Are you ready to rock? If the answer is yes, Sunstroke is the festival for you. Coming to Punchestown Racecourse in Co Kildare from June 13 – 14 this year, the reboot of the popular 90’s event will see alternative rock legends Deftones, Faith No More, Mastodon, The Jesus and Mary Chain and many more perform.

Speaking to Hot Press at Sunstroke 2020’s launch party at Bloody Mary’s, MCD’s Brian Bradley discussed the reason for bringing the festival back: “As a rock fan, I think there's nothing in Ireland like this and hasn't been for a very long time. We need an alternative rock festival here.”

Nothing proves Bradley’s point more than the launch itself, hosted by Fergal D’Arcy of Today FM. Sunstroke’s Irish festival acts Greyface, Paranoid Visions, Dead Label and Fangclub took to the Bloody Mary’s stage. Playing two or three songs each, every band delivered when it came to energetic guitar-driven bangers that made audiences thrash along to the music. “We have Electric Picnic and Longitude which have all sorts of bands,” said Greyface vocalist Shaye to Hot Press. “But in terms of metal or any festival similar to Download or Rock am Ring, this is definitely Ireland’s first. It's a big deal.”

“It's fantastic finally getting to do one of these festivals over here. It’s an incredible line-up,” said Paranoid Visions’ guitarist Peter Jones, whereas Fangclub’s frontman Steven King added: “A lot of people in Ireland are dying for a festival like this. It's something I never thought I'd see. It's amazing.”

As well as the aforementioned bands – including Faith No More who headlined Sunstroke’s inaugural 1993 event in Dalymount Park – other noteworthy international acts playing this year include At the Gates, Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, Gojira, Killing Joke, Poppy, Pup, Sepultura, Skindred and The Distillers. Irish bands Bitch Falcon, The Scratch and Vulpynes will also perform.

Sunstroke tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster. Day tickets cost €79.50. To camp at the festival for its two days, meanwhile, will set you back €169.50. Weekend tickets without camping cost €139.50.

For more information about Sunstroke and to see the full line-up, visit www.sunstrokeireland.com.