“Holidays in the Sun” was a punk rock festival that took place in Blackpool. This festival was a significant event in the punk music scene, drawing fans from across the UK and beyond. The festival was named after a Sex Pistols song and was designed to bring together a wide range of punk bands from the original 1970s era, as well as newer acts that had emerged in the following decades. It took place in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, a large and historic venue, hosted the event, providing ample space for multiple stages and large crowds. The festival was held from July 9 to 12 in 1996.
This “Holidays in the Sun” festival featured an extensive line-up of punk bands, including many legendary acts. Some of the notable performers included The Damned, Sham 69, UK Subs, The Exploited, The Vibrators, GBH, 999, and The Business. The festival also provided a platform for newer punk bands, ensuring a diverse representation of the genre. “Holidays in the Sun” was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of punk culture. It brought together fans of different generations, united by their love for punk music and its ethos. The festival helped to revive interest in punk music and provided a space for the community to connect and share their passion.
The success of the 1996 festival led to “Holidays in the Sun” becoming an annual event, with subsequent festivals held not only in Blackpool but also in other locations around the world, including the USA, Japan, and Germany. The festival was later rebranded as “Rebellion Festival” in 2007, continuing the tradition of celebrating punk music and culture. “Holidays in the Sun” in 1996 was a pivotal event that celebrated the past, present, and future of punk rock. Its legacy continues through the Rebellion Festival, which remains one of the most important gatherings for punk music fans globally.
