Summer Festival Guide, Author at Summer Festival Guide

Kraftwerk to headline All Points East 2020

December 3, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

All Points East’s announcements continue with a special celebration of one of the most innovative, influential and groundbreaking pioneers in musical history.

Kraftwerk will celebrate 50 years since their debut release at East London’s Victoria Park on May 29, a UK exclusive and another unmissable show after Tame Impala were announced as the first headliner for May 23.

The multi-media project Kraftwerk was started in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in Düsseldorf, Germany. They set up their legendary electronic Kling Klang Studio where they composed produced and recorded all their Kraftwerk concept albums.

Since the late 60s they have been closely connected with the Düsseldorf Contemporary Art Scene and after an early experimental phase, Kraftwerk achieved international recognition in 1975 with their first concept album Autobahn.

With their futuristic music and technical innovations Kraftwerk created the soundtrack for the digital age of the 21st century. Over five decades their compositions, using new studio techniques, pristine melodies and synthetic voices, computer sounds and robotic rhythms, have had a global influence across an entire range of music genres and musicians. From electro to hip hop, house to techno, synth pop to industrial and ambient to EDM, it is hard to ignore just how much impact Kraftwerk’s music has had.

The man-machine Kraftwerk will present their legendary live show from the main East Stage combining digital surround sound with breathtaking 3-D animations and robotics. And in true All Points East style, a stellar bill of acts will accompany them on the day in Iggy Pop, Johnny Marr, The Orb, Chromatics, Anna Calvi, Kim Gordon, Grandmaster Flash, Jehnny Beth and John Maus with more to be announced.

Also joining:
IGGY POP, JOHNNY MARR, THE ORB, CHROMATICS, ANNA CALVI, KIM GORDON, GRANDMASTER FLASH, JEHNNY BETH, JOHN MAUS

Isle of Wight Festival 2020 headliners announced

December 3, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

The Isle of Wight Festival makes its triumphant return for 2020 with a huge line-up of music icons marking the first major festival of the summer over 11th – 14th June.

Friday’s headliners both make their Isle of Wight Festival debut in 2020; international superstar Lionel Richie will co-headline the Main Stage alongside GRAMMY and BRIT Award-nominated man of the moment Lewis Capaldi. Special guest Pete Tong will bring the spirit of Ibiza to Seaclose Park, as he closes the Main Stage on Friday night with his Ibiza Classics.

Since debuting 20 years ago, Saturday co-headliners Snow Patrol have amassed over 17 million global album sales, 1 billion global track streams and countless award wins. They’re joined in headlining duties by The Chemical Brothers, a duo who redefined the concept of live electronic music, bagged six UK Number 1 albums, four GRAMMY wins and a reputation for a transcendent live experience.

Duran Duran, in a UK festival exclusive, will close the Main Stage on Sunday night. The British music icons and purveyors of triumphant pop music will see out the 2020 event in style.

Acts also announced today are (in alphabetical order): Becky Hill, Dido, Example, Happy Mondays, James Arthur, JC Stewart, Kaiser Chiefs, Maisie Peters, Primal Scream, Sam Fender, Shed Seven, Sigma (DJ set), Supergrass and The Manor

Tickets for The Isle of Wight Festival 2020 event are on sale Friday 6th December at 9am.

Twenty One Pilots and A$AP Rocky to headline Open’er

December 3, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

The next headliners announced for Day 2! On July 2, Twenty One Pilots and A$AP Rocky will rock the Orange Main Stage

TWENTY ONE PILOTS

This year the American band is turning 10 years old – and they have so much to celebrate. Thanks to billions of views and streams of songs such as ‘Stressed Out’, ‘Heathens’ or ‘Ride’, a huge number of awards (including Grammy, MTV EMA and Billboard) and one of the most faithful fanbases in the world, Twenty One Pilots are among the most important alternative bands of the decade today. In Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun’s music – rock, electronics, hip-hop and synthesizer-driven alternative pop are combined in a rare symbiosis. The duo has released 5 studio albums. The latest, Trench, was released last year, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200 and scored 81/100 on Metacritic. As Tyler Joseph admitted, Twenty One Pilots are already working on their next album.

A$AP ROCKY

After this year’s absence in Gdynia, A$AP Rocky doesn’t give up and joins Open’er 2020! Rakim Mayers began his career as a teenager. In 2007, he joined the famous New York collective A$AP Mob. The debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP was released in 2011, and the next two albums Long. Live. A$AP (2011) and At. Long. Last. A$AP (2015) debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. His last album was one of the most important rap records of last year. Testing won the critics and fans, gaining the opinion of the most mature work in Flacko’s discography. The nearly hourly album is not full of guests, but those who appear on it – Moby, Frank Ocean, FKA Twigs or Skepta – found themselves perfectly in the company of the main character.

Headliners announced for NASS 2020

November 30, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

The UK’s biggest celebration of music, street art, skate and BMX, NASS festival has today announced two legendary British acts will headline the 30,000 cap festival this July. On Friday Chase & Status RTRN II Jungle DJ Set will perform a blistering set that’s been 17 years in the making, while The Streets will deliver an electric finale to Saturday, with a set full of anthems spanning their incredible career. Building up the hype throughout the weekend are some of the biggest names in the game right now including Andy C & Tonn Piper, SHY FX, Ocean Wisdom, Mahalia, Jeremy Loops, Miraa May, Greentea Peng and Ms Banks.

In 2020, Chase & Status will celebrate 17 years together and with their awesome new project RTRN II Jungle the electronic heavyweights go back to where it all began, diving headfirst into their roots and resurfacing with a blast of nineties jungle. With hits like ‘Blind Faith and ‘End credits’ featuring Plan B and an impressive collection of Gold and double platinum albums, Chase & Status confirmed their status as one of the most successful British acts of the past decade. The Streets arguably changed the face of British rap music with their debut album ‘Original Pirate Material’ and created some of the most important music of the millennium in the process, with hits like “Dry Your Eyes” and “Blinded By The Lights”. Mike Skinner and his phenomenal touring band have an incredible bank of classics to deliver an unforgettable NASS performance.

For the expected 30,000 festivalgoers, the big hitters continue, with the likes of iconic British drum and bass DJ, Andy C & Tonn Piper, and the legendary SHY FX adding DnB and jungle vibes to the weekend. NASS also welcomes London rapper Ocean Wisdom and the soulful Mahalia. As always, NASS delivers a wealth of flavour, with South Africa’s Jeremy Loops and his fusion of booming city rhythms and lilting folk, sitting alongside the Soulful R&B tones of Miraa May. Taking things up a notch will be hotly tipped rising hip-hop starlet Ms Banks.

Across the four-day festival over 11 stages are billed an enviable line up of global drum and bass, welcoming the likes of Clipz, Crissy Criss, Macky Gee, Black Sun Empire, Benny L B2B Bladerunner, DJ Guv, Shadow Demon Coalition vs TNA, LTJ Bukem, Watch The Ride and Critical Soundsystem.

Beyond the music, NASS will return with epic skate and BMX competitions, with the biggest names on the international scene battling it out. Street art also continues to play a huge part in the festival with various dedicated pieces to be showcased on site. More details to be revealed in 2020. Bristol-based artists The Hass and Kin-Dose have already set the tone, creating two incredible murals to unveil Chase & Status and The Streets today.

In 2019, NASS welcomed 30,000 festivalgoers to the Bath & West Showground, delivering a sold out, epic weekend of music, street art, skate and BMX. To relive the best of NASS 2019, check out the official festival aftermovie here. HUCK declared it as “The best grime, old school hip-hop and electronic goodness” while the Metro lauded the “High-octane music meets super-urban sports” offering. GRM Daily said ”the atmosphere was electric” and Wordplay Magazine summed it up perfectly, pronouncing NASS as “an essential festival for bass heads and skaters alike”.

2020 line up so far:

CHASE & STATUS RTRN II Jungle DJ Set | THE STREETS

ANDY C & TONN PIPER | SHY FX

(A-Z)

CRITICAL SOUNDSYSTEM | DJ GUV | LTJ BUKEM | MACKY GEE | WATCH THE RIDE

(A-Z)

Creamfields announce arena headliner for 2020

November 30, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

Since storming onto the drum & bass scene nearly two decades ago, Pendulum have arguably become one of the biggest names associated with the genre. But until a few months ago, the original trio of Rob Swire (Anscenic), Gareth McGrillen (Speed) and Paul Harding (El Hornet) hadn’t performed live together for over a decade. That was until the TRINITY concept was born, and the trio are now back as one with their brand-new live show, performing Creamfields 2020 on Saturday 29^th August.

Pendulum are no strangers to Creamfields having made their debut in 2006 the same year the festival made its home in Daresbury and have performed many times since. However, 2020 will see them unveil TRINITY for the first time at Creamfields bringing with them their infamous large- scale production, live vocals and unleashing some new music to the masses!

Commenting on their return: “We can’t wait to headline the Arena at Creamfields next year, we’ve always had a great time at the festival and we’re looking forward to our return in 2020”.

Pendulum present TRINITY are the latest act to be added to the bill for Creamfields 2020, the UK’s biggest electronic music festival which returns to Cheshire on August Bank Holiday weekend, watch this space for more announcements over the coming months!

Creamfields announce 2020 headliner

September 26, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

Following a sell-out show this summer which saw 70,000 fans flock to the UK’s biggest electronic music festival, Creamfields has announced its return in 2020 and revealed their first headliner – Armin van Buuren. As one of Holland’s biggest musical exports, the Dutch DJ/Producer is a firm favourite with dance fans around the world and after a year-long hiatus he returns to headline the South Stage on Saturday 29^th August 2020.

Commenting on his return, Armin said: “I’m excited to be back at Creamfields in 2020, having performed at the festival many times over the years and watching it grow into the show it’s become today, it’s always a special one for me. This year I’ll be headlining the South Stage on Saturday 29^th August and look forward to seeing you all there”

Renowned for delivering one of the biggest electronic festival line ups of the year, this is the first of a number of big-name artist announcements expected over the coming months for the 4-day August Bank Holiday behemoth held in Daresbury, Cheshire UK.

Tickets go on sale 9am (BST) Friday 27^th September, fans can secure their ticket for £20 and spread the cost on a 6-part deposit scheme and as an added incentive all those who purchase a standard camping ticket before 9am (BST) Tuesday 1^st October will receive a complimentary upgrade to Bronze Camping.

Download Festival announce 2020 headliners

September 24, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock event, has announced IRON MAIDEN, KISS and SYSTEM OF A DOWN as its 2020 headliners, plus Deftones, Korn, The Offspring, Disturbed and more of the world’s most exciting bands in rock, pop punk, hardcore and metal yet to be announced. The three-day festival takes place 12 – 14 June 2020 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets will be on sale at 2pm on Wednesday 25th September via downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.

IRON MAIDEN will return to Donington next year to headline Download Festival on Saturday night, in what will be one of only two homecoming UK festival shows in 2020. The London band have had countless No.1 records, including their most recent studio double album, 2015’s The Book Of Souls, in over 40 countries, as well as being hailed as one of the greatest live acts of all time. They’ve spent the summer on their historic and critically acclaimed Legacy Of The Beast North American tour, based on their award winning mobile game of the same name, which has been deemed by fans and national and rock media alike as ‘Maiden’s most monumental show and best setlist ever’ so get ready Downloaders, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.

Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson says, “Next year we will play a number of countries and cities we have yet to visit on this incredible tour, so it is terrific to be able to accept the invitation to return to Download in 2020 and we will certainly go to town and add a few extra items to the show. This will be our seventh time headlining at Donington Park. It’s home turf and we all really enjoy playing this Festival, the vibe from the crowd is always fantastic.”

After an epic and well documented 45-year career that launched an era of rock’n roll, the legendary KISS will perform in the UK at Download Festival 2020, in a UK Exclusive. They embarked on their final ever tour earlier this year under the appropriately named END OF THE ROAD, and known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS have proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock’n roll, and one of the best headliners Donington has ever seen. With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, it won’t just be KISS Army fans who will be blown away with their final Download performance next year.

“I’ve said it before, Download Festival audiences are the best. They are up for whatever is thrown at them. KISS is going to come fully prepared to rock their world in 2020 to say Thank You for always showing up for us.” – Gene Simmons, KISS

“Download will be the culmination of 47 years of unapologetic bombast and spectacle. We will make this a fitting farewell to a country and its people whose music remains the blood in our veins.” – Paul Stanley, KISS

Also headlining Download Festival 2020 will be SYSTEM OF A DOWN in a UK Exclusive. With just 5 studio albums, the Californian/Armenian band have earned themselves a worldwide following, never failing to put on a mind-blowing performance.

Shavo Odadjian, System of A Down said: “From our appearances to many of my favorite bands’, Castle Donington has always had a special place in my heart. We’re proud and excited to continue its legacy.”

Since Deftones’ inception, the multi-platinum, Grammy-Winning alternative rock band from Sacramento have released seven albums and sold over 10 million albums worldwide which include fan-favourite tracks ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’, ‘Change (House Of Flies)’, and ‘Swerve City’.

Drummer Abe Cunningham said: “Download has been a big part of our history. The fans and organisers have always shown us so much love and support, so when the opportunity to play arises, we answer the call!”

With the release of their 13^th studio album, THE NOTHING last week, Korn will be joining the Download 2020 line up. The two-time Grammy Award winning band have toured the world countless times and have continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe.

Korn guitarist, James ‘Munky’ Shaffer: “I’m extremely anxious and enthusiastic at the same time, but I’m looking forward to getting back out there and returning to Download!”

Punk rioters The Offspring are heading to Download Festival bringing with them punk rock anthems that include ‘Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)’, ‘You’re Gonna Go Far Kid’, ‘Self Esteem’, and dozens more.

Also joining the line up are Gojira, the French metallers who have become famous for their sonically dense sounds and bludgeoning heavy rhythms. The hard-hitting, multi-platinum-selling Disturbed are returning to Donington with their aggressive blend of hard rock, alternative, and nu-metal. The band exploded onto the scene in 2000 with ‘Down With The Sickness’, and last year released their seventh album Evolution which reached the top 10 around the globe.

Hollywood hard rock act Black Veil Brides will make their anticipated UK return. Renowned for their explosive live shows and tenacious fans, the five-piece have worked tirelessly to create a scene of their own. Last year saw the release of their fifth studio album Vale, which landed at #1 on the US Top Hard Rock Billboard Chart.

Grammy nominated US alternative rock band Daughtry also join the line-up, following the success of last year’s album Cage To Rattle. Fronted by American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, the band has sold over 8 million albums and 16 million singles, alongside selling out tours globally.

With a new album looming this Friday, Of Mice & Men have been dominating stages for over a decade and have had a disciple like following every step of the way that will undoubtedly follow them to Donington next year. Everyone’s favourite pirates, Alestorm are jumping ship to the hallowed grounds of Download Festival once again, bringing with them their pirate metal and perhaps their giant inflatable duck.

Houghton 2019 CANCELLED

August 8, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

This morning we have been informed that Houghton Festival has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Press release below:

Overnight, weather conditions on-site at Houghton Festival have dramatically worsened and are set to deteriorate further into the weekend.

Tragically, following this morning’s reports and further consultation with authorities, health and safety and all the festival directors, the decision has been made to cancel Houghton 2019.

We are utterly devastated. All the hard work, love and creativity that has gone into planning and producing this year’s event made this an almost impossible decision to make.

This was set to be a wonderful weekend and the boldest step we have ever taken as a festival. However, nothing is more important than the safety of our customers, staff and performers, which would be compromised if we were to go ahead.

Clearly this will cause a lot of disruption and a lot of questions. However for now we can confirm the following:

Houghton Festival 2019 cannot go ahead.
Please do not travel to the show.
Refunds for ticket holders will be available and more information on that will be released later today.
Please do not request refunds until we have confirmed the process.

Please understand that this decision has been made with the deepest of consideration.

Craig Richards, Tom Elkington, Tom Carpenter, Digby Neill (Houghton Directors)

Further lineup additions to Reading and Leeds Festival

May 27, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

Comedy is an essential part of Reading and Leeds and today the first wave of funny acts have been announced. Panel show favourite Josh Widdicombe will headline the Alternative Stage, entertaining audiences with his quick wit, guaranteed to have festival-goers in stitches. Having found fame as a regular on Channel 4 series The Last Leg, Widdicome has continued his storied career with stellar stand-up shows and rave reviews for his BBC sitcom Josh.

Comedy genius Bridget Christie is ready to take on the Alternative Stage crowds this summer with a headline set. A regular on the comedy scene since 2004 where she won the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award the multi-award winner has since gone on to become a regular favourite on TV and radio.

Further Alternative Stage comics include Abigoliah Schamaun (R), Andrew Maxwell (R), Brennan Reece (L), Carl Donnelly, Dane Baptiste, David Morgan, Ed Gamble, Fin Taylor, Kae Kurd, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Lloyd Griffith, Marcus Brigstocke, Masud Milas, Nick Helm (L), Russell Kane, Shappi Khorsandi and Tom Allen. David Olshanetskyand Naledi Dube will present a live episode of their hit podcast, David’s Out For A Good Time, and spoken-word poet Luke Wright will also be live at Reading Festival. Late night DJs include Hot Dub Time Machine, Buttoned Down Disco (R) and Trangressive Takeover, with special guests to be announced. Festival goers will also be able to take the weight off their feet and settle down to catch film screenings of documentaries including ‘Liam Gallagher: As It Was’ and Frank Sidebottom’s ‘Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story’.

Alongside the Alternative Stage, more names have been added to the remarkable music line up across the festival weekend. British singer-songwriter Mabel joins the BBC Radio One Stage bill ahead of the release of her anticipated debut album ‘High Expectations’ this July. Fans can expect to hear hits including 2017 platinum record ‘Finders Keepers’ and 2019 top 10 single ‘Don’t Call Me Up’. Irish rock band Picture This will thrill fans when they bring their eagerly anticipated new album, MDRN LV to life alongside indie rockers CHILDCARE. Rap-rock morphers The LaFontaines join the BBC Radio One Dance Stage with rising rap star Barny Fletcher and pop queen Kim Petras. Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers will bring songs from their emotionally charged debut album ‘Bought To Rot’, the undisputed kings of ‘fashion-art’ rock Palaye Royale join the Pit Stage bill with Californian punk rockers Plague Vendor. Merseyside crew Queen Zee will not hold back bringing their quirky style to The Pit.

American punk rock band Bleached will head to the festivals off the back of their US tour and siblings Sons Of Raphael will also be crossing the pond to bring their unrelenting energy for performances not to be missed. Oddity Road will deliver their heavy riffs and tight infectious songs, Philadelphia singer-songwriter Pink Sweat$ will bring his soothing R&B jams and Kawala, who are currently making waves within the indie music scene since the release of their first single, ‘Small Death’, will also be joining the Festival Republic Stage.

East London drill rapper Unknown T best known for his breakout hit Homerton B will be making his Reading and Leeds debut on the BBC 1Xtra Stage, as well as rapper and producer NAV who will be bringing his trademark vocals and hypnotic trap beats to the festival following the release of Billboard number one sophomore record ‘Bad Habits’. Elsewhere, US rapper YBN Nahmir is set to deliver an unforgettable performance, while BiG HEATH, DigDat, Geko and Tyla Yaweh will also be joining the the BBC 1Xtra stage bill.

If that’s not enough, Relentless After Dark have also announced an eclectic line-up for Leeds Festival including Alma (live), Amy Becker, Charlie Sloth & Friends Presents,Crucast (feat Skepsis, Darksy, Mr Virgo, Bru-C, TS7, Lazcru and Window Kid), DJ Jonezy, DJ Semtex, Hannah Wants, Jaguar, James Organ, Jay1, Jess Bays, L U C Y,Mason Maynard, MIC Righteous, Prospa, Rude Kid, Solardo, Stardom, The Menendez Brothers and Unknown T. Relentless After Dark will provide a late night hangout from Thursday to Sunday evening, keeping Leeds Festival energised till the early hours.

Barn on the Farm sold out

May 27, 2019 by Summer Festival Guide

Barn on the Farm is pleased to announce the final line-up for Intimate Thursday and Behind Barn Doors Friday. Two secret headliners and a whole host of emerging and established artists will be helping to celebrate Barn on the Farm’s 10^th birthday this July. Tickets have now sold out for the whole event so for any resales the only official and credible outlet is Twickets – www.twickets.co.uk

INTIMATE THURSDAY:

SECRET HEADLINER – CLEAN CUT KID – DECLAN J DONNOVAN – ORLA GARTLAND – PROSE – CHARLOTTE – IYAMAH – NICK WILSON – S.H.E.

BEHIND THE BARN DOORS FRIDAY:

SECRET HEADLINER – AU/RA – OUTLYA – BLOXX – PLESTED – JAMES SMITH – BRUNSWICK – MOSA WILD – HYYTS

Abbie McCarthy’s Good Karma Club at Barn on the Farm:

Barn on the Farm is delighted to announce that on the Friday it will be teaming up with Abbie McCarthy to co-curate a line-up to be run in the Wooden Barn Stage. Abbie is a TV and Radio presenter for BBC Music Introducing, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music and runs her own club night, Good Karma Club.

HAMZAA – MAE MULLER – MATHILDA HOMER – AERIS ROVES – JNR WILLIAMS – ROSE GRAY – EYELAR – WINNIE RAEDER – MOLLY PAYTON

BIMM on the Farm:

Another exciting partnership will be with BIMM Music College. BIMM and Barn on the Farm will be creating a line-up including BIMM students past and present, showcasing the best in brand-new talent and headlined by the fantastic Ady Suleiman. The BIMM stage will be set in the Tin Barn on Friday.

ADY SULEIMAN (acoustic set) – LUNA BAY – CLARA McHUGH – ALFIE NEALE – MARGO RAATS – JACK HOWARD – MORTEN LAVA – LEYLA FAHM – CLEMENCE

Michelle Humphreys, Head of Artist Development and Events at BIMM London was instrumental in helping the collaboration come to fruition along with the festival’s founder Josh Sanger, who voiced his excitement on the new collaboration.

“This year we’re delighted to be partnering with BIMM Music College to create a stage of fantastic artists who are currently, or have previously, studied at the college. There is nothing more exciting for us to be giving BIMMs students a place to shine and hopefully climb the ladder to headline the festival in years to come! 2019 marks the 10th year of Barn on the Farm and we are extremely pleased to have BIMM celebrating it with us.”