As far as wonderful surprises go, an unexpected set from the stellar cult band The Interrupters is pretty high up on the list!

Bringing all the energy of their unique brand of bouncy, playful ska punk, twinned with an equal dose of fist-pumping anarchy, the Festival Republic Stage seemed to be springing on its very foundations just seconds into the first tune!

From the punchy ‘Title Holder’ to the rousing, sky-gazing ‘On a Turntable’, and on to the cutting ode to survivors of domestic violence that is ‘She Got Arrested’, there was more than enough fight on display here to rouse cathartic feelings of anger and passionate rage. However, as ska punk has always been, this set was entirely about unity, and a little bit of hilarity to brighten up the darker days. You can always rely on the gleaming brass section to inject an instant sense of vitality and fun into proceedings, and guitarist Kevin Bivona took the lead on interacting charmingly with the audience, whilst vocalist Amy stood stoic and impressive amongst her male band mates.

Speaking of togetherness, even some of the band members themselves are blood family! The aforementioned Kevin, drummer Jesse and bassist Justin are brothers by birth – yet the entire band, and the tent at large felt like they were part of one big chosen family too. Nowhere was this more poignant than in ‘By My Side’, an ode to the incredible unifying power of music- and who doesn’t love turning a wall of death into a wall of unity, right?