Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered to celebrate Belfast’s proud punk heritage.
Cherym kicked things off with youthful energy, their sharp riffs and infectious hooks setting the tone perfectly for the evening ahead. Legendary Good Vibrations founder Terri Hooley kept the atmosphere alive between sets, spinning tracks that bridged the gap between past and present.
Crowds roared as Sham 69 took the stage, delivering rowdy anthems that had fists in the air and voices raised in unison. Their timeless chant-alongs reminded everyone why they remain punk stalwarts.
One of the night’s biggest highlights came from Public Image Ltd, with John Lydon leading a set that was both uncompromising and unpredictable. At one point he spotted residents watching from the balconies of the flats overlooking the venue and cheekily told them to “get back inside,” sparking laughter from the crowd. His commanding stage presence, cutting vocals, and biting wit ensured PiL’s appearance will be remembered as one of the festival’s defining moments.
Finally, Stiff Little Fingers stormed home to a hero’s welcome. From Suspect Device to Tin Soldiers, every track hit with the urgency and fire that has kept them relevant for nearly five decades. A special moment came when they tore through a blistering cover of Rory Gallagher’s The Devil Made Me Do It, a nod to another Irish musical legend that went down a storm with the hometown crowd.
They closed the night with a rousing rendition of Alternative Ulster, sending Belfast into a frenzy and sealing another unforgettable chapter in the band’s legacy. The night wasn’t just a gig — it was a reminder of Belfast’s role in shaping punk history and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
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