Punk's 50th Birthday

A new documentary explores the evolution of punk rock, with a special Q&A session and live performance. The film features interviews with key figures from the punk scene, including Hugh Cornwell and Vivienne Westwood.

50 Years of Punk + Director's Q&A + Hastings Punk Choir

Dir: Mark Sloper

Cast: Gaye Advert, Dave Barbarossa

77 mins · 2026 · English

50 Years of Punk + Director's Q&A + Hastings Punk Choir

10 Nov 2026

Electric Palace Hastings

The most surprising fact about this documentary is that it features an impressive list of talking heads, including Hugh Cornwell, Dave Vanian, and Vivienne Westwood, to guide us through the evolution of punk culture. The film, directed by Mark Sloper, is a 77-minute documentary that explores the explosion of punk on London's Kings Road and its legacy. With a cast including Gaye Advert and Dave Barbarossa, this documentary is a must-watch for punk fans.

The documentary is set to screen at the Electric Palace Hastings on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, followed by a Q&A session with the director and a performance by the Hastings Punk Choir. Tickets and details are available with the button beside this article. The film's authenticity and insider account make it a compelling watch, with viewers noting that the interviews are informative and the images of punk communities are striking.

The documentary's focus on the punk way of life, rather than just the music, makes for a thought-provoking exploration of individuality, creativity, and freedom. With its English language and 2026 release, this documentary is a timely look at the punk movement's 50th anniversary.

Viewers have noted that while the documentary is informative, it lacks music, which is a key aspect of the punk scene. However, the film's use of actuality and images of punk communities makes up for this, providing a unique glimpse into the punk world.

What viewers say

CinemaSerf · 6/10

Mark Sloper has assembled quite an impressive list of talking heads here to guide us through the evolution of the punk culture from anarchic, provocative and rebellious to borderline acceptability and chart success. Motivated by that mid-1970s sense of hopelessness amongst everyone from the squatter to the well-to-do art student, bands like "The Clash" and "The Stranglers" and the "Sex Pistols" start to gain traction with their raw sound and…

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