A new walking tour experience exploring Belfast's punk roots is set to take place for the first time this month.
The ‘Belfast Punk Experience – walking tour, workshop and gig’ will kick off in Belfast’s music hub the Oh Yeah Music Centre on Saturday March 25.
Interest in the story of punk music’s eruption in Belfast back in the late 1970s continues to fascinate both visitors to the city and locals alike.
Read more: Belfast's 'greatest punk story' Good Vibrations coming back in Belfast next year
Participants in the ‘Belfast Punk Experience’ will explore legendary punk rock sites in and near the Cathedral Quarter, sample the punk DIY ethos in a hands-on workshop activity, and after their creative work, settle down for a blistering live performance by local punk band, Gender Chores.
The idea is the brainchild of Dolores Vischer of Creative Tours Belfast who will share her memories of the old Harp Bar and stories of punk gigs back in the day, as well as now.
Dolores said: "At the end of 2021, I qualified as a tourist guide and wanted a change of career, to do something I really loved. So, I set up my walking tours business to specialise in music tours.
"I love all genres of music, but punk has a special place in my heart. It was just so exhilarating back in 1978-1980 when I was 17 and 18 - and I still really love the energy and righteous anger of punk bands today in Belfast.
"I wanted to develop something that would help to tell the story of punk in Belfast and acknowledge the great music made by bands like The Outcasts, Rudi, Stiff Little Fingers, Ruefrex, Victim and more - as well as introduce people to the excellent punk bands of today. I was encouraged to organise this exciting afternoon programme by Tourism Northern Ireland."
Meeting at the Oh Yeah, the afternoon begins with a guided look around the fascinating punk memorabilia and artefacts in the display cabinets of the Oh Yeah NI Music exhibition.
Next, on a short walking tour around the nearby area, Dolores will point out several places important in Belfast’s punk story, including where the Harp Bar and The Pound stood and where the Good Vibrations record shop was located for a time: she will paint a picture of a night out in Hill Street in 1979.
Back at Oh Yeah, participants will enjoy a soundtrack of music by Northern Ireland punk bands, old and contemporary, while enjoying a bite to eat.
To round out the afternoon, the group will settle down to enjoy a private and exciting half hour set by contemporary local punk band, Gender Chores.
For further information visit www.creativetoursbelfast.com
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