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!

Creamfields 2018 lineup announced

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With 21 years at the forefront of electronic music festivals, there are very few that quite compare to the behemoth that is Creamfields. For the 2018 edition, the festival once again unleashes a stellar line-up that is mind-blowing in depth and breadth, with artists from across the full-spectrum of dance music set to make the trip to the fields of Cheshire for another 4-day extravaganza that looks set to be bigger than ever.

 

Taking place on August Bank Holiday weekend, Creamfields 2018 will see over 300 artists perform across 30 stages, for a 4-day spectacular that will see 70,000 people come together for what has now taken pride of place as the premier event for dance music fans across the globe. From house to techno, trance to drum & bass, this year’s edition has it all, featuring performances from the likes of Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Alesso, Andy C, Annie Mac, Armin van Buuren, Armand van Helen, Axwell & Ingrosso, The Black Madonna, Carl Cox, Camelphat, The Chainsmokers, Chase & Status (DJ set), Danny Howard, Dillon Francis, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Diplo, Disciples, DJ EZ, Don Diablo, Duke Dumont, Dusky, Eric Prydz presents HOLO, Fatboy Slim, Faithless (DJ Set), Galantis, Giggs, Goldie, Green Velvet, Groove Armada (DJ Set), Hannah Wants, Hardwell, Hot Since 82, Idris Elba, Jamie Jones, Joris Voorn, Joseph Capriati, Kölsch, Krept X Konan, Laidback Luke, Leftfield (DJ Set), Loco Dice, Luciano, Major Lazer (Live), Marco Carola, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Maya Jane Coles, Mistajam, MK, Nicole Moudaber, Oliver Heldens, Patrick Topping, Paul van Dyk, Pete Tong, Ramz, Roni Size, Rudimental (DJ Set), Sasha & John Digweed, Sigala, Sigma, Skream, Solardo, Stefflon Don, Steve Angello (Live), Sub Focus, Sven Väth, Tchami & Malaa (No Redemption), Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet, Vini Vici, Virtual Self, Wilkinson (DJ Set) feat. MC AD-APT, W&W and Yousef to name a few.

 

With ground-breaking stage production, a wide-range of camping options – including the luxury Dreamfields packages – and a range of music that is sure to get the pulse racing, it’s a sure bet that Creamfields 21 is going to be one to remember.

 

 

CREAMFIELDS UK 2018 – LINE UP

FRIDAY 24th AUGUST

SICK BOY STAGE

The Chainsmokers

Sigma

Martin Solveig

Sigala

 

STEEL YARD PRESENTS INTEC

Carl Cox

Nicole Moudaber

Darren Emerson

Carlo Lio

Jon Rundell

Harvey McKay

Fabio Neural

 

ARMADA – Powered by Utilita Energy

Armin van Buuren

W&W

Fedde Le Grand

David Gravell

Dubvision

Ruben De Ronde

Special Guest: Vini Vici

 

SUB_AURAL ARENA

Chase & Status (DJ Set)

DJ EZ

Kurupt FM

Matrix & Futurebound

Klose One

Understate

Special Guest: Hannah Wants

 

PARADISE

Jamie Jones

Joseph Capriati

Green Velvet

Patrick Topping

Richy Ahmed

Mark Jenkyns

 

ANDY C PRESENTS RAM

Andy C

Wilkinson (DJ Set)

Roni Size

Rene Lavice

Frankee

Sound In Noise

MC’s:  Tonn Piper, AD-APT, 2Shy

Special Guests: SASASAS

 

BLOW

Camelphat

Sonny Fodera

Dennis Cruz

Mihalis Safras

Pirupa

+ more to be added

 

PEPSI MAX ARENA

Sander van Doorn

Ummet Ozcan

Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman

Firebeatz

Julian Jordan

Junior J

RobbieG

Special Guest:  Will Sparks

 

KEEPING THE RAVE ALIVE

Kutski

Code Black

Darren Styles

Joey Riot

MKN

AV18

Obsession

Danny Burch

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Anthony Probyn

Jemmy

Andy Joyce

Adam Cartwright

Bernie Lee

Mike Catherall

Danny Whitehead

Aaron Amihere

Jono Robertson

Brad Hogan

 

SATURDAY 25th AUGUST

HORIZON STAGE

Major Lazer (Live Creamfields Debut)

Annie Mac

Giggs

Disciples

+ more to be announced

 

ARC STAGE

Axwell & Ingrosso

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

Galantis

Timmy Trumpet

+ more to be announced

Special Guest: Nicky Romero

 

MEGA ARENA Powered by Utilita Energy

Above & Beyond

Steve Angello (Live)

Virtual Self

Danny Howard

Grum

Spencer Brown

Oliver Smith

Gareth Wyn

 

STEEL YARD

Marco Carola

Loco Dice

Alan Fitzpatrick

Camelphat

B.Traits

Very Special Guests:  Sasha & John Digweed

 

MAD DECENT

Diplo

Dillon Francis

A-Trak

Valentino Khan

Party Favor

Ape Drums

+ more to be added

 

JAM PACKED

Krept X Konan

Mistajam

Ramz

Holy Goof

Darkzy

Jaykae

Friend Within

Sir Spyro

Conducta

Mollie Collins

Sian Anderson feat.  Big Jabba Jones

Sammy Porter

Dobby

Special Guest:  Stefflon Don

 

ALL GONE PETE TONG

Luciano

Pete Tong

Hot Since 82

Joris Voorn

Skream

Mason Collective

Special Guest: The Black Madonna

 

PEPSI MAX ARENA

Laidback Luke

Benny Benassi

Tom Zanetti & K.O Kane

Bassjackers

Mattn

Special Guest:  Ben Nicky

 

MELBOURNE BOUNCE

Teddy Cream

Joel Fletcher

Sunset Bros

Natalie Sax

 

303

Leftfield (DJ Set)

James Zabiela

Dave Seaman

Justin Robertson

Stuart Hodson

Samuel Lamont

Kenny Muir

 

RONG

Solarstone

Giuseppe Ottaviani

Menno De Jong

Alex M.O.R.P.H

ReOrder

Shugz

Liam Wilson & Dan Dobson

Rong Residents:  Pete Bromage, Jamie Cooper & B.Vis

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Andy Mac

Sean Hughes

James Dutton

Josh Demello

Alan Hartley

Jamie Trippier

Liam Cors

Lee Bullock

Jon Coburn

Ian McGaw

 

SUNDAY 26th AUGUST

ARC STAGE

Tiësto 

Hardwell

Don Diablo

Mike Williams

+ more to be announced

 

HORIZON STAGE

Martin Garrix

Fatboy Slim

Oliver Heldens

Faithless (DJ Set)

Lost Frequencies

Justin Mylo

+ more to be announced

 

STEEL YARD presents PRYDA

Eric Prydz presents HOLO

Adam Beyer

Kölsch

Dusky

Cristoph

 

MEGA ARENA Powered by Utilita Energy

Alesso

Tchami & Malaa (No Redemption)

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

Third Party

Anton Powers

Special Guest: Duke Dumont

 

MK AREA10

MK

Armand van Helden

Idris Elba

Detlef

Eli & Fur

KC Lights

Special Guests: Groove Armada (DJ Set)

 

SUB_AURAL

Rudimental (DJ Set)

Sub Focus

Goldie

High Contrast

Friction

Dimension

Majestic

North Base

 

CIRCUS

Sven Väth

Eats Everything

Yousef

Solardo

Lewis Boardman

Ki Creighton

Special Guest: Maya Jane Coles

 

PEPSI MAX ARENA

Paul van Dyk

Ferry Corsten

Aly & Fila

John O’Callaghan

Bryan Kearney

John 00 Fleming

Rob Harnetty

Very special Guest:  Paul Oakenfold

 

GOODGREEF XTRA HARD

Scot Project

Alex Kidd

Andy Whitby

Organ Donors (Ultrasound Album Set)

Rob Tissera

Klubfiller & MC Storm

Energy Syndicate (10 Years Showcase)

Shaun T

Reklus

Phil Mackintosh

Hosted by MC Finchy

 

CREAM CLASSICS

Seb Fontaine

Tall Paul

K-Klass

Tilt

Paul Bleasdale

Andy Carroll

George Kafetzis & Rue Jay

Ricco

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Ed Mackie

Billie Clements

Chris Wright

Thomas Tuft

Mr Cousens

Sam Rice

Hardman & Devall

Darren Donnelly

Jae Holmes

 

THURSDAY 24th AUGUST

SEXY BY NATURE

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

Kryder

Bruno Martini

Jack Eye Jones

 

CREAM

DJ S.K.T

Kideko

George Kwali

Michael Calfan

Nathan Dawe

 

CREAM TERRACE

Philip George

D.O.D

Kris Kross Amsterdam

Jack Wins

Lil Rockit

Joel Rogers

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Paul Nunn & James Glover

Strictly Underground

Ricochet Musica

 

Bestival Announce Friday Headliner – SILK CITY

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The Bestival team are extremely excited to announce yet another exclusive for 2018! Diplo and Mark Ronson’s brand-new project Silk City is our exclusive Friday night headliner at this year’s midsummer show on the Lulworth Estate. 

Rob da Bank says: “We don’t like doing the same thing as other festivals here at Bestival HQ… so for our Friday night headliner we’ve booked something you’ll never have seen in Europe or probably the world. Two of the best party-starting DJs with a new stage show packed with surprises back to back… ladies and gents, boys and girls, please welcome Diplo and Mark Ronson aka Silk City to the stage! 

They’re long-time friends of Bestival, so we are ecstatic Diplo and Mark Ronson have chosen our 15th anniversary celebrations to make their European debut as Silk Citywith a UK festival exclusive set. And if there’s one thing you can guarantee, it’s that this pair know how to rock a party.  Two of music’s greatest names together on the Castle stage, with you, us and some big, big tunes, it’s already got legendary written all over it.

Destined to be monumental, do not miss your first ever chance to catch Silk City as they join fellow exclusive headliners London Grammar and Jorja Smith, plus MIA’s only confirmed UK headline festival appearance and an ever-eclectic line-up featuring Grace Jones, Plan B, Chaka Khan, First Aid Kit, Mura Masa, Rudimental (DJ Set), Hot Chip (DJ Set) and many, many more.

Kendal Calling announce huge lineup for 2018

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Fan-favourite, award-winning festival Kendal Calling have announced the huge lineup for 2018. Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Libertines, Run DMC and Hacienda Classical will be headlining with a huge supporting bill all heading to the fields this summer for an unmissable weekend of music, arts, comedy, food and drink in the beautiful Lake District, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Full 2018 Lineup

CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN, THE LIBERTINES AND RUN DMC TO HEADLINE

HACIENDA CLASSICAL TOP THURSDAY NIGHT OPENING BILL

JAMES, OCEAN COLOUR SCENE, SHED SEVEN, THE SHERLOCKS, WHITE LIES, THE WAILERS, DECLAN MCKENNA, FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS, LUCY SPRAGGAN, SLOW READERS CLUB, THE AMAZONS, PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT, TOM GRENNAN, THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS, MARMOZETS, PALE WAVES, DUB PISTOLS, HOLLIE COOK, THE ORIELLES, BLACK HONEY, SAM FENDER, PINS, THE BLINDERS, YONAKA, ANTEROS, MARSICANS, LOW ISLAND, JORDAN ALLEN, PLASTIC MERMAIDS, BANG BANG ROMEO, CRUEL WORLD, WHENYOUNG, MOLLY WARBURTON, THE LUCID DREAM, WOLFPEAKE, ROSBOROUGH, LATE NIGHT LEGACY, SERENE AND PARIAHS ALL JOIN THE LINEUP

GLOW DANCE STAGE FEATURES BASEMENT JAXX (DJ SET), IDRIS ELBA, GORGON CITY (DJ SET), GRANDMASTER FLASH, MISTAJAM, HOSPITALITY TAKEOVER, HORSE MEAT DISCO, WOOKIE, GOTSOME, DEADBEAT UK & COUSN

WOODLANDS STAGE SEES ELVANA, THE BEAT-SIE BOYS AND THE LONDON ASTROBEAT ORCHESTRA PERFORM TALKING HEADS, SAYTR PLAY, 100 FABLES, THE K’S, RATS, BROWNBEAR, NO HOT ASHES, NORTH ATLAS, THE LOTTERY WINNERS, CITRUS, HEIGHTS AND SCARLET

DJ FORMAT & ABDOMINAL, KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS, FRIENDLY FIRE, THE CONSERVATOIRE FOLK ENSEMBLE, WRONGTOM, HORSEMAN, KING LORENZO, SOLO BANTON & THE UPPERCUTS ALL PLAY CHAI WALLAH STAGE

RIOT JAZZ PRESENTS ODWANA, SMOGGY RIDDUM, FELIX HAGAN & THE FAMILY, THE THINGUMAJIGS AND THE TEMPLEBYS

TIM PEAKS CAFE LINEUP INCLUDES TIM BURGESS (DJ SET), THE CORAL (DJ SET), TONY WALSH, THE WALTONES, TRAMPOLENE, LOST HORIZONS, THE HIGH, FAT COPS, TWO SHOT PODCAST LIVE, TINY TIM PEAKS WITH ALEX WINTERS, BEST PICTURE, AVERAGE SEX, POWER BALLAD KARAOKE, YUCATAN, METROPOLIS RE-SCORE, NIK VOID (DJ SET), KIDS CHOIR, CLARE NASIR WEATHER REPORT, ANNA DISLEY, PATSY GILLAM, THE ROCKIN’ RHINOS, NICO MIRALLEGRO (DJ SET), BIS, SPIKE ISLAND SCREENING, WEST PRINCES, RICHARD YOUNGS, MARTIN BLUNT (DJ SET), ALEX LIPINSKI AND BECKY FISHWICK, PLUS SKELETON KEYS RECORDS PRESENTS MARVIN POWELL, MYSTERINES, CUT GLASS KINGS, SHE DREW THE GUN AND PEACH FUZZ

HOUSE PARTY ACTS INCLUDE KIERAN WEBSTER (DJ SET), THOMAS TURGOOSE (DJ SET), THE CLONE ROSES, CLINT BOON, DAVE HASLAM, HATTIE PEARSON (DJ SET), TWISTED WHEEL, GEMMA MOONEY, THE CHAVS, THE JACKALS, HIP HOP KARAOKE, CONTROL OF THE GOING, SHADER, DEJA VEGA, PSYENCE, SPACE MONKEYS, BMX BANDITS, THE PLIMP SOULS, FUZZY SUN, FLEX 80S DISCO WORKOUT CLASSICS AND ZACH’S UNGOOGLEABLE QUIZ

With 2017 marking the 12th consecutive sell out for the festival and selling out just one week after announcing the lineup fans are encouraged to snap tickets up quickly to avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale on 10am Friday 2nd February from kendalcalling.co.uk

Since the release of their debut album ‘The Balcony’, Catfish and the Bottlemen’s rise to the top has been nothing short of stratospheric. Sophomore effort ‘The Ride’ saw them establish themselves as one of the true stars of the burgeoning British guitar scene and this summer they head back to the fields for a headline set that’s not to be missed.

True heroes of indie and a band who were sorely missed during their lengthy absence, The Libertineswill be making a long overdue trip to Kendal Calling. Having reformed and re-established themselves as kings of their genre, Pete, Carl, Gary and John will be bringing anthems from their three huge albums to the fields!

The term legends is thrown around far too often but one group to which it undoubtedly applies are hip-hop royalty Run DMC. With an arsenal of huge hits including ‘It’s Like That’, ‘My Adidas’ and ‘Its Tricky’ under their belts, it’s hard to see who could provide a bigger sing along moment at this year’s Kendal Calling.

Kicking proceedings off on the Thursday night is a special show from Hacienda Classical with the Manchester Camerata, the city’s experimental orchestra playing a new set of huge classics.

Proudly presenting an eclectic lineup year on year Kendal Calling is a place to see indie legends rub shoulders with some of the freshest new talent that the UK has to offer. James, Shed Seven, Ocean Colour Scene, The Sherlocks, White Lies, The Wailers, Declan Mckenna, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Lucy Spraggan, The Amazons, Tom Grennan, Slow Readers Club, Peter Hook & The Light, Marmozets, Pale Waves, Idles, Dub Pistols, Hollie Cook, Sam Fender, Black Honey, Pins, The Blinders, Jordan Allen, Anteros, Yonaka, Trudy & The Romance and Bang Bang Romeo all join the lineup across the Main Stage and one stop shop for music discovery the Calling Out stage.

Peter Hook, Manchester legend says:
“I've always loved the lake district and the opportunity to play with both my favorite acts, Hacienda Classical and The Light at Kendal Calling, coming there for the first time this year is really a dream come true. Who could possibly turn down double bubble.”  

Fun Lovin’ Criminals say:
“It will be our pleasure to bring the FLC style to the Lake District this summer alongside the real Kings of New York; Run DMC!”

The Sherlocks comment:
“Absolutely buzzing to be returning to Kendal Calling! Bring it on, it’s going to be special!”

Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene says:
"Myself and Oscar played at Kendal Calling a couple of years ago so this is a fantastic opportunity to come back and bring the full band to play at this great well known independent festival "

Those wishing to get their dancing shoes on need look no farther than the Glow Dance Stage. With a lineup featuring DJ sets from Basement Jaxx, Gorgon City and all round superstar Idris Elba, a special takeover from DnB stalwarts Hospitality, sets from Grandmaster Flash and  Mistajam, alongside Horse Meat Disco, Wookie and Gotsome, get ready to rave the night away.

A truly unique on site venue, Tim Peaks Cafe is a fan favourite and the perfect place to take a pitstop, grab a slice of cherry pie and a damn fine coffee. This year’s lineup includes Tim Burgess (DJ Set), Dave Haslam, The Clone Roses, Bernard Butler in conversation, Tony Walsh, Clint Boon, The Waltones, Kieren Webster (DJ Set), Twisted Wheel, Thomas Turgoose (DJ Set), Best Picture, Average Sex, Trampolene, Lost Horizons, The High, Fat Cops, Two Shot Podcast Live, Skeleton Key Records Takeover and Tiny Tim Peaks with Alex Winters.

Anyone exploring the Woodlands will be treated to sets from Elvana, The Beatsie Boys, Jamie & Shoony, Satyr Play, 100 Fables, The K’s, Rats, Brownbear, No Hot Ashes, North Atlas, The Lottery Winners, Citrus Heights and more to come as well as an array of incredible art installations.

Set in the incredible setting of the Lake District’s Lowther Deer Park, this innovative, fan-focused, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and visitors will also enjoy 4 days of arts installations, comedy, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is surely the most beautiful festival site in the UK.
 

Camp Wildfire returns for 2018

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Camp Wildfire is the unforgettable weekend of adventure activities and forest parties, exclusively for adults, hidden away in a secret heritage pine forest in Kent just forty minutes from Central London. Immersed in a Wes Anderson 1950s style camp and steeped in an ethos of adventure, exploration and releasing your inner child, Camp Wildfire is proud to announce a range of activities inspired by adventure sports, bushcraft, wellbeing and much more. By night a wealth of stellar DJ talent and live acts to be announced will ensure the weekend is transformed into half adventure camp, half music festival. Luxury lodging packages include a pre-pitched and sumptuously cosy bell-tent; the perfect treat at the end of a long day of adventure. Camp Wildfire takes place between 31st Aug – 3rd Sept 2018. Weekend tickets including camping, a choice of over 50 adventure activities and all evening entertainment are priced at just £134. For more information visit www.campwildfire.co.uk.

The country's most unique new festival provides a whole range of exciting, challenging and heart-racing activities that are sure to challenge both the body and mind. Take flight by hovercraft racing, freefall stunt jumping or even build a giant catapult. Alternatively, there’s the chance to get down-and-dirty in an immersive experience by taking part in a survival run that will test endurance. The return of the adrenaline-inducing 100ft extreme water slide will catapult participants down ‘Adventure Valley’.

Camp Wildfire isn’t just about physical adventure but mindfulness and mental wellbeing too. The meditation classes are designed to rejuvenate the body and cleanse the mind against the backdrop of the beautiful woodland backdrop. The mix of Yoga, Meditation and Woodland Apothecary Workshops are sure to leave festival-goers feeling refreshed and invigorated. Through an immersive wilderness experience, Camp Wildfire offers the chance to witness the untouched clear skies of the countryside, providing the perfect opportunity for an astronomy party.

There’s the chance for all to channel their inner artist and get creative juices flowing, by participating in the range of arts and crafts activities. From carving a totem or tie-dying a favourite old tee, you’ll have an opportunity to make and take home a lasting memory from the weekend. Meanwhile, the plethora of performing arts activities on offer range from swing dancing to circus aerial silks. 

Break away from metropolitan life by taking things back to basics. The selection of bushcraft activities are designed to test one in their natural element. There’s the chance to learn a whole new set of skills such as fire lighting, shelter building or trapping. For those willing to take part in something more hair raising, the bush tucker trials are sure to be fun and thrilling. 

Puzzle games like escape and evade and the scavenger hunt are designed to challenge the mind as well as physical fitness. Then there’s the hyper-competitive Wildfire Patrol Games that see attendees compete in disciplines from water balloon fights to capture the flag to a post-apocalyptic zombie run in a bid to claim the Wildfire Cup for their Patrol. 

Where else can adults relive the summer camps of their youth in full scout regalia and be applauded for it? This unique immersive experience is unlike any other festival. Camp Wildfire’s wide selection of challenges and team games helps build relationships and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

With previous acts and DJs including a who’s who of funk, soul, disco and more in Craig Charles, Riot Jazz, Electric Swing Circus, Keston Cobblers Club and others, expect Camp Wildfire to put on the ultimate party once again with this year’s DJs and live acts set to be announced very soon.

From Lee Denny’s award-winning team behind LeeFest and Neverworld, Camp Wildfire has already won 'Best New Festival' at the AIF Awards, and 'Best Small Festival' at the UK Festival Awards. This secret camp nestled in the beautiful Kent heritage pine forest is an adult-only retreat offering the chance to relieve the body and mind, giving revellers an escape from the commotion of city life with a weekend of challenging and inspiring activities. 

Then as darkness falls, they can watch Wildfire transform into a world of music and festivity. It’s the opportunity for adults to share stories, make memories and revitalise. Weekend tickets start at only £134 fromwww.campwildfire.co.uk.

Latitude Festival announce 2018 lineup with The Killers, Solange, Alt J and more

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Latitude Festival have announced the line up for their 13th Edition, which takes place on Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th July 2018 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk. Recently awarded Best Major Festival by UK Festival Awards, Latitude returns with an all-new look for 2018 – a refreshed programme and emboldened vision retaining everything you loved about the festival, but also moving in an exciting new direction that looks to the future.  Tickets are available from here.

 

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter of A Seat at the Table fame Solange performs her first –ever festival headline slot at Latitude in a UK exclusive. It’s been over a year since she released the critically acclaimed album that she has called “a project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief, and healing”.  Since its release she has introduced the work to new audiences as dynamic and daring performance art. Bold, exciting and innovative with a creative energy like no other, Solange crosses and combines artistic genres in a way that most artists wouldn't dare and is the perfect Latitude headliner.

 

Latitude loves a success story, and is famed for breaking new talent and nurturing artists so it’s truly thrilling to host Alt-J as headliners once more. From performing on the Lake Stage in 2012 as an up and coming act, returning to headline the BBC Music Stage in 2013, and then closing the Friday night of Latitude’s 10th anniversary in 2015, we are delighted to welcome them “home” for what promises to be an exciting show – with the possible premiere of brand new material, this one is going to be unmissable.

 

 Alt-J said, “We are over the moon to be returning to Latitude for a fourth time. It's a festival that's nurtured us beyond any other, taking us from the Lake Stage to the 6music Stage and then to headlining in 2015. To do so again is a huge privilege. See you in Suffolk!”

 

The Killers, fresh from the success of chart-topping comeback album Wonderful Wonderful, headline Latitude for the first time. Part-rock show, part-art extravaganza, The Killers, led by charismatic frontman Brandon Flowers, are sure to bring something very special to this year’s line up with much loved hits ‘The Man’, ‘When You Were Young, and of course ‘Mr Brightside’.

 

Latitude has never been just about the music – it’s a culturally enriching experience and this year’s comedy, theatre and arts roster is set to be the festival’s most diverse and forward-thinking yet. Two exciting comedy headliners are both performing at Latitude for the first time, award-winning stand-up and star of BBC Radio 4’s Utopia, Bridget Christie makes a rare festival appearance, while national treasure Harry Hill brings a career’s worth of comedy gold to our stage. Elsewhere on the comedy bill, catch the only comedian co-signed by Drake and Stormzy, Mo Gilligan; Tim Key's new blend of poeticals, talking, spotlights, cables, old school wistfulness, Megadate; viral-video star and news satirist Jonathan Pie; brand new BBC Radio 4 panel show Where’s the F in News; Mock The Week regular James Acaster and rising star Lauren Pattison. There’s much more still to come, so watch this spotlight!

 

Harry Hill said, “I like latitude, I like longitude, but which is better? There’s only one way to find out – play the comedy arena at Latitude! I can’t wait!"

 

Latitude has a reputation for having one of the most eclectic line ups in the UK, and 2018 is no exception: Sadler’s Wells return to Henham Park presenting dance companies still to be revealed, whilst the first shows of the theatre bill include a spectacular headline performance by an international sensation: Recirquel Contemporary Circus: Paris de Nuit will transport the audience to the roaring 30s. Other highlights include Bryony Kimmings previewing her first solo show in 10 years, I’m A Phoenix, Bitch, Lyric Hammersmith presenting How To Fail At Being Perfect, their wise and witty look at through the eyes of forever children, with an all youth cast, and Scottish Dance Theatre, who present Fleur Darkin’s Velvet Petal. Among the very first speakers in The Speakeasy, BBC3 investigative journalist Stacey Dooley will talk about her new book, On the Front Line with the Women Who Fight Back.

 

There’s so much happening at Latitude in 2018, some serious refuelling will be in order, and the festival is upping the grub game. Latitude will become the first major festival to do away with ‘fast food’ with the Arena now catered entirely by Street Food organised by London’s Street Feast.  Explore buzzing street food arenas across the site where festivalgoers can re-fuel, wind down and eat the world without leaving Henham Park. Look out for Fundi’s mighty hand-built ovens for melty, wood-fired pizzas, then dig into crispy cornbread Arepas from Venezuelan street food heroes Petare – don’t forget to order a side of their Cassava Chips topped with fiery salsa. For a mighty, meat-free meal, say hello to Club Mexicana – their vegan To-Fish Tacos and BBQ-Pulled Jackfruit Burritos are NOT to be missed. Also new to Latitude is the Theatre of Food, a fully immersive essential for any foodie – or just your average keen eater – with wild cooking sessions, hilarious and inspiring food demos and, of course, the chance to sample the goods yourself. And if there’s a comedy set or a drum solo while it’s all happening, all the better to heighten your taste senses!

 

Families looking for quality time together need go no further than Latitude’s Enchanted Garden, where they’ll get the chance to make some magic of their own, including VR workshops with top industry creatives, screen printing T-shirts, trapeze and circus skills, and the brilliant Family Socials which pack weekend mornings with family-friendly comedy, live music, dance and theatre. There’s a parent pen for shattered parents who can’t keep up or yoga to unwind! Meanwhile the Kids Area has live shows including AnimAlphabet the Musical, West End Kids, and Comedy4Kids, alongside puppetry, live music, award-winning children’s authors and illustrators on hand to inspire, music tuition, bush-crafts, fun with food and the Wild Science tent. Teens who want to be among their own can head to the Inbetweeners Area with its music, digital, media and fashion workshops, the Access to Music Live Stage including industry Q&A’s, how-tos on gaming, coding and VR. Daredevils can brave the Greenpeace treetop adventures, zip wires and climbing nets. Guaranteed no teenage style will be cramped.

 

 

MUSIC

Æ MAK

Alfa Mist

Alt-J

Alvvays

Benjamin Clementine

Black Honey

Bomba Estéreo

Boy Azooga

Bruce

Clark performing Death Peak Live

Confidence Man

DJ Boring

Eclair Fifi

Fazerdaze

Fickle Friends

Gang of Youths

Hannah Peel with Tubular Brass

Hinds

Ibeyi

IDLES

Jacob Banks

Jade Bird

James

Japandroids

Jessie Ware

Jon Hopkins Live

Juanita Stein

Kalyde

La Femme

Marlon Williams

Meggie Brown

Mogwai

Naaz

Nabihah Iqbal

Object Blue

Octavian

OR:LA

Pangaea

Parquet Courts

Pip Blom

Preoccupations

Rag’n’Bone Man

Sam Fender

Sleeper

Solange

Sorry

Spinning Coin

Superorganism

The Breeders

The Charlatans

The Killers

The Vaccines

Trudy And The Romance

tUnE-yArDs

whenyoung

Wolf Alice

Yellow Days

 

COMEDY

Abigoliah Schamaun

Amusical

Angela Barnes

Bridget Christie

Chortle Student Comedy Awards Finalists

Chris Stokes

Chris Washington

Darren Harriott

David Morgan

David O'Doherty

Fern Brady

Glenn Moore

Gráinne Maguire

Harry Hill

Huge Davies

Jack Gleadow

James Acaster

Jarlath Regan

Jayde Adams

Joe Sutherland

Jon Pointing

Jonathan Pie

Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Lauren Pattison

Lazy Susan

Lloyd Griffith

Lolly Adefope

Lost Voice Guy

Lou Sanders

Luke Kempner

Masud Milas

Mat Ewins

Mawaan Rizwan

Mo Gilligan

Phoebe Walsh

Rhys Nicholson

Richard Todd

Sarah Keyworth

Shappi Khorsandi

Sisters

Steen Raskopoulos

Stevie Martin

Tessa Coates

Tim Key: Megadate

Where's The F In News

 

THEATRE                                                                                                                                                     

Bryony Kimmings: I'm A Phoenix, Bitch (preview)                                                         

David Rosenberg & Glenn Neath: Flight

Dom Coyote: We Can Time Travel

Femme Fatale                                                                                                                                       

Highrise: Lil.Miss.Lady

Lyric Hammersmith presents How To Fail At Being Perfect                                   

Lyric Hammersmith presents The Lost Disc

Mark And Marichka Marczyk: Balaklava Blues

Middle Child: One Life Stand

Nabokov presents Benin City: Last Night

Nele Needs A Holiday: The Musical

Push Things Forward Collective: Nabokov, Middle Child and Not Too Tame         

Recirquel Contemporary Circus: Paris De Nuit

Rosy Carrick: Passionate Machine

Scottish Dance Theatre presents Fleur Darkin: Velvet Petal

Theatre Ad Infinitum: No Kids (work in progress)

 

LITERARY AND POETRY

Hussain Manawer

Luke Wright

Modern Love: Panel discussion with Justin Myers & Dolly Alderton

Ross Sutherland

Stacey Dooley: On The Front Line With The Women Who Fight Back

 

THE CABARET THEATRE

Denim

 

MUSIC & FILM

Nadine Shah

 

WATERFRONT

Sadler’s Wells

House Gospel Choir

 

STREET FEAST

Babek

Club Mexicana

Fundi

Gyoza Guys

Ink

Petare

Up In My Grill

 

THEATRE OF FOOD

Breddos, Nud Dhusia

Yum Bun and Yumplings, Lisa Meyer

 

First acts for Bestival 2018 announced!

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Behold the most audacious performers to ever have graced Bestival’s green fields. From UK festival exclusive headliners, soul divas and sonic heroes to the ‘must see’ acts of 2018, these are the sights and sounds that will define four days of mind-altering music and circus trickery on over 20 stages and micro-venues in eight unique arenas, at the most colourful show on Earth, now in the heart of the summer, on the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Here come the girls…and a few boys too! Yes, it’s Bestival 2018 and we’re here with the first wave of our all-singing all-dancing line-up. With UK festival exclusive headliners London Grammar and Jorja Smith to legends in the game Chaka Khan, Jimmy Cliff and Grace Jones, and always representing the new blood from Mura Masa and IAMDDB to Mabel and Idles, we’re covering all bases. As any Bestival veteran knows we don’t just do music, so come and check our Hot Yoga, Dubstep Dodgem rides, wood-fired hot tubs, AmbientLand craft tent, East 17’s Christmas Party!, and loads of circus-based trickery, including a Human Cannonball, high wire fire walking and a pretty buff strongman popping up on the Main Stage.”

Commenting on their exclusive headline set, London Grammar’s Dot Major said: “We are so excited to be coming back to Bestival this year! Our show there back in 2014 was one of our favourite shows we have done on home shores. I’ve been going along for years as it’s such a magical festival and this time we get to headline! ? can’t wait to see you all there.”

Bestival 2018 will see UK festival exclusive headline sets from London Grammar on Saturday night, Jorja Smith on Thursday in the Big Top, and a huge and very special Friday headliner still to announce, with M.I.A. closing the show before our fireworks finale on Sunday evening.

There’s no shortage of heroes, legends and bona fide superstars full of circus-themed swagger with standout sets from Grace Jones, Plan B, Chaka Khan and First Aid Kitplus Mura Masa, Sundara Karma, Thundercat, Jimmy Cliff, David Rodigan & The Outlook Orchestra and Stefflon Don among many others confirmed to appear on the Castle Stage.  And our gargantuan and all-embracing Big Top line-up features Django Django, IAMDDB, Kelela, Mike Skinner & Murkage present Tonga and many, many more.

DJ sets and outlandish PAs include, in alphabetical order, 2Bears, Amelie Lens, Bez’s Acid House, Bicep (DJ Set), Billy Daniel Bunter & Raindance, Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts, Craig Charles, Denis Sulta, East 17’s Christmas Party, Faithless (DJ set), Gilles Peterson, Goldie presents Metalheadz, Honey Dijon, Hot Chip Mega Mix (DJ set), Jaguar Skills, Norman Jay, Ram Records, Rodigan presents Ram Jam, Rudimental (DJ Set), Sink the Pink, So Solid Crew a Vic Reeves reggae set and Wookie & Matt Jam Lamont, with many more selectors signed up to our unholy order of rhythm.

And there are psychedelic sideshows and extraordinary attractions to satisfy the soul in eye-popping venues including Temple, Bollywood, HMS Bestival (AKA The Port),Stacey’s, AmbientLand, Caravanserai, Club Dada and a magnificent charm of stages and immersive micro-venues scattered across our boutique campsite wonderland.

As ever Bestival goes far beyond the music, and this year’s circus-themed arcadia is no exception featuring an array of tableau and temptation with Fat Gay Vegan, Feast Collective, Free Haircuts, Slam Poetry Yurt, Gong Healing, 5k Campsite Run, Dubstep Dodgems, Black Light Forest Party, Yoga Nidra With Rob da Bank, Human Ball Pit, Musical Vegetable Orchestra, Wood Fired Hot Tubs, the WI, the World’s Largest Confetti Cannon & Disco Ball, Fireworks, Witness The Fitness Tent, Lit Tent, Loop Sessions, the Love Bot, Rainbow Astronauts and much more. See below for the full line up so far.

Bestival 2018 Line-Up So Far:

Castle Stage: London Grammar / M.I.A. / Grace Jones / Plan B / Chaka Khan / Special Guest / Mura Masa / Sundara Karma / Thundercat / Jimmy Cliff / David Rodigan & The Outlook Orchestra / Stefflon Don / Kojey Radical / Dubioza Kolektiv / Gentleman’s Dub Club / Songhoy Blues / The Cuban Brothers / IDLES / This Is the Kit / Chaka Demus & Pliers / OMG! It’s the Church / L.A. Salami / Son of Dave

Big Top: Jorja Smith / Django Django / IAMDDB / Kelela / Mike Skinner & Murkage pres. Tonga: Holy Goof, Donea’o & Jaykae /  Mabel / Not3s / Kojo Funds / Charlotte de Witte / Agoria (Live) / Ghetts / Mr Jukes / Casisdead / Lotto Boyzz / Sink the Pink / Phil Taggart pres. Slacker: Ratboy, Shame, Superfood, Black Honey, Confidence Man, Touts & whenyoung / We Are Scientists / Nilüfer Yanya / House Gospel Choir – Frankie Knuckles Special / Hak Baker /Adrian Sherwood / Caravãna Sun / Grace Carter / Mellah / The Correspondents / Kitty, Daisy & Lewis/ Blossom Caladron / Beans on Toast / Dutty Moonshine Band / Digital Love: A Tribute to Daft Punk / London Astrobeat Orchestra Perform Talking Heads / Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana / Park Hotel

Temple: Rudimental (DJ Set) / Bicep (DJ Set) / Amelie Lens / Solardo / Denis Sulta / Mall Grab / Honey Dijon / Artwork / Camelphat / Flava D / Palms Trax / Objekt / Nastia / Eli & Fur / Alex Niggemann / Benjamin Damage / Amine K / Mella Dee / Moxie / Darkzy / FineArt / HAAi / Jamz Supernova / Goldierocks / Tasty Lopez / Bradley Gunn Raver

Bollywood: Goldie pres. Metalheadz / Rodigan pres. Ram Jam / Ram Records: Loadstar B2B DC Breaks B2B Mind Vortex / 2Bears / Billy Daniel Bunter & Raindance / Rob da Bank / Radar Radio / FooR / Happy Meals / Nathan Dawe / Biig Piig

HMS Bestival (AKA The Port): Faithless (DJ set) / East 17’s Christmas Party / Jaguar Skills / Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts / So Solid Crew, Wookie & Matt Jam Lamont, Shogun Audio pres. Alix Perez, Technimatic, Pola & Bryson, Glxy & SP:MC & Visionobi / Bez’s Acid House / Stanton Warriors / Big Freedia / DJ Brace / Jodie Harsh & Friends / Kiddy Smile / Savage / Schlachthofbronx / Buttmitzvah / Hard Cock Life

Stacey’s: Gilles Peterson / Hot Chip Mega Mix (DJ set) / Norman Jay / Craig Charles / Donna Leake / Andy Blake / Reach Up – Disco Wonderland / JazzHeadChronic pres. The South London Soul Train / Shaka Loves You / Amy Alsop / Perry Kaye

AmbientLand: Chris Coco / Jane Fitz / Mix Master Morris / Flying White Dots / Flying Mojito Bros

Caravanserai: Temple Funk Collective / Urban Voodoo Machine pres. The Gypsy Hotel / Buffos Wake / Chainska Brassika / Ska V Goldsmith / My Baby / John Fairhurst / Junior Jungle / DJ Chris Tofu / DJ Penny Metal / DJ Ecklectic Mick / New York Brass Band

Club Dada: Vic Reeves (Reggae set) / Reggae Roast ft. Natty Campbell / DJ Shepdog (Nice Up!)

Ezra Collective / Jazz Re:freshed / Henge / King Lagoon’s Flying Swordfish Dance Band / Tokyo Sex Wail / Captain Cumbia / Wara / Immigrant Swing / Movimientos / DJ Chris Tofu / Thrill Collins

White Mink Electro Swing Club / Choreograff: ft. Tension Breakers v. Swing Patrol with New York Brass Band, Natasha Khamjani & more. Pus Many More Stages & Micro-Venues Across the Lulworth Estate.

Slam Dunk 2018 – Announcement

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IT’S TIME! Our first #SDF18 announcement of the year is finally here. We have massive news with the return of Twin Atlantic and Set Your Goals plus debut performances from Broadside and Can't Swim!

As always we are pleased to continue to bring you the best in punk & ska… In addition to our Christmas day announcement of Zebrahead, the first bands to be revealed are The Skints, Capdown – Official, & Save Ferris! On the heavier side of Slam Dunk we've got Northlane, Comeback Kid & COUNTERPARTS, with more to come soon!

Get your tickets & download the #SDF18 app now @ http://slamdunkmusic.com

With thanks to our partners: Jägermeister, Fireball UK & Impericon.co.uk

Slam Dunk Festival: North 2018
Slam Dunk Festival: South 2018
Slam Dunk Festival: Midlands 2018

Wireless Festival announce 2018 lineup

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The highlight of the summer calendar, Wireless Festival, is returning to London’s Finsbury Park from the 6th – 8th July 2018 to bring together a host of home-grown and internationally renowned artists. The three-day urban music event will see headline performances from global superstars J. Cole, Stormzy and DJ Khaled and Friends, and many more of the biggest names in hip-hop, grime and rap music. Weekend and day tickets are available here.

Now in its thirteenth year, Wireless Festival has cemented itself as the home of urban music – the go-to event for fans of the world’s most talked about rappers, artists and DJs. This year sees UK festival exclusive performances by J. Cole, Stormzy, DJ Khaled and Friends, Rae Sremmurd, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Giggs, Lil Uzi Vert, Rick Ross, Migos, GoldLink, French Montana, 6LACK, Ski Mask The Slump God and Smokepurpp.

FRIDAY

J. COLE

POST MALONE, PARTYNEXTDOOR

SPECIAL GUEST: BIG SEAN

GOLDLINK, WILEY, WRETCH 32, MABEL, KOJO FUNDS

BELLY SQUAD, BAS, DONAE’O

 

SATURDAY

STORMZY

MIGOS

J HUS, FRENCH MONTANA

6LACK, A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE, BELLY

MOSTACK, FREDO, HARDY CAPRIO, RAMZ

 

SUNDAY

DJ KHALED AND FRIENDS

SPECIAL GUEST: GIGGS

 RAE SREMMURD

LIL UZI VERT, CARDI B, RICK ROSS

PLAYBOI CARTI, LIL PUMP, MIST, NOT3S

 TRIPPIE REDD, SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD

67, SMOKEPURPP, JAYKAE, LISA MERCEDEZ

Headlining Friday and setting the tempo for an unforgettable weekend is iconic rapper J. Cole. Revered as one of the greatest rappers of his generation and needing no features to go platinum, J. Cole quickly established himself as a pioneer within his genre. With four studio albums, five EPs and four mixtapes to his name, J. Cole’s latest album ‘4 Your Eyez Only’ was certified platinum in April 2017, with all ten tracks debuting in the Top 40 of the Hot 100 US Charts and he is sure to kick things off in style at Wireless 2018.

Musical superstar Stormzy will take over the Main Stage on Saturday as he returns to Wireless for what is set to be a landmark show.  With the success of 2017 and release of his critically acclaimed No.1 debut album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’, Stormzy became the first grime artist to reach Number 1 on the UK album charts. With MOBO's, a GQ Man Of The Year award and two BRIT Award nominations under his belt – as well as over 100 million combined views on YouTube for his singles including ‘Big For Your Boots’ and ‘Blinded By Your Grace Pt.2' – Stormzy is set to give an unmissable headline performance.

For what will be his first performance outside North America and the only place to see him in the UK this year, hip-hop legend, record producer and internet sensation DJ Khaled will close Wireless on Sunday joined by an unannounced host of guests and collaborators. The US superstar has ten studio albums to his name as well as a huge repertoire with some of the world’s biggest stars, including the smash-hit ‘Wild Thoughts’ with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller. DJ Khaled’s Wireless debut is not to be missed.

One of the most successful names in modern hip-hop, Post Malone returns to Wireless on Friday. His massive single ‘Rockstar’ broke Apple Music streaming records with over 25 million streams upon its release in September 2017. With the imminent release of Culture 2 – Wireless will exclusively bring Migos and their unique blend of hip-hop and trap to the London crowds.

One man who needs no introduction is undisputed godfather of grime Wiley. With another new album on the horizon, no other artist in the scene has had the impact or lasting power of this true architect of the genre.

Returning to his hometown for what is set to be a huge performance, Giggs will be on the Main Stage on Sunday. His most recent EP ‘Wamp 2 Dem’ flew into the Number 2 position on the UK album charts and collaborations with Drake saw him solidify his status as the ‘Landlord’ of British hip-hop in 2017. Undeniably one of the UK’s best lyricists and a true icon of UK hip hop, North London’s Wretch 32 will be on home turf this summer at Wireless 2018 joining the Friday line-up, while triple BRIT Award nominee, J Hus will play on Saturday. A master of fusing Afro-beats, dancehall, grime and hip-hop, he released his massive debut album ‘Common Sense’ in 2017 to rave reviews. The lead single ‘Did You See’ has more than 56 million Spotify streams and combined with his well-renowned, energetic live performances, J Hus has one of the most anticipated sets of the Wireless weekend.

Since bursting onto the scene and into the public's consciousness, self-proclaimed rockstar and 'XO Tour Lif3' hitmaker Lil Uzi Vert has truly shaken up modern hip hop. Known for his high energy live show, his set is not to be missed at this year’s festival. With breakthrough single 'Magnolia' gaining him worldwide recognition and props from hip hop legend Jay Z, Playboi Carti has become one of the key players in the incredible new wave of American rap and his long-awaited debut mixtape proved that there's much more to him than one hit.

Joining the bill for London’s most anticipated summer party is French Montana performing for the Wireless crowd on Saturday. Within the top 40 most listened to artists in the world, his 2017 smash hit ‘Unforgettable’ reached the top 10 in 15 countries world-wide and has achieved over 679 million streams. PARTYNEXTDOOR also joins the line-up. The Canadian born R&B star has collaborated in the studio with the likes of Drake, Rihanna and Major Lazer, with his single ‘Come and See Me’ raking up over 200 million streams on Spotify. Detroit-bred rapper Big Sean, famous for his huge hip-hop anthems ‘I Don’t F*** With You’ and ‘Bounce Back’ will make a special guest appearance on Friday.

Following on from their performance in 2017, Rae Sremmurd return to the Wireless stage on Sunday, as well as hip hop royalty Rick Ross. Joining them is the new Queen of hip-hop and record breaker Cardi B. Her summer hit ‘Bodak Yellow’ topped the Billboard 100 charts for three weeks, making her the second ever rapper to hit the top spot since Lauryn Hill in 1998.

Wireless is also pleased to announce the addition of Canadian multiplatinum-certified rapper Belly to Saturday’s line-up.  The prolific MC just served up the explosive and critically acclaimed ‘Mumble Rap’ mixtape last year. Not only is he a musical force to be reckoned with, but he also stands out as an in-demand songwriter with an Academy® Award nod for “Best Original Song” and a GRAMMY® Award win for “Best R&B Performance” to his credit. Performing to his home crowd is North London rapper MoStack who has collaborated with the likes of J Hus and Krept & Konan and recently worked on Steel Banglez huge hit ‘Bad’ and smash hit ‘No Words' with Dave, as well as UK rapper Ramz who joins the line-up following the success of recent smash hit ‘Barking’.

Forever championing the burgeoning UK scene, Wireless 2018 will play host to some of the hottest talent that the country has to offer. 'Finders Keepers' future R&B queen Mabel will be performing as will her collaborator Kojo Funds. Elsewhere Not3s joins the line-up fresh from his BBC Sound Of List nod as well as street rap don Fredo and Birmingham's finest Mist. Hardy Caprio, Belly Squad, Donae’o, Lisa Mercedez and Jaykae will also play across the weekend.

Lil Pump joins the bill for Sunday. His 2017 self-titled record peaked at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, with his world-wide smash ‘Gucci Gang’ pulling in over 161 million views on YouTube. On Friday Washington based MC GoldLink will take to the stage. Famed for his innovate hip-hop style combined with indie rhythms and deep danceable beats, his 2017 hit ‘Crew’ has been streamed over 100 million times on Spotify and YouTube. Other acts taking to the stage across the weekend include XXL Freshman A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, drill crew 67, 6LACK, Trippie Redd, Ski Mask The Slump God, Smokepurpp and BAS, with more still to be announced.

Henley Festival 2018 brings Grace Jones, Rita Ora, Nile Rodgers & Chic plus more

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As the UK’s only black-tie boutique festival, Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music. Many festival goers arrive by boat, and the green lawns of the festival are transformed into a Great Gatsby vision, as black tie clad revellers spill across the festival site, champagne in hand, while fireworks explode overhead.

2018 Lineup

RITA ORA
GRACE JONES
NILE RODGERS & CHIC

CURTIS STIGERS AND THE RONNIE SCOTTS BIG BAND PRESENT ‘SINATRA AT THE SANDS’
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA

JAZZ & SWING

RAY GELATO AND THE GIANTS | MISS KIDDY AND THE CADS

STAKS BAND | KING PLEASURE AND THE BISCUIT BOYS | PURDY

WORLD & FOLK

COAL PORTERS | SON YAMBU | JALI FILLY CISSOKHO'S COUTE DIOMBOULOU BAND | LE BISTROTET | BIKINI BEACH BAND | SOLASTA TRIO MAZ O'CONNOR | TROVADOR | MEGAN HENWOOD | AGAINST THE GRAIN

COMEDY 
PAUL MERTON | LEE NELSON | LUCY PORTER | MARK WATSON 
DOMINIC HOLLAND | JON CULSHAW & BILL DARE | RHYS JAMES
PIERRE NOVELLIE | ALFIE BROWN | ANDREW MAXWELL | THUNDERBARDS SUZI RUFFELL | FLO & JOAN | ADAM BLOOM | CHRIS STOKES | ADAM ROWE ANDY FIELD | ADAM HESS | THE CARD NINJA TINA C | VELMA CELL

BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING
ALEX GREEN | WOLF NOTE | LORNE | CECIL | PEARL TN

VISUAL ARTS
DAVID MACH | CHARLIE WAITE | ROSAMOND LLOYD

FOOD

MICHELIN STARRED CHEF
ANGELA HARTNETT MBE
CROOKED BILLETT | SPICE MERCHANT | COOKING COOKS
JIMMY GARCIA’S BBQ CLUB | THE AUDACIOUS SQUID
BLACK CAB COFFEE & COCKTAILS | THE TERRACE RESTAURANT
HOTEL DU VIN | CONO SUR | PIZZA EXPRESS
JESSICO PROSECCO | SNOB LOBSTER & CHAMPAGNE
MOËT CHAMPAGNE BAR & POP UPS

CHARITIES 

CHARLIE WALLER MEMORIAL TRUST
THE TEENAGE WILDERNESS TRUST

 
Established 36 years ago as a classical music charity event, Henley Festival continues to be run on a not for profit basis supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level. This year proceeds from the festival will go to two charities. Dedicated to supporting young people with depression, and encouraging discussions around mental health, the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust was set up in memory of a young man who took his own life whilst suffering from depression. The Teenage Wilderness Trust supports students who find it difficult to engage with mainstream education by offering reengagement courses using bush craft, wilderness learning techniques and practical life skills to encourage students to get back into learning. 
 
THE FLOATING STAGE  
Following the release of her long awaited album in Spring 2018, Rita Ora will open Henley Festival 2018 on the Wednesday night. The global pop star, with four No.1 hit songs to her name, including Radioactive and I Will Never Let You Down, will get the UK’s most glamourous festival off to an explosive start with her 2017 hit singles Kiss Me, Your Song and Anywhere.  


 

A lifelong provocateur Grace Jones will light up Henley Festival with her energetic headline set that is guaranteed to include a string of costume changes and dance-club hits including her acclaimed reinvention of Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose”. One of the world’s most iconic women, singers, songwriters, supermodels, actresses and infamous Bond Girl, Grace Jones’ daring and original headline set will be one of the highlights of the festival.  
 
Among music legends, Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multi-Grammy-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping pop hits like "Le Freak," sparked the advent of hip-hop with "Good Times,” and won CHIC eleven Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations. More recently he has worked with Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith.


 
Saturday night at Henley Festival will see Curtis Stigers and The Ronnie Scott’s Big Band present ‘Sinatra At The Sands.’ Internationally acclaimed American jazz vocalist Curtis Stigers will channel the hip, swinging chemistry of Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra for a brilliant night which will fly the Henley audience to the moon.
 
Henley Festival will close in true style on the Sunday night with one of the UK’s foremost opera companies the English National Opera performing with soloists, full orchestra and chorus and under the baton of ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins. Their repertoire is taken from many of the greatest operas including Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Madam Butterfly, Turandot and La Traviata as well as a little Gilbert & Sullivan to top the night off.  
 
A STELLAR COMEDY LINE-UP
The 2018 comedy line-up is set to be bigger and better than ever, with the likes of Paul Merton, Lee Nelson, Lucy Porter, Mark Watson and Dominic Holland among the biggest names of the 25 comedians performing at this year’s Festival. The comedy line up will also include a very special evening of unscripted, unrehearsed and spontaneous comedy from Dead Ringers’ impressionists Jon Culshaw and legendary comedy producer Bill Dare in their sell-out show The Great British Take Off. In addition, up and coming comics including Suzi Ruffell, Pierre Novellie, Rhys James, Flo & Joan, Alfie Brown and Adam Rowe will also be keeping audiences entertained as well as jaw-achingly funny cabaret from Tina C and Vellma Celli.
 
JAZZ AT HENLEY FESTIVAL
Henley Festival’s very own Jazz Club in the stunning Spiegel Tent offers dining and live jazz music before and after the main headline act. Credited for helping kick off the Swing revival in the early '80s Ray Gelato and the Giants will open Henley’s Jazz Club on Wednesday night. On the Thursday Pop Noir songstress Purdy will be performing, local to Henley, Purdy has supported Lana Del Ray and Jools Holland. Friday Night will see the high-energy Soul/R'n'B band The Staks Band comprised of virtuoso players working with some of the music world’s biggest artists, the band have a lineage that defies easy description. Saturday night will see performances from King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys whose dazzling musicianship and riveting stage performances will get the crowd jiving stomping and swinging, finally on Sunday Miss Kiddy and the Cads, will provide sensational live jazz, swinging beats, toe-tapping finesse and a lot of laughter to transport you straight to 1945s swing town, bringing Henley Festival’s Jazz Club to a high octane close.
 
BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING
BBC Music Introducing was created in 2007 to support unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians. Henley Festival is hugely excited to be working with BBC Music Introducing discovering breaking acts from the region, all of whom have featured across the BBC network before. 
 
Pearl, TN is a British country band with bittersweet songs of love and regret featuring Harriet James on vocals that are pure as a mountain stream. Inspired by American country artists including Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings this is one country band you don’t want to miss. Lorne is a singer, songwriter and pianist from Berkshire who released his debut EP Maze on 24th November 2017. With a sound that is a cross between Bon Iver, Brandon Flowers and Damien Rice, his gentle melodic pop and soft rock is a beauty to behold. Alex Green is a songwriter from Reading, previously the front man of the band Attention Thieves. He takes inspiration from artists within such genres as folk, country, blues and rock. Cecil is an alternate indie pop artist from Berkshire. Her debut E.P was released in April 2017 and received support from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 2 and several other radio stations. Her debut album is due out this summer and with her music being compared to somewhere between Lana Del Rey and Kate Bush she is definitely a one to watch in 2018! WolfNote is a new acoustic folk and roots quartet from Berkshire comprising multi-instrumentalist Mike with his gammy leg, violinist and vocalist Ceri with her dodgy back, guitarist and vocalist Gill, also falling to bits and cellist and vocalist Bex, a crazy cat lady.
 
WORLD MUSIC IN THE BEDOUIN TENT 
Enter The Bedouin Tent for a taste of global world music as well as home spun British folk at its best. World Music comes from Senegalese band The Coute Diomboulou Band led by Cissokh use traditional instruments including the kora, tamma and djembe  expect an extraordinary mix of mbalax and afrobeat grounded in African traditions. Son Yambu play authentic Cuban son, the intoxicating fusion of Spanish and African rhythms that gave rise to salsa. They give this irresistible music a contemporary edge, bringing their audiences a truly, sensational, authentic Latin music experience. The Bikini Beach Band begins with one man – Jesus C. Escovedo – guitarist, revolutionary, ladies' man and 1956 All-Mexico Surfing Champion (for real). Expect rockin surf sound and chilled 1950s Mexican beach vibes. Trovador is a flamenco fusion trio with influences from Brazilian and classical music based in UK, providing a performance full of rhythm, passion and grace. Powerful and uplifting music from the virtuoso duo of guitarist Matt Sullivan and percussionist Jo May; Against the Grain will dazzle you with their stunning musical skills and exciting performances. Stirring the styles of West Africa, South America and Spain, Jo and Matt create an original blend of musical flavours.
 
FOLK MUSIC IN THE BEDOUIN TENT 
Henley will be presenting up and coming folk music names in the Bedouin Tent including “alt-bluegrass” act The Coal Porters who demonstrate the foot stomping power of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar and doghouse bass when matched with four-part harmonies. Winner of the 2009 BBC Young Folk Awards, Megan Henwood began writing songs in her early teens including her poignant song about relationship/abuse “White Lies”, from her debut album “Making Waves”. Firmly established in the roots scene, Maz O'Connor is a folk force to be reckoned with, the simplicity of her music recalls the starkly beautiful Cumbrian landscape of her childhood.  Solasta are an outstanding folk ensemble known for their inventive arrangements, unique sound and exhilarating live performances. Comprised of award winning fiddler Elisabeth Flett, cellist Hannah Thomas, and guitarist Jamie Leeming, their dynamic interpretations of Celtic based material are rooted firmly in tradition. Art Deco Band Le Bistrotet was formed as the result of recordings made for the soundtrack of the Oscar winning movie, The Theory of Everything, expect classic Vaudeville and European café-bar music.
 
FOODIE FESTIVAL 
For the 2018 festival, Michelin starred chef Angela Hartnett MBE will be taking the reins of Europe’s biggest field restaurant, creating a bespoke menu exclusively for Henley, at the Riverside Restaurant. Angela Hartnett’s astonishingly creative, flawlessly executed dishes focus on purity of flavour and reverence for ingredients. Angela Hartnett commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be working closely with the Henley Festival for the first time and to serve the food that I love at such a great and iconic event.” A festival for food lovers, Henley caters for all tastes offering a huge number of restaurants and pop ups from street food to fine dining. Restaurant’s popping up at the festival will include Crooked Billet, The Spice Merchant, and Brasserie @ Jazz Club in the Speigltent, alongside street food from BBQ club, Snob Lobster, Jessecco Prosecco, Pizza Express and Audacious Crispy Squid, and champagne and cocktails from Moët Champagne Bar, Black Cab Coffee & Cocktails, Hotel du Vin and many more.
 
VISUAL ARTS
Henley Festival is one of the very few festivals to showcase art work from some of Britain’s most talented artists photographers and galleries. Henley is hugely excited to announce that this year, the festival will be showcasing work from the Turner Prize nominated artist and Royal Acamadician David Mach, Britain’s father of landscape photographer and founder of the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards, Charlie Waite, award winning sculptures Rosamond Lloyd and will also be collaborating with the contemporary art curator and aboriginal art collector Jennifer Guerrini Maraldi. More artists, galleries and curators will be announced later in the year. 
 
FAMILY SUNDAY 
And while the festival is an adult only event, Sunday daytime sees the festival turned into a huge playground for families and kids of all ages, with activities and entertainers, who captivate and enchant. 2018’s Family Sunday offers balloon making, glitter tattoos, music lessons, comedy for kids, toddler disco, choir performances as well as fantastic entertainment from TV favourites Mr Bloom,  Mr Danger and Fun & Gamz.
 
FIREWORKS 
Henley Festival is topped off each night by a jaw dropping overhead firework display. In 2018 the fireworks display will be designed by Titanium Fireworks, the team who have put on some of the UK’s biggest firework shows in the last decade including the 2012 London Olympics, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks display and Hogmany in Edinburgh, as well as pyrotechnics for some of the biggest names in music including Adele, Will Smith, Coldplay and Take That. Henley Festival is currently the only music Festival which Titanium work with.

The UK’s BIGGEST Country Music Festival C2C returns to the O2 for its sixth year

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2018 brings C2C Festival into their sixth year at the O2 Arena London in March for a three day event. With Country Music on the rise, C2C is THE place to be. If you think country music is just Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers then think again – modern country music has some of the most talented musicians in the industry who are really starting to make a name for themselves across all genres. Grammy winning artists such Maren Morris prove that country music is fresh, modern and infectious bridging the gap between country and pop.

C2C has played host to a high calibre of country artists over the years such as Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, previously mentioned Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Reba, Eric Church and many many more.

This year C2C can boast one of the most sought after live acts across the genre in Friday Headliners Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. An opportunity to see the married power couple perform together is a rarity, especially within the UK. Tim McGraw played the first ever C2C back in 2013 and we are delighted to welcome him back with his wife Faith Hill who had huge success in the UK with her hit single This Kiss back in 1998. 

Also on Fridays bill is country pop singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini. Kelsea has released two successful albums – The First Time (2015) and Unapologetically (2017). Kelsea has brown from strength to strength over the years receiving multiple award wins and nominations including a nod from the Grammys when she was nominated for best new artist in 2017. Kelsea had a hit number single with her self penned ballad Peter Pan and has continued to gain success with each single thereafter. Kelsea recently married Australian Country newcomer Morgan Evans who joins Kelsea at C2C as part of the Spotlight Stage which is held at the back of the O2 Arena between main stage acts and is always a very successful and much loved platform by fans.

Fridays main stage line up also brings us country band Old Dominion. Old Dominion are one of the funnest bands in country music – with quirky, well crafted, catchy songs, Old Dominion are some of the best songwriters in Nashville. A band who could easily cross over to mainstream success with songs such as Break Up With Him, Song For Another Time and Snapback from their debut album Meat and Candy and more recently with songs No Such Thing As A Broken Heart, Shoe Shopping and Written In The Sand from album Happy Endings.. Old Dominion were rated one of the best live acts of last year amongst UK country fans and will undoubtedly deliver a show stopping set at C2C.

Saturdays Main Stage line up starts with the late Glen Campbell’s daughter Ashley Campbell. Already having quite the fan base in the UK, Ashley will be playing a tribute to her late father, singing his music to a 20,000 strong audience who miss him terribly – her performance is set to be emotional for sure but beautiful. Ashley has recently released her single A New Year which is a stunning pop country ballad.

Relatively newcomer Luke Combs will make his UK debut on the O2 Arena Stage with his country rock sound. The North Carolina native released his debut album This One’s For You via Columbia Nashville. Combs first single Hurricane reached No. 1 on the Country Radio airplay charts and The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums.  Combs then released his second single, When It Rains It Pours which also reached number one on the Country Airplay . This month Luke released One Number Away as his latest single. Luke is one of the artists fans are looking forward to the most as has been named an artist to watch via several publications and his fan base continues to grow daily.

UK favourite Kip Moore returns to the C2C stage after being a favourite in 2015. Kip Moore is quite simply one of the best and most underrated acts in country music. Kip’s strong southern rock sound and high energy performance’s will set the bar at C2C as his charming and rocking stage presence will shake the O2 Arena. Kip is on his third studio release Slowheart and he is without a doubt an artist not to be missed and an act you must listen to.

Reunited and it feels so good…..Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush went their separate ways releasing solo material for the last couple of years after years of playing together as one of country musics most successful duos Sugarland. Both Jennifer and Kristian have performed at C2C before but as solo acts so to have them reunite on the O2 stage is cooked up to be something very special indeed. Releasing their first single in years Still The Same, fans are excited to get to see Sugarland perform their biggest hits such as Stuck Like Glue, Stay, All I Want To Do and much more.

Headlining the Saturday will be Kacey Musgraves who has had a very successful career in the UK. Kacey being one of Country Music’s daring artists with controversial songs Follow Your Arrow and loved tracks such as Biscuits, Merry Go Round and Dime Store Cowgirl will have the audience in the palm if her hand singing along to every song. Kacey is currently working on her third studio release so hopefully we will get to hear some of those at C2C.

Sunday brings us the most talked about country band right now Midland. Midland have been the talk of the town with their traditional yet modern sound and notable fashion. Midland will make their UK debut at C2C and will leave fans with more than a Drinkin’ Problem after their set. 

After Midland Americana artist Margo Price will take to the stage. Having played Glastonbury last year, Margo’s popularity within the UK has become even bigger and her current album All American Made has been included as one of the best albums of 2017 across numerous publications. 

Legend EmmyLou Harris also makes her C2C debut and with the career she has had and the back catalogue that she can boast, C2C fans are certainly in for a treat. EmmyLou has been praised by the likes of Bob Harris for years and we are delighted that she will be joining the C2C line up.

Closing the London portion of C2C Festival is much loved vocal group Little Big Town. With some of the best voices in music in general, Karen, Kimberley, Philip and Jimmy always give an unforgettable performance which is always on fire. With a very impressive back catalogue of highly successful hits including Pontoon, Little White Church, Boondocks, Girl Crush and the award winning Better Man penned by Taylor Swift, Little Big Town will leave fans with a lasting memory of this years C2C Festival and will leave them craving more. 

Not only will there be phenomenal acts on the main stage but the O2 Arena will also bring back the Spotlight Stage which is set up at the back of the arena in between main stage acts. This year we will get to see well established acts such as Morgan Evans, Brett Young, Jillian Jacqueline, Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real, Lindsay Ell, Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes and Ashley McBryde. Each act is worth checking out individually as all bring something very special to the table.

As if that wasn’t enough, the party doesn’t stop there. When the main stage acts finish, fans can go to after parties which are separately ticketed to see exclusive performances by Brett Young and Morgan Evans on Friday, Lukas Nelson and Promise of The Real Saturday and Walker Hayes on the Sunday. Each show will be followed by DJ Hish who will be playing music into the early hours of the morning.

During the daytime, there will be various pop up acts across numerous pop up stages, the acts haven’t been announced as of yet but you can be sure there will be a high calibre of artists as there are every year. 

Other ticketed events during the day will be The Bluebird Sessions. Nashville comes to C2C with the infamous Bluebird Café with artists Ryan Hurd, Mo Pitney and Jillian Jacqueline sharing their stories behind the songs on Saturday and Ashley McBryde, Leslie Satcher and Walker Hayes sharing their stories on the Sunday. Acoustic songwriters rounds such as these are a treat and often the highlight for fans.

More will be announced over the coming weeks but C2C have proven year after year to why they are not just one of the best country music festivals but one of the best music festivals full stop. You will be hard pressed to find a better, more warming atmosphere than C2C and if the thought of country music still makes you cringe? Why not come down and check out some of the free stuff in the daytime but until then, check out some of the artists music and be a part of a genre that is so incredibly special and feels like family.

http://c2c-countrytocountry.com/london/buy-tickets/