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!
Slam Dunk Festival announce thier headliner for 2017; Enter Shikari will be headliner at the festival with an exclusive celebration of 10 years since the release of their groundbreaking debut album "Take To The Skies".
Tickets now on sale so make sure you grab yours.
Ticket links will be listed at www.slamdunkmusic.com
Fame, celebrity, a media that obsesses over both and huge business that sells us access to, and relics of, them: the one thing that’s clear is we have ourselves a new religion… of sorts. But this is a doctrine that offers us a troubling vision of Heaven on Earth; a room, full of our idols, guarded behind doors, with a strict entry criteria…
So, in this Strictly X Factor Love Island I’m a Kardashian #get-me-out-of-here social, instant, online world; what should we do? How much do we embrace this idea of the universal right to fame and, if we do, should we all start immediately baking, blogging, dancing, cooking, singing and redecorating our little hearts out, to get 'there’? You know that place down the red carpet and behind the velvet rope…
Well this summer the Secret Garden Party invites you to join it ‘there’ and finally find out if it’s anywhere we want to be.
In the tradition of the bacchanals, we will satiate this worldly distraction to the point we can break free from it – to finally gain a true perspective. And in doing so, set a new, true precedent. So we’re donning our finest threads and polishing up like never before for the biggest VIP LOL-off you’ve ever seen. Where everyone likes / follows / adores you, the bouncers all know your name and the Sweet Dreams are made by You…
AIF Conference, Cardiff last night….SGP wins award for ‘Act of Independence’.
Whether channelled through its distinctive themes or its confrontation of social issues, Secret Garden Party’s ethos and spirit of independence has always been to encourage a free-thinking and forward-thinking community. So organisers are genuinely gratified to receive recognition for this pioneering work on drug testing – the first public testing facility in the UK.
Freddie Fellowes founder of Secret Garden Party, along with Steve Rolles from the Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Fiona Measham, Professor of Criminology at Durham University and director of The Loop ( a not-for-profit service for drug and alcohol harm reduction) last night were presented with the Association of Independent Festivals’ ‘Act of Independence’ gong at the AIF awards ceremony for spearheading the first UK public drug-testing scheme at last summer’s Secret Garden Party – a service approved by Cambridge Police and local health authorities – where people could have their drugs tested for safety on site.
Paul Reed, General Manager of the AIF said:
“There was a very strong shortlist for the inaugural ‘Act of Independence’ award and the result is some well -deserved recognition for an initiative that was both preventative and proactive, focusing on harm reduction, promoting safer drug use and helping people to make informed choices. It was achieved following years of hard work behind the scenes engaging the various agencies involved so congratulation to Secret Garden Party and The Loop for their perseverance and pioneering work in this area. We hope to see MAST testing become rapidly widespread at festivals, and AIF are working closely with The Loop and the organisers of Secret Garden Party to develop best practice and national guidelines for drug use and health and safety services at festivals”
Art Applications now open:
SGP is calling out for next year’s creative wonders. Since launching the Grants Programme in the Garden, there’s been an explosion of creative work adorning the site with imaginative installations year on year. Now SGP is on the hunt for the new and spectacular, theme-inspired pieces for 2017. Artists, Designers & the wildly creative, be a part of this credible arts collective. With commissions, grants and development funds available contact: [email protected]
HG’s Theme Playlist:
Tickets for Secret Garden Party 2017 are now on sale at: tkt.to/sgp2017
After a phenomenal 2016 that saw Queen + Adam Lambert and The Who grace the iconic main stage, the Isle of Wight Festival is today excited to announce music giants, Arcade Fire, as the first headline act for 2017. The much-coveted appearance will be their only UK festival of the Summer and their first UK festival performance since 2014.
The Canadian band released their fourth studio album ‘Reflektor’ in October 2013 to widespread critical acclaim, debuting at #1 in both the U.K. and U.S. and topping the iTunes charts in 40 countries. 'Reflektor' was hailed as one of the Top 10 albums of 2013 by NME, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Pitchfork among others, and received two Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. After a nod at the Academy Awards for their work on the score of the Spike Jonze film, 'Her' (2013), the band went on to release their first film 'The Reflektor Tapes' combining concert footage and personal moments captured during the making of the album and subsequent tour. Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, known for their thrilling live shows and high-energy performances, Arcade Fire have sold out venues across the globe.
Isle of Wight Festival Promoter, John Giddings, said: After a phenomenal 2016 that saw Queen + Adam Lambert and The Who grace the iconic main stage, the Isle of Wight Festival is today excited to announce music giants, Arcade Fire, as the first headline act for 2017. The much-coveted appearance will be their only UK festival of the Summer and their first UK festival performance since 2014.
The Canadian band released their fourth studio album ‘Reflektor’ in October 2013 to widespread critical acclaim, debuting at #1 in both the U.K. and U.S. and topping the iTunes charts in 40 countries. 'Reflektor' was hailed as one of the Top 10 albums of 2013 by NME, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Pitchfork among others, and received two Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. After a nod at the Academy Awards for their work on the score of the Spike Jonze film, 'Her' (2013), the band went on to release their first film 'The Reflektor Tapes' combining concert footage and personal moments captured during the making of the album and subsequent tour. Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, known for their thrilling live shows and high-energy performances, Arcade Fire have sold out venues across the globe.
Isle of Wight Festival Promoter, John Giddings, said: “I’m so happy to have secured Arcade Fire as our first headliner. David Bowie recommended them and I’ve been a fan ever since. Last year was an incredible year and I’m ready for us to come back even better in 2017.”
The Isle of Wight Festival takes place from 8th – 11th June at Seaclose Park, Newport with Early Bird Tickets on sale from today. Due to popular demand, 2017 sees the return of Day Tickets in addition to Weekend Tickets.
For a VIP festival experience exclusive glamping options are also on sale. Eve’s Tipis offer a luxury stay with a cocktail bar and hot breakfast options to kickstart your day. The much loved colourful Podpads will also be returning which include a power point to keep your phone charged throughout the weekend. Love Your Tent and Pink Moon Camping also offer unique camping experiences for a weekend in style.
2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most exciting weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac.
A full range of ticket, travel and camping / accommodation options are available for The Isle of Wight Festival from www.isleofwightfestival.c
Early Bird Tickets* (for a limited period only):
Disabled Access – must be purchased via the Ticketmaster Special Access Number 0800 998 440
Camping options:
With the summer a distant memory and even the Autumn racked with stormy skies this week, you could be forgiven for wanting nothing more than to hunker down, ignore the world and eat your bodyweight in cheese. However, even in your internest you surely haven’t missed summer 2017’s first big band announcement – Download Festival.
Friday headliners System of a Down, having not been seen at Donington since 2011 are definitely due a triumphant return, whilst the somewhat niche Biffy Clyro headline slot for Saturday seems to have created a bit of forum-controversy already. Topping the bill on Sunday is a farewell op for Aerosmith, who last played the festival in 2014 and are sure to go out with a bang.
Though the day splits won’t be confirmed for many months, a whole raft of other bands have been announced for Download including: Slayer, Prophets of Rage, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, AFI, Of Mice & Men, Sleeping With Sirens, Motionless in White, Simple Plan, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far and Fozzy.
So is it love or loathe? What do you think of the first Download announcements for 2017?
BASS festival returns to Birmingham for its 11th year this November, with a theme dedicated to Hip Hop 360. Featuring legendary artists past and present who have shaped the sound of a generation, Hip Hop 360 celebrates every aspect of street level Black Music culture. DJ Jazzy Jeff, Rodney P, Slick Rick, Robert Glasper, Diamond D, Large Professor, DJ Bobbito & Stretch Armstrong DJ Semtex and Ty will perform on stages throughout the city of Birmingham over the two week festival period. BASS Festival runs from the 10th – 28th November with tickets available here, priced from free to £25.
BASS Festival is the brainchild of Punch Records, the UK's leading music development agency, based in Birmingham with an impressive fifteen year history of delivering groundbreaking public programmes, events and special one off shows. Now in its 11th year BASS has established itself as one of the UK's most innovative boutique festivals with an annual theme running throughout the events, this year being Hip Hop 360 – celebrating Black music culture. BASS Festival will run across a two week period at venues throughout the city.
BASS Festival have gone all out for 2016, booking legendary artists to celebrate the Hip Hop 360 theme. Hip Hop pioneer and multi award winning producer and DJ Jazzy Jeff will be showing off his flawless turntable skills and musical versatility, whilst Slick Rick – arguably one of the most successful British-American rappers in history will be bring his inimitable flows to the Birmingham crowds. Riding high off the success of his critically acclaimed book 'Hip Hop Raised Me', DJ Semtex will be hosting a live Q & A with UK Hop Hop stalwarts Rodney P and Ty also flying the flag high for the UK scene. US Hip Hop Radio legends DJ Bobbitoand Stretch Armstrong will be premiering their film biopic 'Stretch And Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives', directed by Bobbito himself, plus many more special events happening over the course of the two weeks.
PUNCH’s CEO AMMO TALWAR said; “HIP HOP is a beautifully complex culture of music and language, art and fashion which is in every way the voice of the youth & accessible to ordinary people. HIP HOP 360 will allow people to explore this culture from every angle.”
BASS Festival is the UK's only Black Arts festival, running from 10th to the 28th November. Tickets for each event available here – www.bass2016.co.uk.
LISTINGS Jazzy Jeff Friday 10th November 9:30pm – 2:30am Lab 11 Tickets here Price: £10 Early Bird – £15 Standard Diamond D Vs Large Professor Robert Glasper Live Bobbito Garcia & Stretch Armstrong Film / Q&A Rodney P presents Yesterday, Today and Forever Ft Ty, Iman Rootz formerly Durrty Goodz & Children of Zeus DJ Semtex Q&A Slick Rick Live |
A Great British downpour lashed over festival goers as ponchos and true grit became standard for the first day of Sundown Festival.
“It's raining so hard my fingers are wrinkly,” bewailed one glitter-sodden music fan who said it looked like she had sat in the bath for an hour.
Yes. The rain was bad.
But remarkably the ground stayed mostly mud-free and the musical maelstrom kept the crowd in good spirits as three stages blasted out a mix of urban, pop and dance.
Kicking off proceedings on the main stage were Cambridge rapper Big Heath and Norfolk neo soul artist Mullally who stepped in at the last minute to replace Emmi.
Skipping on to the stage afterwards was a total style switch with trio MO who DJ Mistajam has described as the only girl group you need worry about.
They were followed by the earthy, jazz infused voice of Espa, then Kiko Bunn, who brought a good times, deep dance reggae sunshine vibe to the day.
Next up the ever youthful Ms Dynamite, whose energy shone as strongly as when she first topped the charts in 2003 ,with her hit single signature tune which heard the crowd sing in unison – Miss Dynamite-ee-ee!
Becky Hill stood out for her effortless performance show-casing her mind blowingly powerful voice, especially during Wilkinson's anthem Afterglow.
She is a truly likable artist with a great energy and simplicity of style.
Kano showed why his fifth album Made In The Manor has become a high seller with an edgy performance that ripped up the crowd followed by the unmistakable grin and good times set of tunes from original UK rapper Dizzee Rascal.
Jess Glynne stormed the stage with a set that engrossed the sodden masses encompassing her five number one UK singles and showing why she is a rising star on the other side of the pond as well as in the UK where she is preparing for a 10 date arena tour in the Autumn.
Duo Chase and Status closed the night with a show stopper of lights and kicking drum n bass as part of their summer of festival headlining while also producing their much anticipated third album.
By Sunday ,the Norfolk Showground venue, filled with 40,000 fans, had transformed thanks to some of the last of this summer's rays rolling through the clouds.
BB Diamond broke the musical ice on main stage with an easy set of dance tunes followed by an absolute whirlwind of energy that is Imani Williams.
This 16 year old is going places with her passion, unmistakable voice and style.
Signed to Sigala's label it is clear to see why he has snapped her up with her timed to perfection dance moves and big voice.
Next up was rapper Yungen who is among a new wave of rap/grime acts sweeping the British music scene.
He was followed by girl trio Stooshe whose high energy was a big hit with fans.
Anne Marie brought her big vocals to the stage where she compellingly lost herself in the moment and was enthralling to watch.
DJ Sigala followed with a big impact live set embracing a Caribbean theme with a guest slot by Imani followed by Krept & Konan who powered in, packing a mighty grime punch with lyrics that screamed pure London boy genius.
A turn around style switch followed, thanks to X factor contestant Fleur East who was a massive hit with the crowd. Think Beyonce and Tina Turner, blend them up and you get some kind of idea of her style, and panache. She was a joy to photograph with a star quality performance.
Next up was Years and Years – watching singer Olly Alexander is like seeing somebody emotionally throw their entire life and a handful of glitter into every word. Riveting.
Closing the festival was American star Jason Derulo who left the crowd in no doubt about why he is such a hugely successful global act.
This man can sing, he can dance and with a big beaming smile his performance was incredible to watch – not least when he picked out a girl from the screaming crowd and brought her up to dance on stage
A great performer with slick backing dancers and musicians to boot.
Over in the red and blue tents weekend highlights were David Rodiggan, who smashes it every time he takes to the stage, Jaguar Skills and his Asian babe dancers, Dimension, Red Light, Goldie and Wilkinson with thanks to stage hosting by Ministry of Sound, Defected In The House, UKF and the drum n bass arena.
Laurence Bagnall, one of the festival organsiers said: “This has been one of the biggest Sundowns yet.
“The weather failed to dampen the good vibes, the sun came out for some of the biggest acts and with no incidents to report the festival would like to thank everybody for their ongoing support.”
See you in 2017!
We’re delighted to announce that the Jägerhaus is destined to return to Bestival 2016. One of the most futuristic designs you’ll encounter on your festival travels, this year’s line-up is a thirst-quenching smorgasbord of advanced sonic sorcery taking in earth-quaking bass, skanking beats and mellifluous marvels.
A much anticipated live set from genre-resistant duo Maribou State tops the Jägerhaus’s Magic Meadow-based manoeuvres, plus they will have DJ sets from liquid DnB wizards Fred V & Grafix and Hacienda legend Greg Wilson, plus live reggae action from Stylo G x Jacob Plant.
Keeping you refreshed through the weekend there will be more live music from the likes of Theme Park, Boxed In, Trim, Elderbrook, Postaal, Raye, Bad Sounds, Pictish Trail, Virus Syndicate, Aldous RH, Loose Meat, NYTCLUB and 808INK.
And don’t miss DJ sets from Lemmy Ashton, M.A.X, Dirty Freud, Data 3, The Sultan presents JägerHaus Closing Party, Paolo Di Liberto, Ton Dis Up!, Simon Singleton, Deja Bruh, Pepper, JägerHaus Sunday Sessions, Top Rankin' Sound System and the Haus DJs who will be tearing it up long into the night.
The countdown is on to Sundown Festival 2016 in what is becoming renowned as the music happening to see out the last rays of the summer season.
With a third stage added at the Norwich venue for this year, there are more acts, more music and more choice.
An easy vibe, friendly crowd and variety are key in this urban, dance, pop and drum n bass mix and this year is no exception.
Warming up on Friday night is the big top campers party with Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard, best known for presenting his show Dance Anthems, which kicks off proceedings with stomping tunes until the small hours.
The festival proper begins on Saturday with a headliner classic of Chase & Status after main players including chart topper Jess Glynne, UK rapper Kano, British rap favourite Dizzee Rascal, future pop sensation Becky Hill and respected British rapper and politically motivated icon Ms Dynamite,
The Defected in the House stage includes Sonny Fodera, Sam Divine and DISKT while over in the UKF stage are mash up legend Jaguar Skills, reggae DJ pioneer David Rodigan, My Nu Leng and MC Dread.
Sunday fires off in all directions in the musical maelstrom that is Sundown with a main stage headliner of Jason Derulo. He takes to the stage after acts including Years and Years, grime duo Krept and Kronan, breakthorugh X factor star Fleur East and Sigala Live.
Over at the second tent the stage is set today by global dance brand Ministry of Sound with headliner Amine Edge and Dance, Redlight, Blonde and Low Steppa among the acts.
The third tent on Sunday becomes the drum n bass arena with crowd pleaser Wilkinson, Friction, the ever popular Goldie, Warning favourite Hazard, Dimension, Dillinja and Culture Shock.
Alongside it all throw in some fairground rides, stalls and a crowd that never feels overwhelmingly large making it both a perfect season closer for die hard festival fans or the ideal place for teenagers to cut their teeth in a safe and manageable sized festival world.
Either way, enjoy. The line up is randomly eclectic – but is sure to keep those dancing feet happy all weekend.
TICKETS: Sundown Festival 2016 is from Friday September 2 to Sunday 4. Tickets start at £46.75 for a day pass up to £121 for a weekend pass with camping at the Norfolk Showground venue.
The clock is ticking and The Future is very nearly here. With just over two weeks until Bestival 2016’s psychedelic adventures begin we give you even more amazing musical greats who will take you on wild, harmonic excursions and keep you reaching for the lasers long into the night at the greatest party on the planet this September on the Isle of Wight.
Rob da Bank says: “The Future is fast approaching and I’m super-excited about all the new explorers who will be joining us on our journey into the unknown. From dance music legend and big Sunday Best favourite Joe Smooth and sublime selector Jaguar Skills, to hot tips Ashworth, Kid Canaveral and Nimmo there’s a little bit of something for everyone, just the way we like it!”
Ensuring dancefloor devastation of a truly futuristic kind, we are delighted to announce that super-beat ninja Jaguar Skills will be stepping up to the ones and twos at Robin Hill for a trademark tear up that is destined to take us to a new dimension in space and time. We’ll also have performances from musical polymath Ashworth, our old muckers Bugged Out with their Little Bugger, seductive sonic types Cirque Du Soul, classic house legend Joe Smooth, wigged-out wonder Justin Robertson Scottish alt-poppers Kid Canaveral, infectious disco divas Nimmo, Chicago don Roy Davis Jr, genre-skirting trio Strong Asian Mothers and vowel-phobic punks SWMRS.
Don’t miss Manchester rave legends A Man Called Adam, Canadian folk troubadour Aidan Knight, slick pop siblings Ardyn, Strobewax co-founder Bobby O’Donnell and Oxford’s own Burt Cope. And expect to be blown away by CC Smugglers, Deaf by Disco, DJ GG, Dr Sid, Ella and the Blisters, Feeling Gloomy’s Bowie Tribute, Full Nelson, Ghettospheric, Graceland, Greg’s Greats, Ian Void, Idiot Savant, Jay-L and Jules and Lisa.
Plus, there will be even more sonic marauding from the likes of Kaf-Tan, Kemback, Lucy Cait, Martin Davies, Miss Chameleon, Mojo Filter, Nick Gabriel, Noble Jacks, Not Saffron, Pete Kosanovich, Rev Milo Speedwagon, Roy Davis Jr, Stevie Wonderland, Tasty Lopez & Karistocat, The Beau Bow Belles, The Black Kat Boppers, The Caulfield Beats, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, The Shellac Collective, The Tom Seals Band, Thomas Urv, Timo Garcia, Tom Colborn, Tony Tunes, Uncle Junior, Vote Pedro, Vula Viel and Ziriguidum Samba Band.
Booking your place at Bestival couldn’t be easier with our amazing £25 deposit scheme. For just £25 (plus booking fee) you can secure your Bestival ticket at Phase Three prices now.
Pay the balance by 1st September and join us we venture into The Future with headline sets from Major Lazer, The Cure, Sean Paul & Wiz Khalifa and even more amazing music from Bastille, Years & Years, Katy B, Hot Chip, Carl Cox, Diplo, Fatboy Slim, Skepta, Craig David & so much more!
And, if you’re having trouble persuading your friends to come along to our luminous dreamworld, dial Rob da Bank’s Decision line now on 0845 388 BEST (0845 388 2378) for just 5p plus your standard rate per minute, and let the man himself twist their arms.
As the summer sun beats down on Robin Hill, the wagon train of Monsieur Bateman’s incomparable masterpiece Caravanserai has made its way to Bestival’s Stardust field and a rendezvous with The Future. An arcadia of vintage caravans, wurlitzers, object d’art and alchemy, helmed by the inimitable Continental Drifts, Caravanserai is a cocktail-fuelled carousal of curiosity filled with eye-popping delights, raucous gypsy-bathed lilts and brass-powered beats, making it an unmissable stop on your date with destiny this September 8-11 on the Isle of Wight.
Rob da Bank says: “Caravanserai is without doubt one of the most incredible things you’ll ever come across at a festival anywhere in the world. Distilling the essence of merrymaking through the ages to create something truly futuristic and astounding, all topped off with delicious cocktails, this one should be at the top of your to do list”.
In time-honoured tradition Caravanserai will be a melange of madness and music both live and deejayed, featuring fevered enchantments from Budzillus, Cut Capers, Daytoner, Dejavoodoo, DJ Chris Tofu, DJ High Daniels, DJ Kosta Kostov, DJ Penny Metal, Forest of Fools, Immigrant Swing, Lee Bruck, and Madame Electrifie.
Plus, there will be outlandish expressionism from Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, New York Brass Band, Oh My God! It's The Church, Owen Penrice, Rumpsteppers, Samuel Wulf & Lso, Seas of Mirth, The Balkanoes, The Ska Vengers, Thrill Collins, Transylvania and WBBL.
But that’s not all, adding an air of sorcery and wonder to proceedings Cirque Bijou will present Cirqueserai, an aerial, acrobatic pageant of the preposterous that is sure to blow your minds!
And don’t forget, you can book your place at Bestival with our amazing £25 deposit scheme. For just £25 plus your booking fee you can secure your Bestival ticket at Phase Three prices now.
Pay the balance by 1st September and join us we venture into The Future with headline sets from Major Lazer, The Cure, Sean Paul & Wiz Khalifa and even more amazing music from Bastille, Years & Years, Katy B, Hot Chip, Carl Cox, Diplo, Fatboy Slim, Skepta, Craig David & so much more!