Month: July 2015

Wireless Festival 2015 Full Review

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Thousands flocked to Finsbury Park this weekend for popular festival – Wireless. Each year the festivals line up is spectacular, Summer Festival Guide headed over to check things out. With over 40 acts on both  Saturday and Sunday; including Ciara, Jessie J, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, Avicci and Kendrick Lamar, Wireless was sure to be a festival not to be forgotten.
 
With the sun beating down on Finsbury Park Saturday's sold-out show, started to fill out almost immediately. As the crowd flooded through the gates of Finsbury Park, they were greeted by a high-spirited Conor Maynard who kicked started Saturday on the main stage, whilst KStewart and Ady Sulieman took to the other two stages. 
 
Raleigh Ritchie and Tinashe later took to the main stage and both performed equally good sets. Raleigh got the crowd jumping around and seemed to genuinely enjoy it just as much as they were enjoying him. Tinashe performed a great up beat set from her latest album Aquarius. Summer Festival Guide caught up with Raleigh Ritchie back stage where he told us about his love for performing, festivals and Game of Thrones.
 
Indiana took to the Pepsi Max Arena where she slowed things down a bit and performed a very mellow set. Fans swayed as the singer performed tracks from her latest album – ‘No Romeo’ and she drew in the crowd however the singer sped things up a bit towards the end of her set and the crowd loved it. 
 
Whilst waiting for Mary J Blige crowds flocked to numerous food vans to refuel. Ranging from Chinese to Mexican, Vegan to Steak Grills and Lebanese to Caribbean food the crowd were definitely spoilt for choice. Mary J Blige dived straight in to her set list starting with her hit song ‘Just Fine’. The crowd immediately jumped to their feet and started dancing. Mary J had the crowd dancing for the whole 45 minutes of her set. With a great set list and her high-spirit Mary J had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hands.
 
Gorgon City and Childish Gambino later took to the main stage. Whilst Stormzy took to the RE: WIRED stage. Gorgon City's up beat set had the crowd dancing with range of hits including 'Stronger', 'Rather Be' & 'Real Love'. 
 
The mult-talented Childish Gambino ran out onto the main stage next and it wasn't long before he was shirtless and belting out 'Crawl', 'Worldstar' and more from his back cataloge of albums.
 
Stormzy had a huge crowd for his highly anticipated set performing his latest tracks to a very appreciative crowd who sung their hearts out word for word. 
 
As the crowd waited for Kendrick Lamar yet again they headed for the food vans and the bars to refuel and rehydrate. Kendrick took to the stage performing many tracks both old and new including 'Backstreet Freestyle', 'Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe' and 'Swimming Pools (Drank). The crowd loved Kendrick and Kendrick loved the crowd. Avicii wowed crowds when he later took to the stage and saw what had been an amazing day off with an equally amazing set and a spectacular light and firework display. 
 
Sunday afternoon saw Wretch 32 kick start the day off on the main stage with an impressive performance. Also kicking off the day around the park was Samm Henshaw on the Re: WIRED stage and Kiko Bun in the Pepsi Max Arena. Summer Festival Guide caught up with Samm Henshaw backstage and he was just as happy and full of energy off stage as he was on. 
 
Charlie XCX, August Alsina and Clean Bandit were the main stage line up for the afternoon. Whilst Arrested Development, Ciara, Pusha T and Rae Sremmurd took to the Pepsi Max Arena. Leaving Damage, Jacob Plant, Tove Stryke, Jaden & Willow Smith, Elliphant and Shakka to entertain those at the RE: WIRED stage. 
 
Charli XCX with her trademark Sucker heart prop and full band on stage rocked the crowd with her hits 'Sucker', 'Breaking Up', 'I Love It'.  Full of energy and with the sun pelting down on Finsbury Park, Charli had the crowd singing with her throughout her entire set!
 
Ciara was off to a rocky start with her mic being switched off for the first 15 minutes of her set. However that did not stop the crowd from singing along to the popular singer's songs and enjoying the show Ciara provided. Jaden and Willow left the crowd slightly befuddled with a rather unusual performance. However the crowd soon perked up when willow performed popular hit 'Whip my Hair' and Jaden shared a new track with the Wireless crowd. The sibling duo were full of energy and provided a good performance, aiding each other throughout.
As night began to fall, crowds were left disheartened when the festival organisers shamefully admitted that Nicki Minaj was running late due to travel complications and that they had lost touch with the award winning female rapper. It was later announced that Nicki and David Guetta had mutually agreed to share the set time which crowd's responded to with boos. 
 
When David Guetta took to the stage half an hour after the announcement crowds went wild as he started his set. The light show Guetta provided was spectacular and he managed to win back the crowd with popular tracks, smoke, confetti and fireworks. David Guetta continued for a further 40 minutes before Nicki Minaj finally made her entrance and crowds seemed to have forgiven the female rapper within an instance. 
 
Nicki continued to work the crowd and performed popular songs including 'Truffle Butter', 'Only', 'Moment for Life' and 'Anaconda'. Adoring fans sang and danced the night away enjoying the all-round amazing show Nicki delivered. Nicki Minaj was the perfect act to round off the Wireless weekend she left the crowd on a positive high and closed the show with a tremendously great performance.
 
Photos from Saturday at Wireless Festival
 
Photos from Sunday at Wireless Festival

Beat Herder tickets sell out as it celebrates its 10th year.

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Northern England’s most cherished festival, Beat-Herder in Lancashire, has sold out of all 12,000 tickets with 2 weeks to go. 

Selling out in advance has become something of a given for the festival, which celebrates its landmark 10th anniversary this year. This will be the 9th year in a row that all tickets have gone in advance. 

In other exciting news, legendary British electronic-duo Leftfield have been announced as Sunday night headliners. They will be closing the festival on Beat-Herder's main stage and replace Sugarhill Gang, who have sadly had to postpone due to health issues.

From humble free party origins to an annual three-day 12,000 capacity bonanza with a legion of devout fans, Beat-Herder is a rare find in today’s climate: a staunchly independent festival that stays true to its roots, completely shunning all corporate sponsorship or branding. 

"We're over the moon about having yet another sell out event; our 9th in a row! We're looking forward to an amazing and very special 10th birthday with some surprises in store, and which is looking set for, dare I say it, great weather too." Nick Chambers, Beat-Herder Festival founder.

beatherder.co.uk 

Kendal Calling add new area to showcase Arts, Music & Culture

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Inspired by folklore of the Eden Valley, Kendal Calling presents something completely new for 2015. Wander into the woodlands and discover a whole new level of escapism a world away from the main stages. Expect stampedes led by opulent stags, weird encounters with mythical creatures inside giant, bespoke installations, and so much more—in short, expect a hotbed of art, music and culture nestled among four acres of beautiful woodland. Lost Eden will be home to new performance spaces with packed programs of audio-visual content, as well as a host of other artworks and leftfield experiences throughout the weekend.

If you dare to journey through this rabbit hole, you must prepare to be taken on a journey from a state of nature to a tribal metropolis. Kendal Callers are cordially invited to co-author the story of the Carvetti, the lost inhabitants of the Eden Valley, through costumed parades, spontaneous gatherings, workshops and encounters with newly commissioned installation art. Lost Eden at Kendal Calling is supported by the Arts Council England and curated with outdoor arts experts and NPO Walk the Plank.

A fully immersive experience, Lost Eden presents 10 new art commissions, with high calibre works in a range of media, including projection-based and sculptural work. From intricately carved automobiles to mesmerising video art, the unique and beautiful installations at Lost Eden are not to be missed!

With costumed processions through to giant puppets and gut-shuddering drum troupes, Lost Eden will play host to an abundance of performance too: watch out for glowing stags, ballroom dancers, topiary-headed ladies and larger than life jellyfish—to name just a few.

Lost Eden artworks at Kendal Calling are supported by the Arts Council England. They are curated in association with outdoor arts experts Walk The Plank, a creative force in cultural events and NPO also supported by the Arts Council England. Alison Clark, Director Combined Arts, Arts Council England said, ‘Kendal Calling has grown to be one of the most important festivals in the UK and Lost Eden will give people attending the chance to experience some great visual art alongside the music. I’m really pleased that we have been able to fund the initiative through our National Lottery funded Grants for the Arts programme and look forward to seeing the work myself.’

Catch over 100+ acts spread across the newly introduced stages, with sounds encompassing a cosmic blend of psychedelia, electro-swing, acid jazz, live techno and acid house in the evenings. Highlights will include Dub Pistols DJ set, Aziz Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses) and Wolfie Razzmatazz. Expect world music, bluegrass, folk and acoustic sounds to relax to in the day (watch out for Fiona Clayton, John Fairhurst, Wilf Stone and Bird to Beast). Keep your eyes peeled for panel discussions, lifestyle talks, spoof happenings and literature from our spoken word residents at Bad Language, every afternoon throughout the weekend.

 

ART & CULTURE

NEW COMMISSIONS – OUR PICK

Eden Avenue by Sound Intervention: Sound Intervention, an acclaimed arts company founded by Cumbrian artist Dan Fox, specialises in sonic art. For Kendal Calling 2015 Sound Intervention presents Eden Avenue, an installation of urban lamps flickering with light and the ephemeral sounds of forest wildlife.  http://www.danfox.net

Paradise Found by Mick Stephenson: Light artist Mick Stephenson is best known for his beautiful sculptures crafted from upcycled materials and vibrantly lit with LEDs. Drawing upon this expertise and the vision for Lost Eden,Mick presents a piece that plays upon the interaction between nature and our technologically advanced society. Expect a large-scale collection of clocks, computers and other devices bathing in artificial light while sprouting with lush vegetation.  http://www.mickstephenson.net

Liminal by Christopher Helson: It will be hard to miss the eye-catching contribution of Christopher Helson, as an enormous 8m diameter video sphere. Liminal will feature newly commissioned film as abstract depictions of Cumbrian lakes, mountains and forests.  http://helsonandjackets.com/index.php/liminal

 

PERFORMANCE ART – OUR PICK

Spark! Five mysterious characters made of light and sound will take you on a unique and mesmerising journey. High impact drumming, beautiful lighting design, dynamic choreography, incredible costumes, and strong characters: this is a show not to be missed. Watch out for some surprising audience interactions too! http://worldbeatersmusic.com

The Lantern Company. This world-class company will be furnishing the woods of Lost Eden with illuminated costumed characters, creating amazing and memorable events across the weekend. The Lantern Company play with light and dark, giant puppets, lanterns and performance, with theatrical installations, walkabout characters and carnival processions. Expect something mysterious, beautiful and absurd, often all at the same time!

http://lanterncompany.co.uk

Thingumajig: Unmissable performances by Thingumajig will include Jellish and Sunbirds; larger than life puppetry that will leave you smiling, if not a little stunned. Spectacular, uplifting and colourful, watch out for these unique creatures at dusk and at night in the Lost Eden woodland. 

www.thingumajig.info/projects/jellish

MUSIC

The Carvetti Stage: A mixed stage featuring a roster of sounds from laid back acoustic to bespoke cabaret and thumping brass ensembles. The Carvetti Stage also features lectures, spoken word and Q&As with must-see speakers throughout the day.

The Lost Stage: Expect an industrial sculpture-come-stage crafted and part-curated by the Invisible Wind Factory, our good friends behind Liverpool’s Kazimier. This is an after-hours party of electronic sounds encompassing experimental house, live techno and gut-shuddering dub.

REGIONAL FOCUS

Lost Eden will also showcase Eden Valley artist Fiona Clayton who returns to the live stage after a break. Browlin sees the return of Linton Brown under a new guise. Beachmaster will perform their ever evolving folk punk and Martin Allinsons (The Raged) premiers his new project Lost Colours, an exciting mix of Psychedelia & electronica. Along with other Cumbrian artists Hardwick Circus, Fading Face & Sykamore Sykes will be making their first appearance at the festival.

FULL LOST EDEN LINE-UP

ART & CULTURE: ‘Nature Delivers’ Dan Rawlings / ‘Treeple’ Paul Calsey / ‘Liminal’ Christopher Helson / ‘Eden Avenue’ Sound Intervention / ‘Wild Life Strip’ Simon Williams / Spoken Word with Bad Language / Aziz Ibrahim Q&A / Lifestyle Talks with Betternotstop / Festival Culture Panel with Professor George McKay / Swing dance classes / Live art with John Pearson / ‘Paradise Found’ Mick Stephenson

PERFORMANCE: Spark! / Kitsch & Sync / the Artful Badger / the Lantern Company / Sound Intervention / ‘Birdcage’ Caustic Widows / ‘White Stag’ Rhiannon White

MUSIC (LIVE): Aziz Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses) / The Church / Dogshow / The Age of Glass / Twisted Tubes / Hermigervill / John Fairhurst / Wilf Stone (Pikey Beats)/ Bird to Beast / Fiona Clayton / Fading Face / Hardwicke Circus / Henge / Purple Heart Parade / Ric Birtill / Strange Collective / Sykamore Sykes / Killer Computers / Beachmaster

DJS: Dub Pistols DJ set / Wolfie Razzmatazz / Culture Cuts / Mike Freear / Ki Creighto / Lucid Dream DJ set / Mixmonster Menno / Mortisville / Vinyl Revival / Uber / Faux Queens / Engine DJs / DJ Mime / Lost Colours / Rubrick’s Crumpet Funk / Browlin / Understate / DJ Storm.

 

With its own real ale festival, comedy,  kids activities, gourmet food and drink alongside artists such as Elbow,Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, Vaccines, James and hundreds more, the multi-award winning Kendal Calling is the perfect summer festival..

David Guetta and Nicki Minaj Headline Wireless 2015

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French born DJ David Guetta and Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj took to the stage of Wireless Festival last night and did not disappoint. Due to travel issues Nicki had missed her spot but had mutually agreed with David that they would share the set. David Guetta started on stage with a number of classics including dance and hip hop tubes which got the crowd dancing and singing along. David constantly remind the crowd of his love for for London and wasted no time in letting off the fireworks, smoke and even confetti. Throughout his performance David engaged with the crowd, hyping them up for both his performance and for what was up to come.

About 20 minutes into his set David teased the crowd with a song he and Nicki had recorded together. However it wasn't for a further 20 minutes that Nicki Minaj finally graced the adoring crowd with her presence. Nicki wasted no time in getting started and had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hands. David and Nicki performed one song together and then Nicki was left to take over. Nicki jumped straight into songs off of her latest album The Pink Print. Including only and anaconda. Both of which she performed with backing dancers both male and female which sent the crowd wild. Nicki moved on to older songs from previous albums including Pink Friday. 

 

Nicki continued to engage with the crowd asking her 'fellow West Indians' if they had prepared any Ox tail soup or Curried Goat for her. She continued on to joke with the crowd and fully engage with them throughout her set, whilst continuing with songs both old and new.

 

All in all it is safe to say that although Nicki had missed her own set, she made up for it with the performance she provided for her fans. She did not fail to deliver an amazing set, with amazing song choices and a positive vibe despite the complications she had finished. It is safe to say that Nicki Minaj was a perfect way to end the weekend and Wireless Festival 2015. 

MADE BIRMINGHAM AFTER PARTY & SECOND DAY ADDED

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With only 3 weeks to go and the hot summer weather well and truly here Made Birmingham announce after parties – Made… My Night – More details TBC!

 

*ADDITIONAL SECOND DAY WITH FOOD PROGRAMMING FROM DIGBETH DINING CLUB*

*LINEUP ADDITIONS: LOW STEPPA, 99 SOULS, JASPER JAMES + MORE* 

Returning to The Digbeth Triangle for 2015, MADE Birmingham debuted last year to huge success, being nominated for Best Metropolitan Festival in the UK Festival Awards. With an already stellar programme of both live music and DJ performances confirmed for Saturday 25th July – including a headline set from MK who described the event as having "Such an organic vibe to it, I sometimes wish that more promoters from the US would come here to experience what a great time it is” as well music from Wilkinson, Claude VonStroke, Heidi, Julio Bashmore, Beardyman, David Rodigan and Norman Jay – the festival is proud to reveal that a second day (Sunday 26th July) will be added with food host, the multi award winning, Digbeth Dining Club as well as further additions to the lineup including local hero, Low Steppa and rising house duo 99 Souls.

 

SECOND DAY ADDED TO THE FESTIVAL, SUNDAY 26TH JULY

Presenting MADE Birmingham's second day; a celebration of food, beverage and artistic talent from the Midlands and beyond. Digbeth Dining Club, award winning street food event which has revolutionised the scene in Birmingham, returns to host the food programming on the day whilst a selection of independent breweries, distilleries, street art from Digbeth's City of Colours, live music, spoken word, retro gaming, and more will be on offer. Proceeds will go to local charities.

LINEUP ADDITIONS; LOW STEPPA, 99 SOULS, JASPER JAMES, THE HEATWAVE, TOM SHORTERZ + KURUPT FM

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LINEUP

SATURDAY 25TH JULY

MK, WILKINSONBEARDYMAN, BLONDE (LIVE), CLAUDE VONSTROKE, DAVID RODIGAN,

DOORLY, DORSIA, DUSKY, FONO, FRICTION, THE HEATWAVE, HEIDI, JASPER JAMES, JULIO BASHMORE, KURUPT FM, LEE FOSS, MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND, LOW STEPPA, NIGHTMARES ON WAX (DJ SET), NORMAN JAY MBE, PALEMAN, PHILIP GEORGE, PLEASURE STATE (LEE FOSS, MARC KINCHEN, ANABEL ENGLUND), STANTON WARRIORS, SUBB-AN & ADAM SHELTON, TOM SHORTERZ, TROJAN SOUNDSYSTEM (DEX N FX), 99 SOULS & MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

SUNDAY 26TH JULY

FOOD PROGRAMMING FROM DIGBETH DINING CLUB:

PLATINUM PANCAKES, MEAT SHACK, CANOODLE, ESMIE'S, SAVANNA GRILL, BIG, DADDIES DINER, DELIZIE ITALIANE, BUDDHA BELLY, HABANERO, FYBIN AND LOIN, BAKED IN BRICK, MEATHEADS, FAT DUCK SPUDS

Tickets are available at http://www.madebirmingham.com

 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds brings London Calling to a close

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With the former Hard Rock Calling Festival boasting some of the biggest acts in music history, the newly relocated pint-sized Calling Festival brought a seemingly placid crowd to London's Clapham Common on Saturday 4th July.

Oasis icon Noel Gallagher saw to it that the crowd weren't disappointed, bringing forth a selection of tracks from High Flying Birds' latest album and a number of 90's classics including 'Champagne Supernova', 'Fade Away' and 'Whatever'. Happily engaging with his fans in classic Gallagher fashion, the crowd of midsummer anorak-wearing, Paul Weller haircut-donning post-mods showed their gratefulness by launching cups of overpriced festival beer (or similarly coloured liquid) into the air.

Whilst there was no hope of brother Liam surprising fans with an appearance, Noel brought the festival to a close in style with 'Don't Look Back in Anger'.

Photo by Justin Trickett courtesy of Calling Festival

Highlights from the day included Swedish rockers The Hives smashing their performance before handing over the Main Stage's surprisingly small crowd to a lack-lustre Modest Mouse. Luckily New Yorkers Bleachers were able to pick up the pace and entertain with their punk-pop-esque energy and sax solos. Ryan Adams was at hand to cater to his UK fanbase whilst Wolf Alice seized the opportunity to warm up the crowd with an energetic and emotive selection of songs from their small yet undeniably impressive catalogue.

See below for the full setlist for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at Calling Festival, Clapham Common on 4th July 2015:

Shoot a Hole Into the Sun 
Everybody's on the Run 
Lock All the Doors 
In the Heat of the Moment 
Fade Away (Oasis cover)
The Death of You and Me 
Riverman 
You Know We Can't Go Back 
Champagne Supernova (Oasis cover)
Dream On 
Whatever (Oasis cover)
The Mexican 
(Stranded On) The Wrong Beach 
AKA… Broken Arrow 
Digsy's Dinner (Oasis cover)
If I Had a Gun… 

Encore:
Do the Damage 
The Masterplan (Oasis cover)
AKA… What a Life! 
Don't Look Back in Anger (Oasis cover)

Kendrick Lamar headlines Wireless festival 2015

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American rapper Kendrick Lamar took to the stage of wireless festival last night and did not disappoint after a long day of the crowd eagerly awaiting his performance. With the sun shining down on Finsbury Park, Kendrick wasted no time in getting the crowd up on their feet, chanting "Oh Kendrick Lamar" clapping and cheering. Kendrick started out with an old classic of his, Temptation before swiftly moved on to crowd pleasers such as Backstreet Freestyle, I, Money trees and many more from a combination of his albums. Kendrick continued to work the crowd and had them eating out of the palm of his hands. In turn the crowd continued to feed Kendricks set by singing along, dancing and chanting, the crowd and Kendrick struck up an immediate bond. Kendrick constantly reminded the crowd of his love for London leading to an eruption of cheers every time.

Kendrick connected with fans and even suggested bringing one dedicated fan, who knew all the words, up on stage. Before deciding to give her a shout out instead. Kendricks constant interaction with the crowd  as well as the set of good songs he chose lead to an amazing atmosphere. Many had waited eagerly all day to see Kendrick and he did not disappoint. 

All in all it is safe to say after a long hot day of waiting to see Kendrick Lamar, he did not fail to deliver exactly what the crowd wanted and it was a great way to end the day.

 

 

Cocoon in the Park Preview – Who to look out for

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For one unforgettable day and night, the back garden of the quaint, scenic and peaceful setting of Temple Newsam will be transformed into an electronic, beat-heavy haven. A place where thousands of music fanatics can listen to hour-upon-hour of highly-charged techno, with a heavy-duty line-up with no trace of a weak link. This is, of course, Cocoon in the Park; so be prepared for a day witnessing a consistent view of pumping fists to the likes of Sven Väth, Dixon, Seb Zito and the almight Carl Cox – and that’s just to name a few.

I saw Enzo Siragusa play alongside tINI just a couple of weeks ago, and to say it was incredible would be an understatement. The dancefloor was packed with a typical array of sweating bodies, all of us wonderstruck with his stripped down tech house style beats that whet our appetite so well. His appearance at Cocoon at the Park should be no different, and he’s definitely one who you should get down – whether early in the day or not – to witness.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Sven Väth is, quite frankly, a legend amongst men. His style and passion knows no boundaries; it has influenced many and has truly revolutionised electronic music, so to hear he’ll be leading an army of music fanatics at Cocoon is music to everyone’s ears. Expect deep, indulging sounds and chasm of rich interludes – and more than anything, one hell of a set.  

Ricardo Villalobos minimal percussion styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but at a festival like Cocoon, even the most unsold of revellers will be given the chance to see what the half Chilean has to offer. His sets have differed, sometimes containing blends of solid down to acid house, other times something completely different; but he is simply a pioneer,  a DJ so different and exciting, it’s almost essential to catch a glimpse of him at Cocoon.  

Carl Cox is a name that simply exhumes that dark, exciting, fist-pumping atmosphere when said out loud. You don’t need to be told of the talent; it’s almost become agiven, just common knowledge – this guy is an enigma. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to someone who has seen Carl Cox for them to respond ‘that was average’; he delivers a spectacle of progressive, atmospheric beats to a crowd that come back, time and time again, to see him reign once again. To have him at the forefront of the Cocoon ship this year is a choice welcomed by many, and definitely a set that will be unmissable.

Cocoon in the Park returns to Temple Newsam on July 11th. For tickets, visit www.cocooninthepark.com.

Reading & Leeds 2015 Announce Alternative Stage And Transgressive Takeover

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With eight weeks to go until the Festival gates open, the line-up for the Alternative Stage at Reading & Leeds has been announced. With tickets for both sites still available there’s never been a better time to buy a ticket. On top of the already huge line-up including headlinersMumford and Sons, Metallica and The Libertines comes a host of the best in comedy and alternative talent from the UK and beyond plus the annual after-hours takeover from Transgressive Records.
 
Heading up proceedings on the comedy front is TV favourite Milton Jones, whose regular appearances on ‘Mock The Week’ along withmultiple Radio 4 shows has made him the leader of the pack when it comes to deadpan comedy. With sidesplitting one-liners aplenty, his Reading & Leeds performance is not to be missed. Bringing the jokes outside of the 140 character limit, Rob Delaney will also be making appearances at Reading & Leeds, proving his worth as an acclaimed stand up comedian after finding fame through making jokes on Twitter. Also heading for Leeds will be Adam Buxton of BBC6 Music fame who will perform his BFI London show BUG. TV joker Russell Kane will also be bringing his hugely popular brand of comedy to the festival, offering a rare chance to see the funnyman outside of the huge venues he’s already playing around the country.
 
With a line-up also including the brilliant ‘Stand Up For The Week’ regular and star of BBC’s Twenty Twelve Sara Pascoe and Canadian Comedy star Katherine Ryan who was a breakout star on Live At The Apollo both of whom who you’ll have seen on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI, Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week. They are joined by wild haired standup and Virtually Famous TV star Seann Walsh, fast rising UK star Daniel Sloss and ‘Show Me The Funny’ finalist Tiffany Stevenson, The Alternative Stage is truly one of the must see parts of the festival.
 
The comedy bill expands even further with the delightfully cutting Stephen K Amos, the hugely inventive Abandoman, Radio 1 star Tom Deacon, the man from TV’s Uncle and Heavy Entertainment; Nick Helm, panel-show favourite the hilarious Holly Walsh, the fearlessly funnySuzi Ruffell, metalhead Andrew O’Neill, comedian and captain of ITV’s Reality Bites Joel Dommett, online superstar, fantastic comic and Beyoncé enthusiast Luisa Omielan, impractical joker Paul McCaffrey,Viral Tap and Xtra Factor star Matt Richardson, Edinburgh 2014 Best Newcomer Award winner Alex Edelman, BBC regular and break out star Dane Baptiste, Magician and Comic just returned from dazzling Las Vegas the side-splittingly funny Piff The Magic Dragon, sketch icons Wit Tank, fast-rising star David Morgan the newly announced co-host of ITV’s SafeWord, and finally everyone’s favourite from Channel 4’s Mr Drew’s School for Boys teacher and rapper, Mark Grist.
 
The famous Alternative Stage is far more than just another festival comedy tent though, as it bills some of the best in forward thinking music and spoken word. Fast gaining a name as one of the UK’s most vital talents after appearing on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist, George The Poet will be bringing his incredible, realistic, unafraid hybrid of spoken word and hip hop to the festival, which is sure to be an unforgettable moment of the weekend. Another huge name joining the bill is Jaguar Skills who will be spinning some of his most notable, eclectic, multi-genre mixes, alongside London-based electronica and Techno producer Max Cooper who is making his Leeds Festival debut. 
 
On top of this, Transgressive’s annual takeover brings together another hotly anticipated late-night line-up to Reading & Leeds. Fresh after celebrating their 10th anniversary at the festival last year, the independent label is bringing another specially curated bill that is their biggest yet. Hi-jacking the Saturday and Sunday nights in Leeds, the stage will run from 9.30pm until late, featuring a host of emerging and established talent throughout the weekend. Grime hero Wiley will be bringing his fantastic and ferocious live show to the tent in the wake of his critically acclaimed album Snakes and Ladders, released at the end of 2014 to huge fanfare. Looking to the future stars of the genre, Novelist will be also be making an appearance, while the likes of Jackmaster, Madame X and DJ Target will get crowds moving throughout the weekend.
 
Transgressive will be taking over Reading by bringing Dj-ing talent to a Silent Disco in the Alternative Stage courtesy of Alt J, Palma Violets,Peace and BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens and Jen Long, which looks set to be nothing short of spectacular.
 
All of this sits alongside parties from Buttoned Down Disco and a series of extra special DJ sets from The Libertines’ Gary Powell and The Kooks’ Hugh Harris for Propaganda.

V Festival 2015 lineup complete annouce and stage splits

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V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, is proud to announce the addition of legendary hip-hop pioneers, De La Soul to its 20th anniversary line-up. The game-changing trio will give crowds a hotly anticipated comeback performance, alongside an eclectic mix of the biggest hit-makers and rising stars of the moment.

Pendulum (DJ set), MNEK, The Coronas, Conor Maynard, Shift K3Y, Sinead Harnett, Seafret, Zac Samuel, James Glover and Nick Jonas, will complete the line-up of the summer.

Over 150,000 fans will get the chance to see the newly announced acts perform across the weekend, as they join Calvin Harris, Kasabian,Sam Smith, The Script, Stereophonics, Ellie Goulding and Spotify’s most sought-after names of 2015, George Ezra, James Bay and Hozier.

De La Soul’s Kelvin Mercer said: “Every time we perform in the UK we get the best reception, from the craziest crowds! V Festival 2015 is going to be the biggest rave of the year, so we’re looking forward to being on that stage and joining the party!”

Grammy-nominated MNEK said: “This year has been a whirlwind and it’s not over yet. I’m so chuffed to be part of such a brilliant line-up and can’t wait to get out there.”

Nick Jonas commented: “I'm honoured to join such an incredible line up at the 20th anniversary of V Festival.  My fans have been very supportive of my new music so I'm really excited to perform for them at one of the UK’s greatest festivals.”

The hottest names in music will be performing alongside hilarious comedy headliners including Russell Kane, Frankie Boyle, Shappi Khorsandi and Matt Richardson, who will all take centre stage in the Glee Club Comedy Tent.

V Festival today also announces its stage splits for 2015:

Saturday 22nd August – Weston Park / Sunday 23rd August – Hylands Park

VIRGIN MEDIA STAGE:

Calvin Harris, The Script, Ellie Goulding, George Ezra, The Kooks, Ella Henderson, Gregory Porter, Imelda May

MTV STAGE:

Stereophonics, Clean Bandit, Kodaline, The Charlatans, Sigma, Maverick Sabre, Ella Eyre, Echo and the Bunnymen, Scouting for Girls, Hilltop Hoods

THE ARENA:

Paloma Faith, Jessie Ware, Duke Dumont, De La Soul, LunchMoney Lewis, Nick Jonas, Wretch 32, Conor Maynard, Lawson, Indiana

THE DANCE TENT:

Oliver Heldens, Philip George, Toddla T, Goldie, Marvin Humes presents Luvbug, Moxie, James Glover (Saturday and Sunday at Weston Park)

Saturday 22nd August – Hylands Park / Sunday 23rd August – Weston Park

VIRGIN MEDIA STAGE:

Kasabian, Sam Smith, Hozier, Courteeners, Annie Mac, James Bay, Marina & the Diamonds, The Proclaimers

MTV STAGE:

Olly Murs, Tom Jones, Chvrches, Labrinth, Mark Ronson DJ Set, Jess Glynne, Fuse ODG, Reverend and the Makers, Bleachers, The Coronas

THE ARENA:

Nero, Andy C, Example + DJ Wire, Pendulum DJ Set, Tove Lo, MNEK, Aston Merrygold, Sinead Harnett, Seafret

THE DANCE TENT:

Hannah Wants, DJ EZ, Mistajam, My Nu Leng, Shift K3Y, Alex Adair, Sam Feldt, Zac Samuel (Saturday and Sunday at Hylands Park)