Rebellion Run Up is a special series of live events created to ignite the spirit of punk before the world-famous Rebellion Festival takes over Blackpool. Designed as the perfect warm-up, these shows bring artists, fans, and the town together on the eve of a week-long celebration of alternative music and culture. Held at the historic Blackpool Winter Gardens, Rebellion Run Up sets the tone with energy, attitude, and a deep respect for punk’s past and present.
The events were conceived as a way to mark major milestones in punk history while giving fans an intimate yet powerful live experience. Rebellion Run Up proudly celebrates 30 years of the Rebellion Festivals alongside 50 years of Punk, recognising the movement’s lasting impact on music, fashion, and independent culture. These shows are not just concerts, but cultural gatherings that honour rebellion, creativity, and community.
A defining feature of Rebellion Run Up is the calibre of artists involved. Performers are carefully chosen for their influence, authenticity, and connection to punk and post-punk history. The events often feature legendary figures alongside special guests, creating nights that feel both historic and immediate. This blend of legacy and living culture is central to the Run Up identity.
Adam Ant is one of the standout artists to appear at Rebellion Run Up. As the iconic frontman of Adam and the Ants, he helped redefine post-punk and new wave with a sound and visual style that was bold, theatrical, and unmistakably rebellious. His presence at Rebellion Run Up highlights the diversity of punk’s evolution, celebrating not only raw aggression but also innovation, individuality, and pop-cultural impact.
Equally vital to the story of Rebellion Run Up is Neville Staple, best known as a founding member of The Specials. A key figure in the UK ska and punk crossover, Neville Staple represents the political, social, and multicultural roots of the movement. His performances bring infectious energy and a powerful reminder of punk’s role in unity, resistance, and social commentary.
