For a punk rock fan such as myself the annual Great British Alternative Festival at Butlins Skegness is a must. Where else can you watch a large number of established bands, discover new emerging talent and wallow in the nostalgia of your youth?
But it’s not just about the music. Add to the mix, meeting old and making new friends, people watching, relaxing and getting away from the day to day routine of life and you have a break with a difference.
If you think Butlins is “hi – de – hi” with chalets and cheesy entertainment then this festival isn’t what you may expect. What you will find is high quality, comfortable accommodation, friendly and caring staff and if you opt for a meals package, amazing food.
My time at this year’s festival although incredibly enjoyable was also a working break. I say working but technically it’s volunteering. I have my own punk radio show on community radio station, Radio Northumberland – “New Wave with Newman” and for the second year running I attended the festival to put together a three-hour radio documentary special about the event.
Assisted by Tom Stewart, we interviewed some of the bands, fans and the people behind the scenes, added studio and live tracks from the festival to stitch together a comprehensive record of the weekend. The show can be heard on www.radionorthumberland.comwith its first airing on Monday 15thOctober at 8pm.
The show features interviews with all three of the winners of the Introducing Stage competition where the best band, (voted by the audience) wins an appearance at next year’s festival on one of the main stages.
Day one winners were the Blue Carpet Band – sadly I only heard them in the background as I was away interviewing another band at the time but everyone I spoke to loved the band. I was particularly delighted to see that the guitarist with the band was my pal Dave Linehan formerly with Irish street punks Hooligan.
Day Two brought a breath of fresh air to new wave in the form of Pete Bentham and the Dinner Ladies. A unique blend of clever, comical lyrics with a snazzy saxophone backing reminiscent of X-Ray- Spex with humour.
The final days winners were Verbal Warning whose powerful performance left the audience no choice but to vote for them – that is when they weren’t throwing plastic ducks at them but that’s another story you can hear in the interview.
The Introducing Stage is the brain child of promoter Stephen Stanley and what a lovely guy to talk to he was. Stephen has lived and breathed music since he was a toddler and that shows in the way he looks after the bands in the competition. As you will hear in the interview the Introducing Stage isn’t about new bands it’s about introducing bands to the festival for the first time hence this year Drongo’s For Europe and last year’s Duncan Reid and The Big Heads appearances.
As you will hear in the interview I really enjoyed performances by Eddie and the Hotrods, The Boomtown Rats, UK Subs, Angelic Upstarts, The Professionals and more but the one band that stood out for me was last year’s Introducing Stage winners- Hung Like Hanratty.
The band from Mansfield are politically incorrect, foul mouthed and don’t care who they offend but they are also entertaining to watch, use hilarious, well thought out lyrics about everyday life and above all they are a lovely bunch of guys. Their show was full to capacity and I’d urge the organisers of next year’s festival to bring them back.
As a radio presenter, it’s lovely when someone recognises you and asks for an autograph (very rare as well!) but when someone stops you because they recognise your naked backside it’s something altogether stranger! (note the photo bomb by a dinner lady)
This summer I “volunteered” (there’s that word again) to take part in a naked punk calendar organised by Teesside based punks in aid of a Testicular Cancer charity. Mind the Bollocks has a themed photo from the LP by the Sex Pistols on every page – I am Mr September and my song depiction was Submission. I was honoured, (I think) to sign my photo when long term festival attender Darryl Rooth stopped me at the merch table. I believe that around £400 worth of calendars were sold at the festival. They can also be bought from bgpcwood@gmail.com
A note now about a stalwart of the festival who is another “volunteer” and that is Sally Newhouse. Sally runs the Festival’s Facebook pages and takes thousands of photos and videos of the bands playing. I’m proud to call Sally my friend and she is a credit to the punk rock world. Here she is photographing the Angelic Upstarts.
Finally, some well-deserved thank you messages – a big thank you to the Butlins team and staff – nothing was too much trouble and they were all attentive and efficient. To Tom for friendship, support and editing help with the radio show and to every one of the bands for putting on a great show. Personal thanks to Andrew French in Butlins Communications team for his cooperation and understanding in the making of the show.
Also huge thanks to Mrs Newman for the Butlins voiceover on the Radio Northumberland adverts and for letting me play out for fours days. Can I go next years Mrs N?
You can listen to the show on Monday 15thOctober on www.radionorthumberland.com or via the TuneIn radio app or simply ask Alexa to “play Radio Northumberland”
The Festival gets better each year and I’d urge you to book up now for next year to avoid disappointment – see you there!
https://www.bigweekends.com/your-break/190510
Notes
As well as presenting on Radio Northumberland, Keith Newman has a public relations company – Highlights PR.
As well as working with businesses and organisations large and small, Keith has worked extensively in the entertainment world creating press articles for artists such as Pauline Murray from Penetration, Neville Luxury from Punishment of Luxury, Logoz, Cherry and Peesh, Duncan Reid and The Big Heads. He also looks after PR for the Northumberland Live Festivals which have included Dick York and The Undertones.
To get your band in the media contact Keith 07814 397951 keith@highlightspr.co.uk