The Northern Kin Festival has found its beautiful new home, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not all that’s new; the festival is making significant strides to enhance your overall experience. One of the most exciting developments is the massive improvement in food and drink options.
A Feast for Every Palate
Hungry festival-goers will be delighted to know that Northern Kin is expanding its range of food traders. There will be an array of culinary delights available, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free preferences. But that’s not all! The festival is also bringing in local artisan food providers, offering you even more specialized choices. All this will be conveniently located in the new Food Court area, ensuring you never go hungry throughout the festival. And the best part? Competitive prices, so you can enjoy fantastic food without breaking the bank.
Raise a Glass to Great Drinks
The festival isn’t just upgrading its food options; it’s also taking care of your thirst. Northern Kin is collaborating with festival bar specialists to run multiple bars at the new site. Among these is a bigger, better real ale bar with a wider selection to please every palate. Additionally, there’s a premium bar with specialist options, and even a can bar for your convenience. The cherry on top? Competitive drink prices and an increased number of bar staff to minimize your wait time. After all, we want you to have a fantastic time without worrying about your wallet!
Ferocious Dog Set to Ignite The Bullingdon in Oxford!
Get ready, Oxford! Ferocious Dog, the folk-punk phenomenon hailing from Nottinghamshire, is bringing their electrifying performance to The Bullingdon. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of high-energy music and raw, authentic storytelling.
Don’t miss your chance to see Ferocious Dog in action at The Bullingdon, Oxford. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, this gig promises to be an unforgettable night filled with powerful performances and a vibrant atmosphere.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to grab yours soon. Visit The Bullingdon’s website for more information. Join us for a night of music that will leave you inspired and invigorated!
Stay tuned for more updates and prepare yourself for an evening of incredible music with Ferocious Dog at The Bullingdon. See you there!
Excitement is mounting as the renowned Wickham Festival gears up for another spectacular event in the heart of rural Hampshire this August. After the resounding success of last year’s festival, which overcame the challenges of Storm Antoni to deliver a memorable musical extravaganza, the 2024 lineup promises to be just as thrilling, featuring none other than Ferocious Dog and the legendary Levellers.
Ferocious Dog: Unleashing Musical Fury Ferocious Dog, known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of folk-punk, are set to take the Wickham stage by storm. Renowned for their powerful and engaging live shows, this band is sure to captivate the audience with their passionate delivery and compelling tunes. Their presence at Wickham Festival is eagerly anticipated, promising to be a highlight for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The Levellers: A Legacy of Folk-Rock Mastery Joining Ferocious Dog in this year’s lineup are The Levellers, a group celebrated for their folk-rock prowess and socially conscious lyrics. Their performances are a testament to their decades of experience, delivering music that resonates with audiences of all ages. The Levellers’ set is expected to be a blend of classic hits and fresh material, a treat for festival-goers looking for an unforgettable musical experience.
Wickham Festival: A Celebration of Music and Arts Set in the picturesque surroundings near the historic village of Wickham, the festival has established itself as one of the UK’s most family-friendly and relaxed events. Winning accolades such as the Best UK Festival (capacity under 15000) at the Live UK Music Business Awards and the Best Festival category in the local Culture Guide Awards, Wickham Festival offers more than just music. With live performances across four stages and a variety of other entertainments, it’s a cultural feast for all ages.
Last year’s festival saw memorable performances from The Saw Doctors, Midge Ure, Mary Black, and Fisherman’s Friends, among others. This year, with the inclusion of Ferocious Dog and The Levellers, the festival is set to raise the bar even higher.
Get Involved and Stay Updated As always, the festival organizers encourage fans to get involved through social channels and provide feedback. This continuous evolution and responsiveness to the audience’s voice are what make Wickham Festival a continually fresh and exciting event.
With tickets already selling fast, fans of Ferocious Dog, The Levellers, and fantastic festival experiences are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Keep an eye on the official Wickham Festival website and social media channels for the latest updates, lineup announcements, and more. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music, arts, and community spirit at Wickham Festival 2024!
Attention music lovers! Ferocious Dog, the renowned folk-punk band from Nottinghamshire, is set to light up the stage at the Poole Harbour Festival. Prepare for a night of exhilarating music and unforgettable performances.
Along with bands such as Razorlight, The Coral, N-Trance and many more, including a whole range of tribute band, ferocious Dog will be taking the stage on Saturday 19:40pm.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see Ferocious Dog live at the Poole Harbour Festival. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or discovering their music for the first time, this performance is sure to be a highlight of the festival.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are selling quickly, so be sure to secure yours today. Visit Poole Harbour Festival’s website for more information and to purchase tickets. Join us for an evening of powerful music and vibrant energy with Ferocious Dog!
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an incredible night with Ferocious Dog at the Poole Harbour Festival. See you there!
Ferocious Dog 3 piece acoustic – Alive at The Barn in Southwick!
Join us for the return of Southwick’s annual music festival, Alive at The Barn! This two-day event promises an eclectic mix of original live music and comedy, with great food, real ales, and craft ciders.
TIME-LIMITED OFFER: Get ALL 3 sessions for £45 if you book them in the same transaction.
BOOK NOW!
Tickets are available now, so don’t miss out on this fantastic event. Visit Southwick Community Centre’s website for more information and to secure your tickets.
Join us for a weekend of unforgettable music, comedy, and community spirit at The Barn Theatre. See you there!
3 Piece Acoustic Ferocious Dog to Rock The Skate Punx’ 1st Annual Punk Rock Beach Party!
Get ready to hit the beach for a day of high-energy music as Ferocious Dog takes the stage at The Skate Punx’ 1st Annual Punk Rock Beach Party! This all-day event promises an unforgettable experience with a lineup of incredible bands, a special guest headliner, and a guest DJ to keep the party going.
The Skate Punx’ Punk Rock Beach Party is the perfect event for punk rock and alternative music fans. Known for their dynamic blend of punk energy and folk melodies, Ferocious Dog will bring their acoustic performance to the beach, setting the stage for an epic day.
Event Highlights:
Live Bands: Enjoy performances from a lineup of incredible punk rock and alternative bands.
Guest DJ: Dance the night away with a guest DJ spinning punk and alternative tracks.
Beach Activities: Participate in fun beach games and activities throughout the day.
Food and Drinks: Savor a variety of food and drink options available at the event.
Whether you’re a die-hard punk rock fan or just looking for a fun day at the beach, The Skate Punx’ Punk Rock Beach Party has something for everyone. Soak up the sun, enjoy foot-stomping music, and create unforgettable memories with friends and fellow music lovers.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are available now, so don’t miss out on this incredible event. Visit The Skate Punx’s website for more information and to secure your spot. Join us for a day of music, sun, and the raw energy of Ferocious Dog live at the beach (lol in Stafford).
See you there for a day of unforgettable music and beachside fun!
Ferocious Dog Saturday Main Stage – Folk in a Field Festival!
Prepare for an exhilarating experience as Ferocious Dog takes the stage at this year’s Folk in a Field festival! Set in a remote woodland clearing, this award-winning, family-friendly festival promises a weekend of diverse folk and roots music, free activities, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Folk in a Field is the perfect escape for music lovers, offering an eclectic mix of folk and roots artists from all over. Ferocious Dog, renowned for their dynamic blend of punk energy and folk melodies, will headline the festival, delivering a powerful performance that echoes their Nottinghamshire roots.
Free Camping & Parking: Enjoy the festival without the hassle of additional costs.
Free Admission for Under 12’s: Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun.
Workshops & Shows: Participate in engaging activities and enjoy various performances.
Open Mic: Showcase your talent or support emerging artists.
Locally Sourced Ales & Ciders: Savor the taste of the region with a variety of beverages.
Food Outlets: Numerous options to satisfy your hunger with delicious, locally sourced food.
Whether you’re looking for a foot-stomping music experience, a relaxing weekend away with family, or a chance to catch up with friends, Folk in a Field is the perfect festival for you. With free camping, free parking, and free admission for children under 12, it offers a fantastic value and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are available now, so don’t miss out on this incredible event. Visit Folk in a Field’s website for more information and to secure your spot. Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with music, activities, and the magic of Ferocious Dog live in action.
See you there for a weekend of unforgettable music and memories!
Ferocious Dog is poised to ignite the stage at The Old Fire Station in Carlisle on the 8th of June, 2024, with their album launch for “Kleptocracy.” This event, set in one of Carlisle’s most iconic venues, is expected to be an electrifying evening that showcases the band’s distinctive blend of folk and punk.
The Old Fire Station: A Historic Venue with Modern Flair
The Old Fire Station, a venue steeped in history, has become a central pillar in Carlisle’s cultural and entertainment scene. Originally serving as a fire station, this historic building has been transformed into a vibrant space for arts and music. Its unique combination of historical charm and modern renovation makes it an ideal venue for a wide array of events, particularly for live music. Known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, The Old Fire Station provides the perfect environment for an immersive concert experience.
A Venue That Resonates with History and Music
The character of The Old Fire Station, with its blend of the old and the new, offers an exceptional setting for Ferocious Dog’s dynamic music. The venue’s intimate yet open space allows for a deep connection between the band and their audience, promising an evening where every lyric and melody can be felt by everyone in attendance.
Ferocious Dog: Unleashing “Kleptocracy” in Carlisle
At The Old Fire Station, Ferocious Dog will bring to life their latest album “Kleptocracy.” Known for their passionate performances and socially conscious lyrics, the band is set to deliver a night of high-energy music that combines the raw spirit of punk with the rich traditions of folk. The new album’s themes of social justice and political awareness are sure to resonate within the walls of this historic venue.
A Night of Passion and Energy
This album launch is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of music’s power to unite, inspire, and provoke thought. Ferocious Dog’s reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances promises a night at The Old Fire Station that will be both exhilarating and meaningful.
A Highlight in Carlisle’s Music Calendar
The anticipation for Ferocious Dog’s performance at The Old Fire Station is building, promising to be a highlight for Carlisle’s music fans. It’s an opportunity for the audience to not only enjoy the band’s powerful music but also to be part of a night that celebrates the enduring spirit and energy of live performances. The 8th of June at The Old Fire Station is poised to be an unforgettable night, marking another significant moment in the journey of Ferocious Dog.
The Ferocious Dog frontman talks about the social and political issues that new album Kleptocracy deals with.
Ferocious Dog released their follow-up to 2021’s The Hope on 17th May and, true to form, it is a rumbustious and raucous orgy of political punch that lifts the veil on the uncomfortable social realities of a damaged and divided Britain. Feel-good tunes with feel angry lyrics, it’s set to go down a storm with the band’s loyal fan-base and well beyond.
I spoke to Ken Bonsall, the ever-present, ever-cheery, and ever so slightly Left Wing in his political outlook front-man, to get the story behind the songs on Kleptocracy.
LTW: So, you’re releasing the follow up to The Hope with Kleptocracy. How was it getting the album together?
Ken: Being a folk punk band and a political band at the same time isn’t easy because a lot of bands of that genre try and imitate Dropkick Murphys, and Flogging Molly, with singing songs about being Irish and getting drunk. Yeah, we’ve still got the Irish side but I’m very political, a socialist, so it’s an odd one to balance for me.
I had four weeks to write 13 songs, but I didn’t in a way, because I knew the subject matter that I wanted to write about. I don’t write for a long time; I’ll just write when it’s time to do the album. When the band have got the tunes ready, I’ll start writing and I’ll write for that tune, and then one for that one and so on. They’re just bits of music that we’ve jammed and then I say, right, that’s the album there, Kleptocracy. A lot of times you’re trying to make people aware of things, social issues or important events, and with Ferocious Dog we’re often looking back into history, so you’ve got to know what you’re writing about.
Kleptocracy is an attention-grabbing title, why did you choose to call it that?
Ken: Like a lot of people, I had never heard of the word kleptocracy; there’s autocracies and democracies, but what we have now in Britain is a kleptocracy. I saw it on a t-shirt and I thought, “wow, that’s exactly what we have got with this government”. They are granting money to friends and stealing taxpayer’s money and then just laughing it off. And now they’re not even trying to hide it, it’s blatant but people don’t seem to know about it, or maybe they don’t care. We were singing and clapping for the NHS during COVID and they were just slicing billions off for each other, for their friends and family. Their friends make another company, there’s money to be awarded for services, so they carve millions off and don’t actually provide any benefit.
All they’re doing is looking after themselves, and it’s now so blatant that I thought I’ve got to sing about it – we’re living in a kleptocracy and they are just robbing us working class people and getting away with it. A kleptocracy is defined as a state with corrupt political leaders who misappropriate the wealth of the people and take it for themselves at the expense of the population.
I always try and write a song where you’re not actually pointing the finger and saying “you’re wrong”; I just try and point out what they’re doing and people can make up their own minds. I’m not saying they are wrong in what they are doing, it’s their way of life, that’s why most of them are so rich. So, by writing Kleptocracy, I’m just pointing out what they are doing, taking all the money and looking after the 1% club, and letting people decide for themselves if they agree with it.
Is it neo-Thatcherism in your view, or a stage beyond even that?
Ken: Thatcher privatised the NHS – the only thing that’s not private is that badge that says NHS, and they’ll always keep that badge as it gives them cover for what’s really happening. It’s not national, they’re all private companies. They wrote it as a strategy way back then to privatise the NHS without us knowing, and they have done it.
We saw Tories wearing these badges saying National Health Service and clapping during COVID and it’s just rubbish, but what can you do? There is no stopping them because the political culture has shifted so far to the right that all this is seen as almost normal.
You’ve written about the SUS laws that were so hated in the’80s.
Ken: Well, it’s all come full circle hasn’t it, they’re doing it all again and they’ve got the rights to do it. I witnessed it with my own eyes in the Miner’s Strike in 1984, when it was illegal but the police still got away with it. Nobody stopped them because Thatcher had said “I want you to do this”. The police went to training camps in Northern Ireland and they came back over to the mainland to absolutely smash the working classes.
The poem, Sonny’s Lettah by Linton Kwesi Johnson, which you’ve said inspired the song, is a great piece of work but not easy reading or listening
Ken: It’s an amazing piece of work, very hard-hitting. Listening to that, you get a real insight into the SUS Laws, as good a depiction of being black in Brixton in the 1970s and early ‘80s as you will get. I’ve just seen a drama on the BBC, This Town set in the Midlands around that time, and that just shows you the police brutality. There was a picket line, and a striker who was black got arrested – he wasn’t doing anything wrong, just on the picket line. They took him in, but before they let him go they gave him a good beating in the cells. That’s why I wrote SUS Laws, because it was a wicked law that saw innocent black guys being beaten in the cells and nobody could hear their screams. The police would just say “oh, he fell over” or “he attacked one of our officers” and they got away with it. But, to return to your question, yes the poem by Linton Johnson is very moving and very effective in what it sets out to do.
The album Kleptocracy suggests that you see more parallels with those times in Britain today.
Ken: If you look at the level of discrimination in the ’60s and ’70s towards immigrants who had come over to do the jobs no one here wanted to, I definitely feel it is the case, yes. We had the Windrush people coming to work on the trains and buses. The Irish had done the railways, and a hundred years later the motorways, and practically built modern Britain, but they faced hotels and pubs with signs saying “No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish”. They had come to do the jobs we didn’t want to and faced massive discrimination. So, they can’t win either way, these people, and now it’s gone full circle. The people who are coming over to take up unwanted jobs, like in the Care sector, or in kitchens, are being criticised by the very people who are bringing them in to do it.
It seems that the targeting of minorities, race and social class, is a default political strategy by the current Government?
Ken: Yeah, racist overtones are becoming more and more common in the language of some politicians. There’s also a trend where they demonise people such as the homeless. These people are rock bottom, you know, no matter how they got there, there is no lower they can fall, and yet they are demonised. They try and clear them out of the city centres because they don’t want them to be so visible, but these people are in crisis and hiding the problem – calling it a “lifestyle choice” is not really helping.
We always do the Ferocious Food Drops wherever we play on every tour and I always say I hate having to do it. You know what? The eighth biggest economy in the world, and we’ve got a crisis on our streets. It’s everywhere you look now. Many of these people are vulnerable – they have no choice in current society. They don’t aspire to living in tents in city centres, who would? And if it’s not bad enough for them living on the streets, they’re demonised by politicians and very often picked on or attacked by gangs. These are often people with severe mental health issues, and I just find it shocking that the situation exists. People say they’re proud to live in Britain and I’m thinking there’s nothing to be proud of in this country at the moment.
It’s all going back to “Victorian Values”, that pet phrase of Thatcher. So many years of Tory rule and this is what we’ve got. The establishment are so far in charge now, and when you’ve got billionaires running the country, they don’t know anything about real people. They don’t care about you, why would they? They’re not interested in somebody who’s leaving school and trying to make his own way, struggling to buy his first flat or house because he’s on zero hour contracting. You cannot expect a billionaire to understand that or care about it.
People are never going to get out of that poverty cycle. Kids are born into child poverty, that’s all they’ve ever known; they will struggle in school, they will struggle to access health services and they may end up homeless. I can’t listen to billionaires saying they understand that and their plan is working.
I’m working class and brought up in a village. We didn’t have anything when we were growing up, but we had food and we had love. So, luckily. I’ve never had to live on streets, but I’ve worked with people on the streets and I helped them as much as I could. I’ve always said there’s two types of people; people who care and people who don’t and that simply means there’s nice people who will go out of their way to help people, rather than demonise them. Those are the people we should be proud of in this country.
This brings me to the song on the new album, a beautiful duet called A Place We Call Home. That’s inspired by this subject isn’t it?
Ken: It’s with Lizzey Joy Ross, my vocal coach – she has an amazing voice and I just thought it would be good. to get her on the next album doing a duet with us. So, Sam, our wonderful multi-instrumentalist, came up with the guitar riff that had this great feel about it. Then I wrote the lyrics and what I wanted to convey was, where’s the best place or the worst place you can be for two lovers? But one thing that shines through, no matter how hard things are, is that you still got love and nothing can break that that bond.
I’ve never been homeless like I said, but I did the song about the worst place to live and that’s on the streets when you’ve got nothing. It’s about two people being evicted, the impact of austerity, they’ve lost everything and ended up being on the streets. But the one thing that shines through is their undying love for each other. They’ll get through it together and they’ll still have that same love no matter where they live.. I’m trying to turn a terrible situation into a positive, it’s that kind of song.
Merthyr Rising, also on the new album is a song that means a lot to you?
Ken: Playing Merthyr Rising Festival is a massive honour for me. In a square in the middle of Merthyr. To me, that was the same as playing the Toll Puddle Festival and the Left Field Stage at Glastonbury. That’s exactly where Ferocious Dog, as a Left-leaning band should be playing, I wrote the song which is on the kleptocracy album and I’ve even put some Welsh in there. I’ve got a friend who lives in Mold and she speaks fluent Welsh so she helped me with the phrases and how to pronounce them properly.
Blood Soaked Shores has a real contrast between the vibe and the actual lyrics?
Ken: It’s one of those songs I always envisaged being played in a pub on Paddies Day, with people jumping on the bar, chucking shorts down their neck and passing out with a big grin on their face. A real goodtime tune, but what we’re actually singing about is the hard, cruel reality of war. It’s a blatant anti-war song called Blood Soaked Shores, but it’s not about some faraway place, It’s about England. We’ve got blood on our hands throughout history but we make these people into heroes, like Nelson and Cromwell. The number of atrocities committed in the name of Britain must be phenomenal but, if you can get people to dance along to such lyrics set to a good tune, then that’s a masterpiece.
I didn’t know the story of Iron Mike Malloy until I heard the song, but it’s quite a tale, and all true?
Ken: It’s brilliant. isn’t it? And yes, all a true story. Mike Malloy was a homeless Irish guy in New York in the early Twentieth Century and this gang of crooks kept trying to kill him, and some of the ways they went about it are unbelievable. Basically, they knew he was an alcoholic so took out life insurance policies on him and then set about trying to kill him, but the next day he would be back at the bar despite what they did, so he got this reputation of being invincible. Johnny Edwards our old accordion player worked on it with me but we never got it finished but it’s such a great story, I felt I had to share it.
I mention that the song Iron Mike Malloy puts me in mind of the great, but sadly now late, Shane MacGowan and instantly it is easy to see what that means to the Ferocious front man. However, the comparison stands for me, Ferocious Dog, and their rabid band of Hell Hounds are keeping the spirit of The Pogues well and truly alive. Good time, infectious music is the velvet glove, concealing the iron fist of lyrics that spare nothing in their description of the realities of poverty and corruption.
Is Britain 2024 a Kleptocracy? Everyone must decide for themselves but Ferocious Dog have made a blistering contribution to the debate with their latest album.
All words by Dave Jennings. More from Dave can be found at his Louder Than War Author Archive. He is also on Twitter
Ferocious Dog is set to take the stage at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton on the 7th of June, 2024, for a much-anticipated album launch event. This performance, celebrating the release of their new album “Kleptocracy,” is expected to be a night of high energy and powerful music in one of Stockton’s most historic and beloved venues.
The Georgian Theatre: A Historic Beacon in Stockton’s Music Scene
The Georgian Theatre in Stockton, rich in history and character, is one of the oldest Georgian provincial theatres in the country. Having undergone various restorations over the years, it has retained its historic charm while adapting to the modern demands of live performances. This venue is known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, making it a cherished location for both artists and music enthusiasts. The Georgian Theatre has a reputation for hosting a diverse array of talented acts, making it a fitting backdrop for Ferocious Dog’s dynamic and genre-blending music.
An Intimate Venue with a Legacy
The Georgian Theatre offers a unique concert experience where history and modernity meet. The intimacy of the venue creates a special connection between the band and their audience, allowing for a more personal and immersive live music experience. This setting is perfect for the raw and energetic performance style that Ferocious Dog is known for.
Ferocious Dog: Bringing “Kleptocracy” to Stockton
Attendees at The Georgian Theatre can expect Ferocious Dog to deliver a powerful performance, featuring tracks from “Kleptocracy.” Known for their fusion of traditional folk elements with the raw edge of punk, the band’s live shows are a passionate and invigorating display of music that resonates with themes of social justice and activism. The new album promises to continue this tradition, featuring songs that are both thought-provoking and full of energy.
A Night of Energetic Folk-Punk
This album launch at The Georgian Theatre is more than just a concert; it’s a gathering of people united by their love for music that speaks to the heart and challenges the mind. Ferocious Dog’s reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances promises a night at The Georgian Theatre that will be both exhilarating and meaningful.
A Must-Attend Event for Stockton’s Music Fans
As excitement builds for the album launch, this event at The Georgian Theatre is shaping up to be a must-attend for Stockton’s music enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity for fans to experience Ferocious Dog’s powerful music in a venue renowned for its character and historical significance. The 7th of June at The Georgian Theatre is set to be an unforgettable evening, adding another chapter to Ferocious Dog’s story and their impactful contribution to the folk-punk genre.
