Bunkerfest 2024 was a huge success, raising over £1200 for the Community Pantry – and we couldn’t have done it without you! The money raised (after event costs have been taken out) will go to funding our regular pop-up pantry events, so thank you to all who supported the very first Bunkerfest!
When we say it takes a village to pull off an event like this, we mean it. From the talented acts who graced the stages to the unsung heroes behind the scenes, this year’s Bunkerfest was a true community effort. Here’s a massive thank-you to everyone who helped make it happen!
First and foremost, our crew. These dedicated folks took on everything from working the door and the bar to setting up and packing down, managing publicity, photography, and handling the admin and finances. Huge thanks to Gill Colling, Graham Caisley, Ziggy Woodward, Devin Jay Valentine, Haribo, Aubree Slavik, Sarah Twist, and Joy & Jez Franck. And don’t worry, Nicola and Bik will get their mention soon enough!
A special shout-out to SoCo MusicProject and the team at Planet Sounds Rehearsal & Recording Studios, especially Matt Salvage and his crew, who went above and beyond to support us at every turn.
The music acts – what can we say? You all brought the energy and the tunes. Huge thanks to Sushimoog, Spitdust, The Haldane Effect, Watching the Buzzards, Margarita Sleepover, Zeo Zeonardo, and The Guillotine Union Boys. And an extra nod to Pip Summers, who was sadly unable to perform – we missed you!
Behind the music stage, we had the fantastic Paul Bickmore (Bik) and Aubrey Blakeledge, curating and running things smoothly, while Nic Beck led the charge over at the spoken word stage. We were treated to performances by PG Trips, Percy Ford, King Shan, Rich Lansley, and Natalie Carey, as well as our brilliant open mic’ers Jayne Ede Poetry, Stephen Smith, and Haribo Skullroof.
We also had some fantastic stalls, including Southampton Seed Swap, Steamcosies (Southampton Steampunk Society), Southampton Greenpeace, and the artists Joy Stixx and Vera Chiu, who generously donated part of their takings to the cause.
Special mention to our filmmakers, Laurent Metrich and Paul Charisse, for capturing all the highlights and helping us preserve the memories of the day.
And to the punters who stayed late to help load up vans – you made the packdown a breeze!
Finally, we owe a massive thank-you to DIY Southampton for helping promote Bunkerfest and for being a shining example of what a safe, welcoming annual event can be. Your guidance and model helped us immensely in pulling this off.
Most importantly, a huge thank-you to everyone who bought tickets and came to support the event. Bunkerfest wouldn’t have been the same without your energy and enthusiasm.
As we wrap up, we’re already thinking about the future…who’s ready for Bunkerfest 2025?
Until next time, thanks for being part of something special!
