The Bands Are Set & Ready to Play
Sunday 29th June 2025 is shaping up to be a night to remember at Monmouth Carnival! After an intense and inspiring selection process, our judges faced the incredibly tough task of narrowing down over 60 talented bands.
We hosted three incredible nights of Live Auditions, and from 18 semifinalists, just 6 have made it to the final showdown.
Join us from 4pm for the Battle of the Bands: Monmouth Final — where the public will witness six outstanding bands perform two original track and one cover song each. The energy will be electric, the music unforgettable, and the competition fierce.
So, without further ado, let us introduce you to your 2025 Battle of the Bands Finalists…
Over 18’s category
Fake Fame
Fake Fame are a four-piece Nostalgic Pop-Rock band based in Leeds, UK. With their first two singles reaching 18,000 streams on Spotify altogether, they plan to release their debut album later this year. Their sound features a melange of classic rock riffs and old-school sonorities combined with more modern songwriting perspectives and production techniques. They showcase combinations of genres such as Rock, Pop and Funk.
Four Act Riot
We are a four piece Indie Rock band from Cardiff. The band’s music consists of original energetic indie rock mixed with melodic instrumentals and vocals. Inspiration for the band comes from the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Arctic Monkeys. Now, growing in the Cardiff music scene, Four Act Riot are excited to be releasing their first single, ‘Start Again’.
Superhouse
Newly emerging in the West Midlands, Superhouse are an indie funk rock band bringing an exciting blend of their own songs and some familiar tunes. Their strong melodies and engaging live presence work together to deliver a promising new sound to the music scene.
Misha & the Kings
Four-piece upbeat pop rock female-fronted band from Aberystwyth, Wales. Characterised by their stand-out stage presence, infectious melodies, high-energy performances, extravagant outfits and the ability to get the crowd on their feet, Misha and the Kings have quickly ascended from local pubs to headlining sell-out showsUnder 18’s category
HZRD
“We are indie rock band formed of 4 members in Year 8 at Haberdashers Monmouth School.
We are Marley McCormack on vocals, Henry Large on lead/rhythm guitar, Toby Hilu on drums and Lomax Jacobs on bass.
We have been playing for a year or so, and enjoy writing our own material. We are influenced by a variety of artists, including Arctic Monkeys, Nirvana, Blur/Oasis and Pink Floyd to name a few.
We’ve played live at school gigs and were recently interviewed for the school’s radio podcast. We were also lucky enough to play as finalists at Monmouth’s Got Talent 2025. “
Hillsy
Hillsy are a rising band made up of three incredibly talented siblings: Florence, Arthur, and Dotty Hills. United by blood and bound by music, their shared journey began in a childhood home where the sounds of rock, soul, jazz, pop, and folk constantly filled the air. That rich musical upbringing laid the foundation for their creative connection and eclectic style.
At the heart of the trio is Florence – an emerging singer-songwriter whose voice is as captivating as it is distinctive. Often described as nightingale-like, her vocals soar with emotion, weaving heartfelt stories that leave audiences entranced. Whether performing stripped-back acoustic sets or fuller arrangements, Florence brings a soulful authenticity to every note.
Together, Hillsy craft a sound that blends their individual influences into something honest, melodic, and unmistakably their own. Keep an eye on this sibling-powered band – their journey is just beginning.
Our headlining Act is the amazing Kira Mac
We’re thrilled to announce that Kira Mac will be headlining the Monmouth Carnival on Sunday 29th June 2025 — and we’re incredibly lucky to catch them just before they head out on tour!
During Tuesday’s Live Auditions, lead singer Rhiannon made a surprise appearance and was blown away by the talent on display. So much so, she offered two of our competing bands the chance to support Kira Mac on tour — a life-changing opportunity for these emerging artists!
Rhiannon is passionate about championing unsigned talent and works closely with our industry-expert judges to spotlight the next generation of stars. We’re beyond grateful to have Kira Mac closing out the Battle of the Bands Final. With their powerhouse performance, they’ll make sure Monmouth Carnival 2025 is a night to remember!
Kira Mac
Kira Mac is a musical collective made up — they proudly proclaim — of misfits from different corners of the country, from Stoke to Hull, who met by chance in Manchester back in 2018. Named after their eponymous frontwoman, Rhiannon Kira Hill, she has a history of both writing and covering country, blues and even Amy Winehouse type material. Kira Mac are a band built on straight-up old school blues rock riffs given modern edge, a tonne of flair, soul and intense double shots of rock ‘n’ roll. Using twinned powerhouse vocals plus a killer guitar lead, they form a force to be reckoned with.
Rhiannon herself is an established writer and vocalist, who went on to Create the songs with guitarist Joe Worrall. That has now evolved into the band today, powered by the driving force of original song writing and the unique sounds and stylings that the band produces, with Vern Whitmore (Bass), and Loz Riley (Drums) in the line-up.
The band’s raw talent and accomplished tone is built from grassroots and the love of eclectic sounds and acoustic skills. As a collective, and hive mind, they’ve absorbed influences from great bands and artists that came before them, being raised in particular on old school rock, blues, and everything else in-between.
