It was a beautiful, sun-soaked day in Glasgow as forecasters predicted Scotland’s hottest day on record—a rare treat for festival goers! With the heatwave warning in effect, organisers made sure everyone was well-prepared, urging attendees to slather on sunscreen and stay hydrated throughout the day. This message echoed across the festival grounds all morning, and as the gates swung open, staff warmly welcomed the incoming crowds, offering sun cream to anyone in need—a thoughtful touch that didn’t go unnoticed.
The main stage burst into life with the outstanding Lucia and the Best Boys, a local favourite who wasted no time in capturing the crowd’s attention with their signature alternative sound. Fronted by the charismatic Lucia Fairfull, accompanied by Ally Scott, Christopher Ballantyne, and Adam Campbell, the band’s profile has soared over the past year, setting the stage for their own headline show at the iconic Barrowland early next year. Their set was electric, and from the very first note, they had festival goers in the palm of their hand. Despite the relentless sun beating down, the band’s energy never faltered. Lucia even made full use of Biffy Clyro’s catwalk, striding out to connect with the audience. If you haven’t caught their act yet, make sure to do so—they’re sure to impress.
Following on the main stage was the brilliant Alessi Rose from Littleover in the Midlands, who instantly delighted the TRNSMT crowd. She owned the entire stage, opening with the infectious “IKYK,” prompting a massive singalong from the audience—a moment that clearly thrilled her. Her set revealed her undeniable talent, featuring singles like “Eat Me Alive,” “Don’t Ask Questions,” and the captivating “Same Mouth.” Watching the audience belt out every lyric left her visibly amazed. She wrapped things up in style with “Oh My,” closing with the anthemic “Pretty World.” Remember the name—Alessi Rose is destined for bigger stages soon.
Meanwhile, over at the King Tut’s stage, Hot Wax from Hastings were ready to make their mark. The trio—Tallulah Sim-Savage, Lola Sam, and Alfie Sayers—delivered a high-octane set brimming with rock and punchy punk vibes. Their fearless, in-your-face style won over the crowd immediately. Highlights included “She’s Got a Problem,” “Wanna Be A Doll,” and the explosive “In Her Bedroom” and “When We’re Dead.” Hot Wax are definitely a band to watch—they have both the sound and presence to go far.
Back on the main stage, anticipation built as the crew prepared for Miles Kane, stepping in for Wunderhorse who withdrew days earlier. Miles and his band were greeted with a thunderous reception, and he wasted no time delivering a passionate, stylish set. Opening with the rousing “Troubled Son,” he had the front rows singing and dancing in no time. The set was packed with highlights—”Inhaler,” “Love Is Cruel,” and the powerhouse “Sunlight In The Shadows.” The crowd was fully engaged, and as they closed with the crowd favourite “Come Closer,” Miles Kane left no doubt he was the perfect stand-in, raising the bar for future line-ups.
Next up, Norway’s own Sigrid brought her vibrant brand of electropop to the stage, much to the delight of her loyal fans crowding the barriers. She kicked off her set with “Always Be Your Girl,” inviting the audience to join in—a trend that continued through every song as fans sang along word for word. Traversing the stage with infectious energy, Sigrid created a true festival highlight, with standout moments including “Jellyfish,” “Don’t Feel Like Crying,” “Fort Knox,” and “Don’t Kill My Vibe.” She closed her set triumphantly with the shimmering “Mirror” and the euphoric “Strangers,” leaving the TRNSMT crowd anything but strangers as they belted out every chorus. She ended with heartfelt thanks, rounding off a magical performance.
Throughout the day, whispers of a surprise guest swirled around the festival, but anticipation remained high as Inhaler took to the main stage. The Dublin quartet—Elijah Hewson, Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson, and Ryan McMahon—were met with a deafening roar. Sporting plenty of “Open Wide” t-shirts, fans made their devotion clear. Elijah greeted the crowd and kicked things off with the crowd favourite “Dublin in Ecstasy,” igniting a flurry of bouncing and singing. On their third TRNSMT appearance, Inhaler powered through hits like “Love Will Get You There” and “Who’s Your Money On?” Elijah, battling the heat, joked about his outfit before swapping his jacket for a vest to the crowd’s delight. The set’s highlights included “X-Ray,” “Billy (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah),” and the infectious “Your House.” Wrapping up with a dedication of “My Honest Face” to the people of Palestine, Inhaler drew their set to a close, leaving Glasgow on a euphoric high.
The festival buzzed with excitement as press and fans alike swarmed the Hangout Stage, following hints from the TRNSMT app. The suspense broke when none other than Glasgow’s own Amy MacDonald stepped into view, thrilling the crowd with an intimate, surprise set. Opening with “Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For?” she had everyone singing at full volume, followed by the stirring “The Hudson.” The biggest singalong came during her classic, “Mr. Rock & Roll.” Other highlights included “Forward,” “Statues,” and the beloved “This Is The Life,” dedicated to Jim Gellatly and closing out her appearance. This secret set was the stuff of festival legends—an A-list star giving fans an up-close, unforgettable performance.
As the sun set and the sky blazed with colour, there was no better finale to day two than the arrival of Simon, James, and Ben—Biffy Clyro—onto the main stage. They kicked things off with the explosive “The Captain,” instantly raising the energy. “That Golden Rule” followed, with Simon Neil storming down the catwalk to get even closer to fans. The set had it all: pyrotechnics, pulsing anthems, and pure spectacle. The trio, at the top of their game, delivered hit after hit—”Re-Arrange,” “Biblical,” “Wolves of Winter,” and “Born On A Horse.” Their latest single “A Little Love” resonated perfectly, while Ben dedicated “Space” to “all the gingers in the crowd.” The main set closed with a trio of classics: “Black Chandelier,” “Instant History,” and a mass singalong for “Mountains,” before “Stingin’ Belle” brought bagpipes and confetti cascading over the audience.
The encore elevated things even further. The band returned for an acoustic rendition of “Machines,” before lighting up the stage with “Living Is A Problem.” “Bubbles” had the entire festival singing in unison, and as they bid farewell with “Many Of Horror,” a dazzling fireworks display brought the night to a close. Simon left the crowd grinning with his final shout: “We are Biffy F^%king Clyro!”
And so, after a scorching, exhilarating second day, TRNSMT truly rocked Glasgow. The sun may have sapped everyone’s energy, but the music and memories made were absolutely unforgettable.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
