By Chris Patmore, Rock At Night London Correspondent
VENUE: 20 around Camden, London
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Camden holds a special place for music lovers. Yes, it is a terrible tourist trap, but it is also the home of some of London’s most iconic music venues such as The Barfly, Jazz Cafe, Dingwalls, Electric Ballroom and so many more, all of which have hosted some of the biggest names in rock at different stages of their careers. As such, it is only fitting that the area’s rock heritage should be celebrated, and what better way than with a festival, and one that lets you sleep in your own bed (or someone else’s for that matter) at the end of the day.
Celebrating its fifth year, Camden Rocks take place on 4 June across 20 venues around Camden and featuring many of our favourite local bands such as Sonic Boom Six, Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind, October Drift, Yonaka, Goldray, The Pearl Harts, Asylums, Yuck, The Carnabys, Cold In Berlin, Hands Off Gretel and Mystified, alongside bigger name acts such as Billy Bragg, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Queen Kwong and headliners The Cribs. And of course, there are bands to be discovered. Last year’s revelation was Hands Off Gretel, who have picked up a massive following since their debut at The Barfly. While it is tempting to play it safe with familiar name acts and the excitement of seeing them in small venues, there is also the thrill of finding your new favourite band and maybe seeing the next big thing.
As with any festival, planning and strategy is the key. Do you get a good place at one venue and stay there the whole day, or do you roam from venue to venue, taking the chance of being turned away. Whichever way you play it, one thing is guaranteed; a great day of rock music across all the sub-genres.
Tickets are £35 for the day, and with so much on offer that is a bargain in anyone’s books.
For full festival details and tickets visit:
www.camdenrocksfestival.com
Facebook: @CamdenRocksFestival
Twitter: @CamdenRocksFest
#CamdenRocks
I do lots of things, some better than others, and one of them is taking photos of bands. Contrary to popular belief, I will work for money.
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