Every summer, a small, quiet town in Belgium gets invaded by just under 5000 punk and hardcore kids. The locals and tourists alike gaze bemused as the “kids” descend to Ieper for a weekend of loud music, new and old friends and good times.

Ieperfest has been going for 18 years. Organised by Bruno and the folk at Genet records, the fest has more heart and dedication put into it than any other hardcore/punk fest on planet earth. Over three days, on two stages, just over 100 bands play to fans from around the world. The atmosphere is electric, and you are pressed to find someone in the crowd that isn’t smiling.

The Ieper team have thought of everything.. Disabled access with a separate platform, a “More than music stage” for people who want to learn or just get away from the “noise” for a bit (Davin from Kingdoms talk last year was on of the highlights of the fest), an afterparty for the crowd goers that are simply not done (last year, apparently this lasted till 6am the first 2 nights), a pre show for all the travelling folk (this year its being held by a separate promotions team but the line up is still fantastic with Pound for Pound playing), and finally, the most green festival around. The fest has around a hundred volunteers that make sure that the site is kept clean and tidy, and that there is no unnecessary waste left behind.

This is a fest by hardcore fans for hardcore fans.. and will remain number one in Europe for many years to come. Long live Ieperfest!