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HRH Punk 4 in pictures – Day 1!

Intrepid photographer Phil Thorns headed to Leicester to capture the action across both days of this Punk extravaganza!

Live from the O2 Leicester, following a location change from Sheffield, HRH Punk Festival returned last weekend. Blighted by Covid closures, then concrete stability issues at the previous venue, the last two festivals had been cancelled. Fortunately the Punk spirit prevailed and this their 4th Punk festival went ahead on 5th and 6th October 2024.
 
The O2 in Leicester (where HRH Punk 5 will be held again next year) attracted a sold out crowd of Punk fans from around the country, plus several from overseas. This friendly, well run event had a great atmosphere. Here are a selection of Phil’s snaps from Day 1:
Opening the show were London’s ‘multicoloured, multicultural mayhem band’ PollyPickPocketz
PollyPickPocketz - Myura Amara
PollyPickPocketz - Myura Amara - photo © Phil Thorns

Next up The Red Bastards from mid Wales, whose self-titled debut album is a full throttle release balancing anger & political commentary with having a good old time!

The Red Bastards - photo © Phil Thorns

Rattleback turned up the heat with their fast Aussie Punk!

Rattleback - photo © Phil Thorns

Brazilian dynamic duo Yur Mum dazzled the crowds with their powerful bass guitar and drums powered Punk, buoyed up from this year’s excellent album release ‘Duality

Yur Mum
Yur Mum - Anelise Kunz - photo © Phil Thorns

Chipsum Gravy bounced in from Coventy with their killer hooks and pure Punk energy!

Chipsum Gravy - photo © Phil Thorns

Blackpool’s Litterbug brought their Indie Punk abstract melodies to the stage.

Litterbug
Litterbug - photo © Phil Thorns

New wave Punks Blank Xpression from Surrey reformed recently, and brought their loud guitar-driven Punk to a wider audience!

Blank Xpression - photo © Phil Thorns

Camden based Healthy Junkies wowed the crowds with their brilliant blended Punk / Rock / Goth / Psychedilia. Bringing a new album out soon, their future looks very healthy!

Healthy Junkies
Healthy Junkies - Nina Courson - photo © Phil Thorns

Original ’76 Punks Chelsea hit the stage next, bringing their ‘Be What You Wanna Be‘ UK Tour to Leicester!

Chelsea - Gene October & Mat Sargent
Chelsea - Gene October & Mat Sargent - photo © Phil Thorns
Chelsea - Nic Austin
Chelsea - Nic Austin - photo © Phil Thorns

The irrepressible Johnny Moped were up next, in their 50th anniversary year, which they are celebrating with a UK tour and an album – ‘Quonk!

Johnny Moped - Slimy Toad
Johnny Moped - Slimy Toad - photo © Phil Thorns
Johnny Moped - photo © Phil Thorns

Penultimate band of the evening, Guildford’s The Vapors, played a well-received set of their songs. They’ve had a busy touring year, appearing at festivals and venues around the country, AND found time to head to the studio to record their 4th album!

The Vapors
The Vapors - photo © Phil Thorns

Headlining band of the first day were the legendary UK Subs – thes guys always deliver and this evening was no exception! A real highlight of the festival for many, from a band who never seem to slow down!

UK Subs - Charlie Harper
UK Subs - Charlie Harper - photo © Phil Thorns
UK Subs - Steve Straughan - photo © Phil Thorns

What a cracking day 1!

If you want to see more of Phil Thorns‘ work, make sure to check out his IG

(Main photo: Chelsea punk band © Phil Thorns)

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