Tickets for Community 2025 will go on sale on Friday 13th March at midday

 

‘Community’ brings you eight of the best loved and up and coming acts from around the West Midlands in an 8 hour celebration of the local scene that also raises money for a worthy cause.

With all profits donated to Wolverhampton Samaritans, this is a day for coming together and being proud of where you’re from whilst also helping to support those who don’t feel they have anyone to turn to.

In the event of unworkable weather conditions, the show will move indoors to the main theatre.

This year’s Community is:

THE JACK FLETCHER BAND

The Jack Fletcher Band’s world is a World Of Colour.

Having released their debut album with that title in 2024, compiling new tracks and old favourites, The Jack Fletcher Band bring with them a sense of nostalgia that takes you back to a time when music was uncomplicated – more about great tunes and having a good time than generating likes on social media

The last few years have also seen them making a big name for themselves with multiple UK headline tours as well as support slots for bands including McFly, Reverend & The Makers, The Enemy, The Sherlocks and The Clause.

With their youthful spirit, timeless compositions and optimistic outlook, this four piece not only define the present but embody the culture and guts of those that came before them.

THE PRIORY

Electro-punk-pop-rock rebels from the Black Country, The Priory are back and hungrier than ever. After nearly two decades off the stage – their last live appearance way back in 2009 – these misfit legends have reunited and are here to prove they’ve still got that raw, euphoric fire that once soundtracked the streets of the UK.

Born out of a chaotic fusion of punk attitude, dancefloor energy and an electronic pulse, The Priory emerged from the sweat-soaked indie atmosphere of the late 90’s and early 2000s. They didn’t just play gigs, they set them alight – delivering high-octane, electrifying performances that left crowds wide-eyed and ears ringing with hard hitting and thought-provoking lyrics, pounding rhythms and addictive melodies – proof that real music doesn’t just make you move, it makes you feel.

But this comeback isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about reigniting that fearless spirit and showing today’s scene why The Priory never really left our hearts. Armed with songs that still resonate with spiky riffs and gut-punch lyricism, they’re taking on the new landscape with the same uncompromising energy as before.

And the best part? The Priory have plans to record and release new music that captures the spirit of their early years while pushing their sound even further. Fans can expect fresh tracks that still hit with the same raw power but with a new edge that only comes from two decades of hard-earned perspective.

Get ready to thrash, dance, and lose yourself all over again. The Priory are back, and they’re taking no prisoners.

MAMA ft. Antonella

Mama ft. Antonella is acclaimed Italian-Australian writer Antonella Gambotto-Burke and Wolverhampton’s very own multi-platinum producer Gavin Monaghan.

Dark, emotive and unforgettably exposed, MAMA’s music blurs various genres – alt blues, indie, roadhouse, darkwave, chanson, rock and bluegrass – with savage poetry to create a narcotic new genre.

Described as “The female Iggy Pop”, Antonella’s delivery and lyrics have been likened to the work of Charles Bukowski, Patti Smith, and Lou Reed.

Having sold in excess of 20 million records and produced multiple UK number one albums and singles, Monaghan has worked with the likes of Midlands icons Robert Plant, Editors, Ocean Colour Scene and The Twang amongst many, many others and his Magic Garden Studio commands massive respect worldwide.

QUOTES

“Mama ft. Antonella is the most dynamic outfit to hit the scene in years” – Fashion Industry Broadcast

“The album is phenomenal – it’s got a real Kills/Unloved vibe, and the vocals are early Sinead O’Connor” – musician Michael Clapham

“Poetry in motion that explores every nuance and literate, emotional level over perfect musical backdrops” – music critic John Robb

SMOKIN ESKIMO

After a 12 month hiatus, a shuffle in their line-up and a whole host of new tracks in the bag, Black Country band Smokin Eskimo is back with renewed energy.

Drawing inspiration from ‘60s psychedelic rock and blues, ‘90s Britpop and touches of jazz and funk, Smokin Eskimo offer a distinctive multi-genre sound that defies easy categorization.

Blending blues and rock influences, their sound appeals to a wide range of listeners with lyrics exploring diverse themes ranging from contemplating the mysteries of the universe to the simple joys of a countryside drive. All of this is brought to life by a tight rhythm section and electrifying riffs guaranteed to get audiences on their feet.

OMERTÁ

OMERTÁ is five-piece indie rock band formed in the heart of the Black Country.

The band consists of lead vocalist Jack, Josh on bass, Charlie on the drums and James and Dan alternate between rhythm and lead guitar. They draw inspiration from a mix of rock influences and indie vibes, building music that echoes both nostalgia and modernity.

Having already headlined shows in Birmingham and selling out a show in their hometown of Dudley before even releasing a single, greater heights already beckon for OMERTÁ.

Keep an eye out for OMERTÁ as they continue to carve their path in the indie rock landscape, promising an exciting journey ahead. Be there in the New Horizons tent for what is still only the start…

STRIDE

Stride is Birmingham’s best kept secret but that won’t be for long as their dynamic performances and authentic vibe are quickly gaining a loyal following.

Singer / guitarist Joe Bodman and Chad Slack met through a friend and started practicing together and writing music around July 2023. Drummer Jack Dooley soon followed before bassist Ryan Pegg converted them to a four-piece in August last year.

In the early days, founding members Joe and Chad were trying to come up with a name that represented them well and would stick. Eventually they came up with Stride – which means taking a step, a large step towards the goal of being the best rock n roll band out there. It was immediately fitting and, not wanting to overthink it, that was it. STRIDE.

QUOTES

“Effortlessly fusing the best of ‘90s Britpop with a fresh, contemporary edge, Stride get under your skin in the best way – groovy, melodic and bursting with energy.” – This Is Music

THE STRAZE

The Straze are a four-piece band on a mission, unleashing electrifying guitar riffs and powerful vocal melodies to create a high-voltage sound with layers of guitar and vocal effects that result in a psychedelic atmosphere.

Feel the nostalgia of that big 80s sound when you join Tommy, Alex, Jake and Jack on their journey to the rock ‘n’ roll hall of fame. Expect to be captivated by every note they play!

SUPERSONIC FUZZ GUN

Supersonic Fuzz Gun are a young indie/alternative band bursting out of Birmingham and the Black Country, specifically making their mark on the Stourbridge scene. This has earned them the title ‘Stour-Pop’ taking influence from local legends such as The Wonder Stuff and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin as well as current bands such as The Libertines.

VINYL ATTRACTION

The Vinyl Attraction crew DJs, led by Jane Branigan, will be providing the tunes in between the bands and bringing their own unique blend of eclectic, pure vinyl sounds for your listening pleasure.

They have become known for their resident nights at iconic venues such as Birmingham’s Sunflower Lounge and Claptrap in Stourbridge.