Summer Festival Guide

New Order to headline Saturday night at Bestival 2012

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BESTIVAL’S SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER REVEALED
New Order

LIVE:
Friendly Fires
Death In Vegas / Django Django / Daughter / Drums of Death /  Zulu Winter

PLUS:
Brainfeeder presents 
Thundercat / The Gaslamp Killer / Teebs / Lapalux  / Jeremiah Jae /  DJ Kutmah

DJs: 
Doctor P / Pearson Sound / Borgore / Flux Pavilion / Max Cooper /
Gemini / Pangaea / Pariah / Billy Daniel Bunter / Trolley Snatcha / Blawan / KOAN Sound / Warm & Electric Minds

AND:
Amphitheatre Stage:
Max and Ivan are Holmes and Watson / The Unexpected / Four Screws Loose / About a Bench / Soundbites / Lizard Lounge with Scroobius Pip  / Roundhouse Poetry Collective / RSA talks 

Around the Woods: 
David Lynch Foundation Meditation and Yoga / 
Gideon Reeling's Theatrical Wanderings 

The excitement never stops at Bestival HQ! Following our first line-up announcement, which included the amazing Sigur Rós, The xx, Two Door Cinema Club, Justice, Hot Chip, 2manydjs, Annie Mac Presents and loads more, plus the acts that have been announced on Twitter in the last week, we’re beside ourselves with joy to be able to let you know just who our fantastic Saturday night headliner is and we’ve got even more tasty treats to boot!

New Order

Rob da Bank says: “So I've got Blue Monday blaring out of the Bestival HQ office speakers as we unveil our iconic Saturday night headliner New Order. It doesn't get better than that… but it does! True Faith, Bizarre Love Triangle, Fine Time, Regret – so many amazing records i grew up listening to and still listen to now and they still sound immense, pioneering, legendary. See you down the front!”

One of the UKs most enduring bands, we are truly delighted that our Saturday night headliner will be New Order! Since the band’s reformation in August last year, with Gillian Gilbert back among their ranks, interest in the band has been at fever pitch so it’s an absolute coup that they’re coming to Robin Hill to play a headline set at Bestival! With an armoury of anthems stretching back three decades, New Order live is an essential experience and one that we can’t wait to share with you all!

Friendly FiresNot only have we got such a glorious headliner for you but we also have live appearances from Friendly Fires who will be unleashing their trademark live spectacular in their own inimitably vibrant and widescreen way, psychedelic electro-rockersDeath in Vegas, super-hot eclectic art-pop quartet Django Django, the brooding and brilliant Daughter, rave horn aficionado Drums of Death and the anthemic indie-dance of Zulu Winter.

We’re extremely excited to be welcoming superfly LA beats stable Brainfeeder who will be presenting leftfield loops fromThundercat, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Lapalux, Jeremiah Jae and DJ Kutmah. Plus we’ve got plenty more DJs to keep your feet moving long into the night, including a sweet shop smash and grab with Doctor P, breakdown madness fromPearson Sound, Israeli Dubstepper Borgore and one-man orchestra Flux Pavilion. Plus there will be stark techno fromMax Cooper, bass chaos from Gemini, slow burning jams from Krystal Klear, organic electro from Pangaea, soulful sinewave action from Pariah, upfront rave action from Billy Daniel Bunter, woofer-worrying mayhem from Trolley Snatcha, drum magic from Blawan, Zen riddims from KOAN Sound and the twin bliss of Warm & Electric Minds.

We’ve delved even deeper into the Ambient Forest this year and are very excited to be presenting a brand new performance stage: the Amphitheatre. Nestled under a canopy of trees, this beautiful spot will be home to a host of eclectic treats, from live film scores, to comedy sketch shows, to theatre and poetry.

In the daytime we’ll be showcasing a vast array of the very best spoken word maestros in Scroobius Pip’s Lizard Loungesessions. We’ve also got some seriously funny sketch groups unleashing their hilarity for our chortling pleasure. In Max and Ivan are Holmes and Watson, history’s greatest detective tackles Chicago’s mobster underworld in this thrilling escapade! Next up are The Unexpected, the creators of the hugely popular YouTube sensation ‘Gap Yah’. And then there’s Four Screws Loose: officially the tallest (not to mention the sexiest) sketch comedy group on the circuit! 

In the theatrical offerings, we have the delightful Owdyado Theatre, presenting ‘About A Bench’, a funny, surreal and playful show of ten stories taking place on a park bench. Then newcomers Soundbites will be bringing some of the most hotly tipped theatre makers and musicians face to face to create new short plays that feature live music on stage. Kinda like a live music video. But better. And for mind expanding musings, don’t miss our series of talks from the mighty RSA, who will be presenting ideas and thoughts from some of the leading enlightened thinkers of our time.

As night falls, we’ll be turning to the silver screen. In a first for Bestival, we’ll be teaming up leading DJs and musicians with a handpicked selection of your favourite films, to offer some brilliantly unique live score cinematic collaborations. Rob da Bankwill be leading the way with an unmissable rescoring of the 1930s King Kong! 

And that’s not all that’s going on in the Ambient Forest. Back by popular demand, you can start your day in a secluded clearing in the woods, with a very special meditation or yoga session, presented by leading experts, the David Lynch Foundation. And if you are wandering around after dark, look out for the extraordinarily talented interactive theatre company Gideon Reeling, who’ll be popping up along the trails when you least expect it! Already firm favourites at Camp Bestival, prepare to be enchanted, surprised, enlightened and bewildered by your assortment of encounters with this fabulous gang.

If you like the sound of the Ambient forest then you might just like The Wild Copse, since we’ve announced it, tickets have been selling like the proverbial hot cakes, so if you fancy a bit of a luxury Bestival experience, you’re going to have to get in there quick. More info about the Wild Copse can be found here: http://2012.bestival.net/info/camping/the-wild-copse

Lady Rock Festival details

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Founded and directed by Jackie Crozier, known for her four year reign as Manchester Pride’s festival director (2008 – 2012), LadyRock will showcase female musical talent, from world-class headliners to unsigned, up-and-coming acts.

Jackie Crozier said: “I’m a firm believer in Girl Power, and I think a lot of people are too shy to try and bring that sense of female togetherness back to the 21st century. LadyRock Festival is a fresh and exciting new event that is more than overdue.

“Females are ready for a musical revolution and, for the first time in a while, women seem to be dominating the airwaves. It’s about time this was celebrated in the live music and festival circuit – and where better to start a musical revolution than Manchester?”

The open air site will give the perfect festival atmosphere for LadyRock, which will offer two stages of music and comedy, in addition to on-site activities for the day. A shuttle bus service will operate between the venue and the city centre, as an optional part of ticket purchase.

VIVA Manchester & Cheshire Magazine has become the first official media partner of the festival. Its Editor in Chief, Emma Wilkinson, said: “VIVA is always involved with Manchester’s hottest parties and events, and we love our festivals…  Getting involved with LadyRock Festival just seemed right, so the men better watch out this May, because here come the girls!”

Tickets for LadyRock Festival 2012 will be on sale from 1 March. For more information on LadyRock Festival please see: www.ladyrockfestival.com.

Chase & Status to headline South West Four 2012

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Tickets on general sale Friday 17th February at 9am from:

www.ticketmaster.co.uk/sw4 / 0844 847 2467

“It's great to be headlining a festival in our home town, London. SW4 always has a killer line up and a great atmosphere and I'm sure it'll be one of the highlights of our summer.” Will Kennard (Chase & Status)

Chase & StatusFor the first time in our nine year history, the Clapham carnage will cease at 10pm. That’s an extra hour to indulge in the scintillating sights and sounds of the UK’s premier inner city music event. So with an extra sixty minutes to play with, this year’s line-up will be our biggest ever, showcasing an array of prime international artists on a scale never before experienced at SW4. Inspirational talent synonymous with South West Four’s success, are joined by a host of DJ debuts and manic live acts. Furthermore with improved sound levels, a freeze on 2011 ticket prices and numerous other enhancements, SW4 2012 will bring to the English summer an even greater festival experience.

For Saturday’s coveted headline slot we’re privileged to welcome the world’s most exciting live electronic act, the enigmatic Chase & Status. For this emotional homecoming, expect an intense immersive ethos incorporating raging riffs andhigh octane breakdowns. This frenetic formula earned their acclaimed album ‘No More Idols’ double platinum status and a ‘Best British Group’ nomination at The Brit Awards 2012.

Their baffling, on-the-fly manipulation of dirty, ferocious beats, has also attracted a devoted global fan base, who live and breathe that tumultuous bass driven sound. It’s no wonder, Mixmag nominated Chase & Status for their ‘Greatest Dance Act Of All Time.’ But let’s cut to the chase! With a status as one of the most innovative producers of their generation, this homecoming is preceded by a host of monumental global gigs.

Before shaking Clapham to the core, Chase & Status will headline Miami’s ‘Ultra Music Festival’ and Australia’s flagship ‘Future Music Festival.’ The ten thousand mile distance symbolic of their present standing. Iconic postcode SW4 falls nicely in the centre, a subliminal message maybe as this will be the focal point for Chase & Status’ shining summer activities. A must attend gig for fans of the band and electronic music lovers alike, we look forward to welcoming you all to SW4 2012.

Play Fest earlybird tickets and website launched

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Play Fest is one of the new kids on the block in the UK festival scene. Coming back with a vengeance as a ‘terrible two’ on a mission, Play Fest has already been turning heads and gaining industry attention.  Shortlisted for Best New Festival at the UK festival awards 2011, this is one little ‘un to keep any eye on and with the launch of their brand spanking new websitewww.playfest.co.uk, keep on top of all the upcoming announcements and news with line up additions to be revealed soon!

Taking place from Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd June, this baby gem co-insides with the diamond Jubilee and is all set to be the perfect setting for an alternative garden party this early summer bank holiday! Situated in the heart of Norfolk, Play Fest provides a mix of top acts, local artists, DJs & activities. With an organic ethos and close working relationship with local bands as well as the big-name headliners, Play Fest join forces with a select number of organisations to promote unsigned bands and aim to fill 30% of the slots with local talent over big names. Previous artists on the bill in 2011 included The Futureheads, Frank Turner, Darwin Dees and The King Blues, so with the line-up for 2012 to be released in the next couple of weeks, the excitement at Play Fest HQ is mounting to near combustion level!

Early Bird tickets are on sale now and are available via the Play Fest website for the uber bargain price of £65, grab them now as the offer ends on 28th Feb www.playfest.co.uk

 

TICKETS
Early Bird Full Weekend Camping – £65
Full Weekend Camping – £80
Student Player ticket – Weekend camping with FREE travel from UEA, Cambridge University & Ipswich College – £80
Day Tickets – £35
Car Park – £2.50 per vehicle per day, £5.00 weekend
Children – 1 child 12 or under free per supervising adult / £40 full weekend / £20 day ticket

TIMES AND DATES:

Opening times
Main Stage and Big Top – Saturday and Sunday 11:00am – 01:00am
Dance Arena – Friday 18:00pm – 02:00am Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm – 01:00am

Camping
The campsite opens at 4pm on Friday 1st June 2012, and must be vacated by 2pm Monday 4th June 2012.  The campsite provides toilets and the option to use showers.

Lakefest 2012 details

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Highlights include a great festival line-up, a laser display on the lake, street entertainers, arts and crafts workshops and of course the rinky dinks.

The bands selected are folky but also have the ability to really get people up dancing.  The festival has been built on an open approach with a sense that everyone counts.  Too many festivals these days have become generic and sterile. There aren’t many festivals where the organisers publish their mobile telephone numbers on the website and are available for all to call whenever…. Hence the organisers never want to grow their festival beyond 5000 people!!

The festival takes place on 18th and 19th May 2012 and more information can be found at www.lakefest.co.uk

LakeFest lineup

KT Tunstall to headline Chagstock Festival 2012

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KT TUNSTALL
JUAN ZELADA | RUARRI JOSEPH | THE TRAVELLING BAND 
NEW CRISIS | BIG BOY BLOATER | EMILY AND THE WOODS 
MAD DOG McREA | KATE McGILL | MARTIN HARLEY BAND
THE MONKEYGLAND BLUES BAND
Many more acts, including Saturday headliners, still to be announced

Acts recently confirmed for the eclectic family-friendly festival include a Friday night acoustic stage headline performance from KT Tunstall, plus performances from the critically acclaimed Juan Zelada, Cornwall-based singer-songwriter Ruarri Joseph, Jools Holland favourite Big Boy Bloater and alt-folk troubadours The Travelling Band. Many more acts, including the main and acoustic stage Saturday night headliners are yet to be announced.

Chagstock returns to its traditional 2-day format in 2012 and has confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for what will be its sixth year. These include a major new zone called "The Village Green", a revamped and enlarged children's area, the announcement that all children under 12 can attend for free, and a renewed emphasis on ensuring that wherever possible its performing artists, food, traders and brewery all have strong Westcountry links. 

Chagstock's capacity is once again capped at just 5,000 tickets to ensure that its intimate, family-friendly atmosphere is maintained, and as in previous years these are expected to sell out well in advance. Discounted early bird tickets are availabile until the end of February, priced at just £50 for an adult weekend ticket including camping and parking.

Simon Ford from Chagstock Festival says, "After the success of our fifth anniversary in 2011, everyone involved in Chagstock Festival is working hard to ensure this year's event is even better. With the tough economic times that people are currently facing, it is essential to offer not only a wonderful event, but at prices that people can afford. With this in mind we have brought down our ticket prices to 2010 levels, and are now offering free tickets to all accompanied children aged under 12"

This year's fancy dress theme will be Kings, Queens & Knights Of The Round Table

Early Bird weekend tickets are £50 (Adults), £35 (Under 18's) and Under 12's are free (ticket is still required). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Under 18s is £150. All weekend tickets include 2 nights of camping, access to all music and on-site events and car parking. Day tickets are also available. Booking fees apply.
Tickets are available from http://www.chagstock.info/buy-tickets

Tim Minchin set to ignite Larmer Tree Festival

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Plus newly confirmed music acts:

Edward II • Vintage Trouble • Akala • The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company • Shlomo • Otis Gibbs • DJ Derek • Jason Ringenberg • Urban Folk Quartet • The Wave Pictures • Crowns • Rachel Sermanni • Keston Cobblers Club • Still Moving DJs

Performing his unique brand of musical comedy, Tim will be wowing audiences on Thursday 12th July with his back catalogue of hilarious, scathing and often unsettlingly lovely songs. 

Tim Minchin

Guaranteed to have audiences in stiches, Tim is well-known for his iconic dance moves, wildly teased hair, and enormous sense of occasion.  A veteran comedian, he’s made appearances on TV shows such as the BBC’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Genius and Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, as well as BBC Radio 2’s comedy sitcom Strings and BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage.  Tim’s performed sell-out shows across the UK and recently toured with the 55-piece Heritage Orchestra performing his biggest live show ever, culminating at two sold-out nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Julia Safe, Co-Director of Larmer Tree Festival said:  “We’re very excited to be welcoming Tim Minchin and his grand piano to the festival – he’s the biggest comedy headliner we’ve ever had!  To celebrate this, and make sure the whole audience see him, Tim will be our first comedian to grace the Main Stage.  This year’s festival is shaping up to be the best yet and we can’t wait for July.”

The stunning Victorian Larmer Tree Gardens also play host to an impressive and eclectic mix of music.  Joining confirmed headlinersJools Holland (Wednesday 11th July) and Levellers (Friday 13th July), just booked music acts include Edward II, Vintage Trouble, Akala, The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company, Shlomo, Otis Gibbs, Jason Ringenberg, Urban Folk Quartet, The Wave Pictures, Crowns, Rachel Sermanni,  Keston Cobblers Club and Still Moving DJs.  A firm favourite among regular Larmers, the legendary DJ Derek will also be back, ready to spin more reggae classics. 

With an exciting programme of music, comedy and a huge timetable of over 150 free workshops, shows and activities, there really is something for everyone at this family-focused festival.  Tickets include all entertainment, free parking and camping for tents, caravans and campervans, and under 5s go free so there are no additional costs.

A three day ticket costs £140 per adult but festival-goers can enjoy a four or five day weekend for only an extra £25 or £50 respectively.

For more information on what’s going on, line-up news and to book a ticket visit www.larmertreefestival.co.uk.

MUSIC LINE-UP SO FAR:

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest TBC • Levellers • Imagined Village • Fatoumata Diawara • Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends • Edward II •  Vintage Trouble • Raghu Dixit • Akala • Dub Pistols • Shlomo • Dizraeli and The Small Gods •Red Sky July • Otis Gibbs • Emily Barker & the Red Clay Halo • The Legendary DJ Derek • Jason Ringenberg • Cahalen Morrison & Eli West • Urban Folk Quartet • The Miserable Rich • O'Hooley & Tidow • The Wave Pictures • Crowns • Bard • Rachel Sermanni • J P Cooper • Churchfitters • Keston Cobblers Club • The Lasting Days • Boat to Row • Ali Warren • Still Moving DJs

COMEDY LINE-UP SO FAR:

Tim Minchin

Villagers to headline this years Deer Shed Festival

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The team behind the festival book bands they love, work with like-minded people, keep it chilled, don’t squeeze a thousand tents into a field the size of a postage stamp and don’t charge a fortune. Good old-fashioned hospitality and great bands. In the first of several announcements revealing plans for the bigger and bolder Deer Shed Festival 3, the team are thrilled to confirm the following acts for this July.

Villagers will headline the Main Stage on Saturday 21st July. The moniker for singer-songwriter Conor J. O’Brien and his cohorts, 2010 saw Villagers’ debut album released on Domino Records – a Mercury Prize nomination and Ivor Novello awards quickly followed. To say that their second album (due for a late summer release) is hotly anticipated is a massive understatement. Their first UK festival appearance of 2012, the Deer Shed Festival audience are in for a captivating performance of O’Brien’s beautifully crafted songs.

Cherry Ghost will close the festival on Sunday 22nd July but this is a Main Stage headline set with a difference – the band will take to the stage at 2.45pm. Sunday is Deer Shed Festival’s long goodbye – brunch, newspapers, crafts market and, for the first time, performances on the Main Stage before the arena closes late afternoon. A fitting finale to a weekend of fine music and good times, festival-goers will head home with Cherry Ghost’s acoustic performance and Simon Aldred’s glorious voice ringing in their ears.

Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny’s debut album, ‘Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose’, was released this week and has been receiving plaudits left, right and centre. Deservedly so, Houghton has an imagination the size of the planet, her music is an inventive delight blending folk with psychedelia and glam rock and her performances brim with style and drama. The Main Stage will play home to the band on Saturday.

Dutch Uncles combine incredible musicianship, sharp hooks and insanely danceable time signatures into perfectly formed music that can only be described as ‘prog-pop’. Fronted by the intensely watchable, and very energetic, Duncan Wallis, this Manchester band will headline the In The Dock Stage on Friday night.

Treetop Flyers call their music “pure country soul”. A blend of folk, rock, country and soul, this five-piece, sepia-tinged band will play the Deer Shed Festival Main Stage on Saturday afternoon. Infused with the spirit of The Band, Neil Young and Crosby, Stills & Nash, the band will provide a perfect 1970’s feel soundtrack to a summer’s afternoon.

The first act to be announced for the brand new Lake Stage is Tupelo who will headline Friday night.  Their music takes the fiddle-led acoustic approach of the Deep South and combines it with gutsy Irish folk. Joining them on the new stage will be Rachel Sermanniwho performs on Saturday; this Scottish singer-songwriter signed to the Communion collective has an incredibly compelling voice and a unique talent for earthy folk melodies and dextrous fingerpicking.

We Were Evergreen, an alternative indie-electro-pop band from France play the Main Stage on Sunday. Possessing a wide-eyed, child-like joie de vivre, this Gallic trio’s mellow yet uplifting choruses will provide a suitably lovely theme tune to the Deer Shed Festival long goodbye on the last day of the weekend.

Building on the success of two well received and sold-out festivals since it debuted in 2010 (including being shortlisted for the Best Family-Festival at the UK Festival Awards 2011), Deer Shed Festival is stretching its wings a little this year with a bigger line-up that includes Main Stage and In The Dock Stage performances on all three days and a brand new Lake Stage.

Further plans for this year will be unveiled soon – more acts including the Friday night headliner, details of the new site layout which has increased by a third, a cinema tent, especially commissioned theatre productions, expanded arts and activities programme and, of course, the all-important theme. Last year’s Sky at Night theme saw Professor Brian Cox levels of stargazing before it all got so trendy.

Tickets are available now through http://www.deershedfestival.com/tickets/ or Ticketline on 0844 888 9991.

Feist to perform at Flow Festival 2012

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More additions to the line up will be released on Tuesday, February 14. The ninth Flow Festival will be organised in Helsinki's Suvilahti on 8–12 August 2012.

Leslie Feist (born 1976) rose to the forefront of modern pop music with her 2007 album "The Reminder". Both critics and fans lauded what was to become the talented artist's breakthrough record thanks to Feist's remarkable charisma, her sheer talent as a singer and songwriter, and the hit-filled album's depth as a musical achievement. Feist's 2011 LP "Metals" took things a step further, introducing a more organic sonic palette with added warmth, offering the perfect backdrop for one of the most talented vocalists in modern music.

On Sunday 12 August 2012, Feist will make her long overdue Finnish debut at Flow Festival.
 
www.flowfestival.com
www.facebook.com/FlowFestival
www.twitter.com/FlowFestival

Tickets: Tiketti www.tiketti.fi, tel. +358 (0) 600-1-1616

4 days: FRI – SUN + Opening Concert/ 160 €
3 days: FRI – SUN / 130 €
1 day: SUN 12 Aug / 70 € (other single day tickets will be released for sale at a later date)
Opening Concert WED 8 Aug / 49 €
Other ticket types will go on sale on February 14 2012.

Sónar announces lineup for Barcelona, Cape Town, Tokyo, & São Paulo

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  • deadmau5Sónar Barcelona, which will take place on 14, 15 and June 16, presents its first confirmed artists, including The Roots, Deadmau5, Hot Chip, Modeselektor, James Blake dj, Fatboy Slim, Richie Hawtin, Amon Tobin’s ISAM, Squarepusher, Nicolas Jaar, Luciano, Azari & III, Jacques Lu Cont, Friendly Fires, Metronomy, John Talabot, Mouse On Mars, BBC Radio 1 presents Annie Mac & guests and showcases from Hyperdub, Brainfeeder and 100% Silk, among others.
     
  • The festival travels to Africa for the first time with "A Taste of Sónar" on March the 2nd, in Cape Town (South Africa), in collaboration with the large multidisciplinary event Design Indaba. Among those performing will be Modeselektor, Byetone, Brodinski and some of the most prominent South African artists working today.
  • Sónar returns to Japan – for the fifth time – on 21 and 22 April for SonarSound Tokyo, with a line-up combining major international artists such as Squarepusher, The Cinematic Orchestra, Vincent Gallo, Clark, Rustie and some of the most outstanding representatives of today's Japanese scene.
  • Sónar São Paulo takes place on 11 and 12 May, and will be the largest of all the events organized by Sónar outside Barcelona, featuring – among others – Mogwai, Jeff Mills, Squarepusher, Za! and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, in addition to the previously announced artists Björk, Justice, Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto, James Blake, Four Tet and Modeselektor.
  • This year for the first time, Sónar is introducing the new payment system in two instalmentsfor purchasing the 3-day pass for the festival in Barcelona, with an initial payment of 80€ when the booking is made (before 31 March) and a second payment of 75€ before 5 May. Find all information about the Sónar tickets here
  • These 3 new dates make a total of 31 events that Sónar has organized all over the world, in countries like the United States, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Argentina, among others.