Team CB are very excited to announce the DJ line-up for this year’s Camp Bestival Outer Space extravaganza. And you can be sure that the moon walk is just one of the signature moves that we’ll be busting out as we reach for the firmament of dancefloor stars who’ll be keeping us space raving family style all weekend long at Lulworth Castle at the end of July.
Astro-mixmaster Rob da Bank says: “We always like to get the whole family dancing at Camp Bestival, so this year I’m really chuffed that we have some proper DJing legends who will be more than familiar to mums and dads but who will definitely get the kids up on their feet and partying. From the legendary Sasha, Hacienda giant Greg Wilson and lifetime Camp Bestival resident David Rodigan to amazing family ravers Big Fish Little Fish and Fun DMC, not forgetting Pan’s People, we’re all going to be spoilt for choice!”
Heading up our cavalcade of cosmic explorers, and providing a golden opportunity for parents to relive their intergalactic youth, we are ecstatic to welcome Sasha back to Space Camp Lulworth. A veritable rave god, Sasha is a man who knows how to take a crowd on a voyage into the unknown and we can’t wait!
The legends don’t stop there as we will also have hacienda stalwart Greg Wilson’s Super Weird Substance, reggae great David Rodigan MBE who will present Ram Jam featuring sets from Trevor Nelson, Wookie, Kiko Bun (live) andVenum Sound and rare groove kingpin Norman Jay MBE will be making good on the ones and twos. Plus, we will have sets from Acid Housewife featuring Lottie & Smokin Jo, and English Disco Lovers.
Pioneers of family clubbing Big Fish Little Fish will be back to rock the tots once again and there will be beats and bass for big and little kids alike with sets from Fun DMC, the Kids Disco with Pan’s People,Nutty’s Disco and Junior Jungle Rave who are guaranteed to make the little’uns jump up.
Continuing our mission to connect like-minded party people on common land, the Common People team are very pleased to announce the line-ups for our Uncommon Stage. Flexing his all-encompassing musical muscles Rob da Bank has joined forces with legendary, longstanding music publication Nightshift in Oxford and acclaimed venue The Joiners in Southampton, to bring you the cream of the up-and-coming music scene, featuring some of the most exciting new and underground bands, this coming May Bank Holiday at South Park and Southampton Common.
Common People curator Rob da Bank says: “The beating heart of all our festival adventures is getting people to discover new music and uncover new bands. Our curators, Ricky from The Joiners in Southampton and Ronan from the seminal Nightshift magazine, are experts in these matters, so please be upstanding and make much noise for The Uncommon Stage.”
Nightshift’s Ronan Munro says: “It’s fantastic that so many local acts are getting the opportunity to play at Common People, with the opportunity to play to a whole new audience, and it’s great that we get the chance to show the variety of music that comes out of Oxfordshire – from hot jazz, reggae, hip hop and blues to doom metal, electronica, punk and even pirate pop. I’ve always tried to make musicians proud to come from Oxfordshire, and Oxfordshire be proud of its musicians and this weekend is proof that Oxfordshire is home to a wealth of music talent”.
The Joiners’ Ricky Bates says: “We at the Joiners are utterly thrilled to be directly presenting the Uncommon Stage this year with some of our favourite touring acts of old and new in one space! Plus, we have some amazing home grown local talent throughout the day covering everything from ska to metalcore to indie rock n’ roll across the weekend, it’s going to be the most righteous fun weekend, don’t stay in! See you down the front”.
Saturday in South Park, Oxford will see the Uncommon Stage shake to the sounds of local seven-piece vintage r ‘n’ b and hot jazz outfit Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band, east Oxford’s roots-inspired Zaia, the glistening pop hooks of Neverlnd, Chipping Norton’s Esther Joy Lane, the doomladen Undersmile, and Cowley’s Cameron A.G. who recently scored a Hottest Record in the World Right Now on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. There will also be rum-soaked fun from Peerless Pirates, gothic blues pop sounds from Death of the Maiden and looped vibes from mind-blowing cellist Duotone.
Sunday’s super-fresh action will see Oxford-based, pan-European gypsy-ska-punks The Balkan Wanderers heading up a coruscating line-up that will include local electronic types Maiians, electro rockabilly blues from Vienna Ditto, Witney’s Little Brother Eli, Oxford-based beats cooperative Inner Peace Collective, Chipping Norton sibling duo Cassels, purveyors of porch folk with attitude The August List, Cowley’s Young Women’s Music Project and the experimental, ethereal sounds of Oxford via Stockholm’s Julia Meijer.
On Southampton Common, Saturday’s dazzling new sounds will come courtesy of much admired Cambridge five-piece Lonely the Brave and experimental Brightonians Tall Ships, with sets from singer-songwriter Sean Mcgowan, stadium-ready post rockers New Desert Blues and BBC 6 Music-supported Bel Esprit, all of whom hail from Southampton. There will also be live music from the Isle of Wight’s math-pop four-piece Signals and the home turf triumvirate of Our Hollow, Our Home, Elixir and Vicki Musselwhite, with the first of our soon to be announced I Want to Play at Common People winners also making an appearance.
Sunday will see NME-championed Palma Violets topping a bill that will include garage rockers Pretty Vicious, Portsmouth’s Kassassin Street, and a cavalcade of local heroes including Science of Eight Limbs, The Rising, Bigtopp, These Septic Stars and Cassava, with two more I Want to Play at Common People winners completing the line-up.
Showcasing the very best in ambitious new music, don’t miss discovering your new favourite band at Common People’s temple of innovative sound, The Uncommon Stage.
Predicting something very special as we charge inexorably towards The Future, the Bestival crew are set to whet your appetite with a hearty helping of amazing bands and DJs that will be joining The Cure Major Lazer, Diplo, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Skepta, Wolf Alice and many more at Robin Hill this coming September.
Rob da Bank says: “I love booking Bestival. It’s proper ‘kid in a sweetshop’ time when I look at all the acts out there and try to curate a line-up that makes sense across many genres… which is how I think Bestivalites like it. It’s not just booked for you, it’s for me too, so I cannot wait for a weekend encompassing Kano, Goldie, Mura Masa, Evian Christ and Reggie and Bollie. If you fancy it too, I’ll see you on the ferry!”
Upping the grime ante, renaissance man Kano will be joining us to showcase his skills with some super-sick bars. His recent Fire in the Booth for Charlie Sloth was a total masterclass that set the standard for the young pretenders, making his appearance at Bestival truly unmissable.
We’ll also have future perfect live performances from much vaunted Seattle duo Odesza, the lush and sultry Snakehips, wunderkind producer Mura Masa, London collective WSTRN, superfly freestyler Lady Leshurr, BBC Sound of 2016 nominee Billie Marten, Brits Critics' Choice nominee Frances, soul-funk-jazz-pop fusionist Izzy Bizu. and X Factor’s real superstars Reggie & Bollie.
Also taking to the stage will be the inimitable Los Hermanos Cubanos, The Cuban Brothers, the sublimely intimate This Is The Kit, South African folkster Jeremy Loops and our old mates the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band.
Stepping up to the platters that matter to keep you dancing all night long expect DJ sets from beat juggling behemoth DJ Yoda, Metalheadz legend Goldie, Southampton’s finest deck destroyer James Zabiela, sonic adventurers Mount Kimbie, and Ellesmere Port’s boldest export Evian Christ.
There will also be sets from Radio 1’s Heidi, bass marauders Oneman b2b My Nu Leng, on the fly edit merchants Melé & Monki’s NRG Flash, architect of grime and recent Bestival FM guest Artwork, and Honey Soundsystem, Applescal, Poté and Venum Sound.
And, adding a soupçon of off the wall behaviour, we will have Bestival antics from spandex-clad force of nature Mr Motivator, crack of dawn ravers Morning Gloryville, and Circus Raj.
Britain's most-loved family festival reveals a huge programme of workshops & activities for all the family including Literature Festival, Lush Harmony Singing, Street Theatre, Dance, Gospel Choirs & more
Wychwood Festival 2015
Wychwood Festival today unveils a huge family programme for 2016, featuring an vast array of workshops, performances, talks and more. The mighty offering includes dance workshops, yoga, circus classes, late night cabaret, arts and crafts to name just a few. Wychwood’s Literature Festival is back in partnership with Waterstones, featuring Sophia Bennet, Michelle Roberts, Paul Stickland and many more leading authors, while Cheltenham Poetry Festival brings some of the most exciting names in spoken word to perform and share their skills in unmissable workshops. With no end of activities and workshops to choose from and a diverse musical line-up, there really is something for everyone at Wychwood Festival 2016. The festival takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse, 3rd – 5th June, weekend and day tickets are on sale with more information at www.wychwoodfestival.com.
One of the UK's best-loved family festivals of the summer, Wychwood has become renowned for booking an outstanding mix of heritage, world music and up-coming talent along with an extensive roster of entertainment and workshops for all the family. This year organisers are pulling out all the stops with one of the most comprehensive family offerings on the festival calendar.
Workshops across the weekend invite festival-goers to get involved in a number of weird and wonderful activities. The hugely popular Circus Workshops from Solo Circus and Circus Kaos will amaze crowds, showcasing a wide array of circus tricks from juggling and stilt walking to spinning plates and unicycles.RU-Slack put festival-goers' balance to the test as they teach the ways of “Slacklining”. Kids and adult only classes are on hand to share skills of ukulele playing, yoga and samba, while adults can also take advantage of singing & choir lessons and writing workshops.
Dance features heavily this year, with workshops for 1920's favourites Charleston and Swing Dance. Samba shows and workshops showcase a unique fusion of Brazillian, African and Western beats played on everything from drum kits to dustbins through to congas and other world instruments. Other dance workshops on offer include Bhangra, Shim Sham, Glamba, Bollywood, Yoga, Belly and Break Dance to get the whole family throwing shapes.
Those looking to get hands on creative will love the arts and crafts offering at Wychwood this year, which includes everything from jewellery and head dress making to knitting, basket making and painting.
Passion 4 Laughter make an appearance, turning Wychwood into a theatre, using different characters to tell a whirlwind of stories with the help of acrobatic and physical tricks, all in the name of Street Theatre. Comedy Club 4 Kids will also host some of best comedians on the UK circuit doing what they do best. More shows for all the family come courtesy of Captain Barnacle Pirate Pantomime, poetry and choir performances, bubble shows and more.
Wychwood also announces its Literature Festival line-up in partnership with Waterstones, welcoming top authors and illustrators. Join Georgie Woolridge with her popular adult colouring workshop or listen to Chris Edge as he explores the parallel universe. Abi Elphinstone shares stories of her travels in Mongolia, John Dougherty sings about badgers and Michelle Roberts heads to the festival fresh from her collaboration with astronaut Tim Peake with her picture book about spotting bears. Other authors include Jo Correrill, Ali Sparkes, Lyn Gardner, Steve Antony and more.
Speaking about the return of the the Literature Festival, Children's bookseller at Waterstones, Barbara Pendrigh says: "Waterstones loves Wychwood and we're delighted to be bringing fabulous authors and illustrators to the festival again this year. Readers of all ages will find a warm welcome in our book marquee, and of course, something special to read too!!"
Cheltenham Poetry Festival join Wychwood this year, bringing with them a feisty feast of stand-up, hip hop, comedy and poetry including punk pet Jim Higo, standup poet and singer Claire Ferguson Walker,Miserable Malcolm aka The Poet of Doom), hip-hop and spoken word artist JPDL, singer-songwriterChris Hemingway, spoken word performer KA Poetry plus stand-up poet Samantha Samms. All performers will also be imparting their wisdom in writing and performance workshops for Wychwood festival-goers.
The family programme and literature line up join an already amazing musical offering with The Waterboys,10cc, Bill Bailey all set to headline. Revellers can also expect performances from Idlewild, Peter Hook & The Light, The Selector, Ms Dynamite and Matt Berry & The Maypoles, CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher and Wychwood veteran Craig Charles plus new comers Tiger Club, Haelos, Honne, InHeaven,Cash + David and more.
BLOODSTOCK HQ is currently a hive of activity, with even more bands being confirmed for this August’s best heavy metal weekender.
Joining the Ronnie James Dio stage are the recently reformed industrial outfit, MISERY LOVES COMPANY. The band inform us, “The UK was always special to MISERY LOVES CO, our very first show outside of Scandinavia was in London and without the support of the British people we probably would have stayed in Scandinavia for ever, listening to ABBA, eating herring and dreaming of the outside world… MISERY LOVES CO + Britain = a true love story. Now, when we return to the stage, we’re extremely happy to showcase our industrial demons in front of the British crowd once more. Doing a summer of festivals without coming to the UK would have been a failure, so, we can’t wait to come to BLOODSTOCK!” Check out a clip of ‘My Mind Still Speaks’ – https://youtu.be/ZiPENHSeFYM.
Opening the RJD stage on Saturday are Brit tech metallers, CAMBION. As proud BLOODSTOCK alumni (2012/2014), the band are currently at work on their debut album, having released the Virus Extended Edition EP in 2014. Check out the video for ‘Heterodox’ here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpeerilbWqU, and keep up with plans for the album street date over at http://www.cambionofficial.co.uk/.
Stepping into the Friday night headline slot on the Sophie Lancaster stage are NWOBHM icons, DIAMOND HEAD. The likes of Metallica have often stated that without DIAMOND HEAD, they’d probably not exist, such is the Stourbridge band’s influence. Check out this fan-filmed clip of the ‘Big 4’ (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax & Megadeth) covering DIAMOND HEAD’s classic ‘Am I Evil’, joined by the band’s very own Brian Tatler – https://youtu.be/K9P-H_Qd908. Brian and his cohorts are set to release their first album of new material in over 8 years on 22nd April, simply titled ‘Diamond Head’. Don’t miss ‘em at BLOODSTOCK!
Also joining Saturday night’s Sophie stage shenanigans are Brit metallers, KRYSTHLA. The band’s debut album, ‘A War Of Souls And Desires’, can be snapped up at their Bandcamp – http://www.krysthla.bigcartel.com/. Also check out the video for lead track ‘Luminosity’ here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjJwiBVlcFc.
With Easter weekend also looming, BLOODSTOCK are once again gearing up the website’s very popular Easter Egg hunt, as they’ve done in years past. Will you be one of the lucky winners of a pair of weekend tix with camping?! Click over to the BLOODSTOCK website at www.bloodstock.uk.com on Good Friday 25th March to take part.
Already announced for 2016 are our three headliners, TWISTED SISTER (in their last ever UK show), MASTODON and SLAYER, plus special guests BEHEMOTH, GOJIRA and ANTHRAX. Also on the bill are FEAR FACTORY, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SYMPHONY X, SATYRICON, PARADISE LOST, DRAGONFORCE, METAL ALLEGIANCE, STUCK MOJO, ROTTING CHRIST, GHOST BATH, VENOM, UNEARTH, GOATWHORE, ACID REIGN and many more. Additional bands are still to be announced.
Now in its 11th year, Latitude Festival once again sets the bar high for summer festivals with the largest comedy line up in the UK, offering festival goers an unrivalled opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the industry, all over the same weekend.
Latitude’s Curator of the Arts, Tania Harrison says:
“Latitude has always prided itself on the breadth of our line ups and this year is very exciting. In the Comedy and Cabaret Arenas you’ll find newcomers, rising stars and international acts. We have comedy in all its guises, including the first of our announced headliners; Russell Howard, who we’re delighted is headlining on Friday. Russell is joined on the bill by some of the most brilliant UK and US comics, including Josh Widdicombe, Reggie Watts and Bridget Everett. We’re also presenting some of the most vibrant cabaret, from Duckie and The Glory. There’s a home for every kind of comic and comedy fan at Latitude this year.”
Latitude is thrilled to announce the first of the Comedy Arena headliners for 2016, the phenomenally talented Russell Howard who has enjoyed massive success with Russell Howard’s Good News, establishing Russell as one of the UK’s most successful comedians and a rising international star.
Comedy trailblazer Josh Widdicombe, who has had a remarkable impact on the circuit since his debut gig in 2008, will also perform at Latitude. Josh is now considered one of the most in demand and highly regarded comedians in the UK for both his live stand-up and TV work, including Channel 4’s award-winning The Last Leg and highly acclaimed BBC3 sitcom Josh, which has been commissioned for a second series.
Internationally renowned beatboxer and comedian Reggie Watts will also be wowing the audience with his unpredictable performances, which are created on-the-spot using only his formidable voice and looping pedals. Multi-talented Reggie has opened nightly for Conan O’Brien’s sold outProhibited From Being Funny on Television tour, hosted his own critically acclaimed TED talk, recorded the sublime original score to Ridley Scott’s Legend, toured with Regina Spektor and currently appears regularly on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Latitude is also hugely excited to welcome Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. Paul Merton, one of the UK’s most popular comedians, performs with his highly renowned Impro Chums: Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster. They will create a brand new show inspired by suggestions from the Latitude audience, as well as their own finely honed improvisational skills. The Evening Standard says; “few can go comedy commando as well as this bunch.”
Silence with noise, stand-up with no talking, drama with no acting. This show speaks for itself. This uniquely exciting one-man show from New Zealand is attracting attention the world over. The Boy With Tape on His Face has racked up awards in Australia, New Zealand and the UK including a Foster’s Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. He’s been seen on the Royal Variety Performance and has won over London’s famous West End, playing to packed houses and racking up a raft of five star reviews.
Joining this year’s stellar line-up will be comedy heavyweight Al Murray who will be delighting the Latitude audience with his alter ego The Pub Landlord. This year he took his satirical take on right wing politics to the next level when he ran against Nigel Farage in the hotly contested Kent constituency of South Thanet as leader of the Free United Kingdom Party (FUKP). Award-winning Irish comedian and self-declared man-child David O’Doherty will also be lighting up the stage this year with his pre-adolescent responses to current events, as well as some songs on a tiny keyboard from 1986.
Robin Ince, comedy’s answer to Brian Cox, and the fiercely political Josie Long will present a very special edition of Festival Shambles. The two will be rekindling their comedic chemistry as heard on their popular podcast Book Shambles. Now in its fifth series, the two comedians have discussed quantum physics with Charlotte Church, Charlie Chaplin and Eddie Izzard, and what to read when you’re in outer space with astronaut Chris Hadfield.
Edinburgh Festival Award Winner and Time Out Critics Choice, Mark Watson; one of the UK’s top live comedians, will also be taking to the Comedy Arena. Not only a regular on television shows such as Mock The Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mark has been the face of shows such as BBC Four’s We Need Answers and BBC Radio 4’s Mark Watson Talks a Bit About Life. Since making her debut in 2007, Sara Pascoe has become one of the most accomplished comedians in the country, having appeared on QI, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and the BBC’s Twenty Twelve. What’s more, host of Live At The Apollo and star of Radio 4, the great Hal Cruttendenwill perform his energetic laugh-packed show that has put him in “comedy’s premier league” according to the Evening Standard.
BAFTA nominated director, writer and comedian Nick Helm will be gripping audiences with his unique, powerful, and above all, hilarious blend of one-liners, stories, poems and songs, andSimon Evans will have the Latitude audience delighting in his witty and insightful take on the uncompromising comic territory of commodities, trading and wealth that has won him regular spots on TV and radio.
For even more laughs, Sony and Writers Guild Award winning writer and comedian Mark Steelwill be bringing his routine to Latitude alongside Sam Simmons who will share his fresh satirical take on observational comedy. From his stage debut at the Manchester Comedy Store in 2008 to performing international sell out shows, the intensely charming rising talent Joe Lycett will be bringing his award-winning stand up to Latitude. He’ll be joined by Kerry Godliman; the quick witted star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Derek.
Audiences at the Literary Arena will be treated to Pappy’s, who will present The Secret Dudes Society. The comedy trio have been shortlisted for the Edinburgh Comedy Award, Loaded LAFTA Award as well as two Chortle Awards, and their anarchic hijinks are the centre of popular Netflix sitcom Badults. Pappy’s are a Literary Arena Friday Night Favourite.
Another comedy troupe bringing laughter to the Latitude Literary Arena is musical comedy actThe Horne Section. Fresh off the back of their successful third series for BBC Radio 4, The Horne Section will bring together stand-up and live music improvisation in a free-wheeling and spontaneous combination at Latitude Festival.
Daniel Sloss, who has received international acclaim after clocking up eight consecutive sold-out Edinburgh Fringe seasons as well as several TV appearances including Conan O’Brien andSunday Night at Palladium, will be performing. Joining him will be young talent and winner of the Best Breakthrough Act and Best Show at the Chortle Awards 2015 James Acaster, plus Radio 4 Newsjack presenter Nish Kumar who’ll begin his hotly anticipated fifth solo year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.
Best Newcomer Award winner in the 2014 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards; Alex Edelman, will be showing why his award-winning show Milennial has exposed him to the international stand-up community as once of its brightest young talents.
Also delighting the Comedy Arena audience will be former face of MTV and star of BBC3’sImpractical Jokers; Joel Dommett. Joel is an exciting and fresh talent on the UK stand-up comedy circuit who gained rave reviews for his Edinburgh shows, Neon Hero in 2011, Nunchuck Silver Medalist in 2012, and 2014’s Finding Emo.
Max & Ivan will present Our Story, in which the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees Max & Ivan (BBC2's W1A, Radio 4's Casebook of Max & Ivan) introduce the world to two never-before-seen characters; themselves. The Elis James & John Robins Experience will see Elis James and John Robins bring their hit Radio X podcast to Latitude. Finally, a chance to truly taste the vibe!
Setting the scene at the Cabaret Arena will be the multi-award winning laconic Frenchman Marcel Lucont with Marcel Lucont’s Whine List: dry wit, bawdy chansons and exquisite sex poetry have seen him tour the world. And if that’s not enough, sketch artist duo Cardinal Burns (as seen on Channel 4), will be joined by Jamie Demetriou and Ellie White, in what is sure to be a riotous improv show, jam-packed with both new and familiar characters, and with certain special guests.
Apologetic Eton and Oxford Alumnus and regular fixture of the UK comedy circuit Ivo Grahamwill be taking to the stage, along with award-winning Australian sensation Felicity Ward, who has rapidly taken the British Comedy scene by storm. Ever felt like you should be better at feminism? Deborah Frances-White & Sofie Hagen will be bringing a special edition of theirGuilty Feminist podcast to Latitude, discussing topics “all 21st century feminists agree on" while confessing the insecurities, hypocrisies and fears that underlie their lofty principles.
An exceptionally talented impressionist, Luke Kempner garnered global attention in 2012 with his hit viral video Downstairs At Downton. Since then, Luke has gone from strength to strength, taking his one man show The Only Way Is Downton (described by the Daily Telegraph as a “remarkable tour de force”) to theatres and festivals across the UK, including Latitude.
Also taking to the stage will be former social worker and now TV and radio stand up regularAngela Barnes, prolific young comedian and radio presenter Al Porter, and comedian and columnist Shazia Mirza, who is currently being lauded for her The Kardashians Made Me Do Ittour; a searing and urgent exploration of life, love and Jihadi brides.
The Cabaret Arena will be treated by the Comedian’s Cinema Club with Eric Lampaert, where audiences will get to see comedians anarchically recreate audiences’ favourite films, from pre-teen chick flick The Princess Diaries to cult horror The Ring and Oscar winning The Revenant.David Elms will be taking audiences on a heart-warmingly funny journey through his relationships, and Rhys James – one of the Telegraph’s ‘Top 30 Funny People to Follow on Twitter’ – will also be delighting the crowds.
The hugely talented Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Drunk History star Iain Stirling, I’m A Celebrityresident comedian David Morgan and winner of the prestigious Foster’s Newcomer Award Phil Wang will be warming up the audience in between acts at the Comedy Arena as this year’s MC’s.
Canadian comic Bobby Mair will also be performing, along with the critically acclaimed character comedian Kieran Hodgson, plus self-declared underground comedian Richard Gadd, who theIndependent calls “simply remarkable”.
The festival will be welcoming a number of comedy collectives including double act Lazy Susan, up-and-coming sketch comedy trio Massive Dad, The Best Newcomer Award winners at the 2015 Chortle Awards, quartet Gein’s Family Giftshop, and the innovative BAFTA award winning writer and comedian Suzi Ruffell.
Latitude is also incredibly proud to present the young talent shortlisted for the 11th annualChortle Student Comedy Awards. The funniest and wittiest teens in the country will be performing their routines for the very lucky Latitude audience. Previous winners and nominees include several acts featured in this year’s Comedy Arena line up including Iain Stirling andDavid Elms.
Also appearing this year will be Jamie Wood,Sean McLoughlin, Spencer Jones, Gabriel Bisset Smith, Daphne, Gráinne Maguire, Stuart Goldsmith, Robert Cawsey, Pierre Novellie, Elliot Steel, Tez Ilyas, Lloyd Griffith, Lolly Adefope, Beth Vyse, Goose, Tom Lucy, Fin Taylor, Jordan Brookes, Steve Bugeja, Kae Kurd, Mo Gilligan, Twayna Mayne, Eshaan Akbar, Funmbi Omotayo, Elf Lyons, Sophie Willan, Katia Kvinge, Brennan Reece, Lauren Pattison, Rose Matafeo, Jamali Maddix, Danny O’Brien, Kate Lucas, Emma Sidi, Eleanor Tiernan, Laura Lexx,Masud Milas, Sarah Keyworth, Joe Sutherland and Sarah Bennetto’s Storytellers Club with Tom Bell, Andrea Hubert, Abigoliah Schamaun, Garrett Millerick & Joz Norris.
CABARET AT LATITUDE Post-queer events collective Duckie will be bringing their incredible production, including acts from their legendary 21-year weekly residency at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The group will star Ursula Martinez, Figs in Wigs and Barbara Brownskirt & The Frank Chickens, and hosted by Myra Dubois with DJ’s Readers Wifes.
London’s most vibrant venue for new theatre, comedy and cabaret; Soho Theatre, will be delighting the Latitude crowd with their ground-breaking, edgy and unique show. Their late night Cabaret Arena takeover will be an unforgettable experience featuring a line up of some of their most exciting and glamorous acts including Bridget Everett, CHRISTEENE, Le Gateaux Chocolat, Peter & Bambi Heaven and Tom Allen.
The Glory, London’s newest queer ‘Superpub’, will be showcasing the best of its performance programme. More than a pub, The Glory is a venue for alt-drag, performance art, music and theatre. Its ‘Landladies’, Jonny Woo and John Sizzle will host their own variety show featuring stars of both their drag queen and drag king competitions. Featuring The Glory’s in house rock band, queer sketch comedy and other emerging performance stars, this is a party, in a pub, in a field!
The award-winning Desmond O’Connor will be joining forces with internationally renownedSarah-Louise Young to present Royal Vauxhall; an irreverent yet insightful new musical consisting of an improbable and outlandish night out with Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett. O’Connor’s bittersweet lyrics and insanely catchy melodies won’t fail to shock, charm and entertain the Latitude audience.
One of the most celebrated figures on the cabaret scene, Dusty Limits, will be performing his long awaited debut album Grin; an original collection of soulful and darkly comic songs that will create a portrait of a passionate character haunted by addiction and a broken heart. There will be more musical spoils from comedy drag country and western star Tina C who will be performing her biggest hits including No Dick’s As Hard As My Life and Not Tonight Darlin’, I Got A Heartache.
Mixing political satire with comedy, songs and truly ridiculous games will be Margaret Thatcher Queen Of Game Shows, and finally, Tim Bell will be performing his poignant, off-kilter show as bearded woman Dame Nature.
Essex’s ultimate dance, pop and urban music party, BSTK, today confirms chart-topper Tinie Tempah, drum & bass producer Netsky and Brit dubstep duo Delta Heavy as the latest additions to the line-up spanning the weekend of 8th-10th July. Also heading to fields of Morris Farm this summer are a host of local talents who’ll rock the Treehouse stage, including Jordan Gray who appeared on this year’s The Voice. As previously announced BSTK’s line-up also features Annie Mac, Mark Ronson, Katy B and many more. Weekend tickets priced at only £89 are available now from BSTK.co.uk.
The second of BSTK’s mainstage headliners is now confirmed as Tinie Tempah, the rapper known and loved for hits including the UK number one singles ‘Pass Out’, ‘Written In The Stars’ and ‘Not Letting Go’. With MOBO, Brit and Ivor Novello awards under his belt the singer, songwriter and record producer (not to mention record and fashion label founder) will be a highlight for many ravers in the BSTK fields come July. Also joining the bill will be Netsky, offering up punters a set of his energetic ‘liquid funk’ sounds. Dubbed ‘drum & bass superstars’ by DJ Mag, the RAM Records’ duo Delta Heavy head to BSTK armed with tracks from their album Paradise Lost released only days ago.
Elsewhere at the festival sights are set to a host of local talent primed to take over BSTK’s Treehouse stage. Covering everything from trip-hop to prog via electro will be Jordan Gray (Tall Dark Friend), Arcaves, Grizzly Bears, Crème de Chèvre, Asylums, Mullally, Drama Lamas, Mandeville, Scarlet Echo, Lemoncurd kid, Emma Lauran, Cassia and Rob Jones.
Reigning champions of the DJ Mag top 100 DJ’s poll and Best European DJ Award winners at the International Dance Music Awards 2014 and 2015; Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, will be returning to the National Bowl for another spectacular performance. EDC’s favourite Belgian brothers will bring their unique live performance to the Crystal Village Stage for an astounding display of electronic music and technical production.
Making his EDC UK debut on the fully immersive Crystal Village Stage will be 2015’s third highest selling artist on Beatport; Dutch house maestro Don Diablo, whose remix portfolio includes the likes of Madonna and Ed Sheeran. Ground-breaking Australian producer Alison Wonderland also joins the line up with next-level production and intricate sets planned for the National Bowl; a truly unmissable experience.
Now recognised as one of the UK’s most influential drum ‘n’ bass artists and after recent back to back sold out Brixton Academy shows, legend of his genre Andy C will be bringing his distinctive London sound to EDC’s CircuitGROUNDS stage.
Check out the full roster of mind-blowing talent performing across four incredible stages at EDC UK 2016:
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) and Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) are partnering for the first time to showcase some of the hottest Arab musical talent during the Sunday of LIMF Summer Jam (22 to 24 July).
LAAF will bring its hugely popular Family Day to the Palm House in Sefton Park on Sunday 24 July, where internationally acclaimed acts will showcase the best in Arab music, including award-winning Swedish group Tarabband, whose unique style of Arab music is influenced by other music styles, from Middle Eastern and Nordic folk to traditional jazz. The LAAF Family Day makes for a great addition to the LIMF Family Zone 2016.
The impressive line-up for the LAAF Family Day includes Glastonbury showstoppers and electro-mijwez, shamstep, choubi group 47SOUL, who will also bring their high-energy show to the event. The music of 47SOUL combines Debka, the traditional Palestinian street music and dance, with deep electronic beats mixed with sounds of the Middle East. Whether it’s sparking new dance styles or songs about breaking down border check points, the band makes freedom of movement the subject of their songs and performances.
Yaz Fentazi Trio will present their special fusion of classical Arabic, Chaabi, and Gnawa led by Algerian Oud player Yazid Fentazi, while Whirling Durvish/Sufi Mahmoud Pharaon will stage a fascinating and hypnotic performance.
The newly announced acts will complement the stellar LIMF programme that includes Sigma, The Wombats, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Lianne La Havas, Netsky, Kwabs, Ms Dynamite, Maverick Sabre, John Power, Dave McCabe and the Ramifications and much more.
Musicians with roots in Arab culture will also appear elsewhere in Sefton Park during the LAAF Family Day, with critically acclaimed jazz pianist Bruno Heinen and Danish guitarist Kristian Borring exploring the works of modern jazz pianist Bill Evans at the Mellowtone Bandstand stage on Sunday 24 July.
In addition to the incredible music performances, festival goers can also enjoy an Arabian Souk, traditional cultural merchandise and cuisine, plus family-friendly activities including storytelling, Henna, and children’s crafts.
The new partnership between LAAF and LIMF reiterates the city’s standing as one of the great music capitals of the world – a position that was formally recognised by UNESCO last year when Liverpool was named a UNESCO City of Music.
Taher Qassim MBE, Chair of Liverpool Arab Arts Festival said: “We’re really excited about working with LIMF to combine the sights, sounds and tastes of our annual Family Day with the vibrancy of LIMF’s Summer Jam weekend. Liverpool’s Arab community is hugely important to the city and its cultural heritage, and we look forward to celebrating the important part they play in the rich tapestry of Liverpool life.”
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “It’s fantastic news that these two popular events are partnering on the Sunday of LIMF Summer Jam. LIMF prides itself on its diverse line, so to add Arab music in to the mix is a real treat for our festival-goers.
“We were awarded the accolade of UNESCO City of Music as we place music at the heart of Liverpool’s contemporary culture, and this is a great example of combining the great work of two music festivals, reaching new audiences and celebrating music in all its forms.”
British rock icons The Who are heading back to Seaclose Park on the Isle of Wight for the fourth time in the band’s history to headline The Isle of Wight Festival, it was announced today.
Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and their live band, which includes Zak Starkey, Pino Palladino and Simon Townshend, will be bringing their globally successful Hits 50! tour to the island for their only UK festival performance of 2016 on Saturday 11th June, with a spectacular live show resplendent with hits including ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’, ‘Baba O’Reilly’, ‘The Seeker’, ‘Pinball Wizard’, ‘Who Are You’ and ‘My Generation.’
The band first played The Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 and 1970 (the latter was immortalised in Murray Lerner’s well known ‘Message to Love’ documentary film), and then again in 2004 – the same year that David Bowie also headlined, his last ever UK live performance. Richard Ashcroftis confirmed as special guest to The Who on the day, performing tracks from his new solo album ‘These People’.
Festival boss John Giddings says: “The Who are part of the fabric of The Isle of Wight Festival, and it’s great to welcome them back to the island as part of their ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations. We’re proud to have a line up of home-grown headliners to help celebrate our own 15th anniversary and ensure that this year delivers yet another unforgettable weekend of music.”
The Who and Richard Ashcroft join a ‘Best of British’ line up which includes headliners Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics and Faithless, on what is the same weekend as the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The Who have sold over 100 million records since forming in 1964; they brought together four different personalities and in effect produced a musical hurricane. Each of them was a pioneer. Wildman drummer Keith Moon beat his kit with a chaotic elegance; stoic bassist John Entwistle held down the center with the melodic virtuosity of a solo guitarist; raging intellectual Pete Townshend punctuated the epic universality of his songs with the windmill slamming of his fingers across his guitar strings; and Roger Daltrey roared above it all with an impossibly virile macho swagger. They exploded conventional rhythm and blues structures, challenged pop music conventions, and redefined what was possible on stage, in the recording studio, and on vinyl. Deep into their 50th year, the band is still going strong, winning rave reviews.
Richard Ashcroft is set to release his fourth solo album ‘These People’ in May, marking his first new album in six years. The BRIT and Ivor Novello winning artist was frontman of The Verve during the 90’s, producing hits such as ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ and ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’, before becoming a successful solo act in his own right – his first solo single ‘A Song For The Lovers’ peaked at No. 3 in the UK singles charts with the album ‘Alone With Everybody’ going to No. 1.
