The U.K. Subs + Loaded 44 at Scarborough Punk Festival, Scarborough (UK) on 31 March 2024.
I loved Scarborough Punk Festival in 2023 which had a lineup to die for. So, I got myself a ticket for this year’s edition before the final bill was announced, as I knew that I would have fun there whoever was playing.
As soon as the Subs and later Loaded 44 were announced, I knew that I had made the right decision. Unfortunately, I arrived too late to catch the brilliant Face Up, but I will be seeing them in Belgium in June. I also missed Hung Like Hanratty, who I really like, as they were also on criminally early on the Saturday. But, I’ll see them again sometime soon no doubt.
The rest of the bands on the first day were fine, but nothing to write home about, apart from GoldBlade who stood out for me.
Loaded 44 were the first band that I saw on the Sunday, and a great way to blow the hangover cobwebs away. I’ve never seen L44 before, but I know Steve from the U.K. Subs and his other band HiFi Spitfires, as well as his wife Beki from her other band Chaos 8. Beki showed again what a fantastic front person she is for a band, keeping the crowd captivated throughout the performance. It was great to see Steve playing a guitar with the proper number of strings on it (who needs more than 4?). Great stuff
Other bands came and went on the Sunday until the mighty U.K. Subs hit the stage and stole the show, as always. Charlie and the lads raced through a set of crowd pleasing classics, leaving poor old Jimmy Pursey and Sham 69 to try and follow them to keep the crowd entertained. We didn’t bother and went to find the nearest pub once the obligatory 3 song minimum rule had been respected.
The bands so far announced for the 2025 edition are not overly inspiring, apart from GBH and Conflict, but I’ve already got myself a ticket and accommodation, as it is such a great festival in a lovely place.
