The Vale’s annual celebration of grassroots music, In Our Backyard, returns on Saturday 21 June 2025 with an evening packed full of energy, talent and homegrown acts. Six bands from across Oldham and Tameside will share the spotlight as joint headliners in this lively and eclectic showcase.
Expect everything from ska and reggae to psych-punk and indie as these standout local bands bring the best of the scene to The Vale stage.
In Our Backyard 2025 Line-up
Madame Claude
A five-piece from Saddleworth and Tameside, Madame Claude mix ska, rocksteady, reggae and disco into their high-energy sets. Previously praised by The Selecter’s Pauline Black, they’ll be warming up for their biggest ever Manchester show later this year at Gorilla.
The Dirt
Psych-punk duo from Mossley, The Dirt features fast-paced guitar loops and punchy lyrics from vocalist Jack Horner (aka Leon the Pig Farmer) and guitarist Sachiko Wakizaka. Their second album is set for release later this year.
Sugar Crease
Back for the second year running, Sugar Crease blend surreal indie with psychedelic flair. Describing their style as ‘psych-wonk’, they’ve been compared to Talking Heads and the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. Recent singles include Rum Soaked Buns and Brian With a Y.
The Dirty Looks
An unsigned, DIY queer band formed in 2023, The Dirty Looks bring a genre-bending mix of punk, psychedelic rock, goth and pop. Their femme-led line-up delivers a sound that’s bold, tight and entirely their own.
Madoc and The Black Lungs
A local indie folk band from Mossley, bringing heartfelt songwriting and rich acoustic textures to the line-up.
The Sly
Self-described as a ‘musicians’ set of musicians’, The Sly are a must-see for fans of raw talent and tight musicianship.
Between and after the live sets, DJ Jason Rushton will keep the energy high and the tunes flowing until midnight.
