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!

Bloodstock gives back…

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BLOODSTOCK’s motto has always been, “by the fans, for the fans.” A new initiative starting in 2025 and being announced today typifies this perfectly. Not only that, BLOODSTOCK is pleased to share two very well-deserving charity partners for 2025’s event, and confirm the return of the CD & t-shirt amnesty, as part of some fund-raising efforts. Read on for more details… 

BLOODSTOCK is excited to announce The 100! A lucky 50 weekend ticket holders will be chosen at random to be a part of a range of special experiences at this summer’s event! 

The 50 metalheads selected will have the option of inviting a +1 to join them, providing they are also in possession of a weekend ticket, to enjoy the following complimentary experiences and perks with them:
Backstage tour and meet & greet with one of the Festival Directors!Load-in tour – high chances of bumping into and watching one of the headliners load in on the main stage!The 100 Goody-Bag. Includes collectable merchandise and limited edition rarities!Your own chill-out undercover area exclusively for The 100 in the arena! Join the private Facebook group for The 100 and get to know your future friends in advance!

As the brain child of the former Rock Soc squad, these unique experiences for The 100 are part of the festival’s way of continuing to give back to you – the best fans a metal festival could ask for. Please note, this experience is not for sale or resale. If you miss out on this year’s perks though, don’t worry, as each year BLOODSTOCK will pick at random another 50 weekend ticket holders to be included in The 100! So keep an eye on your email inbox, because it could be you…
Festival HQ can also announce that this year’s charity beneficiaries will be The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Metal For Good.

The ever important work of THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION to stamp out prejudice, hatred, and intolerance everywhere is something BLOODSTOCK have been glad to support ever since 2009 when the second stage was renamed the Sophie Lancaster Stage. Their educational work in primary and secondary schools is second to none, but they also work with university/college students and adult learners, as well as offering outreach activities, training, workshops, and presentations. Learn more at: https://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/. 

METAL FOR GOOD is a registered charity that uses the positive values of rock, metal and other alternative subcultures to make a positive difference in communities. They  provide grants to incredible community groups and organisations who use the transformative power of music to change lives, helping to fund ideas to end inequality, improve wellbeing, and provide life-changing opportunities. Their core values include togetherness, individuality, passion, integrity, and belonging – something we can all get behind. Learn more at: https://metalforgood.org/. 
Both charities will have stands at BLOODSTOCK for information as well as selling merch to fundraise, so be sure to stop by and show them some support. 

Katy Baker, Metal For Good, states, “Metal For Good are absolutely delighted to become one of Bloodstock’s charity partners for 2025. Bloodstock has become such an important annual event for the metal community, and this year’s festival is set to be one to remember. We already know that the Bloodstock community cares greatly about the transformative power of music, and we are excited to get the chance to share our story, and raise funds for incredible community projects using music for good!” 

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation add, “BOA is a very special festival that feels like home for us, the work behind the scenes to give the fans a better experience year on year is mind-blowing! We cannot thank Bloodstock, their brilliant team and all who attend and support us enough.”
WIN THIS!!
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation will also have a very special, ultra rare item to raffle off at this year’s event, donated by owner Adam Carruthers – an artist-signed BLOODSTOCK backdrop from 2005! 

Adam shares the history of this astonishing raffle prize, remembering, “I first went to Bloodstock back in 2004 when it was held in the Derby Assembly Rooms. I remember my friend and I were desperate to see Children of Bodom for the first time, and when we saw that they were headlining this festival we thought it was a no brainer, we needed to go! It was a great festival with lots of bands to see over the two days, it was such a friendly atmosphere, and we got to meet some amazing like-minded metal fans. So the following year when they announced an outdoor festival as well as an indoor festival, I knew it was something I needed to go to. I’d been a fan of metal for a number of years before hearing about Bloodstock, and I think another reason for picking this festival over many other metal festivals was that it has such a friendly atmosphere and Bloodstock has bands playing that no other festival in the UK would put on their bill.

The performances over that weekend were great, from what I can remember as it was almost 20 years ago! Haha! There were a lot of bands there that I had not heard of before, so it was great to check them out and see what they were like. Evergrey was a highlight for me, so much so that I bought their entire back catalogue at one of the stalls in the festival grounds! I can still remember Edguy’s singer climbing up the stage scaffolding to the top and still performing brilliantly! Friday night headliner Sebastian Bach was also great to watch, as he is such a great front man! Again it was Children of Bodom that stole the weekend for me! Alexi Lahio is one of my biggest influences as a player and it was just amazing to see him play, and to see the entire band play an amazing set!

That weekend my friend and I entered a raffle to have the chance of winning the BOA festival backdrop which was to be signed by every band playing the festival. The ticket cost £1. They asked us to put our phone number on the back of the raffle ticket so they could contact us if needed, but the winner would be announced on the Main Stage once it had been drawn. My friend and I watched a few more bands and then headed back to the tent to get some food and have a rest. While at the tent I heard my phone ringing, I didn’t recognise the number and usually I wouldn’t pick it up, but this time I did. When I answered I was told that my ticket had been drawn and I’d won the banner! When I got backstage I saw the banner and had a photo taken, and met Edguy too, before going to watch more bands. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was, it didn’t feel real at the time! The banner was displayed on a wall at my house for a number of years!

I’ve always been to festivals with friends, and we’ve always met up with other people while there. I always feel with Bloodstock that you could go to the festival on your own, but you would never feel on your own. It has always had that amazing friendly atmosphere that had attracted me to this festival. I also think that the range of different bands that are on the bill makes me want to come back to Bloodstock rather than any other festival.
I thought now was the perfect time, 20 years since then, to donate such a great piece of Bloodstock history for a great cause. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is such an important charity in trying to stamp out prejudice, hatred, and intolerance, and I feel honoured to be able to donate this piece of Bloodstock history to be raffled off to hopefully raise a sizeable amount so the charity can keep on with this work.

Bloodstock has been such an important festival to me. I’ve got a lot of great memories from going there with friends and seeing some amazing music.”

Visit their stand in the main arena this year to see if you can win it!
BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to confirm that the ever popular CD & T-SHIRT AMNESTY will return in 2025! Not familiar? Raid your collections for your shirts (or discs) in good, clean condition that you don’t want anymore and hand ‘em over at the INFORMATION tent in the main arena! Then head to the SIGNING TENT from 10am -12pm, Friday – Sunday, to grab yourself a pre-loved bargain, as they’ll be selling off donated items to add to the fundraising coffers for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Metal For Good!


Did you snap up a ticket yet? With Saturday day tickets down to their very last handful, anyone wanting to catch MACHINE HEAD headlining BLOODSTOCK that day needs to hurry up before it’s as sold out as Sunday already is… last warning! With Friday day tickets now picking up the pace too, don’t delay if you want to get in on this summer’s heavy metal fun! If you already have a weekend ticket, Wednesday early access is available for an add-on cost of £25 for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience, staying in any of the standard campsites (including Kyrr if you have a Kyrr-specific ticket) or the campervan field. This option is not available at present for the VIP or accessible campsites. 

Head to the ticket store to see all currently available options including pre-bookable car parking.
Get more festival information over at bloodstock.uk.com. Watch a trailer here.

BLOODSTOCK will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 7th-10th August 2025.

BLOODSTOCK’s 2025 Ronnie James Dio stage headliners are TRIVIUM, MACHINE HEAD, and GOJIRA. Headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage will be ME AND THAT MAN, KATAKLYSM, STATIC-X, and OBITUARY. You’ll also be able to see MASTODON, NAILBOMB, MINISTRY, EMPEROR, FEAR FACTORY, LACUNA COIL, HERIOT, ORANGE GOBLIN, CREEPER, KUBLAI KHAN TX, CAGE FIGHT, RIVERS OF NIHIL, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, FEUERSCHWANZ, LORD OF THE LOST, PALEFACE SWISS, AUGUST BURNS RED, WARBRINGER, UNDEATH, SPIRIT ADRIFT, THROWN, ALL FOR METAL, BREED 77, HIGH PARASITE, and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD. Joining them are SHRAPNEL, FAMYNE, KONVENT, THE SPIRIT, GHOSTS OF ATLANTIS, ONE MACHINE, MY DILIGENCE, SHADE EMPIRE, EIHWAR, WATERLINES, PHOENIX LAKE, NEONFLY, WALL, DOGMA, SIGLOS, DEADFLESH, FOURWAYKILL, GNOME, TURIN, LOCK HORNS, OFNUS, ROUGH JUSTICE, IREOSIS, BA’AL, FRAYLE, PENGSHUI, VNDER A CRVMBLING MOON, APATHY UK, and BARBARIAN HERMIT.

Stay tuned for many more bands and on site activities to be announced over the coming months.

100 DAYS TO GO UNTIL DOWNLOAD XXII

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Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, is now only 100 days away. With the countdown now truly on, celebrate this year’s festival with our round up of Download By Numbers. This year’s festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
DOWNLOAD BY NUMBERS
 
22 years of Download Festival
9 stages across the site, offering an array of entertainment across the weekend
120+ artists, from headliners Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn on the Apex Stage, to new talent on the Avalanche and Dogtooth Stages, to DJs and secret sets in District X
90,000+ fans set to descend on Donington Park
100,000 expected mosh and circle pit steps per person
30,000 Download t-shirts in production
6000 new Download patches in production
5000 members of crew needed to build the site in 20 days
3690 barrels of beer and cider being brewed
3000 Download rubber ducks in production
3000 Download pin badges in production
1500+ yurts, chalets, tipis and airstreams in RIP Metal Meadow
931.56 acres of land to host Download Festival
300 bottles of champagne on the band riders
200 horns thrown by the Download Dog across the weekend
170 food and drinks traders onsite
150 miles cycled by the Heavy Metal Truants to get to Download each year
127 Big Green Coach vehicles used to get fans to the festival in the greenest possible way
57 golf buggies onsite to transport artists and crew
50 fans heading to the festival on their own to create a community in Camp Loner
48 countries represented by fans
46 tattooists onsite
34 hours of live music
20 British Sign Language interpreters available for customers
17 countries represented on the line-up
8 vegan food outlets 
3 secret sets in District X
4 exclusive plush Download Dog designs in production
2 Download Dog groomers onsite
1 and only time McFly have performed
1 unforgettable weekend of the best rock and metal music the world has to offer
0 Kilowatts of unrenewable energy used to power the Rock Retreat
 
DLXXII will see Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headline the festival with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Rise Against, Shinedown, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, Don Broco, Palaye Royale, Meshuggah, Within Temptation, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Steel Panther, The Darkness, Eagles Of Death Metal, Myles Kennedy, McFly, Jerry Cantrell and many more joining them on the bill.
 
Book your tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

Announcing… BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING

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Be part of BLOODSTOCK history!! Will you be one of the very first to bear witness to BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING this December?! This brand new, one-day edition of the premier heavy metal summer weekender is set to debut this festive season on 6th December 2025. Raising the roof at the fabled KK’s Steelmill in Wolverhampton, this not-to-be-missed headbanger’s extravaganza will begin at 2pm in order to pack in as much high quality metal as possible. 

BLOODSTOCK are proud to announce the main stage headliner will be none other than legendary Swedish doom metal fiends CANDLEMASS. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the epic five-piece are still taking stages by storm at festivals across the globe. Look out for their awesome upcoming Black Star EP, slated for release in May 2025. 

CANDLEMASS share, “Candlemass are proud to be a part of the Bloodstock Winter Gathering! We have always felt welcome on British soil and we’re excited to be there once again and deliver our special brand of Swedish doom metal! See ya all soon… Love you!!!”

Joining CANDLEMASS will be very special guests British thrashers VENOM INC (playing Ave in full for the first time ever!), plus hilarious extreme metallers RAISED BY OWLS, Scottish speed freaks HELLRIPPER, thrashcore mainstays TORTURED DEMON, and Welsh heavy hitters KING KRAKEN. 

But that’s not all! BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING will also have a second stage for your aural delight, headlined by theatrical devils RED METHOD, powerful metalcore act THUUM, and Mancunian thrashers HELLBEARER, plus artist signing sessions, DJ sets, and more still to be announced.

Tickets cost £49.00 + booking fee, and are on sale right now here! With a strictly limited capacity, don’t hang about if you want to go!

Situated a 20-minute walk from Wolverhampton station and with all-day parking located around the venue for just £2, what better way to give yourself and your loved ones an early Christmas present. As well as a stacked lineup of skull-splitting bands, KK’s Steelmill also offer a range of snacks to satiate your hunger and drinks to quench your thirst from the bar, accepting cash, card, and contactless payments. And if December means you need your big coat, there’s a cloakroom for £1 per item!  

For all the latest info, keep your eyes peeled on the official event website here.

Wychwood Festival reveals family-friendly Village Green events, activities, workshops & more

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WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL 2025 VILLAGE GREEN LINE UP ANNOUNCED

VIBRANT ARRAY OF FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS CONFIRMED FOR WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL 2025 INCLUDING:

NATIONAL TRUST RANGER RAE AND THE WILDLIFERS PODCAST & STAGE SHOW – DAN THE HAT’S REMARKABLE STREET SHOW – FLAME OZ – CHELTENHAM POETRY FESTIVAL – SILLY SPORTS DAY – SOLO CIRCUS – FIERY JACK’S GAMES EMPORIUM – BLEEPHAUS CREATIVITY – KINDRID SPIRITS ART COLLECTIVE AND MUCH MORE!

JOINING A PACKED MUSIC LINE UP FEATURING:
SHED SEVEN – DOVES – JAMES
PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING – THE ZUTONS
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – LUCY SPRAGGAN – DANIEL BEDINGFIELD – FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS – IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE – SCOUTING FOR GIRLS – SONGHOY BLUES – THE MAGIC NUMBERS – HOME COUNTIES – P.E. WITH JOE WICKS AND MORE

THE UK’S STANDOUT BOUTIQUE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE BEAUTIFUL GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE FOR THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, ARTS, COMEDY & MORE

30th May – 1st June – Cheltenham Racecourse 

https://wychwoodfestival.com

Wychwood Festival has today unveiled the vibrant programme of activities, workshops, arts & crafts and more, as part of the Village Green in 2025. Designed to provide fun, creativity, and adventure for all ages, the Village Green will once again be an interactive hub of engaging entertainment throughout the festival weekend. Packing so many unique moments into three days, the VIllage Green – alongside the highly curated music line up – is what makes Wychwood stand out as one of the UK’s leading boutique festivals.

From 30th May to 1st June 2025, festivalgoers can enjoy an array of stimulating experiences, all included in the ticket price. Whether it’s perfecting circus tricks, moving to the rhythm of Bollywood & Bhangra led by the talented Sohan Kailey, or getting lost in a captivating story, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights of this year’s Village Green programme include the remarkable street show from Glastonbury Festival favourite Dan The Hat, breathtaking fire and LED displays from the award-winning Flame Oz, and the ever-popular Silly Sports Day delivering a lively mix of races, games, and family-friendly fun. Adding to the creative offering, Cheltenham Poetry Festival will host an inspiring spoken word session, encouraging young minds to express themselves through performance and poetry.

In a brand-new addition for 2025, Wychwood welcomes the team behind The National Trust’s hit children’s podcast, Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers. Through an interactive podcast-making show, families will dive into storytelling, listen to episodes on immersive silent disco headphones, and even take part in shaping Ranger Rae’s next big adventure.

Beyond these highlights, the Village Green will also offer a rich variety of arts and crafts sessions, magic workshops, drumming circles, opportunities to take part in the festival’s joyful Sunday Parade, and the soon to be announced Storybox, Wychwood’s very own Children’s Literature Festival. Whether looking to get active, get creative, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere, the Village Green is a must-visit part of the Wychwood experience.

This announcement comes as Wychwood Festival gears up for another unforgettable summer of music, arts, and entertainment. The 2025 music line-up boasts an impressive roster of artists, with headliners James, Shed Seven, and Doves leading the charge. The bill also features Public Service Broadcasting, The Zutons, The Lottery Winners, Ibibio Sound Machine, Scouting For Girls, and newly announced Lucy Spraggan, plus many more, ensuring a weekend of top-tier live performances across the festival’s stages. Ensuring the crowds are limbered up for such a fun-packed day, fitness personality Joe Wicks will also lead a live P.E. session from the main stage!

With an abundance of family-friendly activities, a welcoming atmosphere, and a stunning location at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood Festival remains one of the UK’s most beloved events for all ages. Under 10’s go free, with family-friendly amenities across seven accessible venues featuring baby changing facilities, a dedicated sensory calm space and affordable £6 Kid’s Meals. 

Wychwood Festival takes place from 30th May and 1st June 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Day and Weekend Tickets are on sale now, with a Weekend Camping Payment Plan available via: https://wychwoodfestival.com/

The Line Up Announced So Far

James – Shed Seven – Doves

Public Service Broadcasting – The Zutons – The Lottery Winners – Daniel Bedingfield – Lucy Spraggan – Fisherman’s Friends – Ibibio Sound Machine – Scouting For Girls – Songhoy Blues – The Magic Numbers – Gentleman’s Dub Club – Goldie Lookin Chain – Skinny Lister – Lack of Afro – The Bug Club – Dub Catalyst – Home Counties – Doreen Doreen – The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican – Roving Crows – Whitney Social Club

P.E with Joe Wicks

Howlin’ Petes: The Smyths – Barrioke – The Beatles Dub Club – Thrill Collins – Hip Hop Karaoke – The Ogretones – Witney Social Club – DJ Carlton (Temps Rising) – Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer

Village Green: National Trust Ranger Rae And The Wildlifers Stage Show & Podcasting Workshops – Circus Workshops With Solo Circus – Fail Fail Fail Win Show Bollywood & Bhangra Dance & Bhangra Pop DJ Set With Sohan Kailey Dan The Hat’s Remarkable Street Show – Fiery Jack’s Games Emporium – Fire Show By Flame Oz – Drop In Funky Drumming With Drum Runners – Adult Yoga With Jane Rotheray – Belly Dance With Syren & Mirage – Street Dance & Creative Movement With Lula May Body Positive Dance & She Shanties With Libby Farrow – Silly Sports Day – Board Games British Sign Language Workshops With Ade Jowett Thrall – Open Mic Session With Neemus Spoken Word With Cheltenham Poetry Festival – Magic Workshop With El Baldiniho Magic & Ventriloquism With Colin Dymond – Musical Theatre Fitness With Chi Chi Kids – Arts And Crafts For All Ages Including Enamelling With Medley Arts – Groovy Records With Complete Wasters – Cuddly Science With Salaric Arts – Doodling & Lino Printing With Gemma Hastilow – Make With Spare Room Arts – Craft With Curty Creates – Music Technology With Bleephaus Creativity With Kindred Spirits Arts Collective – World Class Street Theatre And Pop Up Entertainment To Amaze And Intrigue – The Parade Lead By Sambistas Samba Band

Plus: Comedy – Storybox: Kids Children Literature Festival – Silent Disco – Healing Gardens – Idyllic Camping Beneath the Prestbury Hills! 

Download Festival Introduces New ‘Download Family’ Inner Circle

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Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, have today announced the Download Family.

Community is at the heart of Download, so this is a chance for the festival to give back to the people who make it what it is. The Download Family has been created in order to give the inner circle monthly perks in the lead up to the festival and beyond. Join the Family by signing up here: https://downloadfestival.co.uk/family.
 
By signing up to be part of the Family, the inner circle will receive monthly perks, including limited edition merch drops, special offers from Download’s partners, pre-sales for dedicated rock and metal fans, discounts on Download merch and much more.
 
Download Festival returns this year for its 22nd edition, reborn and recharged in 2025 as DLXXII, with headliners Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn set to take to the stage alongside over 90 more colossal names, with many more yet to be announced. The festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire.

Book your tickets here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 

Wychwood Festival announces first wave line up for 2025!

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Wychwood Festival has today revealed all the headliners and more for the 2025 edition of the beloved family friendly festival. 

Offering an unmissable weekend of iconic performances in music, arts, and family-friendly entertainment, Wychwood’s uniquely intimate setting at Gloucestershire’s Cheltenham Racecourse will come alive again with the magic of summer between 30th May to 1st June 2025.

Joining recently announced headliners James, will be none other than Shed Seven and Doves, alongside a hand-picked selection of the finest live acts, including Public Service Broadcasting, The Zutons, The Lottery Winners, Ibibio Sound Machine, Scouting For Girls and many more.

Shed Seven join the line up off the back of an unprecedented year of success for the Britpop veterans. They joined an exclusive club in 2024, alongside the likes of Abba, Queen, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift when they scored not one but two number 1s in the Official UK Album Chart in the same year. Revered for euphoric classics like ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and ‘Going For Gold’, and celebrated for incredible new material on ‘A Matter Of Time’ and ‘Liquid Gold’, fans can look forward to an electric headline set on Friday night at Wychwood. 

Rick Witter, Shed Seven’s frontman said: “We are really looking forward to coming back to play at the Wychwood Festival again in 2025. The last time we played there was an amazing atmosphere so we can’t wait to come back and recreate it. Expect big songs and rock and roll. See you down the front”

After three years away, Manchester band Doves are announced today as the Sunday night headliner. Firmly back on the scene and gearing up for a highly anticipated new album ‘Constellations For The Lonely’, Doves’ emotive and atmospheric anthems like ‘There Goes the Fear’ and ‘Pounding’, will round off a closing moment to cherish next summer.

The line-up expands with an exciting array of artists spanning multiple genres. Public Service Broadcasting will bring their one of a kind combination of post rock sonics and immersive historical storytelling, while The Zutons, the Liverpool band that gave the world a timeless singalong hit ‘Valerie’, promise a crowd-pleasing set. Rising stars The Lottery Winners have built a reputation as one of the UK’s most entertaining live bands, and serve to add a fresh edge to the weekend, alongside R&B-inspired pop sensation Daniel Bedingfield as part of an exciting live comeback. Festival favourites Scouting For Girls are sure to draw an enormous crowd to enjoy instantly recognisable and endlessly popular catalog of hits, whilst the hypnotic rhythms of Ibibio Sound Machine and angular and upbeat dance-punk tunes from Home Counties are certain to get everyone dancing.

Scouting for Girls’ frontman Roy Stride, said: “We are delighted to be playing Wychwood Festival this year and look forward to playing all our bangers at such a beautiful family festival. Even more excited that some of my favourite other artists are playing including Shed Seven, James & The Magic Numbers. I might even get down early for a bit of a workout with Joe Wicks!!!  It’s going to be an incredible weekend” 

Public Service Broadcasting said: “We’re really looking forward to coming back to Wychwood Festival – it’s always been a great atmosphere in the past and it’s been too long since we were there. See some of you soon!”

Ibibio Sound Machine said: “We’re excited to be playing at Wychwood festival 2025 alongside so many great acts!”
[download artist press shots]
Elsewhere the soulful desert blues of Mali band Songhoy Blues, the feel-good harmonies of The Magic Numbers and the energetic 8-piece experience of Gentleman’s Dub Club continue the eclectic line-up. Adding a healthy dose of Welsh-wit and nostalgia, Goldie Lookin Chain and The Bug Club bring a unique flair to the program. For fans of viral sea shanties – and there’s evidently plenty of them – Fisherman’s Friends have you covered as leaders of the TikTok-driven revival of this glorious age-old musical tradition.

Wychwood’s centre of amusement, Howlin’ Pete’s, will once again host an array of fun and lighthearted moments, featuring tribute sensations The Smyths, TV and karaoke legend Barrioke, and the Beatles Dub Club. Additional highlights include sets from The Ogretones – the Shrek Tribute Band that has to be seen to be believed, Witney Social Club, and Temps Rising founder DJ Carlton, ensuring a good time for all.

Beyond the music, Wychwood delivers a program brimming with family-friendly activities, arts, and comedy. Fitness personality Joe Wicks will lead a live P.E. session, while the Village Green offers everything from Circus Skills and Magic Workshops to Yoga, Drumming, and the vibrant Sunday Parade. Families can also explore the Storybox Kids’ Literature Festival, unwind in the Healing Gardens or lose those inhibitions into the early hours at the Silent Disco.

With idyllic camping beneath the Prestbury Hills, sensational food and drink, and free entry for children under 10, Wychwood Festival remains a firm favourite for all ages. 

Graeme Merifield, Wychwood Festival Co-Founder, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to unveil next summer’s lineup today! The response to James as our first headliner last month was phenomenal, so we wanted to spread a little early holiday cheer by sharing the rest of our headliners, and more, much earlier than we usually do. Bringing Shed Seven to Cheltenham after their historic run with two number-one albums, and welcoming Doves during their exciting comeback year, has my heart pounding already! But it’s not just about chart hits at Wychwood, we’re also bringing HIITs in 2025… We’re absolutely delighted to have booked in a P.E. session on the main stage with Joe Wicks! This year’s Wychwood lineup is shaping up to be something truly special for the whole family.”

With even more to be revealed over the coming months, Wychwood Festival is renowned for presenting diverse musical lineups, alongside a perfect combination of comedy, arts, 100s of family-friendly activities, and sensational food and drink. Drawing growing audiences of all ages from around the UK and following a fantastic show this year headlined by Sister Sledge, Texas and Ocean Colour Scene, anticipation runs high for the 2025 edition.

Wychwood Festival takes place between 30th May – 1st June 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Tickets for both day and weekend entry are on sale now via: https://wychwoodfestival.com/

Lytham Festival 2025 – Kings Of Leon join line-up

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Kings of Leon are joining the line-up for TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2025.

The GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum alternative rock band will headline the North West’s largest live music festival on Wednesday July 2 joining the already announced headliners – Canadian/American singer, songwriter and musician Alanis Morissette (Fri 4), global superstar Justin Timberlake (Sat 5) and Scottish rock icons Simple Minds and Texas (Sun 6).

Details of the Thursday night headliner and special guests will be revealed soon. Tickets for Kings of Leon go on sale at 9am Friday from lythamfestival.com. Individual tickets for Friday to Sunday and five-day passes are on sale now.

Since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon – brothers Caleb (guitar/vocals), Nathan (drums) and Jared Followill (bass), and their cousin Matthew Followill (guitar) – have released nine studio albums selling more than 20 million copies, and almost 40 million singles worldwide.

In the UK alone, the multi-platinum selling band has reached the Top 10 with all their albums including six that hit the Number One spot.

In addition, they have had eight GRAMMY Nominations, three GRAMMY Award wins, three NME Awards, two BRIT Awards, and one Juno Award. They have toured all over the world headlining the biggest festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella, Reading & Leeds on three occasions and multiple Lollapalooza’s.

This year has seen the band complete a world tour which included a huge show at London’s BST in Hyde Park – an unprecedented record breaking fifth time they have played the iconic location – as well as release their ninth full-length studio album, Can We Please Have Fun.

Lytham Festival co-founder Peter Taylor said: “We are delighted to be announcing Kings of Leon as a headliner for Lytham Festival, and we can’t wait to hear them performing songs from across their unparalleled nine album catalogue of Alternative Rock.

“They join our already brilliant line-up featuring Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake and Simple Minds and Texas and we still have one more headliner to reveal along with a whole load of special guests. It might only be December but Lytham Festival 2025 will be here before we know it and we can’t wait to get out on the Green for five days of incredible live music on the Lancashire coast.”

Seven-time GRAMMY Award winning singer, songwriter and musician Alanis Morissette will headline Lytham Festival on Friday July 4.

Saturday July 5 will see multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, record producer, songwriter and actor Justin Timberlake bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Lytham Green.

And the closing night of Lytham Festival on Sunday July 6 will see a double headlining set from global rock icons and Scottish legends Simple Minds and Texas.

TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2025 returns Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 July. For more information and to secure tickets head to lythamfestival.com

Twin Atlantic: Birmingham 2024 – REVIEWED!

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Arriving at the Birmingham O2 Academy, we were surprised by queues winding around the block, only to find that the venue is not only host to Twin Atlantic tonight, but also Rag ‘N’ Bone Man. There’s a marked difference in attire and style for the two crowds, but it’s really uplifting to see so many people out for live music on a frosty Sunday night in November.

Heading upstairs to Academy 2, I am instantly transported back into the gig nights of my youth. Sticky floors, a merch stand on a trestle-table in the corner with hand scribbled prices, and youths in patch jackets shuffling about. I like knowing that the tune might change but the feeling is still the same. If you don’t get that pang of excitement before a gig, I am truly sorry for you.

Daytime TV

First out of the gates is fellow Scottish band, Daytime TV – with enigmatic frontman Will Irvine practically bouncing onto the stage, in his black suit and stompy creeper shoes. Sitting somewhere in the rock/pop-punk sphere, but with a well-blended electronic sound; Daytime TV immediately pique my interest.

© Anna Hyams for SFG – Do not use without permission

Songs ‘Fear’ and ‘Little Victories’ sport elements of indie alongside the clean rock edge, and it’s easy to get swept into the very singable lyrics early on. This is something I feel has been missing from mainstream rock for a while – an undeniable hook, and this band have it in spades. Yelling out “Make some noise Birmingham, thanks for coming down early to check us out tonight. This is a hometown gig for our Guitarist, he’s a Walsall boy!” Will elicits a huge cheer from the now dense crowd, before launching into the very fun ‘Domino’.

One thing I would really like to note about Daytime TV, is that they genuinely just look like they’re having a great time on stage. Dancing around, smiling and laughing through a stellar performance – closing song ‘Lost In Tokyo’ makes for a dynamic ending, and they’ve even managed to get the crowd clapping along – no easy feat for an opening band (especially on a Sunday night). I’d love to see them on some festival bills next year.

Twin Atlantic

Scotland for round two, tonight’s headliner Twin Atlantic hailing from Glasgow are preceded by the ethereal outpourings of… ahem… Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Just as the crowd is singing along (in a very Wayne’s World way, obviously) to the penultimate note, we are top-tier trolled into oblivion as the drop is interrupted by Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Boys Just Wanna Have Fun’. You’ve never heard a room full of people groan so loudly, I tell you.

As the band take to the stage in near darkness and enough smoke to power the entire Upside Down, frontman Sam McTrusty heads to the front to shout Hello to the Birmingham crowd – “Ohh it’s gonna be a good one, I can fuckin’ feel it”.

© Anna Hyams for SFG – Do not use without permission


Starting off strong with ‘Meltdown’ from this year’s (their seventh) album, it’s instantly clear that tonight’s audience are not the casual gig-goer brand, these are all full force Twin Atlantic fans singing along to every word, and I’m here wondering why they haven’t been back on a Download festival bill since the Pandemic Pilot era.

Barry McKenna (keys, vocals) looking like a slightly cooler version of Nandor The Relentless (IYKYK), laughs along when Sam yells “This is our last show in your country this year we realised, so thanks for coming to the last one! So… Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!” and we are treated to the extremely Scottish twangy ‘Free’. I may not be to roll my R’s but you’re damn right I tried to join in anyway.

© Anna Hyams for SFG – Do not use without permission

‘Barcelona’ is an absolute earworm of a song, it’s been on repeat on our car journeys and it’s not hard to see why – everyone is absolutely belting it out at the top of their lungs under the pulsing red lighting. I should mention here though, that it has been some of the worst lighting I’ve ever experienced in a small venue, there are no uplights on the band themselves and so much smoke that it’s hard to even see who’s on stage. Luckily the sound is banging to make up for it so we all shout back the refrain “I’m not invincible”.

“Is the the fatigue of Sunday setting in? You all good, you all where you wanna be? Sound, we’ll keep going then” they joke, before playing the gorgeously sentimental ‘I Couldn’t Miss You Much More’, as couples hug each other in the crowd. Ramping back up with ‘The Chaser’ and some intense strobe-lighting which further silhouettes the band into anonymity, and the heavier ‘No Sleep’ (my song of choice in the set) almost blows the roof off the O2. Again, I am left wondering why Twin Atlantic aren’t hitting more big festival bills.

‘Heart and Soul’ is another sing-along situation, but with minutes to spare Sam calls “Do we have time for one more?” and they sign off on the beautifully sombre ‘Crash Land’. “The last two weeks in England have been fuckin’ class” they lament, before (literally) bowing out. It might have been the smaller of tonight’s offerings at the O2 in Birmingham, but the actual Heart and Soul in tonight’s performance and the fact that this many people wanted to come out and pogo around on a Sunday night before work? Unquestionably awesome.

© Anna Hyams for SFG – Do not use without permission

Setlist

  1. Bohemian Rhapsody (intro track)
  2. Meltdown
  3. Yes, I Was Drunk
  4. Get Out
  5. Free
  6. Asleep
  7. World Class Entertainment
  8. Make a Beast of Myself
  9. Fall
  10. Hold On
  11. Barcelona
  12. Sorry
  13. Whispers
  14. Human After All
  15. I Couldn’t Miss You Much More
  16. Snow In Texas
  17. Haunt
  18. Brothers & Sisters
  19. The Chaser
  20. No Sleep
  21. Heart and Soul
  22. Crash Land

The Great Escape announces final FIRST FIFTY acts for 2025

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THE GREAT ESCAPE 2025
14-17 MAY 2025, BRIGHTON 
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW  
https://greatescapefestival.com/ 
 
Today, the UK’s leading new music festival, The Great Escape, reveals a further 26 artists to complete the FIRST FIFTY artists performing at the festival. Featuring a selection of the most promising new music from across the globe, the FIRST FIFTY is one of the year’s most exciting tip lists for emerging talent.

Many of the artists will be performing in the FIRST FIFTY live launch this evening, with gigs hosted across eight East London venues to kickstart the run-up to the 2025 festival. Highlights are set to include Brighton based rapper RUBII at Oslo, Luvcat taking to the stage at MOTH Club, Chloe Slater heading to Sebright Arms and The Orchestra (For Now) taking over Paper Dress Vintage.

Today’s new wave of acts includes raw and rising Welsh pop-rock singer-songwriter CATTY, Mercury Prize-nominated jazz group corto.alto, eclectic Worldbeat group Sirens Of Lesbos, anti-establishment, genre-defying rap singer-songwriter Miss Kaninna, Indigenous Australian alt singer-songwriter Tia Gostelow, Viennese indie band Laundromat Chicks and rock, reggae and hip-hop inspired South Summit.

From the world of jazz, the new names also include four-piece London group Oreglo and Mongolian singer-songwriter Enji, while emerging songwriter Daffo and rousing Faroese-Nordic artist Eivør are flying the flag for folk. Nods to indie-rock come from Canadian rockers Nap Eyes and indie-grime genre-blender JD Cliffe, while a selection of bedroom-pop artists including Australian singer-songwriter Nick Ward and dreamy electro-pop act Clara Kimera also join the line-up. 

The FIRST FIFTY is completed by buzzy Chicago rapper Kaicrewsade, indie-pop TikTok stars Zimmer90, grunge-soul singer Ashaine White, London-based harpist Marysia Osu, electrifying brother-sister duo PUNCHBAG, wistful soul-inspired singer-songwriter Nectar Woode, Japanese dance-pop act Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, promising New Zealand group NO CIGAR, tender Irish singer Ellie O’Neill and Dutch five piece The Klittens. 

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 2025 season from 14 – 17th May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival start from £81.24 and are on sale here.

With several thousands of music fans from across the country and globe descending on the Brighton seaside for The Great Escape every May, fans are urged to book their accommodation early. Festival dates at recommended hotels are available for booking now via The Great Escape website here.

TICKETS FOR TGE 2025 
  
greatescapefestival.com  
@greatescapefest  
@thegreatescape  

Download 2025: Headliners and 90+ bands revealed

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Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, returns for its 22nd edition, reborn and recharged in 2025 as DLXXII. Announced today are three first-time headliners—Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn—alongside over 90 more colossal names spanning the full spectrum of rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, alternative and classic rock.

This year’s festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire.

 General tickets are onsale at 9pm on Thursday 14 November at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
For the first time in Download Festival’s history, next year’s edition will showcase a trio of headliners who are entirely new to topping the main stage. This exciting milestone underscores Download’s unwavering commitment to delivering a fresh, groundbreaking lineup year after year, giving fans even more reasons to be part of this unmissable experience.
 
Also announced today are UK and international heavyweights Weezer, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Jimmy Eat World, Within Temptation, Eagles Of Death Metal, The Darkness, Poppy, Loathe, Spiritbox, Meshuggah, Steel Panther, Airbourne, Jerry Cantrell, Cradle Of Filth, Alien Ant Farm, CKY, McFly, Don Broco, Mallory Knox, The Ghost Inside, Turbonegro, Sylosis, Whitechapel, Fit For An Autopsy, Lorna Shore, Kittie, Jinjer and so many more.
 
Punk-rock royalty Green Day are set to make their long-awaited debut at Download Festival, headlining for the first time in their 37-year career. Known for their high-energy performances and a career that’s shaped the landscape of rock, Green Day has built a legacy of unforgettable live shows that will electrify the crowd on Friday night. The band are fresh off celebrating two major milestones—the 30th anniversary of their trailblazing album Dookie and the 20th anniversary of the culture-shaping American Idiot—Green Day continues to prove why they’re one of the most iconic and influential bands in the world.
 
The mysterious Sleep Token have skyrocketed since their inception in 2016, and the anonymous masked collective have gone from strength to strength, headlining arenas this month and now about to embark on their very first Download headline set. Clocking up millions of monthly listeners, the alternative rock outfit are set to play the performance of their life at the hallowed grounds of Donington on Saturday.
 
The festival’s grand finale will come at the hands of nu-metal legends Korn, who will also be headlining Download for the very first time. The Californian five-piece formed in 1993 but have never been more relevant, and their recent shows have caused a huge buzz in the rock community. Having inspired the likes of Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Machine Head and Sepultura during their 31 years of being a band, Korn are well and truly ready to finally headline Download.
 
Download Festival’s Andy Copping says: “Following on from last year’s sold out 21st edition, Download’s legacy not only includes the incredible artists who have performed at the hallowed grounds over the years, but also our unrivalled community, safe and warm atmosphere, and fantastic afterhours entertainment at District X, with something for truly everyone.”
 
The DLXXII line up was announced at a very special Metal Gala launch event at One Marylebone this evening, where the rock and metal elite gathered under one roof. The one and only Paddy Considine (House Of The Dragon, Peaky Blinders), who will be playing at this year’s Download with his band Riding The Low, stars in this year’s announcement video, alongside other Humans Of Download. Like he says in the short film titled ‘Est Momentum’, Download is “a place where legends are born. This is where you belong.”
 
This is only the beginning for DLXXII, with many more acts and surprises yet to be announced. Book your tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.