The Free West Papua Campaign presents… PUNKS FOR WEST PAPUA

Jess Watts | 29th November 2018

This Saturday some of Manchester’s finest bands will gather at The Alphabet Brewery to raise awareness and funds for the Free West Papua Campaign.

 

Event organiser, Georgina Robinson (who’s previously worked with Factory Records and has been involved in the music industry for over 30 years) explained the inspiration behind the event: “Punks for West Papua Manchester co – founder Gary Hilton of Gas Music. First brought it to our attention to use “Music as a weapon” to raise awareness to help Free West Papua.

 

This Little known Melanesian country West Papua had been subject to a media black-out for over 50 years. But with more than 500, 000 indigenous people murdered to loot West Papua’s gold and other vast natural resources – the time’s up.”

 

The event will take place at the Alphabet Brewery on December 1st and showcase various bands and performers.

 

Headlining the event will be the Manchester based band, The Blinders. They are one of the UK’s fastest rising bands and will be returning to the city off of the back of a huge UK tour.

 

 

The likes of John Robb from The Membranes and Modern Family Unit will also join the line-up. Along with Manchester’s all girl punk band, Witch Fever.

 

Georgina explained the importance of getting a girl group in the line-up: “It was so important for me to implement women in the music line-up. [In West Papua their] humanitarian rights are violated – women and children usually suffer the most”.

 

 

Faced with the question as to what the future holds, Georgina added: “Jo Lowes and myself have more events planned at the Alphabet Brewery for the future – Watch this space!…”.

 

Tickets are on sale now.