When I interviewed Camden Rocks founder Chris McCormack for Oringalrock.net back in 2016 we discussed the idea of making his brainchild a two-day event. The cold hard truth is that Camden Rocks is a modernistic urban music festival that turns this part of North London into what it already is, the Capital’s Sunset Strip. Pubs, clubs and established live venues are all utilised as punters, liggers, journo’s and musicians swarm all over Camden for the perfect, first of the summer, musical gathering.
Where and getting there
The clue is in the name. Camden North London to be precise which is just a bus, tube or gentle stroll from two of London’s main transport hub’s Kings Cross and Euston train and underground station’s. The Northern and Victoria lines go straight into Camden along with numerous buses from pretty much every main station including those listed above and Paddington. The Northern line also operates all night on both Friday and Saturday, but not Sunday, the last Sunday tube departs at 00.25.
Accommodation
London hotels tend to be very expensive unless you book way in advance and on a non-refundable basis, however, better value for money can be found on Airbnb. Both Booking.com and Trivaggo are good pointers for Hotel prices and quality if you do find somewhere suitable always check the Hotels own website for offers before taking the plunge.
Cost
Day Tickets start from £40.00 with weekend tickets coming in at £70.00 (plus the usual fees). For those still hungry for more than twelve hours of Rock ‘N’ Roll in one day, aftershow tickets are also available at a cost of £10.00. Tickets are exchanged for wristbands which allow entry to each venue.
Bands
Saturday sees Frank Turner headlining at the Electric Ballroom while on Sunday Deaf Havanna, take the top spot. These two acts alone are probably worth the weekend admission but there are so, so, so, so many more. Ash, Ruts DC, The Pigeon Detectives, *Ginger Wildheart (*Tip*Expect Frank Turner at his set), Sean Mcgowan, The Wonder Stuff, Carl Barat, Ratboy, The Professionals, Glen Matlock, Wheatus, A, Discharge, Buster Shuffle and Warrior Soul to name but a few of the bands performing! Camden Rocks offers pure value for money.
Venues
Twenty venues including the Camden staples of The Electric Ballroom, The Underworld, The Dublin Castle, Dingwalls, The Black Heart, The Devonshire Arms and The Fiddlers Elbow. See your free map for exact locations, travelling between venues can be as little as a minute or up to twenty.
Times
The first bands normally go on at 12 pm and the live music finishes at roughly midnight while the aftershow party goes on until the wee small hours. The wristband exchange is open from 10 am.
Tips
1. Firstly plan your day. With each wristband, you will receive a map of the venues and the all-important band stage times. You will be able to walk into most venues without queuing and the beauty of CR is dipping in and out while discovering new bands. Be sensible if you want to see Frank Turner get into the venue a couple of acts beforehand and stay put the chances of walking in five minutes before he goes on are very small as once capacity is reached it’s a one out, one in situation.
2. Like Blackpool’s Rebellion Festival this is a marathon, not a sprint so go easy the alcohol, most venues provide free tap water, so stay hydrated. Beer can be expensive in Camden so expect to pay between £4.50 to £6.00 for a pint, however, there is a huge Wetherspoons by the canal which makes for a more economic pit stop.
3. Download the Camden Rocks app to keep up to date with any line-up changes, surprise performances and stage times.
4. The weather doesn’t really affect CR as all the venues are indoor.
5. Be alert and keep your possessions safe. Rowdy gigs are the perfect place for pickpockets to relieve of your phone or wallet and if you see anything suspicious report it immediately.
6. Food is readily available throughout Camden. The market offers a multitude of Street Food vendors while the roads off the high street are packed with both chains and independent restaurants, diners and fast food joints. For vegetarians check out (the always busy) Mildreds or VBurger.
Acts to see
CR wouldn’t be CR without Ginger Wildheart popping up for an acoustic show or three. Expect a solo heavy set with a couple of Wildhearts gems thrown in for good measure. Sean Magowan is a must see as are The Professionals, Spunge, Glen Matlock, Ash, Frank Turner and Libertine Carl Barat. Ruts DC are fresh from touring their seminal ‘The Crack’ album while both Buster Shuffle and The Spitfires are also ones to get in early for. The Soap Girls will provide the come one come all naked Punk experience. Expect big crowds for Hands Of Gretal and Queen Zee who both seem to be heading for future headline slots. For those interested my “insider” choice for those lower down on the bill they are Alive With Eyes, The Last Great Dreamers, Rich Ragnay and The Digressions and The Idol Dead will all rock your sliders off. With so many great bands playing it’s almost impossible not to have a weekend or day to remember. Camden Rocks is here to stay, so support the venues, artists and festival by buying your tickets official outlets, music & merch direct from the bands and your booze at the bar. So many bands, so many beers so little time.