The Great Skinhead Reunion

On Saturday 7 June 2014, Dr. Martens joined The Great Skinhead Reunion on Brighton’s seafront as part of their ongoing celebration of Britain’s subcultures. Gathering at the Volks for three days of reggae, ska, punk and two-tone music, the event offered a great insight into the fashion and spirit of a sometimes misunderstood tribe.

The DMs’ customised cherry red 1984 Layland DAF Sherpa Van (with booming sound system and free in-built photo booth) added hugely to the atmosphere, and gave users a 15 per cent discount on the full range at the Brighton store (at 15b Prince Albert Street).

Symond Lawes, organiser of The Great Skinhead Reunion, said: “The Reunion began because a few of my friends had died, and I wanted to appreciate and remember them. It started off as a drink with a few mates four years ago, but then I put it on the internet and it’s now worldwide, with people coming from Australia, North and South America, Scandinavia, East and West Europe. The event doubled in size since last year and is expected to grow next year … we get people of all ages joining us, from 15 year old kids to people in their late 60s. The weekend has been about celebrating not only a youth culture but also musical style.”

Dr. Martens’ boots have long formed a part of the skinhead ‘uniform’, complete with button down short-sleeve shirt, neatly turned up jeans and braces. Lizzie Boyd, store manager of Dr. Martens Brighton added: “The skinhead community are some of our most loyal shoppers. We’ve heard some great stories this weekend and met some really interesting characters.”

The next event will take place over the first weekend of June in 2015. See www.subcultz.com for information.