CorrosionFest grew directly from the Corrosion club night. As the audience grew and more live bands were introduced, conversations turned to creating a boutique international indoor festival based on the music and community that had developed in Morecambe.
At the time, established UK festivals such as Darker Days and Sancrosanct had disappeared from the calendar, while Brexit was making UK touring increasingly difficult for European artists. Rather than seeing those changes as obstacles, they became part of the reason for creating CorrosionFest.
Early support came through friendships developed at the Dark Skies over Witten festival in Germany, where long-standing relationships with promoters Carsten and Renate helped establish European links that remain an important part of the festival today. Still Patient? became the first overseas headliner, while Your Life on Hold from Belgium were also booked before COVID restrictions prevented them from travelling.
CorrosionFest took place on 14 March 2020 as a one-day festival featuring seven bands. A week later the UK entered lockdown, bringing live music to a halt. Although the pandemic interrupted plans for future events, the festival returned in 2022 as a two-day event and has continued to grow.
Today CorrosionFest presents artists from across the UK, Europe and beyond, covering gothic rock, post-punk, darkwave, dark alternative, industrial and related genres. Goth remains the core, but not the boundary.
Our approach has always been simple. Alongside recognised names, every lineup introduces audiences to emerging artists who deserve to be heard. Many bands appearing at CorrosionFest are playing to UK audiences for the first time, while others go on to much larger festivals and tours.
International touring is never without challenges, so every festival also has a standby band ready if required. It's a lesson learned through experience and one that has helped ensure the festival continues regardless of cancelled flights, border closures or last-minute changes.
From seven bands in 2020, CorrosionFest has grown into a twelve-band international festival while retaining the intimate atmosphere that has always been part of its identity.