Manchester Punk Festival | Friday | 15th April 2022

Manchester Punk Fest 2022 sees numerous venues off Oxford Rd fill with music fans from all over for 3 full days over the Easter Weekend. Here we recap the Friday...

Arial Salad | The Union

The first band of the day at the biggest venue of the festival, local lads Arial Salad bring an impressive sized crowd and it's suddenly easy to forget it's only mid-afternoon. With a modest online following and my usual geographical location being a couple of hundred miles away they had not previously been on my radar. I'm glad they are now.

Waco | The Bread Shed

Over to The Bread Shed we catch Waco who have an infectious energy about them. It's impossible to not walk out of the venue feeling better than when you walked in.

Ducking Punches | Yes

In the basement venue at Yes is a last minute change. Ducking Punches were due to play a headline full band set later in the evening, but with Covid making its way into their camp Dan Allen plays an acoustic afternoon set instead.

Chloe Glover | Yes

Staying at Yes, Chloe Glover plays next. I'd previously caught Chloe at 2000 Tree's Camp Reuben and I'm glad I stayed for this set.

Witch Fever | Gorilla

Witch Fever play a storming early evening set at Gorilla. Vocalist Amy Walpole leaving the stage at one point to bring the set into the crowd.

Belvedere | The Union

At The Union Canadian punk rockers Belvedere take to the stage. If anyone's starting to feel weary from a day walking between venues this set would be sure to help power you through.

Apologies, I Have None | Bread Shed

Last set of the night (at least for this tired photographer navigating train cancellations and Easter bus timetables) is Apologies, I Have None. By this point the packed Bread Shed is feeling like a sauna. As soon as the set starts the crowd surges and sways. Crowd surfers held aloft. A outstanding set to end day 1 on.