Anna Hyams, Author at Summer Festival Guide

The Damned – announce Final Damnation 50 UK Tour

May 6, 2026April 29, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Half a century after igniting the fuse of the British punk explosion, The Damned announce a celebratory UK tour.

Following a triumphant 50th Anniversary show at the OVO Arena Wembley in April and a forthcoming global run that will include the Sydney Opera House and a massive North American return, they step back on British soil in November and December 2026 for ‘Final Damnation 50’.

The first UK punk band to ever release a single, an album and tour the US, it is also a chance to catch the legendary line-up of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray, and Monty Oxymoron.

Rat Scabies – “Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing? We never thought we’d make it this far and neither did you! But here we are, a finely tuned engine. The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year.”

Captain Sensible – “With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed, and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won’t disappoint.”

The Damned have been revelling in their own and punk’s 50th anniversary, marking half a century since the great explosion of 1976 and the return of Rat Scabies on drums. At the OVO Arena Wembley gig on April 11th, they treated their faithful to 25 songs over 3 sets, reflecting their definitive influence on punk, goth and psychedelia.

Earlier this year, they released an acclaimed covers album, Not Like Everybody Else, featuring tracks that the late, great founding member Brian James loved and that helped shape the band.

And to ensure maximum fun, The Damned are bringing Australian punk pioneers, The Saints ’73-’78 along as special guests. Led by founding members – guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay – the line-up features an all-star cast including Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/The Bad Seeds) and Jim White (Dirty Three), alongside Mark Arm (Mudhoney) on vocals. Together, they will be performing the raw, groundbreaking material from The Saints‘ first three fabled albums ((I’m) Stranded, Eternally Yours, and Prehistoric Sounds), marking 50 years since their own explosive debut.

Who: The Damned (Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray, Monty Oxymoron).
Special Guests: The Saints ’73-’78 (Ed Kuepper, Mick Harvey, Jim White, Mark Arm).
What: ‘Final Damnation 50’ UK Tour (50th Anniversary Celebration).
When: 25 November – 05 December 2026.
Where: Brighton, London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Derby, Birmingham.
Ticket Link: aegp.uk/the-damned
General Sale: Friday 1 May 2026 @ 10:00am BST
Link: https://www.officialdamned.com/

UK TOUR DATES 2026

Wed 25 Nov, Brighton, Dome
Fri 27 Nov, London, British Airways ARC
Sat 28 Nov, Bristol, Beacon
Mon 30 Nov, Manchester, Academy
Tue 01 Dec, Newcastle, O2 City Hall
Wed 02 Dec, Derby, Vaillant Live
Sat 05 Dec, Birmingham, O2 Academy

Wychwood Fest – full programme revealed, one month to go for 20th celebrations at Cheltenham Racecourse!

May 6, 2026April 29, 2026 by Anna Hyams

With one month to go before Wychwood Festival opens up for its biggest weekend yet between 29th May and 31st May, the final lineup of events and the full running order across the weekend have been revealed. With so much to explore beyond the incredible live music lineup, this year boasts impressive names in the Comedy and Children’s Literature tents, plus a mouth-watering array of food, and activities for all ages to enjoy.

This year Wychwood celebrates a momentous milestone, with the beloved independent festival turning 20. Marking the occasion, loyal festival goers from the surrounding community have been sharing their favourite memories from the racecourse over the past two decades, reminiscing about cherished moments shared with their families and loved ones – and even a flashback to a wedding ceremony that took place on-site in 2012. Enjoy these moments via the website here to see what makes Wychwood so special to so many: https://wychwoodfestival.com/memories

Joining a star-studded main stage lineup – headlined by Craig David Presents TS5 on Friday night, Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday, and Levellers on Sunday evening an exciting selection of the best up-and-coming acts from the surrounding areas has been handpicked for Wychwood this year. The ‘Apply to Play’ winners for this year include popular local bands Drinking with Lucy, Freya Delgarno, Lo Hi Lo, Loophole, Luc Franklyn, Pavey Arc, Pebble Daisy, Tan Sholto, The Burway, The Callbirds and Underscore who will all showcase their talents across the festival stages. For the first time, the previous years winners Truck have played a part in selecting this year’s winners, seeing local Cheltenham favourites pass the baton to more emerging talent for 2026. Always championing local talent, this year Wychwood also welcomes Cheltenham-based modern alternative rock band, Nuns of the Tundra. Plus, for the first time in the festival’s history a Thursday night at the racecourse will be headlined by Dutty Moonshine Big Band and signals the start of an extended anniversary celebration.

Wychwood Comedy Club returns, kicking off six hours of daytime stand-up over the festival weekend with a jam-packed lineup on the Garden Stage. Friday headliners include: Jonny Awsum, Mabel Read, Howard Read, Darryl Carrington, Dani Johns. Saturday headliners include: Card Ninja, Edi Johnston, Andrew White, Joe Wells and Sunjai Arif. Sunday headliners include: Angie Mack, Patrick Monahan, Bella Humphries, Amelia Hamilton and Duncan Oakley.

Leading the charge for the Saturday Late Night Comedy at Howlin Pete’s is the unofficial German Comedy Ambassador to the UK Henning Wehn, as seen regularly on Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and QI. This Saturday night line up will be joined by the likes of renowned comics Louise Leigh, Andrew White, Javier Jarquin and Kate Martin.

Wychwood Festival’s much-loved Children’s Literature tent returns for 2026. Barbara’s Story Box – in loving memory of Barbara Pendrigh, who masterminded the Story Box events for so many years – will be filled with brilliant authors, captivating illustrators, and unforgettable tales on the Village Green. Festival goers are invited to meet the heroes behind some of their favourite children’s stories all weekend long. Barabara’s Story Box Line Up Includes:

Poetry pizza with Simon Mole, Magpie And The Sparkling Words with Lucy Rowland, Starlight Stables with Jo Cotterill, Best Dog Ever with Smriti Halls, A Holiday For Bear with Duncan Beedie, Bunnies In A Rocket with Philip Ardagh, Astrosaurs with Steve Cole, The Butterfly House with Harry Woodgate, Football G.O.A.T with Matt Oldfield and Seth Burkett, Happy Hills with Sophy Henn, Clippa And Clawzo with Tim Ewins and Beth Bridger, Squirrel And Duck with Tom Percival, The Turtle Who Turned The Tide with Rachel Bright, Pia’s Pet Club with Serena Patel, Chicken vs Egg with Gareth P Jones

Whilst Wychwood is renowned for its well-curated music and workshop lineups, that’s not all – there’s also an irresistible array of sensational street food on offer. Exciting food offerings this year include: hand-stretched pizzas from Slice One, sweet and savoury crumbles from Crumble Pots, signature raclette from Gloucester’s Melted Cheese Company, authentic chinese cuisine from Happy Dumpling, The UK’s beloved classic-crispy battered fish and golden chips from the Fish and Chip Bus and many more! With a wide range of veggie, vegan and gluten-free options available.

Shaping up for the biggest year yet in Wychwood Festival’s history, fans look forward to a live music lineup stacked with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Craig David Presents TS5, Levellers, Everything Everything, Maximo Park, Feeder, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Boney M, The Pigeon Detectives, Newton Faulkner, Chesney Hawkes, and many more.

Adding to the celebratory edition of the UK’s fast-growing family-friendly weekender will be a selection of festival favourite moments. The UK’s #1 Shrek musical tribute The Ogretones, Shaun Williamson’s Barrioke, and Taskmaster creator Alex Horne’s The Horne Section are all confirmed for Wychwood 2026, alongside Hip Hop Karaoke, 3 Daft Monkeys, Mr B Gentleman Rhymer, The X & Y, Witney Soul Club and of course local Wychwood stalwarts Thrill Collins, keeping festival spirits suitably high from start to finish.

Fresh from being crowned Family Festival of the Year at the UK Festival Awards 2025, Wychwood continues to set the standard for inclusive festival experiences. Thousands flock from around the UK in growing numbers each year, and it’s no wonder with the hundreds of family-friendly activities, arts, comedy, children’s literature and workshops laid out across the weekend at The Village Green and beyond – plus it’s free for under 10’s!

Taking place beneath the beautiful Prestbury Hills at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood marks the very first weekend of the summer festival season and has become a treasured tradition for families and music lovers alike. With a minor anniversary to celebrate together this edition is certainly not to be missed!

The 20th edition of Wychwood Festival takes place 29th – 31st May 2026, Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. Remaining tickets are available via Wychwoodfestival.com

About Wychwood

Wychwood is a fast-growing, family-friendly, three-day festival held at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring iconic names, new music discovery, comedy, workshops, and wholesome fun for all ages. Known for its community spirit and welcoming atmosphere, the festival will celebrate its 20th edition in 2026.

“an adored fixture on the UK festival calendar” – Rolling Stone UK

“The best festival for families” – The Independent

“Wychwood has something for everyone” – Metro

“It’s easy to see why Wychwood has notched up consecutive nominations for the best family music festival around” – The i

“Perfect family-friendly festival” – Daily Mirror

“Wychwood Festival is one of those places where the sun always shines” – National World

The latest Bloodstock News

May 6, 2026April 29, 2026 by Anna Hyams

How about a whole host of excellent BLOODSTOCK news that doesn’t announce a single band?
BLOODSTOCKers, we know you’ve been asking, and HQ wants you to have pleeeenty of time to plan the most splendid FANCY DRESS outfits, so without further delay, here are the themes for 2026!

On Thursday, we know it’s been done before, but with HEAVYSAURUS on the bill and it being SO MUCH FUN, it has to be DINOSAURS again. That costume you bought a couple years back is now excellent value for money, huh?
On Friday, we embrace the dark, the macabre, and the creative… we want to see how you interpret TWISTED FAIRYTALES as a theme! Black widow bitten Miss Muffet? Malice in Wonderland? Goth fairies welcome!
Saturday rolls back the clock to the 1980’s! Bring out your best ‘80’s fashion (mullets encouraged, neon leg warmers optional), or be a character from your fave ‘80s movie, TV show, or band! There is no such thing as too much leopard print.

On Sunday, there’s a special treat in the RAM Gallery, as festival founder and renowned fantasy artist Paul Gregory will be exhibiting his original, oil on canvas, Lord Of The Rings-inspired painting ‘Morannon’! An impressive 1.8m x 3m in size, it was last exhibited over 20 years ago at the indoor BLOODSTOCK. In honour, Sunday’s fancy dress theme will be LORD OF THE RINGS / FANTASY! Come as a dragon, a wizard, an orc, or even as Gollum, my precious.

We’re looking forward to seeing your GRWM reels already. Be sure to tag Bloodstock on your socials and we might re-share our favourites.

There’s more info at the same link about some of the market traders you can find in the main arena if you’re keen to do some heavy metal shopping in between bands, from clothes both new and vintage, accessories, housewares, face painting, music, sculptures, and more! There’s also a big selection of silver and stainless steel jewellery, not least from Nox of York’s Black Feather – perhaps treat yourself to their twin axe pendant, a cool collab with headliner alumni Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage!

From tent pegs to tampons, and any other essentials you’ve forgotten, there’s a supermarket in the Midgard campsite (and a small shop in the main arena) plus Fat Frank’s Camping Store, where they’ll also inflate your air bed for a better night’s sleep!

Big Green COACH, not Crocodile.

Planning your route to BLOODSTOCK yet? For the closest drop-off on site and also eco points, why not come via a carbon-neutral BIG GREEN COACH? There are pick-up points all across the U.K.! And for the first time ever, you can now book your official coach travel to arrive on Wednesday as well as Thursday, helping you to take advantage of the add-on Wednesday Early Bird ticket option for an extra night of metal shenanigans! For those coming by train into Tamworth station, BLOODSTOCK can also confirm that the shuttle bus to site will also run on Wednesday! Get full info & book your seat with Big Green Coach HERE.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Sophie Lancaster stage headliners will be CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see BODY COUNT, SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, THROWN INTO EXILE, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, ALUNAH, VOID BELOW, TEMPLES ON MARS, NEGATIVE FRAME, CONCRETE AGE, THRASHERWOLF, IMPERIAL DEMONIC, CHAINED SAINT, IMBRIUM, OVERPOWER, UNTAMED SILENCE, CHANGE PERSONA, AFTER SMOKE CLEARS, SOULRIDE, VANITAS, GOAT MAJOR, CANCEL THE TRANSMISSION, TEMPEST SAINT, TROLLMOTHER, DOSED, STITCHED, WREX, FOLLOWING THE SIGNS, THE CARTOON CARTEL, and AETHORIA. And there’s still more bands to be announced.

All weekend tickets (including Kyrr) are now sold out, but you can still snap up day tickets for £99 (+fees) to be part of the fun! Not been to the festival before? A day ticket is a perfect taster to see what you think! Child tickets are also available and under 4’s attend for free. Head over to the ticket store to see all options and if you’re coming by car, pre-book to save on car parking!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.
BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Angine de Poitrine announced to headline the opening beach party at The Great Escape 2026 presented by NME

May 6, 2026April 24, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Today, The Great Escape announces Angine de Poitrine will headline the Opening Beach Party at The Deep End, TGE Beach site on Wednesday 13 May 2026, presented in partnership with NME, with Ribbon Skirt joining the bill as support.

Polka-dot clad Québec duo Angine de Poitrine step into the spotlight for one of the festival’s most iconic moments, bringing their idiosyncratic brand of microtonal jam-rock to Brighton’s seafront for an unmissable opening night celebration. They will be joined by Montreal post-punk band Ribbon Skirt as support, adding an extra edge to the evening. Earning a reputation for their boundary-pushing sound and immersive live shows, both acts promise high-energy sets to kick off The Great Escape 2026 in unforgettable fashion.

This announcement follows the news that The Kooks, who were originally scheduled to perform a Spotlight Show that evening, have had to cancel due to injury. In an exciting update to the programme, Angine de Poitrine will now take the reins to headline the beach party, marking a major moment for the festival’s opening night.

The Opening Beach Party is part of the core festival programme, with access available via a festival wristband, subject to capacity. Festivalgoers are encouraged to plan ahead via the official app and arrive early to secure their spot.

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

First UK festival goes employee-owned

May 6, 2026April 22, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Kambe Events – the company behind pioneering independent festival Shambala – has today announced a landmark transition to employee ownership, becoming the first festival in the UK to adopt this model.

The move sees the festival’s original co-founders step away from ownership, ceding the business to the team members who have helped build it over more than two decades.

The transition will see Shambala owned by an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), helping to ensure that the festival will remain independent, and that its team will share in future successes.

“All of us at Shambala have an emotional stake in what we have built over 25 years; now everyone has an ownership stake too,” explains Co-Founder and MD, Chris Johnson. “We would be nothing without our people, and they deserve to carry on the Shambala legacy as beneficiaries.“

This bold step comes at a time when many independent festivals are being acquired by major live entertainment conglomerates, marking a significant alternative path for the sector. By choosing employee ownership, Shambala is reinforcing its commitment to independence, sustainability and ethical stewardship.

“Shambala stands for independence and, in an increasingly commercialised festival scene, we simply could not sell to venture capitalists or the big promotion companies,” adds Johnson. “While exploring alternative paths, we fell in love with the Employee Ownership model.”

While recent years have seen a rise in community ownership of independent venues and a growing number of employee-owned retailers, this transition represents a first for the UK festival industry – setting a new precedent for how live events businesses can evolve, while keeping their core values very much intact.

“It is patently clear that the current capitalist model is fundamentally broken,” adds Dan Raffety, Head of Music and another of the festival’s Co-Founders, who has led Kambe’s transition to EO. “As a society we must explore alternative models of ownership as a way through which the massive power and potential of capitalism can be focused on serving humanity and the planet at large.”

“Employee Ownership is just the next, natural step in Kambe’s adventures towards a utopia – the next phase in our constant evolution towards justice and a better world.”

The move continues a long-standing tradition of thought-leadership and innovation for Shambala. Over its 26-year history, the festival has been at the forefront of industry change, particularly in areas like sustainability and ethical operations. This latest development adds to a legacy defined by forward-thinking decisions and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

By placing ownership in the hands of its employees, the festival is ensuring that its founding ethos – creativity, sustainability, independence and community – remains protected for years to come.

Sammy Hagar & The Best Of All Worlds Band Announce UK Tour Update

May 6, 2026April 21, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Rock icon Sammy Hagar today announced a revised itinerary for his forthcoming UK tour, bringing his top-grossing Best Of All Worlds Tour to a series of more intimate, tech-forward performing arts venues. Inspired by the breakthrough success of his recent Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live, where advanced sound and immersive technology redefined the live experience, the July 2026 dates have been reconfigured to prioritise similar venues across the UK. The updated routing also allows for a special multi-night run in London, where Hagar and the band will be among the first artists to headline the soon-to-open British Airways ARC.

Featuring Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, 15-time GRAMMY nominee and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff, The Best Of All Worlds Band will perform at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall (6 July), Manchester’s O2 Apollo (7 July) and London’s British Airways ARC (9-12 July). Tickets go on general sale on Friday 24 April at 10am via https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/sammy-hagar/.

Sammy Hagar said: “After waiting 30 years to come back, we really wanted to get this right. Several factors pushed us toward revising this tour but after wrapping our Las Vegas residency last month at Dolby Live where the sound, the technology, and the more intimate size really lets us connect with the audiences, it was clear that we wanted to deliver an experience like that for our fans in England. When I heard our promoter was opening a similar tech-forward venue in London that really sealed the deal for me. Three nights, a fresh set every night, and I get to stay in London, one of my favorite cities in the world, for a week. That’s the Best of All Worlds!”

Sammy returns to the UK for his first tour since 1996, with a setlist celebrating his legendary 50+ year catalogue of hits, including the deepest dive yet into his tenure with Van Halen. The UK tour represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this band of brothers deliver one of the most legendary hits-packed live shows of their careers. Fans can expect a setlist featuring hits like “Why Can’t This Be Love”, “5150”, “Best Of Both Worlds”, “I Can’t Drive 55” and more. This will be the first time Sammy Hagar has performed Van Halen classics in the UK since the band’s iconic Wembley Stadium shows 30 years ago. The supergroup will take to the stage at three venues in the UK: University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall, Manchester O2 Apollo, and finally the London British Airways ARC for a three night residency.

Fans who purchased tickets for the original UK dates will be contacted directly and offered priority presale access for the new shows, along with a 10% merchandise offer on show nights. The band thanks fans for their continued support and looks forward to delivering this newly enhanced live experience across the UK. Tickets go on sale on Friday 24 April at 10am via https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/sammy-hagar/.

SAMMY HAGAR & THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS UK TOUR 2026
JULY 2026

MON 6                    WOLVERHAMPTON      UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON AT THE CIVIC HALL
TUES 7                    MANCHESTER                   O2 APOLLO MANCHESTER
THURS 9               LONDON                               BRITISH AIRWAYS ARC
SAT 11                    LONDON                               BRITISH AIRWAYS ARC
SUN 12                  LONDON                               BRITISH AIRWAYS ARC

Joan Jett And The Blackhearts Announce UK Headline Tour

May 6, 2026April 21, 2026 by Anna Hyams

The iconic Joan Jett And The Blackhearts today announced that they will be coming to the UK for their first UK headline tour in 16 years this July with support from special guests The Meffs. The July 2026 tour will start in Glasgow, hitting Manchester, Leeds, Wolverhampton and then London for its grand finale at the British Airways ARC. Tickets go on general sale this Friday 24 April at 10am via https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/joan-jett-the-blackhearts/.

The July 2026 tour will see Joan Jett And The Blackhearts playing legendary hits like ‘I Love Rock N’ Roll’, ‘Bad Reputation’, ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ and many more on their first UK headline tour in 16 years. They will take to the stage at O2 Academy Glasgow (2 July), Manchester Academy (4 July), O2 Academy Leeds (5 July), University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall (7 July) and finally the London British Airways ARC (8 July).

Joan Jett says: “We can’t wait to be back on stage in the UK this Summer! I wrote and recorded “Bad Reputation”, my first solo LP in London. It’s been too long since we’ve been in the UK and we’re excited to see everyone!”

Joining Joan Jett And The Blackhearts on the tour will be UK Britpunk duo The Meffs, hailing from Colchester and fronted by vocalist and guitarist Lily Hopkins. The band are known for their politically charged lyrics and DIY ethics and will be the perfect fit for Joan Jett And The Blackhearts, who have been blowing the door to the boys’ club off its hinges since they formed in 1979.

For more than four decades, Joan Jett has been recognised as the Godmother of Punk and one of the most iconic names in rock ‘n’ roll. With a career that has spanned music, film, television, Broadway and humanitarianism, Joan Jett has remained a potent force and inspiration to generations of fans worldwide. She is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and has eight platinum and gold albums, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Tickets for the July 2026 tour go on sale this Friday 24 April at 10am via https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/joan-jett-the-blackhearts/.

JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS UK TOUR DATES
JULY 2026

THURS 2               GLASGOW                       O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW
SAT 4                     MANCHESTER                MANCHESTER ACADEMY
SUN 5                   LEEDS                            O2 ACADEMY LEEDS
TUES 7                 WOLVERHAMPTON UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON AT THE CIVIC HALL
WEDS 8                 LONDON                       BRITISH AIRWAYS ARC

Tulley’s Tulip Festival, Warwickshire 2026 – Reviewed!

April 17, 2026 by Anna Hyams

© Anna Hyams for SFG – Do not use without permission

Turning up to tiptoe through the Tulips in the middle of a torrential downpour wasn’t exactly on the wishlist this weekend but as luck would have it – the wind and rain dies down just as we pull into Hatton Country World in Warwickshire.

The carpark is thoughtfully carpeted with full scale event flooring, meaning no matter how much water comes, we’ll still be able to get the cars out when we leave. Checking in is an absolute breeze as well, with scannable QR code tickets on our phones and a really cute tulip hand-stamp if you want to leave at any point.

Heading out into an absolutely adorable little courtyard area, we are immediately greeted by tulip displays everywhere, just as the sun is trying to break through the clouds. I wasn’t expecting so much infrastructure, I hadn’t pictured much beyond fields of tulips, but actually the set up is really cleverly designed for a complete day out.

For the social media inclined, there is no shortage of incredible places to take a photo – it’s clear that Tulley’s have really thought about what people will want here. From tulip laden trucks, to giant clogs, and layered height tulip boxes to peek through, there is no way you’re coming out of this without a new profile picture.

As it’s early afternoon we decide to get ourselves some food first, and there is a very decent selection of food trucks tucked into the corner of the courtyard with things like Pizza and Greek gyros up for grabs. We however, beeline for the Frik’n Deli Dutch Snacks van to grab some in-theme delicacies. Having been to Amsterdam a couple of years ago we knew we loved Bitterballen, so we tried some of the regular beef ragout ones and the cheese ones, alongside some Patat (fancy chips) covered in mayo and curry ketchup. The honest review is – as good as the Amsterdam ones and a perfect sharing trio.

No Dutch snack service can possibly be complete without a tray or two of Poffertjes, and the list of toppings here is frankly chaotic but brilliant. I went with a mix of Nutella and Dutch syrup (which tasted like liquified Stroopwaffel) and nearly made myself sick, in a good way.

We then head out into the tulip fields themselves, and all I can say is WOW. The fields are absolutely vast and stunningly vibrant. Rows upon rows of dancing tulips of every imaginable type. I feel quite dumb on the tulip front, but I truly didn’t know how many different shapes existed. Some were that traditional Miffy style tulip shape, but others were spikey and almost gothic, some were huge fluffy bursting clouds of colour, and then there were those with incredible toothed edges. Our whole visit was soundtracked with calls of “OOH come and look at this one!” and it was quite funny to hear everyone else there doing exactly the same thing.

There were a couple of musicians rocking about the fields playing a very amusing mix of songs on a portable drum kit and guitar, I particularly loved their renditions of Sweet Dreams and Backstreet’s Back. Another great thing to note about the fields, is the thoughtfulness of putting benches all around the edges for people to rest at on their way around. There were a few people attending that day with limited mobility, who were still able to enjoy time in the tulips as they could take a break.

I also really loved how many people had expressly come with the intention of getting photos amongst the tulips, there were a lot of families, women in beautiful dresses (despite the cold day), kids posing, and more than one puppy photoshoot in progress.

We were quite lucky with the weather in the end, the skies let up for a little sunshine while we were in the fields before another massive downpour later on, but I do want to note that since you book your day and time-slots in advance, there’s no telling what the April weather will do for you! The tulip fields do run into May, and they have different rows planted to come up on a rotation whereby there should always be heaps flowering whenever you come within the window.

After we had feasted our eyes on all the stunning tulips, we headed back up the field to the courtyard again, and into the little hut area which turned out to be a full on coffee shop with wooden booths inside. They serve a cracking hot chocolate, and really good brownies – especially useful if you need to warm up. Another thing to note is that there are lots of undercover spaces with tables/seating available around the courtyard – one family seemed to be throwing a whole Birthday party with cake in one of them, what a lovely idea!

The bathroom facilities were also decent – proper toilet blocks, and a number of separate disabled portaloos at ground level as well, we never had to queue for any of them despite it being fairly busy that day. There were also very knowledgeable staff all over site, checking in with people, chatty and super helpful. After taking a million photos of each other with every possible tulip, we clock the threatening skies and skip into the covered exit shop just before the monsoon began.

The shop is another thing I was surprised by, I expected tulip sales of course (but again, the available variety blew my mind) but there was a huge array of products, from ‘Tulip Fields’ candles which smelled amazing, to clothing, plushies and wooden carved tulips. You could even get yourself a ‘coffee and stroopwafels’ hoodie, which very nearly got me. We did come away with some gorgeous tulips to plant at home – which we learnt were actual ones leftover from this display, and will flower for the next four years.

Tulley’s Tulip Farm far surpassed my expectations, I think it’s a really well designed and unique day out – for all ages! There are still tickets going on the website, and Warwickshire is one of three sites in the UK that you can go to, it’s a strong recommend from me. There’s something very wholesome about giving your eyes something beautiful to look at now and then, to remind yourself that after a longgg winter – warmer days are on the way.

https://tulipgarden.co.uk

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Special Guests at Preston Park announced

April 17, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds today announce special guests for their sold out UK headline show at Preston Park, Brighton on Friday 31st July 2026 – their only UK show of the year. Joining the bill are The Flaming Lips, English Teacher, Cate Le Bon and Warmduscher. Brighton has been central to Nick Cave’s life and work for over 25 years, making Preston Park 2026 a truly historic homecoming event.

“I am thrilled beyond words to return to my beloved Brighton with The Bad Seeds to play Preston Park. It’s a homecoming! It’s going to be big, bad and beautiful. An epic show!!!” – Nick Cave

Long established as one of the most iconic, influential forces in alternative rock music, GRAMMY Award-winners The Flaming Lips bring a boundary pushing catalogue that balances darkness with moments of transcendence. Mercury Prize winners English Teacher represent a new wave of British guitar music rich with narrative depth and emotional nuance, while Mercury-Prize-nominated Cate Le Bon’s singular, art-led approach to songwriting and production echoes the more exploratory edges of The Bad Seeds’ work. Warmduscher, meanwhile, channel a raw, kinetic energy that sits comfortably alongside the band’s more unrestrained moments.

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds will perform a setlist which takes songs from all four decades of their storied career including their latest album Wild God.

The top 10 UK album Wild God was released in 2024 to great acclaim and brought fans the sold out Wild God European Tour, one of the live experiences of the year. Produced by Cave and Warren Ellis and mixed by David Fridmann, across ten tracks the band dance between convention and experimentation, taking left-turns and detours that heighten the rich imagery and emotion in Cave’s soul-stirring narratives.

Renowned for their exhilarating and unforgettable performances, The Bad Seeds are widely regarded as one of the most thrilling live bands in the world. This reputation was solidified in 2024, 2025 and early 2026 as critics and fans alike were stunned by The Wild God Tour as it travelled through the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds live line up:

Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Colin Greenwood, Jim Sclavunos, George Vjestica,

Larry Mullins, Carly Paradis

Pitbull at BST Hyde Park: Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon join the line up

April 17, 2026 by Anna Hyams

American Express presents BST Hyde Park welcomes a true legend to the park this summer. The one and only Pitbull AKA Mr. Worldwide headlines on Friday 10 July. Today, BST Hyde Park reveals that two more iconic artists will join him in the park: Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon, joining the previously announced act, Kesha. Final acts to be added and tickets are on sale now, visit bst-hydepark.com.

International superstar Pitbull has sold more than 25 million studio albums and has more than 60 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. The star has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Christina Aguilera to Usher and many more. With mega hits including “Don’t Stop the Party”, “Timber”, “Hotel Room Service”, “Time of Our Lives”, “Give Me Everything”, “Fireball’ and “Get On The Floor” the Grammy Award winner has secured his place as not only one of the pre-eminent figures in Latin music and hip hop, but as one of the biggest names in the pop world.

When Tinie Tempah exploded onto the scene with ‘Pass Out’ in 2010, he didn’t just score a hit, he rewrote the blueprint for UK rap forever. Over fifteen years later, with 3 Top Ten albums, 7 number 1’s, and a cultural legacy that paved the way for Britain’s Black music revolution, Tinie Tempah remains the architect of his own unstoppable momentum. From sold-out arenas to festival headlines, from chart domination to cultural zeitgeist moments, Tinie Tempah has consistently proven that longevity in this game isn’t about luck, it’s about evolution. His latest singles ‘Eat It Up’ and ‘Living Life’ make a statement of intent: Tinie Tempah isn’t just back, he’s here to remind everyone why he’s been the standard-setter all along. The game may have changed since 2010, but the throne remains his…

Louder and larger than life, Lil Jon is the undisputed king of crunk and one of hip-hop’s most influential hitmakers. Rising out of Atlanta’s club scene with Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, he helped define the Dirty South sound with era-shaping anthems like “Get Low,” alongside landmark productions including Usher’s Grammy-winning “Yeah!” and “Snap Yo Fingers.” With a string of gold and platinum albums and a catalogue that spans hip-hop, pop and EDM, most notably the global smash “Turn Down for What” with DJ Snake, Lil Jon has remained a dominant force in music for over two decades. Renowned for his live sets, he now brings that same high-octane presence to BST Hyde Park as part of this year’s lineup.

For this special show, BST Hyde Park will also host an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt for the Largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. The attempt builds on a phenomenon sparked by Pitbull’s devoted international fanbase, including his recent sold-out O2 Arena shows in London where thousands of fans arrived wearing bald caps. BST Hyde Park will bring this fan-led moment to its biggest stage yet, inviting audiences to take part in an official, adjudicated GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt and be part of music history.

Headliners for BST Hyde Park 2026 also include: Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), Maroon 5 (Friday 3 July), Mumford & Sons (Saturday 4 July), Duran Duran (Sunday 5 July), with final headliners to be announced.

Pitbull also headlines the inaugural American Express presents Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Friday 3 July, joined by Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon, with many more acts to be added. Visit roundhayfestival.com.

Tickets are on sale now