SOS Festival 2023 – Is it a local event for local people?

SOS Festival 2023 (30th June to 2nd July 2023 at Whittles@Tokyo, Oldham) – Is it a local event for local people? 

Well no, not really. In these days of austerity and the cost of living crisis it’s always handy to have a reasonably-priced festival with a good selection of bands available pretty much on your doorstep. 

But what is SOS? Where did it come from? What does it offer? Pull up a chair and get comfortable, and I’ll tell you all about it. 

SOS will be offering its 14th edition this weekend, although it’s been around for a little longer than that. Essentially, some 15 years ago the good people who run Manchester-based Rocksector Records decided that they wouldn’t mind putting something on to showcase some of the bands on their label, and to offer a hand up to local up-and-coming musicians. They wanted to make it indoor, and family friendly, and eventually settled on the name SOS after being inspired by Alice Cooper, because School was Out for Summer! 

So began one of the friendliest, nicest little festivals you could ever hope to go to. They didn’t go for “name” bands, preferring to concentrate on ones that they thought were on the way to being names, and this has paid off for them. Despite a couple of venue changes over the years they still offer two stages, no clashes, and a separate room with activities for little kids so the whole family can be involved. 

This year is no exception. If you pop along on Friday you will get to see the sleazy blues of Manchester’s Gorilla Riot headlining, ably supported by 5 other bands. Some of them will be new names to me, which is always a good thing. 

Saturday will see the theatrical shock-rock of Ward XVI, with a round dozen other bands to explore before they hit the stage. All genres are covered, all tastes accounted for. 

On Sunday this year’s Next Big Thing is goth/hairmetal crossover kings South Of Salem, again with a further 9 supports to tantalise your musical tastebuds.  

All of this will cost a mere £30, or £15 per day if you can’t make the whole thing. 27 bands for £30, that’s a whopping £1.11 per band. Less than the price of a pint. 

ROCKFLESH will be covering the event in glorious words and pictures, and we would love to see you there too. You can find tickets and full info on their website www.sosfestival.net. 

See you there? 

Whittles@tokyo - Live Music Venue , 57 Roscoe St, Oldham