The High Vis Festivalreturned to Birmingham for its fifth edition, last weekend on the 24th and 25th of September. The High-Vis Festival is a celebration of street culture, encompassing everything from graffiti art to skateboarding, breakdancing, street food, live music, and workshops. It was completely free as it is a non-profit festival that is open to people of all ages and backgrounds. The event was held at Digbeth Tea Works. More than 30 artists participated, including names like Zooki, Annatomix, Tempo33, Title, Void, and many others.
This year, they teamed up with Red Bull UK and hosted a skate competition called 'Red Bull Road Gap.' A large number of skaters from across the Midlands came to participate. Among them were Luke McManus, who is sponsored byKrooked Skateboards, Kris Vile, who is sponsored byAlmost Skateboards, Tristan Jones, Sully Barnes, and James Hewett. Unfortunately, skaters under 16 were not allowed to skate the gap due to safety concerns, but Banter Skateboards organised a mini jam for those under 16 later in the afternoon.
We had a chat with Sully, whose favorite skate trick of the day was Tjs Smith grind flip out. He advised that to get involved in skating jams, one should relax and have fun, but also remember skatepark etiquette as things can become quite hectic quickly. The setup he was using included an 8.25 hockey deck,Ace Trucks, Spitfire Formula Foursand a collection of various bearings accumulated over the years.
The Red Bull Road Gap was supported by Ideal Skate Shop, Banter Skate, Karma Skateboards, and Skateboard GB.
We interviewed Celcio Santos, the owner of Banter. His most memorable moments include encouraging Fatima to drop in on the quarter pipe and her succeeding, making her extremely happy, Kris Vile's frontside flip on the big quarter, and Tristan Jones' front side smith flip out on the rail, which was outstanding.
Banter Skateboardsbegan with Celcio and his friends filming each other, and over time it started to gain attention. Around 2019, he began experimenting with Skate Clothing and improved his skills. Banter as a concept is about humor and friendly interaction, maintaining a youthful spirit rather than a childish one, and bringing young people together. Celcio's current setup includes Ace hollow trucks,Bones Reds bearings, Orbs wheels. He usually rides LiberalisSkateboard Decksbut also offers decks under his own brand, Banter.
When the next skate event happens, come along and join in. All you'll need is aSkateboard, Skate Shoes, we recommend Vansand to be cautious, wear aHelmet and Knee Padsbecause falling is part of skateboarding.