Intrepid photographer Phil Thorns headed to Leicester to capture the action across both days of this Punk extravaganza!
Opening day 2 were The Fauves, from South Shields in Tyneside, formed after the original Angelic Upstarts line up split in 1977/8. Reforming in 2016, they kicked off the pogoing with their old skool Punk!
1979 Punks Anabollic Steroids were up next, with some new tracks which will appear on next year’s new album!
North Surrey / south London band Red Anger played a superb set! Singer Jamie Red was thwarted from his usual wandering amongst the crowd by security, who insisted he actually stayed on the stage..
Burton (in the Midlands) Punk band Fatal Dose have been going since 1980 – good on them! They made the most of the big stage and played a riotous set!
MC16 had a brilliant time and a very appreciative audience! Saying and playing it like it is, they believe music should challenge, confront, question and entertain – capturing the spirit of true punk rock music.
Formerly known as The Fuckwits, Sheffield politico-punks King Effers brought their Reggae and Ska influenced sounds to the stage.
Liverpudlians Pete Bentham and the Dinner Ladies entertained the audience with their usual madcap antics! They aim to bring joy with their DIY underground Punk.
A strong message from Control, who mix their Punk with Hardcore, Rock & Roll and a bit of Oi! There’s a sixth album on the way, so watch out for more..
Original Sunday headliners Sham 69 sadly had to pull out of the festival at the last moment, due to a bout of ill health. Undeterred, The Urban Voodoo Machine took what now became their headline slot in their stride. Led by expressive singer and guitarist Paul-Ronney Angel, their Bourbon-soaked Gypsy Blues made a great aural impression. A fun band full of excellent musicians, what a great way to end the festival!
An absolute banger of a day 2!
If you want to see more of Phil Thorns‘ work, make sure to check out his IG.
(Main photo: The Urban Voodoo Machine © Phil Thorns)
Need more Punk In Your Life?

Interview: Molly Tie, author of ‘Rebel Grrrls: The Real Story of Women and Punk’
Ruth sits down to chat with author Molly Tie about her new publication ‘Rebel Grrrls: The Real Story of Women and Punk’, a genuinely fascinating

Punk Rock Creatives Podcast – May 2026 Update!
May has been as busy as ever for Marie at Punk Rock Creatives Podcast! This month her guests were: Peter Coyne of The Godfathers, Sid

Gorilla Biscuits, London Underworld, 2nd June 2026
From the moment Gorilla Biscuits take the stage, the vibe is of one of relentless positivity and fun. They kick off with ‘New Direction’ and

Live review: Ruts DC conclude current tour with outstanding London show at the 100 Club on 31/5/26
General Saint and Ruts DC brought Reggae rhythms and protest Punk to a phenomenal gig! Still cutting a dynamic and highly expressive figure, General Saint

Mini-Album review: Shooting Daggers bring us ‘The Real Life Thing’
Shooting Daggers are genuinely invested in the principles they sing about; inclusivity, solidarity, feminism and grassroots community, while standing firmly against prejudice and exclusion in

Live review: Ruts DC prove their timeless quality at Don’t Panic, Essen 17/6/26
A Sunday trip to Don’t Panic in Essen offered the chance to finally see Ruts DC in a setting that shows their true talents –
Sheffield based photographer. Festival reviews/photos for Punkuation, Louder Than War, Exposed, Safety Pin Magazine, Derbyshire Times …



Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
