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!
Ministry of Sound are heading to Butlin’s Skegness for a massive weekender from November 22nd to 24th.
Headliners have been revealed as Sigma, Basement Jaxx, Tom Zanetti, High Contrast, Fabio & Groove Rider, Barely Legal and DJ Hype.
This unmissable experience will feature no less than six superb sarges hosted by Ministry of Sound as well as leading party brands Pretty Weird, Sleepin is Cheatin, Hedkandi, Euphoria, Throwback and Euphoria.
Next to the nocturnal dances, you can also look forward to day time raves, pool parties, and a non-stop mix of fun and games including pool halls, bowling, arcade game rooms, bars, big sports screens, seaside treats and much more across the site that means you can plot your own fun.
With comfortable and stylish accommodation on site, this is an essential adult playground for a weekend of dance music fun like never before.
BLOODSTOCK’s hugely popular, grass roots-supporting ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ scheme gives unsigned and DIY bands the chance of being part of the BLOODSTOCK Festival experience.
With 2020 marking 20 years of Bloodstock, plans are already well underway for the festival’s biggest and best year yet and BLOODSTOCK along with our favourite ale, Hobgoblin, are aiming once again to track down the best, hot new metal talent to win slots to perform on the New Blood stage. All bands chosen to play via the M2TM scheme will also be included on a free compilation CD courtesy of CRAM Duplication given away to fans at the festival next summer.
M2TM 2020 will take place in 28 regions across the UK, Ireland, Poland, and Norway. See the full list of participating areas below, and then if you’re in a self-released or unsigned band and want to try out for a slot on the BLOODSTOCK bill, get in touch with the event nearest you and get yourselves involved!! One winner from each region will win a slot on the New Blood stage. In August 2020, YOU could be stepping on stage at BLOODSTOCK!
BLOODSTOCK 2020 is set to welcome Friday night headliner DEVIN TOWNSEND, plus JINJER, GLORYHAMMER, SKINDRED, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, VIO-LENCE, SACRED REICH, DARK TRANQUILLITY, and BUTCHER BABIES announced to date. BLOODSTOCK’s remaining two headline acts and many more bands, including the eventual M2TM winners will be announced in due course.
France has always been a rich and innovating country when it comes to electronic music.
The land of festivals, clubs, underground raves, not to forget the free parties, France offers a large diversity of actors, music and events. The country is now more than ever a breeding ground of talented creators, which allows the French scene to shine internationally. Electronic music is in fact the directory which exports the best abroad.
On Thursday the 17th of October, Technopol, the SACEM and Bureau Export will present for the first time the French Electronic Lab at De Balie to celebrate all this.
Conferences, showcases and speed meetings : an emphasis will be put on the presenting the French electronic music ecosystem via its actors (artists, labels, bookers) and its distributors (clubs & festivals). A day for exchanges, information and meeting, the venue will highlight the dynamism of the current French scene.
The goal of the French Electronic Lab is to give an outline of electronic music in France and its strengths, during panels, in English, all based around the same theme : How to work with the French market? Throughout the day, we will give the necessary tools to professionals to develop a long-lasting relationship with the principal figures of this country.
The French Electronic Lab will be open to everyone and will take place in the cultural venue De Balie from 12pm until 7pm.
The programme:
12pm — 14pm : FRENCH BRUNCH
The French Electronic Lab opens with a Frenc Brunch in partnership with Shotgun and Animal Records & Kitchen.
1pm — 5pm : CONFERENCES
How to work with French Institutions 1pm — 1.45pm Frédéric Hocquard, Deputy Mayor in charge of nightlife and cultural economy, Michel Pilot, cultural advisor of Jack Lang (ex Minister of Culture) and General Secretary of the Union Chamber for musical venues and Tommy Vaudecrane, President of Technopol.
How to work with clubs and festivals 2pm — 2.45pm Brice Coudert, Artistic Director of Concrete / Weather Festival / Dehors Brut, Mathieu Fonsny, Artistic Director of Marsatac & Joran Le Corre, Artistic Director of Panoramas Festival
How to work with labels, booking and management agencies 3pm — 3.45pm Max Le Disez from AMS Bookings, Thomas Lefrançois from Allo Floride, Louis Lambilliotte from Because Editions and Rachel Graham from InFiné Music and Passé Projects & Publishing
I <3 U SO: Examples of The Best Export Campaigns from Top French Industry Figures 4pm — 4.45pm Marie Dapoigny, Digital Editor at Mixmag, Thibaut Casanova, Director of International Development at Warner Music, Chiara Belolo, General Manager at Scorpio, Quentin Leblet, A&R, Creative Director & Sync Manager at Unity Publishing
5pm — 7pm : NETWORKING DRINKS
In partnership with Overact, this French Aperitif will be an opportunity for people to meet and converse. It will also be the opportunity to announce the winners of the Raise Your Act competition. There will also be a musical showcase by the artist Toh Imago who will present his new album Nord Noir signed on the Infiné Music label.
For more information, go to the Amsterdam Dance Event website or the French Electronic Lab Facebook event. The French Electronic Lab is open to ADE pass holders.
There is so much competition for your money these days in the festival market that a new event really has to standout.
Groove Island really did and came correct on its bold ambitions at the end of September.
Sam Felt, Oliver Heldens, Mark Knight, Chus & Ceballos, Leftwing:Kody and tens more and here are some for he top tracks we heard while dancing in the magical old ballroom, amongst other places.
Les Dunes Electroniques is back from November 16 – 17th in the beautiful desert landscapes of Ong Jmel, near Nefta in Tunisia. This one-of-a-kind festival goes down at the gateway to Tunisia’s Southern Desert, globally recognised as the setting of Luke Skywalker’s hometown, Mos Espa, in the original Star Wars franchise. The festival will also extend to the medina of Nefta and Tozeur and offer 30 hours of non stop music plus a multidisciplinary program that will make the whole region vibe to an electronic rhythm for three days amongst exceptional natural scenery. The latest additions to the stunning line-up include Luciano, Apollonia, Audiofly, Daox B2B MAOU, MoodKaze, Nicolas Lutz, Sama and SIS.
Musically, this will be an intoxicating affair with desert house pioneers like Do Not Sit on the Furniture’s Behrouz bringing his deep, emotive sound. Elsewhere, Benjemy and Lola face off for one of their unique live shows and Diynamic label regular Stimming (a master of intricate melodies and infectious grooves) will bring more of the same.
Luciano is the final techno legend and boss of Cadenza Records, French trio Apollonia will serve up a house masterclass, Audiofly are tech house titans and you can also look forward to a Daox B2B MAOU session, set from MoodKaze, sauced out breaks form cult favourite and famously deep digger Nicolas Lutz as well as more from Sama’, and SIS.
More live shows come from local tech innovator Kemist and Holland-based French duo Parallells, who bring their background in jazz and hip-hop as well as a real sense of melody to their shows. Add in the deep, ethnic sounds of Noy Ära and you have a truly eclectic, cultural soundtrack.
This stunning event is carried out with the strong support of the Tunisian Minister of Tourism Mr. René Trabelsi, Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of the Republic of Tunisia and Governor of Tozeur, Mr. Aymen Bejaoui. Mr. Jack Lang, president of the Arab World Institute remains faithful to the Electronic Dunes as a godfather.
For tickets head to: https://www.traveltodoticket.com/produit/dunes-electroniques/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesDunesElectroniques/?ref=br_rs
The biggest meet-up in the dance industry is just around the corner.
It’s a place to dance, do business and party in one of Europe’s best looking cities.
With so many parties to choose from, we round up the best of the best.
PIV Records ADE showcase
Thursday 17th October
Claire Amsterdam
On ADE’s Thursday the mighty PIV records claim their throne and will prove why they’ve been on everyone’s lips lately. After a mind-blowing year with shows all over the place and topping the Beatport charts with their infectious sound, tastemaker Prunk brings in his elite squad for demolition duties.
Line Up: Archie Hamilton, Chris Stussy, Prunk, Rossko, The Willers Brothers, DJOKO, Jesse Maas b2b Iris Menza, Ray Mono, Rossi – DJ
Dockyard Festival 2019 ADE
Saturday October 19th
Havenpark
https://dockyardfestival.com/dockyard-2019/
Dockyard Festival is known for showcasing the world’s best house and techno acts since 2014. It is an integral part of the annual ADE and a real meeting place for young talent, prominent artists and established labels. Each event is a theatre for the creative arts with next level music, visuals and light shows. Much of the crowd is made up of people who have been at Dockyard since day one when it was just a 4.500 person event, but today it will welcome 20.000 people at it’s ADE event as well as superstars from the scene.
Line Up: Dubfire, Eats Everything, Nic Fanciulli, Nastia, Mind Against, Len Faki, Recondite, Benny Rodrigues, Paco Osuna, Matador, Dvs1, Patrice Bäumel, Dax J, Ellen Allien, Monika Kruse, Ben Sims, Secret Cinema, Dense & Pika, Oscar Mulero, Joey Daniel, DJ Bone, Surgeon, Radio Slave, Sandrien, Pig & Dan, Olivier Weiter, Joran Van Pol, Lady Starlight, Marcus Worgull, Roberto Capuano, SQL, Roman Poncet, Jeroen Search, Fer Br, Alienata, Matrixxmann, Mitch De Klein, Vntm, Cailín, The Reason Y, Sama
Verknipt at ADE 2019
October 17th – 19th
Amsterdam Studios
After another fine year of parties all round the Netherlands, Verknipt return to Amsterdam Dance Event for a sixth season, once again offering three days of next level events. Running from Thursday October 17 – 19th at the very special Amsterdam Studios featuring the likes of Fjaak, Perc & Ansome, Randomer, B.Traits, Deborah de Luca, Marco Bailey, Solardo, Matador, The Advent, Egbert, Ø [Phase], Benny Rodrigues, Dennis Cruz, Latmun, PAWSA, Franky Rizardo, wAFF.
VBX Returns at ADE 2019
BRET, Warehouse Elementenstraat
October 17th – 20th
https://vbx.nu/
With ADE 2019 just round the corner, the time has come for leading underground promoters VBX to announce their always much anticipated plans: this year collaborating with brands like Sunrise, Awakenings, FRRC and Meoko they host five standout parties – including two of their iconic afters – at venues like Warehouse Elementenstraat, Bret, Veronicaschip and Lofi with world class names such as Craig Richards, Ricardo Villalobos b2b Raresh, Ferro, Nicolas Lutz, DJ Masda, Voigtmann, Reiss amongst others.
Carl Cox’s Awesome Soundwaves Showcase
Warehouse Elementenstraat
October 17th
awak.enin.gs/2Wv0kfm
Undoubtedly one of the globe’s most popular DJs, this ADE Carl Cox will be bringing his Awesome Soundwaves label to Elementenstraat for a very special one-off show alongside some of his favourite established and emerging artists. Expect killer live shows from the likes of Christopher Coe, Hannes Bieger, Julien Chaptal, Mat Playford, Reinier Zonneveld and Quazar, while on a DJ set tip, the likes of Acid Mondays, Alex Kennon, Chelina Manuhutu and of course, Carl himself are sure to excite.
Line Up: Carl Cox (live DJ/hybrid set), Christopher Coe (live), Hannes Bieger (live), Julien Chaptal (live), Mat Playford (live), Reinier Zonneveld (live), Quazar (live), Acid Mondays (DJ), Alex Kennon (DJ), Chelina Manuhutu (DJ)
Following another summer of high-profile gigs, Maceo Plex is set to bring his Lone Romantic show to Elementenstraat this October with an expectedly impressive line-up in tow. Expect killer electro from the likes of I-F, The Hacker and Anthony Rother, Detroit business from the minimal mastermind Robert Hood, eclectic goodness from Young Marco, Ben UFO and Joy Orbison, house cuts from Irish party starters Brame & Hamo and special appearances by Maceo Plex under his Mariel Ito guide. This one should be special!
Line Up: Anthony Rother, Ben UFO, Brame & Hamo, I-F, Joy Orbison, Legowelt, Maceo Plex, Mariel Ito, Robert Hood, The Hacker, Young Marco
Sound-Fleet 2019 ADE Boat Party Programme
October 16th – 20th
http://www.sound-fleet.com/
One of the most intimate and capturing experiences of ADE, Sound-Fleet allows you to cruise below the Amsterdam skyline immersed in a variety of electronic sounds. The 2019 programme features showcases from Rejected, The Bliss Office, Shadows by Magdalena, Olivier Weiter & Friends, Muse by Lehar & Musumeci and more.
Acts include Steve Bug, Marcel Fengler, Josh Butler, Michael Mayer, Michel de Hey, Franky Rizardo, Dennis Quin, Edwin Oosterwal, Magdalena, HOSH, Tone Depth, GROJ (Live), SIMAO, 1979, Lehar b2b Musumeci, Agents Of Time (DJ Set), Phunkadelica (live)
BLOODSTOCK HQ is a hive of activity as a slew of bands confirm slots for the 2020 event. 2020 also sees the festival celebrating 20 years of BLOODSTOCK, so expect some special treats to celebrate at Catton Park next August.
Without further ado, coming to us with an exclusive UK show for 2020, DEVIN TOWNSEND is set to headline Friday on BLOODSTOCK’s Ronnie James Dio main stage! The show will be a very special set for fans, with more detail on the nature of the set to be revealed in due course! Here’s Devin to tell you the news: https://youtu.be/noN0RK4LedA. He also tells us: “OK, folks…wow. So where should I begin? Ever since I was a kid, being able to headline a festival as fantastic and forward thinking as Bloodstock has been a dream of mine. As some of you may know, I’ve been working on several live ‘bands’ lately, from acoustic, to prog and orchestral, with some really artistic and improvisational aspects. However for Bloodstock, my intention is to do something quite different, and consequently kick ass in every possible way. I am putting together a VERY SPECIAL one-off show for Bloodstock, with a heavy band, playing the very best material for an outdoor festival from my entire catalogue, from SYL up to Empath. I have always felt that if I was given one shot to knock it out of the park, I wouldn’t hesitate. And my friends, this is the shot! I have listened to what people have been asking for from my catalogue, and with a show like this, a production like we are planning, and the players who have agreed to be involved, this will surely be one of the pinnacle moments in my career. My intention over the past few years has been to find ways to use different aspects of my work (that fall on opposite ends of the creative spectrum), to ultimately make something really beautiful. Something unified. This show is meant to bring it all together after 25 years of doing this. Thanks Bloodstock for choosing to rock with me. I can’t wait to see you all there!”
JINJER are also set to make their BLOODSTOCK debut with a slot on Saturday’s main stage. The Ukrainian metal squad, fronted by Tatiana Shmailyuk, have been making waves in recent years with their heavy progressive sound. Check out them razing Wacken to the ground earlier this year with ‘Perennial’, a track taken from their recent ‘Micro’ EP; https://youtu.be/bxi3i9wzQBk. The band are currently readying their brand new studio album, ‘Macro’ for release late October.
Power metallers GLORYHAMMER land a Sunday spot on the Ronnie James Dio main stage. The band’s current album, ‘Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex‘ is out now via Napalm Records. Remind yourself of their maximum power metal points by watching the video for ‘Gloryhammer’; https://youtu.be/tKlVYJTSzuU.
BLOODSTOCK is also set to welcome the previously announced SKINDRED, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, VIO-LENCE, SACRED REICH, DARK TRANQUILLITY, and BUTCHER BABIES. BLOODSTOCK’s remaining two headline acts and many more bands performing over the weekend will be announced in due course.
Following a sell-out show this summer which saw 70,000 fans flock to the UK’s biggest electronic music festival, Creamfields has announced its return in 2020 and revealed their first headliner – Armin van Buuren. As one of Holland’s biggest musical exports, the Dutch DJ/Producer is a firm favourite with dance fans around the world and after a year-long hiatus he returns to headline the South Stage on Saturday 29th August 2020.
Commenting on his return, Armin said: “I’m excited to be back at Creamfields in 2020, having performed at the festival many times over the years and watching it grow into the show it’s become today, it’s always a special one for me. This year I’ll be headlining the South Stage on Saturday 29th August and look forward to seeing you all there”
Renowned for delivering one of the biggest electronic festival line ups of the year, this is the first of a number of big-name artist announcements expected over the coming months for the 4-day August Bank Holiday behemoth held in Daresbury, Cheshire UK.
Tickets go on sale 9am (BST) Friday 27th September, fans can secure their ticket for £20 and spread the cost on a 6-part deposit scheme and as an added incentive all those who purchase a standard camping ticket before 9am (BST) Tuesday 1st October will receive a complimentary upgrade to Bronze Camping.
This summer has seen Apollonia launch their brand new residency Planet Claire at Octan to critical acclaim, as well as 7 exclusive Warriors parties from Steve Lawler. The brand-new club quickly established itself as a cult favourite for those looking for a more underground and intimate experience and now the final closing party is set to be an unmissable celebration of the season.
Now, Octan now announces a very special 12-hour closing party on Sunday, 6th October that runs from 7pm till 7am! Headlining this unmissable final hurrah will be Octan residents Steve Lawler and Apollonia (aka Shonky, Dyed Soundorom and Dan Ghenacia), and they will be joined by the likes of Nicolas Lutz, Wade, D’Julz, Traumer, Darius Syrossian, Leon, Wade, East End Dubs, Clive Henry, Stefano Noferini, Chelina Manuhutu and many more.
Next to the key residents, you can expect Italian tech powerhouse Stefano Noferini, Ibiza legend Clive Henry, dub tech specialist East End Dubs, Bass Culture boss D’Julz, much-loved crate digger and minimal house master Nicolas Lutz plus Leon, the Italian party starter from labels such as Desolat. Alongside the aforementioned names, Barcelona-based Nervous Records associate Reelow brings his uniquely bass-driven house, Elrow regular and Suara and Avotre associate Wade, who really knows how to lock you into a groove, and as well as breakout Amsterdam duo ANOTR (who are never far from the top of the Beatport charts), Dutch-born Ibiza based producer & DJ Chelina Manuhutu lines up with her powerful take on house music.
But that’s not all, as UK’s Lauren Lo Sung and Ibiza Global Radio’s Anna Tur are joined by Octan residents Ryan O’Gorman, Kellie Allen, Lindsey Matthews plus island regulars Beggsy, Bonifacy, Camilo Miranda, Christian Len, Denis A, Destiny Maglorie, Kayley Zalassi, Jay Gre, Jordan Masters, Karlos Sense, Paul Compson, Stephane Ghenacia, Scardua, Rita Lin, Smithy & Dave, Toofine, Victoria Peckham and Weatherman who will be playing across the infamous WC MicroRave & Terrace!
Download Festival, the world’s premier rock event, has announced IRON MAIDEN, KISS and SYSTEM OF A DOWN as its 2020 headliners, plus Deftones, Korn, The Offspring, Disturbed and more of the world’s most exciting bands in rock, pop punk, hardcore and metal yet to be announced. The three-day festival takes place 12 – 14 June 2020 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets will be on sale at 2pm on Wednesday 25th September viadownloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.
IRON MAIDEN will return to Donington next year to headline Download Festival on Saturday night, in what will be one of only two homecoming UK festival shows in 2020. The London band have had countless No.1 records, including their most recent studio double album, 2015’s The Book Of Souls, in over 40 countries, as well as being hailed as one of the greatest live acts of all time. They’ve spent the summer on their historic and critically acclaimed Legacy Of The Beast North American tour, based on their award winning mobile game of the same name, which has been deemed by fans and national and rock media alike as ‘Maiden’s most monumental show and best setlist ever’ so get ready Downloaders, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.
Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson says, “Next year we will play a number of countries and cities we have yet to visit on this incredible tour, so it is terrific to be able to accept the invitation to return to Download in 2020 and we will certainly go to town and add a few extra items to the show. This will be our seventh time headlining at Donington Park. It’s home turf and we all really enjoy playing this Festival, the vibe from the crowd is always fantastic.”
After an epic and well documented 45-year career that launched an era of rock’n roll, the legendary KISS will perform in the UK at Download Festival 2020, in a UK Exclusive. They embarked on their final ever tour earlier this year under the appropriately named END OF THE ROAD, and known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS have proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock’n roll, and one of the best headliners Donington has ever seen. With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, it won’t just be KISS Army fans who will be blown away with their final Download performance next year.
“I’ve said it before, Download Festival audiences are the best. They are up for whatever is thrown at them. KISS is going to come fully prepared to rock their world in 2020 to say Thank You for always showing up for us.” – Gene Simmons, KISS
“Download will be the culmination of 47 years of unapologetic bombast and spectacle. We will make this a fitting farewell to a country and its people whose music remains the blood in our veins.” – Paul Stanley, KISS
Also headlining Download Festival 2020 will be SYSTEM OF A DOWN in a UK Exclusive. With just 5 studio albums, the Californian/Armenian band have earned themselves a worldwide following, never failing to put on a mind-blowing performance.
Shavo Odadjian, System of A Down said: “From our appearances to many of my favorite bands’, Castle Donington has always had a special place in my heart. We’re proud and excited to continue its legacy.”
Since Deftones’ inception, the multi-platinum, Grammy-Winning alternative rock band from Sacramento have released seven albums and sold over 10 million albums worldwide which include fan-favourite tracks ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’, ‘Change (House Of Flies)’, and ‘Swerve City’.
Drummer Abe Cunningham said: “Download has been a big part of our history. The fans and organisers have always shown us so much love and support, so when the opportunity to play arises, we answer the call!”
With the release of their 13th studio album, THE NOTHING last week, Korn will be joining the Download 2020 line up. The two-time Grammy Award winning band have toured the world countless times and have continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe.
Korn guitarist, James ‘Munky’ Shaffer: “I’m extremely anxious and enthusiastic at the same time, but I’m looking forward to getting back out there and returning to Download!”
Punk rioters The Offspring are heading to Download Festival bringing with them punk rock anthems that include ‘Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)’, ‘You’re Gonna Go Far Kid’, ‘Self Esteem’, and dozens more.
Also joining the line up are Gojira, the French metallers who have become famous for their sonically dense sounds and bludgeoning heavy rhythms. The hard-hitting, multi-platinum-selling Disturbed are returning to Donington with their aggressive blend of hard rock, alternative, and nu-metal. The band exploded onto the scene in 2000 with ‘Down With The Sickness’, and last year released their seventh album Evolution which reached the top 10 around the globe.
Hollywood hard rock act Black Veil Brides will make their anticipated UK return. Renowned for their explosive live shows and tenacious fans, the five-piece have worked tirelessly to create a scene of their own. Last year saw the release of their fifth studio album Vale, which landed at #1 on the US Top Hard Rock Billboard Chart.
Grammy nominated US alternative rock band Daughtry also join the line-up, following the success of last year’s album Cage To Rattle. Fronted by American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, the band has sold over 8 million albums and 16 million singles, alongside selling out tours globally.
With a new album looming this Friday, Of Mice & Men have been dominating stages for over a decade and have had a disciple like following every step of the way that will undoubtedly follow them to Donington next year. Everyone’s favourite pirates, Alestorm are jumping ship to the hallowed grounds of Download Festival once again, bringing with them their pirate metal and perhaps their giant inflatable duck.
