Punky Reggae Party #2 ft DAKKA SKANKS
Punky Reggae Party #2 – 5pm, Sat 16th May, Bedford Esquires
Following the inaugural PUNKY REGGAE PARTY in Autumn 2025 we have decided to make this event a regular fixture.
The first announce from the second edition is looking like this:
Headliner: DAKKA SKANKS
Dakka Skanks are a band seriously committed to bringing hard reggae, ska, dub and punk rhythms together in a fresh style. The band have a passion and organic togetherness crafted through years of writing and performing with each other. Clara Byrne’s mesmerising lead vocals cut through like a wave of emotion, her lyrical integrity straight from the soul, with serious social and political issues explored through dramatic delivery. From hard steppers to traditional ska, furious punk and sprinklings of soul, Dakka Skanks come with the style and always bring the dance.
Since their formation in 2016, and with an album and several single releases under their belt, Dakka Skanks have been continuously picking up live shows from promoters across Europe, the first Spanish mini-tour of the Madrid area generated more offers including shows across Germany, France, Belgium and Spain. 2018 brought shows with Madness, Neville Staple, The Skatalites, headline slots across the UK and the rest of Europe and 2019 onwards has seen more extensive European touring in new places, shows with the likes of Bad Manners, The Skints, Dub Pistols, The Toasters, many large festivals and much more, including their first venture to the USA for a tour in 2025!
Guests (running order TBC)
KARL PHILLIPS & THE REJECTS
A completely original mashup of ska, punk & grime with a hip-hop nod at luminaries like The Clash, The Specials & Mike Skinner. Karl’s refreshingly honest lyrics test the boundaries of the human mind and the English etiquette, coming from a place most people can relate to but never dared to mention!
New single ‘Plastic Gangsta’ got its Exclusive first play by Hugh Stephens on BBC Radio 1! Over the last few years Karl Phillips & The Rejects have supported or toured with Rudimental, Chase & Status, Example, Dub Pistols, The King Blues, Sonic Boom 6, Gentlemans Dub Club, Imperial Leisure, The Neville Staple Band, Dreadzone & Alabama 3! Headlined festival stages including boomtown fair! And had air time on numerous BBC Introducing shows, including BBC 6 Music!
CODENAME COLIN
Codename Colin, a ska-punk band hailing from Hertfordshire, UK, has been electrifying audiences nationwide since 2016 with their high-octane live performances. Their signature energetic vibe, driven by infectious beats and captivating horn-driven hooks, creates an experience unique to the ska punk genre. This vibrant band has graced stages alongside acts like [Spunge], Fandangle, Sonic Boom Six, and Call Me Malcolm, featuring at prominent festivals including Rebellion, Level Up, Slamdunk and Punk Rock Holiday.
Their live repertoire predominantly showcases tracks from their EPs and albums, such as ‘Escape from Everything’ and ‘Outgunned,’ complemented by surprising covers infused with their distinctive ska-punk treatment, inciting an irresistible urge to skank and bounce among the crowd.
2 more bands TBC / Street Food / DJ’s / The fun starts at 5pm
