GRINTAFEST: AN ALL-NEW PUNK FESTIVAL....press release

Smashed to Shit launches GrintaFest, a new festival celebrating Malta’s punk community.

The team behind Smashed to Shit: The MaltaPunks Zine is launching GrintaFest, a new DIY music festival dedicated to Malta’s punk scene. Taking place on the 21st of September at Tigullio, the festival is an extension of the ethos that has shaped Smashed to Shit: creating opportunities for local bands and bringing people together through DIY culture.

GrintaFest will feature a lineup of Maltese punk bands spanning different generations and styles, including BRUDA, 5 Years From Now, BILA, the long-awaited return of Il-Pupi tal-Logħob, Batteries Not Included and the debut performance of Il-Banda ta’ San Ċipress (Xtruppaw Tribute Band).

The lineup was officially unveiled during the launch of Smashed to Shit #3, where attendees were given an exclusive first look before it was announced online.

The festival will also host the election of the MaltaPunks President, and attendees will be expected to ‘vote’ in their new leader.

Festival Highlights

GrintaFest is built around the same values that inspired Smashed to Shit. Expect a full day of live performances from some of Malta’s top punk bands, alongside a celebration of the community that continues to keep the scene alive. With the festival taking place on a public holiday, GrintaFest offers the perfect opportunity for punks and music lovers to make most of the long weekend.

Inspiration for GrintaFest

GrintaFest was inspired by the punk festival Festaħwid created by ‘iż-Żgħiru’, which became a yearly event in Malta’s punk scene. Built around local bands, the festival later also expanded to include international acts. More importantly, it served as a platform for emerging artists, giving several bands, including Xtruppaw, their first opportunity to perform live.

That legacy inspired the team behind GrintaFest to create something for today’s generation. The festival celebrates the rich history of Maltese punk while providing a stage for the next wave of band. By bringing together different generations of musicians and fans, GrintaFest aims to honour the past while helping shape the future of Malta’s punk scene.

About GrintaFest

GrintaFest is an independent DIY festival organised by the team behind Smashed to Shit: The MaltaPunks Zine. Created by members of Malta’s punk community, the festival exists to support local bands and provide a platform for the people who sustain the scene.

Like the zine, GrintaFest aims to support the punk community while proving that DIY culture remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

For tickets and information, follow @grintafest on Instagram or contact the team on Facebook (Smashed to Shiiit).