This week the North West coast comes to life with a colourful punk extravaganza as thousands descend in their droves to be a part of this premier celebration of all things Punk. Rebellion starts on Thursday 1st August and continues into the small hours of Monday morning.
Having the biggest Independent alternative punk festival in the World as one of its credentials is pretty damn impressive. Rebellion has been built up over the years from when it all began back in 1996 and this has earned global respect. The family-run festival takes place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in numerous indoor venues on 7 stages with nearly 300 bands playing over the duration of the event. It owes its success to the promoter’s hard work, a professional seasoned team and the quality punk strain of bands from all over the world playing in this unique venue.
Some of the bands have over 40 years under their belts with the younger prodigy’s coming through to maintain the future of the festival and to keep the punk movement alive. Some of the headliners included are Descendents (U.S.A.), The Skids (Scotland), The Stranglers (U.K.) and The Damned (U.K.)
The stages range from a small introducing stage for new bands to showcase their creative talent to the main very magnificent impressive Empress Ballroom Stage.
BANDS TO SEE; Excluding some of the headliners and bigger names are Bar Stool Preachers, Millie Manders and The Shut Up, Grippers, Duncan Reid & The Big Heads, Pretty Addicted, Kid Clumsy and Cherry and Peesh are just a handful that will show you the assortment of alternative music available. It’s one of the best festivals for discovering your next favourite band as there’s so much on offer and you can’t help but stumble across some hidden gems. It can also be a band clash nightmare with so much happening but I see that as being a positive, you’ve just got to organise each day and see what you can.
This festival is not all about the music; it’s a gathering of like-minded music-loving people who meet up with friends and family some they only see at this time of year at this very festival. It has a family-friendly vibe about it where kids under 12 can go free with a parent. It can also boast about the Punk Art, Poetry, Vintage Clothing, Tattooists, Band Merchandise and also you can purchase music old and new in all formats from numerous stalls
It’s the punk festival everyone wants to attend or play. It could easily be alternatively named The No Ego Festival as everyone is treated with a non-judgemental unbiased attitude which resonates throughout.
Rebellion Festival
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Words: Garry Urwin