Rebellion isn’t just another festival. For four days every August, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens turns into something closer to a reunion than anything else. Old mates catch up over a pint, new bands find new fans, and you end up stumbling across someone you can’t believe you’ve never seen before.
With well over three-hundred bands on the bill, you’re never going to see everything. These are the six we at Bring The Noise will be doing our best not to miss.
Meryl Streek
There really isn’t anyone else like Meryl Streek on this bill and the fact he’s back at Rebellion for a third time says a lot about where things are going. This feels like one of the few sets on the line up that actually pushes things forward. Less nostalgia, less leaning on the usual imagery and history, more about now. Direct, uncomfortable, completely unfiltered.
Some people will love it. Some won’t. In Streek’s own words: “See if I give a shit.”
Meryl Streek plays Club Casbah on Friday 7th August at 17:20
Fantazmaz
We’ve got a feeling Fantazmaz are going to be one of the bands everyone’s talking about after the weekend.
Pure punk energy from start to finish. Turn up late and you’ll probably miss half of it. Fast, straight to the point, adrenaline fuelled punk. Just how it should be. Fantazmaz play Club Casbah on Friday 7th August at 13:45.
Riskee and the Ridicule
Rebellion and Riskee is a match made in heaven. No strangers to the festival, they’ve earned their place on the bill with their unique blend of grime and punk anthems. Years of relentless touring have made them a force of nature live, and we are certainly looking forward to watching them have the Empress Ballroom eating out of their hands once again.
Riskee and the Ridicule play The Empress Ballroom on Friday 7th August at 16:25
Bar Stool Preachers
We’ve been lucky enough to watch Bar Stool Preachers grow over the years here at Bring The Noise, so seeing them back at Rebellion comes as no surprise. Let’s face it, the festival wouldn’t be the same without them at this point.
They’ve grafted for everything they’ve got and built a reputation as one of the most reliable live bands around. Every time they play Rebellion they seem to take it up another level. Don’t miss them.
Bar Stool Preachers play The Empress Ballroom on Thursday 6th August at 17:10
Ferocious Dog
Ferocious Dog are heading towards the end of the road, having recently announced they’ll be calling it a day at the end of 2026.
This is your last chance to catch them at Rebellion, so expect it to be packed. Come and show your support and raise a glass to the Celtic punk legends one last time.
Ferocious Dog play The Empress Ballroom on Friday 7th August at 20:00
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer are non negotiable.
Doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen them, who they’re clashing with, or how tired you are, the only place to be is the Empress Ballroom. Get in the pit, hug your friends and sing along to some of the most anthemic punk songs ever written. Rebellion wouldn’t be the same without the Sparrer, and who knows if this might be their last appearance…
Cock Sparrer play The Empress Ballroom on Saturday 8th August at 23:25.
…and one more for luck
Haywire
Boston’s Haywire have been causing an absolute storm across the world with their frantic, chaotic live shows that are fast turning them into one of the most exciting hardcore bands on the planet. Don’t miss their Rebellion debut, this one is going to be something special.
Haywire play The Empress Ballroom on Sunday 9th August at 16:30
Tickets for Rebellion Festival are on sale now, available HERE.
Written By: Andy Davies
