Returning to headline the whole damn thing for the second time is Gainesville, Florida’s legendary ska-punk stompers, LESS THAN JAKE! Their 2019 performance at Ship Point Inner Harbour was one of the most iconic in our festival’s history so bringing them back for a hot and sweaty encore in the Curling Club was a no-brainer. Led by the dual-vocal attack of co-frontmen Roger Lima and Chris Demakes, the group has made fans all over the globe with their infectious energy, sticky melodies, and hummable horn lines. Despite their humble beginnings in a Floridian college town, the group quickly built a grassroots audience through relentless touring with the likes of Blink-182 and Descendents and innumerable appearances on the influential Vans Warped Tour. Albums such as 1998’s Hello Rockview and 2003’s Anthem remain touchstone releases in the ska-punk canon and the group continues to put out exceptional music over three decades into their career. A lot as changed in the world since they graced our festival five years ago, but what certainly hasn’t changed is the sense of joy and celebration that comes from a Less Than Jake performance.   From sunny Florida to snowy Montreal, joining Less Than Jake on the bill is none other than Canada’s finest ska-punk party-starters, THE PLANET SMASHERS! While this only marks their third appearance at the festival, the relationship between the band and the Victoria Ska & Reggae Society goes back decades. Fan-favourite songs such as the high-octane “Blind” and sunny “Surfing in Tofino” are guaranteed to a find a spot in the heart of any diehard ska fan. Not only has the band shared its own incredible music with the masses, frontman Matt Colyer is also the co-founder of Stomp Records, the beloved label that helped launch the careers of bands such as Bedouin Soundclash, Belvedere, and The Flatliners. Warming up the stage with the power of hellfire is New York City’s MEPHISKAPHELES. Blending elements of ska, punk, metal, and avant-garde jazz with campy satanic imagery, the group has amassed a serious cult following among punks, skins, and rudies looking for something a bit more adventurous (and blasphemous). Kicking things off are local legends SWEETLEAF who played the festival an unprecedented seven consecutive years from 2013 to 2019. After playing a raucous reunion show in late 2023, the boys are back and better than ever. Lastly, keeping the vibes hot between bands will be YOUNG ROYAL. A long-time friend of the festival, this Bay Area-via-Vancouver selector has a deep crate of ska and rocksteady scorchers that are guaranteed to keep your feet moving. This may be the best evening of ska-punk in the festival’s 25 year history. Don’t miss out!