Let’s Skip to the Good Bits: Tramlines 2025 Edition
Tramlines 2025-What a Weekend!
Tramlines has been absolutely incredible – honestly, I’m still buzzing (and also lowkey recovering). I had to write this blog post to capture all the amazing memories, fantastic (if I say so myself!) outfits, the BEST bits, and all my favourite bands.
It’s gonna be part outfit diary, part emotional download and part sober celebration. I got my ticket by payment plan, so I’d basically been building up to this for a year…each month when my £10 came out the bank I got a little jolt of excitement.
I’d been planning my outfits for months, I glammed up, I danced my little Docs off, I laughed til I cried and I did it all without booze, just genuine joy and raw dopamine.
Two years ago, I was still sleeping rough (read my story here). Festivals and fun of any sort felt like something for other people; I was too busy surviving. But here I am. It just goes to show you never know what is next in this mad journey called LIFE!
So let’s get into it, here’s what went down, day by day…
Tramlines Friday: Space Buns, Docs & Indie Dreams
Friday I woke up with literal butterflies, I had been looking forward to this day for sooo long! The plan was to get there, have a few hours to myself before it got really busy, so I could get my bearings and settle in. I had so much fun getting ready, in the past this would have always been accompanied by a glass ( or bottle!) of wine, but I was so determined to enjoy my sober self. So tunes blaring I perfected my makeup, and wacked on my outfit- I went for a black chiffon skirt, a red tank “Music is my Medicine,” and space buns loaded with glitter. I even stuck rhinestones on my face and rocked a gem crown like a literal festival queen. Eyeliner? On point (eventually). The atmosphere was already building when I got there, the sun showed up, the outfits were on fire, and everyone was already living their best lives. I snapped a pic next to the “I 
SHEFF” sign because yes – I absolutely do.
After a bit of faffing about I managed to find my bestie Graham (expert at faffing). And we decided to claim our territory near the very front so we had a good view for Pulp. Competition was fierce, but we had staked our claim and were not budging for anyone, (no, not even you little boy with the backpack). Honestly, we weren’t really interested in the bands before them. I would have liked to see Hot Chip, but I didn’t want to relinquish my place! I’m so glad we didn’t because by half an hour before Pulp were due on it was completely rammed, the buzz in the air was palpable and the excitement was building.
Seeing them in Sheffield felt ICONIC. Jarvis was everything. The crowd was alive -strangers dancing, shouting all the lyrics, tears in their eyes. And me? Front row. Screaming every word. Living it.
What made it even more special was doing it all sober. No alcohol. No drugs. Just pure, real joy. There was this moment I looked around and thought: I’m really here. Two years ago I was sleeping rough – now I’m at Tramlines, rhinestoned to the eyeballs, making memories I’ll never forget.
Getting home was a complete NIGHTMARE! Buses were diverted, but I didn’t know where to, thousands of people waiting for Ubers, taxis cancelling on me. I started to contemplate walking the nearly 3 miles home! Eventually I got an Uber ‘share’ along with a young girl and two pissed up strangers! But I didn’t care, I was home. Still buzzing, feet throbbing, knackered and eyeliner hanging on for dear life. I got myself a herbal tea, checked my phone, and noticed I’d been snapped putting on my lippy and had appeared in Yorkshire Post’s feature- 23 photos which perfectly sum up day one of Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival. That’s me-picture 1! I’m famous (almost).
I didn’t get many videos of Pulp because I was way too busy jumping around and living in the moment. But here’s a little one I snapped right at the end of their set:
@borderline.and.beyond What a fantastic performance, perfect end to an amazing day. Loved every minute of it! #tramlines #tramlinesfestival #FestivalQueen #borderlineandbeyond ♬ original sound - Borderline and Beyond
Tramlines Saturday: Disappointment, Pink Pigtails and Rizzlekicks Redemption
I woke up still buzzing from Friday but absolutely knackered. My feet were wrecked, so I decided to wear my trusty trainers instead of my docs. Waking up with no hangover was a bonus, my only regret from the night before was that I’d been too tired to brush my teeth! I had a spare ticket for today so I had invited a friend from college and I was hyped for another day of big vibes, live music and belly laughs.
Outfit of the Day: Pink Pigtails & Perseverance
I went full fun-mode with bright pink pigtails, glowy glam, face gems and my festival face on. I feel like I still rocked my mesh skirt and ‘festival vibes’ tshirt even with my trainers. I wanted Saturday to hit just as hard and look the part, even if the day had other plans.
Flaky Friends and BPD Meltdowns
So like I say, I was supposed to be meeting a college friend. We’d talked about our “epic plans” for weeks- planned to catch some acts together, hang out, and enjoy the vibe. But instead…I got a slow drip of vague excuses that eventually turned into silence.
I can’t lie, it really threw me. I was standing in a field surrounded by thousands of people, and I felt completely alone. My BPD brain lit up like a pinball machine: He doesn’t want to see me. I’m too much. I shouldn’t even be here. I’ve got no friends (not true!) I nearly walked out.
It really did disrupt my day for a while. Not because I need anyone else to make it fun, I actually like my own company, but because I trusted him to show up. I felt let down, and it hurt, a lot.
But somewhere between the spiral and the sadness, I paused. I reminded myself: this is not about my worth. This is someone else’s behaviour, and I don’t need to internalise it. Something in me clicked, the part of me that’s been working so hard to stay grounded. I took a breath. I reminded myself: this is a him problem, not a me problem. People flake, life happens but it doesn’t mean I’m unworthy or unloved. It just means he’s dealing with his own stuff.
So I stayed.
Comfort Macaroni Cheese and Sprinkles
I stayed. And instead of turning to my old comfort ..alcohol or drugs I turned to food! I treated myself to the most ridiculously luxurious macaroni cheese I have ever tasted. I can’t remember what it was called … I want to say somethething like ‘The Macarena’. Anyway, it had spiced beef, it had sour cream, it had nachos and it had jalopenos. It also had the most insane amount of gooey, umptuos, string, decadent cheese, I was in Heaven! Flaky friend? What flaky friend?!
I also had a yummy icecream, with sprinkles and a flake. It better had be good for £6.50!! I was hoping to get a freebie like the day before, but no such luck! Maybe it’s because I didn’t have the same cheeky grin as I did the day before!
Franz Ferdinand & The Turning Point
I found a spot quite near the front and decided I wasn’t going to waste any more time checking my phone. Franz Ferdinand came on and the energy was instant -electric, loud, and exactly what I needed.
Somewhere in the middle of Take Me Out, it properly hit me: he wasn’t coming. And I was okay. I didn’t need him there to enjoy this. I felt myself loosening up, starting to dance again, starting to let the day be what I made of it – not what he failed to bring. They played my favourite Love Illumination and really got the crowd going.
The Rizzle Kicks Comeback
And then… RIZZLE KICKS.
I don’t even know where to begin. It felt like every ounce of disappointment just melted into the crowd as soon as they came on stage. The nostalgia, the fun, the energy, they brought it all and took NO PRISONERS! I was jumping around and shouting the words like my little life depended on it, completely lost in the moment.
Honestly, they turned my whole day around. And the best bit? I got a clip of it… and they REPOSTED ME on TikTok. That’s right. ACTUAL Rizzle Kicks saw my little video. I might never recover from this.
@borderline.and.beyond @Rizzle Kicks cooked at @Tramlines Festival and I’m still FULL 😮💨🔥 This went OFF!! The energy, the tunes, the crowd ... absolute madness from start to finish. Mama Do the Hump had everyone bouncing, the little kids behind me were losing THEIR MINDS 😂 It was actually amazing to see them reunited and getting that kind of welcome .. like they’d never been away. The love from the crowd was unreal. Definitely one of the best surprises of the weekend. I’m still buzzing!! #Tramlines2025 #RizzleKicks #MamaDoTheHump #StillBuzzing #StillFull #FestivalEnergy #BorderlineAndBeyond ♬ original sound - Borderline and Beyond
The Reytons were EVERWHERE
Even though I didn’t catch the Reytons set, they were undeniably a massive part of the Saturday vibe. Everywhere I turned, someone was wearing a Reytons T-shirt/merch or singing their tunes. The energy was mad – like a full city takeover.
I didn’t even make it into their set, I was all about Rizzle Kicks. But I ended up getting this amazing little clip of a bunch of kids literally climbing on bins and railings outside the park just to watch them from a distance. The love was real.
Check it out here on my Tiktok
It was one of those moments that was pure goosebumps, people really love them that much!
I actually made it on the bus home this time (small win) and saved myself some money. I ended up chatting to a woman in town who’d also seen Pulp the night before -love that random post-festival connection buzz. We talked about about how amazing they’d been I told her about my front-row mini brag and she said she loved my outfit which made me feel good.
My nephew was also there too apparently, also loving Rizzle Kicks though I didn’t see him- clearly we were both too busy living our best lives! And he probably wouldn’t have recognised me with my pink pigtails, or SOBER!
Day 2 was a rollercoaster. I was let down, nearly left, and almost cried over macaroni cheese – but I’m so proud of myself for staying, for dancing through the pain, and for letting the music do what it always does: bring me back to life.
Rizzle Kicks, you saved my Saturday. 
Tramlines Sunday: Bronzed Cowgirl Vibes, Football Fever & a Perfect Vibe
I met up with my bestie Graham again, which already made the day feel brighter. I went for a totally different vibe outfit-wise – full-on bronzed cowgirl energy with glowy makeup and soft glam. And get this… I actually managed to get eyelashes on for the first time in my life! (Evidence below 
).
Scouting for Girls were That Band
I was determined to get there early and catch Scouting for Girls – and I’m so glad I did. They absolutely brought the party. They played all the classics, had the crowd bouncing, and even dropped a new song. Then they hit us with Come On Eileen and got the whole field down low before jumping up into full dance-mode, it was unreal.
I actually enjoyed them so much I’m planning to see them again in Sheffield next year. They really kicked off the day with the best energy.
My mate didn’t make it in time to see them, he actually got there before me but was stuck in a mahoosive queue at the other side of the field..he had to listen from the outside in!
Slower Pace, Big Moments
The rest of the day was pretty chilled. I was shattered by this point and didn’t fancy getting crushed in the crowds, so me and Graham found a good spot near the front and just chilled out, soaking it all in.
We were mostly waiting for Kasabian, but in the middle of all that, the England women’s match was playing -and when it went into extra time, they put it up on the screen. The whole crowd was watching, cheering, screaming… and when we won, it was crazy, thousands of people erupting into cheers and singing and dancing in the field. I’ve got to be honest, I’m not particularly a football fan, but the Lionesses brought it home and I definitely got swept along in the moment with everybody else!
Kasabian's Grand Finale
Kasabian absolutely delivered. Loud, tight, full of energy and the perfect way to end a perfect weekend. I felt buzzed, happy, alive, and proud of myself. So much had changed in my life, and yet here I was -dancing, glowing, present, and completely sober. What a feeling.
Bonus Wins: Free Ice Cream & Roast Potato Coma
Before we left the park, I cheekily asked the ice cream guy if we could get a freebie- and he actually gave me and Graham one each! Result. I actually wanted his phone number but we can’t win ’em all!
After that, we headed into town for a quick drink (Diet Coke for me!) and ended the night with Graham kipping on my settee after missing the last bus. I may have fallen asleep in my roast potatoes, but I was still up in time for my Likewise appointment the next morning… now that’s growth.
Reflections, Mental Health and What's Next...
I’m going to write another blog post soon about how I managed my mental health throughout the festival: the coping tools I used, moments where I wobbled, and how I pulled myself back. Also how I’ve dealt with post-festival blues and the constant search for stimulation. When it’s live, I’ll link it here.
[Coming soon: How I Managed My Mental Health at Tramlines 2025]
And yes, I’m absolutely going next year. I’ll be buying my early bird ticket as soon as I can. If you’re thinking of going, do it – you never know what magic’s waiting.
Grab your 2026 Tramlines tickets here
See all my Tramlines TikToks here
Another amazing blog Melissa, great to read! The food looks great as well, might have to give it a go next year!
Thank you! Do it….you won’t regret it. The macaroni cheese was out of this world. I was lucky to be able to take my own food in which saved some money. But I had to treat myself a little bit! Thanks for reading/commenting.