A record 5,000 tickets have been sold, with just under a fortnight left before the festival takes place.
Headlining the festival are Adam Ant & the Good, the Mad and the Lovely Posse, The Damned and Dreadzone alongside over 100 other live acts including Show of Hands, Terrorvision, and The Selecter. Special guests Wheatus have announced they will wear false beards throughout their performance, and will also co-host the festivals annual world record attempt for the number of people wearing false beards.
Steve Blount from Bearded Theory Festival says, We are delighted to announce that once again Bearded Theory Festival has sold out. 2012 is turning out to be quite a tough year for festivals across the country so we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has bought tickets for Bearded Theory, making it a sell out for the fifth year running. We look forward to welcoming you all on the 18th May for our biggest and best year ever!
Taking place between 18th and 20th May 2012, Bearded Theory has firmly entrenched itself as the first proper music festival of the season. Currently the holder of the AIM Indepndent Music Award for Best Festival, 2012 is Bearded Theorys fifth birthday and is a celebration of the music and musicians who either inspired the festivals inception, or who have become fan favourites over the years.
On Saturday night, Captain Sensibles Gothic Punk legends The Damned are top of the bill. Incredibly, the greatest number of complaints Bearded Theorys organisers received last year on any topic, was for not booking Dreadzone for the first time the festivals history. To make amends, this year they return to close the festival on Sunday night.
Other major acts also confirmed include The Selecter, Show of Hands, The Popes, Terrorvision, Back To The Planet, Dr & The Medics, Credit To The Nation and of course, perennial Bearded Theory favourites, 3 Daft Monkeys. The fabulous Wheatus will be performing the now-legendary Sunday lunchtime slot, and word is they will wear custom made false beards for their entire performance!
Bearded Theory has also confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for 2012. These include a creation of two entirely new areas;Tornado Town (a festival within a festival), and The Waters Edge. Underlining their commitment to supporting local businesses, the festival have appointed Thornbridge Brewery in Bakwell, (located just 20 miles from the festival), to run their on-site bars.
Steve Blount from Bearded Theory Festival says, We are delighted to have be named UKs Best Independent Festival at the prestigious AIM Music Awards in recognition of last years fabulous event. Everyone involved in Bearded Theory is already working hard to try and deliver an even better one for next year. With two totally revamped areas and a whole range of new activities planned, 2012 is shaping up to be a vintage year for Bearded Theory Festival.
The Festival's theme, City of London – Trading Places with the World will be brought to life with performances from internationally acclaimed stars in the City’s most iconic and historical spaces. Among the events planned are a wealth of world première performances of new music and dance including works by composer Tansy Davies for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, a landmark piece performed by English National Ballet in St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as 300 free piano lessons on the City streets and free family events across the Square Mile and beyond. [Full listings below].
Standout events in the Golden Jubilee programme include:
The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis, performing Berlioz’s colossal work Grande Messe des Morts in St Paul’s Cathedral. (25 & 26 June).
Internationally-acclaimed guitarist John Williams, who will commemorate the Festival’s jubilee year by giving a recital echoing the performance he gave at the first City of London Festival in 1962. (10 July).
Street-level performances and installations, including 50 Golden Street Pianos, which will be placed in the Square Mile and other locations around the capital. A new dance duet by acclaimed choreographer Rafael Bonachela danced by the Sydney Dance Company (27 – 29 June) will be created especially for the 50 pianos. To commemorate the opening of the Festival, 300 Londoners will be able to turn up and take advantage of free piano lessons at the Street Pianos. (24 June).
Live music sculptures at Tower Bridge and Monument, created specifically for the two icons by composer Samuel Bordoli. At Tower Bridge, guests can watch musicians play along the length of the high-level walkways, 42 metres above the Thames. At Monument, the music will travel up its 311 steps, inviting the audience to experience an aural and actual sense of ascension as they climb the stairs to the very top. (8 July).
The Brodsky Quartet performing a unique programme with a quirky twist: ‘The Wheel of Four Tunes’, with four works selected at random by the spin of a wheel onstage, from 40 choices, celebrating 40 years of the Brodsky Quartet. (2 July).
The Festival’s commitment to supporting work for disabled and non-disabled performers continues. New work by composer Nigel Osborne will receive its world première by tetraplegic former trumpeter, Clarence Adoo, on his specially-designed new Headspace instrument which has enabled him to perform once again with fellow professionals. Christian Lindberg’s award-winning Dawn at Galamanta, created and performed by Swedish artists of all physicalities, receives its UK première at the Guildhall (both 6 July).
Each event and performance acts as a new installment in the story of the City taking the audience on an international journey that connects back to London’s heart.
Sustainability remains a core part of the Festival's programme, with flowers in the spotlight for 2012. The Festival will be promoting and nurturing wildflowers across the Square Mile, providing vital support for the City's population of pollinators. The public will be invited to feast on City honey taken from the Festival’s roof-top beehives, as well as celebrate urban flowers, at the Festival’s closing event in Paternoster Square (27 July).
Top 10 recording artist, acclaimed Opera singer and recently the star of Les Miserables Alfie Boe with guest musical funnyman Tim Minchin
Sixties-songstress, Lulu and The London Community Gospel Choir
X-Factor finalist Olly Murs will close the Festival on 8 July.
The Henley Festival is the UK’s most glamorous summer party; five magical nights on the banks of the River Thames in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. Tickets go on sale to the public from 15 March or you can beat the wait and become a Friend of the Henley Festival to get your tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at www.henley-festival.co.uk, or from the Festival box office: 01491 843404 Tickets priced from £35 per day. All Festival profits go to local charities [details below].
This year the Festival is celebrating 30 years at the heart of the English summer season and has announced a line up like never before.
Composer, singer, author, actor, activist – Sting was born in Newcastle, England before moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. The band released five albums, earned six Grammy awards, and in 2003 was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since 1985, Sting has released 13 solo albums. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of his solo career, 25 Years, the definitive box set collection, was recently released. The Best Of 25 Years is also available as a double disc. Sting has sold nearly 100 million albums from his combined work with the Police and as a solo artist and has earned an additional 10 Grammy awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and three Oscar nominations. This summer, Sting will perform many of his most celebrated hits at the Henley Festival on July 4, 2012.
Aside from the headline acts, black tie revellers will enjoy candlelit dining at award winning chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr’s riverside restaurant or have a more relaxed bite at one of the Festival’s six other restaurants. Along the riverbank world-class acts [full details below] from the worlds of jazz, opera, pop, theatre, comedy, cabaret and literature entertain while pop-up art boutiques and sculpture lawns bring major galleries and artists to the Festival – a unique ‘collectors’ concierge’ provides advice and introductions to those looking to buy.
The headline acts are closed each night by a dazzling firework display before partygoers dance into the night at the Festival’s resident nightclub.
Henley-on-Thames is 60 minutes from London by train, (or 10 minutes by helicopter to the Festival’s helipad). Many guests choose to make a weekend of it and stay in one of the many five star hotels in Henley or nearby [more details below].
Henley Festival 2012 acts:
Cabaret and performance: Among the stand-up comedy acts on offer are Have I got News for you! regular Dr Phil Hammond,Fascinating Aïda star Sarah-Louise Young, and charismatic Canadian comedic Craig Campbell.
The Festival’s signature cabaret acts, The Roving Company of Eccentrica, will amuse, entertain, surprise and shock guests with their unique brand of street performances, spread throughout the Festival’s grounds.
World-class dining: Revellers enjoy candlelit summer nights dining at Albert and Michelin Starred Michel Roux Jr’sFestival riverside Roux restaurant, try the Terrace Restaurant or Café du Soir, (no booking required) – or have a more relaxed bite to eat at one of the Festival’s street-food concessions.
FEAST! Contemporary arts programme Pop up art boutiques and sculpture lawns bring major galleries and artists to the Festival and a ‘collectors concierge’ provides advice and introductions to those looking to buy. The Festival’s Visual Arts Programme includes FEAST! – an exceptional range of selling exhibitions – including the Festival’s famous Sculpture gardens – that showcases major international established artists and emerging talent.
2012 highlights include:
The serious surrealism of Alexander Vorobyev
Abstract contemporary art by Jeffrey Kroll and Nicolas Ruston
The Festival’s annual sculpture garden featuring the work of British sculptor Roland Piche and Auguste Rodin’s iconic masterpiece The Thinker.
“Carbon Art” specialist Alastair Gibson
Aboriginal Art from Australia
Body painted optical illusions created live by Kiwi artist Emma Hack
All profits to charity The Henley Festival is a not for profit organisation. All profits raised go to local and national charities across the Thames Valley. This includes creating and funding the Henley Festival Orchestra which provides over 80 young people with a musical instrument, tuition and performance opportunities throughout the year. The Henley Festival Orchestra also enjoys the opportunity to work with outstanding international performers including Nigel Kennedy and Jon Lord. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/Avqze2
Stewart Collins, Henley Festival Artistic Director said: “To celebrate the Festival’s landmark birthday we’ve really pulled out all the stops. This year’s programme promises to be one of our most sensational to date – after all, 30 years is an achievement for any event and we wanted to see our guests celebrate in style. The Henley Festival is renowned for leaving our guests with magical memories and this will be an unmissable year for regulars and newcomers alike.’
The Henley Festival is sponsored by Invesco Perpetual, Westcoast, Lavazza Coffee, Goodhead and Courtiers, the Festival showcases some of the best loved artists and performers from the classical, jazz and contemporary music world, as well as talent drawn from the global cultural scene, from sculpture and street theatre acts to poetry and art.
There is an intentionally eclectic mix of music on offer from the curators of Shaved Fish, which is a result of their high drive to create a unique experience with a real WOW factor that differs from night to night…
On Friday expect to hear an acoustic orientated night with hints of folk and country. Saturday steps up to an Indie rock night with a very exciting new band at the top of the bill, and on Sunday to finish the weekend there is a full on Psychedelia night. It’s a great place to discover something new and enjoy the already excellent WOWfest vibe – created by headline acts such as UB40, Heaven 17 and Madeleine Peyroux, and top DJs including Paul Oakenfold Danny Rampling and Bez from The Happy Mondays.
The team behind Shaved Fish are three island musician amigos Charlie Harris, James Thorpe and Shaun Barker. The trio have used their time and resources wisely to book some excellent music.
Charlie is a current university student, studying Music Management and Studio production, alongside juggling a few musical projects and producing artists and bands. Born and raised on the Isle of Wight he entered the music scene at the age of 13, playing in bands and attending local gigs, soaking up what the island has to offer. With a good knowledge of new and fresh music, along with a love for music from previous decades, it is his goal to create an exciting line-up for the Shaved Fish Stage.
James is a self confessed music snob, with a primitive vintage studio set up in the top floor of his Ventnor house and co-running a label under the name Red Squirrel with Shaun and Charlie, he is certainly a man to know if you're in the island scene. James, along with the other two, entered music through playing in a band and live performance, but has followed his interests and ended up in the field of production and recording. His connection to the network of Isle of Wight musicians has proved valuable in the booking of some great music from the island.
Shaun and James come as a pair – it’s rare you'll find them creating music more than 10 feet from each other. As teenagers playing in band together for 8 years and attending the same schools, their interests are naturally fairly mutual. Shaun's involvement in music is, like the others, in production and engineering music and co-running the studio with James, his input into the music made is vital to the Red Squirrel sound.
For these three island lads, this is great personal development in their chosen industry. Not only have they had full control over the musical programming of the Shaved Fish, they also have to organise the whole show. They are doing this with the guidance of the older members of the team but they have met the job full on with energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment. Instead of running competitions like many other festivals, they did email auditions with MP3s and made a selection from thousands of applicants off the island and on the island. The line up is their choice of high quality emerging and current sounds from psychedelia, Indie, jazz to shoegazing and we are pleased to see they chose The Shutes, Pale Seas, JC & Angelina, Raff, Faber, Wos, Kris and Kaf alongside Hugh Verey (founder of Wight Salads now retired).
The Shutes are a widely anticipated 4 piece Alternative Indie Surf band from the Isle of Wight, whose catchy riffs get mass audiences going in their home turf. Recently touring in Europe, The Shutes have released their new EP “Echo of Love” which will be part of their set on the Shaved Fish Stage at WOWfest 2012. The Shutes feature Rob Potter on bass, Chris Jones on drums, Michael Champion on vocals/guitar and David Champion on guitar.
Pale Seas, from Southampton, is a young band tinged with Americana folk jarred with English self-deprication and an intimate nocturnal sound to melt any heart.
Island born brother and sister, JC & Angelina, are well known on the island circuit and to festivals and clubs far afield. Their recordings are original material.
Jackie Crozier, founder and director of the event, said: “LadyRock was set up to be the first event of its kind in the North West, however sadly we have joined a number of other events and festivals across the country which have been hit by the current financial climate. The decision has therefore been made to cancel LadyRock 2012 rather than deliver a festival that would not be up to the standard Manchester, and the LadyRock brand deserves.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with and supported LadyRock from the beginning and ask that you all look forward with us to creating future events in the greatest city in the UK."
Organisers have confirmed that all of those who purchased a ticket to the event will automatically be refunded by their ticket supplier.
Rob da Bank says: “With the Friday headliner coming in a few weeks I thought we'd ramp up the excitement a bit more for Besti-goers with the additions of Frank Ocean and M Ward. Two totally different artists from across the Atlantic, Frank is one of the most requested acts on our messageboards and he's such an incredible performer – like a young Prince! M Ward is a folk and indie legend already and we’re very excited to welcome him for the first time!”
Mega-exiting times at Bestival just got even more mega-exciting as we can confirm that the one and only Frank Ocean will be rocking the party at Robin Hill! One of world renowned hip-hop collective OFWGKTA’s major players, at just 24 Frank is already a well established songwriter to the stars including Beyonce and John Legend and can count the likes of Kayne West and Jay Z amongst his collaborators. Silver medallist in the recent BBC Sound of 2012, the pop-gilded R&B beats of his mixtape ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’ have made him one of the world’s fastest rising stars and with a wealth of new material from his forthcoming debut album in the offing we can’t wait to see him!
We’re also delighted to announce that indie-folk heavyweight M. Ward is set to join us on the Isle of Wight. A stalwart of the American folk scene, who also releases records as part of She & Him with Zooey Deschanel and acclaimed super-group Monsters of Folk with members of My Morning Jacket and Bright Eyes, his seventh and latest solo album, ‘A Wasteland Companion’, has been critically acclaimed for its pastoral Americana. Traversing the sounds of country blues to more upbeat rockabilly vibes, M. Ward deals in timeless tunes that are always nothing short of captivating.
And that’s not all, as we have a lovely bit of good news for you! Following her decision to cancel her summer schedule of shows, we can confirm that Azealia Banks will definitely be appearing at Bestival this September, so get ready to dance when she’s vamped up!
We will be announcing our Friday night headliner on Monday 21st May, so keep your eyes peeled for the details and in the meantime make sure you keep on checking in at www.bestival.net, and our Facebook page and Twitter for all the latest behaviour.
All The Acts Announced So far:
LIVE STEVIE WONDER / NEW ORDER / THE XX / SIGUR RÓS / FRIENDLY FIRES / 2MANYDJS – LIVE / SOULWAX /JUSTICE / TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB / HOT CHIP / BAT FOR LASHES / NERO / EMELI SANDÉ / ORBITAL / SBTRKT / WARPAINT / DE LA SOUL / ROOTS MANUVA / MAJOR LAZER / SISTER SLEDGE / GARY NUMAN / THE HORRORS / SPIRITUALIZED / DEATH IN VEGAS / DOOM / BEN HOWARD / MICHAEL KIWANUKA / SUB FOCUS / ALABAMA SHAKES /KEVIN SAUNDERSON FEAT. INNER CITY LIVE / GALLOWS / RIZZLE KICKS / BURAKA SOM SISTEMA / SAGE FRANCIS / GRIMES / BELLOWHEAD / EARTH WIND & FIRE EXPERIENCE FEAT AL MCKAY / DJANGO DJANGO / LITTLE DRAGON / GOLD PANDA / ADAM ANT & THE GOOD, THE MAD AND THE LOVELY POSSE / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / TOP CAT FEATURING SIR COXSONE OUTERNATIONAL / CHAIRLIFT / ICEAGE / REN HARVIEU / JOHN TALABOT / LIANNE LA HAVAS / DELILAH / FIRST AID KIT / GESAFFELSTEIN / DAUGHTER / ZULU WINTER / ANE BRUN / FRIENDS / TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS / KING KHAN AND THE SHRINES / THE JAPANESE POPSTARS / CHAS & DAVE / DUB PISTOLS / FACTORY FLOOR / CHARLI XCX / ERRORS / LUCY ROSE / CONGO NATTY / KING KRULE / TOY / KINDNESS / DISMANTLE / DIRTY BEACHES / DRUMS OF DEATH /JESSE WARE / JEFFREY LEWIS & THE JUNKYARD / GENERAL LEVY / SLAGSMÅLSKLUBBEN/ JAIPUR KAWA BRASS BAND / FIELD MUSIC / JINJA SAFARI / KAWA CIRCUS / B.DOLAN'S CHURCH OF LOVE & RUIN / 02:54 / EVIAN CHRIST / FRANKIE ROSE / PORCELAIN RAFT / MILAGRES / THREE BONZOS & A PIANO / PRINCE FATTY / LIZ GREEN / TRAILER TRASH TRACYS / FOREST SWORDS / WILLIS EARL BEAL / MURKAGE / ALT-J / THE STAVES / JAKE BUGG / ALUNAGEORGE / SKINNY LISTER / JOSH KUMRA / RYAN KEEN / STAY+ / JAMIE N COMMONS / NINA NESBITT / BIGKIDS / GABRIELLE APLIN / KWES / DIAGRAMS / FICTION / TURBOWOLF /MARY EPWORTH / WET NUNS / OTHER TRIBE / PARMA VIOLETS / GORGEOUS GEORGE / MISTY'S BIG ADVENTURE / THIS IS THE KIT / STEALING SHEEP / CLOCK OPERA / YOUNG BRITISH ARTISTS / PATTERNS / GHOST OUTFIT / L.A. SALAMI / TO KILL A KING / DINGUS KHAN / CROWNS / EMILY BARKER & THE RED CLAY HALO / SUBGIANT /HEATH:WARD / LAUREL COLLECTIVE / AHAB / GECKO / MODEL SOCIETY / / TOM WILLIAMS AND THE BOAT / DAYTONA LIGHTS / VALENTINE GRAY / CHARLEY MACAULAY / SKY SPHERE / BLACKHOUSE CROW / THE LOVELY EGGS / ST SPIRIT / CHARMING / ALONESTAR / SHEPHERDS / CHERISHPORT / SEÁN MCGOWAN / A WAY OF LIFE / THIS WAY UP / THE WIDOWMAKER
DJ SETS FROM ROB DA BANK AND FRIENDS: ANNIE MAC PRESENTS / FOUR TET B2B CARIBOU / THE 2 BEARS /DAVID RODIGAN MBE PRESENTS RAM JAM / DIRTYBIRD SHOWCASE FEAT. CLAUDE VONSTROKE, JUSTIN MARTIN & EATS EVERYTHING / FRANÇOIS K / BRODINSKY /MOODYMANN / GILLES PETERSON / DJ YODA / MAYA JANE COLES / SCUBA / KAVINSKY / JULIO BASHMORE / LTJ BUKEM / JAMIE XX /SHY FX / PLASTICIAN / MATADOR / GREG WILSON / DOCTOR P / THE NEXTMEN / PEARSON SOUND / BORGORE / FLUX PAVILION / MAX COOPER / GEMINI / KRYSTAL KLEAR / PANGAEA / REGGAE ROAST / BILLY DANIEL BUNTER / PARIAH / TROLLEY SNATCHA / KRAFTY KUTS / WARM & ELECTRIC MINDS / SCRATCH PERVERTS / KOAN SOUND / CAMO & KROOKED / GILES SMITH & JAMES PRIESTLEY (SECRETSUNDAZE) / MOSCA / NUMBERS SHOWCASE: ONEMAN B2B JACKMASTER, DEADBOY, SPENCER, REDINHO / B TRAITS / GUTTERSLUT / BEN UFO / PBR STREETGANG / JAGUAR SKILLS & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS / DRUMS OF DEATH / BLAWAN / FRANK TOPE / LEO ZERO / EVIAN CHRIST / GIRL UNIT / ZOMBOY / LUV*JAM / DR ALEX PATERSON / CHRIS COCO / PETE GOODING / PHIL MISON /DUFF DISCO / DONNYJI PRESENTS BANG BHANG / MIXMASTER MORRIS / REV MILO SPEEDWAGON / GRAEME FISHER (BALEARIC) / DJ CABLE / FOAMO / DJ SHEPDOG / THE SHELLAC COLLECTIVE /FLYING WHITE DOTS / DJ CHARGE / PATHAAN / MOJO FILTER / FEAR OF THEYDON / TYTHE / SINK THE PINK / GEORGE B / KAF-TAN
PLUS: MR MOTIVATOR
BRAINFEEDER PRESENTS THUNDERCAT, THE GASLAMP KILLER, TEEBS, LAPALUX, JEREMIAH JAE, DJ KUTMAH
Sub Focus, aka Nick Douwma has long been one of electronic music’s most exciting names, having created huge hit compositions for fellow T in the Park acts Chase and Status (Flashing Lights) and Example (Kickstarts) and delivering his own smashes such as Timewarp and the legendary Rock It. Sub Focus has now become synonymous with music that draws from all corners of the electronic landscape and epitomising the bench mark of cutting edge talent within it.
Sub Focus returns this spring with a brand new single Out The Blue featuring the haunting vocals of indie siren Alice Gold – a ready-made summer anthem and the debut single to be released from his hotly anticipated second album, due for release in autumn.
Having spent the best part of 2011 smashing huge arenas and festivals alike with his incredible live show, Sub Focus has an acclaimed live set that has wowed festival goers and music fans the world over for the past two years. Dance music lovers are in for a real treat at T in the Park this summer.
SW4 2012 ARENA HOSTS… SATURDAY: SUBLIMINAL THE GALLERY PRESENTS EVOLUTION · BEDROCK SUNDAY: TOGETHER ALL GONE PETE TONG · RAM20
On the Saturday house legend Erick Morillo returns to SW4 this summer for his first London appearance in over seventeen months and his ONLY UK Festival performance this year. With his set one of the ‘must see’ performances in London this summer, it makes perfect sense for ‘Subliminal’, his Pacha Ibiza night and trend setting label to take full control of its own tent. On parade will be the same beautiful people and extravagant clubbing experience one has come to expect from Subliminal, with Erick starring alongside An21 & Max Vangelli, Funkagenda, Sneaky Soundsystem, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, Tim Mason and very special guest Roger Sanchez.
Paul van Dyk and London institution ‘The Gallery’ join forces at SW4 2012 to present the biggest trance lineup in London this year. Featuring an array of talent who PvD personally feels has an affiliation with his new ‘Evolution’ album concept, Paul will be joined by Markus Schulz, Gareth Emery, Aly & Fila, John O’ Callaghan, Richard Durand, Claudia Cazacu and Gary Proud. Combined with an extraordinary live show, which merges the soundtrack, imposing stage and hypnotic visuals, expect excellence in the art of sound!
John Digweed’s Bedrock returns to SW4 this summer to host an arena bursting at the seams with the best in underground house and techno DJs. In honour of the namesake label, John has been an irrepressible force in London this year. Setting things up perfectly for SW4, his monthly XOYO residency has rekindled that classic Thursday night slot, with capacity crowds filling one of London’s most forward thinking venues. Bedrock has always translated well to the great outdoors and this summer will be no different with John featuring beside Joris Voorn, Âme, Guy Gerber, Robert Babicz, Laura Jones, jozif and the Mixcloud DJ competition winner.
Lethargic after Saturday’s excursion? The booming DJ Magazine arena hosted by Together is bound to revitalise the senses. The Together tent at SW4 2011 was arguably the most energetic, whilst last November’s Together Winter Music Festival at Alexandra Palace confirmed the night as a dominant force. This summer Together packs its bags to host a sixteen date Tuesday night summer residency at the legendary Amnesia Ibiza but returns to Blighty for SW4. This time round Together brings with them the inimitable flair of 2 Many DJs (DJ set), Eric Prydz, Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set), Erol Alkan, Green Velvet, Brodinski & Gesaffelstein and Jeremy Olander.
This summer the world’s undisputed ambassador for electronic dance music returns to South West Four, this time hosting his very own arena. That’s right, SW4 goes ‘All Gone Pete Tong’! The clubbing credentials of All Gone have already been well proven, with a blowout season at Pacha Ibiza last summer, followed by a Bestival showcase and sell-out London warehouse party. In 2012 another Pacha residency has been confirmed, whilst the SW4 arena represents the biggest All Gone party to date. Pete hosts proceedings and is joined by Sasha, Seth Troxler, Maya Jane Coles, Dyed Soundorom, Eats Everything, Jaymo & Andy George and Connected’s Jesse James & Johnny Bloomfield.
Last but not least the biting sounds of Andy C and ‘RAM Records’, revered amongst drum and bass connoisseurs. This year is the seminal label’s 20th Anniversary with the celebrations launching on Clapham Common. Through its association with London nightspots The End, Fabric and Matter, RAM is responsible for some of the greatest clubbing moments the capital has ever experienced.Andy C headlines, bringing with him his audio / visual ‘Alive’ arc, with further drum and bass coming courtesy of Friction, Delta Heavy and Loadstar. Flux Pavilion, Jack Beats, Borgore and Doctor P also bring the bass, making this arena a real SW4 treat.
That’s the arena hosts done and dusted, sure to be gleaming in the sparking South London sun. But these tense tarpaulins are nothing without artists, so let’s take this opportunity to tease out some more. Sit comfortably and enjoy…
ADDED TO SW4 DAY ONE: SAT 25TH AUGUST AN21 & MAX VANGELLI SUNNERY JAMES AND RYAN MARCIANO · TIM MASON VERY SPECIAL GUESTS: LET THE MUSIC PLAY [EXCLUSIVE]
An21 & Max Vangelli begin the latest Saturday additions, after their Ministry of Sound outings have become some of the most talked about on the superclub’s roster. Theatrical breakdowns and jacking grooves have built a reputation that sold out their MOS gig on New Years Eve several weeks in advance. This should come as no surprise, what with the duo being protégés of none other than Swedish House Mafia. Signed to Steve Angello’s trailblazing ‘Size’ label, twelve months of world domination culminated in November’s sensational Essential Mix. Touted as one of the best of 2011, it was crowned by the An21 & Max Vangelli remix of ‘Save The World.’ Previously named in DJ Mag’s ‘Top 5 To Watch,’ it’s peak time house all the way.
“Let The Music Play”; the motto of SW4 over its illustrious nine year history. But for this summer, it bears even more significance! On the Saturday we welcome the top secret project for their world exclusive performance. Encompassing red hot energy and euphoria, their tracks ‘Stars’ and ‘Waves’ have received major radio support in recent weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for more info.
Dynamic duo Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, blur the boundaries of house music in accomplished fashion. Perhaps best known for their rousing re-work of Tiesto’s immortal ‘Lethal Industry,’ only the most skilled could enhance a true classic – re-building it into a deep, funky stormer. As Axwell so eloquently puts it, “if there were a Dutch version of Swedish House Mafia, it would be Sunnery and Ryan.” As if any more endorsement was needed, Morillo has snapped up S&R for an exclusive Subliminal residency at Pacha Ibiza this summer. Demonstrated by the groundbreaking ‘Amazone Project Vol. 3,’ it’s dirty Dutch house at its best.
Tim Mason is a self professed purveyor of pure house music.‘The Moment’ is one of the anthems of 2012 thus far, having been adopted by Tiesto and Steve Angello. A climatic build that explodes into a devastating hook, this debut track has the accolade of being signed to Angello’s ‘Size.’ With such a global platform to shine, this is most definitely Mason’s moment. New track ‘Amina OMG’ is of the same quality, summing up perfectly his big room house. Both these are sure to send SW4 wild, so check them out and envisage as the sun sets. Just beautiful…
ADDED TO SW4 DAY TWO: SAT 26TH AUGUST BRODINSKI & GESAFFELSTEIN · DELTA HEAVY · LOADSTAR JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE · JEREMY OLANDER JESSE JAMES & JOHNNY BLOOMFIELD
Brodinski& Gesaffelstein, a French pairing that stands apart from their conventional countrymen associates. Brodinski is whirring techno, bass heavy house through to melodic minimal, whilst Gesaffelstein utilises wide ranging excerpts from broody techno and engaging electro. The result is an atmospheric musical soundscape that has to be witnessed live, their contrasting sounds playing off one another in mesmeric fashion. The joint ‘Bromance EP’ and tour has been captivating dance floors with the inimitable underground sound, unique to SW4 this summer. Brodinski and Gesaffelstein back-to-back, a bromance made in heaven!
Delta Heavy are the standard bearers for RAM Records’ new roster of talent. Flying high and proud, with rocking remixes for those at the top of their game; Example, Avicii and Chase & Status amongst their pulsating production portfolio. Their endeavours paid off with ‘Best Producer’ and ‘Best Newcomer DJ’ at the prominent Drum & Bass Arena awards. New EP ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ will definitely take you down a deep and dark D&B tunnel. Aggressive waves of churning bass and blistering beats, exactly the kind of heavy stuff we can expect from the guys at SW4.
Another of the RAM recruits, Loadstar have an inextricable ‘Link To The Past.’ This track described by DJ Magazine as “a huge alien mammoth”, it scooped ‘Best Single’ at the 2010 D&B Arena awards. With such production nous, it’s no wonder acts of such calibre are queuing up to work the Loadstar boys. For example SW4’s headliners Chase & Status and the chart topping Example! Their production efforts on the latter, earning a sought after gold record for ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me.’Guaranteed stars of SW4 2012.
Since starting their fledgling night ‘Moda’ back in 2008, Jaymo & Andy George have always championed the party. Now they hold shindigs all around the world, showcasing their policy of having no music policy whatsoever! A daring strategy, which paid dividends when the Radio 1 Essential Mix rolled into their home town of Lincoln. A riveting Moda musical montage, which included mainly of their own vibrant productions and cheeky remixes, resulted in mass hysteria. This led to a current Radio 1 ‘In New DJs We Trust’ show, plus residencies at We Love Space and Fabric. Plus the recent launch of ‘Moda Black’, an outlet for their darker output.
Up next, another protégé nurtured from the Swedish stable. Under the wing of Eric Prydz, Jeremy Olander was the guest of honour at his recent Ministry of Sound album launch. Such was the success of his main room outing, Olander’s outlandish approach threatened to overshadow even Prydz himself! An upbeat progressive and heavy melodic sound, which has graced the prestigious Warehouse Project, Gatecrasher and Cocoon clubs in recent months. We can’t wait for ‘Animal Garden’ to be dropped, a rhythmic bassline that blossoms into a cacophony of twilight synth splashes. Irresistible bait, for Clapham’s dancefloor animals.
Completing the hat trick of pairings for this final day, London’s newest kids on the block. Jesse James and Johnny Bloomfield are residents at Connected, one of London’s most esteemed underground house nights. These guys aren’t here just to make up the numbers, but mean serious business with their new track just released. Entitled ‘Chucks Groove’ and sampling Public Enemy, Jesse and Johnny’s deep tribal taster will ensure they make many good friends on the Common.
There you have it. Eight infatuating arenas and a host of smoking line-up additions – that can’t have failed to enhance that undying SW4 hunger. Still to come the final pieces of the South West Four jigsaw. More meaty line-up announcements including our Sunday live headliner, which at the moment is G14 classified. Well not really, but you get the idea…
Friday 27 July sees the launch of BT London Live, a partnership between the Mayor of London, The Royal Parks and The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and a key part of the citywide programme of events being organised by the Mayor of London to celebrate the London 2012 Games. Throughout the Olympic Games, BT London Live is offering plenty of opportunities for the public to catch London 2012 sporting action live on big screens and enjoy some top-flight entertainment for free.
The BT London Live Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert staged in London’s Hyde Park on Friday 27 July presents a multi-talented headline bill, with live performances from some of the biggest acts in the UK, from all four corners of Great Britain. Live on stage will be multi-million album selling Snow Patrol, BRIT Award-winning Stereophonics, pop superstars Duran Duran and acclaimed singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini.
This massive open-air celebration concert coincides with the key opening moment of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Opening Ceremony. Not only will the thousands of ticket-holders in Hyde Park see some of the UK’s biggest bands exclusively live on stage, but performances will be timed so that they will also be able to enjoy live coverage, courtesy of the BBC, of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony from the Olympic Park on giant screens. The full coverage of the Opening Ceremony from the Olympic Park will also be shown on selected screens.
At the same time, BT London Live Victoria Park, in Tower Hamlets will broadcast the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in full on two giant screens. BT London Live Victoria Park is free to access with guaranteed entry tickets available soon.
The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, screened by the BBC will feature the parade of athletes, the playing of the Olympic Anthem, entry and raising of the Olympic Flag and finally the lighting of the Cauldron with the Olympic Flame.
Tickets for the BT London Live Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert go on sale to the general public on Friday 4 May at 9.00am priced at £60.00 plus booking fee, and will be available from www.btlondonlive.com.
BT customers will have 24-hour exclusive access for tickets for the Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert held at Hyde Park on 27 July from 9.00am on Thursday 3 May via www.bt.com/londonlive.
As previously announced, three iconic open-air locations, Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square will be transformed this summer to offer hundreds of thousands of Londoners and visitors to the city the chance to join in the excitement of the biggest sporting event on the planet – the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
As well as giant state of the art screens for crowds to watch live action from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, each location will provide a stunning backdrop for a variety of entertainment and attractions for people of all ages, including live music, outdoor arts and performance, plus opportunities to try out different sports.
Each BT London Live site will offer its own unique experience on thefollowing dates:
BT London LiveHyde Park, July 27 – August 12
BT London LiveHyde Park, one of the eight Royal Parks, will deliver unparalleled viewing of the Olympic Games via a series of large screens, including the UK’s largest. The live BBC coverage will include the Olympic medal events; with cultural entertainment and live music also on offer. BT London Live Hyde Park will be free to access between July 28 and August 11. The Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert on July 27 and the Closing Ceremony Celebration Concert on August 12 will be ticketed but other days will be free to access.
BT London LiveVictoria Park, July 27 – August 12
BT London LiveVictoria Park in Tower Hamlets will provide a more intimate viewing experience with a 'sports café' style approach to enjoying the London 2012 Olympic Games. Two giant screens will share the park with a series of smaller screens showing BBC live coverage. There will be an emphasis on sports participation with a range of ‘have a go’ sessions at the Victoria Park sports courts, and a series of evening concerts and cultural entertainment will enliven the site. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be broadcast live at BT London Live Victoria Park from the nearby Olympic Stadium. Residents of Tower Hamlets have access to 4,000 tickets daily which have been reserved for local people.
BT London LiveTrafalgar Square, August 29 – September 9
Once the focus shifts to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, BT London Livewill relocate to Trafalgar Square, where a giant screen will show live coverage courtesy of Channel 4 Television. There will also be sporting activity, cultural entertainment and evening concerts.
There are three options for entry into ‘BT London Live’.
1. The Opening and Closing Ceremony Celebration Concerts at Hyde Park on July 27 and August 12 will be ticketed. Tickets will be available viabtlondonlive.com.
2. Walk in on the day – all BT London Live dates except the two Celebration Concerts in Hyde Park will offer free access, with people able to turn up on the day, subject to capacity. Hyde Park and Victoria Park will also offer 'Guaranteed Entry Advanced Tickets ' for access before 2pm – see below.BT
3. Guaranteed Entry Advanced Tickets – up to four tickets per person will be available to be booked in advance for entry in to BTLondon Live Hyde Park or BTLondon Live Victoria Park before 2pm on a specified day, a transaction fee of £3.50 will apply per booking. Registration via btlondonlive.com will be required for these tickets. These tickets will not be available for the Opening and Closing Ceremony Celebration Concerts and on days that the Triathlon takes place – this applies to Hyde Park only. The Triathlon will take place in Hyde Park on Saturday 4 August and Tuesday 7 August.
Taking to two of our three stages in Myrtle Park between August 31st and 2nd September these latest additions join: DJ Fresh, The Pigeon Detectives, Hard-Fi, The Charlatans,Maverick Sabre, Delilah, The Idiot B*stard Band, StooShe, Yes Sir Boss, Miles & Erica and The Lancashire Hot Pots.
Guaranteed to instill some full-tilt revelry, Nero bring their expansive electronic soundscapes to proceedings on the Main Stage. With three successive singles selected as the ‘Hottest Record in the World’ by Radio 1's Zane Lowe, the London dubstep pioneers are enjoying a meteoric rise. Having recently told the Wall Street Journal that dubstep is, “almost the new rock… we sort of feel like rockstars now,” you can expect nothing less than a blindingly awesome performance.
Also on the Main Stage, energetic Welsh rock band, Kids in Glass Houses bring their blazing guitars to Bingley. Having charted three top 30 albums in four years, this relentless five-piece serve up a heady mix of monster riffs, hook-laden anthems and sing-along choruses; all delivered at maximum volume.
Delivering sets on both the Main and the Raise the Roof stages are the all-female Norwegian four-piece, Katzenjammer. Famed for mixing musical genres and switching instruments at a frenzied pace, their sets includes as many as 25 different instruments. Their latest album A Kiss Before You Go follows three years on the road and is shaped by multiple influences all wrapped up with Katzenjammer’s distinct character.
Bolstering the folkie vibe on the Raise the Roof stage are Skinny Lister. This eclectic, earthy sounding five-piece group has truly blossomed into something exceptional after a period of extensive touring. Their live performances deliver a galvanized, singular sound. Fronted by Yorkshire-born songwriter Dan Heptinstall and saucy female vocalist Lorna Thomas, gigs are a riot of sound and fun. So prepare to be infected by their jovial, foot stomping, high kicking free for all.
Vibrant psyche-inflected folk-popster King Charles has been proclaimed ‘too cool for the charts’ by the Guardian. Having toured with Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale and Mumford and Sons, the classically trained cellist, chorister and winner of an International Songwriting Competition, is set to release his debut album Loveblood on 7th May. We’re waiting in eager anticipation to see what all the fuss is about.
Big Heart, Big Sounds
Now in its 6th year, Bingley Music Live has firmly established itself on the festival circuit; consistently impressing audiences and performers alike with its intimate, friendly atmosphere and professional organisation. The chance to really get up close and personal to your favourite bands is one of the event’s stand-out features and means that festival goers can eagerly anticipate getting to the heart of the action.
The newly improved Raise the Roof stage will include a bigger tent, beefed-up production and a new musical policy to provide a point of difference to the main stage while maintaining a high calibre of bands. This year also see the introduction of a new third stage. Organised in association with the Musician’s Centre the new stage is dedicated to local talent and will focus all its attention on uncovering the latest unsigned talent. Details of how to apply will be revealed soon.
BML also benefits from its amazing venue, Myrtle Park, the perfect festival location. Set in a natural amphitheatre and bordered by stunning mature woodland near the pretty river Aire, first timers are always blown away by the beauty of this hidden gem.
With its picturesque backdrop BML is a great destination for families of all ages wanting to share the festival experience. Not only is there space to chill out under the shade of a tree there are also a whole host of specially organised kids activities in a dedicated family area which are being further improved for 2012.
For those looking for a little luxury or an alternative destination to celebrate a special birthday or hen-do then BML VIP ticket is a must for you! Receive exclusive treatment including; priority parking, jump the queues into the VIP area including bar and luxury loos. There’s an escorted back stage tour + a delicious festival hamper including wine per person and a goodie bag all for £250 per person per day.
Throwing its gates open to over 15,000 happy revellers per day for three glorious days of diverse music, Bingley Music Live not only delivers ‘Big Heart, Big Sounds’ but also has a reputation for offering real value for money. At just for £45 for a three day ticket Bingley Music Live is a must for celebrating the end of summer in style.
