Back again following the Friday of MPF 2026, here’s the recap of the Saturday, because sometimes having stuff in order is necessary and satisfying.

Sorry for the delay; between work stuff and intermittently worrying about the possibility of the Posh being relegated, I hadn’t found time or energy to write. But hey ho, I now have. Yay.

Let’s get back into this MPF coverage…

Kid Katharsis | YES! Basement

Back down to the basement I went to begin festivities again with acoustic act (yeah, really gravitated to solo peeps with acoustic guitars on that weekend), Kid Katharsis.

Complete with a velvety smooth voice, Mr Katharsis invoked influences from folk, grunge and RnB. Having been an active performer for around a decade, his setlist explored a range of introspective tribulations.

He fought through some technical issues with his guitar pedal on stage, dealing with it masterfully – I would have honestly froze if that happened to me, so fair bloody play. Very enjoyable start to MPF Saturday!

Last Edition | Bread Shed

Next, it was off to The Bread Shed for a certain ska band from Leicester who I’d known for a while, in Last Edition!

As with the day prior, a decent turnout greeted the band and venue early on in the afternoon, packing out the front rows to bounce and skank about. The quartet, featuring a saxophone, delivered a high-energy set of ol’ reliable clean-vocal tunes about drinking, trying to strive and stay motivated, and drinking.

Possibly one for fans of Reel Big Fish, Mad Caddies and The King Blues, this was the band’s MPF debut, and they sure made the best of it. Frontman Matty also books gigs in Leicester as promoter for Half Drunk Club.

Clayface | Gorilla

Feelings of familiarity soon followed as I ventured to a well-attended Gorilla, for local emo/punk crowd pleasers Clayface. This lot have been going for over a decade, and treated us to a rapid set of heartwrenchers fluctuating between apathy and hurt.

Using a three-guitar setup, renditions with heavy influences from melodic ’90’s bands like Lagwagon and Millencolin were backed up by contrasting, unfiltered riffs. Indeed, their repertoire is one for the skaters in the scene, or those who like to pretend to skate while very much not owning a board.

Side note: the current main design of their tees, one of which I’d bought at my first ever MPF in 2022, has long been among my favourites 👌

Nutty Skunk | Gorilla

Following Clayface in Gorilla was some more punky ska, this time from Nutty Skunk from Leeds. Another act on my “Ooh I Know Them!” List™, I was excited to see them for the first time since Pick It Up 2018.

The Skunk had released a new EP since then, and along with a couple tracks from there, they brought tunes from across their catalogue, and even a cheeky cover of Wham!’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’.

With trumpets, a trombone and keys in their arsenal, their style is fast-paced and melodic, their lyrics largely delving into political and social commentary.

Chewie | The Union

It was then time to head to The Union to see Galway, Ireland’s folk punk paragons Chewie (formerly Chewing on Tinfoil).

They were here to perform their 2013 album ‘Marrowbone Lane’ in full – just as they had done in Dublin late last year – and chew bubblegum, and they were all out of bubblegum… or something like that.

Clearly, this was an album close to the hearts of so many in attendance, with the crowd singing along pretty much throughout, including me at times. Performing as a five-piece including keys, they brought a polished but passionate set fitting for an act that’s been at it for close to 20 years now.

The JB Conspiracy | Gorilla

After a break to grab food in Gorilla’s bar bit, I decided to head back next door to catch the last few songs from Guildford-founded ska punk stalwarts The JB Conspiracy.

Because I didn’t see/hear much from these guys (I love their work a lot), I’m opting to be an evil tease; you’ll hear more about this seven-piece outfit in my upcoming recap of The Shadow Shuffle 3 in Reading.

Muahahahaha… uh, I mean sorry about that.

[Spunge] | Gorilla

Also, sorry to those dear readers of mine who aren’t interested in ska, because closing out Gorilla was another group who like JB has been dealing in offbeat stuff for over 15 years. In fact, this lot have been going on and off since the mid-90’s. ‘Twas P-Rock era figureheads [Spunge]!

Bringing their distinctive blend of guitar-fuelled ska and pop punk, the four-piece from the Tewkesbury area brought long-standing anthems as well as a couple of new tracks that fit in quite well. Their stage banter was also fun, and clearly evident of the abiding friendship the group have maintained over the decades.

True to ska form, the set ended with a cover, this particular one being of Monkey Man by Toots and the Maytals.

Closing Remarks

While the Friday of MPF featured a great bunch of new names for me, the Saturday was mostly a return to familiar ground, including bands I hadn’t seen in many years.

Arguably, the amount of ska bands I chose to see and document doesn’t do MPF as a whole justice. The fest continued to showcase a wide variety of subgenres and vibes, and you really can end up enjoying the sets with likeminded peeps from across the country, and beyond.

Coverage of the Sunday of Manchester Punk Festival to come soon. Thanks so much for reading! Up the Posh, and up the Punx 🤘