DocksFest returns to Cleethorpes this weekend, bringing a wave of live music and local talent to the resort’s seafront.
Now in its second year, the homegrown festival has quickly become a summer staple, showcasing a mix of established acts and rising stars from across the region.
Ahead of the big weekend, Gi Grimsby News caught up with some of the local artists set to perform on the acoustic stage, discovering what the festival means to them, how they’re preparing, and why performing in front of a hometown crowd is always something special.
Singer-songwriter Jaz is returning to her hometown fresh from performing at Docks Academy’s Fresh Catch event last December. “It’s a really great time to be coming back,” she said.
Jaz began writing songs and performing locally while still at school, before moving to London to study songwriting at university. “That was a way to put in my hours and learn as much as I possibly could about songwriting and the music industry,” she explained.
“All throughout that time, performing in Grimsby and being part of the local scene has always been so important to me. The only real break I took was during Covid—obviously everyone had to pause for a bit—but honestly, the people in Grimsby have always been behind me and what I’m trying to achieve with my music.
“When I finished my songwriting degree, I put together a band, and we started releasing music and growing a bit of a fan base. It’s been so lovely playing with half my band from Grimsby and half from London—they always travel up for gigs in the North, and we play in Hull quite a bit.”
On performing at DocksFest 2025, Jaz added: “I’m just really excited. I’m a big fan of Docks Beers and Docks Academy and what they do – they’ve always championed me as an artist, put us on gigs, and helped us secure spaces to record new music.
“They honestly couldn’t support us more, so the fact that they’ve given us this opportunity to play at their festival is unreal. I’m just so excited—it’s going to be great!
“We love being part of the local scene while also building contacts in London. Our first Docks Academy show came through Lowercase Theatre, who did a workshop about community and a piece they were writing—I love those guys, they’ve been at the heart of projects for such a long time.
“From there, we got a support slot with The Hoosiers and played Fresh Catch last year. It really feels like the perfect time to come back and play the festival.
“Docks are doing so much to bring energy back into the town, in terms of music and supporting local talent, and it seems like it’s on a really good path. I’m keen to see how it all progresses over the next couple of years.”
Also set to perform on the Gi Grimsby News Acoustic Stage is singer-songwriter Dean Fox, who promises the crowd “a great party.”
Earlier this year, Dean drew significant attention with a performance at The Bank in Hull, where his powerful rendition of Solomon Burke’s “Cry to Me” earned widespread praise.
Looking ahead to DocksFest 2025, Dean added: “I can’t wait—it’s nice to be recognised in the town. I’m excited to bring not just my original music but also a fun time for everyone. I’ll be doing all sorts of different music—it’s going to be a great party, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
“If people haven’t seen me before, I make it my own. That’s the beauty of it—I put my own spin on songs, change my voice, and make it unique. But really, you’ve got to see it to understand what I do!”
On sharing the stage with fellow local artists, he said: “All the local acts are absolutely fantastic. There’s so much great talent in this town, and it’s amazing to play alongside them.”
Dean concluded: “What Docks has done for this town so far is absolutely amazing—they’re putting us on the map. It’s only getting bigger and bigger, with local talent getting out into the industry from Grimsby and Cleethorpes. It’s incredible to see the talent we’ve got here. Thank you to Docks for everything they’ve done so far!
“I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with all the other amazing local acts!”
Gi Grimsby News also caught up with ‘Roulette’, formerly known as ‘The Tides’, who have a spot on the stage.
A spokesperson for the band told us they have been through “many eras and phases” in order to reach this stage.
Band members Ruby, Sam and Harry have all been working together doing music since secondary school.
“The past year has been insane,” they said. “We created Roulette, started playing sets of pure original songs, got recording our stuff over at Chapel Studios which was a dream, and started releasing! We’ve also had our first away gig this year over in Leeds which was awesome. Big year for us, and we’re only half way, so much more to come.”
The team continued: “Docksfest is an absolute honour to be part of and something we admire greatly. Docks Beers and Academy as a whole have done an incredible job of bringing life, art and music back to the town and we are so happy to be involved and to have the opportunity to play alongside some really incredible musicians.
“There’s not one act on the lineup we’d want to miss but we are super excited to catch Ash!! It’s going to be an unreal day and we cannot wait. Make sure you catch our set and take a chance on Roulette!”
Images: Courtesy of Dean Fox, Jaz Beeson, Roulette
Main Image: Docks Fest
Reporter.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2021.