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!

Bestival’s newest wave of acts announced – Skepta, Wiley, Drenge and The Chuckle Brothers

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EVEN MORE ACTS JOIN OUR SUMMER OF LOVE

WILEY / SKEPTA / RONI SIZE REPRAZENT (LIVE) / DRENGE / JAGUAR SKILLS / DJ YODA PRESENTS: BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS / KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS / GABRIELLE APLIN / DUB PISTOLS / DINOSAUR PILE-UP / DODGY / KERO KERO BONITO / LLOYD YATES / SEAFRET / XOCKHA / YRSLF

Plus To Me, To You Behaviour From The Legendary: CHUCKLE BROTHERS

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#Bestival15 / #SummerofLove

With over 25 stages, revolutionary soundsystems, zombie love-ins, psychedelic woodland adventures, 24-hour free haircuts, and a host of dazzling new attractions, Bestival’s Summer of Love is already looking pretty damn fit. But as ever, we want to get everyone we love involved, including this rather sultry bunch of musical marvels that will have you rockin’ Robin Hill all weekend long this September 10-13.

Love commando Rob da Bank says: “I’m well excited with this new batch of acts we’re announcing tonight. With so many identikit festivals about with similar acts and bills I’m proud that 12 years on we don’t go with the flow. If the indie amazingness of Drenge isn’t your bag then grimy faceslaps from Skepta and Wiley might be, and if you’re insane and don’t like the legendary junglist brilliance of Roni Size and his live Reprazent show then perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll be singing ‘to me, to you, to me, to you’ whilst dancing in a pair of ill-fitting tropical shorts to the Chuckle Brothers. No matter what, there’s plenty more fish in the sea to come, as our Summer of Love really starts to heat up. See you down the front.”

 

Bringing on the love with big fat beats, we’ll have main stage appearances from grime pioneer Wiley, who completely smashed it as our secret guest in 2012, plus the unstoppable skank machine, Dub Pistols.

Dub Pistols legend Barry Ashworth commented: “The Highlight of the year for us will always be playing Bestival, this year we are back on the main stage, it doesn’t get bigger than that, and if that’s not enough you can always catch me spinning tracks and drinking in the Sunday Best Cardboard Record Shop! There’s only one Bestival!”

Not quite true, Barry, there are two Bestivals, but we know what you mean! Big love to all our Canadian brethren! More Isle of Wight-based Bestival main stage action will come from cool chanteuse Gabrielle Aplin, sing-along faves Dodgy, and the Isle of Wight’s own Xockha and Yrslf.

Old blue, Bestival’s beloved Big Top will be playing host to some mighty sounds this summer, too, including the much requested return of Joseph Junior Adenuga AKA Skepta and an absolute must-see live set from drum n bass hero Roni Size & Reprazent. We’ll also have recently expanded noiseniks Drenge, our favourite scratch master DJ Yoda Presents: Breakfast of Champions, with his brand new hip-hop band busting up the Big Top live, and then the man himself will be taking on Bollywood for a typically special DJ set, and we’ll have one of the coolest bands ever to grace a festival, Sunday Best favourites, the utterly incomparable Kitty Daisy & Lewis.

Commenting on their latest Bestival appearance, Kitty Daisy & Lewis uttered as one: “We’re so excited to be coming to Bestival again this year, we always have a great time. Sunday Best know how to throw a festival!”

The Big Top will also welcome a high-voltage rock assault from Dinosaur Pile-Up, plus sets from Kero Kero Bonito, Lloyd Yates, Seafret and – we’re not sure it’s possible to express quite how excited we are about this – The Chuckle Brothers! Yes, it’ll be history in the making with be-mulleted slapstick to me, to you. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

As if all that wasn’t enough to get you all giddy with joy, he was one of the smash hits acts that started our summer in finest style at Common People, so we’re extremely pleased that turntable ninja, Jaguar Skills, will be joining us to destroy the dancefloor at The Port.

New stage announced for Bestival – The Kaleidoscope

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BRAND NEW FOR OUR SUMMER OF LOVE

THE KALEIDOSCOPE

A STEPPING STONE TO COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS

LIVE MUSIC LOVE-INS:

47SOUL / ALICE JEMIMA / ANDY VOTEL PRESENTS TWISTED NERVE / BADOW / COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS / ESTHER JOY LANE / FICKLE FRIENDS / FLIGHT BRIGADE / GALLOWS GHOST / GECKO / GOLDRAY / L.A SALAMI / LAZLO / LAUCAN / LUCKY ELEPHANT / MISPERS / PORT ISLA / SAMUEL WALWYN / SHANTY / SOLKO / SOLAR BEARS / THE EPHEMERALS / THE FONTANAS / WILL VARLEY / XYLAROO

AMBIENT FOREST & WONKY DISCO DJs:

APIENTO / BALEARIC GABBA SOUNDSYSTEM / CHRIS COCO / DANNY WHITEHEAD / DAVE SEAMAN / FLYING WHITE DOTS / MOJO FILTER / NICK WARREN / OLAF STUUT / PAUL GODFREY (MORCHEEBA) PETE GOODING / PHIL DOCKERTY / PHIL MISON / PHIL SOUTH / STEVE COBBY / STILL:LIFE / THYTHE / TOM MISCH

MORNING CHAKRA SHAKE-DOWNS WITH SESSIONS BY FRAME:

BOXFIT / 80s AEROBICS / DANCEFIT / JANE FONDA TRIBUTE / DYNAMIC STRETCH / ASS & ABS / GET LEGGY / YOGA-LATES / HIP-HOP AEROBICS

PLUS: ACROYOGADANCE

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#Bestival15 / #SummerOfLove

Our brand new arena, Slow Motion, is all about taking the festival experience to a whole new plane, creating a festival within a festival dedicated to connecting mind and body. As part of that trip we’re super-excited about our brand new psychotropic stage attraction, The Kaleidoscope. Featuring energising morning pursuits, pastoral musical vibes by day, wonky disco joys into the night and rapturous bespoke animations to amuse the mind’s eye, the Kaleidoscope stage will add a whole new dimension to Bestival’s bag this 10-13 September at Robin Hill Country Park.

Summer lover Rob da Bank says: “I’m more excited about our new Slow Motion festival within a festival than I have been about a new area at Bestival for years. Add to that the fact that Mrs da Bank has invented a new, insanely cool audio-visual stage called The Kaleidoscope, and I’m ready to pop… The Kaleidoscope will be populated by a mix of the best ambient, electronica and chill-out DJs known to man, offset by folk, soul, psychedelia and new wave electronic rhythms. Prepare to get horizontal and vertical all at the same time…”

 

Brimful of prismatic pleasures, by day the Kaleidoscope will be the place to catch synesthesic sounds from right across the musical spectrum, including sets from 47Soul, Alice Jemima, Andy Votel presents Twisted Nerve, Badow, CoCo and the Butterfields, Esther Joy Lane, Fickle Friends, Flight Brigade, Gallows Ghost, Gecko, Goldray, L.A Salami, Lazlo, Laucan, Lucky Elephant, Mispers, Port Isla, Samuel Walwyn, Shanty, Solko, Solar Bears, The Ephemerals, The Fontanas, Will Varley and Xylaroo.

When night falls, it’s woozy does it, by way of the Ambient Forest, as our consciousness-expanding circle of selectors take charge of the ones and twos at Wonky Disco time. Geared up to induce epic mind excursions, bathed in psyche-twisting light projections, our vibrantly vivid visions will be soundtracked with polychromatic inspiration from Apiento, Balearic Gabba Soundsystem, Chris Coco, Danny Whitehead, Dave Seaman, Flying White Dots, Mojo Filter, Nick Warren, Olaf Stuut, Paul Godfrey (Morcheeba), Pete Gooding, Phil Dockerty, Phil Mison, Phil South, Steve Cobby, Still:Life, Thythe and Tom Misch.

And for the truly enlightened Bestivalites, the Kaleidoscope stage will host morning gatherings to warm up your senses and get that all-important chakra shake down with sessions by Frame, including Boxfit, 80s Aerobics, Dancefit, a Jane Fonda Tribute, Dynamic Stretch, Ass & Abs, Get Leggy, Yoga-Lates and Hip-Hop Aerobics, plus the wonderful AcroYogaDance.

A varicoloured world of joy at the heart of Slow Motion, the Kaleidoscope is a mesmerising delight not to be missed.  

Elle King, The Hearts and more join T in the Park 2015 lineup

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The Fancy Dress Friday theme has also been revealed, and in homage to the festival’s picturesque new setting Strathallan Castle, fans will be encouraged to dress up to the theme of theUltimate Fairy Tale – think King or Queen, Knight or Jester, Dragon or Fairy. 
 
Singer-songwriter The Beach released debut single Thieves earlier this year, capturing the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac (and her predecessor Zane Lowe), receiving airplay on the station. His gorgeous melodies meld epic crescendos and raw emotion. Widely hailed as one to watch, he is one of the most exciting singer-songwriter talents to emerge in recent years.
 
Elle King is an American recording artist whose musical style encompasses country, soul, folk, rock, and blues. Born in Ohio and raised in Brooklyn, Elle retains her roots in a style that blends those worlds of both grit and mid-western charm. She’s toured with Of Monsters and Men, Ed Sheeran, and James Bay, and ties her old soul and rock 'n' roll influences into a sound that’s all her own.
 
Belfast four-piece And So I Watch You From Afar also make their T in the Park debut this summer. The band released their fourth album Heirs earlier this month – a work of intense focus and adventurous abandon that reaches to the heart of artistic expression, packed with anthemic melodies and infectious hooks.
 
After 20 stellar years with Feeder – including 8 gold and platinum albums and over 3 million album sales – frontman Grant Nicholas appears as a solo artist. His debut solo record Yorktown Heightsevoked the carefree spirit of Laurel Canyon in the ‘70’s while also sounding bang up to date – ambitious, largely acoustic, and full of head-spinning melodies. Its follow-up – the six-track mini-album Black Clouds, was released last month.
 
Welsh buzz band The Hearts have supported the likes of Paul Weller and Arcade Fire. They released a 2 track EP Run Free at the start of the year, with lead track Lips receiving major airplay on Radio 1 and XFM, and are one to watch at this year’s T in the Park.
 
Organisers have also revealed that the Slam Tent will be open on the Thursday night, with Animal Farm, Clouds and Ben Sims taking to the decks to get the party well and truly started.
 
With some of the biggest names in music heading for Scotland this summer, T in the Park’s debut outing at Strathallan Castle is shaping up to be an unmissable weekend over 10th – 12th July.
 
T IN THE PARK 2015 LINE-UP
 
FRIDAY 10th JULY: Kasabian, David Guetta, Sam Smith, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, Hozier, Mark Ronson (DJ set), The War on Drugs, Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Afrojack, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, Sigma, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG, The Cribs, Hannah Wants, The Twilight Sad, Prides, Lucy Rose, Slaves, Lower than Atlantis, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Lonely the Brave, Indiana, Grant Nicholas, The Beach, Coasts, Blossoms, The Beaches, The Riptide Movement Fort Hope, The Hearts
 
SLAM TENT: Adam Beyer b2b Joseph Capriati, Âme, Ben Klock, Eats Everything, SLAM, Telford
 
SATURDAY 11th JULY: The Libertines, Avicii, The Script, Twin Atlantic, alt-J, George Ezra, Jessie J, Courteeners, The Vaccines, Labrinth, The Proclaimers, St. Vincent, Enter Shikari, Seasick Steve, Jungle, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Marina & the Diamonds, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX, Palma Violets, Circa Waves, Jack Savoretti, The Strypes, Rae Morris, The LaFontaines, Stevie McCrorie, Sunset Sons, George the Poet, Walking on Cars, The Coronas, Gavin James, Elle King, Vaults
 
SLAM TENT: Annie Mac, Art Department, Gary Beck, Jackmaster B2B Joy Orbison, Lil Louis, Maceo Plex, Rødhåd, Visionquest
 
SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above & Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish & the Bottlemen, James Bay, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, The View, Modest Mouse, Years & Years, Peace, Everything Everything, Admiral Fallow, Ella Eyre, Marmozets, Wolf Alice, Benjamin Booker, Saint Raymond, And So I Watch You From Afar, Young Guns, Black Rivers
 
SLAM TENT: Alan Fitzpatrick, Claude VonStroke, Dense & Pika, Dixon, Dubfire, Loco Dice, Maya Jane Coles, Surgeon and Lady Starlight

Tennents Lager announce T Break stage lineup

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Today the line-up of acts that will play the T Break Stage’s landmark 20th year is revealed:
 
AmatrArt
Apache Darling
Catholic Action
Be Charlotte
Crash Club
Dead Man Fall
Ded Rabbit
DIVIDES
Gerry Cinnamon
Other Humans
Our Future Glory
Schnarff Schnarff
Spring Break
The Claramassa
The Van T's
Tijuana Bibles
 
Tennent’s Lager have been proudly supporting Scotland’s grassroots music scene through T Break for 20 memorable years, providing the country’s freshest unsigned talent with the chance to showcase their material to fans, musicians and music industry insiders alike on the biggest platform for unsigned artists at T in the Park – the T Break Stage.
 
Throughout T Break’s 20-year rock and roll history the T Break Stage has seen a huge wealth of talent coming through the ranks, with bands such as Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, Twin Atlantic and The View all playing the legendary stage.  Each year the T Break line-up – curated by a judging panel of 15 of Scotland’s most respected and influential music industry experts – reflects exactly what’s going on in Scotland’s grassroots music scene at that time, and this year is no exception.

Boomtown Fair announce themes for all nine districts

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Most festivals are content with having one theme to stick to throughout the event, but not BoomTown; with nine completely different districts making up this bonkers fantasyland of ultimate escapism, all fancy-dress bases are covered! From the backstreet barbers in the Wild West to the glamourous ladies-who-lunch of Mayfair Avenue, there’s a whole plethora of characters just waiting to take up residence in one of the unique areas of the city. BoomTown, taking place over 13th – 16th August at the Matterley Estate nr. Winchester, has already announced all 500 plus acts performing this year, including Stephen Marley, Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, Matisyahu, Barrington Levy, Squarepusher, Noisia, Spor, John Butler Trio, Less Than Jake, Infected Mushroom and hundreds more across nearly every conceivable genre, the details for each of the city’s districts can now be unveiled, along with all the madcap and bizarre venues to be found within them.

With so many districts, streets, venues and sideshows to take in, the ever creative powerhouse of BoomTown Fair have launched their very own news channel, BTN, to deliver short, snappy news bulletins outlining each of the districts and all the wonders that can be found within! The full playlist of district videos can be found here.

Starting off with the lawless Wild West, this dusty district first opened its saloon doors in Chapter 6 and since then has doubled in size and expanded with even more unsavoury characters roaming the streets just waiting to corrupt any who choose to visit! With many venues to discover including The Wrong Side of the Tracks railway station; Madame Electrifie’s General Store a hive of Western wonders alongside some of the most rip-roaring fiddle playing in all the prairies! The Gold Rush mine has been re-opened as a saloon by a wild bunch of thirsty thrill seekers rivalling Shot Gun Willies as the districts’ premier watering hole. The Lawless Halls of Justice have spruced up the old Courthouse with an all-star line-up of auditory outlaws keeping everything in order. Visitors to the unruly bad-lands of the Wild West are welcome to run amuck among the disorderly streets and try to make their name…

Barrio Loco, a passionate playground filled with technicolour and a true zest for life! This is the home BoomTown’s Glorious Leader as well as many an action packed venue including, Circo Bassline with their Caba-rave; the Happy Slap El Espectaculo Esqueleto and Samedia Shebeen. Visitors are advised against taking a wrong turn and ending up in Breaking Boomtown Lab. For a spot of reinvention head to La Belleza Muerto; those of a sporting disposition may feel brave enough to hunt down a worthy adversary in the interactive gaming zone of Dissosia Casa de Balanceo Loco or throw the biggest shapes in the ring at The Dance Off!

Back up the hill from Barrio Loco lies the all the prosperity of Mayfair Avenue, join the 1 percent-ers in their tax free haven or try to swindle them out of their fortune. Revel in these golden streets where the stakes are high and the fun is serious! With establishments such as Charlie Browns Casino and Barwhere one can win or lose big; interactive decadence of the Park Hotel boasting cocktails, room service, gaming tables and music shows; festival entertainment elite, the Bearded Kittens’ very own Opera House and The Fitzslones’ mansion party in Funkington Manor. There are plenty of sideshows to entertain including Copper Feel Cabaret and the Candy Trash Beauty Boutique.  The Slapbox is there for ultimate image capturing or glide around in style at BUMP Roller Disco.

The OldTown pirate port tempts passers-by into its cobbled back streets and bawdy taverns for a weekend of raucous revelry and clandestine celebration! As the first place for many settlers, OldTown provides a range of amenities to keep transient visitors occupied; The Job Centre will be on hand to find gainful employment for all new arrivals within the city, sending citizens off to work within other establishments at the fair, prepare for the new employment opportunities with Jack The Clippers barbers. Grandmas Living Room offers homely comforts along with the more communal space of Peoples Front Room. There is also Rimski’s, a loveable dive filled with live music enthusiasts. Or for something totally different go visit Wayne and Wanda’s grounded cruise ship for the ultimate lip-synching experience!  Offering straight up redemption is the Dank Parish’s ‘Church of The Sturdy Virgin’. The miscreants out there should watch out for the Boomtown Bobbies who will be ensuring law and order are obeyed at all times!

Moving down the hill to the area of DownTown is home to ChinaTown, the colourful mecca of the digital new age where gaming is all the rage, with a sound track of Ska Punk. Pop into Alan’s Happy Ending Cinema to experience another dimension in 4D entertainment. Hang out with Mr Hung for t-shirt printing with a difference or lose yourself (and your savings) in the Lucky Cat Musement Arcade. Bend some circuits with So Fun Tek and play live 3D Mario inDubtendo. There’s also a totally 21st century gaming experience available with Digital Funfair and the mash-up make over at The Freak Boutique punk parlour!

The seedy underbelly of DSTRKT 5 houses some of dodgiest dives in town and the Leisure Centre, Asbo Disco and the Old School Garage are all returning with their much famed antics and outright mayhem, along with other interactive venues such as the Spaceport, Jungle Syndicate and Amental.For those brave enough to cross this galactic border there is a whole other worldly realm of delights to be explored in this pan dimensional district. There is mind, body and soul modification at The Body Shop, a regrettable new face from Downtown Tattoos, a questionable evening in the Red Rash inn, a mighty good wash down from the 24hr garage girls or selling your soul to We Buy Gold in a desperate attempt to escape the DSTRKT!

TrenchTown is more of an ideology than a physical district. Spread throughout the city, the residents of TrenchTown have their common bond, not over boundaries and buildings, tbut through a shared love for reggae, roots and dub culture. The Lion’s Den has risen up and ascended the hill to a previously untouched area of the city. Tangled Roots has also packed up their stacks and relocated the full on celebration of soundsystem and dub culture to a woodland clearing close to the suburbs of Mayfair where Unit 137 and Lion Pulse will once again be battling out the soundclashes for all that stomp in it! Keeping TrenchTown grounded is the Hidden Woods, one of BoomTown’s most beloved spots this natural roots location houses tree-topped walkways, sandy spots with sun-splashed clearings, wooden huts hosting the ultimate reggae experience.

The place of the fair where freedom is at its truest, where the residents rule the streets and no-one is in charge, KidzTown! This year all of KidzTown are off on one almighty tropical island hideaway! This fantastical space for all the family, which is for the kids by the kids, will see the seaside resort take influence from the Tropics with colourful shirts, grass skirts, straw hats and inflatable animals galore! This creative reality lets the mischievous munchkins of BoomTown do exactly what they want to, with fair grounds, pizzas, puppets, hand crafted chill out areas, soft play, workshops, gigantic brain wave shows, interactive comedy and lots more…

Just across the track from KidzTown is Whistlers Green, a crossroads of creativity where participation is everything!  There are lots of things to try and do here from; trapeze to black smith workshops, cider making to spoon carving or a relaxing message or dip in one of the hot tubs. Go astray in the Lost Horizons sauna and hidden gardens or tend to your soul in The Healing Place, featuring the wishing tree, mother and child space, daily morning yoga classes & a range of healing therapies including Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Deep Tissue and Thai massage. The calming confines of Whistlers Greenprovides a relaxing environment to soak up the sublime array of tranquil tunes at the beautiful Floating Lotus stage. Relax in the many gardens and chill out zones with a cup of Chai or head to the Hobgoblin Ale Garden for a refreshing draft

The Big Feastival add The Feeling, Sophie Ellis Bextor and more

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The Big Feastival 2015 is on track to create its best music line-up to date, securing chart-topping artists and some of the hottest new acts in music.

Original indie-rockers, The Feeling have been confirmed for the main stage, and the crowd can also expect a special guest appearance from songstress Sophie Ellis-Bextor, as she will be joining the band on stage for an unforgettable music moment.

Fellow indie singer-songwriter, Badly Drawn Boy has also been confirmed today and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Festivalgoers will be in for a treat on the Friday night of the event as synthpop legends, Heaven 17, known for their good-time anthem ‘Temptation’ are also announced.  These acts join headliners Groove Armada (DJ set), Dizzee Rascal and Paloma Faith in what is shaping up to be the greatest Big Feastival music line-up to date.

The Big Feastival has also announced a plethora of rising stars as it champions the very best in new music.  Joining established acts on the main stage will be breakthrough artist, Rae Morris, a soulful singer-songwriter whose debut album Unguarded hit the top ten. London quartet Flyte have been selling out venues in the capital with their infectious sound and are sure to impress the Big Feastivalaudience. Irish pop duo Hudson Taylor will also make a welcome debut at the event with their Simon and Garfunkel-like melodies. Rounding up the latest additions of fresh new music at Big Feastival is rockabilly siblings, Ruen Brothers, who will be bringing their guitar-twanging, drum bashing sound to the main stage.

The Main Stage music line-up so far is as follows:

Friday 28: Groove Armada (DJ Set), Cuban Brothers, Norman Jay M.B.E, Heaven 17, Flyte

Saturday 29: Dizzee Rascal, Example & DJ Wire, Ella Eyre, Grandmaster Flash, Hudson Taylor, Duke

Sunday 30: Paloma Faith, The Feeling ft Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Roots Manuva, Maxi Jazz, Rae Morris, Badly Drawn Boy, Ruen Brothers

Other musical treats at The Big Feastival 2015 will come from a jam-packed Udder Stage which makes a welcome return and features Jake Isaac, Booka Brass Band, Rive, Object Object, Grace Savage, Pocket Club, Folk Idol offering visitors the chance to don beards and play covers of folk songs, as well as City Shanty Band who will entertain the crowds with traditional sea shanties. By night, the tent will transform into a Silent Disco for visitors to enjoy.

Top chefs and the best in children’s entertainment will also make up this year’s Big Feastival. This chef programme includes Raymond Blanc, Monica Galetti, Nathan Outlaw, Ashley Palmer-Watts, Mark Hix, Gizzi Erskine, The Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom & Henry Herbert and Gennaro Contaldo.  There will also be a brand new Healthy Living Zone starring Deliciously Ella plus other healthy trendsetters as well as family entertainment from the likes of CBeebies Justin Fletcher, Peppa Pig, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and The Little Dudes’ Den.

Brownstock Festival add new artists to 2015 lineup

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Beardyman, aka Danny Foreman, leads the charge for the latest additions to Brownstock Festival. UK Beatbox Champion in 2006 and 2007, Beardyman offers up a cocktail of drum n’ bass, dubstep and breakbeat in his sets using his mimic vocal chords and an array of tech. Considered one of the most innovative beatboxers, not just in the UK but beyond, Beardyman has torn up stages across Europe and has wowed crowds at festivals, his own shows and Edinburgh Fringe.
 
T Williams’ musical career began at just 17 years old when he began to make waves in the grime and bass world, fast forward to the present day and Williams has undergone something of a reinvention through his new found love of house music. Williams’ rejuvenated sound saw him named as one the ‘DJ Stars of 2012’ in TimeOut magazine. Tieks, the pop/house crossover producer and musician broke through in 2014 with single ‘Sing That Song’, influenced as much by film as he is by music, Tieks brings a cinematic sound to the Brownstock.
 
PBR Streetgang have remixed the likes of Lana Del Ray and held a residency at Ibiza’s club-Mecca We Love at Space, next up – Brownstock. Their disco/house set promises to be a jewel in the festival’s crown this July.
 
Also added to proceedings are Ten Story, Pied Piper and Kokiri, plus Essex’s own DJ Cable and Dream McClean. 
 
With headliners Basement Jaxx, Example and DJ Fresh, plus sets from Sub Focus, Lethal Bizzle, Bondax and many more Brownstock promises a ‘hands in the air’, celebratory weekend of the finest pop, dance and urban sounds this July. Tickets are on sale now at the awesomely value for money prince of £79 and can be purchased via Brownstock.co.uk.

V Festival expand their comedy lineup for 2015

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V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, today adds a raft of established and emerging comedy acts to The Glee Club Comedy Tentline-up. Joining headliners Frankie Boyle and Russell Kane, award-winning comedian Matt Richardson, ‘An Irishman Abroad’ starJarlath Regan, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Deacon, Luisa Omielanand Paul McCaffrey will be taking to the stage.

 

British stand-up comedians Kevin McCarthy and Mark Olver will keep the tent roaring with laughter between acts as the official MCs, introducing the world-class line-up. Further additions to the bill include Simon King, Andrew O’Neill, Jen Brister, Gareth Richards,Marlon Davis, Prince Abdi, Danny McLoughlin, Craig Murray and Andy Robinson.

 

Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi, Nick Helm and Gary Delaney are also headlining during the festival weekend.

 

Matt Richardson said: “Last year my V Festival sets were two of my favourites of the year and I’m really excited to be going back and hopefully seeing some new faces. It’s great that comedy is such a huge part of the line-up, I love performing at festivals and I can’t wait to get on stage for the 20th anniversary of V!”

 

Making her second appearance at V Festival Suzi Ruffell said: “It’s an honour to be joining a tent crammed full of the finest comedy talent around. As a comedian, you’re usually on your own when on the road, so I’m looking forward to getting together with the rest of the line-up and watching them on stage too!”

 

V Festival’s 20th anniversary weekend will take placeon the 22nd and 23rd August, at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

 

V Festival 2015 tickets are available to purchase online now atwww.vfestival.com, where the announced line-up can also be found.

Reading and Leeds Festival add more acts to their lineup for 2015

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With a huge bill topped by festival headliners Metallica, Mumford & Sons and The Libertines plus a supporting cast of some of the world’s biggest names in music including Kendrick Lamar, Alt J and Bring Me The Horizon, the already bursting Reading & Leeds Festival lineup is now bolstered by even more incredible names.

MAIN STAGE

With the Main Stage lineup already providing a huge number of must-see acts across this summer’s bank holiday weekend,Mariachi El Bronx return to the prestigious opening slot to bring festival crowds their signature brand of traditional mariachi and feel good pop for a set that is sure to bring the sunshine. The LA punks, The Bronx, will also play The Lock up Stage.

NME/BBC RADIO 1 STAGE

Taking the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage on the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds, The Struts will be making their R&L debut this year; treating crowds to their potent mix of indie and glam rock as found on last years ‘Everybody Wants’ LP. Having played support to The Rolling Stones last year, they are truly a world-class rock act.

Since forming in 2009 Chicago, Illinois natives Twin Peaks have continued to build on the buzz surrounding their furious brand of garage punk. Heading for Reading on the Saturday and Sunday at Leeds, theirs is a set not to be missed. 

To say that British songwriter and producer Shura has a bright future ahead of her would be a complete understatement. With standout headline shows under her belt and armed with tracks like the smooth electro-pop of recent Radio 1 championed single ‘2Shy’, expect huge crowds on Sunday at Reading and Friday at Leeds. 

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE

Dance music enthusiasts can once again rejoice as the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage once again brings only the finest acts from across the world together under one roof.

Joining this year’s lineup are Australian hitmaker Hayden James, German deep-house wizard Ferdinand Weber, a very special live set from DJ Fresh, Irish favourites Riptide Movement, live electronic duo Maribou State, pop starlet Petite Meller and The Six. 

THE LOCK UP/PIT STAGE

A host of exciting new names have been announced for The Lock Up/Pit stage, including The Bronx and Progressive metal legends Baroness. Japanese noise-mongers Bo Ningen will bring their visceral, undeniably unique sound to a mid-afternoon slot on Friday Reading / Saturday Leeds. Earlier in the day the gloriously destructive God Damn will be proving why so much hype has surrounded them in recent months. Vant will also be opening proceedings with Skinny Lister.Elsewhere throughout the weekend, No Devotion and As It Is join a mammoth lineup on Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds, further proving why The Lock Up / Pit Stage is one of the festival’s most exciting, diverse areas on site.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE

The Festival Republic Stage remains the area of the festivals with a focus on both emerging and established alternative talent. Having appeared on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist earlier this year, Sunset Sons‘ fresh brand of beachside indie has built a huge fan base who will no doubt pack out the tent Friday Reading / Saturday Leeds. Scottish synth-poppersNeon Waltz play Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds having drawn critical acclaim from blogs around the world whilst Spring King fuse visceral indie with modern pop charm.

Seether and The Last Internationale complete the current announcement, rounding off an incredible stage lineup that features the best alternative talent the world has to offer.

BBC 1XTRA STAGE

Further proving the vital place of Hip Hop and Urban music at R&L, more names have also been added to the hugely popular BBC 1XTRA Stage. Bringing together 80’s pop hooks with a 60’s aesthetic, Brighton’s Remi Miles will open the stage Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds.

Fresh after collaborating with Jamie XX, unlikely rap hero Young Thug will also be making a rare appearance Friday Leeds / Saturday Reading, bringing a barrage of hits that prove impossible not to shout along to.

Sibling production / DJ duo Star.One also join the lineup, perfectly encapsulating the diverse and groundbreaking nature of both the BBC 1xtra Stage, and Reading and Leeds as a whole.

Check out Leeds latest festival The Garden Party

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As one of the north's most esteemed cultural events The Garden Party have unveiled plans to make their 10th Birthday celebrations the biggest yet. Evolving into a two day festival on 29th – 30th August at the iconic Tetley's Brewery in the Leeds city centre, The Garden Party Leeds spans a weekend of immersive art, street food and of course, musical performances from the very best live acts and DJs. 

The extensive live bill features the ultimate diva of electronica Roisin Murphy, one of the most recognised names in hip-hop Yasiin Bey AKA Mos Def, Swedish four-piece Little Dragon, Nordic king of disco Todd Terje and roots singer-songwriter Ady Suileman. The Garden Party will also welcome live performances from the favourite tea-making DJ Mr Scruff and up-and-coming Romare.

Keeping the party going on the DJ side will be John Talabot, Grandmaster Flash, Black Coffee, Innervisions co-founders Amê and funk & soul legend Craig Charles. The legendary Kerri Chandler, BBC Radio 1 regular Heidi, the Bicep boys, Paul Woolford, Redlight, Shadow Child,B.Traits, and Patrick Topping will also be performing over the bank holiday weekend.

Far more than just a music festival The Garden Party Leeds will bring to life the iconic Tetley brewery, teaming up with the creative minds at Mad Ferret. The Garden Party revellers will enjoy curated Food and Drink by Leeds Indie Food Fest, including worldwide street food, fresh stone baked pizzas courtesy of Pizza Fella, El Kantina's Mexican delights plus the Cocktail Shack. 

Dedicated to showing the talents of the north and providing a creative hub for its musicians and artist, The Garden Party Leeds will be the ten year evolution from one of the UK's most loved club promoters to a festival highlight of the summer. Tickets for The Garden Party Leeds start at just £19.50 for one day and £29.50 for the weekend. Tickets can be found at www.thegardenpartyleeds.com 

ROISIN MURPHY / LITTLE DRAGON / YASIIN BEY AKA MOS DEF /
TODD TERJE / SOUL II SOUL / KERRI CHANDLER /
JOHN TALABOT / JULIO BASHMORE / JOY ORBISON /
BLACK COFFEE / HEIDI / GRANDMASTER FLASH / ÂME /
BICEP / REDLIGHT / PATRICK TOPPING / B.TRAITS / MR SCRUFF /
CRAIG CHARLES / SHADOW CHILD / PAUL WOOLFORD /
CHRIS LORENZO / FATIMA & THE EGLO BAND / PREDITAH / ROMARE /
PBR STREETGANG / CRAZY P SOUNDSYSTEM / FUTUREBOOGIE /
ADY SULEIMAN / PEOPLE GET REAL / ARKIVE / DISKO KID & TOBIAS /
KRYSKO & GREG LORD / THE SONIC EMPORIUM / GRAINGER /
STE ROBERTS / CHRISTIAN MAIDEN / OLI PATTEN /