It was my first time inside The Bodega, and it didn’t take long to clock what kind of venue this…
By K Futur MusicDelta Echo Fest 2026 has kicked off in Derby with exactly the kind of intent that grassroots music festivals are built on: creating space, lowering barriers, and giving artists of all levels a genuine platform to perform.
Across its opening two nights, the festival moved from the intimate surroundings of Mr Shaw’s House on Wednesday 25th March to the louder, full-stage setting of The Hairy Dog on Thursday 26th March. Two very different environments, but both equally important in showcasing what Derby’s music scene is all about.
Wednesday 25th March – An Intimate Start at Mr Shaw’s House
Up on Sadler Gate, Wednesday night offered a more stripped-back and reflective start to the festival. The under-18s acoustic open mic at Mr Shaw’s House leaned fully into that atmosphere, creating a space where performances could breathe and every note carried.
Rather than being about volume or scale, the evening focused on giving young artists a setting where they could be heard properly. And that’s exactly what it delivered.
One of the standout moments came from Mila performing a couple of songs alongside her dad Paul on guitar. It was simple, genuine and the kind of performance that captures what these nights are really about.
Romy followed with a solo set of original material, holding the room entirely on her own. With no backing beyond her voice and presence, it was a performance that felt confident and assured, with a clear sense of identity already forming in her songwriting.
It was a night that didn’t need to be loud to be effective. Instead, it allowed space for each performance to land, creating an environment that felt supportive, focused, and genuinely encouraging for those stepping onto a stage.
Thursday 26th March – Turning It Up at The Hairy Dog
Thursday night saw Delta Echo Fest shift gears over to The Hairy Dog, where the full band open mic brought a completely different energy.
With access to a full stage, backline, and sound system, performers were given the opportunity to play at full volume and experience what it’s like to step into a larger live setting.
A mix of local bands and musicians took to the stage throughout the night, each bringing their own sound and approach.
The Dissociates delivered one of the standout sets, including a cover of Aneurysm by Nirvana, leaning into the raw, chaotic energy that defines the track.
The Standing Order followed with a grunge-driven set, full of weight and grit, while Hot Fuzz showcased new material with the kind of confidence and presence that’s becoming a trademark of their live shows.
Across the night, what stood out was the accessibility of it all. A chance for artists to step onto a proper stage, plug in, and be heard at full volume in one of Derby’s most established live music venues.
The People Behind It
A huge amount of credit has to go to Gez Addictive for bringing these nights together. Organising across multiple venues, keeping things moving, and making sure performers had their moment is no small task.
And in keeping with the spirit of the festival, he stepped up to perform himself alongside Archie on piano, reinforcing the sense that this is a community-driven event where everyone plays a part.
A Festival Built on Real Moments
What these opening two nights of Delta Echo Fest 2026 have shown is that Derby’s music scene thrives in both its quieter and louder spaces.
From intimate, stripped-back performances at Mr Shaw’s House to full-volume sets at The Hairy Dog, the contrast highlights the depth and range of talent across the city.
It’s not about scale or spectacle. It’s about opportunity, connection, and giving people a place to perform.
And with the festival now underway, Delta Echo Fest is already doing exactly what it set out to do: putting Derby’s grassroots music scene front and centre.
