Everyone who has followed this site for a while will know that Red Rooster is one of our favourite festivals. We were therefore delighted to get the chance to chat to its founder Harry Grafton about what to expect at this year’s festival.
It’s the 11th year of Red Rooster—how proud are you of how the festival has developed over that time?
It’s been an incredible journey. What began as a creative venture has grown into something genuinely special. I’m enormously proud—not just of how Red Rooster has expanded and gained recognition over the past eleven years, but of how it’s managed to hold on to its original spirit. There’s a real intimacy to it, and a strong sense of community. That’s what makes it stand out.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt over the years about putting the festival on?
Adaptability is key. No matter how meticulously you plan, there’s always something unexpected—be it the weather or last-minute changes. Having a committed, passionate team around you makes all the difference to the events continued success as well as an incredibly supportive family to enjoy it, with when the work is done.
We absolutely love the atmosphere at Red Rooster—what do you think are the key things that make it such a warm and friendly festival?
It’s a combination of things: the music, the people, and the setting. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to host it here at Euston, surrounded by Suffolk countryside and history. The music—roots, blues, country, and soul—has this ability to bring people together in a really genuine, warm and authentic way. And the crowd is just fantastic. There’s a real openness, a shared love of the experience. That’s what gives it heart.
Once again, you’ve got a brilliant range of bands playing. Which ones are you most pleased to have secured, and who are you personally most looking forward to seeing?
That’s a difficult question, we have so many incredible musicians playing but I am particularly excited to welcome back JD McPherson, whose blend of rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, and R&B is sure to electrify the stage. Samantha Fish, fresh off a Grammy nomination and extensive touring, promises an unforgettable performance. I’m also thrilled to have The Sheepdogs bringing their Southern country rock flair, and Jerron Paxton, a multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly switches between acoustic guitar, fiddle, harp, and bones, playing the early music of pre-war blues, ragtime, bluegrass, jazz, and more and of course Twinnie and Willie Carlisle for country music lovers.
That said, discovering new acts is one of my favourite parts of the weekend. With so much talent in the lineup, it’s always full of surprises.
Away from the bands, what else do you think are the ‘must-dos’ at the festival?
There’s so much to explore. If you’re up for it, the river swimming is quite the wake-up call—refreshing, to say the least! The woods are full of hidden gems, including smaller acoustic sets, and there’s a fantastic kids’ area for families. But honestly, just taking a moment to sit with a drink, soak up the music, and take it all in—that’s pretty special too.
The food and drink are always a big part of Red Rooster. What will you be making sure you eat and drink over the weekend?
For me, it’s all about the proper Southern-style BBQ—slow-cooked ribs or pulled pork, that smoky, authentic flavour. We’ve curated a fantastic lineup of food vendors again this year, together with our now famous ‘Red Roaster’ banquets on Friday and Saturday. And as for drinks, we are thrilled to have support from a local brewery, and the weekend is made for a bourbon cocktail or two. It’s all part of the experience.
Finally, for anyone visiting Red Rooster for the first time, what’s your top tip?
Dive in. Don’t overthink it—explore the site, catch as much live music as you can, chat to people, try new things, bring the family. The festival has this lovely way of making you feel like you belong. Pack for all weather, bring something to dance in, and just let yourself get swept up in it all. You’re in for a treat.
The Soul Of A Clown 