Tramlines 2026 gets under way as thousands flock to Hillsborough Park in the sunshine

The gates are open and the buzz is already building as Tramlines Festival 2026 gets under way in Hillsborough Park.

Thousands of music fans streamed through the entrances from midday on Friday, soaking up the sunshine as Sheffield’s biggest weekend of live music returned for another year.

With blue skies overhead, festival-goers were able to leave the wellies at home and make the most of the warm weather.

Crowds gathered quickly across the site, with early afternoon act The Clause already drawing a sizeable audience on the main stage ahead of a packed weekend of performances.

This year’s line-up features some of the biggest names in British music.

Friday’s headline acts include The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs and dance music legend Fatboy Slim.

Saturday promises another huge day, with Rick Astley, The Blossoms and The Courteeners taking to the stage, while Sunday’s bill includes Sheffield favourites Reverend and the Makers alongside indie heavyweights Wet Leg and Wolf Alice.

Across the park, there was plenty to keep festival-goers entertained beyond the music.

Into The Trees returned with its dedicated family area, featuring children’s activities, breakout spaces and the popular Treehouse Stage, giving younger visitors their own festival experience.

The site was awash with colour as families, groups of friends and music-lovers of all ages explored the stalls, relaxed on the grass and queued for food and drinks.

Festival merchandise proved popular throughout the afternoon, while Madri’s eye-catching bar was among the busiest spots on site.

There was also plenty of choice for hungry festival-goers.

New additions included a matcha and doughnut stand, a ‘it’s all gravy’ - clue is in the name - and a quirky Yorkshire burrito vendor.

Returning favourites also included pizzas, burgers, jerk chicken, mac and cheese, Asian street food and ice cream.

Emily Hawtin, who was attending the opening day, said: “It’s only the beginning of the festival and I just feel so excited. The vibes are high and everyone is in great spirits.

“It’s nice to see so much buzz around a Sheffield festival. Everyone seems happy to be here and the weather has made it even better.”

The atmosphere continued to build as the afternoon wore on, with queues growing at the bars and stages filling up ahead of the evening’s headline performances.

With two more days of live music still to come, organisers will be hoping the sunshine sticks around as thousands more descend on Hillsborough Park over the weekend.

Judging by Friday’s opening crowds and the excitement around the site, Tramlines 2026 has already made a strong start, with Sheffield once again embracing its biggest celebration of music, food and community.