A killer lineup, coastal views, historic setting and one stage of pure punk energy—SPF delivered another unforgettable weekend of music, mates, and mayhem
There’s no better place to soak in a punk weekender than the stunning setting of Scarborough Spa with key areas reflecting it’s Victorian and Edwardian roots. With sweeping views over the bay, it’s a venue that delivers charm, atmosphere, and character before the first note of Scarborough Punk Festival even hits.
As you step inside, you’re greeted with rows of merch tables loaded with vinyl, tees, and patches—a treasure trove for collectors and casual fans alike. Outside, the theatre terrace again became a buzzing social hub, where punks from all corners gathered for a pint, a smoke, a slice of pizza, and a catch-up in the spring sunshine.
Some of my personal highlights across the weekend included the ever-energetic Crashed Out, the fierce and fun Millie Manders and the Shutup, and a typically high-octane set from Bar Stool Preachers.
Steve Ignorant’s set was a real moment, and the incredible voice of Carol Hodge added that extra dimension. And of course, Booze & Glory brought their usual anthemic fire—tight, loud, and absolutely electric.
As always, the festival felt friendly, inclusive, and well-organised. Whether you were a lifer in the scene or a first timer, everyone was welcomed with open arms and raised fists. It was my third time at Scarborough Punk Fest, and somehow it keeps getting better.
Big shoutout to the organisers Andy and Gary, and all the team behind the scenes—from the bouncers to the bar staff, the crew couldn’t have been friendlier or better organised. It’s that kind of care and attention that makes the weekend run so smoothly and keeps people coming back.
This should be a must on the calendar for every punk. And for me personally, it avoids the FOMO I get every year rushing around at Blackpool’s Rebellion Festival. One stage, one band at a time—zero stress, just pure punk, if you’ve never been then you’re missing out.
Already counting down the days ‘til next year’s SPF. Scarborough, you’ve done it again, brilliant from start to finish.
SCARBOROUGH PUNK FESTIVAL 2025 LINEUP:
Saturday, March 29th:
The Skids
Anti-Nowhere League
Bar Stool Preachers
Grade 2
Random Hand
The Vapors
Millie Manders and the Shutup
Riskee and the Ridicule
Jenkem Revolt
Sunday, March 30th:
The Exploited
Cockney Rejects
Booze & Glory
GBH
Conflict
Steve Ignorant
Gimp Fist
The Stupids
Crashed Out
Main Photo (Crashed Out) Credit /All Photos: PHIL THORNS
Need more Punk In Your Life?
EP review: Emergency Broadcast – ‘Make Them Pay’
Subtlety be damned. Sometimes you want music to hit you with all the force of a jet-fuelled runaway freight train (well, something like that), so
Album review: Gehimratszecken bring us ‘Mein Bester Trick’
Punk band Gehimratszecken from Bielefeld return with third album ‘Mein Bester Trick’. These 12 songs in 30 minutes are no coincidence, it’s a statement –
Album review: The Fake Friends – ‘Let’s Not Overthink This’
Canadian band The Fake Friends have just launched their first full-length album, ‘Let’s Not Overthink This’ via Stomp Records, and it’s a powerful statement! The
Continental Lovers, London Fiddler’s Elbow, 12th Feb 2026
As much as we enjoyed headliners Continental Lovers at last year’s Rebellion Festival, we’ve long been looking forward to catching them in a smaller venue,
Album review: ‘Needs Must While The Devil Rides’ – Roadkill Drive-Thru
Roadkill Drive-Thru describe themselves “Like a car crash into a moose, a band you just can’t pigeonhole. A musical fusion brought to you by roadkill-eating
Better Than The Book celebrate Ten Years On at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 5th Feb 2026
DIY ska punk/pop punk Better Than The Book is a music project created by Nick Standing back in 2012. He has since released 1 EP
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!
