With less than four weeks to go, the countdown to Rebellion Festival has truly begun. Taking place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens between 6th and 9th August, the festival has been running for 30 years, showcasing the very best of punk alongside a wide range of alternative genres. Every year it brings together legendary headliners and exciting new bands that you may not have discovered yet.
Often dubbed “Punk Christmas” by its regular attendees, Rebellion has sold out for the very first time this year. I count myself lucky to be attending for my second year in a row, as last year’s festival was genuinely one of the highlights of my year.
For those of us lucky enough to have a ticket this year (or those still desperately searching for one), I thought I’d share my excitement by highlighting ten artists I’m particularly looking forward to seeing.
THE COURETTES
The Courettes are playing on Thursday afternoon in the Empress Ballroom. I’ve seen this band twice now, including on a packed-out Introducing Stage at Rebellion last year. If you haven’t come across them before, they’re a husband-and-wife duo who blend retro surf rock and 60s girl group sounds with modern rock ‘n’ roll. They’re an absolute spectacle live. Singer and guitarist Flavia is a whirlwind of chaotic energy, throwing herself around the stage, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in their infectious, feel-good performance.
MILLIE MANDERS AND THE SHUT UP
Also playing on Thursday evening on the Club Casbah stage are one of my favourite bands, Millie Manders and The Shut Up. I’ve seen them four times now, which probably tells you everything you need to know about how much I enjoy them live. Blending punk, ska, rap and more, they tackle important subjects including Palestine, the Me Too movement and mental health, while never losing sight of having a brilliant time. Millie has an incredible way of connecting with an audience that feels genuinely personal. Last year I met her at the merchandise stall at Rebellion, and she really does make every fan feel like a friend.
GINA BIRCH AND THE UNREASONABLES
Playing in the Opera House on Sunday, Gina Birch is someone I’ve already seen twice, and she’s always fantastic. As a founding member of The Raincoats she’s a genuine punk legend, but she’s also continuing to make exciting new music. I’m really looking forward to seeing her latest band at Rebellion.
VOODOO RADIO
Playing on Saturday afternoon, Voodoo Radio are another band I’ve already seen twice. This father-and-daughter duo always put on a hugely entertaining live show, packed with energy and catchy punk rock, so I’m looking forward to catching them again.
BOW WOW WOW
Now onto the bands I haven’t had the chance to see live yet. Classic 80s favourites Bow Wow Wow play the Opera House on Thursday night, and I’m genuinely excited to finally tick them off my list. Hearing ‘I Want Candy’ live should be a real festival moment.
LENE LOVICH
Another legend I’m excited to see is Lene Lovich, who performs in the Opera House on Friday evening. Her wonderfully eccentric vocals and unmistakable style have made her one of punk’s true originals, and I can’t wait to experience that live.
WOKERATI PARTY
I couldn’t write this list without mentioning Wokerati Party, especially as an old friend of mine plays in the band. I haven’t managed to catch them live yet, but their satirical, politically charged punk looks like it’ll create plenty of glorious chaos when they take to the Introducing Stage on Sunday.
HEX POSEUR
Also appearing on the Introducing Stage on Sunday is Nottingham artist Hex Poseur. I’ve been keeping an eye on her for a while now, and I’m looking forward to finally seeing her blend of grunge, garage rock and riot grrrl-inspired energy in a live setting.
IRVINE WELSH
Not a band, but certainly someone I’m excited to see. The Trainspotting author will be appearing on the Literary Stage on Friday. Having read several of his books, I’m fascinated to hear him talk about his work and career.
CITIZEN FISH
Playing on the Club Casbah stage on Friday, Citizen Fish should provide exactly the sort of ska-punk energy that always gets a festival crowd moving. There are few things more fun than a great ska band live, and I’m expecting this one to be a real highlight.
Choosing just ten artists was incredibly difficult because, as always, the Rebellion line-up is absolutely stacked from top to bottom. Part of the magic of the festival is stumbling across bands you’ve never heard before and walking away as a new fan. If this year is anything like last year, I’m sure I’ll be returning home with plenty of new musical discoveries and even more memories.
Whether you’re planning every minute or simply wandering between stages to see what grabs your attention, here’s hoping everyone heading to Blackpool has an unforgettable Rebellion Festival. I’ll be there throughout the weekend, so keep an eye on Joyzine to hear more about this year’s highlights.
Rebellion Festival is at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool 6th-9th August
Rebellion socials: Facebook/Instagram
Feature by Hayley Foster da Silva
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