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DESTINATION FORGE
Born in 2019 as Rockin the Bowl – Forged in Hell, our festival reimagined open-air rock in Sheffield’s Don Valley, firing up the furnaces of the Steel City and earning critical acclaim from fans, bands and press for its raw energy and industrial swagger.
In 2020 we followed up with our first huge international act DORO, subheadlined by Those Damn Crows. Sadly, Covid had other plans and this gig was never meant to be.
However in 2021 we more than made up for it with a 3-dayer of massive proportions which left its mark in people's hearts. Rockin the Bowl - Forged in Fire, Set in Steel is still talked about as one of the best gigs they ever attended.
The following year, 2022 was hit by the cost of living crisis and we made the timely decision to cancel. It was a devastating moment for us both personally and as a team.
After a three-year hiatus, our team returned to Sheffield, finding our new home in a disused forge converted into a high-octane backdrop for loud and proud rock and metal. Forge Warehouse is where we hosted our 2025 edition, Rockin the Bowl - Destination Forge.
Each new edition built on that momentum—curating line-ups that blended local underground stars with established acts, and delivering a DIY ethos that quickly became the hallmark of Rockin the Bowl. Across its editions to date, Rockin the Bowl has hosted dozens of bands, welcomed thousands of rock fans, and championed everything from blistering riff-driven sets to intimate acoustic showcases. We partnered with local brewers, street-food vendors and artists to create a festival ecosystem that celebrates Sheffield’s creative community and the grassroots rock scene.
Now, having reached its destination, Rockin the Bowl evolves into DESTINATION - an identity that honours the journey we’ve taken and the community that’s fuelled our ascent. This new chapter amplifies our core values: authenticity, independence, and that electrifying spirit that only live rock can deliver.
Looking ahead to September 2026, DESTINATION we have plenty of top-notch bands for your aural pleasure. We remain, as always, inclusive and welcome the young generation of rock fans to our events too. Join us as we embark on the next leg of our voyage - louder, prouder, and more unforgettable than ever.
WHAT
PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“…. the set out of the festival grounds was excellent with every taste and requirement seemingly catered for. […] …put simply it was a fantastic day out with some great performances run by great people.”
…a great mix of music old and new, established and up and coming, and brought a great crowd who were there simply to enjoy the music and have a beer or three.” […] …a great success with bands and fans alike.”
“….Considering this is Rockin the Bowl’s first year, the scale of the event was exceptional. […] …Overall, Rockin the Bowl was an exceptionally well organised and well executed event considering this is its inaugural year.”