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LIVE REVIEW: RADAR Festival Once Again Brings Inspiration and Intensity To Manchester
RADAR Festival returned to Manchester's Victoria Warehouse for its latest edition, once again pairing a heavyweight metal line-up with the geeky, community-driven activities that have become its trademark. Having relocated from its 2019 origins in Guildford, the event has grown into something closer to metal's answer to Comic Con, blending mosh-pit intensity with tabletop gaming, guitar masterclasses and songwriting workshops, all built around a no-clash, two-stage format that lets fans catch every act.
Highlights included heavy sets from Graphic Nature and Cage Fight, a surprise breakout performance from deathcore band Bound In Fear, and a riotous second-stage headline slot from Pintglass, complete with crowdsurfers promised free hi-vis vests. Thy Art Is Murder's Jerry Chard delivered an offbeat stand-up-style interlude, while Protest The Hero marked their first UK appearance in 12 years with a technically sharp, high-energy set spanning tracks from across their catalogue.
In short
- RADAR Festival returned to Manchester's Victoria Warehouse with metal and geek culture.
- Standout sets came from Pintglass, Bound In Fear and Graphic Nature.
- Protest The Hero played their first UK show in 12 years.
Explained simply
RADAR is a music festival focused on metal and related heavy music. It began in Guildford in 2019 and later moved to Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, where its programme combines live performances with activities such as gaming and music workshops.
The festival uses two stages and schedules acts so they do not overlap, allowing audiences to see every band. Alongside established groups, it gives space to newer performers and brings fans together around shared interests in music and creative activities.
Its mix of concerts and community events sets it apart from a line-up focused only on live music. For Manchester, it is also part of the city’s festival scene, drawing artists and audiences from across the heavy-music community.