Festival blues? Whilst the end of Glastonbury 2024 may well bring a sense of sadness and festival longing for many, Barry has the perfect feel-good event to fill the Glastonbury void. Here is the lowdown on the tribute bands featuring in South Wales’ own GlastonBARRY…
Kicking things off on Saturday 27th July are Johnny2Bad performing the music of UK reggae legends UB40. This 8-piece band from Birmingham have been officially endorsed by Ali Campbell himself and have sold out shows throughout the UK, making frequent appearances at festivals.
Their electrifying live show, complete with brass section, gets the audience moving and dancing from the off. Featuring all the hits including Baby Come Back, Red Red Wine and Cherry Oh, J2B are sure to bring the “Kingston” energy to Barry this summer.
Next up on the bill is Sin City’s take on the classic rock tracks of AC/DC. Hailing from Milan and coming off the back of their performance at Rock on the Road Desio, the act have big Angus Young sized boots to fill but Back In Black will soon be emanating from the speakers of GlastonBARRY’s outdoor stage to undoubted fanfare.
Back inside the tent at 1:10pm with Paul Bacon whose Elton John tribute act is more than just a homage to the Rocketman with similarities in looks as well as vocals. Having performed these songs for several decades, Ultimate Elton! is a musical celebration featuring an extraordinary back catalogue of Your Song, Crocodile Rock and Candle in the Wind to name but a few. Eagle-eyed Elton John fans may also notice Sir Elton’s very own outfits on display throughout the set.

There are also performances by Re-verve who will deliver their version of The Verve’s hits such as Bittersweet Symphony and The Drugs Don’t Work, followed by The Cure tribute since 1996 – Easy Cure – who are no stranger to the live circuit, who will mimic the New Romantic style and sound.
The ultimate Simply Red tribute experience is brought by Holding Back the Years who claim to recreate the mesmerising atmosphere of a live Simply Red concert. Lead singer Joe is tasked with producing the smooth vocal lines of Mick Hucknall supported by a talented group of musicians that is sure to get the crowd singing along.
Go Span Duran are a nostalgia hit for the 80s and at GlastonBARRY, they will be performing the songs of Duran Duran. The Reflex hitmakers will be tributed in iconic fashion by the group following their successful stint at the Butlin’s Big Weekender.
Simmer Down will be performing some traditional ska music as the evening draws in which is as feel-good as it is groove-worthy before the outdoor stage headliner, a Tina Turner tribute act that is taking the world by storm.
This is Tina puts on quite the show and Keri, who takes on the vocal chops of the lady herself, is an entertainer to the stars. Her huge and powerful voice will perform the household hits that we all know and love with a setlist that includes River Deep Mountain High, What’s Love Got to Do with It and Proud Mary amongst many others.
The high energy show features Tina’s big spectacle moves, banter and songs that will be enjoyable for all ages. Singalong anthems aside, the live band that make up the group ensure an iconic replication of the real thing. Gracing South Wales with their presence this summer, this act is sure to be Simply the Best!
In a rock double bill, fans can dance along to the sultry sounds of the Arctic Monkeys who will be replicated by Artic Monkeyz. Expect huge numbers such as I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and R U Mine? in the familiar Northern drawl.

Following the mammoth performance by the Foos in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last month, rock fever is high and who better to head up GlastonBARRY than Foo Fighters GB – the world’s most followed Foo Fighters tribute band!
The Midlands based group is made of up of John Roper, Russ Weller, Nath Peach, Connor Croxford and Jim Freeman. Together, they will be bringing the rock gusto to South Wales. An established tribute act of over 12 years, the band regularly perform sold-out shows to high acclaim and have recently played Derbyshire’s Sausage & Cider Festival. They are also in the midst of their very own country-wide tour for anyone who has waited all their life to hear some Foo Fighters tracks played live; you won’t have to wait (Ever)long to catch them down in Barry this July.
Heading into Sunday 28th July with Ben Evans & The Valli Boys with their fabulous tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Having played the role in the hit West End show Jersey Boys, Ben and co certainly have the expertise to deliver a showstopping performance.
For yet another showing of vocal ability, step up Liza Baker who takes on the huge hits of Whitney Houston! South Wales’ very own talent will certainly impress the crowds with her diva performance, including brilliant numbers such as I Wanna Dance with Somebody and power ballad, I Will Always Love You. No stranger to impersonation, Liza is as versatile as she is talented with other tributes to the likes of Celine Dion and Shirley Bassey also in her back catalogue.
A treat is in store for David Bowie fans as the winner of the Best Tribute Band in the UK Absolute Bowie will be taking to the stage. This musical journey will showcase the Starman’s iconic numbers from music through to costumes. John O’Neill steps into the main man’s shoes alongside a world-class five-piece band to give a performance like no other; glitz and glamour meets otherworldly tunes, all in the heart of South Wales.
At 2pm on the outdoor stage is something for the modern generation. Dua Lipa’s headline set at Glastonbury may leave fans longing for more and Courtney Reddy is on hand to perform the pop superstar’s hits. Do It Like Dua is an internationally successful act that brings all the stardom and choreography of the pop sensation’s live show to GlastonBARRY.

ELO Again will be filling the indoor tent with their spectacular orchestration and vocals. As a precursor to their UK tour that sees the tribute visit Cardiff’s Utilita Arena this September, ELO Again know how to entertain and showcase the music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra.
Continuing with the groove are Chic 2 Chic, a renowned band on the circuit. This tribute band for Chic capture the essence of Nile Rodgers’ music and bring the funky disco energy to the stage. This is certainly one to get the hips swaying and the crowd partying!
Ska fans, get ready… the music of Madness is truly recognisable and 2 Rude will be replicating it to an undoubtedly great reception. The band have been playing together since 2009 and recreating that special live 2 Tone sound at all manner of events. You can’t help but dance and sing along to these tracks as 2 Rude create a House of Fun on the indoor stage.
Andrew Browning may be a familiar name to some after earning his stripes on Stars in The Eyes. After numerous stage and television appearances, he is also a firm favourite at taking off George Michael. His soulful tone allows him to perform classic songs such as Careless Whisper and Faith, as well as performing the music of Wham! Backed by a live band, Andrew has been around the globe and now brings his hit show to South Wales.
Who better for some festival-sized tunes than Bon Jovi? Bon Giovi are an established act with over 18 years of touring experience who will replicate huge numbers such as Living on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive. Marketing themselves as the closest thing you’ll get to the real thing, this group are fronted by Lee Tomkins and have fantastic musical prowess throughout the entire band. Swing by the indoor stage at 6:10pm for an almost guaranteed singalong, whoahhhhh…
The outdoor stage set is concluded with some huge Britpop from Blur2. Promising to take the audience back to the 90s when Blur reigned supreme, this tribute act are no strangers to GlastonBARRY and are looking forward to heading up the Welsh extravaganza. Romilly Park will be alive with the recognisable chorus of Parklife in the penultimate offering from the festival.

Last but by no means least comes from none other than Abba Revival. Founded in 2007 and having gained many plaudits, this tribute band to ABBA features an interactive show that recreates the incredible atmosphere of a show performed by the Swedish hitmakers themselves. Classic pop songs Dancing Queen and Waterloo are a great way to close out a weekend of live music.
Prompting mass singalongs and wedding-esque moves, the crowd will get to witness an uncanny take on the pop supergroup from ballads to upbeat numbers. The headline set will commence at 8pm, closing out the night and weekend of GlastonBARRY with a special performance that will have attendees saying Thank You for the Music!
For more information and to buy tickets for the event, head over to: https://www.glastonbarry.com/