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!
Following the release of his hotly anticipated new album, Wonderful Crazy Night due out on 5th February 2016, Elton John will perform on the Floating Stage for the first time in the 34 year history of the festival. Elton John’s performance at Henley will be one of only five concerts in the UK next year and the only place to see him perform in a unique riverside setting.
lton John is one of the world’s most famous and best loved musicians. Having sold more than 250 million records worldwide, he holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time, has had 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums, and has played over 3,500 concerts across 80 countries.
With festival goers dressed in black tie and Michelin starred food on offer, Elton John’s performance on the River Thames to 7,000 festival goers will be the most exclusive night of the year, his performance will be followed by a magical 15 minute firework display along the river.
Elton John has said:
“The simple truth is I want to spend more time with my family, and I am only too aware of just how precious the time ahead is. My sons are growing up so quickly; their early years are just flying by and I want to be there with them. So these concerts will give me the chance to thank the British audiences who have been so faithful to me over these many decades. We cannot get to everyone but I am going to try – and I am thrilled that I will be able to say I have played the beautiful Henley-on-Thames.”
Charlotte Geeves, Henley Festival Director commented: “We are extremely excited to be able to announce that the world’s most famous pop star will be headlining Henley Festival for the first time. Henley Festival goers are huge Elton John fans so he can expect a very warm welcome when he plays at Henley. It’s definitely going to be a night to remember and we can’t wait for him to open the festival in July.”
The newly-appointed Bondi Beachfest sure pulled out the stops, with their first ever summer beach show this November 2015 boasting an incredible lengthy set from one of the most lasting and popular bands in music history. Who, you might ask? Why, the complete wonders that are The Beach Boys! And with a promise that the pop-rock superstar hit makers would be playing all their classic tunes, it's fair to say that I was pretty excited to see them to say the very least!
There’s no denying that as we head over to Sydney’s Bondi beach – quite easily one of the world’s most famous beaches, there was a stir of apprehension dancing in my stomach. Ironically, The Beach Boys, the musical icons of summer cheer, surfing and sunshine were playing the Sydney leg of their Australian tour on a day that, well… was absolutely bucketing it down.
However those worries soon evaporated as we hurried through the throngs of fans and into the arena. The Beach Boys hadn’t even taken to the stage yet and the atmosphere was buzzing pleasantly, made up of a surprising concoction of both younger and older fans, many already bopping away in preparation for the well-awaited show. And with the impressively stormy waves of Bondi setting a rather excitingly atmospheric backdrop, who really cares about the rain eh?
With a short and sweet introduction, the boys took to the stage donning colourful floral shirts, opening their lengthy set with their 1961 hit ‘Surfin’’. The hive of catchy melodies immediately prompted fans to start their boogying as the rain shed down on them. As I peered around at the crowds, I could see all was very well indeed, most completely ignoring the rain.
The first half of the show picked up for a fantastic start, with the boys treating fans to a string of hip-swingin’ hits such as the aptly-named ‘Goin’ to the beach’ and ‘Catch a wave’, the wonderfully enthusiastic ‘Dance, dance, dance’, and the soothing-sounding ‘Good to my baby’ and ‘Don’t worry baby’. We also saw the boys perform several of their well-known covers, including the likes of The Crystals’s ‘Then he kissed me’ and Lead Betty’s ‘Cotton Fields’, much to the joy of the audience.
‘God only knows’, easily one of The Beach Boys most popular hits was played halfway through the set as a moving tribute to former band members Carl and Dennis Wilson. As classic visuals were shown of the former bandmates, it was difficult not to feel choked up! A very heart-warming moment indeed.
The boys ‘Good vibrations’ caused the emotional atmosphere to shift, triggering, well, extremely good vibrations! Seemingly most of the audience were up on their feet to jig animatedly to the much-loved hit, making for a brilliant atmosphere.
And what came next proved to be a real even more of a treat. Golden hit after hit came rocking for the rest of the second half, including my personal favourites ‘Wouldn’t it be nice’, ‘Help me Rhonda’ and ‘Surfin’ USA’. It was almost impossible not to dance, and it’s completely fair to say the rest of the crowd must have felt the same!
The encore saw the set conclude with the wonderfully relaxing beach hit ‘Kokomoko’ and the ultimate dance classic ‘Fun fun fun’, paired with beautiful visuals of stunning bikini-clad model types and stretches and stretches of caster-sugar white beaches. And that song rather sums up the night – it was fun, fun, fun and the boys definitely proved they’ve still got it. An amazing night with the absolute legends that are The Beach Boys!
Officially kicking off the festival season, Live At Leeds hosts the biggest names alongside the best in new and upcoming acts, and this year is no different. Having played host to the likes of Bastille, James Blake, Wild Beasts, The Cribs, Bombay Bicycle Club, Rudimental and The Vaccines over the years, each year Live At Leeds provides a snapshot of everything that is vital in music right now, and 2016’s event will be no different.
Leading the charge amongst the first series of artists to be announced is the fantastic Jess Glynne, who will be bringing her chart-topping hits to Live At Leeds 2016. Breaking onto the scene after her appearances with Clean Bandit, this year saw Glynne release her acclaimed debut album I Cry When I Laugh, which was jam packed with singles that will no doubt sound massive when played at the UK's premiere metropolitan festival for new music.
Joining 2015’s biggest pop sensation will be Circa Waves. Arguably one of the most important groups in indie at the moment, the Liverpool four piece have gone from strength to strength in 2015, storming major festivals all over the world and smashing stunning headline tours, rising to play huge venues including 02 Brixton Academy and more. Needless to say, their appearance at LAL looks set to be nothing short of spectacular.
Also joining the bill are indie legends We Are Scientists. Undeniable icons, it's fair to say the duo hold fond memories in any indie fan's heart, releasing countless hits over the last decade, from classics like 'The Great Escape' and 'Nobody Move, Nobody Gets Hurt', through to 2014's 'Dumb Luck' and 'Return The Favour'. Visceral, empowering and above all else fun, their performance is sure to draw a huge crowd. Band of Skulls will also bring their signature brand of raucous rock to proceedings, effortlessly justifying the huge festival and support slots they’ve played in the past.
Representing the artists that will come to dominate 2016, Rat Boy, Clean Cut Kid and Barns Courtney have also been revealed to play the festival. Receiving a wealth of critical acclaim in recent months, these three acts look set to be huge by 2016, and with a barrage of hits already under their belts, summer festival season is theirs for the taking, starting with Live At Leeds.
Speaking about this year’s talent and the festival’s 10 year legacy, lead booker Andy Smith commented: “2016 will be the tenth year of booking Live at Leeds, it feels like a great achievement to have grown what was originally a four venue bill to what it is today.”
“We have seen some great names grace our stages over those ten years and I’m really looking forward to next year and what will hopefully be our biggest event yet, it really feels like we are stepping up another level”
For an act that has broken countless chart records, has one of the most enviable and loved catalogues in music, and performed in front of millions of people all over the world, today sees one of most iconic bands ever announce a career first. Rock royalty Queen + Adam Lambert will make their UK festival debut next summer as they are announced as the first headliner for The Isle of Wight Festival 2016 – their only UK show of next year.
Brian May said: “I think Queen at The Isle of Wight Festival is a date that was long overdue. How incredible to take on this challenge at this point in our lives. With an injection of new blood in the shape of the incredible Adam Lambert, Queen will be ready to tear it up on this legendary stage in 2016. Freddie would have loved it. Can’t wait.”
Roger Taylor said: “When I think of The Isle of Wight Festival I think of Hendrix, Dylan and The Who. What immortal company to be in! Queen are thrilled to be there and can promise a special night.”
Adam Lambert added: “I'm so excited to be a part of The Isle of Wight Festival and share the stage once again with the Queen family. I adore making music with Roger and Brian, and am thrilled to help continue their legacy into 2016. It is true I have large shoes to fill so I'm urgently planning on searching for a new pair of boots (or 5) to wear for the set.”
The band, who are currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of their record breaking worldwide iconic single, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, will close the festival on Sunday 12th June, just as the nation is united in honouring the otherQueen, with thousands taking part in street parties for Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday the very same day.
Guitarist Brian May is himself no stranger to celebrating royal occasions, having played a major part in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 by playing a spine-tingling version of ‘God Save The Queen’ from the roof of Buckingham Palace. The Isle of Wight itself also has well-established royal connections. Queen Victoria lived on the island at Osborne House, with next year marking 170 years since she first took up residence there.
Queen’s headline set on the final day of The Isle of Wight festival will be the perfect way to celebrate all things Queen on this momentous and historic weekend next June.
Festival boss John Giddings said: “It’s an honour for us to have Queen + Adam Lambert at our festival. It’s the perfect way for us to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Queen’s music appeals to people of all generations and it’s hard to think of another band with such a famous collection of songs. It’s going to be an incredible moment for The Isle of Wight Festival when they share these songs with us.”
In an incredible career spanning four decades, Queen’s indelible influence is unrivalled, with a staggering list of awards, accolades and honours to their name including seven Ivor Novellos, an MTV Global Icon Award and two songs enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame. With record sales in the hundreds of millions of units – including their Greatest Hits collection which sold over 6 million copies in the UK alone, meaning one in three households owning a copy – and a string of No. 1 albums and chart topping singles, Queen are undoubtedly one of the UK’s most successful and best loved national treasures. With one of the most enduring song catalogues of all time, including ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ ‘Somebody to Love’, and of course ‘Bohemian Rhapsody, their musical repertoire is second to none and the legacy created by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon lives on through the ongoing work by May and Taylor, now joined by Adam Lambert.
Adam Lambert’s debut album ‘For Your Entertainment’ earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and a worldwide smash hit with ‘Whataya Want From Me’. His second album, ‘Trespassing’, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. In 2013, Adam appeared as a guest star on the hit TV series, GLEE, and as a featured vocalist on Avicii’s album ‘True’. Adam released his highly anticipated third album, ‘The Original High’ this summer, it entered the worldwide chart at number 3, and took his overall worldwide sales to 2.5million. The single ‘Ghost Town’ has had over 100million streams worldwide including 37million views of the video. He has just announced his brand new single ‘Another Lonely Night.’
2016 will mark the 15th anniversary of The 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.
The Isle of Wight Festival takes place 9th-12th June at Seaclose Park, Newport. From Main Stage headliners, acoustic sets, DJ performances and up-and-coming talent, alongside a huge variety of additional entertainment and activities such as the Bohemian Woods, Kashmir Café and Hipshaker, there’s something for everyone to escape from everyday life for that one weekend in June. Summer starts at the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, all the biggest names in music: one unmissable weekend.
Download Festival announce an incredible six acts added to the line up for next years’ festival; Korn, Motörhead, Deftones, Megadeth, Nightwish and Disturbed join the already announced UK show exclusive headliners; Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Rammstein, as Download Festival returns for its 14th year to Donington park on 10,11 and 12 June 2016.
True pioneers of the whole Nu-Metal era, Korn will play Friday 10 June at Download Festival. Jonathan Davis, Munky, Head, Fieldy and Ray will bring that signature rumble to the spiritual home of rock. Their highly anticipated 12th studio album is due for release this year, ahead of what is a welcomed return to Donington. After a tumultuous few years, and fresh from the release of Bad Magic, the mighty Motörhead, the ultimate British rock ‘n’ roll institution, will play Download Festival on Friday 10 June. The pure embodiment of a rock – front man Ian Fraser 'Lemmy' Kilmister will bring swagger and attitude, and we’re certain of a few things – there will be No Sleep Till’ Donington, they are Motörhead, and they play rock'n'roll like no other.
Alternative rock mainstays, Deftones join an already mind-blowing Saturday line up. With the highly anticipated release of their eighth studio album, Deftones will bring a live show of epic proportions to the hallowed grounds of Donington next year. The Sacramento quintet have evolved since their inception, but inarguably they maintain the essential soundtrack to all hardcore fans. Deftones are Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Frank Delgado, Abe Cunningham and Sergio Vega. Metal veterans, Megadeth, release their 15th album Dystopia early next year, which will no doubt excite the fans ahead of their Saturday performance at Download Festival.
On Sunday 11 June, symphonic operatic metallers, Nightwish, come with heavy guitars, intense instrumentals and edgy duet vocals from Floor Jansen and Marco Hietala. Their hypnotising take on metal melodrama will no doubt lure the crowds to Donington next year. Returning from their hiatus, Disturbed released the epic Immortalized in August this year, a long awaited album of epic proportions proving that their live show next year will be nothing short of unmissable. Now resurrected – their dark metal craft and distinctive sound claimed the number 1 album spot in the US. Disturbed are: David Draiman, John Moyer, Dan Donegan, and Mike Wengren.
The theme for the 2016 edition of Secret Garden Party is……. The Gardeners Guide To The Galaxy!
Our mission is to explore the world of Science Fiction and imagine a new garden out of the old. Using the inspiration of Arthur C Clarke, Azimov, Philip K Dick and Douglas Adams we are going to grow our imaginations from childish roots up into something more. But in selecting the protocols for this mission we looked back not forward.
In 1889 a convention of the ‘gentlemen of the road’ came up with, and ratified by vote, a version of the following. They called it the Hobo Code We’ve called it ‘The Gardeners Guide To The Galaxy.’
And for full mission protocols visit the new website launching today at 12:00: www.secretgardenparty.com
Easy Payment Plans…
The instalment scheme is now on sale; with even more options. To help those Gardeners, who prefer to spread the cost of their tickets, there are two types of instalment plans now available for adult tickets.
NEW FOR 2016!! COACH TRAVEL DEPOSIT SCHEME – pay just £10 now to secure coach travel. Coaches operated from 19 locations direct to the Official coach park destination. For full details click HERE:
Once again the Island of Pag plays host to the most cutting edge of festivals with grime pioneer Skepta headlining, alongside UKG legend DJ EZ, house stalwart Hannah Wants and breakthrough producers Gorgon City. The inimitable David Rodigan MBE makes a welcome return to Hideout as does BBC Radio 1's Monki and digital soundboy Shy FX, with a host of new acts joining them on the line up. Making their Zrce Beach debut in 2016 will be Stormzy, Preditah, Kurupt FM, My Nu Leng, DJ Hype and many more still to be announced. The festival will also be unveiling a brand new stage to make room for yet more eclectic and diverse artists. Hosted by the unique and uninhibited Elrow, the new platform ‘Noa' is situated right at the end of the beach, with the dance floor reaching out into the sea. Registered ticket holders are able to purchase tickets from today via the Hideout Festival website and general tickets will be available from 10am on Wednesday 5th November for £139 + BF.
With Hideout having already cemented itself as the definitive European dance music destination thanks to a previous 5 sell-out years, 2016 will see the festival continue to raise its game with artists spanning the full spectrum of electronic music and surprise new additions.
Hideout's ethos of bringing electronically diverse acts together will come into its own this year, thanks to a roster ranging from the legendary to the up and coming, all set against the beautiful Island of Pag.
This year, Hideout announce their partnership with Barcelona’s legendary Elrow, as they take over the latest venue addition ‘Noa’. Hideout also promises more new offerings for 2016 with exciting plans to vamp up the food, drink, travel and retail elements of the experience too.
Set on Croatia's idyllic Zrce beach Hideout is the number one festival destination for music lovers and adventure lovers alike, whether it be catching cutting-edge sounds at one of the six beach facing venues, relaxing on the picturesque Island of Pag, or taking in the astounding views whilst aboard one of the infamous boat parties.
Hideout will also be offering a dedicated travel platform to make it even easier for fans to book safely, securely and direct from the festival site itself. Transfers and coach trips will also be available at great value money via the site, making it the cheapest and most reliable way to plan the Hideout experience.
A firm favourite with electronic music revellers and adventurers alike, 2016 will see Hideout push all boundaries to become the highlight of the festival calendar.
First Line up announced:
Jamie xx J.E.S.u.S / Jamie Jones / MK Andy C / DJ EZ / Dusky / Eats Everything Gorgon City / Hannah Wants / Hot Since 82 / Seth Troxler / Skepta / Stormzy
Bicep / B Traits / David Rodigan MBE / Darius Syrossian / Heidi / Jackmaster / Joy Orbison / Julio Bashmore / Kurupt FM / Patrick Topping / Paul Woolford / Richy Ahmed / Shadow Child / Skream / Steve Lawler
Andhim / Barely Legal / Catz 'N Dogz / Denney / DJ Hype / Doorly / Eton Messy DJs / Friend Within / GotSome / Jasper James / Mak & Pasteman / Midland / Monki / My Nu Leng / Oliver Dollar / Preditah / Sante / Secretsundaze / Special Request / Sidney Charles / Toddla T / wAFF / Zinc
Arkive / Cera Alba / Damian Martez / Grainger / Jack Swift / Last Magpie / Mediate / Mike Jones / Nicola Bear / North Base / People Get Real / Scot Bradford / The Sonic Emporium
Although, for most, it may feel like the adrenaline levels have only just settled after the jaw dropping, sensational climax to BoomTown’s Chapter 7; where the mega structure of Bang Hai Palace well and truly rose and smashed through the glass ceiling of previous UK festival stages in an epic finale. Before anyone’s really had the time to figure out what on earth happened in that field in southern England back in August, the tickets for the next instalment of the UKs most theatrical, escapist and truly immersive festival are back on sale from 7pm this evening for Chapter 8: ‘The Revolution Starts Now’! Who knows what this next chapter has in store for the citizens of BoomTown, but it’s going to be pretty big!
All tickets will be available from www.boomtownfair.co.uk/tickets/festivaltickets from 7pm this evening and as always the tickets are split into different tier brackets with the aim of making it as affordable for as many as possible:
Tier One – £135*
Tier Two – £150*
Tier Three – £170*
(*plus Booking Fee & Eco Bond)
Heading back to the Matterley Estate, Nr. Winchester between 11th – 14th August, BoomTown will once again display it’s totally unique mix of underground music genres, film-esque set designs, streets populated with live action characters and an atmosphere that throbs with excitement and bewilderment in equal measure.
The line-up for the 2016 event will be announced in early 2016 but historically the first and second tier tickets fly out within minutes after release and are snapped up by thousands of citizens eager to get back to the city they call their home!
Here’s the official after-video from Chapter 7 to relive all the happenings and get ready for all the Chapter 8 has in store: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZE8JbW3L9o
The Stone Roses are the first act to be announced for T in the Park 2016, which will take place over 8th – 10th July 2016 at Strathallan Castle.
T in the Park is one of three headline concerts announced by Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni today. As well as the festival, the band will also play two concerts at Manchester Etihad Stadium on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th June.
A limited release of tickets for T in the Park 2016 will go on sale this Friday 6th November at 9.30am. Tickets are available from www.tinthepark.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 08444 999 990, and a payment plan is available enabling festival-goers to pay for early bird tickets in four instalments.
The Whitlams | Kim Churchill | Busby Marou | Sahara Beck
THE BEACH BOYS ONLY SYDNEY SHOW
SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER – FROM 3PM ON BONDI BEACH
7 HOURS OF NON STOP MUSIC AND A WHOLE DAY OF ENTERTAINMENT
The world famous Bondi Beach will play host to the legendary Beach boys this Saturday 14th November, for a guaranteed summer experience to remember. Typifying ‘The Sounds of Summer’, it’s a perfect match to have them performing on the beach at Bondi, which is viewed as the quintessential Australian beach, to launch the new and introduced BONDI BEACHFEST! Confirmed as their only Sydney show, the Beach Boys are set to play ALL of their golden hits over two 1 hour sets.
One of the most influential and enduring bands in pop history, The Beach Boys have album sales of over 100 million, 32 American Platinum and Gold awards, an induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy award. Captained by Mike Love, The Beach Boys music defines youth and fun fun fun in the sun, evoking places where life is renewed through sun drenched days in the surf and glorious nights in the sand. Their catalogue spans over five decades and has produced a string of more than 50 timeless hits including California Girls, Good Vibrations, Surfin’ USA, Sloop John B, God Only Knows, Sail On Sailor, Kokomo, Surfer Girl, Help Me Rhonda, Barbara Ann, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Surfin’ Safari, I Can Hear Music, The Warmth of the Sun, Little Deuce Coupe, I Get Around, Heroes and Villains to name just a few.
The Beach Boys will headline the very first Bondi Beachfest with support from the following Australian Artists:
The Whitlams are one of Australia’s favourite bands whose appeal reaches audiences of all ages and tastes. With lyrics described as having a “charming cynicism” and enhanced by an instinct for poignant melody, they have become a staple of the local music scene.
Busby Marou, originally from Rockhampton, will entertain the crown with their melodic guitar riffs and meaningful lyrics – mandolins, ukulele and whistles, stories of travels across the globe, and the pull of home.
Also fitting onto the bill nicely is Kim Churchill, who has already accomplished impressive feats in his short time as a professional musician. He is the name on everyone's sultry lips and with good reason. Kim Churchill, the surfy dude from New South Wales, is four albums deep and hundreds of shows down and has truly found his signature sound with his latest release Silence / Win.
And Brisbane artist Sahara Beck refuses to sit still and will be on the stage for Beachfest, accompanied with just her guitar. Over the past year she has released a critically acclaimed EP, toured and played shows non-stop, had her music featured online and on television, collaborated with numerous artists, written countless new songs and released another EP – BLOOM.
Not only that, along with live performances from the Legendary Beach Boys and the supporting bands, more family fun activities have been added to the day to celebrate Beachfest! These include:
A Surf Lifesaving Parade by the Bondi Life Savers which will include a March Past, Beach Flag event and Board Race/Demonstrations.
Surfing and Skating competitions
Surfing movie screenings
Market and food stalls
Tickets starting from $85 including GA tickets on the green, VIP packages and reserve seats on the beach. Buy tickets here AND here.
For every ticket sold, an amount will be donated to SURF LIFE SAVING NSW, the official beneficiaries of Bondi Beachfest.
