Devauden Festival 2025 – Sunday: Fresh Sounds, Festival Favourites, and a Fitting Finale

Stephen:
Following a hugely successful Saturday packed with great music, the final day of the festival had a lot to live up to—and it didn’t disappoint.

Dani:
Day 2 for me (I hadn’t gone on Friday) brought more of the same magic, but now I knew what to expect. It was a short 5–10 minute walk between all three fields, and you could take it at your own pace to soak up the atmosphere. The setting made it easy to explore, relax, and just enjoy the festival vibe.

Luke:
After a self-inflicted lack of sleep, I was more than ready to go again for Devauden Sunday, which on paper had a brilliant day of music ahead! The walk from the main area to the House of Roots stage set the tone for a day packed with new discoveries and festival favourites.

Lamsie:
Getting to the festival on the Sunday was a hell of a lot easier. Knowing where to go and being aware of the site made the trip over more relaxed. After a cheeky oat milk latte, I was set for the day.

---

Food, Fields & Festival Energy

Dani:
With the food stalls and vendors, there was a varied choice to satisfy your hunger. From Greek cuisine to pizza, German sausage to noodles, hog roast to burgers and hotdogs—there was something for everyone. Sweet tooth? You were sorted: brownies, doughnuts, and a stall that would make your dentist grin or recoil in horror. Drinks-wise, plenty of options for everyone, from water and soft drinks to tea, coffee, and alcohol.

Luke:
It quickly became food time! I tried a Halloumi Gyros with chips (no pita left—they’d sold out and I can see why!). Later, I went for the Bratwurst Sausage with Curry Sauce—a total flavour explosion. The food really was a highlight and kept the energy up between sets.

Lamsie:
Note to self: always check festival paper cups for unexpected lips! My hoodie didn’t survive the coffee, but the festival spirit was undented.

The House of Roots stage, tucked away in the quieter ‘Wellness Area,’ was perfect for a slower start. Here you could find everything from Morris dancing and crafts to tarot readings, a men’s mental health tent, and even chainsaw and axe throwing.

---

Daisy Mae – House of Roots

Stephen:
The day began at The House Of Roots Stage with a much-needed coffee as Daisy Mae, a singer-songwriter from South Wales, opened proceedings. From the first notes of “Summer Baby” to a potential new single “Reykjavik,” it was the perfect start. The tent was full and the audience appreciative. I was really impressed with Daisy’s voice and the arrangements of the songs. What also endeared her to the audience were the stories behind each track.

Dani:
I liked Daisy because she really connected with the audience through her music. She made a point of saying she’d be performing her own songs, but then surprised us with a cover of “Teenage Dirtbag.” I’ll be looking out for her debut release.

Luke:
With sister Katie Lou watching on, Daisy shares the ability to write emotional and personal songs—“Reykjavik” was the pick of the bunch and there was talk of it being released soon!

Lamsie:
Continuing the link between performers, their family and Newport City Radio, we had Katie Lou, Daisy’s older sister, at the Riverside Sports Bar just the Friday before. I never knew she had a singing sister. Daisy Mae was a joy to watch. I liked the way she explained what her songs were all about before delivering them.

---

The Moonstones &  – Main Stages and Tinty and The Buckethats at Tangerine Trees

Stephen:
Next up was Cardiff indie three-piece The Moonstones. I’ve been following the band since the release of their debut single last year and recently caught them at Le Pub, so I was looking forward to seeing them again. They opened with “Calls It A Day” and delivered song after song of indie bangers. Less than a year since forming, The Moonstones are definitely ones to watch on the indie scene.

Dani:
I’ve only seen this band as a three-piece but honestly, you couldn’t tell they were ever a four-piece—their sound is tight and big. They’re already up there with established bands in my opinion.

Luke:
While the guys went to catch the ever-good Moonstones, I fancied a singalong of the Newport County and Welsh Football variety. Tinty and The Buckethats put on a great set—some fun originals too. There’s a great message behind the band around anti-bullying and raising money for charity, which I really like.

Lamsie:
I later joined Luke at the Tangerine Trees stage for Tinty and the Buckethats. We have a long-standing relationship with the guys from our Newport County warm-up days at Rodney Parade. Lead singer John asked if there were any County fans around. I pulled up my hoodie to reveal a County shirt. He then spotted it was me. Great energy set, and I’ll even forgive them for doing a cover of “Valerie”—the perennial karaoke song and the bane of any DJ’s life, especially mine!

---

Ernie Emmanuel – Main Stage

Stephen:
One of the best performances of the weekend came from the incredibly talented Ernie Emmanuel on the Main Stage. Newport City Radio even got a mention as Ernie won an award at last year’s Love Live Music Awards. Ernie is among a new crop of young, talented musicians from the area, and this performance cemented his place as one of the best around.

Dani:
Seeing Ernie grow as an artist and performing on the main stage was a spectacle. When the crowd sings your songs with you, you know you’re doing something right.

Luke:
My first time seeing Ernie live—he definitely had a great crowd. His singles were really popular, with people demanding “To The Sea,” plus he threw in covers like “Brazil” by Declan Mckenna (my personal favourite). Despite being only 16, Ernie is definitely a star of the future!

Lamsie:
Ernie was phenomenal. On home turf, surrounded by tens of friends and family, it was like watching the emergence of a future teen idol. His open and honest approach—when the moment took his words to a song away from him—only endeared him further to this crowd. They had his back. His dad was there capturing every moment on video.

---

Milly Mason – House of Roots

Lamsie:
On my way back from a quick hoodie change, I kept my promise to Milly Mason and her mum that I’d head to House of Roots. Milly was last with us in autumn 2024 for a Kingsway session. Now a year older at 17, what would she have in store for a packed-to-the-rafters tent?

Setlist:

1. Daydreaming
2. Reality
3. Why?
4. The Girl That I Was Before
5. A Bit Further Down
6. Mr Rock and Roll (Amy MacDonald cover)
7. Come Back To Me
8. Heartbeat

Not only did the crowd not phase her, she presented and hosted this set. I can tell you Milly has a future career in radio. That natural gift would be an asset to any broadcaster. The host summed it up best: “You need to learn to be less good, as you’re putting us seasoned performers to shame. You were the best of the best in this tent all weekend.” I agree.

---

Tom Jenkins – Big Top

Stephen:
I’ve only recently discovered Tom Jenkins’ music—an artist I’d been aware of, but hadn’t properly listened to. His recent album “When The Coal Dust Settled” is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. This was a stripped-back set with Rusty Shackle’s Scott McKeon on violin. Tom delivered songs packed with emotion, and his voice is incredible. During his set, Tom described himself as a “Sunday League” songwriter. On the strength of this showing, he’s definitely a “Premier League” songwriter.

Dani:
I love hearing Welsh music, especially songs about Wales and Welsh culture. Tom is a fantastic artist and I’m glad I got to see him perform live.

Luke:
Back over to the Big Top for Tom Jenkins—Stephen’s rave reviews were spot on. Tom tells his story about being a farmer and living in the Rhondda, a notorious mining town. I’ll definitely check out his album.

---

Greg Ryan – Quickfire Set

Luke:
I managed to catch the final two songs of the insanely talented Greg Ryan, who captivated the audience just like he did two weeks ago at the Phyllis Maud.

---

The Sun Kings – Big Top

Stephen:
After a three-day festival, Sundays can be tough due to fatigue, so you need a pick-me-up to keep the energy going. This arrived in the form of The Sun Kings, a ska/punk collective from South Wales. The band got the Big Top dancing from opener “Train To Barry Island,” “Little Builder” (with Ernie Emmanuel dancing in a builder hat), “March Of The Giant Weeds”—this was everything that makes a festival: great music, people dancing, and a feel-good energy.

Dani:
Reggae/ska on a Sunday afternoon is always a vibe. The Sun Kings definitely brought the sun to the festival! Their songs sound bonkers and that’s what I love about them.

Luke:
The Sun Kings were an amalgamation of ska, punk, rock, and Latin music—a really energetic set that deserved a much bigger crowd. Another band whose singles I’ll be checking out.

---

Burning Ferns – Tangerine Trees

Stephen:
Burning Ferns, a five-piece guitar pop band from Newport, treated the Tangerine Trees crowd to a set filled with glorious harmonies and guitar. A highlight was ‘Roadmen’ complete with a three-part kazoo section.

Dani:
It took a year to finally see them live, but it was well worth the wait.

Luke:
Legends of the Newport scene! We got down the front for this one and it made the experience 100x better.

---

Keys – Big Top

Stephen:
Another band that’s been on the scene for a long time is Keys. Their unique stage setup with two drummers really adds to their sound. In the Big Top Tent, they combined guitar-led melodies with humour.

Dani:
If you want to be entertained, then I’d highly recommend seeing Keys. I don’t think there was a song I wasn’t dancing to. The energy in the tent matched the energy The Sun Kings brought to their set, it was electric. My favourite track is ‘What Flavour?’

Luke:
Discovered them late last year after they supported Ynys at Le Pub. They’ve quickly become one of my favourites, and judging by the Big Top crowd, I wasn’t alone.

---

Small Miracles – Tangerine Trees

Stephen:
Small Miracles, a New Wave band from Cardiff, are a tour de force live. Their upcoming album “A Human Connection” is one to look out for. Lead singer Finn is one of the best around and is mesmerising to watch.

Dani:
They get better with each song and are one of the best bands to come out of Cardiff in recent years.

Luke:
We dashed to catch their set—“Bisexual Panic” was the perfect song for that stage of the festival. Their first LP is not to be missed: raunchy guitar riffs and boundary-pushing performances.

---

Oxblood Moon – Honourable Mention

Dani:
Another honourable mention to Oxblood Moon. I didn’t get to see them, but I’ll be researching their music after this.

---

Dan’s People – Festival Essentials

Stephen:
It wouldn’t be a festival without Dan’s People—they’re the perfect act for any event. They bring feel-good vibes wherever they go.

Luke:
Our penultimate set—Dan and his people kept the energy high with a great set including “Night Bus,” “Love Affair,” and “Exercise My Will.” Can’t wait to see them again.

---

Rusty Shackle – The Perfect Closer

Stephen:
Finally, the last act of my festival was Rusty Shackle—a special moment and an apt closer given their involvement with the event. The band combine folk, rock, and indie, resulting in a rich sound that deserves the biggest stages. They know how to put on a show, having the audience in the palm of their hands throughout.

Luke:
Rusty Shackle had the largest audience of the weekend. “Lanterns” got me right in the mood for their set which didn’t disappoint. Their next album is set for release later this year—can’t wait!

---

Community & Vibes

Luke:
For my first festival experience I was blown away! Devauden 2025 had it all—great music, great food, great vibes, the lot. Highlights for me: Keys, Dan’s People, Daisy Mae, and Joe Kelly and the Royal Pharmacy. The addition of the Tangerine Trees stage was a great move, especially with Dirty Carrot Records bringing in big crowds and awesome T-shirts. Most importantly, the community feel wasn’t lost despite the upgrade—roll on 2026!

Dani:
There’s something special about seeing all the artists we play on the radio in a festival setting. It’s a vibe you can’t quite put your finger on, but it’s special.

Stephen:
Overall, my first Devauden Festival experience was incredible. It’s a little gem in the Monmouthshire area, achieving a real community spirit. The range of music has something for everyone. I’d highly recommend it to anyone. Huge credit to everyone involved in making this event happen.

Lamsie:
Sunday matched the same energy, intensity, and love as Saturday—with even more to cram in. Choices had to be made! Huge personal thank you to Scott and his team for allowing me and my team to document the days.

---

Stephen Howell, Dani, Luke & Lamsie