Festivals

Looking for the latest lineup, date, ticket information or latest news about your favourite festivals, look no further.  Summer Festival Guide’s Festival News section covers all your needs!

Professor Green, DJ Krush and more added to Bestival

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18 STAGES OF LIVE MUSIC AND DJ’S, ROCKSTARS, POPSTARS AND DIVAS FANCY DRESS, RETURN OF THE WISHING TREE, HEAVENLY HEALING, FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR, COMEDY AND SIDESHOWS. NEW FOR 2011 THE ROLLER DISCO BALLROOM FIELD, THE SWAMP SHACK, AFTERBURNER ARENA WALL OF DEATH, KERSTIN RODGERS UNDERGROUND RESTAURANT, BOOM BOOM CLUB CABARET, CLASSIC ALBUM SUNDAYS, FREESTYLE SPORTS PARK AND SO MUCH MORE.

LIVE: OFWGKTA / TOM VEK / PROFESSOR GREEN / KITTY DAISY AND LEWIS / HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR / CRYSTAL FIGHTERS / SOUND OF RUM / ALEX WINSTON / BEN HOWARD / BRIGITTE APHRODITE / CATHERINE A.D. / 
CATHERINE OKADA /CHANCERY BLAME AND THE GADJO CLUB / CHEVIOT HILL / CHRIS PECK & THE FAMILY TREE / DOG IS DEAD / DR SYNTAX / FLY FRANKIE FLY / GHOSTPOET / GIDEON’S DEMISE / GOODBYE STEREO / 
GYPSY & THE CAT / HEMPOLICS / JACKSON ANALOGUE / JAMES OWEN FENDER / LOSERS / LUCY ROSE / 
LUKE CONCANNON / MAZES / MC XANDER / MIRRORS / NOSAJ THING / PAUL CHAMBERS / PAUL KALKBRENNER / PUNK’S NOT DAD / PUZZLE MUTESON / SECRET RIVALS / STOPMAKINGME / SUBGIANT / TALL SHIPS / 
THE CHAPMAN FAMILY / THE FAN JETS / THE PINEY GIR COUNTRY ROADSHOW / TRIPWIRES / 
VARIOUS CRUELTIES / WOO WOOS

DJS: DJ KRUSH / APPLEBIM / PEARSON SOUND / DANNY BYRD / CHRIS COCO / CHANNEL ONE SOUNDSYSTEM ACROSS THE TRACKS / AL TOURETTES / ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / BARMISTFITS / BEAT A MAXX / BENJI BOKO / DAVEY MORGAN / DEAF BY DISCO / DJ RASTACORE / DUFFSTEP / FEELING GLOOMY / FILTHY DUKES / JFB / JOAKIM / KAF-TAN / LEO ZERO / LOVESICK / LUKE SOLOMON / MAX BRENNAN / MONKI / OLLI DUTTON / PSYCHEMAGIK / REV MILO SPEEDWAGON / SANCHO PANZA / SHELLAC COLLECTIVE /
TAYO’S TRACKSUIT PARTY PRESENTS ‘FRESH TO DEATH’ / THOMAS URV / TIMO GARCIA / WHITE WEDDING 

PLUS: COMMUNION HOST THE BANDSTAND

AND: THE NEXTMEN VS BESTIVAL 2011 – FREE DJ MIX!

Rob da Bank says: ‘Out of everyone that I’ve booked so far for Bestival I’m possibly more excited, nervous and downright psyched up that I’ve landed OFWGKTA for the main stage at Bestival. Believe me this will be a legendary, incendiary performance not to be missed. Tom Vek played one of the first ever Bestis and i can’t wait for his return as well as my main man Professor Green and a shedload more live bands and DJs to tickle your nether regions. I’m also very proud to welcome a new musical partner Communion on board – these dudes know their folk onions so watch out for them on The Bandstand on Sunday.’

We are beside ourselves with joy that the most exciting hip-hop act to have emerged for years and years Odd Future will be flying in to the Isle of Wight from LA to join our Robin Hill shebang! A true musical phenomenon headed up by Tyler The Creator, OFWGKTA’s live shows are about as punk rock as it’s possible to get and we’re going to be right in the middle of the mosh pit. See you there. That alone would be amazing but we also have the comeback king Tom Vek returning to Bestival. After a mysterious six year hiatus, Tom Vek’s new album ‘Leisure Seizure’ looks set to be one of the albums of the summer and here’s a sneak preview of a new track ‘World of Doubt’ to get you in Professor Greenthe mood. Hackney’s finest Professor Green will be hyping the crowd with his trademark mix of attitude and heavy hooks, Sunday Best trio Kitty, Daisy And Lewis will be making a very welcome return to Bestival treating Bestivalites to self-penned tracks from their critically acclaimed new album ‘Smoking in Heaven’, New York discoid grooves will come courtesy of Hercules and Love Affair, Crystal Fighters will deliver a salvo of  Anglo-Spanish electro action and Sound of Rum, another gem amongst Sunday Best’s august stable of delights, will be blowing the crowds away with fat beats and devastating rhymes.  

There will also be sets from Alex Winston, Ben Howard, Brigitte Aphrodite, Catherine A.D., Catherine Okada, Chancery Blame And The Gadjo Club, Cheviot Hill, Chris Peck & The Family Tree, Dog Is Dead, Dr Syntax, Fly Frankie Fly, Ghostpoet, Gideon’s Demise, Goodbye Stereo, Gypsy & The Cat, Hempolics, Jackson Analogue, James Owen Fender, Losers, Lucy Rose, Luke Concannon, Mazes, Mc Xander, Mirrors, Nosaj Thing, Paul Chambers, Paul Kalkbrenner, Punk’s Not Dad, Puzzle Muteson, Secret Rivals, Stopmakingme, Subgiant, Tall Ships, The Chapman Family, The Fan Jets, The Piney Gir Country Roadshow, Tripwires, Various Cruelties, and Woo Woos.

DJ KrushThere are plenty more DJS who will hopping ‘pon the ones and twos including Japanese hip-hop pioneer and trip-hop legend DJ Krush, sub-surfing dubstepper Applebim, Ramadanman alter-ego Pearson Sound , Hospital records stalwart Danny Byrd and horizontal groove-master Chris Coco.  Plus we will have the mighty Channel One Soundsystem roaring like a lion and breaking down the barriers playing roots rock reggae music and there will be hands in the air action from Across The Tracks, Al Tourettes, Artificial Intelligence, Barmistfits, Beat A Maxx, Benji Boko, Davey Morgan, Deaf By Disco, Dj Rastacore, Duffstep, Feeling Gloomy, Filthy Dukes, JFB, Joakim, Kaf-Tan, Leo Zero, Lovesick, Luke Solomon, Max Brennan, Monki, Olli Dutton, Psychemagik, Rev Milo Speedwagon, Sancho Panza, Shellac Collective, Tayo’s Tracksuit Party Presents ‘Fresh To Death’, Thomas Urv, Timo Garcia, and mental reception vibes from White Wedding. 

We are over the moon that none-more hip folksters Communion will be hosting the Bandstand on Sunday. The most cutting edge folk club around Communion will be presenting Marcus Foster, Ben Howard and brand new act Daughter. 

Ben Lovett from Communion and Mumford & Sons said: ‘Bestival has fast become one of the most exciting British festivals both as an artist and a punter. With Communion hosting the Sunday bandstand this year we can’t wait to share in our celebration of new music and new communities.’

To get you in the mood for our 8th Bestival we have a staggeringly good The Nextmen vs Bestival 2011 free DJ mix available to download right now at NME.com. A roller-coaster ride of high-upon-high showboating top ranking tunes from the great and the good playing at Bestival and Camp Bestival this year, brought to you by the UK’s finest festival DJs The Nextmen, you need this mix in your life! So, what are you waiting for, get it while you can?!

Lastly but certainly not least you may have heard amidst the twitter-sphere, we have confirmed out third headliner and we’re bursting with excitement but we can’t tell you about that just yet. Combining the best elements of popstar, rockstar and diva into one super-exciting show-stopper, it will be worth the wait. Promise!  So stick 1st July in your diary and we’ll reveal all then!  But don’t hang around if you don’t have a ticket they’re flying; Ticketline has sold out and tickets from Red Funnel, Wightlink and Big Green Coach are selling like hotcakes. 

Remember to keep on checking www.bestival.net for all the up to the minute news.

Ticket Info:
Bestival Tickets: 

Tickets Only AND Ticket & Ferry packages:
0844 844 9988 / www.redfunnel.co.uk/bestival   
0871 376 1000 / www.wightlink.co.uk/Bestival  

Ticket & Coach Packages: www.biggreencoach.co.uk/bestival 
BESTIVAL 2011 PRICES
Adult Weekend Ticket (inc. camping) – £170
Student Weekend Ticket (inc. camping) – £160
Age 13 to 15 Weekend Ticket (inc. camping) – £85
Age 12 and Under Weekend Ticket (inc. camping) – FREE (but you must obtain a ticket)**

All Tickets:
– include camping.
– will incur a booking fee.
– there are No Day Tickets.

Arenal Sound Festival full lineup announced

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HurtsHaving already confirmed Scissor Sisters, Calvin Harris, Tiga, Orbital DJ set, The Third Twin, Rinôçérôse Delorean, The Charlatans and El Guincho amongst a long list of national and international bands and DJ-s, Arenal Sound is essentially the summer beach party not to be missed.

An amazing line-up with an incredible price tag, the festival is currently running a ticket promotion in the UK, available on See Tickets, Ticketweb and Lastminute.com.

Four Day Ticket to the festival + 5 day camping: £35
Four Day Ticket to the festival + 10 day camping: £40

The location of Arenal Sound is also another of its strong points, with the various stages located right on the Arenal beach, festival goers can enjoy 24 hours of music, themed parties at the Beach Club Live, water and extreme sports and beach sport tournaments under the sun.

This festival has proven to be huge success with national and international crowds looking for a beach festival to suit all pockets. The first edition saw over 100,000 revellers descending to the sand of the Arenal beach for four days of the best pop-rock, indie, electronic music and countless beach activities.

The extensive camping area, conveniently located by the sea, will be open to the public from 29 July to 8 August. Those buying the 10 day camping ticket will be able to enjoy beach activities and numerous parties, including the popular opening and closing parties.

The town of Burriana is situated 7 miles south from Castellon and 5 miles south from Benicassim, in the Valencia region of Spain. With direct flights to Valencia City from every major UK airport, this is the summer festival not to be missed.

More info

Line-up so far: Scissor Sisters, Calvin Harris, Tiga, Hurts, Orbital DJ set, The Third Twin, Vive la Fête, Rinôçérôse, The Charlatans, Delorean, El Guincho,The Suicide of Western Culture, Mystery Jets DJ set, Franz Ferdinand DJ set, Polock, Vetusta Morla, Russian Red, We are Standard, La Habitacion Roja, Triangulo de Amor Bizarro, The Leadings, POL 3.14, Tulsa, Canteca de Macao, La Pulqueria, Miss Caffeina, Twelve Dolls, Dinero.

Dates: August 4th-7th 2011
Where: Arenal Beach – Burriana (Castellon)
Ticket Price:
Four Day Pass incl.5 night camping – £35 (limited offer)
Four Day Pass incl.10 night camping – £40 (limited offer)
Available on See Tickets, Ticketweb and Lastminute
Band schedule: TBC
Doors open: 29th July 9 (time TBC)
Doors close: 8th August (time TBC)
To get there:
Closest airport: Valencia airport. All major UK airports operate daily direct flights to Valencia airport.

Valencia airport is situated 8 km. west of the city. There are a frequent bus-service from the terminal to the city centre, metro line and taxi-service. For more information check:
http://www.valencia-cityguide.com/tourist-information/transport/transport-from-the-airport-to-the-city.html

From Valencia City to Castellon: There are regular trains operating daily.
For train schedules check: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html
Age Restrictions: Under 18-s will have to be accompanied by an adult. 

Ziggy Marley, D12, Kassidy and more for V Festival

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ziggy marleyV Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, is proud to announce another string of fresh talent to the 2011 line up including Kassidy, The Knux, Twenty Twenty, Slaughterhouse, Big Country and Aloe Blacc. Ziggy Marley will also be bringing his reggae style to the stage in what promises to be a spectacular weekend of live music across the 20th and 21st August. 

Hip-hop heavyweights D12 will also be making their debut on V Festival soil for their own stand out performance adding to a line up that already features their long-term collaborator Eminem.

Ziggy Marley, “It’s been a long time since I have been to the UK, I am really looking forward to my trip and doing the v festival is perfect , thanks for the opportunity. See you soon.”

Kassidy comments, “Really looking forward to V, this will be the first time we have ever been, and after hearing all about it from other bands, we can’t wait to get there.”

Twenty Twenty Comments, ‘To be honest, we still can’t quite believe we have been asked to play V! It’s an absolute dream come true for Twenty Twenty and we feel extremely lucky to be part of such an amazing festival!’

Festivalgoers kicking themselves for not getting tickets can still take advantage of V Style, a new luxurious range of stylish accommodation available on site at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. Sleep in decadent surroundings by choosing between a lux pad, pop up hotel room, yurt or perhaps even a gypsy caravan to rest your tired festival head at the end of each night. V Style tickets include* weekend passes and all your accommodation needs taken care of including a warm shower and premium toilets. You’ll never go back to normal camping again!

ARCTIC MONKEYS • EMINEM • RIHANNA • PLAN B • DIZZEE RASCAL • PRIMAL SCREAM (SCREAMADELICA) • THE SCRIPT • KAISER CHIEFS • MANIC STREET PREACHERS • LOSTPROPHETS • RAZORLIGHT • PENDULUM • DURAN DURAN • CHASE AND STATUS • SCOUTING FOR GIRLS • TINIE TEMPAH • THE COURTEENERS • MARK RONSON • GLASVEGAS • THE WOMBATS • BRUNO MARS • ELLIE GOULDING • JESSIE J • N-DUBZ • BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE • PROFESSOR GREEN • EXAMPLE • GOOD CHARLOTTE • HURTS • KATY B • KT TUNSTALL • SQUEEZE • THE SATURDAYS • WIZ KHALIFA • OLLY MURS • YOU ME AT SIX • ZIGGY MARLEY  •  CHIPMUNK • FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS • IMELDA MAY • CAST • OCEAN COLOUR SCENE • ELIZA DOOLITTLE • KELE • KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES • NOISETTES • LABRINTH •  BELLOWHEAD • ALOE BLACC •   THE WANTED •  BIG COUNTRY • D12 • CLARE MAGUIRE •  DIONNE BROMFIELD •  KASSIDY  • THE KNUX  • CHIDDY BANG • WRETCH 32  • TWENTY TWENTY • SLAUGHTERHOUSE

The Big Feastival One Big Menu announced

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Festival grub will never be the same again as The Big Feastival unveils ‘One Big Menu’ - a gourmet festival menu developed by Jamie Oliver and chefs from some of the UK’s top restaurants, includingThomasina Miers, Giorgio Locatelli, Peter Gordon, Atul Kochhar, Cyrus Todiwala, and Cass Titcombe. Festival-goers will be able to indulge in the ultimate dining experience, sampling special dishes by visiting the top notch pop-up restaurants all in a festival field and best of all, it’s all for charity with event profits going to the Prince’s Trust and the Jamie Oliver Foundation.

Jamie Oliver Commented: “The One Big Menu represents some of the finest food that London’s restaurants have to offer. If you’re a real foodie or even if you’ve got just a passing interest in great food, I reckon there’s nowhere else this summer where you’d find a greater variety of better value, high quality food in one place and there’s no other way you could realistically eat a fantastic starter at Trinity, a delicious main course at Locanda Locatelli and finish off with a brilliant Vinoteca dessert – and hear good music.  The fact that the profits go to charity just adds to the uniqueness of The Big Feastival.”

Unveiled by the Chefs during a Twitter Party that gave the public a rare chance to ask the chefs their cookery queries, One Big Menu’s delectable dishes include starters from Canteen who will be serving up ham hock terrine with sourdough bread & picalilli; Trinity whose pop-up kitchen will have scotch Clarence Court egg with sage & onion served with cider mayonnaise and Redhook, who will serve popcorn shrimp.

Main courses come courtesy of Michelin starred Benares who are presenting a unique chicken tikka pie, the nation’s favourite dish…in a pie! Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s GBK west country 4oz beef burger and Portobello mushroom stack burger both served in a sesame sourdough bun with a choice of sauces are sure to satisfy the heartiest appetites. Wahaca will provide pork pibil tacos and summer vegetable tacos to entice; Cafe Spice Namaste will have organic rhug welsh mutton kofta with rice on offer; Barbecoa will be preparing pit smoked barbecue pulled pork shoulder and slaw; Fifteen will be serving fantastic smoked chicken; Providores will have NZ lamb sam; Locanda Locatelli will be concocting a piadina with parma ham, squacquerone cheese and rocket and a vegetarian piadina and newly announced restaurantAlbannach will be providing festival goers with their unique twist on delicious Scottish fare with mini haggis with neeps and tatties.

Puddings come from Vinoteca who will tempt all with a dark chocolate cremoso with fresh English raspberries, coconut & toasted almonds and another newly announced restaurant Cinnamon Kitchenwho will be preparing modern Indian delights serving a mango mousse with mango mint salad. There are still some more delicious dishes to be announced so please keep checking www.thebigfeastival.co.uk for all the latest news.

Encouraging festival goers to try different courses across a number of gourmet outlets at The Big Feastival, the experience is bringing three-course gourmet food directly to the consumer. With a standard ticket package that includes 3 or 5 dishes, it’s a unique proposition in the festival calendar that makes great food accessible and affordable to all.

And imagine the artists’ riders! With a line-up that boasts legends such as The Charlatans, Soul II Soul and Norman Jay, as well as hot new talent such as Trophy Wife and Saint Saviour, expect three-course riders with popcorn shrimp, posh scotch eggs, and chicken tikka pie a plenty!

As well as all the tantalising tastes on offer The Big Feastival can also announce the latest music acts to join The Big Feastival bill, including New York nu-disco collective Hercules & Love Affair who will be taking their party vibes to the stage on Saturday night. With their latest album Blue Songs causing waves across club land, Andy Butler and his crew of vocalists, including fully fledged disco diva Shaun Wright and the ever-flamboyant Aerea Negrot, are bound to have everyone dancing the night away.

The Big Feastival is also pleased to announce that trail-blazing DJ Tom Middleton will be hitting the decks to get keep you dancing into Saturday night. Known for his trademark widescreen musical repertoire, taking in ambient to drum & bass, techno to rock n’ roll, Tom is a true dance pioneer, who even considered becoming a chef at one point! 

ONE BIG MENU:

STARTERS
Canteen: Ham Hock Terrine with Sourdough Bread & Picalilli
Trinity: Scotch Clarence Court Egg with Sage & Onion served with Cider Mayonnaise
Redhook: Popcorn Shrimp

MAINS 
Benares: Chicken Tikka Pie
Gourmet Burger Kitchen: GBK West Country 4oz Beef Burger / Portobello Mushroom Stack Burger (both served in a sesame sourdough bun with a choice of sauces)
Wahaca: Pork Pibil Tacos / Summer Vegetable Tacos
Cafe Spice Namaste: Organic Rhug Welsh Mutton Kofta with Rice
Barbecoa: Pit Smoked Barbecue Pulled Pork Shoulder and Slaw
Fifteen: Smoked Chicken
Providores: NZ Lamb Sam
Locanda Locatelli: Piadina (with Parma ham, Squacquerone cheese and rocket) / Vegetarian Piadina
Albannach: Mini Haggis with Neeps and Tatties

PUDDINGS
Vinoteca: Dark Chocolate Cremoso with Fresh English Raspberries, Coconut & Toasted Almonds
Cinnamon Kitchen: Mango Mousse with Mango Mint Salad

More dishes still to be announced. Please check www.thebigfeastival.co.uk for the latest information.


MUSIC:
Friday: Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler / New Young Pony Club / Norman Jay Good Times /
Roots Manuva / Saint Saviour / Danny Rampling / Ashley Beedle

Saturday: The Charlatans / Mystery Jets / Kurran & The Wolfnotes / Trophy Wife / Hercules & Love Affair / Tom Middleton 

Sunday: Athlete / Guillemots / The Bees / Guilty Pleasures / The Cuban Brothers

RESTAURANTS:
Locanda Locatelli / The Providores / Wahaca / Fifteen / Canteen / Barbecoa / Benares / Redhook / 
Vinoteca / Cafe Spice Namaste / GBK / Giant Robot Present The VIP Bar / Coach & Horses / Trinity / Cinnamon Kitchen / Albannach

CHEFS:
Giorgio Locatelli / Thomasina Miers / Peter Gordon / Jonathan Downey / Jamie Oliver / Rachel Allen / 
Jo Pratt / Atul Kochhar / Theo Randall / Matt Tebbutt / Michael Caines / Gennaro Contaldo / 
Sophie Grigson

TICKET INFORMATION:

Ticketline – 0844 888 9991 / http://www.ticketline.co.uk

Friday 1st July: 14:00 – 22:30
Saturday 2nd July: 12:00 – 22:30
Sunday 3rd July: 10:00 – 20:00

Early Bird – £35 - Music + Festival Entertainment

Adults (18+) Standard 3 ‘Dishes’** Ticket – £65 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (3 Feastival ‘Dishes’)

Adults (18+) Standard 5 ‘Dishes’** Ticket – £75 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (5 Feastival ‘Dishes’)

VIP Tickets (18+) £125 - Music + festival entertainment + 5 Feastival Dishes + VIP bar by Giant Robot with unlimited beer wine and soft drinks + non-stop fantastic food

FAMILY (2 adults, 2 children 12-17***) – £175 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (A family receives 16 Dishes between them)

Child Tickets (Aged 12-17)*** – £25 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (3 Dishes)

Child Tickets (Aged 11 And Under)*** – Free Entry!

** A ‘Dish entitles you to a free meal at one of the onsite restaurants. 24 chefs and restaurants are participating in this exciting fundraising event.  Each restaurant will have their own pop-up kitchen to provide a signature dish. 

Bloodstock new lineup additions + Fancy Dress theme revealed

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After a 24 year silence, NWOBHM pioneers HELL return to the world of metal with an appearance on the RONNIE JAMES DIO stage. Cited as a huge indirect influence, and as one of the true founding fathers of occult metal, the band formed in 1982 from the carcasses of UK metal bands RACE AGAINST TIME and PARALEX. Seemingly plagued by disaster, HELL were shunned by the metal press at the time, who could not get their collective heads around a band so different and ahead of their time. Add to this a bankrupt label, and the tragic suicide of singer/guitarist Dave Halliday, the world was not yet ready for HELL.
 
Returning with re-recordings of 10 classics from the 80s, and armed with legendary metal producer, guitarist Andy Sneap replacing Halliday on guitar, and David Bower on vocals, HELL’s legacy becomes reborn at CATTON HALL this summer. 
 
“We had a lot of people asking us why we weren’t playing Bloodstock” says guitarist Andy Sneap“well it seems your demands have been granted approval by the Bloodstock consulate and we are honoured to be asked to play at Catton Hall on Saturday 13th August” 

Over on the SOPHIE stage, newcomers DRIPBACK will bring their noisy mayhem to the tented arena. Featuring members of BLOODSTOCK alumni TED MAUL and underground heroes LABRAT,DRIPBACK play a fierce blend of hardcore, death and thrash metal inspired by the metal and hardcore of the mid-90s. Sounding like an angry Entombed fighting a tooled up Biohazard, this London mob were recently seen supporting Soilent Green on their tour of the UK, and have their debut release out on Siege Of Amida records next month.
 
Says guitarist G Drax:
 
“Grit your teeth and beg for mercy! Dripback are hyped to play this years Bloodstock festival – no fuckin excuses Dripback are ready to smash Bloodstock 2011!” 

With the line-up nearly complete, and just a couple of months to go, it’s time to start planning your costume for BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011’s fancy dress theme night. The Friday is always a fun night, and with what would have been Hammer Horror legend VINCENT PRICE’s 100th Birthday coming this Friday, we thought what better way to pay tribute to the gruesome guru than a Hammer Horror theme this year. 
 
We’re asking fans to come as their favourite morbid monsters, with prizes on offer for the most impressive costumes that manage to send chills down the spines of spectators despite the summer sun. From DRACULA and his brides to FRANKENSTEIN’s Monster, WEREWOLVES and all manner of creepy creatures, there are piles of possibilities, including some perfectly practical ones like theMUMMY or INVISIBLE MAN, which solves the problem of the late night hunt for bog-roll on the campsite.
 
BLOODSTOCK has long been championed for it’s Metal Karaoke – frankly the most metal fun you can have anywhere – and this year we aim to make it extra special by hosting the MONSTER MOSH. Whether it be DRACULA doing DIO, FRANKENSTEIN fronting FINNTROLL or a WEREWOLFwailing along to WOLF, a special grand prize is on offer for the most horrifically impressive karaoke performance. 
 
BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011 takes place at Catton Hall August 12th – 14th.
 
Tickets for the 2011 event are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com
 
BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011     
12th – 14th AUGUST 2011
 
BAND LINE UP SO FAR:
 
Ronnie James Dio Stage
WASP – IMMORTAL – MOTORHEAD  
DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT – MORBID ANGEL – AT THE GATES – RHAPSODY OF FIRE – THERION – CORONER – KREATOR – NEVERMORE – EXODUS -TRIPTYKON – HAMMERFALL – WINTERSUN – FINNTROLL – GRAVE DIGGER – IHSAHN – NAPALM DEATH – TAROT – FORBIDDEN – WOLF – POISON BLACK – 1349 – SKELETONWITCH – THE DEFILED
 
Sophie Lancaster Stage
ANGELWITCH – CRIMINAL – LAWNMOWER DETH – ARTHEMIS – POWER QUEST – THE ROTTED – OCTOBER FILE – NEMHAIM – DEF CON ONE – SURVIVORS ZERO – BYFROST – DEADLY CIRCUS FIRE – IMICUS – HAMMER OF THE GODS – BLAKE – REVOKER – ACHREN – ROMEO MUST DIE – AMARANTHE – CEREBRAL BORE – HELLISH OUTCAST 
 
Plus loads more bands still to be announced

Sónar presents SonarHost

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SonarHost offers visitors the city’s best hotels, restaurants and leisure, culture and wellness activities.
 
What does SonarHost include?
 
The SonarHost ticket enables you to enjoy the activities at Sónar by Day, Sónar by Night and SonarPro, as well as the following services:
 
• Airport-hotel transfer.
• The Welcome dinner and Inaugural Concert by Steve Reich on the evening of Thursday 16 June.
• A fleet of chauffeur-driven vehicles from 8pm to 8am on the 3 days of the festival. 
• An exclusive bar service in the festival’s VIP area, at both Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night.
• A cloakroom service at Sónar by Day.
• A 24-hour telephone hotline to solve any type of problem. 
• A personalised programme of activities, with the best hotels, restaurants and wellness, culture and leisure activities that the city has to offer.
 
SonarHost ticket price: 475 € (+9€ in administration costs).

Japanese Voyeurs, Turbogeist, No Americana and more for Sonisphere

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In BOHEMIA, two more slots have been made available on the Friday for grunge japanese voyeursrevivalists JAPANESE VOYEURS and post hardcore punkers LOWER THAN ATLANTIS, while JAGERMEISTER makes room for Britrock flavoured power-popsters NO AMERICANA and latter day alt-rock grunge kids TURBOGEIST on the Saturday and Sunday respectively. Over on the RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stage, rap-rock raversYOU AND WHAT ARMY squeeze in on the Saturday.
 
Although SONSIPHERE is now crammed full of fantastic acts, organisers may still find room for a couple more surprises – watch this space!
 
After doing such an incredible job last year, BBC RADIO ONE ROCK SHOW DJ Daniel P Carter and XFM DRIVETIME and ROCK SHOW presenter Ian Camfield return to host and compere the APOLLO andSATURN ARENA stages, and introduce all the awesome bands across the weekend.
 
Of course, SONISPHERE is not JUST about fantastic live music. Once the bands have stopped performing, the REAL party starts, and this year SONISPHERE has some top DJS lined up to get things going with a BANG!
 
Friday night sees A1 BASSLINE getting the bodies moving in BOHEMIA. Coming from the outskirts of Croydon, A1 BASSLINE has traveled the world DJ’ing his unique style of music as well as putting out tunes on his own label, Tighten Up Records – touted as one of the labels of the year. Normally associated with house music, his roots are drum & bass, and for SONISPHERE he revisiting them to treat us to a tear out D&B set. 
 
Joining him is FOLD, aka Rob Glasset. One half of Homepark, FOLD is known mainly for Jazzy housey numbers, but will be playing the music he has always cherished at BOHEMIA, mixing up hip hop from all different angles, taking in old school US, current underground and UK hip hop/grime.
 
On the Saturday, TEK-ONE return to whip the hardcore who are still up for it after BIFFY CLYRO close the APOLLO arena stage into a frenzy. These guys played such a stunning set in the Strongbow Rooms last year that we not only decided to have late night DJs in BOHEMIA this year, we’re also letting TEK-ONE play twice! Following up on their live set over on the RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stage earlier in the evening, TEK-ONE will hit the DJ booth in BOHEMIA to deliver a late nice Dub Step mash up to take us into the earlier hours. In fact we thought that was such a good idea, that we’re following suit by lettingINNERPARTYSYSTEM loose in BOHEMIA to bring their Pennsylvania mash up of electronic and industrial dance after their live set over on the RBBJ stage that same day.
 
Sunday night – well, Monday morning – is your last chance to dance, and so we have two hot young names taking over BOHEMIA to conclude proceedings with the audio fireworks that SONISPHERE’s finale deserves. STAN SB hails from Leeds and at just 18, he is already well sought after by many big labels – although a major deal is apparently already in place. Compared to Pendulum, Noisia and Chase n Status, Stan is a one man band, playing and singing live, and his set at SONISPHERE will show all why big things await this young man.
 
Joining him is ALFIE. Another early starter, at 16 he has already had his first release, which has had huge critical acclaim in the scene. Having been featured in Knowledge mag and doing an hour special on Rinse FM, he has been compared to the likes of James Blake, and although his own style is laid back Dubstep, he is planning a big blazin’ tear up for SONISPHERE’s conclusion.
 
Get your free official festival guide with exclusive previews in the latest issue of ROCK SOUND MAGAZINE, on sale now!

SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com 

Line Up:

THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
 
BAD RELIGION
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
AMPLIFIER
ANBERLIN
THE ANSWER
ANTERIOR
ARCANE ROOTS
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
BLACK BREATH
BLOOD RED SHOES
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK SPIDERS
BLACK TIDE
CANCER BATS
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
CEREBRAL BALLZY
CHERRI BOMB
THE CRAVE
DECADE
THE DEFILED
DEMONIC RESURRECTION
DIAMOND HEAD
DON BROCO
EXIT TEN
FIREWIND
FLATS
FLETCHER
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HAMMER OF THE GODS
HAYSEED DIXIE
HOUNDS
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INNERPARTYSYSTEM
INME
JAPANESE VOYEURS
JETTBLACK
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
KYLESA
LIMP BIZKIT
LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
ME VS HERO
MOJO FURY
MOTÖRHEAD
MY PASSION
NO AMERICANA 
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
ORANGE GOBLIN
PANIC CELL
PARADISE LOST
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
PULLED APART BY HORSES
REVOKER
RICHARD CHEESE
RISE TO REMAIN
RIVAL SONS
ROLO TOMASSI
THE SAFETY FIRE
SAINT JUDE
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SLAM CARTEL
SONS OF ICARUS
SONIC BOOM SIX
SUM 41
SYLOSIS
TEK-ONE
TESSERACT
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
TITLE FIGHT
THE TREATMENT
TURBOGEIST
TURBOWOLF
THE VIRGIN MARYS
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
WHILE SHE SLEEPS
YOU AND WHAT ARMY
YOU ME AT SIX
YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE

COMEDY LINE-UP:
BILL BAILEY
STEVE-O 
SEAN HUGHES
HOWARD MARKS
BRENDON BURNS
ANDREW MAXWELL
ANDREW O NEILL
TIFFANY STEVENSON
BOB SLAYER
JARRED CHRISTMAS 
JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD, 
JASON ROUSE 
JIM BREUER 
JIM SMALLMAN
 
PLUS DJ SETS FROM:
A1 BASSLINE 
ALFIE 
FOLD 
INNERPARTYSYSTEM 
STAN SB 
TEK ONE

Bug Jam 25 details

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Once more, it’s time for the incredible VW-inspired, weekend long party, where over 33,000 show-goers can expect to have fun in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
 
Now celebrating its quarter centenary , this remarkable show, now the biggest VW Beetle festival in Europe, looks set to pack even more entertainment, fun, action and racing into 3 hectic days than ever before. Often dubbed ‘Glastonbury On Wheels’, Bug Jam offers an eclectic mix of all things VW, wrapped in an intoxicating mix of music, comedy, nightlife and lifestyle. A true festival in every sense of the word, with a vibrant and fun atmosphere, bringing to life the very essence of VW culture. As ever, this year, all of the action is also being captured for a lifestyle documentary programme on Eurosport and Motors TV.
 
Naturally, Europe’s greatest, shiniest and fastest VWs will be taking centre stage – and, after it proved so popular last year they’ve laid on an improved, full off-road course! But even if that’s not your thing, there’s an incredibly diverse list of attractions to choose from, making Bug Jam a superb event for all sorts of enthusiasts.
 
As well as non-stop drag racing from the pros, there are numerous chances for you to have a go yourself in the many ‘Run What You Brung’ sessions held over the weekend. Running on the strip throughout the show will be Fireforce, Santa Pod’s own 280mph Jet Car, the insane Jet Beetle and of course, the 7-second quarter mile turning 2 seat dragster, for the very brave to ride in. Polishing buffs will also love the Autoglym ‘Show and Shine’ area, where Europe’s most beautifully finished creations compete for top honours.
 
Bring a full wallet, because not only will you find one of the biggest collections of VW traders in one place, but also the Autojumble is often known to throw up some real rarities. If you have been looking for that obscure part for months – you might just find it here.
 
Adrenaline junkies have plenty to keep them entertained. Not only will UKFMX be providing 3 days of gravity-defying action, but they’ll also be ably assisted by Podzilla, Santa Pod’s very own car-crushing Monster Truck, this year battling it out with the similarly able ‘Swamp Thing’. Headlining as ever, will be multiple Guinness World record holder Terry Grant, who will be displaying his own unique brand of car control – and possibly smashing yet another World record or two in the process..
 
Music fans will hit ‘overload’ thanks to a packed itinerary of live bands across four music arenas, including chart-toppers The Candle Thieves, D:ream and The Farm headlining on the Friday night, and Indie favourites, The Wonder Stuff doing an extensive set on the Saturday. Mix in live DJs and comedy tents to provide something for everyone – and you’ll begin to understand why the event has such a broad appeal. Comedy is always a big draw at Bug Jam and this year, with ‘Mock The Week’ and Radio 4 regular Milton Jones heading up the talent, expect significant hilarity throughout the entire weekend. Frustrated singers and performers are also welcome on the ‘Bug Jam’s Got Talent’ stage, where we can’t promise Simon Cowell, but you might just win a few fans for your trouble.
 
But that’s STILL not all! There’s free camping on-site all weekend and better still, the under 13s get in for absolutely nothing! There’s a huge funfair and festival traders on site for all to enjoy and to tug at the old heartstrings, The Battle Of Britain memorial flight with a WWII Dakota will be putting in an appearance on the Saturday.
 
With a capacity crowd expected, show goers are advised to book their tickets early, you DO NOT want to miss this one!
 

For more information please visit www.bugjam.co.uk.

Truck Festival announce Wood Field and Wood Stage

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Home to the family camping area, the kids tent, workshops for all ages and green initiatives, the field will be centred around the Wood Stage and will include many of the features that have made the award-winning Wood Festival such a delight. Oxford Playhouse will be providing a number of activities for children through their learning team and will be staging an outdoor production of ‘The Secret Garden’.
 
Just as with the rest of the Truck Festival line-up, the Wood Stage promises some real treats. The stage will be programmed on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July by the Oxford Folk Festival. Team Truck were very sad that the wonderful Oxford Folk Festival was forced to cancel earlier this year, having appreciated it as one of the best folk events out in the UK for some time, but they’re very happy they can give it a home at Truck Festival this summer with two days of the best in folk and roots. Acts include Karen Tweed’s No 1 Ladies’ Accordion Orchestra (does what it says on the tin with about 15 accordionist’s), up-and-coming hushed songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Heidi Talbot, Kris Drever, Dana and Susan Robinson, Pilgrim’s Way, Monument Valley, Rachael Dadd and Truck Festival favourite (and Robin and Joe’s sister) Katy Rose & the Cavalry Parade.
 
Friday 22nd July will see the Wood Stage graced by Gabriel Prokofiev’s NonClassical, who returns after an acclaimed visit to Truck a couple of years ago, Consortium 5 (a recorder quintet) and Juice Vocal Ensemble amongst others still to be announced.
 
The Wood Field will be a festival within a festival for those who wish that Wood could happen more than once a year, although of course it’s within easy reach of the rest of the great music and entertainment taking place all over Hill Farm for those who want to sample all the treats of Truck. One of the other hits at Wood, the Kitstock tent, will also be coming to Steventon, creating another relaxed, chilled out space at the other end of the newly designed site.
 
Weekend tickets for Truck are still less than £100 taking the prize for the best value mini-holiday music lovers could wish for in 2011.
 
FULL TICKET DETAILS
£99   Truck Festival adult weekend ticket                                         
£79   Truck Festival young person (13-17) weekend ticket  
£40   Truck Festival adult Friday & Sunday day tickets
£33   Truck Festival young person (13-17) Friday & Sunday day tickets
£45   Truck Festival adult Saturday day ticket
£38   Truck Festival young person (13-17) Saturday day ticket
                                   
All ticket prices subject to booking fee
Please note under-12’s go free and under-18’s must be accompanied by an adult
 
AVAILABLE FROM
Online via www.thisistruck.com and www.seetickets.com 
By phone on 0844 854 1350
In person at Truck Store, 101 Cowley Road, Oxford (01865 793 866) and other shop outlets.

Tom Middleton hits the Deer Park Stage at The Big Chill

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Confirmed for the arts programme are Fuel’s dance and sound spectacular Electric Hotel and The Simple Things in Life.

tom middletonTom Middleton, one half of Global Communication and a DJ in his own right, will be an integral part of The Big Chill this year. Having performed at every year of the festival for the last 16 years, 2011 sees Middleton host a stage of his own to build on that legacy. Now also added to his pleasantly hectic Big Chill schedule, a DJ set on the Deer Park Stage on Saturday featuring his expert blend of experimental, progressive and ambient electronic sounds.

Tom Middleton comments: “Fantastic to still be involved in The Big Chill! To have witnessed its growth and evolution from a humble 500 folk in a field to hosting 10’s of thousands of ‘Chillers’ at the glorious Eastnor Castle. And heart warming to see Festival Republic’s clear investment in preserving and expanding upon the original spirit of The Big Chill. The truly eclectic and entertaining line ups of classic artists and DJ’s to suit all tastes playing alongside the hottest new talent, with inspiring art installations, genuinely family friendly areas, the ultra chilled holistic therapies, and endless stalls punting a vast choice of ‘mouthgasmic’ global gastronomy. I’m looking forward to Djing and also curating a tastemaker space stacked with Function-One over the 3 nights showcasing the sickest underground emotive electronic and bass music Artists and DJ’s on the scene.”

Another addition to the feast of offerings on the Deer Park Stage comes from the Brooklyn-based five-piece Here We Go Magic who will perform on Friday. Fronted by Luke Temple, Here We Go Magic was previously the moniker for Temple as a solo artist; however in 2009 he recruited four musicians to make the project a full live band. Having received praise from Pitchfork and a reported seal of approval from Thom Yorke, the audience can expect great things from the ethereal indie act.

Bringing skilfully arranged drum ‘n’ bass to The Big Chill will be NZ Shapeshifter, blending electronic sounds with heavy soul. The five-piece band, originating from New Zealand, are guaranteed to deliver monstrous live grooves that synthesize barrelling drum ‘n’ bass, cavernous dub soundscapes and pounding hard rock. NZ Shapeshifter’s energetic set takes place on The Revellers’ Stage on Saturday.

With support from the likes of Benji B and Giles Peterson to name but a few, Taylor McFerrin has been involved with music in many forms in addition to his own solo output. McFerrin has produced Brooklyn’s The Electric Baby, plays keyboards with cutting edge freestyle trio The Cell Theory and has played alongside his Grammy award-winning father, Bobby McFerrin. Rooted in 60’s soul but looking forward to the future sound of hip-hop, Taylor McFerrin mixes Rhodes, synths, samples and beat boxing to create his slick laid-back tunes which will play out on The People’s Ear Stage on Sunday.

The first additions to The Big Chill’s arts programme are also confirmed:

Fuel presents Electric Hotel, a lonely, bizarre and beautiful outdoor spectacle; a uniquely designed, fly-by-night hotel brought to vivid life through dance and sound by the team of David Rosenberg (director and co-founder of Shunt) and Frauke Requardt (choreographer, Pictures from an Exhibition at Sadler’s Wells/Young Vic) with Börkur Jónsson (designer, Woyzeck at Barbican, Metamorphosis at Lyric Hammersmith). Sitting on the outside looking in, the audience snatch glimpses of the do-not-disturb lives unfolding behind the floor to ceiling windows. Wearing headphones to eavesdrop on the internal spaces of the building they watch the residents in their private rooms: the natural habits, the unnatural fantasies and housekeeping of wildly varied quality.

Praised by The Guardian as “one of the most exciting and indispensable producing outfits working in British theatre today” Fuel also presents The Simple Things in Life. Five short experiences to celebrate the simple things in life with Lewis Gibson, David Harradine, The London Snorkelling Team, Frauke Requardt and Barnaby Stone. A table with a story to tell, a band bursting at the seams, a sound journey through a good book, a surreal and mesmerising dance, and an installation that takes flight – each found inside a garden shed.

With much more to be announced, the arts programme at The Big Chill promises to be a wealth of creative, interactive and immersive experiences across film, dance, comedy, cabaret, visual art and more. Now a fully fledged member of the Festival Republic family The Big Chill is poised to build further on the successes of 2010.

Last year saw an international line-up of some of the biggest selling names in electronic, indie and pop music and 2011 sees another all-star cast taking to The Big Chill stages including an exclusive UK festival appearance by Kanye West plus The Chemical Brothers and Rodrigo y Gabriela. The Big Chill takes place from 4th to 7th of August 2011 at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Ledbury, Herefordshire.