Since 2009 music lovers have dominated Sheffield for one weekend each summer. What draws them in is the prospect of seeing some top class bands, artists and DJs completely free.

Tramlines is an annual music festival which takes place at over 70 venues across the Steel City. Its main stage is set up on Devonshire Green, which in previous year has seen performances from the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, Pixie Lott and Nerina Pallot. This year’s headlining acts are Roots Manuva and We Are Scientists.

In addition, they have an alternative stage in Barker’s Pool and Dance World, which last year moved to Sheffield University from it’s former home at DQ. The Dance World stage is curated by Radio 1 presenter and Sheffield bred DJ Toddla T who has been involved with the festival for the past four years.

As well as its more established musicians Tramlines also showcases a lot of Sheffield’s local talent, particularly in local bars and clubs involved with the festival.

Tomorrow night, 8 local DJs, voted for by fans, will compete at DQ for the opening slot on the Dance World stage. The show will be judged by DJs Oris J and Andy H. Proceeds from the night will go towards the festival in summer, which runs from 20 to 22 July.

Over 150,000 fans attended during the weekend last year and, with more and more prominent acts appearing every year, this summer could see a further rise in festival-goers.

What to see

Tramlines offers a wide variety of names ranging from major label bands to interesting and rising alternative acts. The latter ones are especially interesting this year as we can find lots of unique new bands and innovative acts in the list, that is more interesting than some of the most known fests' in the UK. Having in mind, that Tramlines will take place in many places and will consist of huge number of performances, it is not difficult to get confused. So, JUS News have provided you with a short list of acts, really worth checking. That is a subjective list and we are not implying that the unmentioned bands are not worth checking. However, we will keep updating the list as soon as there will be new line-up additions.

Our must list:

Roots Manuva

The innovator of intellectual hip hop tradition is really worth checking. His music is filled with beautiful instrumentals and deep lyrical thought as well as catchy hooks and strong energy. This guy is a legend of indepth and atypical hip hop. His albums such as Brand New Second Hand and Run Come Save Me have become an instant classic and received a generous critical acclaim. They were both released under the influential Big Dada label. Seems to be an interesting show.

Field Music

These guys are trying to put indie into new artistic forms and they are really successful at it. They are in a really good shape and are occupying slots in best festivals around Europe such as Bestival and Primavera. Check out some artful, energetic and mature sound.

65Daysofstatic

Sheffield post rock pride. These guys managed to smash the arenas with their intensive drumming and atmospheric walls of guitar sound while supporting The Cure. They explode with bursts of energy and emotions. Their music is very difficult to classify as it merges post rock with electronic off-beat drum sampling, thus sharing similarities to Aphex Twin and has some math and prog rock complexity as well. Be ready for intensive and atmospheric show.

Mr. Scruff

Ninja Tune talent of cheerful trip hop, funk and pop proved to be an interesting type for over a decade. His trademark flat and naive cartoons and videos add some humour and wit to his sound. A nice one for the summer and more laid back atmosphere.

Charli XCX

The rising star of bubble gum goth pop is only 19, but manages to impress the most snobbish critics with her catchy hooks and rough pop approach. She throws good melodies and merges them with pseudo industrial buzz. Raised in London on 80's new wave and post punk she manages to transfer some of those influences. Charli XCX already headlines some major fests and supports Santigold and ..... Coldplay.

Esben and the Witch

One of the most interesting goth revivalists merges Siouxsie noirish post punk, Swans folk experiments, ethereal sound, guitar noise. They also keep exploring the darker side of indie rock as there is strong presence of the latter in their sound. However, they tend to be melodic, moody, atmospheric, secret and beautiful at the same time. That is the part of their charm.

Frankie Rose

The garage pop princess explores the dreamy side of this rough territory of rock. Although, her guitars are quite tough, she maintains the rural and melancholic songwriting together with garage rock vibe. She remains subtle and dreamy in her musical world. Some slight folk touches also do their job perfectly. Her new album Interstellar was applauded by critics.

Keep Shelly in Athens

These greeks mixes dream pop sound with meditarrenean balearic atmosphere. And presents more blurred version of electronic dream pop. Interesting to watch as they might start headline the fests anytime.