Punkfest 1999

After taking the year off last year, Punkfest returns to rock Labour Weekend. The festival is, as always, about more than just music. Punks from all over the country come to Wellington for three days of gigging, catching up with friends and sharing ideas.

Organiser Kerry says since the last festival the scene has changed immensely. ” There’s lots of new bands”. She says many of the bands at Punkfest haven’t played Wellington before and adds that it’s not of the Punkfest philosophy to have headline acts. “All the bands are on the same platform.”

Things kick off on Friday (22 Oct, 7.30pm) with a gig at Thistle Hall featuring The Knuckle Draggers, from Nelson and including City Voice cartoonist Trace Hodgson, and Floorpie, a school-aged band. Also on the bill are Fatal Error, Self Harm and The Coolies. Scene stalwarts Loosehead play with the Creedlers, Toxic Shock Syndrome and DSM at the Saturday matinee (23 Oct 2pm), also at Thistle Hall. That night (8pm) the action moves downtown to 178 Wakefield St and an evening gig featuring Deaf Terrorists, Team Townace, Guttered, Daredevil, and Malevolence.

Punkfest regulars will be pleased to note the Punx Picnic takes place on Sunday (24 Oct 2pm) afternoon at Prince of Wales park. This festival institution features a vegetarian barbecue, soccer match and a Swap meet. If necessary a wet weather venue will be announced on Saturday. Due to noise regulations evening gigs will be finished by 11.30pm. They are all non-licensed, all ages shows.

Simon Vita, City Voice, 21 October 1999