On 17th January 2026, TOAST returned to the dance floor for one of our favourite dates in the calendar – the annual Equestrian Ball. This year marked our third consecutive appearance at the event, and it’s safe to say it’s become a firm fixture in the TOAST diary. There’s something special about being invited back year after year; it’s a real privilege to provide the soundtrack to a night that so many people look forward to.
From the moment we arrived, there was a buzz in the air. The room looked incredible, dressed for the occasion, and the guests – suited, booted, and ready to party – were clearly up for a big one. With our standard line-up in place – Ben on guitar, keys and lead vocal, Adam on lead guitar, Andy on drums, and Mark on bass – we were locked, loaded, and ready to get the dance floor moving.
Set One – Setting the Pace
We kicked off with “Bohemian Like You”, easing everyone in with that unmistakable groove before launching straight into “Teenage Dirtbag.” It didn’t take long for the singalongs to start – by the first chorus, the dance floor was already filling up.
The Britpop run of “She’s Electric” and “Alright” brought big smiles and even bigger voices, before “Dreaming of You” gave the room a moment to sway and sing along arm in arm. As always, “Park Life” turned into a crowd participation moment, with verses shouted back at us from every corner of the room.
One of the highlights of the first set was “Heavyweight Champion of t’World.” Being a Sheffield band, that one always hits differently, and it’s brilliant seeing it go down so well at events like this.
We shifted gears with “Shut Up and Dance,” which did exactly what it promised, dragging even the most reluctant dancers onto the floor. From there, the indie anthems came thick and fast – “Somebody Told Me,” “Roll With It,” and a crowd-favourite “Mardy Bum.”
To close the set, we went big. “Last Nite” had the dance floor bouncing, and “Dakota” lifted the energy to another level entirely. It was the perfect way to leave everyone wanting more.
Set Two – Full Throttle
After a quick breather, we were back on stage and straight into “Take Me Out.” That riff never fails, and it instantly reignited the room. “Valerie” followed, giving everyone the chance to belt out a classic before we rolled into a barnstorming “Proud Mary.”
Ben’s soaring vocals on “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” were a real moment in the set – it’s one of those songs that always feels massive live. Then came “Common People,” which had the whole room moving as one, before we dropped the night’s biggest weapon: “Mr Brightside.”
As expected, it went off. Three years into playing this event, and that song still creates absolute chaos in the best possible way.
We kept the momentum sky high with “All the Small Things” and “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” before the chant-along madness of “Chelsea Dagger.” By now, the Equestrian Ball had well and truly turned into a full-scale indie disco.
The closing stretch was designed to be huge. “Sex On Fire” brought the drama, “Don’t Look Back in Anger” delivered a goosebumps singalong moment, and then we rolled seamlessly into “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Seeing the entire room singing that chorus back at us never gets old.
We finished, as we so often do, with “Seven Nation Army.” The iconic riff echoed around the venue, and the crowd chants carried on long after the final chord rang out.
Keeping the Party Going
But the night didn’t end there. After packing down the live gear, Mark swapped his bass for the DJ decks, keeping the energy high right through to midnight. The transition from live band to DJ set was seamless, and the dance floor stayed busy as guests requested everything from 90s classics to modern party anthems.
Three Years and Counting
Playing the Equestrian Ball three years in a row means a lot to us. It’s more than just a gig – it’s an event we feel part of now. Seeing familiar faces return each year, watching new friendships form on the dance floor, and being trusted once again to deliver the party atmosphere is something we never take for granted.
Massive thanks to the organisers and everyone who sang, danced, and celebrated with us on the 17th January 2026. If year three was anything to go by, we’re already looking forward to year four.
