Burslem Urban Rock Festival To Honor Lemmy With Free Live Music Event In His Hometown
A free music festival dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Motörhead icon Lemmy is set to take place next month in his birthplace of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, marking another major moment in the town’s growing connection to rock history. The announcement builds on the momentum created last May, when renowned sculptor Andy Edwards unveiled his striking statue of Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister in Burslem’s Market Place, a ceremony led by Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell. In the year since, the statue has become a powerful gathering point for fans from around the world, turning the location into something of a pilgrimage site for those who continue to honor Lemmy’s influence.
Now, one year after that unveiling, the inaugural Burslem Urban Rock Festival will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, centered around Lemmy Plaza near the statue. Organized by The IFK Legacy CIC, a project devoted to preserving and celebrating Lemmy’s life and cultural impact, the festival aims to bring live music back to the heart of the community while honoring the spirit of one of rock’s most uncompromising figures. The event will feature seven bands on the main stage, with Lemmy’s longtime friend Stephen “Krusher” Joule serving as host throughout the day.
Among the highlights of the lineup is a headline performance by Motörhead tribute band Motörheadache, which will include a special guest appearance by original Motörhead drummer Lucas Fox, traveling in from France specifically for the occasion. The festival will kick off at midday with an energetic opening set from Walking Alone, a trio of young musicians aged just 13 and 14, who are set to perform original material alongside a high-intensity version of Motörhead’s “No Class.” Additional performances on the outdoor stage will come from local acts Bang Bang Firecracker, Mercury, Wolves in Alcatraz, Jesse’s Divide, and The Ghoules, while eight more bands will perform across nearby venues and pubs throughout the day, turning the entire area into a live music hub.
As evening approaches, the celebration will continue with a special event at 7pm, where Krusher will host a talk at Old No.6 in Lemmy Plaza, sharing stories and personal experiences from his time with Motörhead and Lemmy. Lucas Fox will join him for the session, offering further insight into the band’s early days. Tickets for this intimate talk are available for £10 through lemmyforever.uk.
Speaking about the festival, Burslem-born sculptor Andy Edwards emphasized its broader purpose, explaining that the event is not only about honoring Lemmy, but also about supporting live music, inspiring new generations, and helping transform the town into a thriving center for musical culture. Adding to the sense of legacy, Krusher has also designed the official festival poster, drawing inspiration from his iconic artwork for the Heavy Metal Holocaust concert held in Burslem’s Vale Park in 1981, which famously featured Motörhead and Ozzy Osbourne.
Looking ahead, the festival is just one part of a larger vision. Plans are already in place for the opening of a Lemmy visitor centre, a dedicated Motörhead shop, and Lemmy’s Lounge bar in Burslem, all created through The IFK Legacy Project. Together, these developments signal a long-term commitment to preserving Lemmy’s legacy while turning his hometown into a destination for rock fans worldwide.
