A heavy music fan and find yourself in Bangkok this weekend? Then the only place you need to be is at Rock Alarm Festival.

An annual congregation of heavy music, this year it is a solely Thai lineup, celebrating some of the heavyweights, current favourites and future stars of the country’s alternative/heavy music scene.

Held this Saturday, the 17th of May, at Warehouse Stadium at Klong Toei, it’s going to be over 12 hours of music across four stages. There is also an artist market and of course, food stalls and other sights to see.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the Thai scene, the diversity across the acts will ensure that there is something for all tastes.

Honestly, as long as you like music loud and at least a little heavy- you will have a great time. Trust us. We are returning for the second year in a row.

Interested? Well here is a bit of a guide to get you through the day.

TIMETABLES
As we mentioned, there are four stages- all finishing/starting at various times. Starting at 11am and finishing at midnight, it may seem like a long day but right from the beginning there are class acts to catch. (We will be starting the day at the SPIRIT STAGE , catching long time NNV favourites The Creation of Adam– but we also recommend the Chamber Stage to catch the idol metal Queens in Dead Kat)

While it may seem these stages are finishing early, the other two larger stages- the Machine Stage and the will be going on till late at night, culminating with metalcore icons ANNALYNN in their triumphant return.

(For our ore loving fans- make sure you try to catch NOPEN, Tragedy of Murder, G6PD, Sudden Face Down, Ugoslabier…look okay, there are so many to choose)

WHAT TO BRING

Organisers have made it pretty clear what to and not bring, so let’s start there! Make sure you have your ID, your ticket (which you can purchase here), your phone, powerbank and as rainy season has started, something to protect your from the rain. Umbrellas- make sure they are the small ones that you can carry in a bag.

Also, if you are not living here in Thailand and can’t pay by QR Code, make sure you have cash on you too!

Of course, like most festivals- make sure you are not bringing in outside food (trust us, if last year is anything to go by- there is plenty of great food available and not too expensive). Also no professional photography equipment (gopros, little cameras seem to be fine- just no selfie sticks and of course NO DRONES). No weapons of course. Even though it is legal, leave your weed back in the hotel along with your vape pen. We know the studs and spikes are tempting too- but make sure if you are planning to wear them, they are super small and blunt. (And while we love your pets- just send us a photo and leave them at home).

SCHEDULE

Doors open at 10am, so does the merchandise sales. The first band will be on at 11am. For those who maybe new to Thailand- there are stricts laws around the selling of alcohol so you will find that they cannot serve till 11am, and they will stop alcohol service from 2pm till 5pm. From 5pm though, they will be onsale till midnight.

NNV TIPS FOR THE DAY

Now, if this is your first music festival in Thailand (or even South East Asia)- congratulations! You are going to have a great time but to make this guide worthwhile, let us impart some knowledge.

NNV ASIA PACIFIC SUMMER FESTIVAL SURVIVAL TIPS:

• HYDRATION. Make sure you are keeping your fluids up throughout the day. It can sneak up on you. Take it a little easy on the alcohol to because it will hit you hard and fast if you aren’t careful. Pro tip: Hydralite or something similiar before and after the event.
  
• SUN PROTECTION. The Thai sun is HOT and Thai sunscreen is some of the best engineered in the world (after Australia) so even if it is cloudy- it can still burn. Pro Tip: Reapply after every two bands to avoid getting burnt.
  
• PORTABLE FANS. You can find these everywhere and everybody will be using them. Just make sure the batteries are fresh. Pro tip: Carry a hand fan too for back up.
  
• CHANGE OF CLOTHES. You will get sweaty FAST. So having a fresh shirt to change into is always handy. Pro tip: kill two birds with one stone by buying a new shirt from one of the bands.
  
• GYM/MUFFLER TOWEL. These always come in handy to wipe off that extra sweat. Pro tip: you can tie them around your bag for easy access/storage (and have more room in your bag).
  
• RELAX. What we mean by that is, it’s going to get hot and sweaty. So know your limits when it comes to moshing/the sun/alcohol. Don’t stress about how you look and remember to just enjoy the moment. Pro tip: The Thai heavy music scene is the best, so relax, treat people with respect and look after yourself in return.

So that’s our Rock Alarm Guide, if you have any questions or comments- let us know.

We will be roaming the festival along with our good friends Lambda TV and Asia Bleagh, so if you want to come have a chat, say hi or even be in our social media, keep an eye out for us!

We will see you in the pit!