Last October we announced that our indie and alt-rock festival, Cro Cro Land, would be making a return for its third instalment this year on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April at the wonderful Stanley Arts.

Just before Christmas we were happy to announce the first wave of artists playing on our two-day line-up – the first seven of the forty bands that will be playing.

To whet your appetites further we thought we’d let you know a bit more about each artist:

Billy Nomates

Our first headliner… Since year one of the festival we’ve been trying to land her on the bill and this year the stars have aligned. You will not be disappointed. Fiercely original and unapologetic, Billy Nomates delivers pop fused with post punk, spoken word, razor sharp lyrics and social commentary packed with humour, defiance but also with a sense of vulnerability. One of the UK’s most exciting artists; a legend in the making! Do not miss her electrifying set that will leave you totally captivated and begging for more

Follow Billy Nomates on Instagram here.

Loose Articles

This band doesn’t need an introduction as they are pretty much the talk of the town, but welcome all the same. You’ve heard them on BBC 6 Music and just about every radio station, read about them in The Guardian and a long list of music press and they’ve played support for the likes of Foo Fighters and more.

But what do they sound like? Guitar pop that is loud and fierce with beer-o-clock attitude that’ll have you prepped to take on the world. We’ve seen them play a couple of times now, and have been blown away, by not just their capacity to blast out ear worm after ear worm, but also their captivating energy and excitement on stage. A band that truly loves every second of playing live. Follow Loose Articles on Instagram here.

The Priscillas

This glamtastic band has been going from strength to strength over the years gathering a cult following and supporting the likes of L7, Lena Lovich, Gaye Bykers On Acid and more.

Their music is a mix of post punk/bubblegum pop/glam rock delivered with personality, wit and rather brilliant social commentary. We’ve seen this band play a few times and the packed venue has been bouncing, singing and pretty much worshipping at the stage altar of The Priscilla’s. Follow The Priscillas on Instagram here.

Bugeye

Bugeye of course is fronted by our very own Angela, who is the lead singer and guitarist of this Croydon-based band. Dirty guitars, disco beats, sizzling synths and lush bass riffs is their signature sound. Faves of BBC Introducing and Radio X, expect album 2 to drop later this year.

Follow Bugeye on Instagram here.

Shallow Honey

Dirty Pop with a flavour of 90s guitar grunge mixed with a strong feminist thread and dose of humour, this Essex-based band have been gaining attention at speed and it’s a ride you most certainly want to join.

We’ve been watching and listening for the past year and are dead excited for them for 2025. A band with a very promising future.

Follow Shallow Honey on Instagram here.

Lucky Number You

A new discovery from only a few months ago in The Victoria in Birmingham, courtesy of Promoter Uncover Music. If you love 80s sounds with a modern twist that are total earworms, then this is the band for you. This three piece create pop masterpieces with a nostalgic edge, but you won’t be left crying in your beer. Far from it. These are the best moments of your life captured in danceable tunes that will leave you humming and smiling for days. Follow Lucky Number You on Instagram here.

Dakka Shanks

What do you get when you mix Amy Winehouse in an arm wrestle with Jamie T while Poly Styrene gets in the shots? Dakka Skanks of course.

They have long been faves of ours with their delicious blend of punk, ska and reggae sounds. Hailing from Brighton, the band have been making waves in the underground, not only filling venues across the country with their own shows but also with support slots with the likes of Madness, Neville Staple, and The Skatalites.

Follow Dakka Shanks on Instagram here.

There you have our first Cro Cro seven. We will be announcing more artists very soon. 

Cro Cro Land isn’t just a music festival, it’s a gathering where bands mix with fans and you’ll see big names playing in intimate spaces, plus the UK’s most talked about new artists. With its eclectic lineup that spans from gritty punk-rock and shoegaze to dreamy indie-pop, Cro Cro Land creates an immersive experience where creativity and diversity take centre stage. And it’s all on your doorstep in South Norwood.

Our weekend early bird tickets have now sold out, but there are still a few early bird day tickets left here.

Keep up to date with Cro Cro Land on the festival website, Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook. Check out the images from the 2024 festival here.

Images courtesy of Cro Cro Land and the artists.

Posted by Angela and Julia