Roxoff Festival is an established Norwich-based rock music festival organized by Searchlight Promotions, focusing on grassroots rock, southern rock, and heavy metal. Featuring bands like Wolfsbane (who unfortunately couldn’t play at short notice) and Marisa and the Moths plus several local rock bands, the festival often spans multiple days, utilizing iconic Norwich music venues such as The Brickmakers and Epic Studios.

This year, they made it a whole weekend of excitement, on Saturday 2nd May, holding an evening of music at The Brickmakers, on the outskirts of Norwich, then held an event at Epic Studios in the centre of Norwich, on Sunday 3rd May.

We were lucky to attend the big event at Epic Studios, with a line up that was bound to raise noise levels. On the bill was Hekz, This House We Built, The Midnight Devils, Juliet’s Not Dead and Marisa and the Moths. The venue filled up quickly with excited fans, with many gathering around the merchandise tables for each bands. When the time came for the light to go down, the crowd were full of anticipation for what they were about to experience.

Hekz

Formed back in 2005 by bass player and frontman Matt Young, they have had several years of success. Releasing their debut album in 2012 and now having released their 6th album earlier this year, these guys are showing the UK rock scene their longevity.

Their set was the first performance of the day and they really warmed up the crowd in spectacular fashion. With Tolis Zavaliaris on guitar, James Wise on drums and Lucia La Rezza on electric violin, they played through some of their catalogue with finesse. The crowd were moving with the rhythm and the festival was off to a perfect start.

IG- @hekztheband

Hekz Gallery

This House We Built

Formed in 2019 in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, This House We Built are a four piece classic rock band with inspirations from bands such as Whitesnake, Bon Jovi and Ghost.

With Scott Wardell on lead vocals and guitar, he’s joined with Andy Jackson on guitar, Chris Mayes on Drums and Wayne Dowkes on bass. The group have that distinctive classic rock sound that everyone loves.

The crowd at Epic Studios definitely enjoyed the bands set. Stepping up to the stage, the venue was in an uproar of cheers from long time followers to newer fans. Playing some of the favourites from their catalogue, such as “Broken Dreams”, “Rain” and the catchy “Rock N’ Roll”, the crowd were fully emersed in the love that This House We Built was giving beyond the stage lights.

IG – thishousewebuiltofficial

This House We Built Gallery

The Midnight Devils

Coming from the US, this three-piece band are definitely something to experience. With their glam rock vibes and their party rock n’ roll, The Midnight Devils put on a show that this crowd will never forget.

With Sam Spade on bass and lead vocals, Sniper on guitar and the incredible Jimmy Mess holding the drum beat, the trio gave Epic Studios a massive performance. With high energy, loud music and fake money being thrown into the crowd, each song was back to back spectacular. When Sam brought his guitar and mic stand into the audience and belted out those vocals, the whole venue couldn’t get enough. After the set was over, it left everyone with open mouths and wanting more.

IG – @the_midnight_devils

The Midnight Devils Gallery

Juliet’s Not Dead

This four- piece band from the north of England, bring adrenaline fueled hard rock to every show they play. With frontman Stevie Stoker on vocals and guitar, backed up by Danny King on guitar and vocals, they are joined by Josh Fodden on bass and Jack Corbett on drums. They have recently released their second album which has stormed the charts, even hitting the number one spot on the download chart.

Their set at RoxOff Festival was one to remember, getting the crowd fueled up with energy from the first note. Keeping that energy high during their performance, Stevie had the crowd eating out the palm of his hand, getting the crowd to interact with singing and swaying. This band is fast becoming a favourite on the rock music scene.

IG – @juliestnotdead

Juliet’s Not Dead Gallery

Marisa And The Moths

Hailing from Reading, Marisa and The Moths are a quartet band with a hard rock energy, pounding bass and a vocalist with the sound of a superstar. Marisa Rodriguez leads the band with her voice and guitar, commanding any stage she is standing. Backing her up is Liam James Barnes in bass, Alez D’Elia on lead guitar and Alex Ribchester on drums.

Playing songs from their self-titled album, their 2024 album “What Doesn’t Kill You” and their newest single “Nothing’s Getting Better”, the crowd were loving every single minute. Since the band formed in 2017, they have been building their name on the UK rock circuit and it definitely showed. The energy and atmosphere was electric during the set, making Marisa and The Moths a fan favourite for any rock festival.

IG – @marisaandthemoths

Marisa and The Moths Gallery

RoxOff Festival exceeded expectations and the whole event was better than anyone could imagine. The line-up was amazing, the venue was perfect and the atmosphere was off the charts. Roll on the Christmas rock spectacular

IG – @roxoff_festival

Words and photography by Haylea Allison