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!

Reading and Leeds Festival announce more names for Alternative Stage

by
These join the previously announced MARK THOMAS, RUSSELL KANE, TIM MINCHIN, HENRY ROLLINS and LEE NELSON to this ever popular stage.
 
Just some of the artists confirmed for this year’s festival include:  MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THE STROKES, PULP, MUSE, BEADY EYE, JANE’S ADDICTION, 2 MANY DJ’S, THE STREETS, UNKLE Sounds, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO,  MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES and DESCENDENTS.
 
Reading & Leeds Festivals take place on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds.  
 
Many more names are still to be announced for this stage as well as the full line-up for the Festival Republic Stage and BBC Introducing Stage. 
 
ON THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE
 
According to MARK WATSON, he is a comedian, author, sports pundit and husband. He was born in 1980 and according to life expectancy for his socio-economic group and Body Mass Index, will die in 2056.  According to the Evening Standard he is “A scholar, a gentleman and a brilliant stand-up”.  Known for his appearances on countless TV and radio shows, he is also a writer and has won many awards for his hilarious shows. 
 
POPCORN COMEDY is a comedy show created by Jon Petrie and Holly Walsh in January 2009. It presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz,Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan. Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critic’s Choice’ and has featured on the Culture Show (BBC2). 
www.popcorncomedy.com (Leeds Saturday, Reading Sunday)
 
SAUL WILLIAMS is an American poet, writer, actor and musician known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop.  He has collaborated with some of the coolest musicians on the planet, appeared in lots of films and released several albums and books.  His latest record release ‘Volcanic Sunlight’ has found him more fans as will this exciting appearance.
www.saulwilliams.com    (Reading Friday / Leeds Sunday)
 
RUBBERBANDITS are the award winning comedy hip-hop duo of Blind Boy Boat Club and Mr.Chrome from Limerick, Ireland.   A cult hit with millions of You Tube followers this anarchic pair have broken into the mainstream at home and walked off with the Best Irish Act at the entertainment.ie Awards and an IFTA (Irish Film and Television Awards) earlier this year.  With prank phone calls, songs and riotous live shows Rubberbandits have emerged as the country’s surrealists beyond compare. Comedic genius or verbal diarrhoea. Decide for yourselves.
www.therubberbandits.com   (Leeds Friday / Reading Sunday)
 
LATE NIGHT GIMP FIGHT are David Moon, Lee Griffiths, Matt Ralph, Paul Biggin and Richard Campbell. The most talked about new sketch group around will wear you down and make you laugh at the most ridiculous things. It may leave you feeling violated, but in a good way! We challenge anyone not to let out a chuckle with these five lads, check them out at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals.
www.latenightgimpfight.com  (Reading Saturday / Leeds Sunday)
 
One of comedy’s most acclaimed rising stars, SEANN WALSH has garnered multiple awards and nominations, and has appeared on ‘Mock the Week’ (BBC2), ‘Grouchy Young Men’ (Comedy Central) and ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’ (BBC3). Described by Time Out as “This generation’s Dylan Moran, with the looks, gags and charm to become something quite special” and “near-impeccable” by Chortle, these shows are not to be missed. 
www.gloriousmanagement.com   (Leeds Saturday)
 
ANDREW O’NEILL is a unique entertainer.  A celebrated stand up, he is also an out and proud metalhead and an amateur occultist.  He also has a steampunk band called The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing – a true original talent and one we welcome to Leeds wholeheartedly.  Having gained rave reviews for his tours to date this is a performance you do not want to miss.
www.andrewoneill.co.uk   (Leeds Friday)
 
“As he goes about his life AL PITCHER sees a lot of ordinary things – but he rarely sees them in an ordinary way” was how one critic appraised his show. With a CV stretching back over a decade Pitcher has found his ground and Time Out described him as “sitting in the improvising, rambling freewheeling camp as inhabited by the likes of Ross Noble and Eddie Izzard”. Al will be performing at both Reading and Leeds this summer but be warned, he’ll have you crying with tears of laughter.
www.alpitcher.com   (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday)
 
A relative newcomer, JOSH WIDDICOMBE hit the stage in 2008 and has since made a remarkable impact on the comedy circuit and is held in high regard having appeared at most of London’s comedy venues. Alongside his stand up Josh has written for the likes of TV’s ‘Mock The Week’ and ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’ whilst also drawing plaudits for his sketch show Superclump at the Edinburgh Festival in 2009 and last year winning The Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award.
www.joshwiddicombe.co.uk (Leeds Saturday)
 
A Canadian by birth CRAIG CAMPBELL now resides in the UK where he has appeared on numerous TV shows including amongst others ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’, ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ and ‘Dave’s One Night Stand’. Having toured last year as support for Frankie Boyle on his sold out UK tour, Campbell is currently performing his debut stand-up tour before making another debut at this year’s Leeds Festival.
www.moosefucker.com   (Leeds Friday)
 
Not many people can claim to have been on The Inbetweeners and CBBC’s ‘Big Babies’ (for which he also sang the theme tune) but DOC BROWN is not your usual artist.  A comedian and ex. rapper who’s recent shows have told of ‘A humbling and hilarious hip-hop salute to nearly making it’, Doc has been winning accolades for his live performances since he left the music industry and moved to comedy full time.
www.docbrown.co.uk   (Reading Saturday)
 
Since winning The Chortle Student Comedian Award in 2007, TOM DEACON became the face of the BBC ‘s ‘5:19’ youth show, he has also taken part as a member of  Edinburgh’s longest running group comedy show The Comedy Zone.   With relentless gigging and solo shows under his belt Deacon also has his own show on Radio 1 on Sunday nights.  An impressive CV for a bright new star.
www.tomdeacon.co.uk   (Leeds Friday / Reading Sunday)
 
STEVE HUGHES is a wiry rocker with a mass of hair and beard, so should feel at home at Reading this year. In the 1980s and early 90s, Steve was a heavy metal drummer in bands such as Slaughter Lord, Mortal Sin and Primordial. After laying down the sticks, he made a name for himself in comedy. In Australia he has been a presenter on MTV and has performed on shows including ‘The Live Floor Show’ and ‘The World Stands Up’ on these shores. Thought provoking to the end, he isn’t afraid to air his views on anything and everything.
www.stevehughes.net.au  (Reading Sunday)
 
Winner of the FHM Search For A Stand-up competition, MARLON DAVIS, is a young comedian, improviser and actor who embraces his work with energy and charisma. Marlon’s act is inspired from his upbringing, looking at urban Britain and tackling its social issues with skilful characterisations. With a ‘Brown Eyed Boy’ series on MTV under his belt, big things are expected.
www.marlondavis.co.uk   (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday)
 
One of the world’s best human beat boxers, THE PETEBOX is heading to Reading and Leeds. His incredible performances are more similar to that of a full band as he builds each layer of his tracks live using a loop pedal to form fully crafted songs. These skills have won him a Channel 4 Talent Award, and also saw him crowned Radio 1’s beat boxing champion in 2005. Expect drum & bass, jazz, house, garage and rock and get ready for the journey of a lifetime with The Petebox.
www.thepetebox.com   (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday)
 
Described as part Ziggy Stardust, part Victoria Wood, BRIGITTE APHRODITE, arrives at Reading & Leeds as one of the most talked about new artists of the year. Brigitte released her debut single ‘I Dream Myself Awake’ in April on Kate Nash’s new Have 10p label and hit the road with Nash to rave reviews earlier this year. Having bowled over unsuspecting audiences throughout, these shows are not to be missed.
www.brigitteaphrodite.co.uk   (Reading Friday / Leeds Sunday)
 
For the fifth year running, TRANSGRESSIVE RECORDS - possibly the coolest record label, live promotions, publishing and management outfit in the country – and friends take over the Alternative Stage at Leeds Festival. As ever, they will be providing live performances from tomorrow’s musical heroes, plus unique visuals and special guest DJ’s. And to mark the big Five Years, Transgressive’s involvement has increased to curating not just their traditional ‘closing party’ slot on Sunday evening – but now Saturday night too. Promising their most eclectic and biggest line-up so far, further details will be unveiled in due course. Past artists to have made an early live appearance at the Transgressive take-over at the Alternative Stage include Noah & The Whale, Laura Marling, Two Door Cinema Club, Pulled Apart by Horses, Warpaint and Everything Everything.
www.transgressiverecords.co.uk   (Leeds Saturday & Sunday)
 
Chortle described STEPHEN GRANT (MC) as having “The kind of comedy vision that can see round corners”- he’s certainly one of the UK’s funniest, hardest working and most respected comedians.  The resident and award winning compere at the Komedia Krater Comedy Club in Brighton has performed all over the world as well as working on TV and radio.
www.stephengrant.com   (Reading Saturday)
 
GOLDIEROCKS is Sam Hall; DJ, presenter and party planner du-jour. Renowned for her energised DJ appearances, invading parties and aftershows all over the world – at some point in time, Sam’s probably hijacked your fave electro/indie haunt.  Sure to pack the tent with her provocative sense of ‘style, finesse and foresight’. Listen to her create the ultimate Electro-Rock N Roll Disco.
www.goldierocks.co.uk   (Leeds Saturday)
 
No matter what your mood, you really can’t help but warm to rising star DAVE TWENTYMAN (MC). He recently won the St Helens Comedian Of The Year competition and was promptly tipped to follow the success of fellow St Helens comic Johnny Vegas. Naturally funny & quick on his feet, he holds the room in the palm of his hands & keeps the laughter flowing.
www.dave-twentyman.co.uk  (Leeds Sunday)
 
TICKETING INFO
 
Weekend tickets £192.50 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £82.50 plus booking fee • Early entry permits £15 • Weekend ticket prices include camping.
 
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online and two per person for personal callers to walk in stores.
Credit Card line: 0870 060 3775 or online at:
www.festivalrepublic.com   www.seetickets.com  www.readingfestival.com    www.leedsfestival.com
Selected HMV stores, see websites for store listings.
 
Reading tickets can be bought at face value, in person when paid for in cash at the Reading Arts & Venues Box Office, The Hexagon.  
 
Leeds tickets can be bought at face value, in person when paid for in cash at Leeds Visitor Centre. Also in person from Crash Records and Jumbo Records subject to booking fees.
 
Please note that picture ID/proof of address will be required at the time of booking. Tickets are subject to availability.   Limit of 2 per household/person for personal callers.
 
Children under 13 (12 and under) are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Please note there is no separate children’s area at this event.
For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.readingfestival.com www.leedsfestival.com

Latitude Festival music additions include Adam Ant, Carl Barat and more

by
With The National, Paolo Nutini and Suedeheadlining the Obelisk Arena; Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals and Eels headlining The Word Arena and a whole wealth of musical talent playing across the weekend, Latitude once again boasts an exhilarating and unique line-up.
Just added are:
 
adam antAdam Ant reigns supreme as one of the defining British acts of the post-punk movement of the early Eighties, with his unmistakable style and a clutch of Number 1 hits, both with and without The Ants, between 1980 and 1983. It was his quirky approach to pop, driven by punk, glam and new wave, which created such great songs as ‘Prince Charming’, ‘Stand and Deliver’ and ‘Goody Two Shoes’ representing some of the most vibrant tunes of the era. Still going strong, he’s working on his sixth solo album entitled ‘Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter’, so expect a taster of his current theatrical flourish along with the madcap, wayward hits that made him at Latitude 2011. (Saturday)
 
Fresh from the highly successful Libertines reunion gigs, Carl Barât is returning to his solo work in The Word Arena on Sunday evening. His self-titled debut solo album was released last year having carved a successful, ramshackle niche out of his two previous bands – Dirty Pretty Things being the second. Carl’s songcraft is far more subtle and reliant on far more diverse arrangements than his band output. Dragging out the spiky, loud guitars he articulates the songs with folkier elements, meaning a more considered batch of songs. Live he retains his urchin charm and subtle melodies, so this is a chance to see the finer side of the riotous and heroic Albion duo. (Sunday)
 
Currently riding high with their stunning debut album ‘Bliss Release’ Sydney four-piece Cloud Control are yet another exhilarating Australian export finding success on our shores. Following in the path of contemporaries The Temper Trap, Cloud Control have an arsenal of sunny summer anthems - pitch perfect three and four-part harmonies layered over epic psych-folk pop gems. It’s a sound that has won them a plethora of nominations and awards, most recently in March of this year, when Bliss Release scooped the prestigious Australian Music Prize. Expect much more from this exciting new band. (Friday)
 
LA five-piece Grouplove have hit the ground running with their debut self-titled EP recorded in drummer Ryan Rabin’s home studio. A slick-sounding splash of summer colour, the appropriately named single ‘Colours’ has been raining its addictive stuttering chorus on indie dancefloors everywhere. Having built up a fair amount of support in a mere two years, it seems the band are bound for big things come their debut album in September. In the meantime, live at Latitude is where you’ll be treated to their lustrous hippy-pop gems. (Friday)
 
The Walkmen have spent the last decade crafting some of the finest and most distinctive rock music available. From their second album’s mammoth, organ-burning hit ‘The Rat’ to their fifth astonishing, swing-tinged, album ‘Lisbon’ last year, the Hammond and guitar jangle seems to consistently find new expression around Hamilton Leithauser’s unforgettable howl. Indebted to Sinatra and the smoky vibe of the 50’s they’ve somehow modernised these ideas and created indelible songs. The passion and presence The Walkmen have on stage is sure to captivate the crowds at Latitude. (Saturday)
 
Meanwhile, Latitude’s unrivalled arts programme features the very best from the worlds of theatre, poetry, literary, comedy, cabaret, dance, art, fashion and film. All of these performances come together to create one spectacular summer break. Eye-opening and awe-inspiring – Latitude Festival just gets better and better.
 
Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Louise Wener, Tim Key, Simon Armitage, Rory McGrath, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; top comics Alan Carr, Omid Djalili, Greg Daviesand a festival debut of Never Mind The Buzzcocks; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The Gate, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet to name but a few, cabaret performances from David Schneider & Friends, Will Adamsdale, Idiots of Ants; and BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&As, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydondiscussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’.  
 
With DJs, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
 
Latitude’s music arena line-up to date:
 
– OBELISK ARENA –
  
FRIDAY
~ The National ~
~ Paloma Faith ~ Bright Eyes ~ KT Tunstall ~
~ Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanagan ~ Wanda Jackson ~
 
SATURDAY
~ Paolo Nutini ~
~ My Morning Jacket ~ The Cribs ~ Seasick Steve ~ Rumer ~
~ They Might Be Giants ~ Ed Sheeran ~
 
SUNDAY
~ Suede ~
~ Hurts ~ Glasvegas ~ Iron & Wine ~ The Waterboys ~
~ Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros ~
 
 
– THE WORD ARENA –
  
FRIDAY
~ Bombay Bicycle Club ~
~ The Vaccines ~ Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group ~
~ Caribou ~ Deerhunter ~ Yann Tiersen ~
 
SATURDAY
~ Foals ~
~ Echo and The Bunnymen ~ I Am Kloot ~
~ Bellowhead ~ British Sea Power ~
 
SUNDAY
~ Eels ~
~ Lykke Li ~ OMD ~ Everything Everything ~ Os Mutantes ~
~ Carl Barât ~
 
 
Playing across all the music arenas over the course of the weekend are:
 
 
FRIDAY
~ Avi Buffalo ~ Crocodiles ~ Cloud Control ~
~ Glasser ~ Grouplove ~ Jenny and Johnny ~
 
SATURDAY
~ Adam Ant ~ Villagers ~
~ The Walkmen ~
 
SUNDAY
~ Anna Calvi ~ Foster The People ~ Gold Panda ~ Kele ~ The Leisure Society ~
~ Marques Toliver ~ The Naked and Famous ~
 
Also appearing


~ Annie Nightingale ~
~ The Bees ~ Caitlin Rose ~ Chapel Club ~
~ Crystal Fighters ~ C.W. Stoneking ~ 
~ Dog Is Dead ~ The Duke And The King ~
~ Edwyn Collins ~ Esben and the Witch ~
~ Fight Like Apes ~ Graffiti 6 ~
~ The Lloyd Cole Small Ensemble ~ Phildel ~
~ The Raghu Dixit Project ~ Thea Gilmore ~ Tripwires ~
~ Trophy Wife ~ Violens ~
 
– TICKET INFORMATION –
  
Weekend tickets £170.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £70.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Child ticket (5-12 years) £5.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Campervan Permit £30.00
Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Glade Festival new site announced

by

Glade organiser Ans had this to say about the situation:

“Last week I got back to work having taken some time off to get married the weekend before, to find that the proverbial had hit the fan. We lost our site last week.

The trustees at the Mansion House decided that they didn’t want the event after all, despite contracts signed and deposits paid. The new Glade team decided not to tell me so that it wouldn’t ruin my big day and what they have done, amazingly, is manage to miraculously find another venue.

The new site, whilst being a bit further away from London, is by far superior. It is set in beautiful, privately owned 5,000 acre Estate which set in beautiful parkland laid out in the 1720’s. It is also on sand, meaning excellent drainage, so we won’t be having a repeat of the floods of 2009, regardless of the weather.”

Lord Cholmondeley, who owns Houghton Hall, added:

“We are delighted to be hosting The Glade Festival at Houghton Hall this summer. This is a new event for Houghton but something that we think will work well in the beautiful and historic Park. We welcome the new management team, who come highly recommended, we know are renowned in the industry and have an outstanding portfolio of events. We are excited to see what they do with The Glade, and look forward to working with them.”

Houghton Hall is situated just outside King’s Lynn where the nearest station is. There will be shuttle busses running between the site and the Hall. For full travel information, check the Glade website or email [email protected]

Dot To Dot Festival adds Yaaks, King Charles and more!

by

Dot To Dot are delighted to announce that, one of the countries favourite actors and a renowned party smashing DJ, Mat Horne will be hosting his lauded club night Session at both the Bristol and Nottingham dates over the bank holiday weekend. Playing alternative, indie and party tunes, with the emphasis on fun, Mat will also be joined by cutting edge collective The Trash Society DJs and Push Music DJs who will be dropping indie dance, electro, disco and the best new buzz bands around plus there will be special guests each night.

International Songwriter of the year 2010, King Charles will also be joining the bill for the Bristol and Nottingham dates. Enjoying support from the likes of Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens, Rob da Bank, John Kennedy, the NME and many more, King Charles’ majestic psychedelic pomp is set to see him ruling the rock ‘n’ roll kingdom, making him one not to miss. Mysterious sextet Yaaks are also coming on board to play the Bristol and Nottingham Dot To Dot dates. Yaaks’ Jean-Jacques Rousseau citing noir-dance vibes have been setting the A&R community alight and have so far let their music do all the talking, so make sure you catch them to see what all the fuss is about.

As well as some of the most exciting new music from around the country there will also  be plenty of the top talent from each city on the bill including Bravo Brave Bats, The Broken Arm Of Love, Cajita, Count To Fire, The Fauns, The Hit-Ups, Hysterical Injury, Idles, Koshiro, Little Victories, The Naturals, The Other Tribe, Ouija Birds, Scarlet Rascal & The Trainwreck, SJ Esau, Termites, These Black Shores and Towns who will all be getting in on the Bristol action.  Whilst Nottingham will see Spotlight Kid, Long Dead Signal, Baby Godzilla, Royal Gala, Will Jeffery, Childhood, Yunioshi, Maniere Des, Bohemiens, Basstoneslap, Delta Sun andHarleighblu joining the throng.

With the venue by venue breakdown to be announced for Dot To Dot 2011 make sure you keep checkingwww.facebook.com/dottodotfestival for all the latest news and ticket info.

•    ‘Dot to Dot offers a unique experience for festival-goers and artists alike’ - efestivals

•    ‘A forest of new stars, old favourites and plenty of mischief at one of the UK’s fastest rising festivals’ - NME

•    ‘With a stunning bill and venues within yards of one another we’ll leave you to join the dots’ - Clash

Tickets are now on sale:

Bristol: £30
Nottingham: £30
Manchester £25

Full Line-Up So Far:

…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead (Bristol & Nottingham)  / Allie Moss  / Alpines / Ben Howard / Benjamin Francis Leftwich / Blawan / Braids / Colourmusic / Cults / Dananananaykroyd / Darwin Deez (Manchester only) / Dom / Ed Sheeran / Fixers / Foreign Office / Get People / Guillemots / Hot Horizons / Hurts / Is Tropical / King Charles (Bristol & Nottingham) / Lanterns On The Lake (Nottingham / Manchester only) / Mat Horne Presents Session (Bristol & Nottingham) / Morning Parade / Niki & the Dove / Paramount Styles / Romance / Royal Republic / SBTRKT / Stagecoach / Swimming / The Joy Formidable / The Kill Van Kulls (Manchester Only) / The Lines / The Naked And Famous / The Phoenix Foundation / To Kill A King / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / Trophy Wife / Various Cruelties / Veto / We Are Scientists / Wolf Gang / Yaaks (Bristol & Nottingham) / Zebedy Rays

Full lineup for Live Fest announced

by
Acts on the star-packed bill include mighty urban and hip-hop headliners N-DUBZ, R&B star TINCHY STRYDER, Urban Music Award-winning London based 

tinchy stryder

collective ROLL DEEP, grime sensation TEMPA T and  D’n’B massive DAN LE SAC Vs SCROOBIUS PIP. As well as DJ sets frompost hardcore rockers FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, alternative rock quintet KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES andindie rock act GUILLEMOTS.
 
Other acts confirmed are PEGASUS BRIDGE, British indie five-piece MISSING ANDY, PARADISE POINT, SATURDAY NIGHT GYM CLUB and MY ELECTRIK. Tickets for the event are priced at an early bird cost of just £25 and can be purchased from xxxxxx.
Programming will be spread over five venues within the famous London O2, from the glamorous Proud2 to Union Square, Inc Club, IndigoO2 and ASBaG, Live Fest has a huge variety of music genres to suit any tastes – so whether you’re into urban beats or rock, pop and hardcore, this is the festival for you!
 
With a range of stages and an out-of-this-world chill out space, festival goers can dance away into the early hours, or relax with a massage from the Famous Ibiza Angels whilst catching up on all the best acoustic sets – the possibilities at Live Fest are endless!
As if this wasn’t enough, the IndigO2 hosts the Grand National Finals of the Live and Unsigned competition as part of this massive indoor festival. All the best unsigned acts from across the UK will take to the stage in a bid to be crowned the best Live and Unsigned Act of 2011 To find out more about Live and Unsigned visit www.liveandunsigned.uk.com.

Live Fest’s Intergalactic Alien, Bob said: “This is going to a massive festival and a great day out. Headliners N-Dubz are sure set to blow the crowd away and alongside them we’ve got a great line up of top acts, we can’t wait to bring it on in July and rock the O2!”

White Lies announced as final headliner for Beach Break Live

by
Spring is in the air, and as we ditch the mittens and shed those thermals; the UK’s biggest student festival Beach Break Live Powered by Dell, is cranking up the heat and is proud to welcome a bucket load of brand new artists for their 5th year and biggest ever line up!
 
tinie tempahWith a chart topping bill which already includes the likes of man of the moment Tinie Tempah, UK rap sensation Professor Green, honey voiced starlet Katy B, New York indie boys We are Scientists, and dubstep super-group Magnetic Man, the 2011 line up just keeps getting better and better!
 
Also confirmed and back by popular demand is pop-rap star Example. His 2010 set drew the masses from the beach to jump up and down to one of his most infectious performances to date and we cant wait to have him back for 2011.
 
exampleExample had this to say “Absolute pleasure to be coming back to Beachbreak. The location itself
is like no other festival and the crowd are some of the best I’ve seen.
There’s a certain vibe about the place that means you don’t want to
leave. I had to be dragged away from the partying last year!”
 
Sporting his trademark ginger dreadlocks and also hitting the surf this year will be acoustic folk star Newton Faulkner. With a number one album already to his name, expect a charming blend of faultless finger picking, amazing melodies and sing-a-long choruses as he treats us to a spectacular Beach side performance.
 
Newton Faulkner said “It’s great to be playing Beach Break’s 5th Birthday with such an amazing line up and it’s always good to be back in Wales!”
 
jamie woonAlso joining team BBL will be the amazing Jamie Woon. Fusing dubstep beats and house grooves with his rich bluesy vocals to delightful effect, his recent single ‘Night Air’, which was produced by Burial has marked him out as a definite one to watch for 2011 and we are very excited to welcome him to the BBL bill!
 
Next up are noisiest kids on the block, The Chapman Family, who will be leaving gloomy Teeside behind for sunny welsh shores. Brace yourself for a perfect brew of emotional indie with a sprinkle of hardened goth and topped off with a big smear of eyeliner as the northern boys give it some serious welly.
 
Joining them will be 7 piece live dubstep project Sub Motion Orchestra and ska outfit Babyhead who will be headlining the legendary Chai Wallah tent!
 
Also hitting the surf will be Bristol based DJ/ producer Redlight. Following a string of rib rattling productions including his recent dancefloor banger ‘What You Talkin About’ with Ms Dynamite this man is big news and we are very excited to have him onboard!
 
Smashing his way onto the BBL bill and headlining the epic outdoor dance stage, ‘The Ghettoblaster’ will be none other than man of the UK bass scene SBTRKT. Donning a mask and bringing his own take on ‘future garage’ to the beach, don’t miss an amazing set from SBTRTK as he lives up to the hype and takes BBL by storm! He will also be joined by dubstep star Modestep, the amazing boy 8 bit and painted faced electro king Drums of Death.
 
Set in sunny South Wales in the jaw droppingly beautiful Pembrey Country Park, the Beach Break Live site is surely the most stunning festival site in the UK. Nested between acres of woodland and a pristine eight-mile beach complete with silky white sand and great surf, BBL has the winning formula of huge line up and breath taking site!
 
And that’s not all! There are also hundreds of amazing activities to keep the most adventurous of Beach Breakers happy! Surfing, wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, paddle boarding, water zorbing, kite surfing, land kiting, tobogganing, horse riding, coasteering, skating, fun fairing, volley balling and more! The list is (literally) endless. The legendary Celtic Games will also be returning along with other pleasure treasures from pole dancing to parkour, moustache making to macramé, the silent disco, pub karaoke, vintage fairground rides and strictly come raving amongst others!
 
To celebrate all this and Dell and BBL’s continuing and splendid partnership, those lovely folk at Dell HQ have launched a most memorable competition to win ‘The Ultimate Festival Experience’- including VIP tickets to Beach Break Live, a private flight over the festival, a Dell laptop and a meet and greet with top artists! Details can be found at www.facebook.com/beachbreaklive.  
 
For the first time, the festival will also be held over a weekend which will allow non students and graduates alike to relive their student days in true Beach Break fashion!
 
Full price tickets are now available for the student friendly price of £99 – with the option to secure your place with a £40. With Early bird tickets selling out in record time and the Guardian recently naming the Beach Break as the festival most likely to sell out quick, make sure to nab your ticket before they run out! www.beachbreaklive.com
 
See you on the sand and in the sun!
 
Visit www.beachbreaklive.com for more info.
 
TINIE TEMPAH, WHITE LIES, MAGNETIC MAN
PROFESSOR GREEN, EXAMPLE, KATY B, WE ARE SCIENTISTS, NEWTON FAULKNER, T.E.E.D, ED SHEERAN, BEARDYMAN, JAMIE WOON, YASMIN
FRANKIE & THE HEARTSTRINGS, THE MILK, MAVERICK SABRE, ASH GRUNWALD, FLORRIE
 
WILL & THE PEOPLE – RODNEY BRANNIGAN – THE CHAPMAN FAMILY – BABYHEAD – GABRIELLE APLIN – BROTHER & BONES
JOE DRISCOLL – THE BOXETTES – THE PEOPLES STRING FOUNDATION – SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA – ROKSHAN – FRONTIERS
LAZY HABITS – BACKBEAT SOUNDSYSTEM – URBAN FOLK QUARTET- YES SIR BOSS – WINTERHOURS – ZEN ELEPHANT – CODA
DR MEAKER – SKUFF & INJA – FREE PEACE – FELIX FABLES – CUBRIK – WHITE PILOTS – BOBBY PETROV – TINROOTS
 
ZANE LOWE, SUB FOCUS, MARK RONSON, NERO, MS DYNAMITE, SHY FX, DJ YODA, JOKER FT. BUGSY & SCARZ, LONDON ELEKTRICITY
JAGUAR SKILLS, SBTRKT, REDLIGHT, BOY 8 BIT, MODESTEP, DRUMS OF DEATH, 16 BIT, URBAN KNIGHTS, GEMINI, MARC ROBERTS, MYSTERY, SDM,

DJ PARKER, ASBO DISCO, CONTEXT MC, PULSAR, DJ MONEYSHOT

16th – 20th June
Pembrey Country Park, South Wales

Small Nations Festival final lineup announced + more

by
All the way from South America, come Zingaros , the Argentinian slavonic tango outfit, with their Hot Club nuances, and contemporary chords. 
 
mr huwGogleddwyr Budur is the first venture into English of the strange Mr Huw. Like his other album “Hud a Llefrith” (Magic and Milk – Album of the Year at BBC Radio Cymru Rock and Pop Awards 2010), it was recorded in his North Wales cave where he records everything himself on an 8 track and other archaic machines. Ooh! those dirty North Walians!
 
The legendary Nik Turner is returning and will see the festival off in style on Sunday evening. Will it be “Outriders of the Apocalypse”? “Space Ritual”? “Inner City Unit” or the Nik Turner band. Whichever outfit he decides to bring you can be sure that the one time Hawkwind saxophonist will batter down our doors of perception.
 
Not only do we have Latino sounds from the southern hemisphere but Presteigne band Little Rumba promise to be a real treat. Made up of guitarist and singer Pete Mustil who founded the Presteigne Sheep Festival, viola player, John Hymas (Hoover the Dog), and Jacqui Savage on double bass,
 
The Small Nations Festival took delivery of a colourful new big-top style marquee on Saturday 14th May. The Festival, which starts on 8 July, is well known in the area for its safe, friendly atmosphere and its eclectic mix of music from Wales and other small nations around the world
 
The purchase of the marquee was made possible by a grant from Carmarthenshire County Council. For the rest of the summer it will be available for hire, and community groups in Carmarthenshire can get a special deal. Please contact Jill Williams on 01550 721466 or [email protected] for further information.
 

The new marquee will be known as the “Oak Tree Stage”, The name was coined some 8 years ago when the stage was right next to a mighty oak tree in the arena field at Glangwenlais Farm.

 
For the full list of artists with pictures and lots of info AND for the full festival timetable go to: www.smallnations.co.uk
 
Tickets are available from : http://www.smallnations.co.uk/tickets.html or from the Red Giraffe in Llandovery 01550 721375 or by email: [email protected]

Win a slot to DJ & perform at Rockness 2011

by
The artist and band search will begin with the best 20 entries performing on the brand new RockNess Sound City Stage across the weekend, sitting on the same bill as Kasabian, Paolo Nutini, The Cribs and Glasvegas. The winning act will be decided the day after the festival and will be showcased across the RockNess and Sound City communities and will win a support slot on a forthcoming UK Goldenvoice tour in the 12 months following the festival. The winning act will also return to perform at RockNess 2012 in the Goldenvoice Arena.

RockNess is thrilled to call upon the expertise of the Sound City team to help judge and host the new stage for the nation’s hottest up and coming artists.  They are a perfect partner to help deliver a global platform for all RockNess entrants running the UK’s most perfectly formed and coolest boutique city festival, Liverpool Sound City, a yearly world class music, media and technology conference in the World’s most legendary musical city and now having positioned themselves internationally with Dubai Sound City.
 
Dave Pichilingi, Sound City Director commented ‘We are delighted to be working with RockNess on this brand new initiative.  Like RockNess we are absolutely committed to bringing the best new music to our audiences.  The core value at Sound City is all about breaking emerging talent in the UK.  The plan is to make this part of a much wider strategy for working together on similar projects in the future.’ 
 
So if you think you have what it takes to command a festival stage and give the already world class line up a run for their money then enter now.  
 
You will need to submit your entry on Sonic bids, all the submissions will be listened to and judged by worldwide promoters, Jim King, RockNess Festival Director, Dave Pichilingi, Liverpool & Dubai Sound City Festival Director and Goldenvoice Promoters Simon Jones and Carlo Scarampi.  20 handpicked finalists will then have their tracks available for RockNess fans to listen to from Monday 30th May and open for the public vote from Monday 6th June.  The 20 finalists will ALL perform at RockNess 2011 on the RockNess Sound City Stage, where our esteemed panel of judges will watch their performances and RockNess fans will be able to vote for their favourite act of the weekend.  Public voting will finish on Wednesday 15th June, the numbers will be taken into consideration alongside the opinions of the judges and the winner of this amazing prize will be announced on the 16th June 2011.   Enter now at www.rockness.co.uk. 
 
 The winner will then receive profile promotion through the RockNess communities and a support slot on a Goldenvoice tour in the 12 months following the festival.  Not only this, but the winning artist will get to perform again at RockNess 2012 in the Goldenvoice Arena.
When you submit to RockNess Sound City Stage Band Search 2011, you get a two-week free trial of Sonic bids. 
Submit for no cost for a limited time only.  Price increases to $10 (approx. £5) on 19 May.
Calling All Budding DJ’s…
 
If electronic music is more your thing and you are an aspiring DJ, then this is your chance to win a slot at the most stunning festival and play on the same line up as Groove Armada, Boys Noize, Simian Mobile Disco & Laidback Luke.   So if you think you can get the crowds jumping and blow the proverbial roof off the Loch then this is the competition for you! 

To win the opportunity to play a set at the almighty RockNess festival all you have to do is upload your biggest club mix to letsmix, visit www.rockness.co.uk for full links.  All mixes will be voted on by the public and with the 20 DJs with the most votes being judged by our expert panel, Jim King, RockNess festival director and Barry Price, Sub Club Director.  Online voting will close on the 26th May where the 6 finalists will be contacted on the 27th May.  From those 20, 6 semi finalists will be asked to battle in person at Sub Club on the 4th June 2011!  The winner will then be chosen on the night by crowd reaction and our panel of judges Barry Price, Sub Club Director and Jim King, RockNess Festival Director and will join us at RockNess to play the biggest set of their life!

 
Jim King, RockNess festival Director commented ”We’ve had some top class entrants to the DJ competition since we started and for me it’s a great way to listen to new DJs and encounter new styles.  We are committed to hosting the event so we can offer up and coming Djs an opportunity and a platform to get their name out into the industry.”
The grand prize will be a DJ set at RockNess 2011, VIP weekend camping passes for the winner and a friend with artistes passes on the day that they play.  
2nd prize will get a pair of weekend camping tickets for them and a friend to come to the festival.
The 6 finalists will also all receive a Premium account with Letsmix that allows them unlimited storage and mobile/streaming.
 
ROCKNESS TICKET INFO:
Student offer - £145 weekend camping/non camping plus free coach travel in Scotland and selected UK destinations from Citylink pick up points.
General offer – £149 weekend camping/non camping
General offer – £159 weekend camping/non camping weekend camping/non camping plus free coach travel in Scotland and selected UK destinations from Citylink pick up points.

Yet more bands announced for this years T in the Park

by
A huge hit in his native Canada thanks to the success of his previous two full length albums – 2005’s “Sometimes” and 2008’s “Bring Me Your Love”, Dallas Green AKA City and Colour is set to propel his profile to a new plateau with the June 2011 release of his third album, “Little Hell” and a stand out set at T in the Park.
 
The news that The Saw Doctors are returning to T in the Park for the sixth time is sure to be music to the ears of their legions of adoring fans.  It was 1990 when the Irish heroes had their first number one single “I Useta Lover” and over two decades later they are still going strong. Loved for being a band of the people with countless songs full of catchy choruses, the fields of Balado will be bouncing when this Irish brood take to the stage.
 
Glasgow boys Kassidy have been breaking the mould of traditional rock ‘n’ roll with debut album “Hope St” wowing critics and fans alike.  Having previously performed on the T Break Stage, the four-piece band are no strangers to T in the Park and are welcomed back to wow the crowds once more.
 
With Clare Maguire it’s all about the voice. A big, blues belter of a voice, a voice that’s lived a little, that knows things that hint huskily of hidden mysteries.  Snapped up by Universal Music at the age of just 20 when they heard that soaring powerhouse of a vocal, she’s been writing and recording ever since and in 2011 has exploded into the mainstream with debut album “Light After Dark”.
 
Metronomy know exactly how to work the T in the Park crowd and are back for a third year, this time treating fans to material from their new album “The English Riviera”.  But anyone expecting more of the same digital melancholia as heard on the universally-lauded “Nights Out” is in for a shock – “The English Riviera” is a belting, unashamed pop album, a gorgeous record full of languid, sunset funk songs even more danceable than those that have gone before, get ready to boogie at Balado!
 
Tame Impala make psychedelic hypno-groove melodic rock and in their own words their sound is “as equally informed by The Beatles as it is by beat poetry.” With a highly original set in store, bursting with songs filled with their distinctive dream-like melodies, Tame Impala are sure to take the T in the Park crowd to a totally tranquil place this summer.
 
British electro pop giants Fenech-Soler are being championed as the ‘ones to watch’ this year.   Single “Stop and Stare” brought a little bit of the Balaerics to the UK and the band’s latest effort “Demons” has dropped just in time for summer, bringing a dark mix of dancey beats to the pop charts.  The band is firmly at the top of the nu rave pile and is sure to put on a show to remember when they make their debut appearance at T in the Park.
 
Kimberly Wyatt, former member of multi-platinum selling girl group Pussycat Dolls has partnered up with producer Spencey Nezey for new project Her Majesty and The Wolves. Teaser track “Glaciers” made major waves online last year along with its dubstep remix that garnered exceptional underground support. New single “Goodbye/Goodnight” mixed by The Wideboys, provides an excellent window into what fans can expect to hear at T in the Park this summer.
 
Irish outfit Fight Like Apes are famous for their mischievous high jinx during their live sets.  They’ve toured with The Ting Tings, The Prodigy and Kasabian and recently released second album “The body of Christ and the legs of Tina Turner” which was nominated for the Choice Music Prize. 
 
The magical story that is Grouplove began on the island of Crete where five creative souls came together with a vision of making beautiful music for the world.  The band have been dubbed as one of the coolest new bands around and if single title “Get Giddy” is anything to by, they’re set to deliver a euphoric set when they come to Scotland.
 
Seattle based band The Head and the Heart write and play songs that speak to the newness of a fresh start, of ghosts left behind, of moving forward, brimming with a soulfulness and hope that reaches out to everyone.  The band’s self-titled first album was released last summer with catchy piano melodies and a tight trio of harmonies, solid minimalist drums, grooving bass, and plenty of hand percussion and foot stomps that will tempt the T in the Park crowd to do the same.
 
In 2010 Evaline recorded their first full length album “Woven Material” and refined their highly energetic live show before unveiling it to the masses.   T in the Parkers will get a taste of Evaline’s passionate, intense alt-rock this summer.
 
Uber cool London lad Wolf Gang has been making Bowie inspired music since 2009 and working on producing the perfect debut album “Suego Faults”, due for release in June.  Recent single “Dancing With the Devil” made iTunes’ single of the week and he has successfully won over some of the biggest music critics in the business.  His fanbase is set to soar some more following his highly anticipated performance at
 T in the Park this summer.
 
A limited number of T in the Park Residence packages are still available to buy. The Residence offers festival goers a bespoke, luxury experience where all their accommodation needs are taken care of. Guests are welcomed into an oasis of indulgence to enjoy a unique festival experience in their luxury accommodation of choice. Once they have settled into their home for the weekend, festival goers can relax in the Residence Lounge Café & Bar or treat themselves to a pampering session in the spa before heading to see their favourite bands as well as accessing the festival’s hospitality area. For more information, log onto www.tinthepark.com/residence.
 
Be Chilled has proved to be one of the biggest hits at T in the Park and due to phenomenal demand, Tennent’s Lager is bringing back the hugely popular, quick and slick service to the heart of the T in the Park campsite for the fourth year running.  Campers can pre order Tennent’s Lager or Magners Original Cider now atwww.tennents.com/bechilled and Tennent’s will have orders chilled and ready for collection on the campsite throughout the weekend.
 
At the heart of T in the Park is the music and atmosphere that continually unites the crowd and creates a weekend of memorable moments that will last a lifetime. Brit Award and Grammy winners, the best breakthrough talent, multi-million selling artists, new music icons and legends….T in the Park 2011 has them all.  Bring it on Balado.

Kaiser Chiefs & James to rock Hard Rock Calling

by
Black Cards and Vintage Trouble are also confirmed to perform, joining headliner Bon Jovi on Saturday 25 June for what promises to be an incredible weekend of live music.
 
kaiser chiefsReturning in fine form, pop-rockers the KaiserChiefs are ready to get the crowds at Hyde Park jumping to hits including I Predict A Riot, Everyday I Love You Less And Less, Oh My God and Ruby,as well as showcasing brand new material from their forthcoming album. The Leeds quintet amassed over three million sales worldwide enjoying international chart success and five UK Top Ten smash hit singles.  Also joining the Friday 24 June line-up are Manchester’s own James. The nineties heroes return with their unforgettable hits Laid, Sit Down and Say Something plus many more.
 
Saturday 25 June additions include Pete Wentz’s new band Black Cards with their first appearance on the UK festival scene, as well as American soul-rockers Vintage Trouble, who gave an incredible performance earlier this year on Later With Jools Holland gaining the band critical-acclaim in the UK.
 
Now in its sixth consecutive year, Hard Rock Calling has fully established itself as one of the UK’s premier outdoor music events. Produced by Live Nation and presented by Hard Rock International, Hard Rock Calling is a unique and historic musical event with a main stage, second stage and many surprises in store for fans of all ages. In addition to headline appearances from The Killers on Friday 24 June and Bon Jovi on Saturday 25 June, living legendRod Stewart will headline Sunday 26 June with rock ‘n’ roll queen Stevie Nicks as special guest. The festival will also include a variety of attractions to be announced at a later date.
 
Tickets are on sale now and are available at www.hardrockcalling.co.uk.
 
 
Tickets On Sale Now – Book Now To Avoid Disappointment
Friday tickets – £49.50 + booking fee
(The Killers to headline Friday 24 June)
 
Saturday tickets – £59 + booking fee
(Bon Jovi to headline Saturday 25 June)


Sunday tickets – £55 + booking fee
(Rod Stewart to headline Sunday 26 June)
 
Buy online at www.hardrockcalling.co.uk   
 
 
To buy VIP Experiences and Hospitality online please go to www.livenationexperience.co.uk or call + 44 207 009 3484