Anna Hyams

Anna has been a festival fanatic since her first ever outing to Download Festival back in 2001, she's got eclectic tastes and covers everything from metal to EDM and loves a chance to try out new festivals. Anna has covered a few European festivals like Snowbombing and Wacken Open Air, but mainly hits up her UK faves; Download, Bestival and Bloodstock!

Announcing Bowie: Live On The Loch – Bowie’s Glastonbury band reunites for landmark celebration

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To mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest artists who ever lived, the spirit of David B will return to the Scottish shores he loved so deeply for one weekend only. On 7 and 8 November 2026, Cameron House on the banks of Loch Lomond will host Bowie: Live on the Loch, a two-day charity celebration in aid of Save the Children. Featuring an extraordinary reunion of Bowie’s original band members across two evenings of live performance, rare never-before-seen film footage, an extensive photography exhibition and a world-class dining experience, culminating in a spectacular charity guitar auction and a globally live streamed concert.

The weekend will serve as a powerful continuation of Bowie’s philanthropic legacy and his profound connection to Scotland. He had many seminal moments in the country: from the birth of his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona, to his legendary 1997 performance at the Barrowlands in Glasgow. The event will coincide with the 60th anniversary of Bowie’s first show in Scotland on  3rd April 1965 at the Palais in Dundee as David Bowie & The Buzz, supporting Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.

A Weekend Immersed in the World of Bowie

The celebration begins on Saturday 7 November with an exclusive black-tie gala dinner set within Cameron House, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Graeme Cheevers of Glasgow’s renowned Unalome. The centrepiece of the evening will be Regent Sounds Presents: Earl Slick’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Guitar Auction. Hosted by Bowie’s longest-serving guitarist and the legendary London guitar shop – the auction will feature a once-in-a-lifetime collection of priceless, signed, collector-grade guitars. Confirmed contributors already include rock legends Peter Frampton and Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), with further names to be announced.

On Sunday, 8 November, a once-in-a-lifetime live show will see Earl Slick joined on stage by past members of David Bowie’s band, including Mike Garson, Mark Plati, Sterling Campbell and Gail Ann Dorsey, alongside special guest performers. Woven throughout the weekend’s music and storytelling will be a screening of rare, never-before-seen film footage of Bowie and a curated photography exhibition showcasing rare and iconic imagery hosted within Cameron House’s cinema and event spaces.

Anchoring Sunday’s live performance will be a house band comprising legends who helped define David Bowie’s sound across five decades, reuniting the band that played Bowie’s historic Glastonbury 2000 headline set.
Performers include Bowie’s longest-serving bandmate, pianist Mike Garson – whose avant-garde genius shaped everything from Aladdin Sane to the triumphant 2003/2004 A Reality Tour – and guitar force Earl Slick, the razor-sharp sonic architect behind Young Americans, Station to Station and the acclaimed 2013 comeback album The Next Day. They are joined by powerhouse bassist and vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey, immortalised by her spine-tingling “Under Pressure” duet at Glastonbury; musical director and multi-instrumentalist Mark Plati, the pivotal co-producer behind Earthling and the legendary Toy sessions; and dynamic drummer Sterling Campbell, the rhythmic engine room for modern masterpieces like Heathen and Bowie’s final monumental global tours.

Bowie: Live on the Loch echoes the historic impact of his 50th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden – also held in aid of Save the Children – bringing that enduring legacy to one of the world’s most breathtaking settings. Cameron House, a celebrated five-star luxury resort set within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, serves as the perfect home for an event of this scale and ambition. Funds for Save the Children will be raised through ticket sales, the charity auction, exclusive event merchandise, live pledge moments and the global livestream. The money raised will help children all around the world, including the UK, providing children with access to vital education, healthcare and protection.     

Reflecting on the unique format and historical tie-in, Earl Slick says: “David had a lot of motivation to help out. It wasn’t a big bragging thing – it was just done. That’s what I loved about it. He did it under the radar. We all live in increasingly uncertain and turbulent times around the world. More kids need more help.  So it’s time to do it and I cannot think of anything that David would rather lend his support to.“

George Graham, Executive Director of Global Impact at Save the Children, says: “With so much instability and uncertainty around the globe, it is an exceptionally challenging and dangerous time to be a child in so many corners of the world. At Save the Children, our only goal is to support children so they can have a safe, happy and healthy childhood. We are deeply grateful to everyone who is honouring David Bowie by backing this star-studded weekend, which will help bring a better future for children here in the UK and around the world.”

Will Oakley, Managing Director at Cameron House Resort says: “It is a privilege for Cameron House to host such a landmark cultural event. David Bowie’s impact on the global music landscape remains unparalleled, and welcoming his original band members to the banks of Loch Lomond is a special prospect for the resort. We look forward to providing a world-class setting for this historic reunion, and we are proud to support Save the Children in continuing Bowie’s philanthropic legacy.”

Bowie himself was a supporter of Save The Children, famously giving the proceeds of his 50th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden in 1997 to the charity. An all-star cast for the show included Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith, Lou Reed and Billy Corgan.



Who: Earl Slick, Mike Garson, Mark Plati, Gail Ann Dorsey, Peter Frampton, Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Michelin-starred chef Graeme Cheevers, and further artists TBA.

What: Bowie: Live on the Loch – a David Bowie 10th Anniversary celebration weekend in aid of Save the Children UK (Registered charity no. 213890). Features a black-tie gala, Michelin-star dining, multimedia exhibitions, unseen film, live performance, global livestream and Earl Slick’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Guitar Auction.

When: Saturday 7 November & Sunday 8 November 2026

Where: Cameron House, Loch Lomond, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, G83 8QZ (Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park).

Ticket Link: www.bowieliveontheloch.com

Alice Cooper Announces Definitive Memoir ‘Devil on my Shoulder’ & UK Book Tour

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Alice Cooper announces the release of his definitive autobiography, ‘Devil on my Shoulder’, published by Ebury Spotlight on 8th October 2026. This long-awaited autobiography finally lifts the lid on one of the greatest lives in music.

Building on over sixty years of rock folklore, Cooper will support the book’s launch with an intimate 8-date UK speaking tour.

Each evening will feature the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in conversation with a special guest moderator, followed by an audience Q&A, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the greasepaint and guillotines.
There are two, seemingly irreconcilable, Alice Coopers – the murderous, morally corrupt theatrical character who threatened the moral fibre of the western world… and the man who plays him, a sober pastor’s son who has been happily married for 50 years. Along the way, the two became schizophrenically intertwined. And in a haze of pioneering rock n roll, alcohol, drugs, iconic songs and wild gigs, guillotines, slaughtered chickens, legendary friends, rumours, snakes, Ouija boards, surrealism, house fires and car crashes – they nearly killed each other.

“Alice is still on tour around the world today, a proper senile delinquent playing hundreds of gigs every year, while I myself am reformed. And with the benefit of hindsight and a certain maturity, I’d like to describe our journey to Hell and back together, because it’s not only rock stars who can lose their way.” 

In the Sixties and early Seventies, Alice Cooper was simply a rock group, but as their lead singer, Vincent Damon Furnier, developed his modern-day Grand Guignol character, Alice Cooper became his stage name. Then, on a wave of global success, he legally changed it to his own.  

“I was born Vincent Damon Furnier but, seduced by my character’s reputation, changed my name legally to Alice Cooper, and in the process lost sight of who I really was. The mild-mannered, all-American boy I’d once been became a monster and a mortal danger to himself.”

With a career spanning six decades, Alice’s story features witty, intimate anecdotes featuring Salvador Dalí, Bob Hope, John Lennon, Groucho Marx, Vincent Price, Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Gerald Ford, Andy Warhol, Tiger Woods, to name a few, but he’s also an acute observer of dysfunction and despair, wildness and criminality, urges and addictions, transgressions and human goodness. And so he tells his story from both perspectives: angel on one shoulder, devil on the other.

“Me and Alice were getting creative with the truth long before the Age of Fake News. Now, after over thirty records and sixty-plus years of fibs and fabrications, I think it’s time to sort the truth from the rumors and lies.” Devil on My Shoulder is the definitive memoir from one of the most iconic music artists of our generation.



Who: Alice Cooper (Vincent Damon Furnier) / Ebury Spotlight.
What: Devil on My Shoulder (Hardback Autobiography) and 8-Date UK Book Tour.
Book Release Date: 8th October 2026.
Book Details: £25.00 | ISBN: 9781529966640.
Tour Ticket Includes: Entry + a copy of the book.
General On-Sale: Friday 13th March 2026 @ 10am.
Ticket Links: aegp.uk/AC26
Verification Link: www.alicecooper.com

BST Hyde Park – Announces Duran Duran Headline Show, with Special Guests Scissor Sisters

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park announces its latest huge headliner for 2026: British music icons, Duran Duran – who will grace the central London stage for the second time in just five years. The global superstars will hit the Great Oak Stage on Sunday 5 July 2026, joined by fellow legends and special guests Scissor Sisters, with a full line up still to be announced. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 1 April, 10am, with pre-sales in the days prior (see below).  Visit www.bst-hydepark.com for tickets and information.

Duran Duran’s headline show at BST Hyde Park is a night out with one of the most successful and influential bands in pop history. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, the Birmingham-formed group has soundtracked generations with a peerless arsenal of hits including “Rio”, “Hungry Like the Wolf”, “Girls on Film”, and “Ordinary World”. Long time band mates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor are known for their electrifying live performances and pioneering synth-pop sound. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees continue to prove why they are enduring music royalty with sold-out tours and critically acclaimed releases, with new music soon to be announced for 2026.

In late 2023, the band released their sixteenth studio album, Danse Macabre, a Halloween themed, celebrated record that blended new tracks, spirited covers and reimagined classics, featuring collaborations with Måneskin’s Victoria De Angelis, Nile Rodgers and former members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. The following year they expanded the spooky universe with Danse Macabre De Luxe and subsequent singles including their cover of ELO’s “Evil Woman”.

Live, the band remain unstoppable, selling out arenas across the UK and North America during their Future Past Tour, playing a landmark headline Halloween show at Manchester’s Co-op Live in 2025 and being awarded the “Città di Sanremo” at Italy’s Sanremo Festival last year for their extraordinary contributions to the event, 40 years since their debut. And, in 2026, alongside highly anticipated vinyl reissues of The Wedding Album and Thank You, Duran Duran is back on the road and embarking on a prestigious multi-night Las Vegas residency at the Fontainebleau, preceded by a headline slot at California’s Beachlife Festival, and followed by a month-long run through Europe. They will be more than ready for their UK homecoming at Hyde Park.

And legendary New York pop powerhouse Scissor Sisters will join us at BST Hyde Park. The band have cited Duran Duran as a major influence, long shared a mutual creative respect and been guests on tour with our headliners.

They made their long-awaited return in 2025 after more than a decade apart, reuniting to mark the 20th anniversary of their iconic self-titled debut. With Jake Shears, Babydaddy and Del Marquis back together, they headed out on a huge, sold-out UK arena tour in, performed a legendary Saturday night Glastonbury set and a co-headlined a summer tour with Kesha across the USA.

Scissor Sisters are keeping the party going – next stop Summer 2026. Two decades after kicking the door down to redefine pop music with genre bending hits like “Take Your Mama”, “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” and “Let’s Have a Kiki”, the band return with their signature mix of chaos, glam, grit and unapologetic queer joy – still unstoppable and forever filthy/gorgeous.

Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK, says: “Duran Duran have long defined the very best of British music, conquering charts around the world. Their return to BST Hyde Park, joined by the incredible Scissor Sisters, promises a night of iconic, era‑defining hits and one of the standout moments for fans this summer.”

Duran Duran joins an illustrious line-up of world-renowned artists who have graced the stage, from Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and many more. This year’s previously announced headliners include Garth Brooks (27 June), Maroon 5 (3 July), Mumford & Sons (4 July), Pitbull (10 July) and Lewis Capaldi (11 July and 12 July).

 

Tickets: 

Amex Presale – Friday 27 March, 10am

Duran Duran members can access the pre-sale on Monday March 30th at 10am BST. For information, or to join, visit the MEMBERS section at www.duranduran.com

General on sale – Wednesday 1 April, 10am

 

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

Montreux Jazz Festival announces 60th Line-up with RAYE, Nick Cave, PinkPantheress, Deep Purple and more

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Montreux Jazz Festival has unveiled the line-up for its 60th edition, taking place on the Lake Geneva shoreline from 3 – 18 July 2026 with a celebratory programme that bridges generations, genres and continents, bringing together emerging artists with icons of contemporary pop culture and legends of jazz, rock and hip-hop. 
 
Among the headline artists announced are RAYE, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Deep Purple, The Roots, Sting, Lewis Capaldi, John Legend, Marcus Miller and James Taylor, joined by leading voices from today’s pop landscape including PinkPantheress, Tyla, Conan Gray, Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson. 
 
RAYE will open the 60th edition with a special performance, joined by a curated line-up of guests for an evening tailored specifically for the Festival, co-created by Audemars Piguet. The show will see the Auditorium Stravinski transformed into a completely new stage configuration – a first in the Festival’s history. Performing for the third consecutive year, RAYE follows in the footsteps of her heroes Nina Simone and Etta James, whose performances made a huge impression on her. The unique show follows the release of her Live at Montreux vinyl in 2024 and a continued rise to stardom marked by the success of “Where Is My Husband?” and her latest album, This Music May Contain Hope. 
 
Across the Auditorium Stravinski, the programme moves between generations and styles. A standout night on 11 July brings together The Isley Brothers, whose influence spans eight decades of rock, soul and funk, with The Roots, the genre-defining hip-hop collective. On 5 July, Aldous Harding shares a bill with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, while 17 July pairs Loyle Carner with US funk outfit Vulfpeck. Elsewhere, Moby makes his Montreux debut, joining a bill that reflects the breadth of the Festival’s global outlook. 
 
From Johannesburg to Scandinavia, via the United States, the UK and Spain, the Stravinski Auditorium is set to become the epicentre of global pop. PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, currently topping charts with “Stateside”, joined by amapiano Grammy Award winner Tyla, Scottish icon Lewis Capaldi and Conan Gray. 
 
Festival mainstays also return, including Deep Purple more than 30 years after their Montreux debut, friend of the Festival John Legend and Sting, a longstanding presence in the Festival’s history. Two legends of songwriting, Van Morrison and James Taylor, will bring the Festival’s 60th edition to a fitting conclusion. 
 
R&B and soul are strongly represented with the likes of GIVĒON, one of contemporary R&B’s defining voices, joined by Yebba, coming to the main stage after performing with Mark Ronson in 2023, alongside rising UK talent Sienna Spiro and Mercury Prize-nominated Joy Crookes, who makes her Festival debut. 
 
At the Montreux Jazz Lab, forward-thinking programming meets deep-rooted legacy. A cutting-edge electronic line-up on 5 July features Danny L Harle alongside the genre-defying ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U. Across two special evenings, the Lab becomes an intimate jazz club, with Charles Lloyd – who performed at the very first Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 – returning for the 60th edition. He is joined by Marcus Miller, who reunites musicians from We Want Miles! in tribute to Miles Davis, alongside Billy Cobham and Gregory Porter. The Lab closes with French disco pioneer Cerrone and his orchestral Disco Symphonic project. 
 
The 2026 edition also marks a return to the Montreux Congress Centre, combining the Festival’s renowned acoustics and intimate setting with an expanded lakeside programme. 
 
Spanning jazz, soul, rock, pop, hip-hop and electronic music, Montreux Jazz Festival’s 60th edition celebrates six decades of musical history while continuing to spotlight the artists shaping its future. 
 
Tickets go on general sale on 1 April. To purchase and find out more, visit: https://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/ 

The Great Escape adds 100+ more artists to its 20th Anniversary line-up

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oday The Great Escape has unveiled a fresh wave of 100+ artists joining this year’s line-up, bringing emerging talent from across the globe to Brighton for the festival’s 2026 20th anniversary edition. This year’s daily highlights have also been revealed, spotlighting the artists set to make a major impact across the four-day festival, alongside the introduction of new TGE Wristband Rewards, offering exclusive perks and discounts for attendees across participating Brighton venues 

Heading to Brighton this May, the latest additions highlight a diverse roster. Among them are Los Angeles pop singer-songwriter Arima Ederra, Brighton alt-indie duo ARXX, and Orlando indie-pop talent Bella Kay, alongside Welsh songwriter Ben Ellis. UK drag artist and pop provocateur Bimini also joins the line-up, supporting Peaches’ Spotlight Show at The Brighton Dome Concert Hall on the 15th May. South London rapper Ceebo adds a dose of grime and hip-hop, while London’s Charlotte Plank brings high-energy drum & bass-infused electronic pop. US hyperpop artist Chase Icon also joins the bill, alongside Nottingham post-punk outfit Do Nothing and Birmingham alt-indie duo Gans. 

Elsewhere, Irish/Cornish indie outfit Girl in the Year Above and Swedish indie-pop band Girl Scout showcase fresh indie sounds, while Cambridge shoegaze duo The Healing Power of Horses and Glasgow’s soulful singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer add further depth. North London talents Lauren Duffus and Madmadmad represent the capital’s thriving electronic scene, joined by London based indie artist Max Winter and Bristol post-punk newcomers My First Time. Soulful R&B comes courtesy of Nectar Woode, while electronic trio PVA and Norwegian dream-pop artist Sassy 009 continue the genre-spanning momentum. 

The line-up also features Los Angeles post-punk band Sunday Mourners, Belgian indie rockers The Haunted Youth, and London’s progressive outfit The Orchestra (For Now), alongside indie rock favourites The Skinner Brothers and Australian four-piece The Tullamarines. Lancashire’s Tom Rasmussen brings art-pop flair, while Cambridge singer-songwriter Tommy Barlow offers a more introspective edge. London producer Tsatsamis adds confessional dance-pop to the mix, joined by genre-defying band Y. 

New for 2026, The Great Escape introduces TGE Wristband Rewards, giving festivalgoers even more to explore across Brighton beyond the music. In partnership with a range of local businesses, wristband holders will be able to unlock exclusive perks throughout the festival, including discounts and special offers such as 10% off purchases or complimentary items with in-store spend. Participating venues include Shelter Hall, Helm Gallery, Stanley Road Department Store, Chilli Pickle, Beach Box Spa and Family Store, with more to be announced. Full details on all available rewards will be accessible via the official TGE app, offering fans a seamless way to make the most of their festival experience both on and off stage. 

Synonymous with new music discovery and acting as a springboard for rising artists, The Great Escape is the festival for new music. Playing host to over 450 up-and-coming artists and hotly tipped talent across 35+ walkable venues, alongside the music industry-led TGE conference, the festival will kick off the 2026 season from 13 – 16th May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival are on sale here 
 

THE GREAT ESCAPE 2026 LINE UP SO FAR (A-Z) 

greatescapefestival.com 
Shape Description automatically generated with low confidence@greatescapefest 
Shape Description automatically generated with low confidence@thegreatescape 
 
#TGE26   

Creamfields 2026 Downtown returns bigger, bolder and better for 2026

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Pepsi MAX presents Creamfields today reveals the return of its ‘Downtown’ village, reimagined and significantly expanded for 2026. Following its standout debut, Downtown evolves into an even more ambitious, multi-layered destination, bringing together fitness, wellness, sport, entertainment and interactive experiences in one dynamic space at the heart of the festival.

For 2026, Downtown builds on last year’s momentum with a host of new experiences alongside expanded fan favourites. In a UK festival first, padel courts arrive on site, giving festivalgoers the chance to experience the world’s fastest-growing racket sport between sets. Competitive energy steps up with the introduction of a brand new darts tournament, while the hugely popular Creamfields Gymnasium returns bigger than ever following overwhelming demand in 2025 – now expanded with upgraded equipment, new training zones and a full schedule of fitness challenges designed to test strength, endurance and stamina across the weekend.

Renowned for pushing boundaries beyond the music, Creamfields once again delivers a truly multi-dimensional festival experience. Downtown 2026 has been designed as more than just a place to pass through – it’s a destination in its own right, where fans can recharge, compete, socialise and discover something new at every turn across the Bank Holiday weekend.
 

DOWNTOWN AREAS 

BALL PARK  

In a UK festival first, Creamfields introduces Padel to Downtown. As the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, padel makes its debut on-site, featuring two courts that offers fans a chance to get active and try something new between sets. Delivered in association with Ignite Padel, these specially designed courts bring a unique festival-ready twist to the game. 
 
“We’re excited to be partnering with Pepsi MAX presents Creamfields this August Bank Holiday, delivering a UK first… bringing padel to a major music festival. It’s a powerful opportunity to introduce the sport through new avenues, reaching an audience who may be discovering padel for the very first time. Here at Ignite, we aim to work with world leading brands, and we can’t wait to showcase what we’re about on a platform as iconic as Creamfields.”  – Ignite Padel 

Also featured within Ball Park is Chase The Bull – Darts Challenge, new for 2026, which brings a competitive, high-energy take on the traditional game. Inspired by iconic darts showdowns, the activation introduces a structured yet accessible format, complete with a lively atmosphere and opportunities for festivalgoers to take part across the weekend. Participants can join the Darts League and compete for top spot, adding to the area’s interactive offering. Alongside this, Crazy Golf returns following its popularity in 2025, now expanded to double its previous size to accommodate increased demand.

Additionally, one of last year’s standout highlights, the Creamfields Football Tournament returns to Downtown in 2026, bigger and more competitive than ever. Set across multiple pitches and open to all, the tournament invites festivalgoers to submit their own teams, with applications now live at www.creamfields.com/downtown. Following an overwhelming response in 2025, which saw over 200 team applications, matches will take place each day across the festival weekend, bringing high-energy action to the heart of the site. With anticipation already building, all eyes are on who will take home the coveted 2026 Creamfields Cup. 

SUNRISE STRIP 

The Sunrise Strip will house the Creamfields Gymnasium, returning with expanded space and upgraded facilities, featuring equipment including multi press stations, leg press machines, lat pulldowns and more. New additions for 2026 include SkiErgs, preacher curl stations and a programme of daily fitness challenges such as circuits, endurance tests and strength competitions, with a dedicated training team on hand throughout the weekend to keep you motivated and moving. 

Wellness Corner returns to Downtown for 2026 hosted by Hot Curl, bringing their signature feel-good energy to the festival. Known for blending Pilates with disco vibes, Hot Curl will deliver a vibrant programme of sessions set to everything from Creamfields classics to uplifting disco soundtracks. Alongside Pilates, festivalgoers can take part in yoga, meditation, sound baths and more, with workouts designed to suit all fitness levels. With the Hot Curl crew on hand throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can expect a warm welcome and an inclusive, community-led atmosphere designed to help reset and recharge. 

Sensory Corner is a relaxed, inclusive space designed for those moments when the music gets too much, offering festivalgoers a calm place to unwind, reset and connect. Featuring jigsaws, colouring activities, along with a handy stash of blankets, beanbags and deckchairs, it provides a comfortable retreat from the energy of the festival. Festivalgoers will receive a warm welcome from the Blink Team, who are on hand throughout the weekend to create a supportive and reassuring environment for all. 

ELECTRIC AVENUE  

Electric Avenue brings high-energy, interactive entertainment to the heart of Downtown, packed with crowd-led experiences running throughout the weekend.

Leading the charge is Bingo Bango with its signature “all about HOUSE” takeover – mixing bingo, line dancing, quizzes, karaoke and DJ battles. It also homes Mass Karaoke, a host-led singalong complete with props and roaming performers. Aspiring artists can step into the DJ Academy for hands-on sessions and expert-led classes, while The Wakey Wakey Creamfields Quiz delivers a fun, prize-filled start to the day. Elsewhere, the ever-popular Inflatable Church returns as well as the Indoor Arcade filled with retro games. 

PAMPER STREET 

Returning with a fresh new look, Pamper Street is bigger than ever for 2026.  

This year, Pamper Street brings together a handpicked lineup of talented artists and beauty pros offering everything from hair styling, face and body art, henna tattoos, barber services, and beard trims to eco-friendly glitter that’ll have you sparkling all weekend long. Whether you’re after a full transformation or just a touch of festival flair, get ready in style at the ultimate pre-party beauty spot.

THE BOULEVARD 

Downtown’s food village brings together a global selection of flavours, from gourmet street food and festival favourites to plant-based options, fresh produce and health-focused dishes. Whether refuelling post-workout or indulging between sets, the offering caters to every taste.

New for 2026, on-site vending machines will be available 24/7 throughout the festival, offering a quick and convenient way to grab essentials or a much-needed pick me up. From must-haves to last-minute lifesavers, they’ve got festivalgoers covered whenever they’re in need. 

THE MARKET 

Take a stroll through The Market for a dose of retail therapy. Snare something from your local Co-op, vintage threads and statement accessories to handmade gems and last-minute essentials. Whether you’re on the hunt for a standout outfit, a memorable keepsake, or just fancy a browse, The Market is your go-to for good vibes and great finds. 

FRESHFIELDS

The Freshfields Spa returns for 2026, more details coming soon. In the meantime, Freshfields Shower & Luxury toilet passes are available now.

To register interest for Downtown activities such as Padel, Football, Darts and more, head to www.creamfields.com/downtown.  

Alongside these expanded experiences, Creamfields 2026 once again delivers a world-class line-up over 250 of the biggest names in electronic music. This features UK festival exclusives such as Swedish House Mafia, Amelie Lens presents AURA, and Disclosure (Live), live performances from Faithless and Underworld, global legends including Calvin Harris, Carl Cox and Martin Garrix, plus the likes of Josh Baker, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Chloé Caillet, Duke Dumont, Andy C, Chris Stussy, Fatboy Slim, Joseph Capriati and many more. Find the full breakdown here www.creamfields.com/lineup.  

With its enhanced Downtown village and an unrivalled musical offering, Creamfields 2026 is set to deliver its most immersive edition yet. Last remaining tickets are available at www.creamfields.com. 

BST Hyde Park: Holly Humberstone, Caamp, Divorce, Cliffords & Stella Lefty to join Mumford & Sons

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This summer, American Express presents BST Hyde Park welcomes Mumford & Sons back to the Great Oak Stage on Saturday 4 July 2026 – ten years since their last acclaimed appearance. Today, BST Hyde Park is delighted to announce an incredible line up for the West London band’s homecoming: Holly Humberstone, Caamp, Divorce, Stella Lefty and Cliffords. They will also be joined by previously announced special guest The War On Drugs, with final acts to be revealed. Tickets on sale now, visit www.bst-hydepark.com

Ahead of joining Mumford & Sons at BST Hyde Park, the 2022 BRIT Rising Star winner Holly Humberstone reaches a new gothic-pop peak with her forthcoming second album Cruel World, due for release on 10 April 2026. Place has always been the centre spine to Holly Humberstone’s lucid songwriting, from her breakthrough EP Falling Asleep At The Wheel, which introduced a young woman trying to understand the walls in which she grew up, to The Walls Are Way Too Thin and her critically acclaimed #3 debut album Paint My Bedroom Black, written in fragments on the road while touring with girl in red and Olivia Rodrigo. Winning the BRIT Rising Star Award in 2022, presented by Sam Fender, marked her ascent from her gothic family home in Grantham to the world stage.

Cruel World marks a new chapter. Turning 25 and rebuilding a home in South-East London with her sisters and best friend, Holly channels a newfound sense of belonging into her most self-assured work yet. The album’s title track arrives alongside a striking Victorian theatre-inspired video, following recent singles “Die Happy” and “To Love Somebody,” a trio that signals a bold, cinematic evolution she calls “my favourite song I’ve ever written”. Alongside Hyde Park, she’ll also embark on a UK and European tour, as well as appearing at major US festivals including Coachella and The Governors Ball.

Ohio indie-folk group Caamp continue to build on the momentum of their 2025 album Copper Changes Color, a record that saw them expand their rootsy warmth with a broader indie-rock edge, showcased on tracks like ‘Millions’ and fan favourite ‘Mistakes’. Formed by childhood friends Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall, and now comprising Matt Vinson, Joseph Kavalec and Nicholas Falk, the band have cultivated an instinctive, free-flowing live presence shaped by years of writing and playing together. That enduring chemistry was spotlighted this month in an NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, a full-circle moment a decade on from their original submission where they blended newer material with beloved songs including ‘All The Debts I Owe’ and ‘By and By’. Fresh from touring across the UK and Europe, Caamp’s latest chapter reflects a band still evolving while remaining grounded in the connection that first defined them.

Divorce cite a broad range of influences, from contemporary indie heavyweights like Mitski, and Big Thief, to cult icons such as Tom Waits and LCD Soundsystem. The Nottingham band burst onto the scene in 2022 with their explosive debut EP ‘Get Mean’ and continued to expand their horizons with their second EP ‘Heady Metal’ , acquiring key champions at press and radio. Moving strength to strength, they returned in 2024 with their now widely loved single ‘Gears’, and soon followed up with the indie-anthem ‘My Room’, cementing their status as one of the most exciting UK artists to watch out for. Trademark theatricality is at the forefront of every Divorce performance. With every fanciful music video, alongside consistent displays of outstanding musicality at live shows, the band have captivated audiences of thousands across the UK and Europe. With sold-out tours already behind them, Divorce released their debut album Drive to Goldenhammer to critical acclaim last year, and 2026 is shaping up to be just as big.

Hailing from Cork, Cliffords have quickly become one of Ireland’s most exciting new bands. With the release of their EP ‘Salt Of The Lee’, the four-piece have shown a remarkable ability to craft songs that feel both polished and deeply personal. Vocalist Iona Lynch leads the band with reflective, sharp lyrics, supported by Gav Dawkins on bass and trumpet, Harry Menton on guitar, and Locon O’Toole on keys. After a sold-out homecoming show at Cork City Hall, it’s clear they’ve earned a devoted following, and with their recent single ‘Marsh’ pointing toward moodier, more atmospheric territory, the band is poised for a breakthrough in 2026.

Los Angeles singer-songwriter Stella Lefty is carving out a distinctive sound that blends keen observation with raw emotional immediacy. She’s already making a name for herself onstage, turning introspective songwriting into a commanding live performance. Her latest single, “Thinking ’bout You”, released at the start of the year, has captured widespread attention on TikTok,  and with a growing fanbase and a strong creative vision, Lefty continues to establish her own unique space in contemporary pop.

The eclectic lineup will join Mumford & Sons for their huge headline show this summer. Final acts are still to be announced.

Mumford & Sons have travelled the world since 2008, headlining festivals, topping charts, and collaborating with icons like Dylan, Springsteen and Neil Young. But London has always been the band’s anchor, and Hyde Park remains one of their most cherished stages.

Last month, they claimed their fourth Official Number 1 album, and second in less than a year, with the release of Prizefighter. The acclaimed album was created with Aaron Dessner at Long Pond Studio and features Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Gigi Perez. It follows RUSHMERE, their 2025 UK No. 1 album that powered a sold-out global arena tour.

American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2026 headliners: Garth Brooks (27 June), Maroon 5 (3 July), Mumford & Sons (4 July), Pitbull (10 July) and Lewis Capaldi (11 July and 12 July).

Tickets on sale now:

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

DOWNLOAD XXIII: District X Stage Reveals a Sensational 2026 Lineup: Five, Electric Six, Dick & Dom, The All American Rejects and more

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With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed the thrilling line-up for its ultimate playground, District X. Featuring the likes of Five, Electric Six, Dick & Dom, The All-American Rejects, Creeper, MODESTEP, Bat Sabbath, TokenGrass and all sorts of other wild and wonderful delights, District X promises to take Downloaders to another dimension once again. Taking place from 10-14 June 2026 at the legendary Donington Park, Download Festival continues to re-define the traditional festival experience. Weekend camping tickets have now sold out, but final remaining weekend arena and day tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
This year, iconic 90s boyband Five will live up to their lyric “Five bad boys with the power to rock you” by playing Download Festival for the very first time and bringing their high-energy hits like ‘Slam Dunk (Da Funk)’ and ‘Everybody Get Up’ to Donington Park. Five won’t be the only act bringing a huge sense of fun to District X, as Electric Six will also be performing huge hits like ‘Gay Bar’ and ‘Danger! High Voltage’.
 
There truly won’t be a dull moment in District X, with acoustic performances from The All-American Rejects, secret sets (to be revealed on the weekend itself), DJ sets from Dick & Dom, Creeper, MODESTEP, Cancer Bats’ Liam Cormier (who will also be performing with Black Sabbath x Cancer Bats act Bat Sabbath) and Holding Absence’s Lucas Woodland, live comedy, live sets from Australian rock band DUNE RATS, London rap trio Frozemode and much more.
 
Further District X highlights include TokenGrass (a bluegrass tribute to Sleep Token), Nic Cage Against The Machine (a Rage Against The Machine tribute band fronted by a Nic Cage impersonator), comedy music trio OCT, viral sensation James B. Partridge’s Primary School Bangers, Scottish accordion player RuMac, and a plethora of other joyful experiences. There will also be a full programme of live comedy presented by the world famous The Comedy Store, with stand-up from over 25 acts including Thomas Green, Matt Bragg, Felicity Ward, Dinesh Nathan, Sikisa and many more.
 
District X will see a host of live podcasts taking to the stage, including RØRY’s ADHD Love, Sappenin Podcast and The Metal Roundup Podcast. Other highlights will include Heavy Metal Sports, Bongo’s Bingo, Panic! At The Bingo, Chris Fleming Millennial Magician, Live Band Karaoke with Ten Years Too Late, Never Mind The Download pub quizzes, as well as endless DJ sets and fun surprises from the likes of K-Pop Emo Hunters, Nickelbrat, Master Of Pop Hits, Alex Baker, Sophie K and dozens more.
 
This packed line-up confirms that District X remains the ultimate entertainment hub, offering Downloaders an unforgettable festival experience from dusk until dawn. And over in the main arena, DLXXIII will be headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park, with the likes of A Day To Remember, Scooter, Electric Callboy, Cypress Hill, Pendulum, Bad Omens, The Pretty Reckless, Trivium, Halestorm, BABYMETAL, Tom Morello, Dogstar and many more joining them on the bill. Weekend camping tickets are now sold out, but final remaining weekend arena and day tickets are available from www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

ELECTRIC CASTLE reveals 2026 lineup // Award-winning 24hr Transylvanian festival phenomenon announces headliners + 200 more names!

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Fresh from being crowned International Festival of the Year at the UK Festival Awards 2025, the legendary Electric Castle returns in 2026 with its most ambitious lineup yet, revealed today.

The 24hr Transylvanian festival phenomenon is gearing up for a huge edition with a wide array of music across 10 stages. Beyond the unmissable headline performances by global superstars The Cure, Twenty One Pilots, Teddy Swims and Chase & Status, over 200 artists have been announced today, spanning the best in alternative, electronic, and household names from around the world. All roads lead to Bánffy Castle in Transylvania, from 16-19th July.

A true bucket-list destination, Electric Castle offers far more than just music. Each summer, the grounds transform into a vibrant utopia where one of the world’s most welcoming festival communities gathers to celebrate day and night against a truly magical backdrop. As the festival continues to evolve around the historic 16th-century grounds, Electric Castle looks ahead to a new era of unforgettable shows, cementing its place as Europe’s most adventurous and immersive festival experience in the heart of Transylvania.

Leading the 2026 lineup are true icons of alternative music, The Cure, bringing their timeless catalogue and atmospheric live show to the castle grounds for the first time. Joining them are the Grammy-winning American duo Twenty One Pilots, whose explosive performances and genre-blurring sound have made them one of the defining acts of modern rock. Soul powerhouse Teddy Swims will deliver his deeply emotional vocals and chart-topping hits, while drum & bass pioneers Chase & Status return again for a high-octane DJ set at the Castle.

From legendary alternative icons and stadium-sized rock acts to underground rap, cutting-edge electronic producers and rising indie stars, Electric Castle’s lineup reflects the festival’s reputation for bringing together a unique collision of styles and sounds in one unforgettable setting.

British rock favourites Nothing But Thieves join the bill with their soaring anthems and electrifying stage presence. Now headlining festivals in the UK, indie sensations Wet Leg make their first live appearance in Romania, while cult icons Yung Lean and Bladee promise a highly anticipated set. 

A diverse mix of boundary-pushing artists continues to define Electric Castle’s forward-thinking spirit. Irish rap collective Kneecap bring their fearless political energy, while British punk-poets Sleaford Mods promise a raw and uncompromising performance. Fans can also look forward to powerful sets from Maverick Sabre and Eliza Rose, disco moments from SG Lewis, whilst diving into sets from rising rock voices like Kid Kapichi and Just Mustard.

The lineup also welcomes a unique appearance from Hollywood star Keanu Reeves on bass duties for alt rock band Dogstar, alongside reggae and dub icons Dub Pistols and Congo NattyfeaturingBlackout JA, leading amapiano DJs Skyla Tylaa and Rosey Gold, and TruThoughts producer Quantic.

Electronic fans can expect more euphoric moments from techno visionary ANNA, melodic house favourite Kölsch, and legendary duo Deep Dish. Meanwhile, bass music will be represented in full force by dubstep titan Subtronics and drum & bass heavyweight Wilkinson. Brazilian house phenomenon Mochakk brings one of the most talked-about DJ performances in global dance music. Completing this lineup announcement are exciting rising acts including Balu Brigada, Kilimanjaro and House of Protection.

Tudor Costinaș, Head of Communications at Electric Castle said: “We are so excited to finally share the full line-up for Electric Castle 2026. Every year we try to build a lineup that feels genuinely wide-ranging, bringing together huge global names alongside artists people might be discovering for the first time, and we feel this is a fantastic example of just that. Electric Castle is always filled with interesting twists and turns, fun surprises and good times together. We can’t wait to meet everyone back at the castle again for our 12th edition this summer.”

Beyond the music, Electric Castle remains one of Europe’s most immersive festival experiences. From hot air balloon rides to fashion markets and lakeside chill-out spots to sports arenas, alongside film screenings, fine dining and thought-provoking EC Talks, the castle grounds transform into a vibrant cultural playground. Fans can explore forest hideaways, relax at the eco-friendly EC Village, or keep dancing until sunrise – Electric Castle is one of the few places in Europe where the party truly never stops.

EC12 is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in the festival’s story, a global meeting point for music lovers, creatives and explorers alike.

Electric Castle takes place at Bánffy Castle, Romania, between 16-19th July 2026. Tickets are available to buy here: www.electriccastle.ro

Rita Ora announced for Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival 2026

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Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival has today revealed the final additions to its star-studded 2026 line-up. Joining the bill are Rita Ora, Circa Waves, Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band, Overpass, Tom A. Smith, and The Guest List. They join previously announced headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, and The Cure for the iconic event taking place from 18-21 June 2026.

On Saturday 20 June, global superstar Rita Ora will take to the main stage. Taking the third spot from the top on Saturday’s bill, the chart-topping singer will perform ahead of a massive evening featuring Calvin Harris.

Also joining the 2026 roster are indie-rock favorites Circa Waves and the powerhouse collaboration of Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band. The announcement is completed by rising star Tom A. Smith, indie quartet Overpass, and The Guest List, further cementing a line-up that celebrates both legends and the future of music.

This year, the Isle of Wight Festival invites festivalgoers to step into another dimension with the reveal of the 2026 fancy dress theme: Galactic Glamour & Space Oddities. A celebration of the strange, the stylish, and the spectacularly otherworldly, the theme embraces everything from classic sci-fi invaders and cosmic adventurers to futuristic glam and starlit disco queens. Fans are encouraged to dust off their silver jumpsuits and sequins to create some celestial swagger, whether arriving as chrome-clad time travellers or mysterious visitors from another galaxy. This year, the Isle of Wight won’t just be a music festival, it will be a close encounter.

Remaining tickets for Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival 2026 are on sale now at isleofwightfestival.com.