Rob da Bank says: “I can’t believe how much amazing stuff there is to do at Camp Bestival this year! From bouncy castles to UV bubble bikes and beyond you won’t know which way to turn but you’ll never run out of fun!”
There really is so much to do at Camp Bestival you’ll be spoilt rotten for choice every single day. Some of the major highlights of this year’s 100s of Free Things for Kids include:
1. Camp Bestival Panto – we’re thrilled to be presenting our first ever panto; ‘Beauti and the Beast of Lulworth Castle’. 2. Comedy Club 4 Kids – Otter-ly fantastic comedy just for the kids! 3. Daemon or Doppelganger? – The brilliant clay self-portrait workshops return to Camp Bestival for the fourth year to give you a wonderful mucky time! Get your hands dirty and let your imagination run free with the clay, you never know what might appear… surprise yourself! 4. Dick and Dom – we can’t wait for the mainstage return of those loveable rogues Dick and Dom with their own special brand of madcap mayhem. 5. Mr Tumble – The return of the legend. 6. English National Ballet Workshops – Coming to Camp Bestival for the fourth year running, with a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to learn from the masters. 7. Freestyle Sports Park – Expect awesome demonstrations from some of the finest extreme sports stars around and try your hand while you’re there. 8. Fantastic Mr Fox Opera – An exclusive performance of Roald Dahl’s classic tale. 9. Gideon Reeling present 'The Number 1 Seed' – an interactive theatre show weaving in you, the audience, every step of the way. 10. Kid Carpet & the Noisy Animals show – Lo-fi electro-pop purveyor Kids Carpet has swapped his normal live show for the enchanting adventures of gorilla, bear, hedgehog and badger as they make friends, cause mischief, contemplate the world and finally rock out at the grand dance contest. 11. Medieval Jousting – No castle is complete without its own Knights so we’re thrilled that the Knights of Lulworth Castle will be demonstrating their awe inspiring jousting. 12. Rob da Bank’s Music Club – Situated next to the Sports Park, The Rob da Bank’s Music Club Tent will be offering workshops and demos from our trusty volunteers and a host of celebrity DJs and Band members – all eager to show you their tricks of the trade. 13. Roundhouse Street Variety Show – Featuring music, street dance, comedy, circus and theatre treats galore. 14. Silly Sportsday with the Lost & Found Bluecoats – Our favourite professional wallies, Lost & Found, will be leading our Silly Sportsday action at Camp Bestival this year. 15. Singalong with Shrek, Fiona and Donkey from Shrek the Musical – Following their hugely popular fairy tale debut at Lulworth Castle last year, Shrek and Princess Fiona from Shrek The Musical are making a spectacular return! 16. Square Peg Circus present Rime – Square Peg, seen last year in the Little Big Top, will be gracing us with their spectacular new outdoor show. 17. Stefan Gates – The Gastronaut – Renowned for his love of extraordinary food, Stefan (award winning BBC presenter and writer) will be demonstrating his fantastic gastronomical stunts in the Little Big Top. 18. The Bopps – Mischievous duo The Bopps are the masters of slapstick comedy and music for the nippers, but mums and dads might recognise Stan Cullimore, who was a founder of pop group the Housemartins! 19. The Gruffalo Live – The Gruffalo Live show is back by unprecedented demand, with a magical theatrical adventure on Sunday morning on the Castle Stage. 20. Truth About Youth – This year Oval House’s Truth About Youth London will be bringing their bus of tricks to Camp Bestival. As well as performances of Bussin’ it, their site specific show set over both floors of a double-decker bus, they will be running improvisation sessions, workshops on devising, script writing and dance. 21. Videopia – an interactive movie making activity that casts, shoots and screens DIY tributes to Hollywood classics. Step aboard the vintage Bedford horsebox for the full silver screen treatment. Grab some co-stars, pick your favourite film and get suited and booted before acting your socks off in front of the camera. 22. Wall of Death – Hold onto your hats! Joining us for the first time at Camp B this summer are the daredevil Hell Riders and their Wall of Death! 23. Wookey Hole Circus – Wookey Hole Circus are all under the age of 18 and are an unbelievably gifted bunch making their Camp Bestival debut in 2012! From magic tricks, to cloud swing, aerial silk performances, unicycling, juggling and balancing acts, these youngsters will wow you with their fast, fun and furious antics. 24. Watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony on a big screen – Catch the Olympics opening ceremony in all its glory. 25. Fireworks Finale – The captivatingly coruscating joy of the Fireworks Finale on Sunday night has to be seen to be believed. 26. Art Cannons 27. Baby play area 28. Ball pools 29. Balloon sculpture workshops 30. Being 747 show 31. BMX-ing 32. Bouncy Castle 33. Bread making with Young British Foodies 34. Camp Bestival Giant Orchestra 35. Camp Bestival Kids Chorus 36. Campfire singalongs 37. Campfire stories 38. Cardboard castle Building 39. Children's Go-karts 40. Circus workshops 41. Colour Makes You Happy 42. Colouring in with Rosie Flo 43. David Gatward author 44. Decorate a cupcake 45. Diddi Dance workshops 46. Dingly Dell playpark 47. Dingly Dell trail at night 48. DJ workshops 49. Dressing Up Catwalk 50. Face Painting 51. Fancy dress competition 52. Fancy Dress Parade 53. Fidget installation 54. Fish for rubber ducks 55. Flag making 56. Fun Kids Radio 57. Giant games 58. Howard Marks reading kids stories 59. Insect Circus 60. Jellicle Cats 61. Juggling 62. Kawa Circus 63. Kids Author signings in Berewolf Books 64. Kids films 65. Knitting tent 66. Lerryn Korda stories 67. Lost & Found games 68. Mask-making 69. Matt Whyman stories 70. Maypole Dancing 71. Mazy’s Art Club 72. Mini-football 73. Morris Dancing 74. Mural art 75. Music workshops 76. Ollie Mealing _ Magician 77. Parcour /Street Running 78. Piano playing 79. Pimp My Trolley 80. Play with the Fire & Water tree 81. Puppet show 82. Sandpits 83. Silly Science 84. Skateboarding 85. Soft Play area 86. Soul Park kids area 87. Stilt-walking 88. Swing dance classes 89. Tate and the Great British Art Debate 90. The Adventurers Club show 91. The Bare Knuckle Dance Battle – Old Skool Vs. New Skool Grudge Match 92. The Big Love Inflatable Church 93. The Funky Little Choir workshops and performance 94. The Jiving Lindy Hoppers 95. The Roundhouse Poetry Collective 96. Toddler's Play Area 97. Trace-a-face 98. Trapeze acts 99. Truth About Youth teenage workshops 100. UV Bubble making bicycles
For all those at Latitude who are looking for late night fun and games the i Arena is the place to be this year. On Friday evening revellers can party the night away to the best dancehall sounds, courtesy of popular party crew The Heatwave, who will be bringing a little bit of Notting Hill Carnival to Suffolk. Crowds will be rum drunk and raving with the wickedest performers, scandalous dancers and plenty of banging bashment anthems.
On Saturday night the party continues with a live set from Mancunian Skittles, whose brand of breakstep, garage and electronica has been receiving lots of love from the likes of Mary Anne Hobbs and Toddla T. Legendary DJ Shy FX will also be rolling out the tunes, expect a flawless set jam packed full of classic jungle and drum ‘n’ bass cuts, plus everything else in between. Don’t miss out on a party with one of the original pioneers of the scene!
For any Latitude festival goers who don’t ever want the fun to stop, newcomer Tuesday Born is on hand to keep the party alive until the small hours of Monday morning. The 21 year old Londoner will be causing a stir with his fresh and exciting mix of African influenced rhythms and ethereal electronic jams. BBC Radio 1 DJ Mosca will be powering the dance floor with a set drawing on influences far and wide – expect the hottest tracks from the worlds of dancehall, grime, bashment, garage and house. Joining them is George Fitzgerald, who will be hitting the decks on Sunday evening. The London beatsmith and head of the ManMakeMusic imprint is racking up the fans for his distinctive dubstep, techno and house productions and is a formidable DJ to boot. The perfect end to what promises to be an amazing weekend in the i Arena!
Other areas of the festival will also be hosting a selection of the best DJs and electronic acts to keep the crowds entertained. In The Woods have already lined up DJs Goldierocks, Norman Jay and Fat Camp for a party like no other under the cover of the woods. Over on The Lake Stage Friday evening will feature Latitude favourites Huw Stephens and Moshi Moshi DJs, on Saturday Gareth Porter takes to the decks and rounding up the weekend on the Sunday evening will be all-girl DJ group the Vinyl Vendettas spinning the tunes as the sun slips away. Finally if cutting-edge electronic music is your bag, sets from Apparat, Walls, Dub Boy and The Field will all keep you dancing late into the night… see you there!
With a host of the biggest and best live artists and DJs that spans the electronic music spectrum, the line-up reads like a who’s who of stadium stars, up and coming UK talent, world-beating DJ’s and industry insiders’ tips alongside some of the most exciting promoters out there.
FRIDAY 27th JULY
Storming the Main Stage on Friday is chart-topping, Brit superstar, Tinie Tempah, bringing a typically energy-fuelled and explosive all-new live show to kick-start proceedings. A firm favourite with the Global crowds, he’ll be supported by one of the most sought-after DJs and producers in the world, Afrojack, and the man with one of the most unique voices in the business, Maverick Sabre (Live). Grime MC Dot Rotten and Micky Slim ft Majestic are also in support.
International phenomenon, Armin van Buuren brings A State of Trance, the most popular trance radio show in the world, to GlobalGathering this summer to host an exclusive arena on Friday night. A festival first, the show will be broadcast LIVE to millions of listeners worldwide – with GlobalGathering once again providing the freshest festival experience to the dance music masses. AVB also welcomes Markus Schulz, Aly & Fila, W&W and more.
Also on Friday night, the UKF Bass Culture arena brings the biggest bass bangers to the largest indoor arena on site. Under the atmospheric cover of canvas, man of the moment Skrillex returns to GlobalGathering following a breakthrough set that was a highlight of the 2011 festival, taking to the stage with his almighty pioneering live show the spaceship that recently wowed the crowds at Coachella and The Grammys. Knife Party, Zane Lowe, Jaguar Skills, Feed Me and more will continue keep the basslines pumping throughout the arena, and be joined by a very special guest performance from Andy C with his new live show Alive.
Friday at Global also features the first ever Visionquest as well as, Rinse, Electric and House arenas featuring the likes of Magnetic Man, Annie Mac , Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero and Art Department.,
SATURDAY 28th JULY
Back by popular demand following an unbelievable headline set in the Metropolis Arena at 2011’s festival, pioneering bass kings Chase & Status (Live) headline Saturday’s Main Stage. Joining them will be samba-tastic indie-ravers Friendly Fires (Live), plus chart-topping producer Labrinth (Live) as well as DJ Fresh Presents Fresh/Live, The Japanese Popstars and Major Look.
Saturday sees the return of the Metropolis arena teaming up with drum & bass label Digital Soundboy in 2012 to bring the best of the UK underground scene to the fore. Nero (Live) are joined by GlobalGathering favourites Sub Focus (Live), Modestep, Flux Pavilion and many more DJs and MCs, who’ll ensure the drops just keep on coming.
For the full line-up and info on who’ll be playing Godskitchen, Global, Hospitality, House,Toolroom Knights and Ec-lectricity Arenas on Saturday, go to: globalgathering.com/2012/line-up
VIP
Building on the success of last year’s revamped site and epic new areas, GlobalGathering is pleased to announce that the VIP ticket offering at this year’s festival is set to take the experience to a whole new level.
Providing guests with access to the ultimate clubber’s playground and a completely new audiovisual festival experience is the best VIP area GlobalGathering has ever seen. 2012 sees the introduction of a plane crash site theme, ensuring the sanctuary that is the VIP Fields and the party hub, the VIP Woods, perfectly compliment Long Marston Airfield’s aeronautical heritage.
Next to the VIP campsite and entered through a tunnel of windsocks, the VIP Fields are a place to relax, recharge, socialise and enjoy the delicious range of food and drink on offer throughout the weekend. With a Global Impact plane crash theme, the Fields will be dominated by the cockpit of a plane and feature chill-out areas including seating booths created out of graffiti covered cargo boxes, cargo net nests, specially adapted tyres and the Global Reclaim suitcase tunnel.
Tucked away between the VIP Fields and the main festival action are the more intimate VIP Woods. The Global Airways Hangar will dominate GlobalGathering’s very own enchanted forest, which truly comes alive at night. An incredible two story structure styled as a retro airplane hangar, the ground level will host a nightclub where VIP DJ’s and surprise guests will ensure it’s the hottest, most exclusive spot on site. Upstairs, the VIP Pilot’s Lounge will host a chillout area whilst outside, The Good Life zone will be filled with hammocks for revellers who prefer their R&R under fairy lit tries.
The VIP Woods will also invite guests to explore the secret pathways that take them to hidden gems including The Enchanted Garden, an oversized tropical oasis and the Mad Aviator’s Tea Party, featuring a long dining table doused in colourful lighting and seating area (magic teapots not included).
R’n’B star Alexandra Burke will be performing at Hyde Park and Victoria Park on Thursday 2 August as part of London’s biggest FREE celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Also added to the bill is soul sensation Rebecca Ferguson, who will be performing at Hyde Park on Tuesday 31 July, Scottish songstress Amy Macdonald, who will be at Hyde Park on Friday 3 August, and Canadian singer Alyssa Reid, who will be performing at Hyde Park and Victoria Park on Sunday 5 August.
Since winning The X Factor in 2008 Alexandra Burke has become a multi-record selling pop R’n’B artist. The British star had her first hit, reaching Christmas no.1 back in 2008, with ‘Hallelujah’ and has gone onto become one of the leading female artists in the UK. Following the release of her platinum selling track ‘Bad Boys’ (2009) and recent hit single ‘Elephant’ (Feb 2012), Alexandra’s eagerly awaited second album Heartbreak on Hold was released this month.
Another former X Factor star to join the bill, Rebecca Ferguson won the hearts and votes of millions of viewers as runner-up in the seventh series of the show in 2010. Famed for her soulful and amazingly powerful voice, the songstress from Liverpool has gone on produce top 10 hit single ‘Nothings Real But Love’ and has co-written her debut album Heaven (released in December 2011). The album received high praise and glowing reviews from critics and fans alike, charting at No.3 in the UK and has just recently made onto the Billboard 100 in the US.
Amy Macdonald shot to fame in 2007 with the release of her debut album This is The Life, an album that sold over three million copies, with the single track charting No.1 in over six different countries. Now one of Europe’s biggest selling singer-songwriters, Amy has played to over half million fans and has had phenomenal success across the globe. Amy’s third album Life in a Beautiful Light was released on 11 June.
Canadian singer / songwriter Alyssa Reid shot to fame after a YouTube video of her singing a Justin Bieber track went viral, and was soondiscovered by her record label. In February 2012, Alyssa’s debut hit single ‘Alone Again’ (featuring P. Reign), sampling Heart’s ‘Alone’, reached No.2 in the UK Official Chart.
BT London Live Hyde Park and Victoria Park has something for everyone, from live music to watching the 100 metres final on a 160m2 screen, the 55m high BTObservation Wheel in Victoria Park giving views of the Olympic Park, have-a-go sports, plus al-fresco Sports Bars and much more. A great line up of artists has already been announced, they include: Tom Jones, McFly, The Feeling, Feeder, Dodgy, The Levellers, Cast, Amy Macdonald, Paul Carrack Kenny Thomas and the cast of ‘We Will Rock You’. For updates and details of days they are performing go to: www.btlondonlive.com
BT London Live is also hosting two Celebration Concerts in Hyde Park to coincide with the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Snow Patrol,Stereophonics, Duran Duran and Paolo Nutini will perform at the Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert on Friday 27
July, whilst Blur will headline the Closing Ceremony Celebration Concert on Sunday 12 August, withspecial guests Bombay Bicycle Club, New Order and The Specials. No one willmiss the excitement as all the action from the Olympic Park will be beamed into BT London Live. For tickets and more information go to www.btlondonlive.com.
Sunset Strip is bigger and bolder than any T in the Park campsite entertainment zone ever before, and will be fuelling the festival fun and hosting top notch performances throughout the 4-day weekend in three incredible entertainment areas – the relocated Slam Tent, all-newCabaret Club and the Sunset Club.
Festival goers can witness something truly spectacular in the Sunset Club. Describing themselves as Quentin Tarantino directing Cirque Du Soleil, Dr Haze & the Circus of Horrors have toured the world gaining cult status. Dragging circus screaming and shouting into the 21st century and beyond and featuring some of the world’s most bizarre and extraordinary performers, an incredible show at T in the Park is guaranteed. Performance collective Bearded Kitten are a huge hit with festival fans, and return toT inthe Park to host an opening extravaganza on the Thursday night, as well as a variety of entertainment throughout the festival weekend. Expect live comperes, DJs, visuals games, stage dancers, a Movie Mash-up Party like no other, and loads and loads of energy.
Ken Fox Troupe’sWall of Death bring their exhilarating, world famous daredevil motorcycle stunts to Sunset Strip for the first time. Featuring skilful performers who ride vintage Indian motorcycles around an 18ft high cylindrical wall with heart-stopping panache, this thrillingly visceral, unmissable show will surprise and amaze the crowds, who can view the gravity-defying stunts from a viewing platform at the top of the wall.
It’s safe to say that the Sunset Strip sets a whole new standard for festival campsite entertainment, as well as being uniquely set up to allow the day-trippers to join in too!
THURSDAY: Campers are in for a fun-filled night on Thursday 5th July in Sunset Strip. Open from 3pm, there will be a whole host of entertainment kicking off the party weekend. From the allure of cabaret, burlesque and comedy in the Cabaret Club, to the sounds of the Sub Club DJ’s at the all-new Captain Morgan’s Spiced Shack, through to the banging beats in the Slam Tent and the entertainment in the sizzling new Sunset Club, there’s something for everyone. The Sunset Club will be home to a wide variety of entertainment including the Smiffy’s Fancy Dress Friday Disco, Bearded Kitten, Roman Nose DJ’s, Third Door DJ’s, Dr Haze & the Circus of Horrors and more.
Mixed Bizness bring a handpicked selection of some of Glasgow's very best club nights to the Slam Tent on Thursday, all celebrated for their diversity, unique sound and reputation for getting the party started. Heading the bill (10pm – 12am) areJackmaster and Spencer from the NMBRS crew, international tastemakers and leaders of the Scottish electronic music scene. Mixed Bizness' Boom Monk Ben plays his last ever Scottish DJ set, bringing his bass fuelled party styles to the floor one last time (8-10pm). Vitamins (6-8pm) and Deadly Rhythm (3-6pm) have established themselves as two of Glasgow's most talked about collectives over the last 2 years and will get the floor moving and the pulses racing on Thursday night before the advertised Slam Tentbill kicks in from Friday afternoon.
For campers that want a more chilled start to their long weekend, the Thursday open-air Campsite Cinema returns with some comedy classics creating fun and laughter into the night, showing The Inbetweeners Movie, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Step Brothers, voted for by the fans.
FRIDAY: Campers can savour Sunset Strip from 9am Friday, until the Main Arena gates open at 4pm. Campers will now access the arena from Sunset Strip. From 4pm Friday,Sunset Strip will provide fun for all, day ticket holders included. Day trippers can enjoySunset Strip until the Main Arena entertainment stops at midnight, after which the area will remain open for campers to party on until 2am.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:Sunset Strip will continue to be a dual party zone opening from 9am for campers and 11.30am for day trippers. Again, this area will continue on into the night until 2am for campers with various forms of entertainment available whether T in the Parkers want to dance until the early hours or soak up some late night comedy and cabaret. All day trippers must be at their departure points for returning home no later than 1am.
The all-new Cabaret Club will bring a glitteringly diverse programme of cabaret, burlesque and comedy entertainment to tantalise the taste buds and tickle the fancy of the 85,000 festivalgoers per day that will spend the weekend of a lifetime at T in the Park 2012, over 6-8th July.
Headliners, the Friendly Fires closed Saturday night at the 10th year anniversary of Lovebox, playing to a packed field who had decended on the main arena on a day where the sun shined and the rain held off until the very end of the day.
Playing tracking from there 2011 album 'Pala' and their self titled album, frontman Ed Macfarlane took the crowd on a journey through their biggest tracks including 'Lovesick', 'Live Those Days Tonight' and closed out with 'Paris' before they returned for an encore of 'Hawaiian Air' and 'Kiss of Life'. Macfarlane's presence on stage is electric, his ecentric dance moves get quite the reaction of the crowd and the high energy of the performance keeps the majority of the crowd there right till the very end.
Lovebox founders, Groove Armada was my pick of the day. Playing an epic one time only full show, Groove Armada sent the Lovebox massive on a trip through memory lane with tracks such as 'My Friend', 'Superstylin' and 'I See You Baby'. Complete with CO2 cannons exploding out of the front of the stage, Groove Armada showed how Lovebox has progressed from being a club residendcy night to a full blown festival weekender.
On the second stage Rita Ora was smashing out her hits 'Hot Right Now', 'R.I.P' and her latest single 'Party and Bullsh*t'. Kelis also come to the party to keep the second stage arena packed with notable tracks like her collaboration with Calvin Harris 'Bounce', and massive hit 'Milkshake'. Closing the second stage on Saturday night was German house duo Booka Shade with their live full stage setup. Their progressive house style had everyone on the second stage grooving as the sun set over Victoria Park.
Over in the Big Top, Hospitality Records had taken over the tent and it stayed packed whislst the likes of Netsky, Camo & Krooked, and High Contrast played electrifying body-shaking sets.
Complete with art displays, hula-hooping, a make-up tent and other wonderful things, Lovebox celebrated their 10th year anniversary in style, giving the festival goers enough diverse music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Sunday will see the legendary Grace Jones, Chaka Khan, Lana Del Rey, Mika and more take to the stages on what promises to end another legendary year for Lovebox.
Joining fellow pianists Lang Lang and Rufus Wainright on the Latitude bill is larger than life musical personaChilly Gonzales who will appear in the Film & Music Arena. The Grammy-nominated, classically trained Canadian is not your average pop star. He’s a bone-fide jazz virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, MC and producer who regularly collaborates with the likes of Peaches, Feist and Drake – Chilly is a musician who is impossible to pigeon-hole! Moving on from his early hip hop and electronic albums, 2004 saw the release of his highly praised entirely instrumental album, Solo Piano, and the much anticipated follow up, Solo Piano II, is due out later this summer. Having personally requested to play Latitude this year due to its well deserved reputation as a highlight of the UK festival season, Chilly will be treating audiences to one of his famously comical and musically astonishing live performances…we can’t wait! Van Dyke Parks and Britten Sinfonia will be performing a special show to coincide with the long-awaited reissue of three of Van Dyke Parks' most visionary albums. Performing a career-retrospective set featuring full orchestral accompaniment from Britten Sinfonia, if you don’t know Van Dyke Parks, now is the chance to immerse yourself in a uniquely eclectic and daring landscape. Parks may be best known for penning the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ legendary sixties masterpiece Smile; more recently his arrangements helped shape Joanna Newsom’s epic album Ys. But the true riches of Parks’ talent lie in his first three solo albums, Song Cycle (1968), Discover America (1972) andClang Of The Yankee Reaper (1975).
Staying with the Film & Music ArenaMark Lamarr is presenting his God’s Jukebox, Latitude favourite, hosting a selection of the finest artists from the worlds of Soul, Ska, Reggae, Country, Gospel and Rap. The first of four fabulous additions to the God’s Jukebox bill is none other than Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly. Having performed on the Obelisk Arena in 2011, Latitude is delighted and honoured to welcome Wanda back to a more intimate setting. With a career spanning over 50 years, which has seen her collaborate with everyone from Elvis Presley to Jack White, audiences are in for a magical time with an absolute legend. Also performing on the God’s Jukebox bill is Los Angeles singer Gizzelle whose stunning voice recalls 50’s blues, 60’s soul and rhythm and blues; London rocksteady crew TheDelegators, who are known for their electrifying live shows; and perennial party starters Big Boss Man will be on hand to get crowds moving with their beguiling blend of soul jazz, boogaloo and sixties grooves. Latitude headliner Paul Weller is a massive fan and with that stamp of approval, expect nothing less than a funky good time.
Stalwarts of the leftfield electronic scene Demdike Stare will also take to the stage in this arena. The duo are known for combining experimental techno, drone and ambient and a range of unusual samples, audiences are in for a sensory onslaught!
Experimental English rockers Sweet Billy Pilgrim will be also be making a welcome debut in the arena tinkering about somewhere between the earthy and the ethereal. Fusing folk, jazz and rock the Mercury Music Prize nominees will be scraping strings and making magical melodies for all to hear.
Yet more exciting music additions have been made to the eclectic Latitude line-up across the site. Appearing on the Obelisk Arena will be Irishman Mick Flannery whose softly-sung gravelly tones have earned him awards at the US Songwriting Competition in Nashville, as well as a platinum-selling album. Additions to the i Arenawill be the UK’s answer to Arcade Fire, seven-piece instrumental alchemists Revere, heralded as one of the country’s best live acts, expect a set full of rousing chamber-pop and epic live visuals. California girls Deap Vally bonded over their mutual love of the blues and rock n roll, and their set at Latitude is highly anticipated following a series of wild live shows in their native LA. London’s hottest new band Splashh have garnered praise across the board for their lo-fi magic, and recent single All I Wanna Do just might be the soundtrack of the summer. Hot off the back of a support slot touring with Latitude headliner Bon Iver is folk trio The Staves –three sisters from Watford whose gorgeous songs feature sublime vocal harmonies. Twin Shadow will be performing at Latitude the same weekend his sophomore LP Confess is released on 4AD. Blending nostalgia and pop with a refreshingly modern sound, it’s on the stage that he really shines. Prepare to be blown away. Finally Gross Magic, the alter-ego of spectral newcomer, Sam McGarrigle, whose static-drenched pop has earned comparisons to Ariel Pink and Perfume Genius will be appearing on The Lake Stage.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will once again give festival-goers the chance to hear from creative talent from the worlds of film and television. On Friday 13 July, the Film & Music Arena will play host to cast and crew from the hit Olympic-themed mockumentary series Twenty Twelve. Also on the Friday, BAFTA award-winning screenwriter Abi Morgan (White Girl, Shame, The Iron Lady) will discuss her career with Edith Bowman in the Literary Salon. On Saturday 14 July, cast and crew from Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meatwill share their favourite moments from the first series of the popular show. On Sunday 15 July, BAFTA presents a screening of Ill Manors, a British urban musical written and directed by Ben Drew (aka rapper Plan B). Innovative short films, including this year’s BAFTA award-winning shorts will screen throughout the festival.
In the first theatre collaboration between Sadler’s Wells, Kneehigh and Theatre Royal Stratford East, extracts from new British Bollywood musical Wah! Wah! Girls! will be performed on the stunning The Waterfront Stage.Set in present day East London, the show tells a story of love against the odds, with music that combines Bollywood hits with contemporary pop-influenced songs. Also joining the Sadler's Wells line-up is French hip-hop dance crew Serial Stepperz, who showcase house dance, a newer hip-hop dance style, devised from the dance floor and born out of club culture. The popular Graduate Fashion Show is all set to return to Latitude’s waterfront and this year it will be hosted by the ultimate “party boy” Jamie Laing from E4’s Made In Chelsea,with models provided by Storm model management this is one event for all you fashionistas. Mike Viry, one of the main dancers in Street Dance 2 has also been added to the Flash Mob set to ignite on Latitude’s floating stage.
In theTheatre ArenaThe Gate is proud to present 29 year old Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour's utterly original play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, in association with Volcano (Canada), Necessary Angel Theatre Company and Aurora Nova Productions. Each new performance of this drama is performed unrehearsed by a single actor, making it a thrilling and unrepeatable experience*.
Joining the line-up for Latitude’s Literary Arena is legendary performance artist, Penny Arcade. From her beginnings as a teenage superstar for Andy Warhol’s Factory to her groundbreaking 1990’s solo work and latter day reinvention as preserver of the Lower East Side’s oral history, Arcade’s career has seen her push practically every barrier in existence. At Latitude she will present a revival of Bitch! Dyke! Faghag! Whore! the hit show which is equal parts erotic go-go dancing and political provocation. The Royal Shakespeare Companyis coming to Latitude to present what promises to be an unmissable debate, the question will be raised,Theatre: A Place for Protest? Should theatre be a more political art form? Or is the theatricality of the Church a better forum to reflect the new forms of dissent? Austerity vs. Radicalism: can the two ever work together? Join internationally-acclaimed and RSC Playwright in Residence Mark Ravenhill and former Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral Dr Giles Fraser for a lively debate about all things protest…Meanwhile artist, polymath and genius Leonardo Da Vinci will feature in the Literary Arena as cardiothoracic surgeon Francis Wells will take an in-depth look at his Anatomical drawings. Staying with a medical theme, research charity The Wellcome Trustwill present curator and author of the Wellcome Trust’s exhibition Marius Kwint, who will discuss the exhibition and book Brains; The Mind As Matter in conversation with Hannah McGill. McGill was the Edinburgh international film festival’s artistic director until 2010, as well as a critical writer for publications including the Glasgow Herald, Scotsman and Guardian and a published writer of short fiction and drama.
Journalist and broadcaster, John McCarthy, Britain's longest-held hostage in Lebanon during the country’s civil war, returns to the subject of the Middle East with a discussion of his new book You Can’t Hide The Sun: A Journey Through Israel And Palestine.Chris Thorpe, a founding member of Unlimited Theatre and part of the performance company Third Angel, will bring to his show Inventory to Latitude, a story about the chain of circumstances that led to his house burning down. It's a true story that follows the thoughts and lives of some of the people involved in those events. And after-hours, joining the line-up for Robin Ince’s Late Night Revolution will be satirical musicians Jonny & The Baptists. Intelligent Life and Psychologies magazine will host a discussion regarding the impact of Facebook, raising the question “Is Facebook doing more harm than good?” Karl James will be coming to Latitude’s seventh edition, having been to all past six festivals, to interview the author Tim Lott in the Literary Arena. As director of The Dialogue Project most of Karl’s time is spent helping people think together, negotiating and facilitating conversations when the stakes are high.
In theComedy Arena Perrier Award-winning Irish stand-up comedian David O'Doherty will be keeping crowds amused with his new stand-up comedy show Seize The David O'Doherty. Flying the flag for new talent The Chortle Student Comedy Award will also be dropping by at Latitude’s Comedy Arena. This prestigious award has provided a stepping stone to success for The Inbetweeners' Simon Bird and Friday Night Dinner's Tom Rosenthal. For Latitude eight fresh-faced student comics will be slugging it out to take home a £2,500 prize.
The Film & Music Arena will be screening Don’t Think, a concert film of dance legends The Chemical Brothers’ latest album of the same name. Shot on one night of the Chemical Brothers' headlining set at last year's Fuji rock festival in Niigata, Japan, The Guardian called it "one of the best films about dance music ever made."Legendary director of Glastonbury and The Great Rock And Roll Swindle, Julien Temple, brings his time-travelling voyage to the heart of his hometown London: The Modern Babylon, an epic time-travelling voyage to the heart of his hometown. From musicians, writers and artists to dangerous thinkers, political radicals and above all ordinary people, this is the story of London's immigrants, its bohemians and how together they changed the city forever. The London Short Film Festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in January 2013. Here's a chance to see three short film gems from the last festival, Friend Request Pending, Long Distance Information and Disappoint You.
Chris Shepherd is a BAFTA nominated director who blends live action with animation to examine the humorously dark side of life. He's worked on funny shows such as Big Train and Nathan Barley while directing award winners such as Dad's Dead, Bad Night For The Blues and his collaboration with David Shrigley Who I Am And What I Want. For Latitude Chris will be presenting and showing some short films. East End Film Festival will present El Último Elvis, a film about a delusional Elvis impersonator in Buenos Aires, who sacrifices happiness with his wife and daughter in his unstoppable quest for fame plus an introduction from the Director. Rounding off the weekend’s festivities will be Chinese Elvis, winner of the Weakest Link Elvis special! Star of AOL adverts! He's Chinese! He's Elvis! He's Chinese Elvis!
Latitude’s 2012 theme of Pagan To Occupy will come to unforgettable life in the Pagan Parade as it snakes from The Faraway Forest to the Lake, honouring the Sun God. Created for Latitude by theatre company Les Enfants Terribles, it will abound in fire, flesh and freaks as a tongue-speaking minister leads the way, culminating in the ritual burning of the Wicker-Man upon the lake. Get dressed up (or down) and join the parade – bare your soul and your flesh and show you believe! Latitude’s exploration of magic and spiritual worlds will also continue with Silver Sisters and the Silver Threads of Home, The Spirit, The Sorceress and The Soul: three unique women dedicated to answering questions about the greater meaning of life. Revellers at the Saturday night Hoedown in will also be in for a treat from the history of the Wild West, as the privileged task of decorating The Faraway Forest has been awarded to none other than the latter day alter ego of Annie ‘Get Your Gun’ Oakley Phoebe Ann Moses. Searching for Boudica is the story of the renegade warrior queen Boudica and her defiance in the face of the Roman oppressors has captured the public imagination for two thousand years. Her refusal to be bullied by the decadent ruling class made her a folk heroine in her own time, could she now be a symbol of hope in ours? An audio exploration in The Faraway Forest presented by Art Assembly.
Stylist David Hawkins will be creating one-off stunning couture designs especially for Latitude which will be displayed eerily around the trees in the forest inspired by modern day media witch hunting. Artitude is a collective of artists with a wide range of creative skills. The two founding members are Georgia Wisbey and Claire Gendler, both have experience using wide ranging skills and materials and have worked in many different corners of the creative world. With a passion for Art, expression and education they will be sculpting a Goddess out of willow with the help of festival goers, awaiting Latitude’s devotion.
Take a voyage into the imagination with Dave Arthur who will tell stories of mythical folklore for all ages in perfect setting of The Outdoor Theatre. The modern Renaissance man will be telling tales of the magical world of giants, heroes, heroines, fabulous animals, magical artefacts, witches, goblins, creation myths, modern urban legends, Jack Tales, balladry and music. Swing Patrol Tea Dance will get revellers strutting their stuff with Lindy Hop and the like.
After theatrical performances have ended for the day the party continues in The Outdoor Theatre with The Ceilidh Liberation Front who present The Revolution for the Hoedown. Breaking down ceilidh conventions, the CLF will be bringing their wildest of subverted dances and party tunes to fling you across the dance floor, into the bar and back on your feet again. Expect carnival recklessness and festival shamelessness. Featuring musicians, the CLF combines music dance and a good old sprinkling of theatricals to bring this unique experience to the world. Ceilidh music as you've never heard (or seen) it before. DJ Cowboy Mouth and DJ Danni Rock who will be featuring as part of the Country Fayre to keep the frivolities flowing long into the evening. Also appearing will be Sun Of Cash capturing the spirit and sound of the young Johnny Cash when he recorded for “Sun Records” in Memphis – hence the name. The band first got together in 2008 to play at a friend’s wedding, and the response was so positive that they decided to keep it going.
The Literary Salon welcomes Radio 4, join them in the Literary Salon where you can be part of the audience in the recording of BBC Audio Drama North’s new comedy thriller A Little Bit of Latitude. This will be followed by a question and answer session with the writer, cast and crew. Described by The Observer as ‘an outstanding documentary”, Working With Pinter directed by Harry Burton was made for Channel 4 and is an intimate portrait of Nobel Prize-winning British dramatist Harold Pinter, in which Pinter discusses his life and art with Henry Woolf, his oldest friend and collaborator. Torycore will be appearing in the Literary Salon, providing festival goers with an interesting combination of politics and death metal. Inspired by a chance meeting with one of the pioneers of Death Metal, this new piece involves a live and loud band, a pounding nihilistic muddy blurring uncoordinated brutal subverbal deathgrowl and George Osborne’s budget speech 2012. A music beyond protest: Torycore. Do you believe there are no new classic books? Do you think the best sex is literary? Join Emerald Street and Stylist to talk it out in the Literary Salon who will be teaming up with Emma B’s Table Talks to host an evening in the Literary Salon on Thursday. The evening will feature a mix of established and up-and-coming speakers from the literary world plus member of the Stylist and Emerald Street teams. Emerald Street and Stylist love a good debate, so they’re delighted to be involved. Join them for a verbal knees up. Talks start at 8pm.
The latest additions to the line-up for Pandora’s Playground will see comedy performance and theatre art segue into a perfect combination for fun times. The brand new graduates of Circus Space, one of Europe’s leading centres of circus education, will present a spectacular demonstration of their newly-honed skills, with juggling, tumbling and trapeze a-plenty. Further mayhem will come from The Bureau of Silly Ideas, who will bring the inspired madness and controlled chaos they create in the UK’s public spaces to Latitude. In the Steampunk world of Clockwork Watch Victorian values collide with anachronistic technology in an immersive story and participatory experience. The narrative is played out across two graphic novels, interactive promenade theatre and live action role-play.
Over in the Lavish Lounge added to BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction will be bringing a selection of artists for your enjoyment. On Friday invoking the spirit of Ornette Coleman, Bristol-based outfit Get the Blessing prove that jazz-rock is no longer a dirty word, Kazakh-born contemporary classical violinist Aisha Orazbayeva performs music for violin and tape including works by Steve Reich, Iannis Xenakis and her own collaboration with composer Peter Zinovieff; and Congolese rapper Baloji presents his unique hi-energy blend of hip hop and soukous. Saturday features TrioTekke from Cyprus, who fuse traditional rebetika with reggae into a raw style they call reggetika; from the Appalachians of West Virginia via Brooklyn, Black Twig Pickers with their take on the old-time string tradition; and Sam Lee of London’s Magpie Nest collective brings his six-piece band to perform his own highly imaginative interpretations of English folksong. On Sunday there will be a rare solo set from Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier; other performers to be announced and we conclude with AU, a virtuosic avant-pop duo from Portland Oregon and recent signing to the Leaf Label.
Yes Sir Boss with very special guest • Sarah Savoy & The Francadians • Chavo • Shivering Blaze – a tribute to Jackie Leven • Tom Hingley • Police Dog Hogan • Melodica, Melody & Me • Maia •
The Camberwell Krakeb Club • Silkadelic • Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers • Beth Porter & The Availables • Bookshop Band • Achilles • Saturday Sun • Tom James • The ASBO Disco •
The Uplifter’s Reggae Sessions • DJ Heinz
Larmer Tree Festival is ecstatic to announce its full eclectic music line-up complete with some brilliant international superstars and fantastic home grown talent. Plus, ensuring the festival keeps its family friendly focus, there’s also a fun-filled programme of shows, workshops and activities for all ages.
Joining headliners Paloma Faith, Amadou & Mariam, Jools Holland, Levellers and Roots Manuva are some great recently confirmed acts. They are: Yes Sir Boss with very special guest, Sarah Savoy & The Francadians, Chavo, Shivering Blaze – a tribute to Jackie Leven, Tom Hingley, Police Dog Hogan, Melodica, Melody & Me, Maia, The Camberwell Krakeb Club, Silkadelic, Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers, Beth Porter & The Availables, Bookshop Band, Achilles, Saturday Sun, Tom James, The ASBO Disco, The Uplifter’s Reggae Sessions and DJ Heinz.
Founder and Co-Director of Larmer Tree Festival James Shepard said: “We always work hard to achieve a great balance between well known, popular artists and up and coming talent on the brink of stardom – this year is no exception, we’ve got a superb line-up.”
Complementing the music line-up, there is a lot more entertainment to keep all ages amused. As one of the most family friendly summer festivals with 11 acres of magical gardens to explore, there’s a dedicated children’s area with lots of shows and activities as well as a YouthZone for 11-17 year olds. Highlights of the kids’ programme include Emmy Award winningFarmer Jason with his lively music show, a finger-fiddling Origami Puppet Workshop followed by Hinged Theatre’s showVasalisa and the Peacock (created especially for Larmer Tree), and new Sticky Fingers Drop-In Sessions. Plus, making a stop in their fabulous red car will be Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad!
The YouthZone offers the older kids a dedicated space to chill, make friends and find their creative side. Highlights from the YouthZone programme include a beatbox theatre workshop, didgeridoo class, environmental art, Larmer Tree Treasure Hunt, open jamming sessions, songwriting, street dance and a whole host of other exciting activities!
Plus, a firm favourite among regular Larmer Tree Festival goers is the Carnival Procession on Sunday afternoon. This year’s theme is ‘The United Colours of Larmer Tree’ – people can join 500 festival-goers in an explosion of culture, colour, sound and movement to parade around the gardens.
Paloma Faith • Amadou & Mariam • Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest Roland Gift •Levellers • Roots Manuva • Imagined Village • Caravan Palace • Fatoumata Diawara • Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends •Edward II • Punch Brothers • The Correspondents • GIVERS • Vintage Trouble • Raghu Dixit • Akala • Dub Pistols • Yes Sir Boss with very special guest • Shlomo • Dizraeli and The Small Gods • Red Sky July • Sarah Savoy & The Francadians •Otis Gibbs • Emily Barker & the Red Clay Halo • RSVP • Swing Zazou • Trio Tekke • Revere • Gabrielle Aplin • The Legendary DJ Derek • Smerins Anti-Social Club • Jason Ringenberg • Cahalen Morrison & Eli West • Urban Folk Quartet •The Miserable Rich • O'Hooley & Tidow • The Wave Pictures • DJ Pete Lawrence • The Regular Joes • The Joker & the Thief• Piney Gir • Chavo • Shivering Blaze • Tom Hingley • Crowns • Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou • Bard • Rachel Sermanni • Owl in the Sun • Catherine Burke Band • DJ Nick Hollywood • Police Dog Hogan • JP Cooper • Churchfitters • Keston Cobblers Club • Melodica, Melody & Me • Maia • The Camberwell Krakeb Club • Silkadelic • Andrea Soler • Thomas Ford • Alex Roberts • Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers • Vid Warren • By The Rivers • Michael Wookey • The Lasting Days • Boat to Row • Beth Porter & The Availables • Bookshop Band • Achilles • Fearne • Ali Warren • Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs• Mother Ukers • New Volunteer • The Wishbones • Pip Mountjoy • Morning Rush • Pachango • Peace, Love & Gloves • Saturday Sun • Tom James • The Spitfire Sisters • The ASBO Disco • DJ Smerin & friends • The Uplifter’s Reggae Sessions • DJ Heinz • Still Moving DJs
COMEDY LINE-UP:
Tim Minchin • Greg Davies • Milton Jones • Stephen K Amos • The Horne Section • Terry Alderton • Zoe Lyons • Alun Cochrane • Carl Donnelly • Roisin Conaty • Tom Deacon • Marcel Lucont • Naz Osmanoglu • Jimmy McGhie • Tom Craine • Paul McCaffrey • Daniel Simonsen • Comedy Club 4 Kids
SLEIGH BELLS, FEEDER & YOUNG GUNS, THE VIEW and a very special closing DJ set from BASSNECTAR are our headliners. They will join FUTUREHEADS (playing an a capella & acoustic set) and THE SUBWAYS alongside over thirty other acts who have secured a slot on this coveted stage with psychedelia courtesy of the likes of S.C.U.M. and TOY, classic songwriters like BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH and LUCY ROSE and rock sensibilities from LOWER THAN ATLANTISand DON BROCO amongst many more.
Cornwall folk-punks quartet CROWNS have also been added as the opening act on the Lock Up Stage on Friday in Leeds and Sunday in Reading.
Many more names are still to be announced including the full line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage.
THIS YEAR’S HEADLINERS
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
Formed in 2008 whilst residing in Brooklyn, SLEIGH BELLS – duo Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss emerged from 2009’s CMJ Festival with rhythmic pop songs that combine overdriven guitar riffs and sugary female vocal melodies. Rapidly becoming favourites of the critics on both sides of the Atlantic, they released their debut album ‘Treats’ in 2010 and earlier this year the follow up ‘Reign Of Terror’. 2012 has seen the pair air the new album live to further acclaim and this summer’s showing as headliners on the Festival Republic Stage will doubtless be one of the performances of the weekend.
www.reighofterror.tv
2011 saw the return of THE SUBWAYS with the release of their third album ‘Money And Celebrity’, a sell-out UK tour and two Radio 1 A-listed singles which were seemingly never far from the airwaves. This explosive three-piece from Welwyn Garden City crashed onto the UK rock scene in 2005, and have over time forged a formidable live presence melding the melodic pop/punk immediacy of their earlier material with the highly energetic, rock power of their second album ‘All Or Nothing’. ‘Money And Celebrity’ is an amalgam of them both and has seen the band compile a comprehensive live CV across Europe.
www.thesubways.net
Forming in 2009 having met at a Comet Gain show, VERONICA FALLS’ pop orientated, reverb-kissed-tunes arrive via their collective mid-80’s influences but see the quartet add their own poppy slant that aligns them with contemporaries such as Vivian Girls . With a couple of EP’s under their arm the band went on to record their debut album – the end result sounding like a perfect blend of eighties meets noughties melodic pop. The self- titled album hit the shelves last year and saw them reach new dizzying heights of recognition.
www.veronicafalls.com
BASTILLE is the musical guise of singer/songwriter and producer Dan Smith. Having produced music and videos in his bedroom for a few years his profile began to grow via word of mouth following a makeshift video that accrued upwards of 300,00 views. Bastille – a vehicle for his different musical worlds, full of songs with danceable rhythms and beautiful soaring vocals encased in harmonies and bleeps was born . Live, he is joined by three other members who together produce a unique and spine tingling performance which to date has resulted in sell out shows across the UK.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Hot on the heels of the amazing reaction to their recent album, ‘Generation Freakshow’, FEEDER will be one of the Festival Republic Stage headliners. Clearly rising towards a new career peak, 2012 is shaping up to be a big year for the band. Having already sold out UK tours in January and April, the response to the new songs has been overwhelming and has seen the ‘Borders’ video clock up over 500,000 views on YouTube. In their career, which spans over two decades, the band have racked up over 25 hit singles, sold in excess of five million records, and released a double platinum singles collection.
www.Feederweb.com
High Wycombe quintet YOUNG GUNS have been making a name for themselves with a rigorous touring schedule in 2012. Last year they performed their largest headline show to date, an evening at the 2000 capacity Forum in London’s Kentish Town, and in doing so marked themselves out as ones to watch. With new album ‘Bones’ hitting the UK Top 20 in February, fans at the Festival Republic Stage are sure to be in for a treat come August.
Watford rockers, and recent Island Records signings, LOWER THAN ATLANTIS will be giving fans a very special preview of their new album (due October) when they visit Reading & Leeds Festival in August. Having made one hell of an impression on their sold-out headline tour earlier this year, expect an electric, chaotic, and passionate set of songs from one of the UK’s best rock acts.
BASSNECTAR (DJ set) is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, who creates a musical experience that is sure to engulf the senses. Festival goers can expect a show which fuses the familiar with the strange and the classic with the cutting edge. Spanning the spectrum of sonic styles, the artist draws inspiration from every genre imaginable and supplies a combination of basslines and hypnotic soundscapes. This very special DJ set will see out the night in style on this year’s Festival Republic Stage.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
There are few bands guaranteed to get a crowd jumping as much THE VIEW. Since the band leapt into the charts at No. 1 with their debut album ‘Hats Off To The Buskers’, the Dundee group have taken their upbeat, indie rock-pop around the world gathering fans along the way. With new album ‘Cheeky For A Reason’ due this summer, described by vocalist Kyle Falconer as “its Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ done by The Clash”, expect a lively end to the day in this tent.
Barry Hyde (lead vocals, guitar), his brother Dave (drums, vocals), Ross Millard (guitar, vocals) and Jaff (bass, vocals) have established theFUTUREHEADS as one of Britain’s most thrilling and durable bands with four albums over the last eight years. This year however they decided to do something totally different, throw away all their instruments and make their latest release ‘Rant’ just using their four vocals. A brave and inspired move, it is this very special a capella and acoustic show they bring to Reading & Leeds Festival.
www.thefutureheads.co.uk
When BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH released his debut album ‘Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm’ last summer he was hailed as a “serious new talent” by the Sunday Times. Inspired by the likes of Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros he seems himself as simply, unpretentiously, as a singer-songwriter. We see him as one of the finest new British artists around.
KING CHARLES’ critically acclaimed debut album ‘LoveBlood’ has been hailed as a unique piece of work, which has seen the glam-folk star rise from the underground folk world and into the mainstream. It’s an extraordinary record that draws down influences from Afro-beat, rock and roll, glam, folk, hip-hop and country. This one-off artist is guaranteed to put on a spectacular show.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
Sweden’s NIKI & THE DOVE, a duo who having played their part in previous musical outfits emerged in 2010 and following a release on the Moshi Moshi label began to pick up plaudits in bloggers world. The electronic pairing continued to see the media clamour and with a further release saw them play on the NME Emerge tour alongside Wolf Gang and S.C.U.M. Earlier this year saw a nomination for the prestigious BBC Sound of 2012 before they releasing their debut album ‘Instinct’. In search of the perfect pop song? Catch this beguiling couple and that quest could well be over…
Formed last year, ZULU WINTER to date have only played a handful of UK shows. Tipped in both print and over the UK airwaves, the five-piece have recently returned from a debut run of shows in the US including an appearance at this year’s SXSW, have released an acclaimed debut album ‘Language’. The Pitchfork endorsed debut single ‘Let’s Move Back To Front’/ ‘Never Leave’ and the Zane Lowe’s approved follow up ‘We Should Be Swimming’ have now notched up in excess of 400,000 plays on youtube to date. Feted as one of the guitar bands to watch out for this year, get a glimpse close up in the intimacy of the Festival Republic Stage.
Having lent her not inconsiderable vocal talents to Bombay Cycle Club on their two albums, LUCY ROSE has also recorded in her own right and is currently working on her debut longplayer with three long-term fellow musicians since her arrival in London, having moved from Warwickshire. Vogue magazine stated that she is “one of indie music’s breakout stars of 2012”, with her videos reaching an increasing fanbase. With songs and sentiments that warm the heart and upcoming live appearances both here and in the US she is definitely one to watch.
ALT-J came together whilst studying at Leeds University and following some healthy airplay for the track ‘Breezeblocks’ last year, were on most of this years ‘lists’ having managed to create an uncontrived element of mystique with their own brand of patient, sophisticated, intricate music. Hard to pin down musically this four-piece have just released their debut album ‘An Awesome Wave’ which veers from psychedelic avant pop to skeletal folktronica and trades in the band’s ability to conjure up understated beauty one minute and epic oddities the next. Catch them early…
With a well-received debut album ‘Rise Ye Sunken Ships’ under their belt, Brooklyn’s WE ARE AUGUSTINES have propelled themselves into the spotlight with a series of heart-warming shows here in the UK along with tracks that have been aired on Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and XFM. The band’s catalogue of songs is borne of their collective personal background and their formative years and despite the shattered dreams and extinguished guiding lights along their way, the trio have survived and this is only the start.
Seen by many as the latter day pioneers of the Nashville rock scene , brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall aka JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD have built a reputation for stripping rock music down to its basic. Delivering mind-bending live shows with a work ethic that practically defines D.I.Y., be it their simple but compelling videos to their self-produced and critically acclaimed albums, EP’s and singles. As Spin stated … “post-adolescent bros dig into the sweet spot between punk and hard rock.” Whilst Thetripwire succinctly hailed thus; “Jake and Jamin hail from Nashville but share psychedelic mayhem wherever they roam.”
For London four-piece SAVAGES the intention was to create a sound, indestructible and musically solid, written for the stage, designed with enough nuances to provide a wide range of motions. The songs aim to remind us that human beings haven’t evolved so much, that music can still be straight to the point, efficient and exciting. For a band with so few shows under their belt, they have certainly created a stir and one well worth witnessing as they make their festival debut.
With an imminent support slot with The Hives confirmed in the US, LA’s FIDLAR pre-empt their sortie to the UK with an appearance at this year’s Lollapalooza in the company of Black Keys, Black Sabbath et al before making the crossing for their debut this side of the Atlantic. “The tracks sizzle with aggression and bargain-price fidelity of the SoCal punk tradition though their catchy hooks have more in common with Social Distortion and Wavves than Black Flag,” exclaimed MTV. See for yourself and be swayed…
Despite only having existed for mere months South East London’s THE PALMA VIOLETS have certainly caught the right ears. The band have played a series of secret shows in their own neck of the woods and much has been made of those special nights. They’ve released even fewer tracks and information is scarce bar the fact they have recently signed to Rough Trade Records which, if past history counts for anything, will see a lot of fuss made of this four-piece in the right quarters.
Carrying the weight of the luminance and spacey textures from their earlier EP’s Atlanta’s O’BROTHER have grown into sounds of scorching heaviness and punctuated melodic interruptions that act as puzzles in-between the groaning feedback of ‘Garden Window’ – last year’s debut full length album. With a seemingly relentless touring schedule, this year has seen the band accompany The Hives and the like of Thrice in the US – the Festival Republic Stage welcomes the five-piece as they make their festival debut.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Taylor Jardine, Jordan Eckes, Mike Ferri, Rob Chianelli and Cameron Hurley are WE ARE THE IN CROWD. Hailing from New York, the band are riding high off the release of 2011’s debut album ‘Best Intentions’. Expect everything from pop-punk frenzies to more thought-provoking slow burners; this band really has something for everyone. They know they have a lot to prove in 2012, and that’s exactly what they thrive on.
Nottingham five-piece DOG IS DEAD are a band that have built up the old-fashioned way, honing their thrillingly energetic live show across the UK. They released their debut ‘Glockenspiel Song’ back in the Summer of 2010, and have now signed to Atlantic Records and released two singles (‘Hands Down’ and ‘Two Devils’) that garnered key fans at Radio 1, NME and The Guardian. They have toured the UK in the past year including key support dates with good friends, Bombay Bicycle Club, and now begin their ascent to Reading & Leeds Festival.
If you haven’t heard of folk-rock singer JAKE BUGG yet, you certainly will soon. Armed with a sensational vocal, he cites his influences as Donovan, Don Mclean, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. With his lyrics it’s hard to believe this young singer-songwriter from Nottingham is producing music way beyond his years. With time on his side, who knows how far Jake Bugg can go.
With their debut album scheduled for an August release, DON BROCO look set to emerge as the bright, brute new force in British rock – and beyond. The four-piece will be the first act to release an album on the newly formed ‘Search & Destroy Records’, a joint venture between Sony Music and Raw Power Management. The bands crossover appeal has spread via word of mouth amongst fans online, and with their penchant for catchy melodies and big choruses, these Festival Republic Stage shows will be one of the many highlights of the weekend.
2012 is shaping up to be a big year for OBERHOFER. The debut by this fast-rising talent, entitled ‘Time Capsules II’, is a bold and exciting statement, recorded in Brooklyn late last year with legendary producer Steve Lillywhite. Emotion is what drives the psychedelic, catchy pop-rock tunes, crafted by the effervescent Brad Oberhofer. Drawing on influences ranging from Brian Wilson to Descartes, the 21 year old is fixated on the idea of making philosophically minded, energetic melodies that just make people smile.
New Orleans bred, LA based THE KNUX are brothers Kentrell ‘Krispy’ Lindsey and Alvin ‘Joey’ Lindsey. A band who blur the lines between rap and rock, their sound was showcased on last year’s ‘Eraser’ album. The crossover appeal seems natural given their influences include The Rolling Stones, Nas, Wu-Tang, The Stooges, The Clash, Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. Expect an intense set from this hotly tipped duo.
After signing to French label Kitsunẽ in 2011, CITIZENS! have been making noises in all the right places. The end of last year saw the band support The Rapture and more recently they played the Electric Ballroom in London as part of the NME’s run of Awards show gigs. The band’s debut album, ‘Here We Are’, was produced by Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, and was released to critical acclaim last month. The resulting 11 tracks prove to be an example of what Citizens! do best – classic pop subversion at its most cunning.
After releasing a couple of low-key singles in the latter half of 2011, THEME PARK kicked off 2012 with their first release on Transgressive Records, ‘Two Hours’. With an album to follow later in the year, they’re already picking up strong radio support, notably from Huw Stephens, Nick Grimshaw, Zane Lowe, John Kennedy and Lauren Laverne. Described by the press as “a band destined for big things” we’d suggest getting down the front early for these sets.
THE MINUTES are a three-piece rock band from Dublin, becoming one of the city's must see live acts having toured extensively both at home and further afield. Last year saw the release of their debut album 'Marcata' and had the likes of Kerrang! and The Guardian salivating at the brilliance of their live shows – which conjure up images of Dr Feelgood meeting The White Stripes, hit the Festival Republic Stage early and get a glimpse of what the hyperbole is all about.
BLOOD OR WHISKEY describe their sound as “demented Irish trad kicked in the balls by punk rock”. Hailing from Kildare and Dublin in Ireland, the band have released three albums and an EP to date, ‘Blood or Whiskey’, ‘No Time To Explain’, ‘Cashed Out On Culture’ and ‘Live and Learn’. Having toured all over England, Europe, America and Japan, the jaunts have seen them play with many artists including Manu Chao, The Pogues, Flogging Molly and Rancid.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Sisters Colette and Hannah Thurlow make up 2.54 who have been gaining fans from both the public and critics alike since they posted their own recordings on MySpace in 2010. The Irish sisters, who were raised in Bristol and now live in London, have seen their sound described as “a little bit grunge, a little bit shoegaze, with bursts of heavy riffing and the odd psychedelic meander”. Their recently released eponymous debut album has only raised expectations higher, not to be missed.
With the release of debut album ‘Again Into Eyes’ S.C.U.M. saw their elevation from cult hipsters to respected musicians. It was an iron-clad collection of dizzying, synth-heavy fare, rattling with reverb, smouldering rock, an undeniable classic in-the-making. They have won over the cynics with their own brand of psychedelic punk and will be sure to do the same to the crowds at Reading & Leeds Festival.
www.scum1968.com
ALBERTA CROSS are Petter Ericson Stakee (vocals/guitar) and Terry Wolfers (bass), a Swede and a Londoner with Brooklyn as their home. The success of their acclaimed 2009 debut, ‘Broken Side Of Time’, saw the band tour the world; criss-crossing America more times than they’d care to count, earning the patronage of bands like Them Crooked Vultures, Oasis and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, with whom they toured. A new album ‘Songs of Patience’ is due later this year and this will be the first chance to hear the new songs live in the UK.
Formed while at school in Copenhagen aged only 12, ICEAGE mix punk, post-punk, goth and hardcore as if they invented it. Now still only in their late teens, they released their debut album ‘New Brigade’ last year. Their shows are notoriously physical, sometimes aggressive, often destructive and always fun. You may get pushed around but you’ll have great time.
Hailing from Brisbane in Australia, DZ DEATHRAYS have just released their debut album ‘Bloodstreams’ filled with riff-laden scuzzy tunes with thrashing drums, party noise and some seriously laid back grooves. Describing themselves as thrash pop, they recently came to the UK for some properly sweaty shows where one magazine said the band were “plugged into the oldest of rock and roll mainstays: lust, aggression, hate.” Sounds good!
Having only released their debut single last year, London five-piece TOY quickly picked up accolades from the press and public alike. Their gloriously kaleidoscopic post-punk sound of psychedelia mixed with krautrock has stood them apart from other new bands and having recently toured with friends The Horrors their live shows have been praised as intense and energising. With their debut album due later this year they are definitely one not to miss.
NME described DEAP VALLY as "Think a hippie Karen O fronting Black Sabbath and you're somewhere in the caustic, blues-riffing ballpark as these Los Angelinos. A hollerin', howlin', hellraising duo”. Sounds good to us! The duo, Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards, break blues down to its simplest, most fundamental form: beat, melody, and meaning, while their scorching live shows are fast becoming the stuff of legend.
Dubliners THE CAST OF CHEERS play a ballsy post-punk racket that they describe as "like the end of the world and dancing”. Their debut album ‘Chariot’ was described as a “raucous assault of angular riffs and insistent vocals, it's what Death From Above 1979 might sound like if they were trapped in a lift with Battles and Foals”. New album ‘Goose’ won more fans last year, danceable repetition fights with heavy rock drums, big bass sounds and intricate guitar work, you will be dancing!
From Spain come L.A., the brainchild of Albert Lluis Segura who has played in many bands over the years before finding his new sound with release of the six track EP ‘SLNT FLM’ earlier this year. Described as “six songs full of harmonies and dusty guitars, with a burnt tyre on Mediterranean roads flavour, songs that are earthy wood, like guitars…songs that are the sea and the sand of the isle of Mallorca but also the heat of amp valves”. Don’t miss this exciting opening act.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
CROWNS, a quartet from Cornwall have forged a formidable live reputation since their inception in 2010. Part inspired by traditional Cornish songs they bring their shanty-esque rabble rousing folk punk racket to this year's Lock-Up Stage and if their recent tour with the like-minded Sharks are anything to go by then they are certainly ones to watch.
