SCREAMING FOR CHANGE

Some of the pivotal bands of the South Wales punk/hardcore underground scene come together for the fifth time on Sunday December 11th to raise money for international humanitarian aid organization Medecins Sans Frontieres. Clwb have supported the benefit since day one, waiving the venue’s hire fee for this and the previous two, with the club’s technical staff volunteering to work for free. The previous events have so far raised upwards of £6000 pounds for the charity (along with Unicef for the first two), which provides emergency medical aid in more than 80 countries.  

"Punk music has always primarily been humanitarian music, so these kind of benefits have always been part of its tradition," explains event coordinator Welly, who also edits long-running punk fanzine Artcore, and runs DIY music store Damaged Records from a stall in Jacob's Market. "It's great to see bands and people from all over the country come together with the simple aim of raising money for people less fortunate. The initial idea came after the earthquake in Bam, Iran two years ago, and we quickly followed with 'Guitars For Haiti' after the tropical storm there. Since then though, we've just concentrated on Medicins Sans Frontieres, not only because there are too many causes and bad things happening, but also because we believe in what they do, and they don't have separate appeals, just a holistic approach."

This year’s event boasts local South Wales acts The Take, Panel, Night And The City Of Broken Promises, and Bedford Falls, as well as a handful of more far-flung bands that include Brighton’s Abandon Ship, Bolton’s The Great St Louis, and High Wycombe’s TV Party. Meanwhile, on the middle floor, there’s electronica courtesy of Machine Records’ Stereo Minus One and Orcop, and assorted DJs. Doors open at 2pm with music running throughout the day. Tickets cost £5 on the door, with all proceeds going to charity.