Rebellion Punk Festival, Blackpool 7-10 August 2025

For the last few years, I’d been looking wistfully at the Rebellion line-ups, wishing I could go. I must have been a very good girl this year, because I was finally rewarded with the “Punk Christmas” (as Millie Manders and others call it) that I’d been dreaming of. Not only that, but it was my first-ever full festival attended solo. It was crazy how fast the time flew—from booking a cheap hotel and coach travel, thinking it was months away, to making the sacred punk pilgrimage from Essex to Blackpool.

I arrived a day early, settled into my hotel (which was terrible—but I won’t dwell on that), and immediately felt the festival vibes kick in. I’d joined a Facebook group in the lead-up, Rebellion Solos, aimed at helping solo attendees connect. On Wednesday evening, I nervously attended a group meet at a local pub/café. I needn’t have worried—lots of people attended, traveling from all over the UK and even abroad (one man had come from Switzerland!). The group made my solo experience far richer, and I kept bumping into them throughout the festival. For anyone considering going alone next year, I cannot recommend this enough.

Thursday – Day 1

Day 1 turned out to be my busiest of the festival. It started with my lunch being stolen by a crafty seagull and meeting the adorable Pooch Pistols outside the venue—a group of punked-up Newfoundland rescue dogs collecting for their water rescue charity. A good start to the day, if not for the seagull!

Thursday brought some incredible new discoveries:

Playing Alice, a queer all-female disco-punk band from Brighton, who included a show-stopping cover of Gossip’s “Standing in the Way of Control.”
Pussy Liquor, another all-female band from Brighton—pure, unfiltered female rage.
Death of Guitar Pop, an Essex-based ska band whose songs made it impossible not to dance.

A highlight of the day was the Ris and the Future of Punk panel on the Literary Stage, featuring Millie Manders (of Millie Manders and the Shut Up) and Cassie Fox (founder of LOUD WOMEN and member of I, Doris). The panel was funny, vibrant, and inspiring, exploring both the rise of new bands and the future of punk.

Another standout was Twat Union, whose stage props included a vibrator for the hilariously titled song “Little Pink Drill” and a towel with sparkly “period” blood for a song about period sex. Punk humor at its finest.

The day ended with The Courettes on the Ris stage, where I managed a front-row spot. Singer and guitarist Flavia is a true force of nature, bouncing around the stage, climbing onto the speaker, and even crowd surfing. Their catchy, retro-feel bangers with a rock ‘n’ roll edge were the perfect way to close my first day.

Friday

Friday was packed with both new discoveries and festival legends. I stumbled on Two Tonne Machette, a feminist punk band from the North West of England, just as their set was finishing—feel-good anthems to fuel the weekend. The Meffs, an Essex noisy duo I’d somehow missed before, brought politics, activism, and fire to every song—my kind of punk energy.

Big hitters on Friday included The Undertones and The Selecter. The Undertones were brilliant, though the crowd was enormous, so I had to admire them from a distance. The Selecter was slightly more manageable, playing all their hits. Dancing to “Too Much Pressure” just after midnight, with everyone singing along to “A Message to You, Rudy” as we left, was a moment I’ll never forget.

Saturday

Saturday was quieter for me but no less exciting. Highlights included:

The Dollheads, a sibling trio from Las Vegas, delivering full-frontal rock ‘n’ roll.
The Hellflowers, another LA band blending pop punk and rockabilly.

Saturday also brought my big clash: Girlschool or The Specials? I chose Girlschool, and it was the right call. Front-row energy, headbanging, and forty-five years of stage experience from a band who have truly perfected their craft-absolutely brilliant.

Sunday

Sunday was dedicated to the Loud Women stage, so naturally, I spent most of my day there. Highlights included:

50 Foot Woman, an Irish pop-punk band with catchy, edgy songs.
Quick Romance, from Bath, channeling X-Ray Spex vibes and delivering possibly the best song title I’ve ever heard: “Brian Jones Hair.”
The Twistettes, my favourite discovery of the day, bringing heavy riot grrrl energy and earning bonus points as a noisy duo.

I also revisited bands I’ve seen before but would happily see countless times:

Voodoo Radio, a father-daughter noisy duo brimming with humor.
Bridget, an Essex powerhouse destined for big things.
Millie Manders and The Shut Up, blending ska, punk, rap, and activism—highlighting causes from Free Palestine to trans rights. Meeting Millie in person was a fangirl dream come true; she’s as lovely as she is talented.

Reflections

I am so happy I finally attended Rebellion. It wasn’t just about the big names (though they were incredible) but about the discoveries, the diversity, and the community. The festival is friendly, safe, and welcoming. The line-up was refreshingly inclusive, moving beyond the stereotypical straight white male punk archetype.

As a solo festival-goer, I found connection, joy, and empowerment. I am already planning my return next year—hopefully even bigger and louder.