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!
This year New Look Wireless Festival brings together a host of massive names for a warmup party to mark the decade long Wireless Festival in London. Coming to London for Wireless 10 on Sunday 28th June will be headliner Drake who will pull a double and headline New Look Wireless Festival as well the following weekend.
Joining Drake will be Rita Ora, Katy B, Chance the Rapper, Public Enemy, Kid Ink, Big Sean, Black Star, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, De La Soul, Jhene Aiko, G-Easy & ILoveMakonnen!
Following this massive party will be New Look Wireless which takes place from the 3rd July to 5th July.
FRIDAY 3RD JULY
Drake A$AP Rocky Major Lazer Labrinth Nero Duke Dumont PARTYNEXTDOOR Joey Bada$$ Maverick Sabre Fuse ODG Krept & Konan Lethal Bizzle Klingande iLoveMakonnen G-Eazy Collie Buddz Travi$ Scott Ms. Dynamite Little Simz OCD: Moosh & Twist Jermain Jackman
SATURDAY 4TH JULY
AVICII Kendrick Lamar Mary J Blige Knife Party Childish Gambino Gorgon City Jess Glynne Netsky DJ Mustard Robin Schulz Tinashe Raleigh Ritchie Indiana Stormzy MNEK 3LAU OWS Bad Rabbits Sinead Harnett Ady Suleiman Nick Brewer Etta Bond
SUNDAY 5TH JULY
David Guetta Nicki Minaj Jessie J Clean Bandit Stromae August Alsina Charli XCX Wretch 32 Rae Sremmurd George The Poet Logic Grandmaster Flash Arrested Development Pusha T Shakka Damage Jacob Plant Tove Styrke Tori Kelly Special Performance by Jaden & Willow Smith
Wychwood is one of the best loved family festivals on the summer calendar, renowned for booking a sensational mix of heritage, world music and up-coming talent along with an elcectic roster of entertainment for all the family.
Joining the likes of UB40's Ali Campbell, Astro, Mickey Virtue reunited, The Proclaimers and Boney M on mainstage across the weekend will be Mad Dog Mcrea with their raucous mix of folk, pop, rock, jazz and bluegrass along with psychedelic rockers Dr & The Medics,The Outcast Band, The Going Goods, Talk In Code and A Way With Words. Angelo Starr also heads to Wychwood leading his late brothers sensational soul band The Edwin Starr Band now also known as Angelo Starr & The Team.
The BBC Introducing Stage is set to return to Wychwood Festival this year, presenting the best upcoming local talent the area has to offer. On Saturday BBC Introducing Coventry & Warwickshire host performances from their youngest and brightest stars including 17 year old four piece The Commonjets, singer songwriters Emily Burn, James TW and Joe Dolman as well as Speak Brother,Grassroutes, Rosetta Fire, Yes Sunshine, Reece Bahia and The Folly Brothers. BBC Introducing Hereford and Worcester take over proceedings on the Sunday with soul man and The Voice runner upClark Carmody, funk four-piece Cantaloop, rock visionaries Ronin and Evesham producer Tom Forbes. Also appearing will be Interior Castle, 7shades, The Dale Von Minaker, Fictonian, Chase The Deer and blues rockers Crowshaw.
On Friday Wychwood's Hobgoblin stage will welcome the likes of the barnstorming Celtic rockers Hunter & The Bear, Americana folk bands Loud Mountains and The Black Feathers, country/foilk songstress Danni Nicholls and Welsh busker and songwriter John Adams. Also will appearing will be Sophronie, James Michael, Cooper Black, Gloucestershire's own Grace Palmer and YouTube jazz musician sensation George Montague.
Wychwood is excited to reveal the full line-up for the Children's Literature Festival in association with Waterstones including renowned authors Anna Wilson, The Shapeshifter series creator Ali Sparkes, award winning author and illustrator Petr Horacek, along with Waterstone Children's Book Prize nominee Giancarlo Gremin. The weekend will also see appearances by a host of literary talents including Steve Antony, Steve Cole, Chris Edge, Paul Strickland, John Dougherty, Cathy Cassidy,Philip Adagh, Tracey Corderoy, Matt Brown and Tony de Saulles. In a Wychwood first, a music band made up entirely of authors will take to the stage and meeting for the first time at the festival the band, First Draft, will perform well loved book and writing inspired songs.
Well known for curating an all encompassing programme of family activities and entertainment, Wychwood's 2015 offering is bigger than ever. Aashiyana Arts bring the flavours of the East with Stories From India, Bhangra Dance and a Bollywood Heat Dance workshop for anyone who wants to dance like a Bollywood star. Solo Circus and Circus Kaos join together for a fun filled Circus Workshop, Wychwood's favourite 'bubbleolgist' SamSam the Bubbleman is back with his unbelievable bubbles plus for all those who love wildlife, the British Ecological Society bring Sex and Bugs and Rock and Roll for a hands on and fun look at the world of ecology. Wychwood revellers can also expect Samba, Belly Dancing and Hula classes, puppet shows, cabaret, arts and crafts, face painting, Ukulele performances and so much more.
Wychwood will be showcasing some of the best range of food from across the world including the festival's famous tea bus, The Tea Stop, purveyors of the best vegetarian Mexican Pura Vida and wonderful wraps from Warpper's Delight.
Always looking to increase the festivals green credentials, Wychwood is proud to be teaming up with Grallo, a coach company making festivals greener, more fun and more accessible by crowdfunding coach routes to events from all over the country.
FESTIVAL LINE-UP
MUSIC Ladysmith Black Mambazo / UB40 – Ali Campbell, Astro, Mickey Virtue reunited / Boney M The Undertones / Justin Fletcher / The Proclaimers / Craig Charles / Andy Kershaw / Dreadzone / Basseskou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba / Mad Dog Mcrea / Dr & The Medics / The Outcast Band / The Going Goods / Talk In Code / A Way With Words / The Edwin Starr Band ft. Angelo Starr / Electric Swing Circus / Rusty Shackle / Ghostpoet / Lucy Rose / Mt. Wolf / Plastic Mermaids / Fickle Friends / Monsieur Doumani / The Wonder Stuff Acoustic / Darlia / Demob Happy / TED ZED / Black Honey / Palace / Zak Abel / Lanshapes / Syd Arthur / Henry Green / Hunter & The Bear / Loud Mountains / Cooper Black Sophronie / George Montague / Danni Nicholls / The Black Feathers / John Adams Grace Palmer / James Michael
BBC Introducing Coventry & Warwickshire: Grassroutes, Rosetta Fire / Yes Sunshine / Reece Bahia / The Folly Brothers / Speak Brother / James TW / Emily Burns / The Commonjets / Joe Doloman
BBC Introducing Hereford and Worcester: Cantaloop / Ronin / Clark Carmody / Tom Forbes / Interior Castle / Crowsaw / 7shades / The Dale Von Minaker / Fictonian / Chase The Deer
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Ali Sparkes / Petr Horacek / Giancarlo Gremin / Steve Antony / Steve Cole / Chris Edge / Paul Strickland / John Dougherty / Cathy Cassidy / Philip Adagh / Tracey Corderoy / Matt Brown / Tony de Saulles / First Draft
WYCHWOOD COMEDY IN ASSOCIATION WITH EFESTIVALS Michael Legge / Jenny Collier / Jack Heal / Chris Turner / Jay Cowle / Jamali Maddix
Scottish funnyman Frankie Boyle will lead the comedy shenanigans alongside fellow V Festival debutant and local Essex boy Russell Kane.
The duo will headline alongside an array of comedy heavyweights guaranteed to bring some side-splitting humour to the popular fifth stage, including Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi, Nick Helm and Gary Delaney.
Russell Kane commented: “'I can’t believe I’m headlining the V Festival Glee Club Comedy Tent! I will celebrate afterwards by heading straight to the Dance Tent, and throwing myself around to techno music like a tribal chief beating a drum.”
Making her second appearance at V Festival, Shappi Khorsandi said: “Sadly, rock stardom didn't happen for me so performing at V Festival’s Glee Club Comedy Tent is the very next best thing.”
Seann Walsh also commented: “I am looking forward to V Festival. However, I am not looking forward to the few days after it. I am both excited and terrified. Oh God!”
Comedy acts joining Frankie Boyle, Russell Kane, Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi, Nick Helm and Gary Delaney on the 22nd and 23rd August, at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire will be announced in the coming months
Winner of ‘Best Metropolitan Festival 2013’ at the UK Festival Awards, Dot To Dot Festival is established as the UKs premier festival for unearthing the hottest new talent around, alongside established acts from all over the globe. 2015 marks the festival’s 10th year and will see it returning to Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham from the 22nd to 24th May. Dot To Dot’s ever eclectic line-up is set to make this landmark year one of the biggest and best in the festival’s history. Already confirmed so far is Nottingham’s latest success story Saint Raymond, critically acclaimed singer songwriter Rae Morris, Californian surf-pop duo Best Coast, the anthemic synth-pop of Prides and the notorious, visceral Fat White Family.
Kicking off the fourth announcement is Rhodes. The 25-year-old troubadour from Hitchin has had a busy 18 months, with three EPs under his belt already and an eagerly anticipated debut album on the way. His epic balladry has drawn comparisons to Jeff Buckley, as well as Sam Smith, who you may have already seen him on tour with.
Ireland’s biggest indie-rock exports of recent years The Coronas also join the bill. The quartet specializes in catchy guitar hooks and towering melodies, which saw them beat U2 and Snow Patrol to Best Album at the Meteor Awards in their homeland. Their most recent effort The Long Way has seen the group take a more ambitious approach to their songwriting under the guidance of producer Eliott James (Kaiser Chiefs, Two Door Cinema Club, Noah and the Whale).
Amber Run, whose debut album 5am has just entered the top 20 in the UK midweek charts, play a slick brand of indie-pop with choruses that clearly have stadium ambition. Built on a foundation of rock, Nothing But Thieves mix a colorful pallet of fervent riffs, effortless falsetto vocals and hints of electronica. Manchester all female four PINS play a fierce brand of post-punk, which is well showcased amongst the glitter and middle finger salutes of recent single “Too Little Too Late”.
Sundara Karma boast indie anthems with sun soaked guitars turned all the way up to eleven. 23-year-old rock & roller Louis Berry has been described as “channelling the energy of Jerry Lee Lewis through the story-telling of Dylan”
Further additions include the urgent, staccato cool wave of All Tvvins, the honeyed balladry of Martin Luke Brown, the melancholy minimalism of Robyn Sherwell, as well as A.O.S.O.O.N , Aaron Keylock, Ady Suleiman, Amy Yon (Bristol only), Black Honey, C Duncan, Creepoid, Dark Waves, Daisy Victoria, Dralms, Easy Life, H.Hawkline, High Tyde, Jamie Lawson, K.I.D, Ming City Rockers, Movie, NGOD, Nick Brewer, Nothing But Thieves, Pierce Brothers, PINS, Rag’n’Bone Man, Sam Sure, Seafret, Steve Parker, Sykes, Vaults and White.
Dot To Dot Organiser Anton Lockwood (of DHP Family) said: “We’re just over a month away until we bring you Dot to Dot’s 10th Birthday, something that we’re all very excited for! Of the latest additions to the line-up, one of our biggest ever to date, I’m delighted to welcome Rhodes to the bill who is set for big things for sure!”
For the uninitiated, Dot to Dot is all about bringing the best new music to some of the most forward-thinking venues in Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham. One wristband gains you access to 14 hours of music across multiple stages around your city of choice. Always progressing, the Northern Quarter will this year host Dot to Dot Manchester. Considered the creative quarter of the North West, the area is synonymous with arts and culture and its high concentration of independent venues will be sure to showcase the hottest new artists around. For further line-up additions and venues be sure to check out www.dottodotfestival.com
Full Line-Up So Far:
SAINT RAYMOND
SWIM DEEP // RAE MORRIS HUDSON TAYLOR // BEST COAST
FAT WHITE FAMILY // THE WYTCHES
AMBER RUN // RHODES // HINDS THE CORONAS // LAURA DOGGETT ⌃ // PINS
PRIDES // HONEYBLOOD // JOSEF SALVAT
DAVE ROWNTREE (BLUR/XFM) DJ SET x
A.O.S.O.O.N // AARON KEYLOCK // ADY SULEIMAN // ALEX BUREY ALFIE CONNOR // ALL TVVINS // AMY STUDT* // AMY YON + // APRIL TOWERS // BLACK HONEY // C DUNCAN* // CAIROBI // CREEPOID // CYMBALS EAT GUITARS // DAISY VICTORA* // DARK WAVES // DELAMERE // DRALMS* // EASY LIFE* // FLESH // FRANCISCO THE MAN // H.HAWKLINE* // HIGH TYDE // HOLY HOLY // JAMIE LAWSON // KAGOULE // K.I.D // LAUREL // LITTLE MAY // LOUIS BERRY // MAN MADE // MARTIN LUKE BROWN // MENACE BEACH // MING CITY ROCKERS // MODEL AEROPLANES // NEON WALTZ // NGOD // NICK BREWER // NOTHING BUT THEIVES // OSCAR* // OSCAR & THE WOLF // PIERCE BROTHERS // PIXEL FIX // PRETTY VICIOUS* // RACING GLACIERS // RAG ‘N’ BONE MAN // REMI // REMI MILES// ROBYN SHERWELL* // SAM SURE // SEAFRET // SHELTER POINT // SINGLE MOTHERS // STEVIE PARKER+ // SUGARMEN // SUNDARA KARMA // SYKES // TEI SHI // THE AMAZONS // THE GRISWOLDS // THE HOTELIER // THE RIPTIDE MOVEMENT // VANT // VAULTS ✕// VÉRITÉ // VITAMIN // WALKING ON CARS // WHITE
Manchester & Nottingham ⌃ Manchester & Bristol *Nottingham & Bristol + Bristol Only ✕ Nottingham Only Venues:
Manchester – Friday 22nd May – Cathedral, Methodist Hall, Night and Day, Ruby Lounge, Soup Kitchen, Gullivers, The Castle Hotel, Cord, Mint Lounge, Kraak, Roadhouse, The Whiskey Jar, Kosmonaut.
Bristol – Saturday 23rd May – O2 Academy, Thekla, The Exchange, Louisiana, Trinity, The Fleece, Start The Bus, The Birdcage
Nottingham – Sunday 24th May – Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Red Room, Bodega, Stealth, Nottingham Trent University Union, Spanky Van Dykes
After witnessing the emphatic return of the ground-breaking Roni Size Reprazent [Live] with a string of sold out shows last year, it was time to get our hands on this drum and bass phenomenon and showcase their talents at South West Four. The seven piece band comprising of Roni Size, Dynamite MC, Onallee, Si John, D Product, Jay Wilcox and Yuval Gabay are an act we’ve deeply loved over the years, so to bring them to Clapham Common is quite simply mission accomplished. They join Andy C and RAM as the stage’s very special guests, with a promise to deliver an extraordinary live show that is sure to go down in SW4 history.
Hailing from Vienna, Camo & Krooked are one of the most electrifying duos of today and one that we welcome to South West Four for the very first time. Having championed the scene for over a decade, their infectious sound has spread worldwide resulting in an army of revellers eagerly awaiting their next move. With SW4 now marked on their tour diary, anticipation is already rising. As leading pioneers of drum and bass, their last London visit saw the Austrian duo ignite Brixton Academy on New Years Eve and if that was anything to go by, you’d better hold tight.
Made up of Gavin Harris and Nick Hill, formerly and respectively known to the drum and bass world as Xample and Lomax, Loadstar has surpassed the very highest of expectations in recent years. By fusing their individual styles, the duo have created a unique sound that imbues club dance floors and festival arenas alike with incredible energy and impeccable musical precision. Firm favourites within the RAM camp, their addition to the stage is huge. Having just completed an incredible tour of the US and Canada including a standout date at RAM’s Miami WMC takeover, the hype for their London return has never been greater.
Dan Havers and Chris Page or better known as DC Breaks have also been hand-picked to be part of this full-blown assault of the senses. Make no mistake about it, when it comes to crafting fierce dance-floor weapons these two are at the top of the class. Signed to RAM in 2010 thanks to their brilliant production skills, the British duo have gone on to release a catalogue of drum and bass debauchery on the label on top of stellar remixes for Tinie Tempah, Loadstar and Example. With their latest offering ‘Faithless’ ft Bianca receiving unconditional support from Andy C himself, their exclusive summer performance will not disappoint.
Also joining the August Bank Holiday madness is another of RAM’s greatest assets. Celebrated as one of the imprint’s most talented producers, we are delighted to welcome Culture Shock on Sunday 30th August. Boasting an array of hugely creative drum and bass productions which take influences from the broadest fields of house, techno and beyond, Culture Shock is a force to be reckoned with. This, along with his eclectic DJ sets, make him one of the most exciting acts to emerge from RAM’s international melting-pot of talent in recent years and one who’s trademark sounds is sure to rattle Clapham Common to its core.
Festival season is on the horizon and getting ready to kick start it all is SlamDunk Festival taking place May's Bank Holiday weekend. The ever expanding festival is now set to take place over three central, easy to reach locations across the UK in Leeds, Wolverhampton, Hatfield.
With previous years showing the likes of All Time Low and The All American Rejects its no wonder why this one day wonder is not to be missed.
Just announcing their final editions to this year’s festival, joining the line-up are;
Architects, Finch, We Are The Ocean, Set It Off, Cartel, As It Is, ROAM, Moose Blood, Stick To Your Guns, Deez Nuts, Dead Harts, Being As An Ocean, Baby Godzilla, SHVPES, Rob Lynch, Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, This Wild Life, Fort Hope, Only Rivals, Wind In Sails, Survay Says! and Seaway.
And not only that, you can Catch Dani & Davyd from Bury Tomorrow (DJ set), Tek-One, The Algorithm, Teru from Crossfaith (DJ set), Mellisa Clarke and Total Uprawr resident DJ's at this year's Uprawr DJ Stage"
With an incredibly diverse line up this year, tickets are going fast with the southern location almost sold out. It's a bargain, and if you've not got the money for a big festival then this is by far the next best thing!
Check out our top ten list of who to see at Slam Dunk Festival 2015!
1) Neck Deep
Pop punk's finest new addition, this band from Wrexham, Wales formed in 2012 are taking the UK by storm. After the release of their debut album 'Wishful Thinking' the band soared to success, winning Kerrang's 'Best British Newcomer' in 2014. Having just finished touring the UK with the likes of All Time Low, taking on huge arenas, Neck Deep will be sure to have the confidence to smash SlamDunk's more intimate stages. Neck Deep's sing along anthems, and heartfelt acoustic set list guarantee one of the best crowd interactions of the whole festival. With a new album already recorded and produced by A Day To Remember's Jeremy McKinnon and Reading and Leeds main stage on the horizon these boys have earned their way to our Top Ten band to see at SlamDunk 2015.
2) Pvris
With little need for introduction Lynn Gunn's hugely hyped pop rock band PVRIS are ready to take the UK as their own. With VANS Warped Tour just around the corner amongst non stop tour dates it's no wonder that this hardworking three piece have earned our top two.
After nearly a year after signing with Rise/Velocity Records, and the release of their debut album White Noise last November, this monochrome trio from Lowell, Massachusetts have already created a strong fan-base in England. Lynn Gunn's iconic female presence has taken our second place after the nomination for three of the upcoming Alternative Press awards, set for July. Why not come along and see what all the fuss is about, if it takes your fancy then be sure to cast your votes on Alternative Press's website.
3) Architects
With the single Black Blood and the album Daybreaker , it was clear this band has a message they wanted to express to the world. They have proven to do things their own way and recorded their latest album within the comfort of their own home. The sixth album titled 'Lost Together Lost Forever' was released last March and these boys are still touring strong with that material.
Not only have they got an extravagant back catalogue filled with extremely diverse tracks, the band have good morals, all of the members are vegan, and are completely against animal cruelty. Not only can this be heard through Sam Carter's bark, the frontman lives up to his bite and is currently the Sea Shepherd UK ambassador. This organisation helps prevent whaling and is something the band is extremely passionate about. If you're interested in being part of this cause then be sure to head over to their merch table as some of the proceeds are forwarded to these charities. Not only known to be an amazing studio band it's guaranteed you're going to get the same performance and passion in their set. It's precisely this reason why this band deserves to be so high up on our top ten bands to see at SlamDunk 2015.
4) While She Sleeps
After relentless touring, the band announced a set of cancelled shows, with frontman Lawrence announcing he had to undergo throat surgery due to excessive strain from his passionate and heavy vocals. With concern and controversy over whether or not the band would even return after his operation they came back as promised, dedicated and only with a more aggressive extravagant Sleeps' sound we all know and love, they have truly never sounded better. After just releasing their latest album 'Brainwashed' this March it's very clear this band have a strong message that's not to be missed.
With comments still being shared of the five piece's performance on Download's main stage last summer being the highlight of the bands career this has catapulted the metal-core band known as 'Sleeps' onto our top ten.
5) Gallows
A band still under much controversy after the departure of Frank Carter, Alexisonfire's Wade Mcneal is still persisting with an onslaught of new music. The band are currently touring Europe with material from Desolation Sounds as well as original tracks from the days of Frank. The stress and pressure the Punk band from Watford have endured hasn't made them buckle it's made them thrive and very angry, be sure to check this hardcore band if you want to see some passion.
6) Being As An Ocean
A highly religious melodic hardcore band from California releasing their debut album 'Dear G-d' with Invogue Records in 2012. The divergent frontman Joel Quartuccio accompanies his vicious screams with his bands melodic choruses and thrashing breakdowns. With sing-alongs and amazing crowd intimacy, this band will have you hooked from the first verse in their set.
7) Deez Nuts
Known as complete party animals Deez Nuts are a low tuned bass heavy four piece post hardcore band formed in Australia. After front man JJ Peters parted with his old band ' I Killed The Prom Queen' he left us questioning what he would do next. Deez Nuts rolled onto the stages with an aggressive thrashy sound accompanied by rapped lyrics. This band stay true to themselves and are in the business for all the right reasons, fun, fans and nothing more. It's certain this band don't mess around and will demand stage dives and high fives.
8) Zebrahead
Orange country California seems to just spit out amazing bands. This late 90's act are proving that pop punk's still not dead, with their ever expanding fan base these five punk rock guys are still bashing out albums. This band are renowned for their rap metal style, a modern twist of punk rock with a hint of Rage Against The Machine, it's a fact their shows are supposed to tear the roof off. They were nominated for a Grammy for their cover of Metallicas ' Enter Sandman', who knows you may even be lucky enough to hear it at SlamDunk.
9) Millencolin
Swedish skate-rock sensation have been signed with Epitaph Records since 1996 and have just released their first album in over seven years, titled 'True Brew'. If you don't know what they sound like then maybe this will jog your memory, if you were a skater kid you'll definitely know their track 'NO CIGAR' which featured on 'Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2', yeah that's right that was them! Now you know go check them out, they're definitely experienced enough to rock SlamDunk's intimate stages.
10) Don Broco
Formed in England in 2008, this band are fairly new onto the scene, however their non stop touring attitude has earned them a fairly stable fan-base. Don Broco can be summed up as punchy intro's followed by aggressive power chords with awesome clean vocals and a disco drum beat overlaid. This combination creates an amazing kick which a crowd can really sink their teeth into. These boys are planning to release a new album in Autumn this year, you'll most likely hear new tracks live.
If you're standing around with no one on your must see list then why not check out some of the bands listed above
Outlook has just revealed the final wave of artists for September 2015 as the festival enters its 8th season in Croatia. Set in an abandoned 19th century fortress of dance floors, intimate spaces and passageways which look over the Adriatic Sea, Outlook unites some of the world’s finest purveyors of dub, reggae, hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass, garage, grime, dubstep, house, techno and electronica and more across a spectacular weekend of music.
SBTRKT is the final artist announced for the opening concert at the incredible 2000-year old Roman Amphitheatre in Pula. One of the UK’s most celebrated and intriguing producers, his catalogue of esteemed remix work includes M.I.A, Radiohead, Modeselektor, Basement Jaxx, Mark Ronson, and Underworld. SBTRKT joins the already announced Jurassic 5, Roni Size Reprazent Live, Gentleman’s Dub Club and Trojan Sound System on Wednesday 2nd September.
Outlook Festival’s roots dig deeply into a rich range of sources and inspirations, with reggae and Jamaican dancehall just two of these strands. Beenie Man is a Grammy award-winning Jamaican reggae artist and is referred to as the world's "King of Dancehall," whilst New York by way of Brixton meets France as Shinehead & Legal Shot Sound create crowd-rousing Jamaican Reggae sounds. The Bug’s ‘Acid Ragga Live’ joins the dots between experimental acid and ragga dancehall to incredible effect, the 7” label and Ninja Tune offshoot a truly unique creation from Kevin Martin, and The Heatwave is a bashment-raving scandal, a non-stop dancehall party like nothing Outlook has ever seen before.
Outlook features several momentous anniversaries in 2015. DMZ will be bringing their full crew celebrating their 10th anniversary with Digital Mystikz, Loefah, Kode 9, Hatcha, Youngsta, Chef, N-Type, Quest, Silkie, Distance, Pinch, Sgt Pokes & Crazy D, featuring long-lost dubs to showcasing the freshest heavyweight plates. Also deeply embedded in the festival’s DNA is drum and bass, dubstep, bass music and garage. The final round of names further enhances Outlook’s credentials; Rinse FM’s Oneman has been turning heads melding old school UK garage with DMZ style dubstep, famed for his hip hop and sets for The Boiler Room, the now legendary back to back parties with Jackmaster or opening for dance titans such as SBTRKT and Major Lazer. DJ Hype is one of the most iconic names in drum and bass, the long-serving Fabric London resident a pillar of the scene, and Renegade Hardware is one of the most iconic drum and bass nights in the past two decades, from their scene-leading The End parties in London to curating riotous sessions around the UK. In 2015 they celebrate 20 years in the business, and bring Loxy & Ink, Bad Company UK, Maztek, Digital & Spirit, Keaton, Ant TC1, Cold Fusion and MC Stapleton to Outlook. Break & Kyo (Live) bring their drum and bass to Outlook too, and Pinch, Bristol's leading man of dubstep who runs Tectonic Recordings, also comes to the party showcasing the 10th anniversary of his label.
Chris Lorenzo / Cause & Affect are widely known for pioneering the jack house / bass hybrid scene, furthered by Lorenzo’s award-nominated productions with Hannah Wants, Cause & Affect’s weekly show on Rinse FM and accolades from the likes of Annie Mac, Eats Everything, Monki, Skream, B Traits, Target and EZ. And Loefah’s Swamp 81 label will be taking over the Moat Stage with their bass infused house & techno, helmed by Loefah alongside label artists Mickey Pearce, Paleman, Klose One, Benton and Chunky.
Outlook embraces many kinds of diverse artists performing at the festival. UK reggae collective Vibronics Feat Madu Messenger & Echo Ranks lay down their heavy steppers and dub sounds, whilst old skool veterans Kenny Ken & DJ Ron will be taking Outlook on a musical journey through 20 years of jungle and drum and bass. OBF Feat Shanti D & Stand High Patrol will be bringing their dub & dancehall selections from France. Both run their own sound systems, have released albums on their own in-house imprints and rock dancehalls worldwide. LEVELZ is a loose-knit group of MCs, DJs and producers with the potential to evolve into one of the most exciting creative forces to emerge from Manchester in recent years. Hailing from Japan, Part2style are one of the top sounds in the Tokyo bass scene; they will be playing their original dubplates in reggae, dancehall & jungle styles. Reggae Roast will be bringing their Sound System to Outlook for the first time which will vibrate the walls of the fort, and Croatian female experimental hip-hop MC/vocalist Diyala will be making her debut at the festival. She lived in Brooklyn in her childhood and in 1999 Diyala started MCing in Croatia. Influences from hip-hop, alternative rock and experimental music can be heard in her amazing vocal work.
Further names revealed include Fracture, Novelist, The Mouse Outfit, Elijah & Skilliam, Solo Banton, Xtrah, Hybris, Moxie, Catching Flies, MC DRS, SP:MC, Foreign Concept, Hyroglifics, Fre4knc, Kutmah, Chopstick Dubplate Feat Jacky Murda & Aries, Mark System, MC GQ, Stamina MC, Charlie P, Barely Legal, Compa, Gerra & Stone, Anti Social – Quest & Silkie, True Tiger, David Boomah, Kiko Dan, Chef, Siobhan Bell, Work It Girls, MC Sgt Pokes, MC Crazy D, Shanty, Chainska Brassika, Dan Man, Mantmast, Sun of Selah, Vital Techniques, Doctor Jeep, Sammy Dreadlocks, Shepdog, Blazin and Finwa.
The complete lineup: Beenie Man, Run The Jewels, Boy Better Know, The Madlib Carnival – Madlib, Pete Rock, J Rocc and Moodymann, Wiley, Noisia, Dusky, Flatbush Zombies, Shy FX, Congo Natty feat Congo Dubz & Tenor Fly, Jeru The Damaja, The Beatnuts, Digital Mystikz, DJ EZ, Goldie, Mount Kimbie (dj set), Cutty Ranks, Kate Tempest, David Rodigan, Loefah, Oneman, Protoje & The Indiggnation, BADBADNOTGOOD, Yung Lean, Araabmuzik, The Bug Feat Flowdan, Manga & Miss Red, DJ Hype, Chris Lorenzo, Sherwood & Pinch, dBridge, Icicle Entropy Live, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Renegade Hardware 20 feat Loxy & Ink, Bad Company UK, Maztek, Digital & Spirit, Keaton, Ant TC1, Cold Fusion, MC Stapleton and Fokus & Mantmast, Break & KYO (Live), Zed Bias, Toddla T, Tippa Irie, Shinehead & Legal Shot Sound, Sango, Mr Carmack, Newham Generals, Stormzy, P Money, Big Narstie, My Nu Leng, Norman Jay MBE – Good Times, Artful Dodger, Kurupt FM, Youngsta, Hatcha, The Heatwave, Novelist, Maribou State Live, Paleman, Vibronics Feat Madu Messenger & Echo Ranks, Bodhi, Lone, Mumdance, Om Unit, Fracture, Kenny Ken, The Mouse Outfit, Mickey Pearce, Klose One, FKJ Live, Kahn & Neek, The Upbeats, Enei, Mefjus, Rockwell, High Focus Records, Little Simz, Rodney P, Skitz, Mungo's Hifi, Iration Steppas, Channel One Sound System, Soom T, OBF Feat Shanti D, Stand High Patrol DJ Set, Elijah & Skilliam, Barely Legal, Cause & Affect, Riko Dan, Skeptical, Kasra, Ivy Lab, Xtrah, Matt Jam Lamont, Logan Sama, Flako, Kenny Knots, Hybris, Distance, Applebottom, Chopstick Dubplate Feat Jacky Murda & Aries, LEVELZ, MC DRS, SP:MC, Chunky, Moxie, Flava D, Truth, Foreign Concept, Hyroglifics, Fre4knc, Kutmah, Mark System, Emperor, DJ Haus, Billain, Seven Davis Jr, Dubkasm, Benton, Kromestar, Spooky, Mella Dee, Catching Flies, Commodo, Quest, Silkie, MC GQ, Stamina MC, Jack Sparrow, Kaiju, Alexander Nut, Amy Becker, Charlie P, Jay Prince, Jon Phonics, DJ Milktray, Pyrmdplaza, Chimpo, DJ Ron, Diyala, Necessary Mayhem, Part2style, Reggae Roast, 2Shy, Biome, David Boomah, N-Type, Chef, Compa, Gerra & Stone, Egoless, Kiko Dan, True Tiger, Digitron, MC Fox, MC Sgt Pokes, MC Crazy D, Shanty, Chainska Brassika, Afriquoi, Danny T & Tradesman, Ishan Sound, Adam Prescott, Parris, Shepdog, Dan Man, MC Fokus, Visionobi, Mantmast, Fixate, Hi5 Ghost, Boofy, Hannah Faith, Bambooman, Siobhan Bell, Work It Girls, Dread MC, Vital Techniques, Filip Motovunski aka Noon, Rahmanee, 207, Chew The Fat, Roots In Session, Said, Necone, Rasheed, Dirty Beatz Crew, Kodin , Vilify, Push UK, Sun of Selah, Doctor Jeep, Sammy Dreadlocks, Pean, Blazin and Finwa.
Fresh Island has cemented itself as one of Europe's best Hip-Hop, R&B and urban festivals for the past three years with international acts and thousands of revellers jetting to the isle of Pag for the ultimate celebration of the genres' music and culture. For three days the festival will host a mix of stunning live performances, cutting-edge DJs, MC battles, dance crews and beach, boat and pool parties in the idyllic setting of Zrce beach, with takeovers of Aquarius, Kalypso and Papaya (voted best club in Croatia in DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs).
Larger than life ex-chef Action Bronson will be cooking up a storm for his Fresh Island debut following the recent release of the appropriately titled Mr Wonderful. Next up Pusha T joins the festival, making it up to fans after sadly being unable to perform at last year's event. Working hard on the followup to his critically acclaimed debut LP My Name Is My Name, expected this Spring, the former Clipse member will no doubt be dropping brand new material for revellers at Fresh Island. Having lived and breathed Hip-Hop culture for most of his life, it's only fitting that LA's Evidence is onboard for the festival. A graffiti artist and skateboarder from an early age, Evidence is one of the founding members of respected Hip-Hop group of the 90s, Dilated Peoples. Breaking out on his own, the rapper/producer has since picked up a Grammy for lending his producer talents to Kanye West on College Dropout as well as a slew of revered underground solo material including The Weatherman LP and Cats & Dogs.
Just Blaze is arguably one of Hip-Hop's most iconic producers having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Jay Z, Kanye West, Jay Electronica, Eminem, Rick Ross and Kendrick Lamar. His talents aren't confined to the studio, starting out as a DJ Just Blaze has forged an impressive career touring the world and will be demonstrating his skills behind the ones and twos for the Fresh Island crowds. The original champion of Hip-Hop in the UK and firm Fresh Island favourite, Tim Westwood returns to the festival in 2015. Now hosting a show on Capital Xtra, Westwood has used his radio DJ status to bring Hip-Hop to the masses for nearly 30 years, garnering some big name friends in the game as well as going out on his own with the Tim Westwood brand, selling millions of compilation albums.
2015 sees the first ever grime takeover with VICE's Noisey, as Fresh Island gives a deserved nod to some the UK's best. After appearing at this year's Brit Awards with Kanye West, grime's most promising new talent Stormzy will appear along with NAA founding member, MC and now YouTube sensation Big Narstie and Radio 1/1XTRA DJ DJ Target.
A truly international festival, Fresh Island celebrates talent from around the world, other names set to grace the Hip-Hop stages include influential French DJ Cut Killer, Slovakia and Czech Republic's best selling hip-hop artist, Rytmus, Austrian MC Big J and a live collaboration between Czechs DJ Wich and Vladimir518. The festival will also welcome Haftbefehl, one of Germany's biggest Hip-Hop stars, respected by genre fans and literary critics alike for his lyrical prowess in German, Turkish, Kurdish and Polish.
With a love affair that began back in 1994, Cream is back at its spiritual home Amnesia taking over Thursday nights with a jam packed summer line-up guaranteed to rock the Main room and legendary Terrace, this year’s line-up features an array of exclusive performances, residencies and special guest appearances from some of the world’s biggest electronic acts including Above & Beyond(Exclusive residents), Eric Prydz (Exclusive Resident), Paul van Dyk (Exclusive resident), Fatboy Slim, Alesso, Duke Dumont, Pete Tong, Tchami, Aly & Fila (Resident), John O’Callaghan (Resident), Sasha, Mark Knight, Andrew Rayel, Fedde Le Grand, Danny Howard and Simon Patterson (Resident). In addition the Terrace welcomes some fresh new faces and exciting hot producers all making their Cream debut including Boys Noize, Carnage, Philip George, Michael Calfan, Kölsh (DJ Set), DJ Fresh and Kryder and with Main Room support stronger than ever with performances from Cosmic Gate, Omnia, Bryan Kearney, Jordan Suckley, PureNRG Live, Arty, Andrew Bayer and Ilan Bluestone to name a few, 2015 is set to be a big one!
Cream kicks off on Thursday 11th June and will be closing out the season on Thursday 17th September 2015. Tickets on sale now.
*** Opening Party ***
Thursday 11th June
Main Room
Above & Beyond
Arty
Jerome Isma-Ae
Gareth Wyn
Terrace
Fedde Le Grand
Danny Howard
Philip George
Kryder
Thursday 18th June
Main Room
Aly & Fila
John O'Callaghan
Simon Patterson
Omnia
Special Guest: PureNRG Live
Terrace
Mark Knight
Danny Howard
Michael Calfan
Mike Mago
Thursday 25th June
Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)
Paul van Dyk
Aly & Fila
Bryan Kearney
Will Atkinson
Terrace (In Association with Nothing Else Matters)
Danny Howard
Philip George
Michael Calfan
Kryder
Tom Staar
Thursday 2nd July
Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)
Above & Beyond
Andrew Bayer
Ilan Bluestone
Grum
Terrace
Duke Dumont
Boys Noize
Kiwi
Jemmy
Thursday 9th July
Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)
Paul van Dyk
Cosmic Gate
Simon Patterson
Ben Gold
Terrace
Carnage
+ more guests to be announced
Thursday 16th July
Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)
Above & Beyond
Andrew Bayer
Genix
Gareth Wyn
Terrace
Alesso
Danny Howard
Lucas & Steve
James Dutton
Thursday 23rd July
Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)
Paul van Dyk
John O'Callaghan
Jordan Suckley
Will Atkinson
Paul Webster
Terrace
Eric Prydz
Mark Knight
Ben Santiago
*** Cream Ibiza 21st Birthday Party ***
Thursday 30th July
Main Room
Paul van Dyk
Andrew Rayel
Bryan Kearney
Special Guest: PureNRG Live
Terrace
Eric Prydz
Sasha
Anthony Probyn
Thursday 6th August
Main Room
Above & Beyond
Cosmic Gate
Ilan Bluestone
Grum
Terrace
Eric Prydz
Pete Tong
Andy Mac
Thursday 13th August
Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)
Paul van Dyk
Aly & Fila
Simon Patterson
Jordan Suckley
Terrace
Eric Prydz
Kölsch (DJ Set)
Jeremy Olander
Rob Harnetty
Thursday 20th August
Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)
Above & Beyond
Arty
Super8 & Tab
Gareth Wyn
Terrace
Eric Prydz
Tchami
Jeremy Olander
Sean Hughes
Thursday 27th August
Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)
Above & Beyond
Arty
Ilan Bluestone
Grum
Terrace
Eric Prydz
Tchami
Jeremy Olander
James Dutton
Thursday 3rd September
Main Room (In association with Ibiza Trance Event)
BLOODSTOCK is excited to announce seven more of metal’s finest for the UK’s heaviest weekender, including a clutch of bands from the farthest flung corners of the globe.
Friday’s line up will now include extreme prog metal Aussies, NE OBLIVISCARIS for their long awaited debut on UK soil. The band proclaim, “UK, here we come! 2015 is the year we are finally going to reach your shores and we couldn’t be more excited to announce that it will be as part of the enormous BLOODSTOCK festival. We’re looking forward to playing alongside many of the best and biggest heavy acts from across the world!” Get a taste for them in this clip from their Australian tour in November; https://youtu.be/WdW88MzfHec. Also joining Friday’s fray are the London based group SILAS, who describe themselves as a “fusion of genres”. Curious? Head over to the official website at http://www.silasbanduk.com/ for the full lowdown.
Saturday’s bill sees two bands who’ve jetted in from Indonesia, a hotbed of metal and one of the planet’s most burgeoning heavy music scenes. BURGERKILL and JASAD are two of the country’s biggest metal acts, even counting the country’s metal-loving prime minister, Joko Widodo among their fans. Check out the video for BURGERKILL’s ‘House of Greed’ at: https://youtu.be/A7RM2W4kQco and then take their Indonesian heavy metal language lesson with Metal Hammer at: https://youtu.be/xAEKQO4n8vE. To learn more about JASAD, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Jasadbdm. Also joining Saturday’s Sophie bill are Mancunian metallers, PIST, already flagged up as a Terrorizer ‘Band of the Day’ around the release of their ‘Riffology’ EP. If you’re into stuff like Orange Goblin, Red Fang & Kyuss, you’ll appreciate the PIST sound. Learn more about PIST at: http://www.terrorizer.com/news/botd/pist-band-day/.
Sunday’s line-up sees a very special solo set from ex-Evile shredsman, OL DRAKE to accompany his upcoming solo album, ‘Old Rake’ which is out in June via Earache. Ol comments "I'm very excited to be returning to Bloodstock in a musical capacity. The weekend is fully booked off work (I was going anyway) and we're rehearsing right now. It’ll be a very special show, so don’t miss it. I’ll no doubt be having my fair share of drinks and Jagermeister afterwards and no doubt be returning to work feeling buzzed yet terrible. This is probably the only show I'll be doing to promote the album. Hope to see you there!" The album’s lead track, 'Guitarists Playing Guitars' features the likes of Gary Holt (Slayer/Exodus), James Murphy (Death/Testament/Obituary), Josh Middleton (Sylosis) and Mike Heller (Fear Factory, on drums). Check it out now on Spotify; http://open.spotify.com/track/1YdYUEsRxVB2UGkrqLn4JD. Sunday also sees the return to Catton Park of South Wales metallers, TRIAXIS, who release their third album ‘Zero Hour’ on May 18th via Rocksector Records. Listen to first single ‘Victorious’ and delve deeper at: http://www.triaxis.info/.
Tickets for BLOODSTOCK 2015 are available via the 24hr ticketline at 0871 230 5584 or online at http://bloodstock.seetickets.com/event/bloodstock-2015/catton-park/809956, priced at the very reasonable £135 (plus booking fee) for a four-day Thursday through Sunday weekend ticket with camping. VIP packages and upgrades are also available, plus pre-booked car parking pitches. Camper van pitches are now all SOLD OUT!
All these killer bands are already announced! Friday’s headliner TRIVIUM and special guests SABATON, Saturday’s headliner WITHIN TEMPTATION and special guests OPETH, Sunday’s headliner ROB ZOMBIE and special guests BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, plus CANNIBAL CORPSE, IHSAHN, SEPULTURA, ORANGE GOBLIN, DEATH T.A, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, 1349, NAPALM DEATH, DARK ANGEL, ARMORED SAINT, BELPHEGOR, OVERKILL, ENSIFERUM, AGALLOCH, KORPIKLAANI, PRO-PAIN, ENSLAVED, RAGING SPEEDHORN, XERATH and WOLF. Plus over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, there’s headliners DELAIN, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, GODFLESH and ARNOCORPS,LAWNMOWER DETH, MORDRED, ETHEREAL, ONSLAUGHT, OAF, CONAN, PLANET OF ZEUS, GODSIZED, plus many more and, there’s even more bands to be announced in the coming weeks!
