PREVIEW: Manchester Punk Festival 2024
Prepare yourself for one of the standout events of the year – Manchester Punk Festival (MPF) is back! From 29-31 March, Manchester will come alive with the sounds of over 140 acts spread across 7 venues, promising an electrifying Easter weekend.
This year's line-up is unmissable, featuring a stellar roster of our favourites including Martha, Johnny Foreigner, Shooting Daggers, Fresh, The Menstrual Cramps, and Toodles & The Hectic Pity. But that's not all – get ready to be blown away by scene legends like King Prawn and Tsunami Bomb. With such an impressive lineup, this year’s MPF is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
MPF isn't just about the music – it's a celebration of community and inclusivity. Conceived by three passionate promoters, the festival aims to introduce beloved bands to new audiences while providing a platform for emerging talent. It's a space where strangers become friends, and where everyone, regardless of background, can revel in the raw energy of punk rock.
From the iconic Union to the intimate underground vibe of Gorilla, each venue offers its unique atmosphere to immerse yourself in the punk mayhem. With stages ranging from the cosy confines of Zombie Shack to the lively YES venue, there's something for every punk aficionado. And with their dedication to accessibility, MPF ensures that everyone can join the punk rock party.
With so many incredible bands across numerous venues, figuring out who to catch can be daunting. But fear not – we've got you covered with our day-by-day picks, ensuring you catch the very best that MPF has to offer this year.
Friday
Martha are headlining The Union on Firday
Prepare for an epic Friday at MPF by hitting up The Union, where you'll be in for one of the best days of your life. Starting at 5:40 PM, London/Bristol indie-punks Fresh will take the stage, giving you a taste of their upcoming Merch Girl EP. Following their energetic performance, get ready for the chaotic DIY emo punk of Birmingham's beloved Johnny Foreigner at 6:40 PM – expect to work up a sweat witnessing one of the scene's top live acts. Then, at 7:40 PM, prepare for the indie-infused DIY stylings of "America’s Local Band" cheekface, whose set is sure to be filled with dry humor and witty one-liners. Closing out the stage at 8:50 PM, be moved by the heartfelt melodies of County Durham's Martha, whose poignant lyrics are guaranteed to stir emotions.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. Venture outside of The Union to the Bread Shed at 4:10 PM for the captivating performance of London-based queercore trio Shooting Daggers. With their recent release Love & Rage earning a spot among our favourites this year, catching their live renditions is a must. At 6:50 PM, Dublin's avant-garde punk act Meryl Streek promises an electrifying experience not to be missed. Meanwhile, at Zombie Shack, don't miss the infectious indie punk vibes of Raisin Awareness at 7:20 PM. Wrapping up the night at Gorilla at 9 PM, the legendary Tsunami Bomb will have you moshing along to classics like "Take the Reins". And for those with stamina, head to Rebellion at 11 PM for a soul-stirring performance by Bristol's Toodles & The Hectic Pity, whose emo-folk tunes are sure to leave no dry eye in the building.
Saturday
The Menstrual Cramps will appear on The Union Stage on Saturday
Make sure you start your Saturday at MPF by heading to The Union, to catch The Menstrual Cramps at 3:40 PM – this Bristol-based band, recently signed to Alcopop! Records has been dropping hit after hit this year. Then, head over to Yes! at 3:45 PM to groove to the power-pop-infused indie tunes of London's Supermilk. At 4:50 PM at Gorilla, immerse yourself in the Irish DIY stylings of girlfriend. Curry-loving London punks Honey Joy will tear up Yes! at 5:15 PM.
Experience False Advertising's grunge-infused noise pop at Zombie Shack at 5:40 PM before catching hometown heroes Blagged at 6:50 PM at Gorilla, where they'll undoubtedly turn the crowd into a sweaty mess. Prepare for a sonic onslaught as legendary melodic hardcore band A Wilhelm Scream takes the stage at The Union at 7:40 PM. At the Bread Shed, northern pop-punks bigfatbig will be hitting the stage at 7:50 PM, providing the perfect soundtrack to your evening.
Stay put at the Bread Shed at 9 PM for a home-town doom punk experience courtesy of Witch Fever – they're bound to deliver one of the festival's standout sets. And don't even think about calling it a night after Witch Fever, because at 11 PM, London hardcore outfit Clobber will bring the noise to the MPF stage, closing out the night with a bang.
Sunday
Catch Noah & The Loners at the Bread Shed on Sunday
Sunday at Manchester Punk Festival is packed with high-energy performances that you won't want to miss. Kickstart your day with some ska punk vibes at The Union at 3:40 PM with ’Till I’m Bones, or head over to Gorilla at 3:50 PM for the midwest-emo infused stylings of Watford’s Lakes – this six-piece band always delivers a beautiful set. Feeling adventurous? Catch some Danish post-hardcore with Omsorg at Zombie Shack at 4 PM.
At 4:50 PM, prepare for Newcastle-based punks Irked to tear up the Bread Shed, followed by a double bill of excitement with Noah & The Loners hitting the stage at 5:50 PM – get ready to be swept away by their youthful energy and hit-packed set. French hardcore-infused punks Bare Teeth will deliver a blistering performance at Zombie Shack at 6:30 PM.
As the Sunday festivities ramp up, get ready to party with legendary London ska outfit King Prawn taking the stage at The Union at 7:40 PM. Then, at 9 PM at the Bread Shed, prepare to pogo along to the Oi-infused punk stylings of the Isle of Wight’s Grade 2. And don't call it a night just yet – stay up late for Norwegian punks StageDive Suicide's with their chaotic noisy blend hitting the MPF Stage at 11:50 PM. Get ready for an unforgettable close to an incredible weekend of punk rock.
