It's pretty surreal': Lowestoft band preparing to take to the stage at First Light Festival
The event will celebrate the summer solstice with live music, wellbeing activities and sunrise performances.
A Lowestoft band says it feels "pretty surreal" to be performing at First Light Festival as thousands of people prepare to descend on the Suffolk coast for the free summer solstice event.
Like Optimists will be among the artists taking to the stage when the festival returns to South Beach on 20 and 21 June 2026.
The event, which celebrates the UK's most easterly sunrise, combines live music, arts, wellbeing activities and community events across Lowestoft's seafront.
Like Optimists
For the four-piece band, the opportunity to perform at one of Suffolk's best-known festivals is a significant milestone.
"It's pretty crazy," said drummer Cameron Thompson.
"I feel the scene's improved so much in our area, like Lowestoft way. To be chosen out of so many bands and great bands is pretty surreal."
He added: "Everyone knows First Light. Playing it is pretty crazy."
The band was selected through connections with the local music scene and says performing at the festival offers a chance to reach new audiences while showcasing talent from the area.
Nathan Cochran said events such as First Light were vital for supporting emerging musicians.
"I think it's fantastic," he said.
"There is a lot of talent around here that's kind of untapped, so it just gives everyone a chance to have a go, and you never know what might come out of it."
The band's sound is heavily influenced by pop-punk acts including Green Day, My Chemical Romance and Sum 41, with original songs built around storytelling and emotional lyrics.
"We all come in together and make it our own thing," said Cochran.
Bassist Aaron Lambert described the band's songwriting process as highly collaborative, with songs often evolving from acoustic demos into full-band arrangements.
The group will perform a selection of original tracks during their set, including material from an upcoming release.
"We're really happy," said Cochran.
"When you've got First Light Festival putting backing behind people, it's really special."
Lambert added: "It's also a nice thing to aim for local artists because you always have that connection and you see big names playing it and you think, 'maybe one day'."
Festival celebrates summer solstice
First Light Festival returns to Lowestoft's South Beach across 20 and 21 June, with organisers promising a programme designed to celebrate the arrival of summer through music, creativity, wellbeing and community.
One of the centrepieces of the weekend will be the festival's dawn celebrations on the morning of the summer solstice.
Activities begin before sunrise and include an immersive soundscape from musician Jason Singh, beach yoga sessions, a free fish breakfast and live performances as the sun rises over the North Sea.
Visitors will also be able to take part in wellbeing activities throughout the weekend, including mindfulness experiences, creative workshops and spaces designed for reflection and relaxation.
Organisers say the festival aims to give people the chance to reconnect with nature, their communities and each other while celebrating the longest day of the year.
More information and the full festival programme can be found on the First Light Festival website.