SOS Festival 5th July – 7th July

Review By Mark Pitfield Photos By Mathew Pitfield

The 15th Anniversary of the SOS Festival took place on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of July 2024 at Whittles@Tokyo in Oldham, on the rim of North East Manchester. This event, celebrated both indoors and outdoors, promised rock and metal enthusiasts a spectacular experience across two stages, all while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomed attendees of all ages. True to its advertisement, the festival delivered outstanding value for money, and much more.

This was our first time attending the SOS Festival, but many of the bands were familiar to us. The venue, a warm and friendly pub/club, offered ample space for a large stage, bar, seating area, dance floor, and merchandise stands for the indoor performances. The environment was inviting, and it was clear from the outset that the organizers had put significant effort into ensuring a seamless experience for everyone.

Stepping outside, we found a large courtyard featuring an expansive stage that seemed to rise majestically from the ground. This outdoor stage was equipped with full-on lighting and a massive screen that provided a stunning backdrop for the bands. In true British fashion, a covered area was available to shield attendees from the unpredictable summer weather. Additionally, the courtyard boasted a few vendors, a signing tent, a bar, and a catering area that offered excellent value for money and a diverse selection of food and drink, all served with cheerful smiles from the staff.

The festival kicked off on Friday with a shorter schedule, running from 6 PM to 10:40 PM. The music alternated between the indoor and outdoor stages with about five minutes between each band, allowing just enough time to grab a drink or visit the facilities. This efficient setup ensured that the music flowed continuously, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

One of the most striking aspects of the SOS Festival was the camaraderie and friendliness of everyone in attendance. We had numerous engaging conversations with long-time supporters of the event, as well as fellow first-timers like us. The bands also contributed to this welcoming environment, arriving early to soak up the atmosphere and staying after their performances to meet and greet fans. It was heartening to see bands with long journeys ahead still taking the time to connect with their audience.

Throughout the weekend, we reconnected with several bands we had seen before, including Dead Demons, The Hot Damn!, Lavire, Apriori, Fury, Molly Karloff, and White Raven Down. Each band took the time to chat and remembered Matthew from previous gigs. We even had the pleasure of meeting Blaze Bailey, who was a true gentleman, taking time out of his day off to interact with fans.

The all-ages aspect of the festival was particularly impressive. Matthew, being a young teenager, enjoyed seeing the next generation of music fans actively engaging with the bands and the music. These young attendees were well-behaved and showed a genuine interest in the performances, often showcasing better dancing skills than some of the adults! The reasonably priced food and drink, continuous music, and easy access to the venue made it an ideal experience for families. It’s worth noting that all children had ear defenders, which they wore as needed to protect their hearing.

Parking, often a concern at large events, was a pleasant surprise. The venue offered a large car park with free 3-hour parking on Saturday and Sunday. There was no restriction on multiple tickets, so a quick trip to the car every three hours was convenient and aligned well with the band schedules.

The diverse lineup of bands was a highlight, and their performances truly encapsulated the fun and excitement of the festival. Photos captured throughout the event tell a vivid story of the enjoyment shared by all.

The festival also featured a raffle and silent auction, where we were fortunate enough to win a prize. Event t-shirts were reasonably priced at £15, adding to the overall value. The SOS Festival has clearly honed its craft over the years, becoming a well-oiled machine that attracts repeat attendees. We are now among those who will eagerly return.

A massive thank you to Lynne and the Appletons for the invite and for allowing us to experience and capture the event. After hearing about it for years, it was a thrill to finally attend. Tickets for the 2025 SOS Festival are on sale now, and we highly recommend securing yours for what promises to be another unforgettable event.