The Rock NO Rio Febras festival returns on July 27 to Briteiros São Salvador, in the municipality of Guimarães, maintaining its solidarity nature and with the performance of the band ‘The Subways’, which makes its debut in Portugal, it was announced today.
In a statement sent to the Lusa news agency, the organization of the small music festival, which in 2023 reached a national dimension after Rock in Rio Lisboa notified Rock in Rio Febras to change its name, alleging misuse of the brand and unfair competition, assures that the now Rock NO Rio Febras “is alive, dynamic, full of energy” and that this year it will feature Portuguese bands and the British group.
“After arduous negotiations, (and managing to find someone who speaks English), we are delighted to announce that ‘The Subways’ have joined the cause and will be performing for the first time in Portugal, in an exclusive concert at Febras!”, says the organization, which, in 2024, maintains the sense of humour revealed in 2023.
The organizers add that, “after appearances on the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ and ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’, performances at festivals such as Glastonbury, Rock im Park, Rock Am Ring, Southside and Lollapalooza, and sharing the stage with AC/DC, Foo Fighters or Oasis”, the band ‘The Subways’ “is now at the peak of its career”.
The organization stresses that the third edition of the festival, like the previous ones, maintains its charitable nature, with “the proceeds going entirely to the Casa do Povo de Briteiros” – the Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS) that organizes the event.
“Entry, like last year [2023], will be free, but subject to obtaining an access pass for security purposes – we, the organizers of major Portuguese music festivals, have to be responsible. The first kits (pass, pin, cup, ribbon and t-shirt) will be made available in advance,” the statement said.
The organization of Rock NO Rio Febras – the name chosen through an online vote following the controversy with Rock in Rio Lisboa – says that the venue “has been improved and extended”.
“This year we hope to provide the conditions to welcome many of those we couldn’t last year, and to redeem ourselves in a big way! The concept of the festival will remain the same, giving everyone the chance to experience good music – local and otherwise. (…). We’re offering rock and good cheer, always on the banks of the great River Febras!”, say the organizers.
As for catering, Rock NO Rio Febras is also announcing new features.
“We will also continue to try to accommodate everyone who comes to be crazy with us, offering vegan options on the restaurant menu, alongside the essential steaks. With an environmental conscience, we continue to opt for reusable glasses and we appeal to you to save water – drink beer instead,” the statement concludes.
In the 2023 edition, the organization estimated that around 5,000 festival-goers passed through the venue located by the Febras River.
