Culture Night: Kampus 40th anniversary in Cork

In 1977, the Downtown Kampus was setup by UCC Entertainments Officer Elvera Butler in order to bring rock bands to play in Cork’s in Arcadia Ballroom (colloquially known as The Arc).

For some four years, touring national and international bands played at The Arc, which in turn inspired local gig-goers to form their own bands.

On Saturday August 30th 1980, local bands Mean Features, Microdisney, Nun Attax, and Urban Blitz played a gig which was recorded live and released as the Kaught at the Kampus. There is currently a mural celebrating the Kampus EP on Grand Parade.

On Friday September 18th – as part of Culture Night – both Conjun Box and Cork Zine Archive will present the 'Kampus Turns 40' in the Grand Parade Library. Through testimonials from the Kampus musicians, gig-goers and organisers, along with photographs capturing the gig by Ciarán O Tuama and Pat Galvin, Kaught at the Kampus will be celebrated.

A new version of the EP, which includes previously unreleased material, will also get its first public airing on the night.