'We are the first unsigned band to headline Tramlines'

Indie rock band The Reytons have said that becoming the first unsigned band to headline Sheffield's Tramlines Festival will be "extra special".

The group, from Rotherham, will perform on the main stage at Hillsborough Park in front of thousands of revellers on Saturday.

Other headline acts this year include Sheffield band Pulp and Leicester rockers Kasabian.

Speaking ahead of the gig, Reytons bass player Lee Holland said: "We are going to put on the show of a lifetime".

The band formed in 2017 and released their debut album, Kids Off The Estate, in 2021.

Made up of frontman Jonny Yerrell, Holland, guitarist Joe O'Brien and drummer Jamie Todd, they scored a UK number one album with their self-released What's Rock And Roll? in 2023.

They said having been given the opportunity to headline Tramlines, which runs from Friday to Sunday, was "exciting".

"I feel like it's going to be extra special because of the struggle it's taken to get where we are," Holland said.

"There's been lots of doors shut and lots of people not on the phone and lots of emails not being replied to and we're finally here now and it's out of nothing more than absolute persistence."

He added: "We are headlining it and we're going to put on the show of a lifetime."

Tramlines Festival said The Reytons topping the bill on Saturday was "another big moment for the local scene".

Alex Deadman, festival organiser, said: "South Yorkshire is such a hotbed of creativity and music. Sheffield gets some attention but Rotherham is often overlooked.

"The Reytons have done wonders to help shed a light on this part of the world."

He added: "Their show at Clifton Park last year was spectacular and their Tramlines performance will be a real moment to remember."

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