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Bang Face 2020: Infamous weekender returns to Southport

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Bang Face 2018. Photo by Bang Face.

The irreverent and absurd techno-fest Bang Face returns to Butlins Southport for its eleventh edition from 13 to 16 March.

Warp Records veteran Squarepusher headlines, premiering a new show based on his fifteenth album of drill'n'bass chaos Be Up a Hello.

Hamburg electro queen Helena Hauff also returns for another blistering peak-time set, with more cerebral sounds coming from electronic duo Plaid and a live show based on their beautiful new record Polymer.

Chalets have now sold out, but there's a waiting list for cancellations and day tickets are still available.

Friday revellers will be able to catch the Bang Face debut of Estonian rapper and conceptual artist Tommy Cash, as well as a new live PA from OG junglist Lennie De Ice.

As ever, fans of bass and breaks are well catered for, with prolific breakcore purveyor Venetian Snares on the Saturday and DnB forefathers Fabio & Grooverider playing a Friday 30th anniversary special.

Although described by The Guardian as "a riot of fancy dress, in-jokes and unfashionable dance music", the weekend also showcases more sober-minded electronica from the likes of Ewa Justka and Neil Landstrumm.

The halcyon days of dance will be marked by a return appearance from hazmat-shielded duo Altern-8, as well as long-time resident and hard techno aficionado Chris Liberator.

Throughout the weekend Bang Face TV will broadcast direct into the chalets. Hosts include the Wrong Music crew and intergalactic travellers Henge, as well as PC Music's GFOTY.

The three-room festival, which also throws an annual boat party on the Thames, takes full advantage of the holiday camp setting with anarchic aqua-raves in the swimming pool and perilous go-kart races.

On top of all that, the usual cavalcade of inflatables, irreverent banners and fancy dress will make sure the weekender maintains its reputation as the daftest rave in Europe.

Sam Gregory

Buy a day ticket for Bang Face 2020.

by Sam Gregory (he/him)

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