Scarborough Punk Festival A Very Loud Family Reunion

Concert ReviewCommentaryFeaturing photos by Phil Throns

Apr 19

The fabulous Scarborough Punk Festival was held in one of the most beautiful locations—right next to the sea, which was an azure blue for most of the weekend. Who could ask for a more perfect setting?

What strikes me as soon as I step through the entrance is the super friendly atmosphere. It’s like a family party. I went on my own, as is the case for many of us lonely old punks (lol), so it was really bloody lovely to be met with a big smile and a “hello” from the fantastic ladies sitting at the entrance desk.

I had literally just stepped into the venue, and people were already coming over to say hello. This is what it’s all about—the friendship, the kindred spirits. We’re all part of something bigger than ourselves, coming together to drink and make merry to the exuberant strains of good old punk rock.

Aged and youthful, the audience was very much represented by the bands. It's not an easy task to put together such a musical montage with only the one stage. Timing is everything, and the crew ran it all like clockwork, making us mere mortals forget all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

First up for me was Random Hand, a band I hadn’t seen before. Formed in 2002 in Keighley, Yorkshire, these guys are almost local to Scarborough. Of course, I’m aware they’ve been playing for over 20 years—I use the term “young” in comparison to the general age of most of the bands and audience here today. This four-piece played a combination of punk, ska, and metal. They certainly won me over and had the Saturday afternoon crowd moving. I’ll definitely be looking out for these guys again.

Sid Ryan of Grade 2

Richard Jobson of the Skids

Grade 2 hit the stage next—another band I hadn’t seen live before, and I was totally blown away. From Ryde on the Isle of Wight, they formed in 2013 and were the standout band of the weekend for me. I loved the energy and urgency of the vocals, mixed with powerful classic punk riffs. Since their early days playing in pubs and supporting better-known bands, they’ve gone on to tour across Europe, the USA, and Canada, even supporting Guns N’ Roses in Hyde Park. The singer, Sid, who I spoke to after the gig, exudes confidence and cool on stage. Near the end of their set, there was an incident in the crowd—heard later someone was knocked out cold in the pit. The band cut their set short out of concern, which was the decent thing to do, but I’m sorry I missed their final song. Go see Grade 2—you won’t regret it.

Bar Stool Preachers were excellent—working the crowd and getting loads of audience participation. True performers. The vocalist was constantly moving around the stage, leaning into the crowd, whipping up excitement.

Anti-Nowhere League - Photo © Phil Thorns

As evening rolled in, the great masters of punk entertainment, Anti-Nowhere League, exploded onto the stage with “I Can’t Stand Rock and Roll.” I was in my favourite front row position, soaking up every ferocious, raucous, and wonderful second. Loving every moment and singing along to every line—same as everyone around me. Forget the worries, the bills, the daily crap—we sank into this bloody fantastic musical bubble. This band never fails to please. I can’t wait to see them do it all again.

Richard Jobson is always a star. Brilliant vocalist and still moves around the stage with ease and energy. He had the crowd laughing with jokes and anecdotes. The Skids sailed through their set with the whole room singing along—especially to “Albert Tatlock.” If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, nothing will. Saturday night over—but still loads to look forward to.

Carol Hodge of the Steve Ignorant Band - Photo © Phil Thorns

The Steve Ignorant Band got things rolling for me on Sunday with a belting set that brought back so many memories of my early punk days. “Shaved Women Collaborators,” sung by Carol Hodge, sent shivers of excitement through me and stayed in my head the rest of the day. Loved it.

Wattie of The Exploited - Photo © Phil Thorns

Conflict were up next—but surprise! Wattie from The Exploited came onstage to say Colin Jerwood wasn’t well. Fiona stood in and did a fantastic job covering the whole set.

The day kept powering on with GBH—fast, loud, blistering punk. Oddly, they were the only band of the weekend who didn’t have a merch stall.

I missed Booze & Glory due to a food break—but was back in time for the wonderful Cockney Rejects, who delivered a belter of a set. They’ve got a new album coming out soon.

The Sunday headliner was, of course, The Exploited, led by the feral and ferocious Wattie, with his trademark red Mohican proudly on display. The gig just kept getting better—the sound louder, the lights more intense. It was a full sensory overload. Bloody brilliant. Wattie, despite his health scares in recent years, looked vibrant and fierce—thundering through the set. I feel lucky to have seen them again, and I hope I get to see them many more times.

And just like that, another absolutely amazing Scarborough Punk Weekend was over. We all headed back to our temporary homes with ringing ears and wide smiles. My final ride of the weekend was on the awesome funicular, looking out over the beautiful view of the bay as we rose higher. Get yourselves a ticket for next year—I promise you won’t be disappointed.