Slam Dunk 2016 Midlands Review

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On 29th May the Genting Arena in Birmingham opened up the doors for Slam Dunk Festival. Each year the SDF team promises to make the event bigger and better than before and with the Midlands venue being shifted from Wolverhampton Civic Halls following their refurbishment, to the far larger Genting Arena it’s set to be bigger and better for their 10th Anniversary.   

Initially, when entering the main arena it is jam-packed full of fans, various traders, band merchandise stalls and eateries. Once you finally managed to gather your bearings, there’s lots of talent on offer across the eight stages. 

Early starters Coldrain were set to take to the stage at 1:20pm but after waiting around it was announced that they wouldn’t be performing due to technical issues beyond their control so they had to cancel their performance and quite a crowd had gather to watch the band open up the Atlas stage.  

Next up on the Atlas stage were the boys in The Word Alive

Set list: 
Dreamer
Face To Face
Made This Way
Lighthouse
Grunge
Trapped
Life Cycles

 

Then it was a mad dash over to the Main Stage for Young Guns lucky enough I made it with five minutes to spare before they took to the stage.  They kicked things off with “ Daughter Of The Sea” followed by “Speaking In Tongues” which had the arena in one massive sing-a-long. Their set was full of high energy and you could see why they were part of the main stage bill.

Set list: 
Daughter Of The Sea
Speaking In Tongues
Bulletproof
Rising Up
Winter Kiss
Brother In Arms
Bones
I Want Out

Next were indie rockers Mayday Parade, their set offered uplifting speeches and infectious energy contrasting with the songs we all had featured on our MySpace pages back in the day. The band set nostalgic memories across the room as the fans dance and sang along to every word. 

Set list:

One Of Them Will Destroy The Other
Jamie All Over
When You See My Friends
Keep In Mind, Transmogrification Is A New Technology
Three Cheers For Five Years
Hallow
Oh Well, Oh Well
Black Cat
Jersey

We Came As Romans came out strong on to the Atlas stage with heavy riffs and even seen Kyle Pavone get in with the crowd to mix things up abit.
Once again another mad dash over to The Key Club Stage to see As It Is. I’ve seen this band previously and they never fail to put on a good performance with high energy and antics. The room was full and so was the photo pit, it was all very tight squeeze. From the word GO! The room was bouncing and people were crowd surfing their little pop-punk hearts out, we even got to see Alex Costello of Roam join the lads on stage for “Cheap Shots & Set Backs”.

Set list: 

Concrete
Cheap Shots & Set Backs (with Alex Costello of Roam)
Can’t Save Myself
Horoscopes
Silence (Pretending’s So Comfortable)
Winter’s Weather
Speak Soft
Sorry
Dial Tones

Another nostalgic moment was up next on the Main Stage with Yellowcard playing their album Ocean Avenue in full but not with minor set backs with equipment not working, it seemed a few bands were having technical difficulties over the weekend but lucky enough stand in drummer Rib Chianelli from We Are The In Crowd managed to fix the issue and get the show on the road with the crowd erupting from start to finish while the band bounces from side to side like ping pong balls on stage.

The Amity Affliction

Set list:
I Bring The Weather With Me (Live Debut)
Open Letter
Lost & Fading 
The Weigh Down
Death’s Hand
Pittsburgh
Don’t Lean On Me

Mallory Knox never seen to disappoint their fans. The stage lighting was dark tonal shades of blue and green, highlighted with the well know MK logo creating atmospheric silhouettes.

Set list: 

Beggars
Wolves
Wake Up
Hello
1949
Ghost In The Mirror
Death Rattle
Creeper / Oceans
Lighthouse

New Found Glory were set to take to the main stage next and I’ve got to say no matter what venue they play they always get the crowd hyped up with there influential back catalogue showcasing that Pop-Punk is not dead. 

Set list:

Hit Or Miss
Understatement
Selfless
All Downhill from here
Truth Of My Youth
Resurrection
Listen To Your Friends
Ready, Aim, Fire!
Ready & Willing
Kiss Me (cover)
Situations
Dressed To Kill
Vicious Love
The Promise – (requested by a fan)
Forget My Name
Head On Collision
Sonny
My Friend’s Over You

Finally the one of the main bands people were waiting to see where finally about to take to the stage. Panic! At The Disco for me stole the show, being easily the best of the night. You wouldn’t of thought that the band had already played a show earlier that day in Exeter with the amount of energy and showmanship on display even though Brendan announced to the room he was “totally fucked” before lying down on the floor. Urie is one of the world’s true showmen as he changes his attitude, persona throughout the set to fit the tracks he’s playing. He also showed off his vocal range and high-notes with a mind-blowing cover of Bohemian Rhapsody and fire erupts from cannons and a confetti explosion ends the event in style.

Happy 10th Anniversary to Slam Dunk Festival"

T in the Park announce stage splits for 2016

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With just over 5 weeks to go until the biggest party of the summer, T in the Parkfestival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager today revealed the stage splits ahead of this year’s festival, to help T in the Parkers prepare for a weekend of enjoying the best music around, creating memories with friends old and new, and experiencing the magic of T in the Park.
 
 
Also announced today were the exciting additions of Izzy Bizu, The Telermen, The Lapelles and Hey! Hello! to the T in the Park bill, joining headliners The Stone Roses, Calvin Harris, Red Hot Chili Peppers plus Disclosure, Courteeners, The 1975, Chase & Status, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Jess Glynne amongst many others at Strathallan Castle across 8th – 10th July.
 
Singer-songwriter, Izzy Bizu can count Sam Smith, Rudimental, Foxes and Jamie Cullum amongst fans, having supported said artists on UK tours as well as securing a coveted spot on the Brits Critics’ Choice award shortlist and the BBC Sound of… 2016 longlist. Her soul, funk, jazz and pop fusion is sure to go down a treat when she performs on the T Break Stage at T in the Park.
 
Glasgow-bred, indie-rock quartet, The Telermen, recently released their debut EP, “Organic”. The band features Dillon Squire (lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar) whose father, guitarist John Squire, will headline T in the Park on Friday 8th July with The Stone Roses. With festival-worthy tunes including “I’m a Liar”, “Lonely Mind” and “Trust You” they will rock the T Break Stage this summer.
 
Having supported fellow T in the Park act The Last Shadow Puppets last night in Newcastle, and also joining Turner and Kane this evening for their Leicester show, Scottish five-piece The Lapelles are on the rise. Recently released track, “Grab Life By” was hailed by NME as possessing the “youthful swagger of Catfish and the Bottlemen”, with national airplay also secured from Radio X – catch them on the T Break Stage on Sunday 10th July.
 
Hey! Hello! are an international power-pop band formed by English singer-songwriter Ginger Wildheart. The band’s single “How I Survived The Punk Wars” was championed by Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Duff McKagan who commented in his Seattle weekly blog that the track was “perhaps the best and most real punk rock song in a long, long time. It actually stunned me”. They’ll bring their melodic tunes to T in the Park this summer.
 
Tickets for T in the Park 2016 are on sale now from www.tinthepark.com and remain at the same price for a fourth year running. T in the Park’s home Strathallan Castle is centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, approximately one hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lying on an estate sprawling a massive 1000 acres, surrounded by beautiful woodland, the site has expanded for 2016 with the Main Arena now a quarter bigger in size and the campsite increasing by a larger amount.

Bearded Theory Festival 2016 Review

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This Spring bank holiday I was delighted to attend my first Bearded Theory Festival at Catton Hall, South Derbyshire in the heart of the National Forest. 

I was impressed with this festival from the off.  The festival staff were extremely friendly and helpful and the chilled out, relaxed vibes were apparent immediately.  It’s clear that the organisers care about the festival experience for the punters and strive year and year to make improvements on previous editions.  I was hit by the colour and beauty of the surroundings and it was clear a lot of effort had gone into making this a special weekend. 

The diverse musical lineup included some household names such as the Bearded Theory favourites the Levellers who played to a packed crowd on the Friday.

My personal Friday highlight was ska/reggae band New Town Kings who had the Woodlands crowd in the palm of their hands with their perfect party tunes. 

It’s not just the headline acts that define a festival, the many important supporting acts are often the hidden gems that really make it a great experience.  The Something Else Tea Tent was a perfect example of this.  The curator of this solar powered tent had put on a line-up of established and up and coming artists and lots of festival goers I spoke to thought this was the best tent at the festival. 

In the tea tent on the Saturday Chantelle Barrow played her first ever festival slot.  Chantelle is an established singer and guitarist but she didn’t often get the chance to play out her own material.  From the reaction of the crowd I think she should play her own stuff more often.

Next up in the Tea Tent was Maelor Hughes who charmed the crowd with his Northern wit and singalong tunes.

Saturday’s Pallet Stage headliners were Public Image Ltd who put on a commanding and attention grabbing performance.

Over in the Woodlands Jack Savoretti closed the night with a heartfelt performance of songs from his ten year career. 

This family friendly festival has with lots to keep children and adults busy and even has an Ofsted registered school which 100s of children attended on the Friday. 

Another venue I enjoyed was the Magical Sounds tent reminiscent of a psychedelic rave where revellers of all ages dance until the early hours.

Sunday headliners Squeeze finished the weekend of in style. 

Whether you want to relax or go wild and dance the night away you will find something here to please you.  See you next year Bearded Theory.

Bestival unveils even more acts for The Future!

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As Bestival’s luminous dream world draws ever nearer, we have news of a host of amazing new live acts and DJs who will be dropping future sounds among the cosmic campfires, mindful escapism, intergalactic raves and Mexican wrestling when Bestival heads into The Future this coming 8-11 September at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.  

Rob da Bank says: “As ever we aim to please at Bestival and cover all bases at our insane island party. So let’s head into The Future with one of my favourite electronic acts ever Leftfield, a-song-a-month sensation Oh Wonder and newbies Honne and Anne-Marie, plus jungle and house legend DJ Zinc and hardcore heroes Slipmatt, Billy Daniel Bunter and Altern-8!”

They’re one of the biggest and best live dance music acts ever, so we’re over the moon to announce that Leftfield will be tearing up the Big Top on Saturday night. Famed for their speaker smashing bass, and a truckload of anthems from Phat Planet and Release the Pressure to Swords and Universal Everything, they never fail to give the dancefloor a proper spanking. You don’t want to miss this one.

But that’s not all as we’ll have breathy synth duo Oh Wonder, electronic soul from Honne, Rudimental collaborator and winner of MTV’s Brand New list Anne-Marie, hotly tipped rapper Tiggs da Author. acoustic trance from The ShowHawk Duo, and post punk three-piece and Robert Smith faves The Twilight Sad.

There will be even more live music from London Music Awards’ Rising Star Espa, widescreen indie types New Desert Blues, Sunday Best’s own Alice Jemima and Xylaroo, high octane rhymesters Too Many T’s, and the incredible winner of our Isle of Wight bands competition Lauran Hibberd. 

Joining our future perfect fun on the ones and twos we have a host of forward-thinking crate diggers who’ll keep you dancing all night long including super sharp shooter DJ Zinc, the World of Rave & Music Mondays crew with History of Rave action from DJ Slipmatt going b2b with Billy Daniel Bunter and a DJ set from Altern-8, plus grime selector Sir Spyro, Radio 1’s Clara Amfo, freestyle femme fatale Amy Becker and woozy, psychedelic wunderkind Roosevelt.

We’ll also have pleasingly repetitive beats from Junk: Not Your Thing featuring Luca Pilato & Jordan Mckinlay, Bestival FM co-host and all round party phenomenon Goldierocks hosting the main stage, and dancefloor devastation from Ghettospheric, K2rah, Dr DJ, Joe Roberts Presents Ecstasy Garage Disco, Suspiciously Delicious, Bitr8 and Isle of Wight DJ competition winner Just Eden. 

Plus, there will be energetic pursuits from the amazing Reggaerobics who will be helping us blow away the cobwebs with some stirring morning manoeuvres.

There are still plenty of treats to be revealed for our Future paradise, including our Sunday night main stage headliners and much more, so head to www.Bestival.net, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram / Tumblr

Duran Duran headline Common People Southampton 2016

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A roll of simulated thunder with flashes of lightning tear across the huge stage screens in the dark of Southampton Common… Duran Duran are here and they mean business. Thousands have turned out to see the eighties synthpop legends and as Simon LeBon emerges from a raised stairway centre-stage rocking tight white jeans and a leather jacket, the crowd goes wild.

Paper Gods kicks things off, a statement of intent that they won’t just stick to the hits, that they have something much more current to say. With the likes of Keisza, Lindsay Lohan and Janelle Monáe on the album collaboration bill, it’s clear Duran Duran are marking their territory in modern music, and it’s hardly surprising with all the electronic emphasis in the charts at the moment and eighties style resurgence, that the younger contingent at CP seem to be enjoying themselves as much as the original fanbase.

Wild Boys features fire effects on the backdrops and a fair amount of stamping around from the band members, and Hungry Like The Wolf keeps the party going, with LeBon, head thrown back howling into the night sky.

James Bond track A View To A Kill gets the signature aperture and gun treatment on the big screens and even the teenage boys in the back seem appreciative of this one, whilst huge confetti explosions herald funky Notorius and LeBon yelling “Does everyone love the music of the eighties?”

A tribute to the late great David Bowie sees a huge projection of the singer’s face during a quick rendition of Space Oddity, and after some saucy moves for Girls on Film, Duran Duran also ask for the crowd to raise their phone lights for Save a Prayer to pay respect to another recently lost music hero – Prince. There’s not a dry eye in the house as LeBon shouts “He’s a man who really changed music and gave fans like us a kick up the arse” and the stage is lit purple.

Finishing up with classic summer smash Rio is the only way to go, with twinkly city lights in the background and a load of inflatable beach balls bouncing around the crowd, Southampton steals a little bit of the Caribbean tonight. Oh and if there are any yacht and suit related thefts reported tomorrow… well frankly, we have no idea what you’re talking about. What an epic ending to Common People 2016!

All photos © A. Hyams  – Do not use without permission.

Jason Manford to headline Kendal Calling’s Soapbox Comedy stage

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Last year’s sold out Kendal Calling saw the return of the festival’s celebrated Soapbox Comedy Stage and this year the stage presents its biggest lineup to date. With Main Stage headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Rudimental, Madness and The Charlatans on hand as some of the biggest names in the world of music, Kendal will also proudly host some of the finest names in the UK’s always-flourishing comedy scene including headliner Jason Manford.

As one of the country’s best-loved comedians and an undisputed household name, Jason Manford has one of the most recognizable faces in British comedy. From humble beginnings as a glass collector at Manchester’s Buzz Comedy Club to starring on Live at the Apollo, QI and 8 Out Of Cats as well as successful theatre stints in The Producers, Sweeney Todd and his recent run in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, his career has seen him become what the BBC describe as ‘a true master of observational comedy’. Kendal couldn’t be happier to welcome another huge Manchester talent to the festival.

He’ll be joined by some of the finest comedic talent that the UK and beyond has to offer in the shape of frequent Peter Kay collaborator Justin Moorhouse, Channel 4's Friday Night Project host Rob Rouse, prolific American comic Russel Hicks, the elegant rants of Phil Jerrod, Time Out ‘One To Watch’ Sarah Callaghan, Edinburgh Fringe regular John Hastings and the unique musical comedy of Vince Atta. Familiar face of E4’s ‘Cucumber, Tofu, Banana’ series Bethany Black, Holsten Pils’ Comedian of the year Steve Shanyaski, the whip smart Kiri Pritchard-Mclean, the BBC New Comedy Award shortlisted Laura Lexx and ‘The Funnygirl Podcast’ host Katie Mulgrew.

Set in what is widely regarded as the most beautiful festival site in the UK, this award winning, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and comedy. Festival lovers will also enjoy 4 days of arts installations, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment, a real ale festival and the incredible Arts Council funded Lost Eden area all within the surrounds of the Lake District’s incredible Lowther Deer Park.

Tickets sold out in record time last year and for the first time Kendal Calling is not increasing it's capacity so grab one of the final tickets now and see you in the fields!

Full Soapbox Comedy Lineup:

JASON MANFORD

JUSTIN MOORHOUSE

ROB ROUSE

RUSSELL HICKS

PHIL JERROD

SARAH CALLAGHAN

JOHN HASTINGS

VINCE ATTA

BETHANY BLACK

STEVE SHANYASKI

KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN

LAURA LEXX

KATIE MULGREW

Craig David’s TS5 headlines Common People Southampton

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You know him from banging 90’s/noughties garage and R&B hits with Artful Dodger, cool club classics for the shell-toed, bucket-hatted nation, but how the melee of under 18’s in the front know his entire back catalogue is a mystery. There are hundreds of screaming girls causing themselves airflow restriction as the legendary CD takes to the Common People stage as the Saturday headliner in his hometown of Southampton. It’s clear he’s happy to be home as he drops straight in with original mega-hit ‘Re-wind’ and he’s lost none of his showmanship or vocal range in his haitus from the mainstream.

I’m sure more than a few of us are still baffled as to what Bo Selecta actually means, or why we should be saying it in a crowd, and it doesn’t help that the entire show predicated on Leigh Francis’ lampooning of the song and Craig David himself is being acted out all over the arena.

From behind his stacked mixing desk, the tell tale sounds of ‘Fill Me In’ elicit a huge roar from the crowd and it seems everyone still knows the words, for a mass rendition. Mixing in his own stuff with samples from other hits seems to be the raison d’être of TS5 (glad to find out, had no clue what that meant) as Whitney Houston’s ‘It’s not right but it’s ok’ is woven into the story and his energetic bouncing has everyone throwing shapes alongside him.

Yelling “You can take the boy outta Southampton, but you can’t take Southampton outta the boy!” CD scores big with a site-wide roar of appreciation – Common People is smack in the middle of the city, so this really is a home crowd reception.

‘Walking Away’ gets a new backing track from ‘Still Dre’ and a ‘No Scrubs’ excerpt leads way to a massive Bieber singalong for ‘Sorry’. CD might have the better voice of the two actually…

With a bit of Beyonce’s ‘Run The World’ and Robin S’s ‘Show Me Love’ CD really knows how to hook this crowd before busting out a bit of his own smooth classic ‘7 Days’, and calling out “It’s been an incredible journey… from the garage days of the 90’s to now” endears him to the over 30’s in the audience, who remember them fondly, or at least, shamefully. With one last Biebs sample (apparently his momma don’t like you, and that’s bad) and a heartfelt “I’m incredibly proud to be from Southampton” Craig David more than proves he’s worthy of Common People’s headline slot.

All photos © A. Hyams  – Do not use without permission.

Soundwave Announces New Names and Boat Parties for Summer 2016

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Soundwave Announces New Names and Boat Parties for Summer 2016

 

  • Soundwave returns to Croatia for its 8th year this summer
  • New names revealed are LTJ Bukem, Congo Natty and Jazzanova 
  • 13 boat parties revealed taking place across glittering Adriatic Sea
  • Names already announced  include Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Band live, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare and Harleighblu
  • Clap Clap, Akala, Josey Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Henry Wu, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland and more in support
  • For full festival info go to www.soundwavecroatia.com
  • Festival runs from Thursday 4th – Monday 8th August

Soundwave Festival is arguably Europe’s leading intimate odyssey, a musical journey and sun-splashed adventure which takes place on the stunning Dalmatian coastline in the town of Tisno. The festival’s ethos is to do things a little bit differently, and each year it has continued to build a renaissance in Croatia unlike many other events in the region, cultivating a crowd who flock from around the world to what is as much a festival as it is a holiday.

The music is provided by the some of the world’s finest exponents of broken beat, reggae, afro to acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, drum and bass, vocalists, rappers and more, and brings a soundscape to the region which is seldom heard, joining so many dots together into a beautiful single whole.

And with some amazing names already announced, Soundwave are very proud to announce three new additions who each bring a different element to the already wonderfully diverse collection of artists performing this August. Drum and bass pioneer LTJ Bukem is one of the UK’s most iconic names, with his Good Looking label embracing the jazzier, more atmospheric side of the scene. And leading the Jungle Revolution is the amazing Congo Natty; the lauded Rebel MC blends African-inspired rhythms and heavy urban beats in his rousing sets. And finally the revered eclectic collective from Berlin, Jazzanova, have been busy producing, composing, arranging, remixing and DJing for many years, continuing to create magic in clubs, the airwaves, their studio and live on stage, with their label Sonar Kollektiv one of Europe’s most respected. They join Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Band live, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare, Harleighblu and many more names already announced.

Soundwave also is announcing its boat party schedule, with each show taking place on the legendary sea-dog, The Argonaughty. No visit to Soundwave is complete without taking to the sparkling seas, with sun-kissed and star-speckled voyages taking place day and night across the Adriatic. The run of boat parties is:

 

THURSDAY

BOAT 1. DUB TO JUNGLE

Plates Records & Circles.

13:00 – 18:00

BOAT 2. THE DISCO BOAT

Bedmo Disco, Origins & Harvey Sutherland.

19:30 – 23:00

 

FRIDAY

BOAT 1. THE CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL BOAT

Craig Charles, Bitesize DJs & Jack Tyson Charles

13:00-16:00

BOAT 2. THE SUNSHINE REGGAE BOAT

Channel One Sound System & Lively Up

16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. TUCKSHOP SUNSET BOAT

Jazzanova / Manu & Ando / Russ Ryan / Tappa / Mentú

20:00-23:00

 

SATURDAY

BOAT 1. SFSC & GOODLIFE PRESENT THE HIPHOP BOAT

Josey Rebelle / Menendez Brothers / TwoGood / Dj Mylz / Bloxed Beats

13:00-16:00

BOAT 2. EGLO RECORDS BOAT

Alexander Nut, Fatima & Noah

16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. THE SOUNDCRASH BOAT

Special Guest TBA, Bamboomann, Mo Fingaz & Bobafatt

20:00-23:00

 

SUNDAY

BOAT 1. TRU-THOUGHTS VS. FIRST WORD RECORDS

With J-Felix, Harleighblu, Gilla

BOAT 2. THE SOUL BOAT (HOW x STFD)

With Dan Shake, Flo Real & Jordan Rakai

16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. DUB TO DRUM&BASS BOAT

DRS / Eva Lazarus / GDC Sound System / Rich Reason (LVLZ)

20:00-23:00

 

MONDAY

BOAT 1. RIOT JAZZ BRASS BAND ON A BOAT

Riot Jazz, Taste The Diff'erence, Chunky & Rich Reason

15:00 – 18:30

BOAT 2. CLOSING BOAT

Staff, friends & family, Dan Shake & Harleighblu

19:30 – 23:00

 

Soundwave takes place at The Garden Resort, a true slice of paradise nestled on the Dalmatian coastline. Blessed with crystal clear azure Adriatic waters, sizzling sunshine and star-lit night skies, the idyllic and intimate setting welcomes a global crowd of music lovers and adventure seekers to Tisno.

The site has the incredible water-side beach bar, where you are so close to the sea you are almost dancing in it, and cosy curl of beach which looks out over the bay. The site’s main stage is a little way behind, perfect for headline acts, and nearby nestled under the canopy of trees is the Olive Grove stage. It’s a beautiful location, everything built around nature, growing like the environment around it, rich with intimacy and a sense of wonder. And a short drive away is the incredible Barbarella’s club, a fully open air space, powered by Funkion One.

Soundwave
Thursday 4th – Monday 8th August 2016
@ The Garden Resort, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia
Just revealed artists: LTJ Bukem, Congo Natty, Jazzanova 

Who join: Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Live Band, Gentleman's Dub Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare, Harleighblu, Clap Clap, Akala, Josey Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Henry Wu, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, J-Felix, Flo Real (Mahogani Music), Chunky, The Menendez Brothers, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams, White Bobafatt, Mo Fingaz, Gilla, Russ Ryan, Jack Tyson, Charles (trio), DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, Manu & Ando, re:tract, Rogan Emerald, Amber Sounds, Thirsty Work, Harry Pepper, Alex Crescent, Rogan, The Future Dub Project, Shanty, Olbi Iyah, Shuna Boston, Bloxed Beats, Sounds of Harlowe, French DJ, DJ E, Double D, TWOGOOD, Mount Nakara, In Search of Yard, Melt Out, Touchy Subject, Kid Gorgeous, South London Samba

Friends & family: Soundcrash, New Bohemia, Tru Thoughts, South London Soul Train, Firstword Records, Tuckshop, So Fresh So Clean, Goodlife, Shut The Front Door, Bedmo Disco, Circles The Origins, Bitesize, House of Wax, Sure Shot, P.U.S.H Plates
£125 for 5 days / boat parties £20 + BF
www.soundwavecroatia.com / @soundwavecro

Beat-Herder Festival – Third wave line up announcements

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THE BEAT-HERDER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE MORE ACTS FOR 2016
 
RIBBLE VALLEY, LANCASHIRE
15TH – 17TH JULY 2016
www.beatherder.co.uk
 
TODD TERJE LIVE
BEARDYMAN'S DREAM TEAM SESSIONS FT. MCS LEEN AND SEROCEE
A GUY CALLED GERALD
B.TRAITS
STANTON WARRIORS
TC FEAT MC JAKES
ED SOLO
APPLEBLIM
HIGHER INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (LIVE)
UNION JACK
FLAMINGODS
MARK ARCHER (ALTERN8)
PAUL TAYLOR
SUBCULTURE SAGE

COMEDY LINE UP ANNOUNCED:
TOM STADE, ROB RUSE, FERN BRADY, JACK EVANS

PLUS 2 NEW STAGES ANNOUNCED FOR 2016:
SUNRISE & THE ILLUSTRIOUS SOCIETY

ALSO ANNOUNCED:

ABBA ARRIVAL / TAN DEM / BIG BAD SOUND SYSTEM / HENGE / JINX IN DUB / JON STERCKX  / MOJO FILTER / MRS CAKEHEAD / NEW KINGSTON / PADDY STEER / PETE LAWRENCE / PHATWORLD / SMILEY MAXX / STEVE THORPE / SPONGEBOB SQUAREWAVE  / OH MY GOD! IT'S THE CHURCH / THORPEY / TRIKILATOPS / USHTI BABA / NIPPLES OF VENUS
 

 

Standon Calling open a day early in 2016

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Standon Calling will open its gates a day early for the first time ever on Thursday 28th of July as it welcomes festival goers for The Welcome Feast. Whether revellers would like to extend their festival weekend or just come along for one evening, The Welcome Feast sees the festival continue to raise the bar on its food and drink offering which features revered traders such as Le Bun, Spit & Roast and Club Mexicana, pop up restaurant from Ceru and Real-Ale Bar from Red Squirrel Brewing Co and Hackney Brewery. The pre-opener will be soundtracked by wandering and shanty musicians before revellers gather around the campfire for a singsong. The Welcome Feast starts at 4pm until late and tickets are only £20 for ages 13+ and free for 12 and under. For more information visit standon-calling.com. 

For the first time ever Standon Calling will open its doors early on Thursday afternoon and evening to extend what's already set to be a truly unforgettable weekend. The festival boasts an impressive musical line-up including the likes of Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, Everything Everything, The Hives and many more, plus its biggest family and food programmes to date. The Welcome Feast now adds even more reasons to head to Standon Calling this year.

Revealing a mouth watering line-up of food and drink last month including Le Bun, Club Mexicana, Maltby Market legends Waffle On, Made Of Dough, Cheeky Italian, Mac Factory as well as Standon Calling's own pop restaurant by Ceru, the festival will bring them all together for an evening of incredible food. Many traders will be offering smaller dishes of their signature dishes for £5 and under for hungry festival-goers that really want to take advantage of the feast. A Real Ale Bar co-curated by Hertfordshire brewery Red Squirrel and London's Hackney Brewery will be on site to provide quality ales and beers, while Beefy Melons serve up refreshing Cocktails as well as the best Vintage clothing to make sure all early-comers are well dressed for the occasion. 

As well as offering delectable food and drink, The Welcome Feast will include Wandering Musicians playing acoustic folk and sea shanties along with Songs around the Campfire to bring the Standon Calling community together. Family activities and games are also on offer and Hot Tubsand Piano Bar provide respite from the action for those that like to relax before the full festival begins.

Standon Calling is the ultimate overgrown manor house party, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops, fantastic family programme, talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and of course its own heated outdoor swimming pool. The story for this year is Legend of the Lost Seas, which will see the boutique festival pulling out all the stops for an immersive ride from start to finish. 2016 is shaping up to be a special year indeed.
 

FULL LINE-UP
Live
Suede / Jess Glynne / Kelis
The Hives / Everything Everything / Ghostpoet / Anna Calvi / Blossoms / The Thurston Moore Group
Swim Deep / Tiggs Da Author / Toy / Loyle Carner / Adam Green / The Duke Spirit / Teleman / Honne / Natty / Billie Marten / NZCA Lines / The Hot 8 Brass Band / The Mouse Outfit / The Cuban Brothers / Declan McKenna / Kiko Bun / Blood Red Shoes / Meilyr Jones / Rag'n'bone Man / Rationale / Clean Cut Kid / Yak / The Hunna / Pins / Hackney Colliery Band / Jones / Charlie Cunningham / Flyte / United Vibrations / Revere / The Amazons / Tangerines / Exmagician / Hannah Lou Clark / Seramic / Maddox / Peluche / Bella Figura / Nadia Nair / Petricia
Electronic Line-up
Theo Parrish / GOLDIE / Joey Negro
Gold Panda / Greg Wilson / Luke Abbott / Crazy P Soundsystem / DJ Format & Abdominal
Dr Packer / Kid Fiesta / The Mixnots / Nixwax
Cowshed Takeovers
Hospitality Presents: London Elektricity / Fred V & Grafix / S.P.Y / Krakota / Hugh Hardie / Ownglow Wrec / Inja / Carasel
Savage Disco: Artwork / Purple Disco Machine / Jonjo Jury / Jonathan Bestley / Guy Williams
Food Programme
Ceru pop-up restaurant / Cheeky Italian / Le Bun / Ceru Souk / Club Mexicana
Spit and Roast / Made of Dough / Mac Factory / Yu Kyu / Barnaby Skyes
Ceru Souk / Toasties  / Waffle on / Hippy Chippy / Goodness Gracious Me
Original Fry Up Material / Carnival Coffee
Family Programme
Baby & Toddler: Yoga / Massage / Multi-sensory Mini Raves / Storytelling / Toys & Games / Chill-out Zone / Change & Feed Facilities
Kids: Circus Skills / Hula Hoop Shows & Workshops / Juggling Performances / Street Dance Classes / Junk Craft / Puppetry / Mask Making / Jewellery Design / Dress-up / Nail Art / Library / Parachute Games / Rainbow Ribbon Dancing / Balloon Modelling / Bubbles
Older Kids & Teens: Workshops & Projects: DJ Skills / Film Production / Music Production / Creative Sessions / Giant Interactive Junk Art Installation
The Welcome Feast 
Le Bun / Club Mexicana / Waffle On / Made Of Dough / Spit and Roast / Cheeky Italian / Ceru / Yu Kyu
Mac Factory / Barnaby Skyes / Carnival Coffee & Crepes / Hippy Chippy / Real-Ale Bar  
 Beefy Melons / Piano Bar / Wandering Musicians
Hot Tubs / Family Activities / Games / Songs by the Campfire