Month: March 2016

Chapter XII Festival: Your guide to headliners, tickets and travel

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Saturday, March 26 marks the Midlands’ leading inner-city festival in Birmingham, Chapter XII, taking place at The Rainbow Venues.

The Birmingham based festival will take over a number of unique and industrial areas and will boast more stages than last year’s event, with the launch of new spaces – The Big Top, The Rooftop, The Blackbox and The Arches.

Against the backdrop of Digbeth’s railway arches, Chapter XII will promote innovative stage production, utilising contemporary technology to allow some of the biggest names in house and techno music to perform with spectacular results.

dubfire:live brings a hybrid audiovisual production set-up that has only ever been done in the UK once before. The techno house artist unifies science, technology and music to create an innovative live show with 2D and 3D animation, live audio and lighting.

In The Big Top, Desolat boss Loco Dice, Drumcode’s Italian techno titan Joseph Capriati, live duo Pan Pot, Paradise man Jamie Jones, plus local hero Adam Shelton back to back with Lewis Oxley.

The Arena finds Richie Hawtin playing top of the bill, alongside dubfire:live. Sasha and Nic Fanciulli also set to play back to back. Canadian tech house titan Art Department and classic house and techno man Argy, of Bedrock and BPtich Control, also plays.

The Warehouse sees the return of Maya Jane Coles, Rumors boss Guy Gerber, George Fitzgerald, and techno tastemakers Dense & Pika.

Lobster Boy also takeover with Redlight, Preditah, Mella Dee, NYTA, Mele and Mak & Pasteman. Birmingham's favourite house and techno hotspot The Blackbox boasts sets from Trust chief Nick Curly, Drumcode techno star Alan Fitzpatrick and Fuse foudner Enzo Siragusa.

There will also be ‘Chapter 12 by Night’ as the official after party, hosted by the world famous Elrow (Barcelona) which will see the Hot Creations crew return to Birmingham, featuring key acts like Patrick Topping, Infinity Ink LIVE, wAFF and Russ Yallop

WHEN: Saturday, March 26

WHERE: Birmingham, UK

HOW MUCH: from £30

For more information visit website: http://therainbowvenues.co.uk

Slam Tent lined up for T in the Park 2016

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Following the massive T in the Park line-up revealed by festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager last week, organisers are delighted to reveal an impressive mix of international electronic dance acts set to play The Slam Tent at T in the Park 2016. The top line-up taking to the decks at Strathallan Castle over 8th – 10th July is:
 
Slam, Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Marcel Dettmann, Seth Troxler, Nina Kraviz,Ricardo Villalobos b2b Raresh, Len Faki, Chris Liebing, DVS1, Guy Gerber, Skream, Daniel Avery, Speedy J, B. Traits, Petrichor
 
It’s Jeff Mill’s first Slam Tent appearance in 7 years headlining Sunday alongside Seth Troxler. Making their debut appearances are DVS1, Speedy J, Daniel Avery and Raresh – who plays a rare b2b with Ricardo Villalobos who himself last played more than a decade ago.
 
Techno titans Slam are renowned worldwide for their blistering back to back sets around the globe. They are the hosts of the Slam Tent four-day extravaganza. The pair always deliver one of the highlight sets of the weekend. Their productions on their own imprint Soma Records are a staple in the sets of just about every DJ at the moment from Ben Klock to Adam Beyer. Last year saw them destroy Cocoon in Ibiza with a special live show. They are also regulars at London's Fabric and host their own monthly Pressure night in Glasgow.
 
Richie Hawtin headlines this year's Slam Tent with a Saturday night final set. He is many things to many people – an extraordinary DJ and live performer, creator of the ENTER Experience in Ibiza, mastermind behind the Minus label, technological innovator, art aficionado and style icon. He created a unique techno sound, which is regarded as synonymous with the cities of Berlin and Detroit.
 
Jeff Mills first Slam Tent appearance in 7 years headlining Sunday along with Seth Troxler. He is considered the most brilliant DJ and producer of Techno music in the world. He is the most recognised representative figure of Detroit Techno. Championed for his music’s relentless pursuit of hard-edged rhythms and his stripped-down, almost industrial DJ sets, Mills is the latest in a long line of Detroit-bred talent to take on an international reputation.
 
DJ and producer Marcel Dettmann is recognised as being one of the most influential proponents of contemporary techno. Widely associated with electronic iconic institutions, Berlin’s Berghain and Hard Wax, Dettmann stays true to his roots by consistently innovating his interpretation of electronic music, and, nevertheless, integrating art deeply into the music scene.
 
Seth Troxler’s career started in Detroit in 2002 at the age of 16 as a frequent DJ at Detroit club The Works and as a clerk at Detroit’s famous Melodies and Memories record store. With these experiences Seth gained a preternatural understanding of rave, and dance music history, that now allows him to conjure up mixes and tracks like Botticelli conjured his Venus. He has consecutively got himself voted Number Three, Two and the number One in the Resident Advisor Top 100 DJ Poll, landed much-vaunted residencies at DC10 (Ibiza), Trouw in (Amsterdam) and Output (New York) and opened series of much-lauded pop-up restaurants around East London called ‘Smokey Tails’.
 
How much do you really know about Nina Kraviz? She’s a Russian techno DJ, an accomplished producer, one of dance music’s breakthrough names of the last five years. True enough, but there’s so much more to her story than that. She’s one of electronic music’s most interesting characters, someone who has stuck to her musical guns since day one, someone who has wide-ranging roots that run deep in the past, yet she’s also the embodiment of the future. Her signature sound is a raw blend of house and techno with a very acidic feel. If that feels very now, Kraviz has a lot to do with it.
 
Ricardo Villalobos: Born in Chile, raised in Germany, world citizen – that pretty much sums up Ricardo’s life, geographically speaking. Ricardo’s inexhaustible creativity and innovation and his unfailing feel for the crowd make him an outstanding artist in the contemporary world of electronic music.
 
Raresh is definitely one of the fundamental figures of the up-to-date electronic movement. Born in Bacau, the clubbing scene enchained him at the age of 15, when he started playing in a small club in town, marking his turntable ascension from the age whereupon most of the youngsters are still playing football in the courtyard.
 
Berlin based DJ, producer and label owner Len Faki is of the most outstanding and in-demand artists in techno’s present age. He is an internationally requested DJ, whose productions and remixes are played by techno’s most prominent names. Being a resident at Berlin’s prime techno club Berghain since it’s opening in 2004 keeps him open-minded as both DJ and producer.
 
Chris Liebing is one of the artists in the steadily and rapidly growing world of electronic music who has faithfully dedicated the past 25 years of his life to the performance, production, distribution and broadcasting of Techno on a global level. He has run a club and several successful club nights, has held residencies in many of the most prestigious venues worldwide, produced his own music and the music of other artists, founded record labels, hosted radio shows, won awards for different branches of his professional efforts and has been an unshakable pillar and devoted ambassador of innovative Techno.
 
Zak aka DVS1, continues to move floors with a combination of deep musical knowledge, unparalleled enthusiasm, and a vinyl collection of more than 30,000 records. Zak's deep roots and his bold uncompromising nature have won him great respect as a passionate and outspoken defender and promoter quality music.
 
Ollie ‘Skream’ Jones is on a major roll. The 29 year old Croydon DJ, producer and original dubstepper has seen his career explode even further since taking inspiration from his friend and associate Jackmaster amongst others leading him to veer away from the genre he helped to create to play more House & Techno & even some Disco. He has become a global star and a firm favourite in Scotland.
 
Guy Gerber has always favoured the road less traveled. The Israeli DJ thrives on confounding expectations. What other underground DJ could collaborate with one of hip-hops biggest moguls, Puff Daddy, or start a left-field night at one of Ibiza’s most commercial clubs, Pacha? What other producer blends the worlds of melancholy and euphoria so effortlessly, or turns in a breakup album as an official.
 
Since the early nineties, Speedy J has spearheaded labels like Plus 8, Novamute and Warp. After the albums G Spot (1993) and Ginger (1995), as techno developed into a dominating force on many dance floors worldwide, Jochem Paap chose to pursue other exciting avenues. On Public Energy No. 1 (1997) and A Shocking Hobby (2000) the sound wizard exchanged flowing, harmonious techno for a much more complex formula filled with colliding samples, crackling rhythms and tremendously thrilling turns. As a DJ, Speedy J is still as busy as ever, touching down in the most important venues and festivals worldwide every weekend. At the same time Electric Deluxe Presents has swelled into a globetrotting brand with showcases scheduled for various major electronic festivals on the horizon.
 
If the main motivation whilst making Drone Logic was to take the listener on a hi-fidelity trip for the duration of his debut album, then Daniel Avery emphatically succeeded. From Water Jump’s hypnotic pulse and punch through to the crystalline click of closer Knowing We’ll Be Here via the title track’s elemental acid swirl and New Energy’s take on Neon Lights relocated to a post-midnight cab ride through London, Avery’s debut pushed and pulled at the senses and blurred the boundaries between dance floor and home listening experience. 
 
B. Traits is a skilled producer, DJ And radio presenter, bridging underground music from techno to jungle to house. You should certainly expect the unexpected where B.Traits is concerned – but if there's something you can predict, it's that whatever comes next will be unique, and it will be big.
 
The man behind the Petrichor project Simon Stokes, has been gradually working his way up the ranks in his home city’s scene and firmly established himself within the Soma hierarchy. His analogue focused, dream like sound straddles the boundaries between electronica, house and techno. He recently released his debut album Mångata to critical acclaim, an intricate, multifaceted album that draws on many spheres of influence, designed as a singular listening piece.
 
Announced so far for T in the Park 2016 are:
  
FRIDAY 8TH JULY: The Stone Roses, Disclosure, Courteeners, Alesso, Jamie xx, James Morrison, Frightened Rabbit, Oliver Heldens, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Hannah Wants, Bear’s Den, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Krept & Konan, The Coral, The Temperance Movement, Oh Wonder 
SLAM Friday: Len Faki, Ricardo Villalobos b2b Raresh, DVS1, Petrichor (live)
 
SATURDAY 9TH JULY: Calvin Harris, Bastille, The 1975, The Last Shadow Puppets, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Jess Glynne, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, Tinie Tempah, Tom Odell, Jack Garratt, Stiff Little Fingers, Shed Seven, Disciples, Rat Boy, Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys
SLAM Saturday: Richie Hawtin, Slam, Nina Kraviz, Guy Gerber, Skream, Daniel Avery, B-Traits
 
SUNDAY 10TH JULY: Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem, Chase & Status, Faithless, Major Lazer, James Bay, Jake Bugg, Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, Craig David’s TS5, Slaves, Maximo Park, John Grant, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, FIDLAR, Blossoms
SLAM Sunday: Jeff Mills, Seth Troxler, Chris Liebing, Marcel Dettmann, Speedy J

The Maccabees, The National & New Order to headline Latitude Festival 2016

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Today Latitude Festival announces the line up for their 11th edition which takes place onThursday 14th to Sunday 17th July 2016 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk.
 
The Maccabees return to Latitude to perform their first ever major festival headline show on Friday night in the Obelisk Arena. The south London five piece climb to the top of the bill to cap a remarkable twelve months that has seen them score their first number one album with the acclaimed ‘Marks To Prove It’ last July, and crowned as Best British Band at last month’s NME Awards.

Saturday welcomes one of Latitude’s most loved bands, The National, back to Henham Park as the first ever act to headline the festival for a second time. Their return to the Obelisk stage will be a UK festival exclusive this year; promising a stellar set drawn from their unparalleled six albums.
 
British all-time greats, New Order took the world by surprise with the release of ‘Music Complete’last year; 10 years on from their previous studio offering. With 35 years of genre and era-defining classics to draw upon, New Order are set to provide a spectacular closing performance for Latitude 2016.
 
Melvin Benn, founder and creator of Latitude Festival commented:
 
“I’m thrilled to announce the first acts for Latitude 2016. The Maccabees, The National, and New Order headlining the music, coupled with the theatre and poetry bill looking stronger than ever, ensures Latitude 2016 is already simply unmissable.  Following the incredible success of our tenth edition last year, we had set the bar high for this year’s festival; we have a debut headline performance from The Maccabees to look forward to, which I’m really excited about and as always, the arts offering is set to be incomparable.”
 
Quotes from 2016 headliners:
 
“Latitude is the first major headline slot in our fourteen year existence and the culmination of the year spent touring ‘Marks To Prove It’. We're intending on it being a celebration of it all. See you there.” – The Maccabees
 
"Latitude has been one of our favorite festivals ever since we barely made it to play in 2006 (Cold War Kids lent us their instruments as we arrived mid set having been stuck at the border). We love the genuine multi-disciplinary format of the festival and the grounds are enchanting to wander through. We feel incredibly honored to be the first previous headliner to be asked back a second time." – The National
 
“We are thrilled to be headlining Latitude. It’s our first time at the festival so we’re looking forward to exploring, especially the diverse range of acts, bring on July!” – New Order
The Obelisk Arena will see performances by some of today’s most exciting and respected artists. French electro act M83 will be making their acclaimed return and Courtney Barnett will perform back to back with fellow BRIT nominee Father John Misty, in his only UK festival performance this year. Also taking to the Obelisk Arena Stage will be Denver folk rock trio The Lumineers, Glaswegian synth pop trio Chvrches, incomparable singer-songwriter John Grantand musical nomad Zach Condon’s Beirut.
 
Performances will come from national treasures British Sea Power, pioneering Arabic collectiveAlif, rock-soul revivalist Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, atmospheric London trioDaughter, and 70s idols Squeeze. Returning favourites genre-defying multiple award winnerLaura Mvula, Australian maverick Chet Faker, Grammy nominated country singer-songwriterSturgill Simpson and soulful BBC Sound Of winner Michael Kiwanuka also join the Obelisk Arena line up.

Latitude Festival 2016 lineup below

OBELISK ARENA
THE MACCABEES | THE NATIONAL | NEW ORDER
BEIRUT | CHVRCHES | M83 | FATHER JOHN MISTY
JOHN GRANT | THE LUMINEERS 
COURTNEY BARNETT | DAUGHTER | CHET FAKER 
BRITISH SEA POWER | SQUEEZE | LAURA MVULA  
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS | MICHAEL KIWANUKA 
STURGILL SIMPSON | ALIF
 
BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC STAGE
GRIMES | OF MONSTERS AND MEN 
MIIKE SNOW | KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS | FRIGHTENED RABBIT  
HALF MOON RUN | MØ | CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS | POLIÇA | LÅPSLEY
ROOTS MANUVA | PERFUME GENIUS | OH WONDER 
JAMIE WOON | RAT BOY | AURORA | MURA MASA | LUCIUS
 
SUNRISE ARENA
PANTHA DU PRINCE presents THE TRIAD | BLACK MOUNTAIN 
ANNA MEREDITH | BLANCK MASS | BOB MOSES | CLOVES
DRONES CLUB | HAYDEN JAMES | HIGHASAKITE | HOLLY MACVE
KELLY LEE OWENS | LAMBERT | LITTLE GREEN CARS
MONEY | PROTOMARTYR | SUUNS | WEAVES 

LATE NIGHT AT SUNRISE
JUNGLE (DJ SET) | DAVID RODIGAN (A JOURNEY THROUGH REGGAE)
MARLON WILLIAMS | MIKE SKINNER and MURKAGE present TONGA

POETRY
DON PATERSON | JOHN HEGLEY | HOLLIE McNISH
ELAINE FEINSTEIN | HENRY NORMAL
MICHAEL PEDERSEN |BUDDY WAKEFIELD | LUKE WRIGHT  
ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER | MARK GRIST & TIM CLARE 
TIM WELLS | MARTIN NEWELL & THE HOSEPIPE BAND 
JOHN OSBORNE | BENIN CITY | JOSH IDEHEN | HELEN MORT 
FRANKIE VAH | TALIA RANDALL 
HARRY BAKER | DEREK McLUCKIE | ROSY CARRICK
 
THEATRE 
CIRCA | IMPROBABLE & BLIND SUMMIT | GOB SQUAD 
GLEN NEATH & DAVID ROSENBERG | LIFT present EVERYTHING BY MY SIDE
LYRIC | OPERA NORTH | MARK THOMAS | GRAEAE
LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES | ACTION TO THE WORD | AIRNADETTE
LYRIC, GDIF, IMAGINE WATFORD & LATITUDE present HIKAPEE and HOW IT ENDED 
YOUNG VIC & ROYAL COURT | FOREST FRINGE | DASH ARTS | FIGHT IN THE DOG
SHON DALE-JONES | SAM HALMARACK, DAN CANHAM & OLIVIA WINTERINGHAM   
SH!T THEATRE |URSULA MARTINEZ| CHRISTOPHER BRETT BAILEY | NABOKOV | RAZ 
SLEEPING TREES | TIATA FAHODZI | LIAM WILLIAMS | PENTABUS |THE PAPER BIRDS 
KATIE BONNA |GEORGE EGG | JEMIMA FOXTROT | LUCY MCCORMICK | ROB AUTON 
RACHAEL CLERKE |FLIPPING THE BIRD | POLEROID THEATRE | OLD TRUNK THEATRE 
LICENSED TO ILL| STEFANIE MUELLER | ANNIE SIDDONS | SILENT UPROAR 
DEANNA RODGER & GEMMA ROGERS | ARWC | LEEDS BECKETT

LAVISH BIG SCREEN
GLEN MATLOCK | STEPHEN MALLINDER | DON LETTS 
NATIONAL STUDENTS SELECTION | DJ HARRY K | JET LETTS 
 
PLUS MANY MORE NAMES TO BE ANNOUNCED…

The BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will continue to deliver an exemplary mix of current and future stars, including the first major headline performance by one of the undoubted stars of 2015; Canadian renaissance woman Grimes, whose ‘Art Angels’ was NME’s album of the year. Sunday’s final BBC 6 Music stage performance will come from Icelandic indie folk-pop group Of Monsters And Men.
 
Elsewhere on the BBC 6 Music Stage will see shows from Swedish mega group Miike Snow, Philadelphia fuzz-rockers Kurt Vile and the Violators, France’s breakout star Christine and the Queens, critically acclaimed synth pop talent Perfume Genius, British soul from Jamie Woonand minimal electronic pop songstress Låpsley. Joining them will be Frightened Rabbit with their brand new Aaron Dessner produced album, BBC sound poll 2016 finalist Mura Masa, the voice of the most streamed track of all time – Denmark’s MØ, Minneapolis synth poppersPoliça, anthemic Canadians Half Moon Run, UK rap legend Roots Manuva, acclaimed alt-pop duo Oh Wonder, the explosive Rat Boy, infectious Brooklyn quintet Lucius and ethereal Norwegian breakthrough artist Aurora.
 
The intimate Sunrise Arena returns with an eclectic line up that boasts some of the most exciting barrier-breaking electronic musicians around. Hidden away in the woods sees headline performances from Vancouver’s psychedelic export Black Mountain and the lauded Pantha Du Prince with his new AV show The Triad. Support comes from half of Fuck Buttons’ Blanck Mass project and Canadian experimental electro duo Bob Moses, alongside Australia’s Hayden James who brings his R&B-influenced electronic pop to the Sunrise Arena. Making their Latitude debuts are Norway’s number 1 indie pop group Highasakite and New Zealand’s singer songwriterMarlon Williams who will be bringing his emotional narratives to the stage.
 
America’s post-punk Protomartyr and Canada’s art-punk, krautrock inspired Suuns will also take to the Sunrise Arena stage, alongside Henham Park’s next door neighbours Drones Clubwhile Anna Meredith; the composer turned electronic producer, and Germany’s idiosyncratic pianist Lambert share their unique takes on a classical sound. Female singer songwriters command the Sunrise Arena, with Londoner Kelly Lee Owens making her Latitude debut, with Australia’s Cloves and Bella Union’s Holly Macve also performing. Toronto’s Weaves will be bending pop stereotypes alongside Ireland’s indie-rock group Little Green Cars, with Manchester’s highly loved Money returning with epically cathartic new material.
 
Bringing the evenings to a close on the Sunrise Arena, and rounding off the day’s proceedings are recent favourites Jungle with a one off DJ show built especially for the Latitude stage that can’t be seen anywhere else; original reggae selector and soundclash champion David Rodigan MBE, and big Tonga vibes from The Streets’ Mike Skinner and Murkage.
 
THEATRE AT LATITUDE 
Celebrating the biggest names in comedy, theatre, dance, film, cabaret, literature and performance; the UK’s finest multi-arts festival returns for its 11th Edition promising an unrivalled breadth, depth and quality of arts programming, offering a spectacular choice of major shows, star acts and ground-breaking commissioned works.
 
Latitude’s Curator of the Arts, Tania Harrison says:
 
“Latitude celebrates all the art forms and never more so than in this year’s theatre and spoken word performances. We have a multitude of voices, collaborations, and cross art performances – from opera to spoken word to comedy to music to circus to straight plays, puppetry, physical theatre and acrobatics to one on one conversations and encounters – there is so much incredible and exciting work to see at Latitude this year. There’s theatre in the Poetry Arena, Literary Arena, Pandora’s Playground, the Little House, the Theatre Arena and on the banks of the Waterfront. Get a seat in the Theatre, a space on the grass, a cushion in the Poetry, or even climb in bed with a stranger; we’ve got it all going on in a field in Suffolk this summer.”
 
This year’s theatre programme will reflect on the 2016 theme: ‘Love Thy Neighbour’. Tania Harrison commented;
 
“The theme for Latitude this year is 'Love Thy Neighbour' and I will be looking to explore what it really means to have an understanding and relate to others; those people next to us, on social media, in the present, across the table, across genders, across streets, across countries, across class and religion, politics and physicality. It's about breaking boundaries for the greater good.”
 
Theatre Arena
Circa, the stunning contemporary circus company from Australia will open the Theatre Arena on Thursday evening with their genre-defying show Il Ritorno, dazzling the crowds with riveting acrobatic performance set to Monteverdi’s operatic music. Exploring themes of displacement and refugeeism, Il Ritorno is a breath-taking physical performance that resonates with Latitude’s theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’.
 
Led by Artistic Director Lee Simpson and in collaboration with Blind Summit, Improbable will present an improvised puppetry performance like no other – Animo – where the characters will literally be constructed before your very eyes. With no script, no set, just a range of everyday materials and five improvisers, Animo will invent itself as it goes along.

 
Further thrills will be found in Berlin-based arts collective Gob Squad’s Super Night Shot, the second of our international theatre shows to explore the Latitude theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’. InSuper Night Shot, the public will become co-stars in a movie that celebrates unplanned meetings with strangers and delights in the randomness of urban existence.
 
In what is sure to be one of this year’s highlights, the Lyric Hammersmith return to the theatre tent for the first time in five years with this irreverent, iconoclastic and deeply disrespectful celebration of the genius of Oscar Wilde; a work-in-progress performance of their forthcoming production, The Importance of Being Earnest. Director Sean Holmes wrangles The Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc and a dishevelled comedian, Ed Gaughan, to take on the extreme acting challenge of playing every character in Wilde’s masterpiece.
 
In another musical spectacular, the Theatre Arena audience will be on their feet, singing along with the Graeae and their heart-warming performance of Paul Sirett’s acclaimed coming of age tale Reasons to be Cheerful, featuring Ian Dury and the Blockheads’ greatest hits. Experience Ian Dury’s lyrics in all their glory as British sign language, captioning and audio descriptive banter are seamlessly woven into the show. Graeae Theatre Company is a pioneer in terms of access, inclusion and activism, and as an integrated disabled and non-disabled company the 2016 theme of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ couldn't be more clearly demonstrated in their brilliantly diverse performers and working methods.
 
Award-winning comedian and playwright Mark Thomas will be performing Red Shed, the final part in a trilogy that began with Bravo Figaro and Cuckooed. Part theatre, stand up, journalism and activism, Red Shed sees Mark back at the place where he first started to perform in public, a red wooden shed in Wakefield – the labour club – to celebrate the club’s 50th birthday. Touching upon this year’s theme ‘Love Thy Neighbour’, it is the story of the battle for hope and the survival of a community in a small wooden shed.
 
In the first of two Theatre Arena productions marking the 400th year since Shakespeare’s death,Fight in the Dog will present some of Latitude’s favourite comedians putting their own spin on one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies; Love’s Labour’s Lost, with Liam Williams infusing the words of William with a unique freshness and fun. Following their incredible performance ofDracula at last year’s festival, Action to the Word return to the Theatre Arena with an electrifying adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing their dynamic, exciting and shocking theatre style to one of the playwright’s most famous plays.
 
The Theatre Arena audience will need to have their hairbrushes at the ready to sing along with French company Airnadette – the world's greatest air-band – who are bringing their hit lip synching showcase to Latitude this year. Described by GQ as ‘part postmodern happening, part totally berserk’ and jam packed with references to cult classics from Star Wars to Monty Python,it’s sure to blow everyone away!
 
Sam Halmarack, Dan Canham & Olivia Winteringham will be presenting an early exploration of the devised musical Always and Totally Forever – a lament for what’s gone and a chaotic celebration of what’s to come. Through a riotous mosaic of song, dance and video art, the company will have the audience feeling the lust, confusion and excitement of being a teenager first-hand.
 
The Little House
The Little House studio space will host an eclectic variety of extraordinary performances. Opera North will be bringing a real bandstand full of musicians playing the sound of long summer nights in The Little House, with a performance of Parklife. Ferocious Transylvanian fiddling meets smoky Hungarian café songs; this whirl of European music from Bartók to Brahms will bring to life lost worlds and leave the audience spellbound.
 
The Young Vic & Royal Court will present Cuttin’ It – the incredibly emotive play from award-winning playwright Charlene James, tackling the urgent issue of FGM in Britain and the price some girls pay to become a woman. It’s a piece that encourages the audience to look more closely at the lives of those around them and to raise awareness of a deeply affecting procedure.
 
Latitude is thrilled to welcome another brand new play by Charlene James, brought to the festival by the UK’s foremost British-African theatre company tiata fahodzi, working in collaboration with world-leading Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) who have commissioned her to write with – and for – an exceptional cast of black RADA students. Their brief: to write better for black Britons, and bring the British public an enthralling new piece about humans, not stereotypes.
 
The phenomenally talented producer, director, performer and writer Shon Dale-Jones, best known for his comic creation Hugh Hughes, will be bringing a brand new show, The Duke, to The Little House. The show, about rearranging your priorities in a world full of crisis, gives us pause for thought.
 
Liam Williams, two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and “the Fringe's most articulate and original chronicler of twenty-something angst” (Telegraph) will present his debut play,Travesty, a show with a simple and striking conceit at its centre, about a couple of young, slightly lost, middle-class people who meet, start having sex and then don’t so much fall in love as cautiously negotiate their way into it.
 
Louise Mothersole and Rebecca Biscuit of Sh!t Theatre will present another of this year’s work in progress productions, Letters to Windsor House – a simultaneously personal and political piece of detective work and a look at how the housing crisis has affected the two performers’ friendship, a personal look at the Latitude theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’. Ursula Martinez will present Free Admission, a show that celebrates the inconsistencies and contradictions that make us human, whilst having a dig at some of the mess that is of our own making.
 
More new work being showcased in The Little House this year includes an extraordinary new drone soundscape piece from Christopher Brett Bailey – composer, theatre-maker and author of the award-winning punk-opera The Inconsiderate Aberrations of Billy the Kid. Nabokov Theatre Company, led by their new Artistic Director, Stef O’Driscoll, will take over The Little House for an evening of live music, theatre and RAVE. As well as nabokov’s brand new show SLUG written by Sabrina Mahfouz, you can expect nabokov’s incredible associates’ artists, world champion beatboxer Bellatrix, TeaFilms and Real Media’s Kam Sandhu to present an explosive multimedia experience. Licensed to Ill will have The Little House audience on their feet with their outrageously energetic account of the Beastie Boys rise to fame.
 
In Jim Cartwright’s highly acclaimed play Raz, the Latitude audience is invited out on the town with Shane, one of the low-paid generation living with his parents, and living it up at the weekend, blowing his wage packet on a perfectly orchestrated evening of drinks, drugs, and girls. Directed by Anthony Banks and starring James Cartwright, Raz has won much critical praise, described by the Evening Standard as “a rhythmic, rhyming vivid treat. Beautifully written and an enthralling performance.” The hilarious comedy trio Sleeping Trees take on sci-fi movies accompanied by a rip-roaring live score in a brand new show, and internationally acclaimed comedian George Eggwill bring his sell out surreal and absurd mix of stand-up comedy and striking innovation to The Little House. The i paper have said of Anarchist Cook: One Man, One Hour, Three Courses, that “someone should give Egg his own anarchist cookery television show as soon as possible”, and Latitude agrees – this is an experience not to be missed!
 
Actress and set designer Stefanie Mueller will present Prelude to a Coat; an investigation into the choices we make and why we make them, from the things we own to the things we do, andRachael Clerke will be performing the highly political and very funny Cuncrete (described by one audience goer as “Eric Pickles meets Pussy Riot”). Site specific, collaborative theatre companyFlipping the Bird are set to perform a new feminist piece written by Phoebe Éclair-Powell, Fox, and in a performance exploring this year’s theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ Annie Siddons will bringHow (not) to Live in Suburbia, a piece based upon Annie’s gauche and wrong-footed attempts to fit in after she accidently found herself living in suburbia.
 
Old Trunk Theatre were responsible for last year’s smash-hit success Pramkicker, and in 2016 the hugely talented Sadie Masler and Sarah Mayhew are back with a brand new production, Fran & Leni; part of a series of performances celebrating the 40th anniversary of punk. There will be a new show, Triple Threat from the experimental performer Lucy McCormick; a trash-step-dub-punk morality play for the modern age. And finally for The Little House audience, Pentabus Theatre will present a piece by their 16-25 year old young writers, with Last Journey; a performance comprised of interwoven vignettes, many of which explore this year’s theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’. Silent Uproar will perform A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) – a fun, silly and sad new show written by Jon Brittain which explores the serious issues of depression and mental health, told with a mixture of storytelling, live music, and sketch comedy.
 
Faraway Forest
The magical setting of Latitude’s legendary Faraway Forest will see the return of Glen Neath & David Rosenberg with a Latitude commission called Séance, a piece that takes place in a shipping container, in total darkness as the audience tries to connect with the other side. Everything By My Side, by celebrated Argentinian artist Fernando Rubio and presented by LIFT, invites members of the audience to climb into bed with a stranger; one of seven actresses in seven beds, who will whisper intimate stories from their childhood. This brief encounter will take place in the middle of the Faraway Forest in the heart of Latitude Festival. Forest Fringe are also back, presenting a diverse bill of new and specially commissioned work exploring this year’s theme, along with Dash Arts who will present Ukrainian Dacha – the latest instalment in The Soviet Series – an artistic journey through the lands, people, stories and cultures of the Post-Soviet States.
 
There will be new work aplenty in the Faraway Forest, with Mobile by The Paper Birds, exploring themes of home, belonging, social mobility, that also tie into the theme of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’.Deanna Rodger & Gemma Rogers will present a new show, Earth: Life on Earth is baffling, and not quite what Gem & D had wished for come the year 2016, so they are on a mission to find an alternative habitat, and in the pursuit of space away from Earth they come face to face with the view of home truths. 
 
Further new work in the Faraway Forest will include Poleroid Theatre presenting three short ballads about being alive and not, The Ballad Of The Pirate, The Talking Horse and The Monkeywritten by the award winning Luke Barnes, Brad Birch and Kenneth Emson. ARWC will treat the audience to Hang the Teasmaid, A Penguin Classic – short comedy play in the style of an Alan Bennett ‘Talking Heads’, imagining the first meeting between Bennett and Morrissey, with Alan Cox taking on the role of Alan Bennett.
 
Leeds Beckett will be performing the specially commissioned Borrowed Shoes: exploring this year’s theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’, this performance is based upon ‘borrowing’ and learning from the lived experiences of real people from different generations within our society.
 
Pandora’s Playground
Pandora’s Playground will once again embody the spirit of experiment and carnival with performances from the likes of the award-winning Les Enfants Terribles and their The Fantastical Flying Exploratory Laboratory; a theatrical spectacular featuring a ‘hot air balloon flying machine’ that is sure to mesmerise the Latitude audience.
 
Pandora’s Playground will also host new productions exploring this year’s theme, includingLatitude, GDIF, Lyric & Imagine Watford presenting Home by Hikapee: Home is a new, daring outdoor circus piece, weaving together slapstick comedy with breath-taking aerial, acrobatic and physical performances to explore what it is to create a ‘home’. Latitude, GDIF, Lyric & Imagine Watford will also present The Little Gardener by How it Ended, a theatrical adaption of Emily Hughes’ popular children’s book The Little Gardener.
 
Poetry Arena
Theatre and poetry will collide in an eclectic programme of events in the Poetry Arena, including award-winning writer and performer Katie Bonna and her first full-length show – all new for 2016 –All The Things I Lied About. Part documentary and part personal experience, the show is a comic exploration of what happened to estrange Katie from her father, what she is going to do about it in the face of apparently being a grown-up, and why none of us really like honesty as much as we say we do. The charming, eccentric and uplifting Rob Auton, described as ‘the Brian Cox of comedy’ by the Guardian, will also be delighting the audience with brand new work: The Sleep Show. 
 
Jemima Foxtrot is another theatre addition to the Poetry Arena – a performance poet and singer who blends powerful, sonic heavy poetry about modern life with snippets of her favourite artists’ songs. In Memory, Foxtrot will explore how music attached itself to memories, people and places – all told through a journey home from work.
 
POETRY AT LATITUDE
At the very heart of the festival’s mission to bring arts and music together, the Poetry Arena has always showcased the very best stand up, beat and performance poets, alongside literary legends. This year is no different, with a stellar line up set to captivate and enthral the Latitude audience.
 
Taking to the stage will be self-taught poet Don Paterson, whose astonishing work has garnered much critical acclaim and multiple awards, including the T.S Eliot Prize. Reading from his collection 40 Sonnets, he will tackle the form head-on, as described by the Guardian: ‘Paterson’s poetry has always been distinguished by its marriage of craft and lyricism, and the sonnet is, simply, the perfect vehicle to showcase this.’ Another highlight, the multi-talented Henry Normal– comedian, poet and writer and television producer responsible for hugely popular programmes such as Gavin and Stacey, The Mighty Boosh and Human Remains.
 
The famously eccentric and very funny John Hegley will also be delighting the crowds, along with prize-winning poet, novelist, playwright, biographer and translator, Elaine Feinstein. With over 4m views on her YouTube clips, UK Slam Poetry Champion Hollie McNish is not be missed, especially with such endorsement from high-profile fans like Tim Minchin and Benjamin Zephaniah, who has said he ‘can’t take his ears off her’.
 
Michael Pedersen, co-founder of the exciting cultural collective Neu! Reekie! will be taking to the stage as one half of ‘Scotland’s favourite avante-garde noisemakers’, as will the phenomenally successful Buddy Wakefield, who is set to deliver a characteristically raw, rounded, disarming performance of humour and heart. This year’s outstanding line up will also include co-curator Luke Wright, who will present his new work alongside a wip character Frankie Vah.  
 
Punk poet John Baine brings his radical-force-of-nature poet alter-ego Attila The Stockbroker, who has recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of his first gig with publication of his autobiography Arguments Yard. A former punk-folk musician, his themes are topical, words hard-hitting, politics unashamedly radical, but make festival crowds roar with laughter as well as seethe with anger. The multi-talented Joshua Idehen will delight the Poetry Arena audience not once, but twice, in a solo spoken word performance and then again as the frontman of bandBenin City. Latitude favourite John Osborne, well known for his Radio 4 comedy shows including John Peel's Shed and The Newsagent's Window will also perform at the Poetry Arena.
 
The Poetry Arena audience will be treated to performances by Tim Wells, founding editor ofRising poetry magazine and praised by the Guardian for his ‘wit and brilliance’. Former English teacher turned rap battle champ Mark Grist will be joined by award-winning spoken word artistTim Clare for a captivating performance. In a collaboration between The Hosepipe Band and North Essex poet Martin Newell, the band will be performing original music to accompany readings of Martin’s epics, The Song of the Waterlily and Black Shuck – about the sinister ghostly dog said to have haunted East Anglia since Viking times.
 
Outstanding young talent Helen Mort will be dazzling the Poetry Arena as, according to none other than Carol Ann Duffy, one of the ‘brightest stars in the sparkling new constellation of young British poets’. Talia Randall will bring the extraordinarily original Bloodlines production to the Poetry Arena, remixing garage MCing, communist manifestos and Hulk Hogan’s speeches in an inventive and heartfelt show about how we make sense of ourselves in the 21st century. Rosy Carrick's eccentric style, dense rhyme structures and forceful imagery have won her international acclaim, as well as firmly cementing her place as one of the UK's most unusual and exciting contemporary performance poets.
 
Harry Baker – ‘a champion’, according to Ed Sheeran, is sure to win the hearts and minds of the Latitude audience with his trademark raw honesty, tongue-in-cheek humour and blistering wordplay. And finally, Derek McLuckie will be taking the Latitude audience on a rollercoaster ride of stories and poems with his signature theatrical showcase.
 
 
Lavish Big Screen
The Lavish Big Screen will celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the birth of punk with evenings curated by three iconic legends of the punk era, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols, Cabaret Voltaire’s Stephen Mallinder and the ‘Rebel Dread’ himself, Don Letts. Each day will feature film, video and music programmes handpicked by the three, followed by live DJ sets by themselves and others long into the night.
 

Bloodstock clock up more bands for 2016

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Headbangers….ready!?!  The BLOODSTOCK gladiators have been out marauding and have rounded up five more metal beasts for your entertainment this August.  First up, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY join the Ronnie James Dio main stage bill.  Now reunited with Pepper Keenan up front, BLOODSTOCK’s faithful can look forward to a slew of classics from their three-decade-plus career.

Pepper tells us,
"It’s been a real pleasure after all this time to get back with the COC lads and start jamming again and creating music.  We are having a blast!  We've have had so much support from all over the globe and landing on a fest like BLOODSTOCK really sums it up.  We’re honoured and cannot wait to up the fuckin' hammers in the middle of nowhere in merry ol' England!  Thank you!  Ohh yeah, don't forget me cider ….!”

CoC kicked off 2016 by launching their own ‘Wiseblood’ beer with the Three Floyd’s Brewing Co, announced a US run with Lamb of God & Clutch, and are also hard at work on a brand new album.  Get the latest news at www.coc.com UNEARTH also join the BLOODSTOCK bill for the first time.

If you’re fast, you can get clued up on their new material in time for August by picking up current album, ‘Watchers of Rule’ at a discounted price of around a fiver over at their merch store – http://unearth.merchnow.com/products/185256/watchers-of-rule-cd Wherever they can, BLOODSTOCK is proud to bring you bands who don’t often grace UK shores, so joining the main stage bill to play their first ever UK show are atmospheric US black metal outfit, GHOST BATH.

Local heroes, EVIL SCARECROW also make a triumphant return!

As serious contenders for the ‘most fun had on stage’ prize, what do they make of their return? “We’re back!  Again!  We’re like the BLOODSTOCK house band or maybe a bad STD that you can’t get rid of. Either way, we’re hoping to bring our biggest ever show and even some new material.  After the historic, record breaking crowd of 2014, we’re looking forward to being back on that stage, although a custom-built, floating glass pyramid ‘Scarecrow Stage’ would have been nice.  We’re genuinely overwhelmed and beyond excited to be back partying with our BLOODSTOCK brothers and sisters.”  Keep up with Scarecrow’s shenanigans via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evil.Scarecrow

Also, joining the Sophie stage bill are XII BOAR.  A big slab of rock n' roll-infused, southern-fried metal, this power trio are determined to make sure everyone has a good time. Ric Flair raves, "We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing our trademarked XII BOAR grooves to BLOODSTOCK.  This year's line-up is already beyond words and we're so stoked to be a part of it. Get your dancing shoes on and get down to the super massive XII BOAR sound as we're assembling the biggest party BLOODSTOCK has ever seen!  See you there!” 
 

Boomtown District lineups for 2016

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We have the lineup's announced for the following area's at this years Boomtown!

  • Chinatown
  • Sector 6
  • Psychedelic
  • Barrio Loco
  • Wild West
  • Mayfair
  • Old Town
  • DSTRKT 5

Chinatown

BoomTown’s seventh district announcement enters ChinaTown, the festival’s centre of technology and trade. Have your senses stimulated from all angles, with intense aromas, neon lights and detailed shop facades creating a vibe of mystery, mayhem and music.

Full ChinaTown Line-Up:

Madness, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Mad Caddies, Asian Dub Foundation, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Neville Staple Band, The Slackers, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Chainska Brassika

Leftover Crack, Senser, Street Dogs, Big D and the Kids Table, Jaya The Cat,

Talco, Inner Terrestrials, Culture Shock, Sonic Boom Six, The King Blues, Mischief Brew, Banane Metalik, The Peacocks, The Brains, The Filaments, New Town Kings, Chewing On Tinfoil, Wonk Unit, The Bar Stool Preachers, Vanilla Pod, Faintest Idea, Firepit Collective, Smokey Bastard, Ruby Throat, Dogshite, In Evil Hour, Casual Nausea, Rags Rudi, Intercity Crazy Train, Skaciety, Last Gang In Town Soundsystem

Ska Vengers, Will & The People, The Riffs, Spred The Dubs, By The Rivers, Buster Shuffle, Caravãna Sun, Goldmaster Allstars, The JB Conspiracy, Land Of The Giants, Bombskare, Magnus Major, China Shop Bull, Wombo Orchestra, Cut Capers, Mad Apple Circus, The Meow Meows, Counting Coins, Smiley & The Underclass, The Majestic (Ska Set), Count Skylarkin', Karl Phillips and the NGF Rejects, The Stiff Joints, The Activators, Cartoon Violence, Millie Manders, THE TiPS, Dizney Rascal, Last Edition

Days N Daze, The Lagan, Ratbag, Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One, The Roughneck Riot, Matilda’s Scoundrels, Cistem Failure, 2 Peas in a Pod, Hello Mabel, Ed Ache, Joe Yorke, Mercurius Rising, EFA Supertramp

Sector 6

Every revolution needs an HQ, and BoomTown Chapter 8’s uprising will be bubbling away in the brand new Sector 6! Located in the heart of the district is a power station commandeered by masked revolutionaries, leading their charge to a bass-heavy spectrum of garage, grime, bassline and dubstep.

Full Sector 6 Line-Up:

AC Slater, Barely Legal, Boom Sound Takeover: Big.Bad.Soundsystem / Fleck / Gardna / Jinx in Dub / Kreed / Parly B, Chris Lorenzo, Deadbeat UK, Deep Medi Takeover: Mala / Gorgon Sound / Commodo / Gantz / Rider Shafique / Sun of Selah, Diemantle, DJ Die, DJ Zinc, Foundation: Sticky b2b Scott Garcia & Lady Chann, GotSome, Hybrid Theory, Juma MC, Kry Wolf, Madam X, Melé, MJ Cole, Ms. Dynamite, Newham Generals, Om Unit, So Solid Crew: Lisa Maffia / Romeo / Mega / Asher D, Special Request (XL Recordings), Truth, Wonka-Vision, Zed Bias Soundsystem & MC Trigga

Psychedelic Stage

BoomTown’s fifth line-up announcement for Chapter 8 takes a trip into its Psychedelic world. Supported by three of the UK’s top Psy promoters, IllumiNaughty, Tribe of Frog and Elixir of Life, its three stages are spread across the city and unite crews, artists and party people from all over the international Psychedelic Trance, Progressive Techno and Hi-Tech community.  

Full Psychedelic Line-Up:

Hallucinogen / Hilight Tribe / Neelix / Shpongle – Simon Posford DJ set / GMS / Skazi / 1200 Micrograms / Orb Sound System / Ozric Tentacles /

JOOF / Alok / GAUDI / Dino Psaras / Tsuyoshi Suzuki / Hypnocoustics / Parasense / Hedflux / Monk3ylogic / Dirty Saffi / Nick Sentience / Liquid Ross / Driss / Nigel Shiva Valley / Tortured Brain / Logica / DJ Moon / Mack / Nikki S / Shakti / ThallOm / Lemon Tree

Brainiac / K.i.M / Sinerider / M-Theory / Illegal Machines / Illegal Sensations / Filterheads / Neuroplasm / Big Scary Monsters / Ben Coda / Continem / CIMI / Divination / Occular / AudioFire / James West / Aardvark / Subliminal

System/ Spinney Lainey / Svess /Xymox / Pieman/ Geo/ Psychosonic / Dr G

Loose Connection / Apollyon / Skyhighatrist / Act One / Refried Dreams / Cheryl Catawumpas / Krosis/Final Form / N.Vader / Life Path 9 / Allycat / Cybernetic Ghost / Stalic Overdose / F'da F'da

Barrio Loco

BoomTown’s Chapter 8 line-up announcement schedule reaches the festival’s Latin quarter, Barrio Loco. A neighbourhood that rarely sleeps, its revolutionary spirit and carnival atmosphere run deep through its streets! The infamous Bassline Circus brings their 360° outdoor show 'Athletes of the Night', and in addition to the district’s bass-heavy hub Poco Loco an all-new stage plays host to a bill of house and techno trailblazers.

Full Barrio Loco Line-up:

Alfresco Disco, Billy Kenny, B.Traits, Dead Players, Derrick Carter, Derrick May, Devvo, DJ Craze, DJ Format & Abdominal, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon, DRS (Live), Flux DJs, Foreign Beggars, Friend Within, Gardna, Jackmaster, Jenna & the G's, JFB, Jman, Jus Now, Levelz, Mouse Outfit, Mr Woodnote & Lil Rhys, Nightmares On Wax, Octave One (Live), Pharaohe Monch – Live Band, Red Eye HiFi with Kathika, Fox, Shadow Child, Shapes DJs, Skream, Sparkz & Kiva, Reeps One – Live AV Show, Submotion Orchestra, Swindle (Live), White Bully (Live), Will Clarke

Wild West District

Yeehaa! BoomTown’s Chapter 8 district announcements reach the Wild West, a raucous ex-prospecting settlement populated by cowboys, showgirls, bounty hunters and bandits, and ruled by the no-nonsense Sheriff. Away from the district’s dusty trails and ramshackle saloons, three main stages dosey-doe day and night to a rootin’ tootin’ line-up of Folk, Bluegrass, Ska and World music.

Full Wild West Line-up

Imelda May, Afro Celt Sound System, Ojos de Brujo, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Seth Lakeman, Lau, Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Steve N Seagulls, Larry & His Flask, Shooglenifty, Raghu Dixit, Dhol Foundation, Beans On Toast, Mokoomba, The Brother Moves On, Afriquoi, Ferocious Dog, Skinny Lister, The Turbans, 3 Daft Monkeys, Fitty Gomash, Pronghorn,

The Boot Hill All Stars, Johnny Cage & Voodoo Groove, Skimmity Hitchers, Gaz Brookfield & Ben Wain, Sam Green and The Midnight Heist, The Hot Sprockets, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Seven Little Sisters, The White City Shakers, Severed Limb, Screamin Miss Jackson & The Slap ya Mamma Big Band, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Showhawk Duo, Cat Ratchers, Dead Plants, JC's Hopeless Sinners, Trailer Trash Orchestra, The Back Wood Redeemers, Wessex Pistols, Buffalo Skinners, Captain Cactus & The Screaming Harlots, Gin Bowlers, Dana Immanuel & The Stolen Band, Curst Sons, Dusk at Dawns, Dead Plants, The Inbredz, The Scribes, Afro Cluster, Junior Bill & The Scallies, The Future Dub Project, Crinkle Cuts, Euphony, The Piratones, Pachango, Iguanas, Key Lime Pi, Josephine & The Artizans, Eat The Evidence, Vegetable Collective, Feel Good Culture, Easy Stride Band, MoCara, The Barefoot Bandit, Zegema Beach, King Solomon Band, Lily Mi, Sam Evans Band, Henge, The Maitree Express, Feelgood Experiment, Selby And The Dharma Blitz, Fast Decline, Echo Town, Primo Nelson

Mayfair District

Fresh off the back of BoomTown’s first major headliner release and OldTown district announcement, the festival has unleashed the full bill for its Mayfair district; a playground for the upper echelons of BoomTown society, where bankers, socialites, aristocrats and secret societies rub shoulders. The well-heeled theatrical high-jinx of Mayfair plays out whilst housing the biggest electro-swing and vintage remix line up in the world.

Full Mayfair Line-up

Parov Stelar, Molotov Jukebox, The Correspondents (Live Band), Smokey Joe & The Kid feat. Mystro, Electric Swing Circus, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, The Carny Villains, The Sweet Life Society, Big Swing Sound feat. Hypeman Sage, Eugene The Cat, Sound Nomaden, Swingbot, Savages y Suefo, Pep’s Show Boys & Sebastian Röser ft. Rosantique, DJ Chris Tofu, Renegade Brass Band, Brass Funkeys, Temple Funk Collective, LLareggub Brass Band, The Zen Hussies, Gypsies Of Bohemia, Unexpected Guests feat. Professor Elemental, Jenova Collective, DJ Louie Prima, Chicken Brothers, Madame Electrifie, CatJam, The Church, Daytoner, Little Violet, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Wombo Orchestra, Barbarella's Bang Bang, Manieres des Bohemiens, Mr Tea & The Minions, Swingers, Immigrant Swing, Rum Buffalo, World's Tallest DJ, The Rumpsteppers, BMVT, Jass B'Stards, Madame Barducci and The Goudzy Guitar, The Imperial Works, Antelope, Chameleon Mime, DJ Eliazar, Swing Dance Classes

Old Town District

Following BoomTown’s massive first major line-up release, the festival kicks off five weeks of artist announcements for the nine districts that make up the weird, wild and wonderful fabric of the city. First up it’s the ancient pirate port of OldTown, the festival’s longest standing district that plays host to The Jolly Dodger, a 90-ft pirate ship and the OldTown main stage.

Full OldTown Line-up

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

DSTRK 5 Lineup

Full DSTRKT 5 Line-Up:

Towering over D5 is the incredible nine-storey Bang Hai Palace, a flame-throwing heavy bass mecca and the city’s most striking skyline spectacle.

RAM Records Showcase: Calyx & Teebee / Audio / Teddy Killerz, Roni Size & Krust present Full Cycle, Dub Phizix, Calibre, Critical Sound: Mefjus / Ivy Lab / Kasra / Emperor / Enei / Sam Binga / Foreign Concept, My Nu Leng, TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D), DJ Hype & Hazard present 20 Years of Playaz, Born On Road (Aries, Kelvin 373, Stivs, Gold Dubs), Taiki & Nulight, MCs: DRS, Dynamite MC, Strategy, 2Shy, Skibadee, LX One, Carasel, Dread MC Angerfist, Dr Peacock, Guigoo, Radium, Vandal, Counterstrike, Cause4Concern, Cooh, Machine Code, The Outside Agency, Pattern J, The Speed Freak, Pisko, Djipe, PRSPCT Takeover: Fragz / Dolphin / Sinister Souls, Therapy Sessions Takeover: Hallucinator / Fortitude / Robyn Chaos, Block Dodger, Al Twisted, Mandidextrous, Dataklysm, DJ Michael Barrymore, Irritant Sounds, Subliminal Audio, DNA, Requiem Soundsystem

The Upbeats, Koan Sound, Stanton Warriors, Krafty Kuts, Altern8, Plump DJs, A.Skillz, The Heatwave, The Nextmen, Chimpo, Mella Dee, Slipmatt, Inspected Records: Billain / Culprate / Monuman (Emperor) / Sorrow / Inspector Dubplate, Shades of Rhythm, The Squire of Gothos, Itchy & Skratchy DJs

IGORRR, Bong-Ra, Ruby My Dear, 0=0, B Key, Smyla, Ghost, Dr. Bastardo, Pants and Socks, Dave Skywalker, Jungle Syndicate, Amen-Tal

Wildfire Adventure Camp returns for 2016

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2015 saw the creation of a new genre of festival, as Wildfire Adventure Camp came to prominence as the world’s first “Questival” at a secret location in the south of England. Word spread like wildfire and all 500 tickets sold out quickly as a fearless band of like-minded souls shunned the trappings of everyday life to participate in a series of communal activities that tested their strength and character and challenged their mental resources.  
 
Set in a stunning forest location, Wildfire is a 1950's style adventure camp by day, where leaders will encourage campers to take part in a huge array of activities across the site. This ‘Questival’ requires you to leave your modern day lifelines at the door (no electronic devices allowed, not even cameras), with a focus on immersing yourself in sunny days of fulfilment. Revellers will be lead by camp leaders and a spectacular show team for a weekend of immersive theatre, music and adventure. As darkness falls and the sun goes down, Wildfire is transformed into a hedonistic utopia of rich music and unabashed revelry as the team behind LeeFest curate a diverse music programme.
 
This trailblazing event captured the hearts and minds of the media who dubbed Camp Wildfire as the ‘Worlds first questival’ and the ‘Ultimate digital detox’
 
In a festival landscape that’s packed with events doing the same thing, booking the same bands, and providing the same experience, it’s a rare, new event. Festival utopia! – VICE
 
Now back for 2016, Wildfire Adventure Camp can reveal the first array of activities programmed for this year’s event – including:
 
Bushcraft
Knots // Fire Lighting // Bivouac Building // Trap Setting // Survival // Techniques
 
Expeditions
Rambling // Treasure Hunts // Horse Riding // Adventuring
 
Health & Wellbeing
Massage // Sauna Building // Hot Tubs // Naked Tea Tent // Mindfulness // Cupid's Club
 
Adventure Sports
Cycling // Raft Building // Archery  // Knife Throwing // Circus Skills // Climbing // Sword-Fighting // Yoga // 
Paddle Boarding // Tug Of War // Slipslide // Crazy Golf // Cycling
 
Science & Engineering
Astronomy // Rocket Building // First Aid // Catapults // Bee Keeping // Photography // Radio
 
Artistry
Screen Printing // Life Drawing // Watercolouring // Acrylic Painting // Knitting // Paper Craft // Mask Making // 
Nipple Tassle Making
 
Many more activities will be revealed shortly including the brand new for 2016 Puzzle Arena!
 
Expect the unexpected as Wildfire Adventure Camp returns to reclaim that feeling of being human, reinventing the concept of what a festival can be and embracing fellow explorers to join them on a weekend of adventure that escapes the 21st century world.

51st State Festival full lineup announced

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51st State – the festival dedicated to soulful dance music – announce the lineup for the second edition at London's Trent Park on Saturday 6th August. 
 
Presented by Found Series, the lineup features tastemakers, trail-blazers and seminal figures from house, garage, soul, funk, dub, dancehall and disco with Kings Of House, Soul II Soul, Body & Soul, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, Dimitri From Paris, Crystal Waters, The Basement Boys, Barbara Tucker, Matt Jam Lemont, Mr Vegas, The Heatwave, Jazzy B, Joey Negro, Horse Meat Disco, Marshall Jefferson and many more set to perform at the leafy North London location.
 
With six stages playing music all day long, highlights include Main Stage headliners Kings Of House, made up from three of the genre's most legendary figures; Louie Vega, Tony Humphries and David Morales. Grammy Award winning Soul II Soul will also play a must-see set from the open-air stage. A who's who of house music heroes follows on as Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, Marshall Jefferson andMike Dunn all take to the stage hosted by iconic soul singer Barbara Tucker.
 
Other festival highlights include the Groove Odyssey arena with performances from Body & Soul lynchpins Francois K, Joe Claussell and Danny Krivit as well as The Basement Boys: Spen,Karizma and Teddy Douglas. Crowds at Groove Odyssey will also enjoy live sets from stage hostsAdeva and Monique Bingham.
 
A festival favourite in 2015, BackTo95 have assembled another colossal lineup with arena hostsCrystal Waters celebrating 25 years of their smash-hit single Gypsy Woman, and a troupe of revered garage personalities including Todd Edwards, Artful Dodger, Matt Jam Lamont, Spoony & Mikee B and Norris De Boss Windross.
 
Elsewhere legendary jazz and funk composter Roy Ayers Ubiquity will headline We Love Soul. He will be joined by Jazzie B and Paul Trouble Anderson with a very special live set from The System'sMic Murphy performing 'You're In My System', 'I Can Make You Feel Good', 'This For You' and 'It's Passion'.
 
Bringing Caribbean carnival vibes to 51st State Festival, Hot Wuk welcomes Dancehall superstar Mr Vegas to headline their arena. Tippa Irie will play an exclusive vintage 80s Dancehall set and Dawn Penn brings a live PA to the arena. Legendary soundsystem Channel One and Found Series favourites The Heatwave will also be dishing out the party atmosphere at Hot Wuk.
 
For those seeking style and comfort, the Studio 51 VIP arena returns for 2016 offering a chill-out seating area, exclusive bar, posh loos and fast-track entry, as well as an additional stage of music withJoey Negro, John Morales, Horse Meat Disco and more…
 
Standard tickets are already on the third tier with VIP tickets close to selling out. Remaining tickets are expected to sell fast, so act quickly to avoid disappointment. 
 
Found Series are proud to partner with mental health charity Mind for their 2016 festival series.
 

MAIN STAGE
KINGS OF HOUSE
– LOUIE VEGA 
– TONY HUMPHRIES
– DAVID MORALES
SOUL II SOUL LIVE
ROGER SANCHEZ
TODD TERRY
MARSHALL JEFFERSON
MIKE DUNN 
DAN SHAKE
LEX LUCA
HOST
BARBARA TUCKER
 
GROOVE ODYSSEY 
BODY & SOUL
– FRANCOIS K 
– JOE CLAUSSELL
– DANNY KRIVIT
KENNY DOPE
DIMITRI FROM PARIS
THE BASEMENT BOYS 
– SPEN
– KARIZMA
– TEDDY DOUGLAS
ADEVA LIVE
MONIQUE BINGHAM LIVE
BOBBY & STEVE
ANANE VEGA
NEIL PIERCE
LEE MAJOR 

 

BACKTO95
CRYSTAL WATERS LIVE
TODD EDWARDS
MATT JAM LAMONT
ARTFUL DODGER
SPOONY & MIKEE B (DREEM TEEM) 
NORRIS DA BOSS WINDROSS
JASON KAYE
RAMSEY & FEN
ROBBIE CRAIG LIVE
HERMIT & DANIEL WARD
LISTENER & JASON H
MADDNESS
HOSTS
CREED
CKP
DT
PSG
BUZZHARD
BLAKEY
 
WE LOVE SOUL
ROY AYERS UBIQUITY LIVE
JAZZIE B (SOUL II SOUL)
PAUL TROUBLE ANDERSON
MIC MURPHY (THE SYSTEM ) LIVE
BIGGER
JIGS
FEMI FEN
JAZZIE Q & AITCH B
SAMMY CONFUNKTION & CHLLI SOURCE
LLOYD LIFE
DAVID BAILEY
SELLY J
HOST 
MICRO
 
HOT WUK STAGE
MR VEGAS
THE HEATWAVE
GENERAL LEVY
TIPPA IRIE (VINTAGE 80S DANCEHALL SET)
CHANNEL ONE
DAWN PENN LIVE
VICTOR V
SACHA KELLA (CLARKS)
 
STUDIO 51 – VIP
JOEY NEGRO
JOHN MORALES
HORSE MEAT DISCO
OPOLOPO
FEELINGS (RYAN WINTERS & KARL KARLSON)
PHIL NIXON 
FUNKIE P 
LIAM D

Chase & Status announced as headliner for Sundown Festival

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Sundown is proud to reveal that Chase & Status will be headlining the Saturday main stage. These chart topping electronic superstars are one of the most incendiary live acts around and their three studio albums have received huge critical acclaim. With a new album on the way including the new Slaves featuring single ‘ Control’, this act are about to go stratospheric and their performance is sure to be one of the defining festival moments of the summer. Do not miss it!

Last year was one of the biggest years in UK urban music’s history and 2016 is set to be no different. Sundown is excited to welcome one of Grime’s undisputed godfathers Kano to the festival main stage alongside breakout UK hip-hop duo and chart superstars Krept and Konan. 

This year Sundown is partnering with some of the finest brands in dance music with Defected, UKF, Ministry Of Sound and Drum & Bass Arena all hosting their own huge lineups at the festival. Joining the party are British DJ duo and rising stars Blonde, garage god Artful Dodger, drum and bass pioneer Goldie, genre-smashing DJ and Snatch! Records boss Riva Starr and breakbeat legend DJ Zinc as well as Butterz favourite Flava D and dnb star Dimension. 

Promising to be the biggest year in the festival’s history, tickets are expected to sell fast for the best closing party of the festival season! Sundown Festival returns to Norfolk Showground in Norwich for a fourth year with an enormous line-up of the biggest and best names in contemporary music. With the huge already-announced lineup featuring headliner Jason Derulo alongside Years & Years, Jess Glynne, Dizzee Rascal and many more, Sundown brings together everything that is vital in music right now for a weekend of unparalleled music from all corners of pop, urban and dance.

Notes To Editors:

Saturday 3rd September

Main Stage

Chase & Status

Jess Glynne

Dizzee Rascal

Kano

 

Stage 2 – Defected

Sonny Fodera

Sam Divine

DJ SKT

Riva Starr

 

Stage 3 – UKF

David Rodigan MBE

Jaguar Skills

My Nu Leng

DJ Zinc

Flava D

 

Sunday 4th September

Main Stage

Jason Derulo

Years & Years

Fleur East

Krept & Konan

 

Stage 2 – Ministry Of Sound

Amine Edge & DANCE

Redlight

Low Steppa

Blonde

Artful Dodger

 

Stage 3 – Drum & Bass

Wilkinson

Friction

DJ Hazard

Goldie

Dimension

Suede, Jess Glynne and more lead Standon Calling 2016 lineup

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Standon Calling is pulling out all the stops with the first announcement for 2016, unveiling a wealth of musical talent including the mighty Suede, Grammy-winner Jess Glynne and r&b superstar Kelis to perform at the Hertfordshire festival, 29th – 31st July. Also confirmed are Everything Everything, The Hives, Ghostpoet, Anna Calvi, Blossoms, The Thurston Moore Band and many more. Following a sell out year, Standon Calling returns to its stunning manor grounds setting, inviting thousands of friends, families and festival lovers to gather for a magical weekend of live music & DJs, fancy dress, swimming and day to night hedonism. Remaining tier 1 tickets are on sale now and start at £127.

A boutique festival with major musical ambition, Standon Calling has once again secured some of the best talent around for what will be a truly unforgettable weekend. Joining the festival's 11th edition will be the legendary Suede, set to deliver a headline performance of old school favourites and tracks from their recent critically acclaimed album Night Thoughts. Also heading up the bill are the Grammy-winning vocals of Jess Glynne, fresh from a stellar performance at last week's Brit Awards.

Renowned for her incredible live performances, the multi-talented musician and part-time chef Kelis will be bringing all the boys (and girls) to the yard. Swedish quintet The Hives famed for their famous brand of garage rock are also confirmed, as is Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine supergroup The Thurston Moore Band. Mercury Prize-nominees Everything Everything will no doubt have revellers in the party spirit with their genre-defying musical prowess. Further perfomances come courtesy of fellow Mercury Prize-nominee Anna Calviand winner Ghostpoet along with anti-folk singer-songwriter Adam Green, nine-piece hip-hop groupThe Mouse Outfit and rising Stockport rockers Blossoms who recently jumped to the top of the iTunes album chart.

Flying the flag for electronic music is house pioneer and legendary DJ, Theo Parrish. GOLDIE who was recently awarded an MBE for his contribution to UK music also joins the fray along with Dan Deacon, Gold Panda, Luke Abbott. Standon Calling's own night club, the Cowshed, returns to keep the party going well into the early hours. Seminal label Hospitality are onboard behind the decks for a special one night takeover and Sink The Pink's naughty little sister Savage Disco will take the helm for another night that promises plenty of camp hilarity.

Indie fans are well catered for as Standon adds Teleman, Meilyr Jones, Declan McKenna, Clean Cut Kid, Pins and Swim Deep. Honne bring their futuristic soul and Natty, Tiggs Da Author, Hot 8 Brass Band, United Vibrations, Kiko Bun and Rag'n'bone Man inject a welcome mix of jazz, funk, reggae & r&b to the party. Also on hand to keep crowds entertained will be comedic superstars The Cuban Brothers. 

Standon Calling has become renowned for offering a great platform for rising musicians to cut their teeth and  over the years Standon has hosted early performances from Florence and the Machine, Friendly Fires, Mumford and Sons, Bastille, Metronome, London Grammar, Clean Bandit, The Maccabees, Paloma Faith and more. This year the festival continues to support rising talent and welcomes Rationale, Loyle Carner, Billie Marten, Jones, Flyte, Charlie Cunningham, Tangerines, The Amazons, Exmagician, Hannah Lou Clarke, Seramic, Revere, Venice Trip, Peluche, Bella Figura, Nadia Nair and Petricha.

What started as a birthday BBQ and DJs with a handful of friends has become the perfect overgrown house party, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops, talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and of course its own heated outdoor swimming pool. 2016 is already shaping up to be a special year with plenty more to be announced soon.

The theme for this year's festival will be announced this Saturday when Standon Calling takes over Vault Festival in London for a special Saturday night party on 5th March. Past themes have included ‘Murder on the Standon Express’, ‘Running Away from the Circus’ and ‘A Town of Two Faces’ and this year's theme is set to be even more ambitious. 

LINE-UP SO FAR
Live
Suede / Jess Glynne / Kelis
The Hives / Everything Everything / Ghostpoet / Anna Calvi / Blossoms / The Thurston Moore Band
Gold Panda / Loyle Carner / Adam Green / Teleman / Swim Deep / Tiggs Da Author / Honne / Natty / The Mouse Outfit / Meilyr Jones / The Cuban Brothers / Declan McKenna / Hot 8 Brass Band / Billie Marten / Rag'n'bone Man / Rationale / Clean Cut Kid / Kiko Bun / Jones / United Vibrations / Pins / Flyte / Charlie Cunningham / The Amazons / Tangerines / Exmagician / Hannah Lou Clarke / Seramic / Revere / Venice Trip / Peluche / Bella Figura / Nadia Nair / Petricha
DJs
Theo Parrish / GOLDIE MBE / Dan Deacon / Luke Abbott
Cowshed Takeovers
Hospitality / Savage Disco
Micro Venues
Groove Garden / Top Shed / Autumn Shift / Dog & Whistle

Biffy Clyro & Fall Out Boy complete Reading and Leeds 2016 headliners

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Joining a packed weekend of international heavyweights, Reading & Leeds are delighted to announce their final UK Festival Exclusive co-headliners of 2016; Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy. Unstoppable forces in alternative rock on both sides of the Atlantic, both will take to the stage to co-headline an emphatic evening of heavy riffs and melodies.
 
The phenomenal Biffy Clyro stand as true Reading & Leeds originals, rising through the ranks, their full-throttle rock has propelled them to the top of festival bills around the world. With a new album in the works, and a nation of fans eagerly awaiting their next step, Biffy Clyro are destined to bring their explosive headline credentials for a truly monumental performance at the top of the bill.
 
Biffy Clyro commented:
"We're baaaaack!! We are honoured to be asked to close Reading and Leeds this summer. We had one of the best nights of our lives last time and we're going to do all we can to make it even bigger and better in 2016. You ain't seen nothing yet motherfuckers!!"
 
Catalysts for an entire generation, alt rock kingpins Fall Out Boy have sound tracked the teenage dreams of fans around the globe. Their catalogue of unmistakable anthems laid the blueprint for a genre of their own, standing the band as one of the most influential acts of the 21st century. Their 2013 return to Reading & Leeds triggered one of the biggest crowds in festival history, so expect euphoria, nostalgia and pandemonium as Fall Out Boy headline Reading & Leeds 2016.
 
Speaking about their massive co-headlining spot, Fall Out Boy said:

"It’s pretty surreal to hear we are going to be co-headlining Reading and Leeds. R&L was our first real festival experience outside of the U.S. and since the start we have buckled in and had an insane and memorable experience every time we have played. This is it, the big one for us and we are excited to be a part of it."

 
Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy join an unparalleled line up of headliners for Reading & Leeds 2016, boasting headline performances destined to last long in the history books from Foals, Disclosure and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. With 5 Headliners over 3 Days, Reading & Leeds is the go-to destination for countless, mammoth festival moments.
 
On top of these sensational headliners, a raft of new names have been confirmed to appear across the bank holiday weekend. Synth-pop revelations Chvrches have taken the world by storm over the past 3 years, with two critically-acclaimed studio albums and a captivating live presence. Fresh from the worldwide success of last year’s “Every Open Eye”, their appearance at Reading & Leeds will leave a lasting effect on a legion of devoted fans.
 
The Vaccines graduation to the major leagues of British indie has been staggering, releasing three mammoth LPs in 5 years, and securing their reputation as one of the most vital names of recent times. With eclectic cuts from “English Graffiti” and old favourites abound, their set is one destined to elicit jubilant summertime scenes in a UK Festival Exclusive performance at Reading & Leeds 2016.
 
Uncompromising and consistently pushing boundaries, A$AP Rocky is a global force to be reckoned with, across two acclaimed collection of intoxicating records that both landed at number 1 on the US charts and drew universal acclaim from critics around the globe. A style icon and a generational influencer, his UK Festival Exclusive appearance at Reading & Leeds 2016 sees the crowning of the next king of hip-hop.
 
After a massive year that culminated in a sold out appearance at London’s Roundhouse, Lower Than Atlantis will be bringing their radio-ready hit parade to Reading & Leeds in a UK Festival Exclusive for yet another momentous milestone for Watford’s finest. They’ll be joined by the latest and greatest in the rock world with the primal tones of Sleeping With Sirens, Welsh reggae-rock titans Skindred, punk legend Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, heavy American icons Five Finger Death Punch and State Champs.
 
Lower Than Atlantis leader Mike Duce said:
"I'm pretty sure I've said this before but it's because I mean it! It's such an honour to be asked to play R&L, let alone the main stage! And so high up the bill! This means business. It's really time to step up our game!"
 
Speaking about their Main Stage appearance this year, Skindred frontman Benji Webbe said:
"You will see a lot of bands at Reading & Leeds Festival but there's nothing that will come close to the energy that Skindred will deliver and the vibes that will be rocking through the festival when we hit the stage! A performance not to be missed, we come in peace but we will leave you in pieces."
 
Sleeping With Sirens said about their UK Festival Exclusive performance:
"Sleeping With Sirens couldn't be more excited for our return to Reading and Leeds Festival! 'If you can't hang then'..
 
Californian sisters HAIM have grown into mesmeric darlings of the indie-pop world since the global success of debut album “Days Are Gone”. As anticipation grows for their unannounced second studio effort, Este, Danielle and Alana will be transforming Reading & Leeds into their own sun-drenched paradise in another UK Festival Exclusive.
 
The name on everyone’s lips Jack Garratt will hit Reading & Leeds 2016 with his untouchable electro-rock grooves, fresh from claiming the BBC Sound Of 2016 and BRITS Critics Choice Award that has marked him out as the one to watch this year.
 
The Wombats unmistakable electro-pop hooks have sound tracked the nation for nearly 10 years and fresh from their biggest live shows of their career in 2015, the Liverpudlian trio will be returning for an unmissable performance.
 
Speaking of their performance, The Wombats said:
''We are beyond excited to get back to Reading & Leeds Festivals! If I'm correct this will be our fourth time around but without a doubt last year was our favourite. It doesn't get much better than an R&L crowd!"
 
Exclusively returning to the Reading & Leeds fields are South African rave phenomenon Die Antwoord lighting the stage across the weekend with their unpredictable and chaotic live show.
 
Kentucky psych-mixers Cage The Elephant will be touching down with a full-barraged assault on the senses, whilst Reading’s own indie dreamers Sundara Karma take to the biggest stages of their career.  
 
Tectonic beats and bass-heavy vibrations are abound, with performances across the weekend from chart-hitters Sigma, dance don Netsky, “White Noise” gliders AlunaGeorge and highly tipped electronic svengali Mura Masa. Grime pillars Krept & Konan will cement their ascent with a high-energy turn at this year’s festivals, with underground king Giggs also due to appear.
 
Duo Sigma commented:
“We can’t wait to bring the new live show to Reading and Leeds for the first time – see you down the front!”
 
Netsky said:
“So excited to be coming back to the UK for Reading & Leeds this summer, the crowds always blow me away at these ones, and I can’t wait to bring the live band back again this year once my new album is out. See you in August!”
 
The Neighbourhood have also been announced, alongside punk purveyors Savages, ‘BBC Sound Of’ indie-mixers Blossoms, recently reunited Suffolk hardcore outfit Basement, Canadian anthem-sourcers Half Moon Run and the fresh dynamic rock of Highly Suspect, who all make for unmissable performances at this year’s festivals.
 
Basement said:
"We're all really excited to be playing Reading and Leeds festival again this year. It's a huge honour to be asked back and we can't wait to play the NME stage for the first time."
 
Highly Suspect had this to say on their upcoming appearance at Reading & Leeds 2016:
"Coming to the U.K. was some of the best shit that ever happened to us. Can't believe we get to come back again so soon and play at such an incredible festival. Pumped."
 
Reading & Leeds rich history in highlighting the sub genres and game-changers of the alternative world will continue in 2016, with calculating metallers The Dillinger Escape Plan returning to the festival 14 years after one of the most talked about appearances in festival history in a UK Festival Exclusive. Another UK Festival Exclusive sits with the unstoppable behemoth that is Asking Alexandria making their Reading & Leeds debut with a headline spectacle for the ages. The returning punks The King Blues will also be bringing their politically-charged sermons on the modern nation to the Reading & Leeds crowds.
 
Itch from The King Blues says:
"We're so excited to be back amongst the freaks and the troublemakers on the punk stage we've played so many times. This is truly going to be the highlight of my summer"
 
Bringing an equally fierce live reputation is Creeper, the most talked about new band in the UK, whose sets have become community gatherings with their electric blend of goth and punk rock, making them ones not to be missed. Also announced is the glam-rock stomp of FVK, Rage Against The Machine’s Tim Commerford unleashing his fierce new outfit Wakrat, Philadelphian rockers Modern Baseball, rising punks Dead!, Norweigan six-piece Kvelertak and dark rock glazers Citizen.
 
FVK co-frontman Kier Kemp commented:
"Well then here's another one for the bucket list! Some of our fondest festival memories are from Reading Festival, and to think we'll be gracing those stages this year is unreal. I guess all I can say is thanks to everyone that's got us here. Yay!"
 
Creeper said:
"We are incredibly excited to be playing Reading and Leeds festival this year. Members of our band have been attending these festivals since we were kids, it is an incredible honour to have been asked to play and we promise a very special show."
 
Tim Commerford of Wakrat said:
“I can't believe that WAKRAT will be playing Reading and Leeds this year. It's a blessing to play and introduce my new passion to a part of the world that has been so good to me and has some of the most incredible fans and we hope to win more over.”
 
Rising punks DEAD! said:
"R&L has become a rite of passage for bands building something and taking it that bit further. We're excited to take that step. See you down the front X"
 
Reading & Leeds emphatic array of the best in hip-hop continues with the addition of US hit machine Travi$ Scott. The eccentric, genre-blender released his acclaimed debut LP ‘Rodeo” at the end of 2015, only extending his reputation as the most in-demand name in modern hip-hop. He’ll be joined across the weekend with headline sets from G-Eazy whose acclaimed appearance on Grace’s “You Don’t Own Me” sent his stardom to another level. Both of these huge names stand as UK Festival Exclusives, making Reading & Leeds the only place to be for the hottest names in modern hip-hop.
 
Further additions include Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals who set to deliver an unmissable masterclass in modern jazz and soul whilst reggae wordsmith Protoje, South London’s Section Boyz, gritty actor turned musician Raleigh Ritchie, the undeniable rhymes of Lady Leshurr, label disc-jockey DJ Semtex and Yungen are all set to tear apart the stage at this year’s festivals.
 
Protoje said about his addition to the lineup:
"The UK is one of my favorite places in the world to play music so it's always a pleasure to come there and play. The crowds there always show up with an energy that is unlike anywhere else in the world. Looking forward to the response at Reading and Leeds Fest."
 
Indie veterans and Newcastle’s favourite sons   Maxïmo Park will be opening their catalogue of art-rock soundscapes that defined a generation of guitar bands. Expect the hits and more from dynamic frontman Paul Smith. In another UK Festival Exclusive, Seratones join the line up, bringing their infectious, swinging rock to Reading & Leeds for an unprecedented evening of Southern charm.
 
Taking to the stage across the weekend, will be the shining solo moods of Banners, the riotous snarl of rockers INHEAVEN and the fuzzed grunge goodness of Glaswegian dreamers Tuff Love.
 
Joining co-headliners Disclosure in the dance music world at Reading & Leeds 2016 is a mixture of pioneering legends and the hottest names in underground dance. Duke Dumont will be dropping an undeniable masterclass in modern pop whilst David Rodigan MBE 1Xtra’s Mistajam, BRIT Award nominees Disciples, “Alone No More” hitmaker Philip George, French DJ supremos Birdy Nam Nam, LA spinner Jauz, “Rinse & Repeat” hitmaker Riton and a decadent bass breakdown with My Nu Leng B2B Oneman + Dread MC (Reading) and Oneman B2B My Nu Leng + Dread MC (Leeds) as all take to the decks for unique and bass-shaking performances over the weekend, proving the home of modern dance is Reading & Leeds.
 
Philip George said:
“When you’re a kid, Reading and Leeds were two festivals you really dream of playing at – and this summer I am buzzing that I get to make that dream come true I remember seeing all the lineups coming out for Reading/Leeds and they are always quality so it's mint that I'm playing it this summer. I’m really looking forward to it”
 
Including the unprecedented 5 Headliners Over 3 Days in Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foals, Disclosure and today’s announcement of Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy, previously announced acts including pop kings The 1975, dance supremos Jack U, Las Vegas chart heroes Imagine Dragons, US hip/hop enigma Fetty Wap, Grime collective Boy Better Know, Courteeners, Twenty One Pilots, Two Door Cinema Club and many, many more!
 
ANNOUNCED TODAY:
 
Biffy Clyro (co-headline) (UK Festival Exclusive)
Fall Out Boy (co-headline) (UK Festival Exclusive)
Chvrches
The Vaccines (UK Festival Exclusive)
A$AP Rocky (UK Festival Exclusive)
HAIM (UK Festival Exclusive)
Jack Garratt
The Wombats
Lower Than Atlantis (UK Festival Exclusive)
Asking Alexandria (UK Festival Exclusive)
The Dillinger Escape Plan (UK Festival Exclusive)
Travi$ Scott (UK Festival Exclusive)
G-Eazy (UK Festival Exclusive)
Skindred        
Five Finger Death Punch (UK Festival Exclusive)                     
Sleeping With Sirens (UK Festival Exclusive)
The Neighbourhood (UK Festival Exclusive)
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes         
State Champs
Savages
Die Antwoord (UK Festival Exclusive)
Cage The Elephant (UK Festival Exclusive)
Krept & Konan
Sigma
Half Moon Run
Basement
Blossoms
Mura Masa
Giggs
Netsky
Highly Suspect (UK Festival Exclusive)
Sundara Karma
AlunaGeorge   
Duke Dumont
David Rodigan MBE
Disciples                              
My Nu Leng B2B Oneman + Dread MC (Reading) / Oneman B2B My Nu Leng + Dread MC (Leeds)                          
MistaJam
Philip George                    
Riton                    
Birdy Nam Nam                               
Wakrat
The King Blues
Kvelertak
FVK                                                          
Modern Baseball
Dead!         
Creeper             
Citizen                                      
Maxïmo Park
Raleigh Ritchie                                                                                                     
INHEAVEN                        
Banners                                                                                                                     
Tuff Love                                              
Seratones       
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals                         
Section Boyz                     
Protoje                                                              
Lady Leshurr
DJ Semtex
Yungen       
Juaz                                            
 
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:
                   
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Foals (Co-Headline)
Disclosure (Co-Headline)
Imagine Dragons (European Festival Exclusive)
Jack U                  
Two Door Cinema Club                 
The 1975
Courteeners                     
Boy Better Know (UK Festival Exclusive)       
Twenty One Pilots (UK Festival Exclusive)                                                       
Crystal Castles (UK Festival Exclusive)    
Fetty Wap (UK Festival Exclusive)                     
Eagles Of Death Metal (UK Festival Exclusive)
Slaves  
Parkway Drive (UK Festival Exclusive)
Nothing But Thieves     
The Internet (UK Festival Exclusive)
Rat Boy
Hinds
Oliver Heldens   
DJ EZ
Hannah Wants
Crossfaith
Kurupt FM Presents: Champagne Steam Rooms
Cassetteboy vs DJ Rubbish