Day Two of Prog for Peart with performances by TPA
On the beautiful grounds of Abingdon United Football Club in Oxfordshire, Mark Cunningham and his team orchestrated yet another successful charity prog rock festival. The event, benefiting the Headcase Charity Trust and dedicated to researching Glioblastoma Multiforme, paid tribute to the late legendary Rush drummer, Neil Peart. The festival spanned from July 18th to 19th, 2025, preceded by a lively pre-festival party the day before. The festival, a cozy and welcoming progressive rock festival in the UK, showcased remarkable performances from a variety of talented musicians.
Kicking off the second day of the festival was Mark Cunningham’s Forgotten Gods. Known as the festival’s resident house band, they delivered a solid set featuring melodic prog and classic rock tunes primarily from their Memories album. Mark’s robust vocals were complemented by Steve Harris’s captivating guitar skills. Even with the absence of drummer David Hallett, Matt Mohangee adeptly filled in, impressing the audience with tracks like Pillars of Petra and Everyone’s Hero. The band introduced new material like the Scottish folk-inspired Ailsa Craig and aptly wrapped up the set with Promises.
Taking the stage next was The Round Window, a progressive rock band hailing from Essex. A family affair led by the Locks, the band delivered a captivating performance with songs like The Silence and The Tides showcasing their melodic and storytelling prowess. With Gareth Cole on guitar and Dan Stubbs on bass enhancing the band’s sound, The Round Window rounded off their set with a strong performance of Another Chance, leaving the audience thoroughly impressed.
Welcoming back to the Prog For Peart stage was The Mighty Ra, originating from South Wales. Led by Andy Edwards, the band presented a melodic rock set infused with progressive elements. Tracks like Gods of Reality and Sakura showcased the band’s musical finesse, with a promising glimpse of their forthcoming album, Now In A Minute. The band’s vibrant energy on stage, supported by lively tracks like Freedom and Revolution, left the crowd eagerly anticipating their upcoming album.
Monkey Trial took the audience on a dreamy musical journey with ethereal keyboard patterns and mesmerizing guitar melodies reminiscent of Pink Floyd. Performing tracks from their latest Dark Skies album, the band entranced listeners with songs like Time Ships and Embraced By The Rain, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that carried the audience into the evening.
As evening descended, the stage came alive with Stuckfish, a band from Northumbria delivering a dose of accessible melodic prog rock. Their confident performance included energetic tracks like GameChanger and captivating fan favorites like The Bridge (That Spans The Edge of Time). Lead vocalist Phil Stuckey’s impressive vocals paired with guitarist Ade Fisher’s melodic lines created a rich musical experience. The band’s versatile sound, showcased in songs like Thief In The Night and SkiesFall, highlighted their growth since their debut performance in 2021, culminating in a well-deserved ovation.
The Emerald Dawn closed out the night with a mesmerizing performance, blending symphonic prog with jazz, rock, and classical influences. Ally Carter’s guitar and keyboards, paired with Tree Stewart’s haunting vocals and flute, created a unique sonic tapestry. Their epic new song Under Changing Skies left the audience in awe with its diverse and cinematic scope. The band’s synergy reached new heights during tracks like Timeless and Out of Time, cementing their status as UK prog treasures for fans to cherish.
In conclusion, the Prog For Peart festival’s second day offered a delightful blend of melodic prog rock and captivating performances, leaving attendees with unforgettable musical memories from the talented lineup.