Hundreds of people have gathered in Aberystwyth for the first day of a three-day music festival.

The weather has been kind so far to Big Tribute Festival-goers who have been treated to live music since 1.30pm this afternoon (Friday, 28 August).

Opening the festival on The Main Stage earlier today was Sam Fender tribute act, Scam Fender. Then it was the turn of local duo, The Dyfies, who entertained for 40 minutes on The Other Stage.

Eurasured, a tribute to Erasure, brought the crowds back to The Main Stage at 3.20pm.

The live music has since alternated between Dusk Til Dawn, Shine On!, and The Boxing Club in the beer tent, and Forever 80s (80s hits), Whole Lotta DC (AC/DC) and Sub-arctic Monkeys (Arctic Monkeys) on The Main Stage.

Completing the line-up tonight is tribute act Fleetwood Mad (Fleetwood Mac) and local favourites Silver Doll and Smokin’ Guns.

Delyth James, Claire Tongue and Ruth Owen get into the festival mood. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale
Delyth James, Claire Tongue and Ruth Owen get into the festival mood. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale (Julie McNicholls Vale)

This is the 13th Big Tribute Festival, which was launched in 2012 by Steve and Laura Pickup.

“When we started back in 2012, we never imagined that we’d still be here in 2026, welcoming fields full of enthusiastic festival-goers of all ages,” they said in this year’s festival programme.

“Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or this is your first Big Tribute, we hope you have an absolutely brilliant weekend and enjoy every minute.

“And we say it every year, but it really doesn’t make it any less sincere, a very special shout-out goes to our incredible crew, our actual dream team, who do pretty much every job imaginable to transform Lovesgrove from empty fields into a festival site, keep all areas running all weekend and then somehow turn it back into a farm again!

“Every year they put in countless hours, with unwavering enthusiam (almost!) and fantastic humour (always!). We absolutely love our Big Trib family.”

It has become the highlight of the year for me and many locals and visitors alike, who gather at Lovesgrove every August for live music and to catch up with friends and family. I have been to every Big Tribute so far and I have introduced the fabulous festival to many friends and family members over the years. I have also enjoyed playing on both the Main Stage and The Other Stage with Sgarmes and The Hornettes.

Lucy Pearson, Jenna McNicholls Vale, Phoebe Pearson and Julie McNicholls Vale soaked up the sun and fun on the first day of the festival.
Lucy Pearson, Jenna McNicholls Vale, Phoebe Pearson and Julie McNicholls Vale soaked up the sun and fun on the first day of the festival. (Picture supplied)
Hundreds of people have gathered at Lovesgrove in Aberystwyth for the first day of this year's Big Tribute festival. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale
Hundreds of people have gathered at Lovesgrove in Aberystwyth for the first day of this year's Big Tribute festival. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale (Julie McNicholls Vale)
The fun, friendly atmosphere of the festival even brings strangers together; Christie Gorman, Jenna McNicholls Vale and Phoebe Pearson met for the first time today over a love of festival gems. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale
The fun, friendly atmosphere of the festival even brings strangers together; Christie Gorman, Jenna McNicholls Vale and Phoebe Pearson met for the first time today over a love of festival gems. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale (Julie McNicholls Vale)

The fun, friendly atmosphere of the festival even brings strangers together; Christie Gorman, Jenna McNicholls Vale and Phoebe Pearson met for the first time today over a love of festival gems. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale
The fun, friendly atmosphere of the festival even brings strangers together; Christie Gorman, Jenna McNicholls Vale and Phoebe Pearson met for the first time today over a love of festival gems. Photo: Julie McNicholls Vale (Julie McNicholls Vale)

The festival offers something for people of all ages. The Little Rockers Zone is a dedicated area for young festival goers with music, magic, circus skills and more on offer throughout the weekend.

The live music continues throughout the weekend. Saturday’s Main Stage will host tribute acts to Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder, the Stereophonics, Beyoncé, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madness and Coldplay.

Sunday’s entertainment starts with tributes to INXS, Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, Mumford & Sons, Tom Jones, Lady Gaga, Meatloaf and The Beatles.

The Other Stage on Saturday hosts The Full House of Swing, Mansel Davies, Steamroller, The Welfare, Tongue ‘n’ Groove, So Sista and Noughts & Crosses.

On Sunday Sgarmes open The Other Stage at 1.10pm, followed by Blue For You, Chelsea Taylor, The Adventures of Bert and Henry, Stacy & Andy and Backtrax.