Drawing crowds from across the country with a delicate combination of big names and local talent, Rifffest has seen Crows, Strange Bones and Calva Louise hit the stage in previous years.
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The festival, which was founded by Leeds band Brooders in 2018, acts as a way to bring together a community of rock fans under one roof – this year being no exception.
After the notable success of Rifffest in their formative years, the band made the quick decision to move in 2020, moving from the loan room to Belgrave Music Hall for their final event to keep up with ticket demands.
Commenting on Rifffest’s expansion into 2020, festival organizer and Brooders vocalist Adam Bairstow said:
“Personally, I was running around playing so many roles behind the scenes, while the other two [band members] were just as busy keeping things afloat all around the room.
“It was a trial by fire to work with this level of bands and on this kind of project with the total control that [Belgrave promoter] Super Friendz allowed.
“[Belgrave] is a truly wonderful place for creativity and good music.”
This year the trio are sticking to Belgrave as their home, with grit dominating the bill in the form of Kid Kapichi, Wooze and Leeds’ own Avalanche Party.
Joining the lineup heavyweights is a plethora of local talent, including post-punk newcomers Dim Imagery and alt-rock icons Faux Pas.
“I always find myself most excited for local and upcoming bands.” Adam went on to say.
“We have always been keen to give the [local] groups a real boost before they get too big for smaller venues!”
The Rifffest kicks off at the Belgrave Music Hall today at noon and lasts until 11pm.
Tickets are available for purchase through See Tickets.
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