering as the band powered through their set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having been lucky enough to see The Mercians for the second time this year, I was already aware of just how good this band can be live. What really stood out this time, though, was how much they have developed in such a short space of time. They seem to be getting better with every performance, growing in confidence and presence while sounding increasingly like a band destined for much bigger stages.<\/p>\n\n\n

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There is something genuinely exciting about watching a band at this point in their journey. The Mercians have that rare ability to make a crowd feel involved rather than simply watching from the sidelines. Their energy is infectious, their indie sound is made for a festival crowd, and there is a real sense that they are building something special every time they step on stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What could have been a difficult slot as a last-minute replacement instead became a fantastic opportunity for The Mercians to show exactly what they are capable of. Judging by the reaction from the crowd, they certainly made the most of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After seeing them twice this year, I’m even more convinced that The Mercians are a band on the rise. They keep getting better, their fanbase keeps growing, and their live performances are becoming increasingly impressive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have absolutely no doubt that festival stages will soon become a distant memory. The Mercians are destined to headline major arenas \u2014 and when that happens, it will be brilliant to look back and remember seeing them when they were still taking every opportunity to prove just how good they could be.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Republica <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Republica brought their unmistakable 90s techno-pop\/punk-rock energy roaring onto the main stage, and from the moment they launched into their set, the festival crowd was firmly in their hands. It was an explosion of attitude, energy and nostalgia \u2014 exactly the kind of high-octane performance that fitted perfectly into a festival line-up already packed with excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, though, this was about far more than simply seeing a great band live. Seeing Republica for the first time at the age of 49 was like opening a door straight back into being 19 again. Their music has always carried that incredible ability to transport you to a particular time and place, and suddenly I was back at home listening to their debut album, then heading out to sweaty rock clubs with tracks like Ready to Go<\/em> and Drop Dead Gorgeous<\/em> providing the soundtrack. But hearing them live, those songs still absolutely rip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was something genuinely brilliant about standing in a festival crowd decades after first discovering the band and feeling that same rush of excitement all over again. Republica haven’t simply preserved the sound and spirit of the 90s \u2014 they still have the power to make a crowd move. The combination of pounding electronic beats, infectious hooks, punk attitude and Saffron’s unmistakable stage presence created a set that felt both gloriously nostalgic and completely alive in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ready to Go<\/em> was, of course, an absolute festival banger \u2014 the kind of song that instantly connects generations of fans and has everyone jumping, singing and grinning. And hearing Drop Dead Gorgeous<\/em> live brought another huge wave of nostalgia, reminding me just how much those songs were woven into the soundtrack of my younger years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What made the performance particularly special was that it never felt like a band simply going through the motions of revisiting their past. Republica brought genuine energy, enthusiasm and a sense of fun to the stage. They sounded like a band who still love playing these songs, and the crowd responded in kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are gigs you enjoy, and then there are gigs that remind you exactly why you fell in love with live music in the first place. Republica delivered the latter.  At 49, I may have arrived as an older version of the 19-year-old who first discovered that debut album, but for their entire set the years disappeared. The music kicked in, the crowd started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ordinary Boys<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ordinary Boys delivered a hugely enjoyable and warmly received performance as part of their 20th-anniversary comeback tour, marking another triumphant chapter in the band\u2019s return to the live stage following their decade-long hiatus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was a real sense of occasion throughout the set. After ten years away, seeing the band back where they belong \u2014 in front of a lively, appreciative crowd \u2014 felt like a celebration of everything that made The Ordinary Boys so popular in the first place. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Their performance was packed with energy, attitude and the infectious spirit that has long been central to their ska- and indie-infused sound.  The comeback also arrives at an exciting point creatively, with the band recently unveiling their new ska-infused single, \u201cPeer Pressure\u201d. Its inclusion adds a welcome sense of momentum to the reunion, demonstrating that this isn’t simply a nostalgic trip back through the band’s catalogue, but a genuine new chapter for The Ordinary Boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the crowd firmly behind them, the band showed that their distinctive blend of sharp songwriting, upbeat rhythms and exuberant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Devlin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

British grime rapper Devlin delivered a hugely energetic and high-spirited live performance, bringing an unmistakable intensity and raw enthusiasm to the stage. From the moment he arrived, the atmosphere shifted, with the crowd immediately swept up in the energy of a performer who clearly thrives in a live setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With his commanding stage presence, rapid-fire delivery and relentless energy, Devlin kept the momentum building throughout the set. Every track was delivered with conviction, showcasing the lyrical precision and gritty edge that have become synonymous with his sound. Rather than simply performing to the crowd, he created a genuine connection with the audience, feeding off their reaction and giving the performance an infectious sense of occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The energy at the festival was sky high , with fans enthusiastically responding to every beat, bar and familiar hook. Devlin demonstrated exactly why his music translates so effectively to the stage: there is a rawness and authenticity to his performance that makes the experience feel immediate and completely engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, this was a powerful and thoroughly entertaining live show. Devlin proved himself to be a captivating performer, combining lyrical skill, passion and sheer stage energy to deliver a gig that left the crowd buzzing long after the final track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ayo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something special about watching an artist who genuinely understands their own sound \u2014 and Ayo is a perfect example. The rapper, singer and producer, raised in Ipswich, has steadily carved out his own space as one of Suffolk\u2019s most exciting independent musical forces, bringing a distinctive blend of hip-hop, grime, Afroswing and Afrobeats to a scene that deserves far more attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the moment he steps on stage, it becomes clear that this isn\u2019t simply about genre-hopping for the sake of it. Ayo has an instinctive understanding of when to turn up the intensity, when to strip things back, and when to let the atmosphere breathe. His set moves effortlessly between hard-hitting rap and grime and the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats and Afro-fusion, creating a performance that feels both musically diverse and completely cohesive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most impressive aspects of Ayo\u2019s artistry is the contrast in his delivery. On one side, there\u2019s the rawness of his rap and grime material, where he draws on personal experience and the reality of growing up locally. These moments feel honest and unfiltered, carrying a vulnerability that gives the music genuine emotional weight. Rather than simply telling stories, Ayo makes them feel lived-in \u2014 turning local experiences into something audiences can recognise, relate to and ultimately connect with.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Then comes the switch.  When he leans into Afrobeats and Afro-fusion, the entire energy changes. The atmosphere lifts, the rhythms become irresistible and suddenly the room feels like one big celebration. His feel-good anthems are built for movement, but there\u2019s considerably more craft beneath them than first meets the ear. Ayo\u2019s musical intuition is one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to blend melodies, harmonies and rhythmic ideas in a way that feels natural rather than forced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this gig is anything to go by, Ayo isn\u2019t simply contributing to Suffolk\u2019s growing musical identity; he\u2019s helping to shape it. With his ability to move seamlessly between gritty storytelling and infectious Afro-fusion energy, while maintaining his own unmistakable sense of vibe throughout, he\u2019s an artist who feels ready for the next level.  Suffolk might be where Ayo\u2019s story began, but there\u2019s every reason to believe the rest of the UK is about to start paying attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there was ever any doubt that Example still knows exactly how to command a festival crowd, his headline set at FOMO 2026 put it firmly to rest.  From the moment he hit the stage, the atmosphere shifted into overdrive. Relentless bass, pounding electronic beats and a seemingly endless supply of energy transformed the crowd into one giant, bouncing mass. This was a performance built for movement \u2014 and Example gave everyone very little opportunity to stand still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His greatest strength live remains his sheer charisma. There is a wonderfully riotous quality to his stage presence: he doesn’t simply perform to the crowd, he actively pulls them into the show. Every drop, every beat and every familiar hook feels designed to trigger an instant reaction, with thousands of voices joining in as the set hurtles from one anthem to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When those unmistakable opening beats of “Kickstarts”<\/strong> and “Changed the Way You Kiss Me”<\/strong> arrived, the response was enormous. These are songs that have long since become festival staples, but hearing them delivered with this much volume, pace and attitude made them feel completely revitalised. The crowd didn’t just sing along, they erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What makes the set particularly effective, though, is the balance between nostalgia and sheer dancefloor intensity. Example understands that a headline performance needs to give fans the songs they came for, but he refuses to let the set become a simple greatest-hits exercise. Instead, the big chart moments are woven into a high-octane, bass-heavy rave experience that keeps the momentum relentlessly moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visually and sonically, the whole performance embraces the hedonistic spirit of rave culture. It’s loud, euphoric and unapologetically fun, with Example proving that his music is at its most powerful when experienced collectively \u2014 surrounded by thousands of people dancing, shouting and losing themselves in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the end, FOMO 2026 feels less like a concert and more like a full-scale celebration. Example delivers exactly what a festival headline set should: huge songs, huge energy and absolutely no shortage of crowd interaction. For an artist whose biggest tracks have soundtracked nights out and festival fields for years, this was a timely reminder of just how effective they remain when delivered by someone who knows how to work a crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example didn’t just headline FOMO 2026 \u2014 he turned the entire place into a rave.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ICR 105.7 FM Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Review By John Rawstron Showhawk Duo There are live performances that you enjoy, and then there are performances that completely change the atmosphere of a festival. The Showhawk Duo\u2019s appearance at FOMO Fest 2026 was firmly in the latter category. Taking to the main stage at the Food Museum in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on Saturday, September … Continue reading FOMO FEST 2026 – The Main Stage<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gig-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3194"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3532,"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3194\/revisions\/3532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicblog.ipswichcommunityradio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}