Month: March 2011

Creamfields 2011 lineup announced

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chemical brothersHeadlining Saturdays North Stage is The Chemical Brothers, they’re the kings of the block rocking beat, in fact there are few acts who can rival their spellbinding, relentless, euphoric, crowd pleasing performances.   This dance festival exclusive will also be Tom & Ed’s last outdoor show in the UK this year. Returning to host his very own Clublife Stage and back by demand is Tiësto, voted the ‘Greatest DJ Of All Time’ by Mixmag readers and attracting a crowd of over 30,000 last year, expect first rate production and a dance music explosion of epic proportions fortiesto this UK Festival Exclusive. Trance devotees unite as the Grammy nominated and globally acclaimed Paul van Dyk returns exclusively to host his very own Evolution Arena, bringing with him a truck load of production for what is set to be a spectacular performance from this dance music heavyweight.
 
On Sunday we are bringing together two dance titans David Guetta and the Swedish House Mafia.   Following an overwhelming year, we’re excited to welcome back the force du jour that is Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, this trio have become one of the most sought after DJ crews in the world, their performance in 2010 was deservedly voted BBC Radio 1’s ‘Essential Mix Of The Year’and

swedish house mafia

 they return exclusively to Creamfields to host their own arena for the third year running, only this time in an all new, bigger structure to accommodate the masses who couldn’t get in last year!  Expect a hand’s in the air performance like no other with their trademark blockbuster production. 
 
david guettaDavid Guetta has some of the world’s biggest acts fighting for his production skills and is one artiste that has truly crossed over from the intimate dancefloor to the musical masses, he returns in 2011 with an all new stage show to close out the North Stage.
 
Last year he was voted the world’s No.1 DJ by DJ Mag so Creamfields is the obvious choice for trance titan Armin van Buuren who enjoyed his performance so much last year he returns exclusively in 2011 to headline and close out the South Stage. 
 
Determined to keep things fresh and exciting, Cream HQ have introduced two new Outdoor Stages, which are needed to house the many headline acts performing this year, they’ve also introduced a flock of new arenas for your pleasure including one of 2010’s biggest artistes Laidback Luke who will be bringing his Super You&Me party to the fields, as he hosts his very own arena – fancy dress essential!   Steve Angello will be giving festival goers a double helping of Swedish delight as he debuts his own Size Matters Arenaon the Saturday and returns on Sunday under his Swedish House Mafia moniker.  Techno fans will be pleased to see the return of theMixmag Presents Cocoon Arena, Sven Väth who celebrates 30 years on the decks this year will be joined by some of the biggest forces in techno including Marco Carola and a very special performance from Josh Wink.  Bass heads and dub-steppers can take sanctuary in the BBC Radio 1Xtra Arena which makes its debut and features the best of the best from the D&B & dubstep stable.  Other arena hosts include Swedish DJ/Producer Eric Prydz who returns with his peers and label mates to host the Pryda Friends Arena for the second year running.  High priestess of the airwaves Annie Mac makes the journey north with a cherry picked line up for her Annie Mac Presents Arena which includes Erol Alkan, Boys Noize, Fake Blood Live, Jack Beats and more.
 
calvin harrisAnd it doesn’t stop there, other highlights not to be missed include performances from Calvin Harris who will be making his dj’ing debut at Creamfields, performing alfresco on Saturday and under canvas Sunday.  On Saturday dubstep trio Magnetic Man, join The Chemical Brothers on the North Stage along with one of Urban Music’s breakout stars Katy B, American DJ/Producer and mau5trap signing Skrillex who can claim deadmau5 as one of his biggest fans.   Creamfields favourites and dance music legends who need little introduction Sasha, Pete Tong and special guest Paul Oakenfold all join the bill.   Trance trio Above & Beyond who headline Sunday’s Cream Arena will be joined by the likes of Gareth Emery, Markus Schulz and Adam Sheridan and continuing the sound in the Evolution Arena will be Ferry Corsten, Eddie Halliwell, Judge Jules, John O’Callaghan and Cream resident Gareth Wyn.
 
Joining Laidback Luke in the Super You&Me Arena will be Wolfgang Gartner, Ed Banger duo Carte Blanche featuring DJ Mehdi and Riton, Sidney Samson, Congorock and more.
 
benny benassiFrench hip hop and electro DJ/Producer Alex Metric, Dirty South, AN21, Benny Benassi and Dave Spoon join Angello for his Size Matters Arena debut, and BBC Radio 1Xtra have snared a very special performance from Digital Soundboy System feat. Shy FX, Breakage, B.Traits with Donaeo, Youngman + Stamina MC.  Expect live performances from London rapper Example and Armin van Buuren collaborator Chicane plus unforgettable performances from the likes of James Zabiela, Afrojack and Joris Voorn, and offering a sanctuary for the lovers of harder beats is the Goodgreef Xtra-Hard Arena which features performances from the likes ofShowtek, Lisa Lashes and an exclusive live debut from Organ Donors and providing a more luxurious and pampered ‘festival’ experience we’re pleased to announce that Hed Kandi return as hosts of the Hospitality Arena.  More acts to be announced over the coming weeks.
 
Creamfields are delighted to have BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio 1Xtra as this year’s exclusive radio partners; you can hear highlights from the event on both stations the following weekend, and stay tuned to be the first to hear fresh announcements in the run up to the festival - www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 / www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra.
 
This is your final fling of the Summer – This is Creamfields!  Tickets on sale now. 
 
SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST
 
North Stage
The Chemical Brothers (Dance Festival Exclusive)
Magnetic Man
Katy B
Skrillex
 
Clublife Stage
Tiёsto (UK Festival Exclusive)
Calvin Harris (DJ Set)
Diplo
+ More
 
Paul van Dyk Presents Evolution
Paul van Dyk (UK Festival Exclusive)
Ferry Corsten
Eddie Halliwell
Judge Jules
John O’Callaghan
Giuseppe Ottaviani
Filo & Peri 
Gareth Wyn
 
Pryda Friends
Eric Prydz
Sasha
Pete Tong
James Zabiela
Joris Voorn
Sébastian Léger
Funk D’Void
Jeremy Olander
 
Size Matters
Steve Angello
Dirty South
Alex Metric
AN21
Dave Spoon
Third Party
Special Guest: Benny Benassi
 
Annie Mac Presents
Annie Mac
Erol Alkan
Boys Noize
Fake Blood Live
Jack Beats
Flight Facilities
+ More
 
BBC Radio 1Xtra
Andy C                         Joker
Caspa                           Digital Soundboy System Featuring:-
Danny Byrd                   Shy FX / Breakage
Hype                            B.Traits with Donaeo
Goldie                          Youngman + Stamina MC
Mistajam                       MC’s:  Dynamite / GQ / IC3
N-Type                          Nomad / Rod Azlan / Tonn Piper
DJ Fresh
Hatcha
Crissy Criss
Chimpo
 
Hed Kandi Hospitality
Bambina
Phil Faversham
Sam Cannon
Sarah Louise
Alan Hartley
Percussion:  Steve Lewis
Saxophone: Yasmin
 
SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST
 
North Stage
David Guetta
Afrojack
Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano
Alan
+ More
 
South Stage
Armin van Buuren (UK Festival Exclusive)
Example
Chicane
Kaskade
Feed Me
 
Swedish House Mafia
Swedish House Mafia (UK Festival Exclusive)
Calvin Harris (DJ Set)
A-Trak
Norman Doray
Thomas Gold
Alessa
 
Cream
Above & Beyond
Gareth Emery
Markus Schulz
Hernan Cattaneo
Adam Sheridan
Rob Harnetty
Exclusive Special Guest:  Paul Oakenfold
 
Mixmag Presents Cocoon
Sven Väth
Marco Carola
Josh Wink
Onur Özer
Tobi Neumann
 
Super You&Me
Laidback Luke
Wolfgang Gartner
Carte Blanche featuring: DJ Mehdi & Riton
Sidney Samson
Congorock
Sandro Silva
 
Goodgreef Xtra-Hard
Showtek
Lisa Lashes
Kutski
Alex Kidd
Andy Whitby
Rob Tissera
Fausto B2B Phil York
Brian M Vs McBunn
Argy
Exclusive Live Debut: Organ Donors Live
 
Hed Kandi Hospitality
Andy Norman
Carl Hanaghan
Andy Daniels
Stephanie Jay
Alan Hartley
Percussion:  Steve Lewis
Saxophone: Yasmin
 
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW 
           
Tickets:                       
Standard Weekend with Camping           £115+BF*
Hospitality Weekend with Camping         £190+BF*
2 day ticket without Camping                 £115+BF*
 
Early Bird Camping Tickets                    £100+BF **SOLD OUT ***
 
*Limited Ticket Offer
 
Ticket Agents:              
Ticketline:                      www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 44012
Ticketmaster:                 www.ticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 847 2448 (24hr)
DSI:                              www.donstayin.com
Big Green Coach:          www.biggreencoach.com
 

 

V Festival 2011 almost SOLD OUT

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As far as we know, there are still a handful of tickets left from the Big Green Coach Company which are selling coach and camping tickets.

Click here to buy V Festival Staffordshire coach and camping tickets.
Click here to buy V Festival Chelmsford coach and camping tickets.

Do not hesitate to buy your tickets to one of the biggest festivals of the year!

Larmer Tree Festival Join Forces with Bellowhead to Offer Exclusive Free Gig Tickets

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The offer launches on Thursday 3rd March for a limited time only for this special Bellowhead gig. Get in quickly as there are only a limited amount of free tickets on offer for the multi-award winning Bellowhead’s bank holiday celebrations.
 
The 2nd May Bournemouth O2 Academy gig is an extra special date in Bellowhead’s tour as it will also be filmed for ‘Hedonism Live’resulting in a DVD release in autumn 2011. This is a unique chance to grab a freebie ticket to see one of the most celebrated bands of the moment and to be involved in the making of their DVD, whilst at the same time securing a ticket to one of the most sought after events in the UK festival calendar, Larmer Tree Festival.
 
The BBC Folk Awards ‘Best Live Act’, Bellowhead have a short tour planned for April / May to promote the highly acclaimedHedonism album. Since its release in October 2010 Hedonism has sold a boundary-crossing 40,000 albums and the band performed a sell-out tour of the UK in November.
 
Taking place from Wednesday 13th July–Sunday 17th July Larmer Tree is an innovative festival that delivers high quality with a buzzing atmosphere and eccentric antics. Experts in their field and with an event steeped in tradition, Larmer Tree Festival has over 80 acts showcased on six stages, 150 free workshops, award winning international comedians, quirky and unique street theatre, an onsite night club and late night jam sessions; all located in one of the most beautiful festival sites in the country. Joining Bellowhead as Larmer Tree’s 2011 headliners are; king of ‘hobo’ blues Seasick Steve, the almighty Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestrafeaturing original brit pop siren Sandie Shaw and queen rockabilly Imelda May, with more still to be announced!
 
Festival tickets are now on sale with options ranging from individual day tickets, 3-day, 4-day or a full 5-day option, all with camping and car parking included. For more information on tickets please visit the website: http://www.larmertreefestival.co.uk/tickets.html
 
FESTIVAL LINE UP SO FAR:
Seasick Steve / Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest Sandie Shaw / Imelda May / Bellowhead /  Stornoway /  Show of Hands /  C W Stoneking /  Spiers and Boden / Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / The Staves / Mama Rosin /  Penny Black Remedy /  The Dodge Brothers / Boppin’B / Skinny Lister / Moscow Drug Club / Buffalo Gals /  My First Tooth / Matthew and the Atlas / Polly and the Billets Doux / Kalakuta Millionaires /  Goodnight Lenin /  Rosie Doonan / ahab / The Mopes / Disco’s Out (Murder’s In)
BELLOWHEAD GIG INFORMATION:
Date: Monday 2nd May 2011
Location: Bournemouth O2 Academy – 570 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4BH
Buy Online: http://www.larmertreefestival.co.uk/tickets.html
Door Time: 19.30

Snoop Dogg, The Wombats and Scissor Sisters for Lovebox 2011

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snoop doggSnoop Dogg will play Lovebox featuring Daz Dillinger and Kurupt (Tha Dogg Pound), RBX, The Lady of Rage, Joe Cool and special guest Warren G banging out hit after hit from the legendary Doggystyle album, this will be a festival appearance not to be missed. The Doggystyle album has hit quadruple platinum selling status and spawned several hit singles including ‘What’s My Name’ and ‘Gin & Juice’, featuring many guests from the Death Row Label. Lovebox will be reuniting the Death Row heavy weights on stage for what is set to be the festival collaboration of the entire 2011 season. The Dogg will be performing his critically acclaimed album once again with his cousins for one of the first times in years where Lovebox fans will be privy to the lazy drawl and rhythmically complex-lyric delivery which the seminal album is renowned for.
 
katy bIn addition to Snoop’s musical feast, Loveboxers can expect to see groundbreaking singer songwriter Katy B, fresh off the back of her tour with dubstep pioneers Chase & Status, Swedish dance sensation, Robyn, the wildly flamboyant Scissor Sisters, New York based indie four piece The Drums, mixing maestros 2 Many DJs, music and style icons Blondie, scouse rockers The Wombats, Sweden’s “Queen of Chic” Lykke Li,London rapper Example, electronic pop band Metronomy, young brits Fenech-Soler, ex Soft Cell front man Marc Almond, R&B star Kelis, and UK Beatbox Champion Beardyman.
 
scissor sistersTaking place on the intersection of London’s most fashionable boroughs, fans can expect to see the likes of Vogue, Grazia and Dazed trend spotting, with the city’s summer fashionistas bringing a touch of glamour to London’s hippest summer hangout. Taking place over three days each day will have a distinct musical identity.
 
Kicking off the weekend’s music programme and getting the party started will be Lovebox’s boisterous younger sibling, Bang The Box. Bang The Box will be showcasing a speaker-melting hybrid of cutting edge sounds, with a heavyduty underground feel. Featuring the first London Festival appearances from local hero’s Rinse FM who will be hosting an Arena showcasing the very best from the dubstep/grime scene over which they reign, and from France, those coolest of cool Parisian cats, Ed BANGER Records, will both be ensuring the party is fully in swing as Friday night gets off to a flyer…
 
Saturday will be a Music Safari encompassing an eclectic line-up, a strong party vibe and of course international mega stars, hipper than thou rockers and underground club collectives.
 
Closing the weekend with decadence and style, Sunday’s Out and Out Fierce programme will be a collection of the weird, wonderful, and fantastically fabulous; showing diversity, and being a true reflection of our wild, polychromatic, polysexual capital. A welcome return to the Pink summer diary, for the pioneering mirror ball massive, Hoxton fashion acuteness, ringleaders of queer culture, and in addition to the main stage heavy weights, Lovebox fans can once again expect to see a mixture of the fiercest all night parties, ballrooms, gay discos, cabarets, and bingo halls galore, mixing it with recycled couture. Showing the festival how it’s done will include drag queen du jour Jodie Harsh, the Queen of London’s drag scene, bringing her infamous Circus parties out of the warehouses and into the park, Jonny Woo,and dedicated to the industry of human happiness and one popular mixture of disco and drag; DJ collective Horse Meat Disco. Subversive artist/designer/stylist and Vogue favourite Dr Noki will bring a convincing level of fashion credibility to an eclectic array of entertainment.
 
In addition to this musical feast and the real beauty of Lovebox, is that you can quite easily escape from the main stage and still have an unforgettable, deafening, furtive and special experience. With hidden soundsystems, secret corners within the trees, random acts of weirdness, a Farmer’s Market to feed even the capital foodies wildest expectations, street artists, fringe cabaret, cirque, comedy, roaming performance, there will be surprises at every turn defining Lovebox as a true festival experience in the heart of London.
 
Elsewhere in the park, Gaymers Ciderwill return for their fourth year, hosting the Second Stage featuring a series of bands on an original stage setting like no other. The Drums will perform on the Gaymers Stage, alongside Robyn, Kelis, The Wombats, Example, Metronomy, Beardyman, Lykke Li and Dry The River.
 
The Relentless Energy Drink Stage also makes a welcome return to Lovebox, with high energy acts playing epic sets throughout the festival, brought to you by Ed BANGER and Hospitality. Ed Banger head honcho Busy P will be teaming up with graphic designer and illustrator, So Me to form Busy Pictionary. So Me will be creating live artwork on stage whilst Busy P spins the decks.  Electro artist SebastiAn, French house music duo Cassius, DJ superteam Carte Blanche and underground electronic artist, Uffie are also confirmed to perform.  This is set to be a monumental first ever festival appearance for Ed Banger.
 
Fresh from sell out shows all over the UK, Independent Drum & Bass label Hospital Records will be bringing Hospitality to the proceedings for their first ever London festival appearance, including DJ and producer, High Contrast, influential reggae DJ David Rodigan, live collaborative act London Elektricty (featuring Elsa Esmerelda), DJ, producer and musician Danny Byrd, new wave Drum & Bass producer Netsky,pioneers of jungle Drum & Bass Shy FX,Austrian Drum & Bass duo Camo + Krooked,hard-edged grunk composer Starkey, prolific Drum & Bass producer Logistics, highly respected producers, Nu:tone (featuring Natalie Williams), Drum & Bass DJs and producers Sigma and definitive label Wah Wah 45’s Soundsystem. Hosts include drum & bass, dubstep and hip hop MC‘s Wrec, Dynamite, Stamina, A.D. and SP:MC.
 
East London radio stationRinse FM’s dubstep/grime night, FWD Rinse, will be also be making their debut at LOVEBOX 2011 as arena hosts, returning to their home turf of Hackney and Tower Hamlets, where their widely acclaimed station first came to prominence. Artists confirmed for the FWD Rinse stage include dubstep producer and member of dubstep supergroup Magnetic Man, Skream, grime and dubstep producer Plastician, award-winning UK garage star Ms Dynamite, London-based grime music collective, Roll Deep, dupstep DJ Zinc and MC Tippa, electronic music artist, DJ, and owner of the Hyperdub record label, Kode9, garage DJ Roska with rising star of the UK garage scene Jamie George and emerging grime MC P Money.
 
Tom Findlay, Lovebox founder and one half of Groove Armada “Last year’s three day Lovebox was so damn good people said we couldn’t  top it, but with this line up we will! Friday’s Bang the Box delivers bang for your buck – Ed Banger, Skream and The Wombats on a Friday night for only £28. Saturday, Snoop Dogg will turn Victoria Park into an East London block party playing seminal debut album Doggystyle, gin and juice available at the bar. I’ll be there as well with the launch of new GA project ‘Red Light’. Sunday is ‘Out and Out Fierce’ and if you were there last year you’ll know that’s no exaggeration. A full throttle dance off between 2 Many DJs, Scissor Sisters, Blondie, Robyn, and Kelis. Bring your party poppers. Lovebox is London’s only authentic festival. 15-17th July, 3 whole days of summer loving…in Hackney.”
 
The shaded bass-fest under the trees and the thumping euphoric enclosure from the larger festival is altogether the perfect atmosphere for a soundtrack ranging from carnival to old school. 65,000 beautiful people en-masse will be paying pilgrimage for what is ultimately an adult playground that brings out the inner child in everyone for three days a year.  Rock n Roll Chaos, unifying themes, a hedonistic wonderland, and genuinely innovative spirit, Lovebox has something for everyone and is one of summer’s truly essential shindigs.
 
 
Ticket Details
 
Tickets are available from www.lovebox.net as well as from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) or by calling 08448472436.
 
Day tickets from £28.50, tickets on sale 9am Wednesday 2nd March.

Sziget Festival 2011 Lineup announcement

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pulpAmongst the first names of the Pop-Rock Main Stage you get Pulp, coming back on stage after a long period of silence and already announcing that 2011 will see them playing only a few big festival gigs – including Sziget Festival, of course – in their classic line-up. Dizzee Rascal was chosen as the best male performer at last year’s BRIT Awards, and this time all Sziget-fans will have the chance to see why. Main Stage will also host Chicago-based melodic hardcore act Rise Against, Californian rockers Smash Mouth and folk-punk icons Flogging Molly. Interpol is currently on tour with their new album and without any doubt they are going to be one of the most awaited bands of this year’s Sziget Festival. The delicate, enchanting chamber-pop of The National has already fascinated the audience of the world’s most important festivals, and it was definitely not by accident that they received the album of the year prize from Q magazine. Sziget-fans were crazy about Gogol Bordello, so we are more than happy to announce that they will return this year, while Chemical Brothers also promise a spectacular new show for 2011.

 
The newest venue of Sziget Festival is called Europe Stage, aiming to present bands from various parts of the Old World. These bands are typically very popular in their own countries, often filling arenas and stadiums, but not yet achieved break through on an international level. Sziget Festival does its best to open up gates for bands like Triggerfinger, often referred to as the Flemish AC/DC, or the Belgian Queens of the Stone Age, promoting their new album All This Dancin’ Around. The Europe Stage also welcomes one of the most popular Italian alternative rock bands Verdena and make sure you get ready for Söhne Mannheims, German allstars formed of a dozen of outstanding musicians and covering a wide range of styles from r’n’b to reggae, rock, hiphop and pop.
 
World music fans get a five-day roundtrip of various genres and as usually, Sziget Festival’s World Music Main Stage will focus on the latest revelations and the biggest shots of the scene without geographical or stylistic limits. A fine example is AfroCubism, one of the greatest sensations of the past few months. We should also mention Cuba-based Eliades Ochoa and band, teaming up with Mali giants Kasse Mady Diabaté, Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté and Djelimady Tounkara to make an unforgettable show. The Argentine-Swiss-French combination of Gotan Project will once again present an undoubted skill in pushing the borders of tango, while the world music venue also offers a fine selection of Balkan music: Goran Bregovic will play beloved Romany anthems together with his remarkable Wedding And Funeral Band. A great news for fans of flamenco as well as hiphop is the gig of Barcelona-based Ojos de Brujo, playing at Sziget as an important station of their farewell tour. Rotfront from Berlin will try their best to be even more successful than they were last year… quite a challenge to say the least. And this is still just a prelude of happiness. France, a clear stronghold of folk- and world music will also have a firm representation with two beautiful bands. Old friends Les Hurlements d’Léo will create a special merge of the sensitivity of French chanson and ‘merciless’ punkrock, while Debout Sur Le Zinc will play the first Sziget show of their 12 years career, revealing their irresistible style of Celtic-Klezmer-tango-rock-gypsy-fusion.
 
marina and the diamondsThe A38-WAN2 Stage has been offering a wide selection of trendy and cult bands year after year and this process goes on also in 2011. The venue will host Marina and the Diamonds, who is not only a fashion-dictator, but was also nominated for BRIT, BBC Sound and NME music awards, and has even received the prize of the best British/Irish band of the year at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Another great band playing on this stage will be Skunk Anansie, a band hard to label in terms of genre, playing an interesting merge of metal, reggae, electronics and post new-wave. And we should not forget about Hurts, flagship of contemporary British synthpop, awarded as best new band on the 2011 Shockwaves NME Awards.
 
The Party Arena is the place to be at nights if you are into dj’s and partyculture in general. But even more than that: before the sun goes down this is also an exciting live act scene. Some of the artists playing here will include The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77, one of the most talented players of the electronic scene and new rave allstars Hadouken! Fans will also get the chance of listening to Crystal Castles, aiming atan audience that is open to visualize unknown and fantastic levels of musical existence. Those who have already seen them play live are captured by their sound and charisma forever. So make sure you arrive early to fit in the tent.  
 
motorheadSziget Festival has also a lot to offer for the fans of harder styles. This year organizers will make sure that rockers can get out of their well known tent and enjoy some fresh air with the introduction of the Metal Main Stage. The venue will present rock and metal acts in an open-air scenery with two international and two domestic stars playing each day. For this stage the focus is not necessarily on following the latest trends, rather on highlighting brutal guitar-riffs and some of the legends of the scene. The two early names announced suggest that this venue will be one of the most popular stages of the festival this year. Who are they? According to some fresh news, one of the most important metal bands of all times, Judas Priest is going on tour for the last time ever and they will definitely visit Sziget to make sure fans get stiff necks after a crazy night of headbanging. Motörhead will also return to Hungary, playing a thundering, high-speed, friendly and evil gig like they always did throughout the thirty-five years of their career. If you have ever seen them before, you already know that they simply ignore the age factor, so their live shows are as crazy and wild as the ones you get from musicians half of their age. Co-headliners playing at the venue will include Finnish power-metal heroes Sonata Arctica, already crowned with four golden records and surely considered as one of the most striking bands of the scene.
 
Although this is just the beginning, only a fragment of all the star-performers to be announced later, it is already clear that music fans from all over the world will have a great time at Sziget Festival also this year.
 

Last but not least, another great piece of news: you can buy your Sziget Festival tickets in 2011 for the same price you did last year. Early bird weekly tickets (including camping) are available for 170 Euros till 30 April and if you are not the camper type you can buy a non-camping weekly for 140 Euros. The prices will go up 30 Euros each after the early bird period is over, so it does make sense to think ahead. Daily tickets will be available for 45 Euros.

 

Bestival Fancy Dress Theme announced

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BESTIVAL COMES TO KOKO

PRESENTING THIS YEAR’S 
BESTIVAL FANCY DRESS THEME

‘ROCK STARS, POP STARS AND DIVAS’

AND
LIVE: KITTY DAISY & LEWIS | 
THE CUBAN BROTHERS | YAAKS | GHOSTPOET | 
SKINNY LISTER | MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER
  DJs: ROB DA BANK | SOMBRERO SOUND SYSTEM |
GREGS GREATS

PLUS

A VERY SPECIAL GUEST TO BE ANNOUNCED

 
With just over two weeks to go until March 19th when all good Bestival-ites descend upon Camden, to take over KOKO and party the night away at our exclusive annual London bash, we can reveal not only our sumptuous line-up of musical goodies but also our hotly debated Bestival Fancy Dress theme for 2011!

Rob da Bank says: ‘Dressing up and escapism has always been a big part of Bestival and our faithful crew are mega inventive to the point of eccentricity!  This year’s theme of Rock Stars, Pop Stars and Divas should give everyone enough ideas to really let rip with some outrageous, weird and downright flamboyant outfits. There are no excuses! Having said that i hope everyone doesn’t take it too literally – I’d love to see some Frank Zappas, Captain Beefhearts, Skream and Bengas or a Karen Carpenter as much as the better known faces. This has got to be a great opportunity for some group action too! Personally it’s a toss-up between Dolly Parton and Prince… could make for an interesting outfit!’

That’s right it’s time to channel your inner Rock Star, Pop Star or for the more daring, to unleash your inner Diva.  If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the late great Michael Jackson or think you can give Madonna a run for her money in a leotard or perhaps rocking  Slash’s iconic top hat look has always appealed, now’s your chance as we launch our Rock Stars, Pop Stars And Divas theme.  KOKO is the testing ground for the big one on the Isle of Wight, so we want to see a cornucopia of Kate Bush-a-likes, a deluge of David Bowies and a full-house of Freddie Mercurys rocking, popping but hopefully not stropping (hold it down you Divas!) at our no holds barred rave-up at KOKO and then again in September at Robin Hill Country Park when we’ll be going for the biggest fancy dress party world record again!

Along with all the dressing up shenanigans we’re exceptionally excited to announce that Bestival favouritesKitty Daisy & Lewis will be topping the bill at our exclusive London Shindig at KOKO on March 19th. With a new single on Sunday Best imminent (keep an eye out on Monday for more news on that) and the release of the much anticipated second album in the offing, the band will be playing a wealth of brand new self-penned material as well as all the old classics, including ‘Mean Son of a Gun’ and ‘Honolulu Rock-A-Roll-A’, in their first headline appearance in over a year!  That’ll be worth the ticket price alone!

Other top turns playing at our one of one-off Besti-bash include The Cuban Brothers, our intrepid Havana trio who will orchestrate a giddying display of body popping and funk and, most probably, nudity to blow away the winter blues and get people very much focussed on a summer of fun. Joining them will be Eastbourne’s Yaaks who will portray the thoughts of Jean Jacques Rousseau through their six musical minds and the medium of pop music. From philosophy to rhymes from beyond the grave, well almost, asGhostpoet will be on hand to chill and inspire with his drifting tales of the morning after the night before. High octane folksters Skinny Lister will get things rocking with some foot stomping shanties and Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer will recite the hippest hop in the bestest Queen’s English. 

Bestival main man Rob da Bank will don the ones and twos for one of his legendary party sets, as the visionary behind the beyond eclectic line-ups which have made Bestival so beloved over the past nine years, you can expect to be cutting rug all night long. Also hitting the decks will be the ever amazing Sombrero Sound System who will cross genres and generations to make it a truly special evening and Greg’s Greats who will be dropping the needle on a treasure trove of shellac grooves. Plus we have one more very special guest to be announced soon!

Sunrise Celebration 2011 Update

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This year’s event sees the most diverse musical line-up yet throughout our 12 stages, and the launch of the new Sunrise Stage, featuring exciting new acts and some old faves, along with Circus acts and wild pyro-antics.
 
So far lineup includes:
 
 The Beat, Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit, Orb Soundsystem, System 7, Shpongle – DJ set, Eat Static – DJ set, Far Too Loud, Banco De Gaia, The Soothsayers feat. ‘Fela’ Horns, The Travelling Band, and we have even more really exciting headliner announcements coming up soon…..
 
Speakers include Graham Hancock, Jonathan Cainer, Mark Boyle, Charlie Veitch, Charles Dowding and Tamsin Omond.
 
For 2011 the theme is ‘time-travellers’, with a steampunk feel to the carnival antics especially at the new, quirky and eccentric ‘Feast of Fools Victorian Emporium’, presented by Bloodstone, The Guild of Traditional Showmen, European Artists & Craftsfolk who travel the land performing in their handmade Victorian Market, ‘The Feast of Fools’ spectacular will be portraying ‘1000 Years of Albion …from the Kingdoms of Ancient Britain through the Empire of Victorian England…….to the Rocking & Rolling reality of the United Kingdom today!’
 
Also new this year is the Forest Garden Area and Deep Ecology Yurt, joining the usual all activating and inspiring program in the Village Green and Transition Tin Village.
 
All of this, as ever, powered on 100% renewable energy
Tickets £108 in advance/£125 on the gate (if they are available)

See www.sunrisecelebration.com

Sunrise Stage:  The Beat, System 7, Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit, Juldeh Camara and Justin Adams, Soothsayers Feat. ‘Fela’ Horns, Sheelanagig, The Travelling Band,  Seize The Day, Zubzub, Avalonian Free State Choir, MC Xander.

Chai Wallahs: Dizraeli and The Small Gods, The Boxettes, Joe Driscoll, Afrik Bawantu, Yes Sir Boss, Rackabeat & Bar-low, Zen Elephant, Resonators, Only Joe, Free Piece,  Jono McCleery, Submotion Orchestra, Tin Roots, East Park Reggae Collective, Extra Curricular, The Peoples String Foundation,  Backbeat Soundsytem, Siddy Bennet,  Phillip Henry, Coco’s Lovers, The Whiskey Drifters, Mankala Mbuende Band, Leigh Coleman, The Asbo Disco, Skuff & Inja, DJ Moneyshot, DJ Parker.

Dance stage: Orb Soundsystem, Mirror System, Tristan, Laughing Buddha, Shpongle- DJ set, Eat Static- DJ set, Far Too Loud, Banco De Gaia, James Monro, Major Clanger, George Barker, Hedflux, Slackbaba, Tron, Manasseh, Ekanta, DJ Moon, Lucas, Liquid Ross, OOOD, Zub Zub- DJ set, Pieman, Gio, Trevor P, Wicki, Aliji, Jody Opuspocus, Sally, Razzek, Katie G, BRSS (Bridgewater Reggae Soundsystem).

Chill out stage: Entheogenic, Terra Nine, Northcore, Nova, Solar Quest, Nick Interchill, Chandrananda, Robin Triskele, Bez23, Steve Kundalini, Irish Faery, Red Earth, Ben Crystal, Fluid, Nigel Photon, Chillion, Toulliche.

Pussyfoot Cabaret Lounge: The Ones, The Mad Cows, DJ Poshratz, The Duckworths, DJ Si Goodgroove, The Blackstar Liners, Rae, Jump Mama

Ancient Futures:  Hosted by ‘Portal For The Immortal’
“Everything from Entheogens & shamanic journeys to Visionary art & the history of LSD”
Speakers: David Luke (Psychoactives, psychic ability & the pineal gland),
Andy Letcher (Making Sense of Magic Mushrooms),
Luke Brown (A true visionary view of reality),
Andy Roberts (The History of LSD),
Benjamin Crystal (Amazonian Shamanism & the Treesource foundation),
Tony Wright (Left in the Dark),
Louis Standon (drug use & abuse in the western world),
Rita Hraiz.
Music: Live acoustic music to include: Ravi Ji, Adrian Freedman, Shimshai, The overtone Project, Jack Jennings, Green, Ifly, Rashid Sunny Winter, Allen Morgan.

Carnival of Life: Read My Hips dance space- “a diverse selection of global dance workshops and jams designed specifically to make you shake, stomp, wiggle and writhe with colour, rhythm and raw energy.”
Pan African dance, african drumming,  Bollywood and Bhangra boogies, Tribal fusion bellydance,Ka-Zimba,hiphop, capoeira, middle eastern and gypsy steps,samba, columbian drumming and salsa…
Plus dance and drum jams.

Bloodstone’s Feast of Fools Emporium (presents): ‘1000 Years of Albion’, Edutainment about the Past for the Future. The Guild of Traditional Showmen ~ European Artists & Craftsfolk with a handmade Victorian Market.
‘With a reel and a rant and a right proper knees-up we bring to life the spirit of Merry England!’. Tricksters &  Tattooists,  Urchins & Candy Floss girls, tarts and tramps,  Sweeney Todd’s pie shop,  the Honeymoon Tavern, Folk Ceilidh,  Vaudeville Musicians,  Jazz Bands,  the Shambolic Sideshow,  Ravers & Ranters,  Showtime each night- Flaming Dance& Beating Drum, Cockney Knees-up with Merrymakers Music Hall, Johnny Cage & the Voodoo Groove & the Hoochie Coochie Girls 54, white lies, wicked fibs & shaggy dog fables.
Music: MC Daniel Herlakin, Merrymakers Music Hall, Come into my Parlour, Johnny Cage & the Voodoo Groove, The Idler Book Shop, Chicken Shed Zeppelin, Pentacle Drummers

Universal Mysteries (Huw): Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval (author of ‘The Orion Mystery’),  Lucy Wyatt (author of ‘Approaching Chaos’),  Jonathon Cainer (Daily Mail astrologer), Hugh Newman (author of ‘Earth Grids’), Litmus (‘Freeman on the land’), Ashera Hart (‘Sonic Stuff’), Peter Knight (‘West Kennet Mysteries’), Shaun Kirwan.

Tin Village/Speakers Corner (AKA The Green Dome):  inspiring talks and workshops during the day and cinema by night, all powered by V3 power, “find the inspiration to get active and rethink a positive future”
Tamsin Omond – Climate Rush (Activism)
Charlie Veitch – The Love Police – & The Kindness Offensive (Activism)
Mark Boyle- The Moneyless Man (Activism)
Bryce Gilroy-Scott – GSE at CAT (Green Innovations workshops)
Bridget Strawbridge – Its not easy being Green  
Charles Dowding – Organic Gardener/Author
Paul Capel – “Cradle to Cradle inspired” -(Green Innovations workshops)
Mark Standeven – (Green Innovations workshops)

Kids Area: The same as last time but more… arts & crafts, skateboarding, climbing wall…

Motörhead and W.A.S.P to headline Bloodstock Open Air

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motorheadClosing the weekend’s proceedings, the legendary MOTÖRHEAD step up to make sure that BLOODSTÖCK 2011 ends with a suitable bang. One of the most successful bands the British rock scene has ever produced, MOTÖRHEADhave sold over 42 million albums worldwide, received the prestigious Grammy Award and sent several singles smashing into the UK Top 40 charts in their 36 years. But what they do best, as we all know, is play Rock’n’Roll, and what better place to deliver the goods than at the end of the most metal weekend in the British calendar. There is much to celebrate, as iconic frontman LEMMY warns:
 
‘Bloodstock is celebrating 11 years, Motörhead 36 years – Boys and girls, come and see, we will rock your fu**in’ ass’. See you at Bloodstock!’

Possibly the biggest band to ever grace the grounds of CATTON HALL, MOTÖRHEAD’s headline set atBLOODSTÖCK 2011 will mark a standout moment in the festivals history, and with the promise of heavy hits like “Bomber”, “Overkill”, “Killed By Death” and “Ace Of Spades”, the loudest so far.
 
Multi-million selling metal legends W.A.S.P have the honours of winding down Friday’s festivities, at their only UK festival of 2011. Led by the infamous BLACKIE LAWLESS, W.A.S.P have been alarming the more conservative members of decent society for nearly three decades now. Like last year’s headliners Twisted Sister, W.A.S.P enjoyed the kind of notoriety that only a mob of politically active angry parents could provide, after being targeted by Tipper Gore’s PMRC who hurled ridiculous and misinformed accusations, apparently worried that heavy metal was going to ruin civilisation. 25 years later, the band can expect a much warmer reception at Catton Hall. With a catalogue of kick-ass classics such as “I Wanna Be Somebody”, “Wild Child” and “L.O.V.E Machine” to sing along to, W.A.S.P’s headline set at this year’s BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR is bound to be a summer festival highlight.BLACKIE LAWLESS comments:
 
“W.A.S.P. swarm down on England, August 2011 – bringing – bloodbath – bloodrock – BLOODSTOCK” !!!
 
As well as the two fantastic headliners, BLOODSTOCK can also reveal a further five acts to solidify a mightily impressive undercard. Returning to BLOODSTOCK, Swedish heavy metal masters HAMMERFALL make an exclusive appearance on the RONNIE JAMES DIO stage. These seasoned musicians have become one of the leading and most successful metal acts of our time, flying the flag for true metal at a time when nobody cared about classic metal and baggy jeans were all the rage. With the same like minded spirit as BLOODSTOCK, HAMMERFALL deserve credit for keeping the heavy metal genre alive despite what fashions and trends dictate. Throw your horns and bang your head as the Steel-hearted Swedes deliver metallic anthems such as “By Any Means Necessary”, “Templars Of Steel” “Hearts On Fire” and “Renegade” at their only UK festival appearance this summer.
 
Joining them on the RJD stage will be Finnish gothic metallers POISONBLACK. Fronted by Ville Laihiala, formerly of suicidal metalheads Sentenced, POISONBLACK spread sonic poison and infect the masses with highly addictive dark rock hymns. Intense yet catchy, their ability to rock hard while still keeping a sombre mood showcases just how unique a band they are, and with gloomy tunes such as “Rush”, “Bear The Cross” and “My Sun Shines Black” under their sleeve, POISONBLACK are bound to go down a storm at their BLOODSTOCK debut.
 
On the SOPHIE stage, additions come in the form of Blackened thrashers BYFROST, freaky prog-metallers DEADLY CIRCUS FIRE, and, from the ashes of legendary black metallers Venom, new project PRIMEVIL.

Tickets for the 2011 event are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

VersaEmerge, The Pretty Reckless and more added to Download 2011

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versaemergeNew kids on the block VersaEmerge, tipped to be the next Paramore (whom they share a label with) will be making their Download Festival debut, hot off the heels from the Alternative Presstour in America where they share the bill with Black Veil Brides, who are also playing this year’s Download.
 
Gossip Girl and Hollywood actress Taylor Momsen will bethe pretty reckless bringing her rock outfit The Pretty Reckless to Download, following a Top Ten album in the UK charts (for 2010’s Light Me Up). Multi million selling US rockers Puddle Of Mudd, will return to the UK for the first time since 2002 to play Download for the very first time in their 19 year career, which hasseen hit singles such as ‘Blurry’ and ‘She Hates Me’.
 
Roadrunner signings Times Of Grace, featuring Killswitch Engage guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, and formerKillswitch vocalist Jesse Leach will perform, along with West Yorkshire heavy metal outfit Evile, who are now writing their third album following North American dates with the likes of Kreator, Overkill and Voivod.
 
Having already played the Download Festival, plus toured with metal legends such as Slipknot, Slayer and Megadeth, Suicide Silence are to hit Download once again to showcase the new material currently being written for their third full length album, with UK hardcorepunk rockers Your Demise also returning to the fray to raise hell with this year’s Download crowds.
 
Weekend tickets for Download (at 2010 prices) are on sale now from
http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/2011/tickets/
 
Guest Area passes are once again available, allowing you unlimited access to the general guest area over the 3 days of the festival. Located only a short distance from the main stage fans can get away and relax with undercover facilities, toilet trailers, privatecash bars, dining options and “random occurrences” unseen in the general arena!
 
RIP Packages are also available.

Wireless Festival adds David Guetta, Bruno Mars and more!

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david guettaAlready boasting The Black Eyed Peas, Brit Award winners Plan B & Tinie Tempah, and Example, Friday July 1’s line-up has now got even better!  Special guest David Guetta will take to the Hyde Park stage with his signature sound of quirky electro, house and dirty pop. He has joined forces with some of pop’s biggest names including Kelly Rowland, Akon, Flo Rida and headliners Black Eyed Peas to create the biggest chart smashes of the past two years.  His fourth album ‘One Love’ has sold over 2.8 million copies, Guetta’s appearance is set to ignite the Hyde Park crowds.  An extraordinary talent, Grammy Award winner Bruno Mars is currently taking the UK by storm.  He co-wrote four UK number one singles in 2010 including his debut solo single ‘Just The Way You Are’ which became one of the biggest selling singles of last year.  This year has seen him release another chart topping single ‘Grenade’ whilst his debutbruno mars album ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’ also went straight in at number one.   Multi-talented musician Labrinth has experienced an extraordinary career trajectory. The producer, writer and guest vocalist behind Tinie Tempah’s massive hits, Pass Out and Frisky, and soon to be future hits for Professor Green, JLS and Devlin, he recentlyreleased his debut single ‘Let The Sunshine’, which hit number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.  With LA-based quartet Far East Movement who have already hit number one on Billboards Hot 100, R & B goddess Yasmin and the new don of UK hip-hop Wretch 32 also confirmed for Friday’s line-up this is set to be a must see event!
 
Saturday 2 July is set to be a scorching day of sensational music. Since bursting onto the scene in 2002, The Streets, the sobriquet of Birmingham garage rapper Mike Skinner, has become one of the most respected lyrical maestros of modern rap with his sharp observations of modern life. His second studio album ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’, released in 2004, went straight to number one, spawning songs including ‘Fit But Don’t You Know It’ and the number one chart topper ‘Dry Your Eyes’. His next release two years later, ‘The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living’, also headed straight to number one and sold three million copies across the UK. With the release of his fifth and final album as The Streets‘Computers and Blues’ earlier this year, this is set to be one of the last opportunities fans will get to see The Streets live on stage.Urban music’s breakout star Katy B ushered a new wave of R&B last year when she released her dub-step anthem ‘Katy On A Mission’. The single debuted at number five and topped the indie and dance charts. With her highly anticipated debut album ‘On A Mission’ set for release in April, the Peckham born and bred Katy is on course to be the most high-profile star to arise from dubstep.  The enigmatic, Dagenham born Devlin set the bar for a new generation of Grime music in 2006 with his underground classic, Tales from the Crypt. In December 2009, he was named on the BBC’S Sounds of 2010 Longlist, cited as ‘one of the hottest names on the underground grime scene’. His debut album ‘bud, sweat & beers’ was released in November last year.  Fusing rock and rave German dance punk duo Digitalism who have re-worked tracks for the likes of The White Stripes, The Klaxons and The Cure are another fantastic addition to Saturday’s sterling bill.