THANK YOU ALL! The Big One 2025

We’d like to thank everyone who came along to Specialized – The Big One International Ska & Reggae Festival 2025 at Shorefields Country Park in Hampshire over the 7th, 8th, and 9th of November, helping make it the roaring success it was.
You welcomed and supported every band with open arms – including those who flew in from Holland, France, and the USA to perform solely for us. You truly embodied the Specialized spirit. It was also fantastic to see so many new faces alongside the hardcore Specialized Family.

It was a veritable feast of great music, great atmospheres, and a shared drive to help those worse off than ourselves.

A big shout-out to our literary guests: the legendary Cass Pennant, author/musician Daniel Rachel, author/poet Tim Wells, and our own Mr Williams.
Special thanks to Louis Alphonso for introducing every band throughout the entire weekend, no matter the hour — no small feat!

Hosted by Bad Manners guitarist Louis Alphonso, The Big One Festival returned for its 14th year, and its second at its new home at Shorefields Country Park.
Friday evening began with Devon ska legends Too Hot, who proved that despite their long hiatus, they remain as tight and well-crafted as ever. The evening’s main draw, The Deltones, brought a massive ensemble sound that filled the room. Also appearing were the ska-punk-infused Offbeat Offensive and the South West’s newest bright hopes, Instincts Take Over.

Sonic Boom Six headlined Saturday, delivering their eclectic blend of ska, pop, grime, dubstep, punk, and metal — breaking everything apart and rebuilding it into a hyperactive hybrid.
Perhaps the biggest buzz of the day came from the return of The Crombies, who travelled all the way from Detroit. If ever a band justified the phrase “back by popular demand,” it was them. Saturday’s lineup brought everything from pure nostalgia to fresh originality, from established brilliance to exciting new talent.

Sunday began with the long-established remembrance service.
The day then delivered excellent examples of original ska, with outstanding sets from Hot Squash and Skaface, complemented by elite covers bands Stereotype and Loonie Tunes.
Mark Foggo closed his short UK tour with us in style — equal parts humour and slick class — the perfect way to finish the weekend.

In summary:
Established brilliance: Sonic Boom Six, Mark Foggo, Loonie Tunes, Stereotype, The Crombies
Welcome back: The Deltones, Too Hot
Emerging talent: Cian Dowing, Hot Squash, Instincts Take Over

Thanks also to everyone who took part in the inaugural Specialized 5-A-Side match, which resulted in a resounding win for the South over the North, and to the organisers and volunteers who kept the ship steady throughout.

The whole event was fantastic — and we get to do it all again next year!
Thank you all once again for making it what it was.
SUPERB.

Cheers,
Team Specialized

** EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW WITH 15% OFF OR UNTIL 21ST NOVEMBER OR THEY SELL OUT FIRST
The Big One 2026