Summer Festival Guide

The Summer Festival Guide is one of the UK's the leading festival reporting and review sites. We cover festivals across the UK, USA, Europe, Australia and more!

10CC UNVEILED AS WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL’S SATURDAY HEADLINER

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Wychwood Saturday headliners and English rockers, 10cc, marked 40 years in 2012 since the release of their hit first single "Donna". A band with a remarkable career, selling in excess of 30 million albums around the world with their sophisticated sound that has impressed crowds since the 70's, this performance is one not to be missed. London Based electro swing duo The Correspondents make a welcome appearance. The band have featured in Rob Da Bank's BBC Radio 1 Electro Swing Special, as well as appearing in The Telegraph's "Top 10 highlights from Glastonbury" two years in a row. 

The Selecter also take to the main stage, known for their racial diversity in the mid 70's, the band bring their powerful lyrics and passionate music to Wychwood Festival in 2016. Hip-hop and electronic dance group Stereo MC's made themselves a household name worldwide with their transatlantic top 20 hit single"Connected"  and are also confirmed for Saturday's main stage. 

Smashing Blouse continue to add to their impressive line-up with the most exciting rising talents in the Big Top, welcoming futuristic British electronic-soul duo Honne. Guitar-shredding South London band InHeaven will also play, bringing an updated post punk template for a new generation.  

Wychwood's Hobgoblin Stage has also announced its latest acts. Friday will see Jonny Payne & The Thunder, strong melodies from Hannah Scott as well as new-comers Whyte Lytes. Saturday will feature a nod to the darker side of 80's electro with Zurich, bluesy garage band Little Brother Eli and The Great Western Tears. Sunday welcomes indie-pop band Narratones, sibling trio Emmay, improv jam sessions from The Knights of Mentis and finally singer-songwriter Duotone who has written for the likes of multi-platinum artist Birdy. 

Wychwood continues to offer great value for money – adult weekend tickets are priced at just £135, concessions at £110, 10-15 year olds at £65, 5-9 year olds at £25 and under 5 year olds go free with an adult. Day tickets are also now on sale, starting at £45 for an adult ticket. Full ticket price breakdown can be found below and as always with Wychwood Festival tickets, all are inclusive, with no additional booking fees and no hidden extras to pay on site Wychwood .

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL 2016 MUSIC PROGRAMME
10cc / The Waterboys / Bill Biley/ Idlewild/ Kate Rusby /  Peter Hook & The Light
Craig Charles / The Selector /  Ms. Dynamite / Justin Fletcher, CBeebies Supestar / From The Jam
Matt Berry & The Maypoles / The Correspondents/ Keston Kobblers Club / Tiger Club
Haelos / Honne/ InHeaven /  Folk On /Hunter & The Bear / Cash + David / Ooks Of Hazard / Rag n' Bone / Anteros / Thrill Collins /Jonny Payne & The Thunder / Hannah Scott / Whyte Lytes / Zurich
The Great Western Trees / Little Brother Eli / Narratones  / Duotones /
The Tuesday Syndicate / The Knights of Mentis / Emmay

 

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL PREVIOUS PRESS QUOTES
“Laid-back family festival in a lovely location." Sunday Times
"Britain's most popular family festival." Sunday Mirror
"The best festival for families." The Independent
"Goes the extra mile for children." The Times

 

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015

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THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 @ PORTH KERRY, CARDIFF ON 3rd – 5th JULY 2015.
This was the 2nd Annual SURPLUS FESTIVAL & is a proper gathering of Souls! It's for EVERYONE & ANYONE!!
It's been described by the organisers as a festival for ALL;
TRAVELLERS, CRUSTIES, PUNX, ROCKERS, RAVERS, HIPPIES, GEEKS & FREAKS & EVERYONE in-between!
This was a REAL old-school Festival where people were uniting, re-uniting & reliving the true Festival circuit from the past.
This Festival was REAL people doing it proper!!!!
FORGET all the corporate BS, It's back to basics. Totally happy people enjoying a great festival party atmosphere, watching festival bands that have been doing it for 20years or more, along with some new up & coming bands who fit into the eclectic mix of the whole scene!
SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 was small enough to be personal but BIG enough to be an EVENT!!!
………..,……………………………………………………………………………………………………
We arrived on site on Thursday nite at 2am in the morning, after a long drive, but this didn't pose a problem, we were welcomed onto the site, & the way the site was set out it meant we could get onto the site, with the car/living-vehicle, park-up & then find ourselves an area to set up along with everyone else. The nice thing being that we were all in the same living area be you in a living-vehicle,car,teppee,bender or tent. Nobody was segregated off , & it was all still part of the Festival Site! We didn't even have to pay entry or show a ticket, no hectic confusion, just welcomed, let in & tat yourself down for the weekend!
The site was a great set up, 1 big great lush field, segregated off – Living-Area & Festival Site…..simple & effective!!!

It was located on the South Coast of Wales this year @ Porth Kerry, Cardiff! There's a great 2 minute walk to a stoney beach, with lovely views over North Devon, which was accessible to all festival goers.

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 itself had 3 main Live Music Stages & everyone there was promoting a GREEN ENVIRONMENT with SOLAR POWER & RECYCLING & UPCYCLING!!!!!

It was a Dog/Animal friendly Festival , although they did ask for a small donation of £5 which is passed on to their chosen charity!!!!

The festival was set up as a Family-Friendly event, with a kidz area, Daily Workshops, Healing areas, Stalls selling Festival wares & crafts, Walkabout Entertainers, Live Music throughout the day & night & a shed load of Food Stalls selling an array of delights to cater for people with all tastes & eating preferences.
There was an acoustic music tent, entertainment of all types, fireshows & a communal Firepit for when the music wound down & came to an end & there were still many of us wanting to carry on the festivities. People gathered every night round the fire with acoustic instruments & sang, danced, talked & socialised into the early hours, & the fire burnt all day & night througho9ut the Festival providing a place for everyone to catch up.
People were catching up with old friends & making new friends creating a wicked atmosphere of unity, peace & pure happiness!!!!!

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 was a 500 capacity festival,& for a 3 day weekend Adult ticket it only cost £50 & £15 for Teens & kids get in FREE!

The line-up of bands was amazing……..
AOS3 , RADICAL DANCE FACTION, CULTURE SHOCK, BACK TO THE PLANET, INNER TERRESTRIALS, LACERTILLA,THE SPORADICS, 3 DAFT MONKEYS, ATONOMADS, PRIMEVAL SOUP, ONE EYED GOD, KILNABOY,AFTERKOP, BUFF, A NOISE,TRIBAZIK & many many many more bands, playing throughout the festival on the 3 stages/tents!!!!There was always something going on that would keep you & your family & friends entertained, & as you were set up so close to the festival site going back to your living area & the festival site was not a chore, also leaving your belongings in your tents, benders, teepees, cars or live in vehicles unattended was NOT a problem! – the whole atmosphere & buzz of the festival & the people who were there enjoying the event were a friendly, respectful & honest bunch of people – there were no problems or unsavoury events all weekend, & no thefts or fights or problems of any sort!!It was a refreshing, happy, fun, amazing, friendly, family atmosphere!
It was full of happy people just getting down & having what we all know as an OLD SCHOOL FESTIVAL,all enjoying it, ALL TOGETHER!!!!

SO……A BIG BIG THANK YOU goes out to ALL of the ORGANISERS, PERFORMERS, BANDS & ALL THOSE INVOLVED in making SURPLUS FESTIVAL happen & also to ALL those who purchased tickets & went & enjoyed the event!!!

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 was for US the BEST festival event of 2015…..& we can't wait for the 2016 event…..so keep a look out for SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2016 on FACEBOOK & don't miss out……….remember if you DON'T HAVE A TICKET YOU CAN'T GET IN!!!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE !!!!!

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015

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THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 @ PORTH KERRY, CARDIFF ON 3rd – 5th JULY 2015.
This was the 2nd Annual SURPLUS FESTIVAL & is a proper gathering of Souls! It's for EVERYONE & ANYONE!!
It's been described by the organisers as a festival for ALL;
TRAVELLERS, CRUSTIES, PUNX, ROCKERS, RAVERS, HIPPIES, GEEKS & FREAKS & EVERYONE in-between!
This was a REAL old-school Festival where people were uniting, re-uniting & reliving the true Festival circuit from the past.
This Festival was REAL people doing it proper!!!!
FORGET all the corporate BS, It's back to basics. Totally happy people enjoying a great festival party atmosphere, watching festival bands that have been doing it for 20years or more, along with some new up & coming bands who fit into the eclectic mix of the whole scene!
SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 was small enough to be personal but BIG enough to be an EVENT!!!
………..,……………………………………………………………………………………………………
We arrived on site on Thursday nite at 2am in the morning, after a long drive, but this didn't pose a problem, we were welcomed onto the site, & the way the site was set out it meant we could get onto the site, with the car/living-vehicle, park-up & then find ourselves an area to set up along with everyone else. The nice thing being that we were all in the same living area be you in a living-vehicle,car,teppee,bender or tent. Nobody was segregated off , & it was all still part of the Festival Site! We didn't even have to pay entry or show a ticket, no hectic confusion, just welcomed, let in & tat yourself down for the weekend!
The site was a great set up, 1 big great lush field, segregated off – Living-Area & Festival Site…..simple & effective!!!

It was located on the South Coast of Wales this year @ Porth Kerry, Cardiff! There's a great 2 minute walk to a stoney beach, with lovely views over North Devon, which was accessible to all festival goers.

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 itself had 3 main Live Music Stages & everyone there was promoting a GREEN ENVIRONMENT with SOLAR POWER & RECYCLING & UPCYCLING!!!!!

It was a Dog/Animal friendly Festival , although they did ask for a small donation of £5 which is passed on to their chosen charity!!!!

The festival was set up as a Family-Friendly event, with a kidz area, Daily Workshops, Healing areas, Stalls selling Festival wares & crafts, Walkabout Entertainers, Live Music throughout the day & night & a shed load of Food Stalls selling an array of delights to cater for people with all tastes & eating preferences.
There was an acoustic music tent, entertainment of all types, fireshows & a communal Firepit for when the music wound down & came to an end & there were still many of us wanting to carry on the festivities. People gathered every night round the fire with acoustic instruments & sang, danced, talked & socialised into the early hours, & the fire burnt all day & night througho9ut the Festival providing a place for everyone to catch up.
People were catching up with old friends & making new friends creating a wicked atmosphere of unity, peace & pure happiness!!!!!

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 was a 500 capacity festival,& for a 3 day weekend Adult ticket it only cost £50 & £15 for Teens & kids get in FREE!

The line-up of bands was amazing……..
AOS3 , RADICAL DANCE FACTION, CULTURE SHOCK, BACK TO THE PLANET, INNER TERRESTRIALS, LACERTILLA,THE SPORADICS, 3 DAFT MONKEYS, ATONOMADS, PRIMEVAL SOUP, ONE EYED GOD, KILNABOY,AFTERKOP, BUFF, A NOISE,TRIBAZIK & many many many more bands, playing throughout the festival on the 3 stages/tents!!!!There was always something going on that would keep you & your family & friends entertained, & as you were set up so close to the festival site going back to your living area & the festival site was not a chore, also leaving your belongings in your tents, benders, teepees, cars or live in vehicles unattended was NOT a problem! – the whole atmosphere & buzz of the festival & the people who were there enjoying the event were a friendly, respectful & honest bunch of people – there were no problems or unsavoury events all weekend, & no thefts or fights or problems of any sort!!It was a refreshing, happy, fun, amazing, friendly, family atmosphere!
It was full of happy people just getting down & having what we all know as an OLD SCHOOL FESTIVAL,all enjoying it, ALL TOGETHER!!!!

SO……A BIG BIG THANK YOU goes out to ALL of the ORGANISERS, PERFORMERS, BANDS & ALL THOSE INVOLVED in making SURPLUS FESTIVAL happen & also to ALL those who purchased tickets & went & enjoyed the event!!!

THE SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2015 was for US the BEST festival event of 2015…..& we can't wait for the 2016 event…..so keep a look out for SURPLUS FESTIVAL 2016 on FACEBOOK & don't miss out……….remember if you DON'T HAVE A TICKET YOU CAN'T GET IN!!!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE !!!!!

Alchemy Festival 2015 Update

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Change of Venue, see details below

NEW LOCATION !! TO A FEW YARDS TOWARDS KIRBY ON BAIN

For ALL the relevant information regarding the change to location to the new venue, which is situated only a little way down the road towards KIRBY ON BAIN , please review the info on the website where ypu can also have access to information on how to get there and possible links to public transport: ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015  www.alchemyfestival.co.uk 

SO ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 has a new location, and also some new bands , acts and entertainment booked for the 2015 event

Including…………DAVE THE DRUMMER…..PHAT BOLLARD……and also some amazing entertainment acts …….." THE  ENCHANTING EYE!" AND MANY MANY MANY MORE………YOU HAVE TO CHECK THE UPDATE TO BANDS , ACTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 WEBSITE AT  WWW.alchemyfestival.co.uk    FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ALL THE TIME AS NEW EVENTS , ENTERTAINMENT  AND BANDS ARE BEING BOOKED AS WE SPEAK……IT IS GOING TO BE A TRUELY AMAZING EVENT!

IT SEEMS ITS ALL AT ALCHEMY THIS YEAR , WITH THE AUTUMN EQUINOX approaching & it being the INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT, IT IS 2ITHPUT DOUBT GOING TO BE AN AMAZING FESTIVAL BOASTING  – LIVE MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT /and many ENTERTAINERS, ACTS & PERFORMERS……KIDZ ENTERTAINMENT &  WORKSHOPS…….HEALING AREAS offering unique therapies……and even a  HENGE!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO FESTIVAL PEOPLE WITH ALL THIS IN MIND,,,!!!!!!!!!!Have a good long look on the  ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 SITE AT wwwwww.alchemyfestival.co.uk,  and take a look at all the great bands entertainment, workshops, entertainers, acts and literally EVERYTHING  that ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 will have to offer that weekend (18th  –  20th SEPTEMBER 2015)  and GRAB yourself a ticket and make sure you get involved…..ITS ALL ABOUT LIGHT/AWATENESS & SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT! !!!!!!!!SO lots of smiling faces, lots of colours and lets all join together and have a GREAT FESTIVAL EVENT!!!!!!!!

ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015

18th – 20th September 2015

Camp Bestival 2015 Review

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Camp Bestival, the spin-off to the Isle of Wight legend, Bestival, is nothing short of a festival treasure. Lovingly curated by DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, this is a festival exclusively for families and offers one of the most varied musical line-ups alongside children’s attractions and huge television stars.

From the moment you pull up in the car park, you know this is a festival that is going to work out those leg muscles, with everything built on steep hills covering an area the size of a small town! 

Arriving on the Thursday, before the festival really starts, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a small and unassuming event, with only a few stalls (thankfully including Nandos!) and one arena open, it was easy to believe that this was going to be a weekend that dragged. However, this initial belief was proved wrong from first thing Friday morning with an amazing opening set by the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band to warm the crowds. 

With the Blue Coats keeping the crowds happy it was not long before everyone was on their feet and laughing along to Dick and Dom’s performance of ‘Dick v Dom Go Wild!’ – an act full of audience participation and lots of water guns and a foam fight, the adults were laughing along with the kids at all the obvious innuendos and humorous use of Richard’s nickname. 

The first day flew by quickly with plenty to see and do such as the Insect Circus, the multiple fairground rides and interactive experiments at the Science Museum tent. Before you knew it you were pitched up back at the main stage watching the sun set to the pounding beat of Professor Green and Clean Bandit before a slow crawl back up the hill to the camping site and a steaming cup of tea brewed over the gas stove. 

After a long night anyone would expect it to be a rather quiet and slow morning… But at a festival full of little ones, and Mr Tumble opening the main stage it was a rather early, and very excitable morning! After a set of ‘Hello Hello’, the ‘Hokey Cokey’ and ‘Old MacDonald’s Farm’, the parents were screaming for a break while the kids were ready for some more! My day was spent lazily roaming the huge site, visiting the wall of death, riding the carousel and enjoying more of the fantastic food on offer (as well as trying out the ‘Solar Power Shower Tower’), winding down to Level 42 with a box, yes a box, of Rosé was just what was needed!

With Kaiser Chiefs rocking the stage until late into the night, it was yet another late night, with everyone sadly trailing back to the tent after an explosive set fuelled by classics such as ‘Riot’ and ‘Ruby’, more tea, but yet another early morning!

Sunday’s stage times left a trail of confused festival go-er’s with Ella Henderson and Bob Geldof swapping stage times. While there was an notice on the website, and also on the screens to the side of the main stage, there was still a lot of confusion which left many fans unable to watch their favourite act. One lady said that her young daughter was watching another act over at the Big Top and ended up missing Ella Henderson, who was her main motive for booking the ticket. 

The disappointment was short-lived however as Ella Henderson smashed her set and paved the way for the amazing Kent duo, Slaves, who powered through their set with just two drums, symbols, and a pleasing lack of shirts, with a guest appearance from a friendly manta-ray. Soul II Soul graced the stage next with a set of classics, such as ‘Back to Life’ which gracefully slipped into a blazing set by Ella Eyre which got everyone smiling as we waited patiently for the night’s headlines, Underworld, to take the stage.

As Underworld’s set slowly came to a close, the crowd all turned around to watch the spectacular fireworks which closed the entire festival.

The final trek back to the tents was slow and with everyone slowly coming down from the amazing high of the weekend at the realisation that it was all over, the air was thick with mixed feelings. 

Monday morning was another early rise but everyone was moving slowly. The tents slowly disappeared in a slow trail of little truck’s being pulled up another hill to the car park, it was clear that this amazing festival was one that would be missed by all those in attendance, until next year at least.

FREE SPIRIT FESTIVAL in DEVON 2015

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This is the first EVER of the FREE SPIRIT FESTIVALs!!!!and it looks like it's gonna be a belter!!!!!!

Held in aid of the HOMELESS, in support of and raising funds for CRISIS & TRUSSELL TRUST!

It's described as small 500 capacity, Family Friendly, Micro Festival, but the buzz it's causing thru

word-of-mouth predicts it should be a great event and one not to be missed, BUT remember folks

if you DON'T have a ticket yoy won't get in!!!!!!!!!!!!

As it's name suggests, it is in whole a SPIRITUAL event! It boasts 3 music stages/tents:-

DANCE STAGE:

Tech House, Techno, Hard Trance, Hard Dance.

Decor by: VISUAL BLISS (co.uk)

LIVE STAGE:

Open Mic, Acoustic, Punk, Ska, and just about ANYTHING you can bounce ,dance and henk to!!!!!!

CAFE STAGE:

Reggae, Eclectric, Electro Swing, Funk, Dance & Freestyle!!!

 

Confirmed to play so far:-

CHRIS LIBERATOR, ZETAN SPORE, CROSS & SPINOUT, ACID PETE, LOUK, RAGGADEE, PURE

MISCHIEF, DOOZER McDOOZE, BASS FUNK BANDITS, DARKCITY SISTAS, JIM THE HAT, AND

MANY MANY MANY MORE!!!!!!!

 

Along with all the great musicto raise your spirits, there is also a "HEALING AREA"…providing:-

YOGA

THAI CHI

CRYSTAL, SPIRITUAL HEALING, & REIKI HEALING

 

Therer is a KIDZ AREA providing Hoop Workshops, Plymouth Play Scheme, Face Painting, Hair-

Braids, & Temporary/Glitter Tattoos……provided by:- Chersfunkyfaces, funkypunkyfun (co.uk)

 

As you can see the FESTIVAL has a whole load of everything for everyone, so EVERYONE's invited!!!

It's a great Festival promoting positive energy, well-being, and a place where you can be a FREE

SPIRIT!

3 DAY FESTIVAL

Adult weekend tickets:- £55

Child Weekend tickets:- £40

Camping & Live-in Vehicles:- £5

Dog Friendly:- £4 (keep your furry friends on a lead at all times , RESPECT)

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM :- www.freespirit.org.uk

So get yourself a ticket and come and get a little high on life, get a little something real in life & be a

FREE SPIRIT with the rest of us!!!!!!!!!!!! (& don't forget to LIKE US on fb)

FREE SPIRITED:- "A person who smiles when things arent going too well, takes a positive outlook

on life, & tries to make the most out of it!!!!THEIR SPIRIT isnt dampened by the little, or the big

things in life! Staying true to themselves regardless of situation, lives LIFE to the FULL, & is NOT

restricted by others opinions! Is FREE but can be irresponsible & sometimes reckless, but imposes

no hurt or pain to another!! BUT is unique in attitude & also is an individual!?!Happy & at one with

themselves!!!!THAT IS FREE SPIRITED! & this is THE FREE SPIRIT FESTIVAL in DEVON 2015!!!!!

ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015

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ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015

18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 – 20TH SEPTEMBER 2015
LINCOLNSHIRE LN4 4PD

ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 is being held in the lush surroundings of a wildlife reserve in Lincolnshire.
It is a non-corporate, non-sponsored, and non-commercial event ,organised byapassionate group of people.
The festival is run on GREEN ETHICS, and they boast 1 out of 8 stages that is solar powered and also another which is pedal powered.

ALCHEMY FESTIVAL is held close to the AUTUMN EQUINOX this fitting in with the ethos of ALCHEMY.

ALCHEMY FESTIVAL has also be described as an OLD STYLE FESTIVAL.
It is a Family Friendly Weekend Festival offering a long weekend of FUN aand ENTERTAINMENT, from the Workshops for all ages, Circus Performers, Fire Shows, Walkabout Entertainers, Live Music, Stalls selling crafted wares and festival merchandise, and lots lots more some FREE and some at a small cost.
There are many different food stalls catering to all tastes, festival goers can bring theirown food and drink but they do ask that NO GLASS BOTTLES be taken onto the site.

The 8 stages hold host to over 100 bands, DJs and entertainers.
,RDF,AOS3, ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION, BACK TO THE PLANET, DUB THE EARTH, FIREPIT COLLECTIVE AND DEFEKTERS just to name a few.
A FULL LINE UP of bands can be seen on the ALCHEMY FESTIVAL WEBSITE at
www.alchemyfestival.co.uk.

ADULT WEEKEND TICKETS -£90
UNDER 5s – FREE
UNDER 16s MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult ticket holder, this proof will be given to you.
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE ALCHEMY FESTIVAL WEBSITE at
www.alchemyfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
DOGS are allowed on site although a small fee is asked for and DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AT ALL TIMES.
IF you havent been to this festival its one not to be missed!The hard work that has been put into making it the amazing event it is, creating an old style festival feel of fun friendliness and happiness reflects on the organisers who have put thier heart and SOULS into making this a FESTIVAL you wont forget.
And also their commitment to keeping it a GREEN event with SOLAR POWER, PEDAL POWER, RECYCLING AND UPCYCLING to be acknowledged.

For a Great weekend of OLD SCHOOL FESTIVAL FUN, IN A FRIENDLY AND HAPPY AND BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT -HEAD TO ALCHEMY FESTIVAL!!!

FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ANS PURCHASING OF TICKETS PLEASE GO TO www.alchemyfestival.co.uk.

Van Morrison Confirmed For Cheltenham Jazz Festival‏

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Fresh from releasing his globally acclaimed new studio album ‘Duets: Reworking The Catalogue’, which features collaborations with the likes of Gregory Porter, Michael Buble, Clare Teal and others, pop maverick Van Morrison has been confirmed to perform at the opening night of this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The visionary songwriter joins an already star-studded line-up that includes Gregory Porter, Beth Hart, Martha Reeves, Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, Lee Konitz, Squarepusher, Laura Mvula, Sun Ra Arkestra, Tony Allen and many more.

Festival Director Ian George:

“We are obviously delighted to have been able to add Van Morrison to the programme for this year’s festival. He’s universally regarded as one of the most singular artists of all time and I can’t think of a better way to kick off proceedings.”

Cheltenham Jazz Festival runs from April 29th – May 4th and is hosted in a tented festival village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens.

Van Morrison performs at The Big Top on Wednesday April 29th. The full programme is available to view here.

Tickets are available from www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucy Rose, and more onboard for Wychwood Festival 2015

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One of the country's favourite family festivals just got better as Wychwood organisers reveal another wave of heritage, world music and fresh-faced talent to join the likes of UB40's Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, The Proclaimers, Ghostpoet and Monsieur Doumani.
For over 50 years Joseph Shabalala and his Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been delivering evocative and powerful songs inspired by their native South Africa. Rising to global success after collaborating with Paul Simon on Graceland in the '80s, the all-male choral group have won an incredible four Grammy Awards with a further nine nominations, they've worked with artists across the globe including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan and David Guetta and they were even publicly named 'South Africa’s cultural ambassadors' by the late Nelson Mandela. Wychwood 2015 is set for a triumphant close when the Ladysmith Black Mambazo take to stage on Sunday evening in what will be an unmissable performance by one of the world's greatest singing groups.

Wychwood's newly-named Ecotricity Big Top has become the go to destination at the festival for young and rising musical talent and headlining on the Sunday is Lucy Rose. The young songwriter's emotive folk music and beautiful vocals will have crowds enthralled as she performs music from her successful debut Like I Used To and material from her eagerly awaited followup out later this year. Joining Lucy on the Sunday is Isle of Wight five-piece Plastic Mermaids. The islanders merge folk melodies, multi-layered instrumentation and electro pop and are already being tipped for great things. Mt. Wolf are another act unveiled for the Ecotricity Big Top today. The electro-folk trip made a well-received return with new material at the tail end of 2014 after a year long hiatus and are a very welcome addition to Wychwood 2015.

Barron Knights, the nations' favourite comedic rockers of the '60s and '70s will be entertaining all the family at Wychwood this year. Their unique mix of rock n' roll and comedy rocketed the band to success in the '60s and they haven't stopped touring since, becoming the only band to tour with The Beatles and twice with the Rolling Stones. Another band who are no strangers to touring are trio Thrill Collins, who have been known to play over 150 shows a year. A firm favourite for Wychwood regulars, the group return to the festival in 2015, reworking well-loved contemporary pop songs with a raucous Skiffle twist.

Years & Years meets Future Brown Diplo for Flow Festival

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Additions to Flow Festival's lineup include US-based hip hop acts Tyler, The Creator and iLoveMakonnen, UK-based electro debutant Years & Years and US-based Future Brown. Flow will also feature fresh Swedish pop act Elliphant, established American DJ Diplo as well as Finnish artists Paperi T, Have You Ever Seen The Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS?, French Films, J. Karjalainen's Lännen-Jukka act, Manna and Regina.

Flow Festival adds several new acts to its lineup. Making its debut in Suvilahti in August 2015 is The Odd Future rapper and producer Tyler, the Creator, who is known for his provocative performances. iLoveMakonnen's Tuesday was one of last years biggest anthems, and expectations skyrocketed, when the promising young artist signed to Drake's label. Touted as one of his generation's primary hip hop acts, London-based trio Years & Years recently won the BBC Sound 2015 vote, which focuses on predicting the coming year's breakthrough acts. Each single so far has proven the band is capable of writing timeless pop hits infused with the day's quirky sounds, combining electro-pop to dance to, r'n'b and house. Super group Future Brown formed by Fatima Al Qadiri, J-Cush and Nguzunguzu has also recently made an impact with an exciting combination of hip hop and grime.

Singer and MC Elliphant is one of Sweden's most promising stars with her unique sound that is influenced by dancehall and bass music. Her breakthrough has been supported by top producers such as Dr. Luke and Diplo. The American DJ Diplo will also perform at 2015's Flow both as a member of Major Lazer and djing on his own.

Local acts have also been added to the lineup, such as Paperi T, who has gone solo from rap trio Ruger Hauer and become one of the countries most talked about debutants. Others included are Have You Ever Seen The Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS? who play nostalgic pop-rock, indie rock group French Films who are working on new material, Jukka Karjalainen who plays the only show of the year performing solo as Lännen-Jukka, and Finnish-Algerian singer-songwriter Manna, who takes the Flow stage with a band including strings. Gracing Suvilahti will also be Regina, playing at Flow a few months before the tenth anniversary of its Katso maisemaa debut album and about three years since its previous live show.

Other confirmed acts for the 2015 Flow Festival include e.g. Alt-J (UK), Beck (US), Belle and Sebastian (UK), Florence + The Machine (UK), Flying Lotus (US), Foxygen (US), Future Islands (US), Major Lazer (US), Run The Jewels (US), Todd Terje live (NO) and The War on Drugs (US). For additional information about all the artists: www.flowfestival.com/artists