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!
Playing his first ever UK festival, Sufjan Stevens will perform on the Woods Stage on Saturday night, following Australia’s psychedelic victors Tame Impala on Friday. Sunday night will see the critics’ album of 2014 holders TheWar On Drugs play their only summer festival in the UK this year.
Future Islands will be bringing their dance moves and infectious grooves to the intimate settings of Larmer Tree Gardens, while Mercury nominated Scottish four piece Django Django will be ready to play tracks from their hugely anticipated second album due this Spring.
Making their way from Perth, Pond will be bringing the psychedelic freak-outs, Toronto five-piece Alvvays bring the fuzz pop, while Ty Segall brings his band Fuzz. Spacebomb Records newcomer, and everyone’s favourite one to watch for this year, Natalie Prass has got the triumphant soul thing covered whilst controversial post-punk crusaders Sleaford Mods and South London’s Fat White Family bring the anarchy.
Following the announcement of Carrie & Lowell, his first album in four years, Sufjan Stevens will headline the three-day festival making End of the Road his first ever UK festival performance. Furthermore, this will be Stevens’ only UK festival date this year and his second ever festival appearance anywhere in the world.
A fabulous and fierce line up will throw the party of the summer in London’s iconic Hyde Park with music legends Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones and Chic feat Nile Rodgers
Prepare for an unforgettable day of floor-filler hits with two queens of the club and the man who pioneered disco, performing tunes you just can’t get out of your head. With many more incredible hit-makers to be announced in the coming months, Your Disco Needs You!
The universally adored Kylie is unquestionably one of the top pop entertainers on the planet, famed for her fabulous and extravagant live shows. She took her awesome Kiss Me Once tour around Europe last year, featuring glittering renditions of her heart thumping greatest hits.
And she is once again causing palpitations on her latest collaboration with disco legend Giorgio Moroder. ‘Right Here, Right Now’ the first track to be released from his forthcoming album.
Kylie comments:
“I'm so excited to perform at Hyde Park this Summer. I have great memories of playing shows there and am looking forward to doing it all again! Given the amazing artists performing and that it will be the longest day of the year, I can't wait!”
The Australian pop siren has sold over 70 million records worldwide in a career spanning over 25 years, boasting the kind of success and longevity most performers only dream of.
Kylie has clocked up 33 UK Top 10 singles, including seven #1 hits including ‘I Should Be So Lucky’, ‘Spinning Around’, ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ and ‘All The Lovers.’
Also taking to the stage on Sunday June 21st and performing live for the first time in 2015, will be the one and onlyGrace Jones. Since releasing her first single ‘I Need A Man’ in 1975, Grace has become one of music’s singular icons, known as much for her incredible outfits, on stage hula-hooping and larger than life character as she is for her ground-breaking club hits ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’, ‘Slave To The Rhythm’ and ‘Nightclubbing’. When Grace is around, anything can happen.
Grace Jones comments:
"I'll bring the Jekyll to Hyde Park"
And returning to Hyde Park are Chic feat Nile Rodgers. Back by popular demand, after a now legendary mid afternoon set at the inaugural Barclaycard presentsBritish Summer Time Hyde Park in 2013, Nile and his band will once more be whipping the crowd into shape (and on to the stage!) with the hits that invented disco – ‘Everybody Dance’, ‘Good Times’, ‘We Are Family’ and ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’.
Other headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Taylor Swift, joined by Ellie Goulding and John Newman on June 27th and The Who, with Paul Weller, Kaiser Chiefs and Johnny Marr on June 26th.
2015 for the MasterCard Balaton Sound audience starts with a promising line-up of DJ’s including Hardwell, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, DVBBS, Showtek and more already confirmed to provide the beat for the 4 day long beach party by Lake Balaton in Hungary. As in previous years, in 2014 Balaton Sound closed its gates with a full house of 145 000 fans. In 2015 the event will take place on the 9-12 July, where the program will be mind-blowing, the beach will be refreshing and the festival will ultimately be the best 4 days of the summer.
The organizers of Balaton Sound always aim for the biggest international stars of electronic music and 2015 is no different as the first 15 names are revealed. The party never stops in Zamárdi and all-star acts such as,Hardwell, Nicky Romero and Grammy award winning DJ and producer, Afrojack, will provide the music. In addition DVBBS, Boys Noize, Showtek and British singer and songwriter, Charli XCX, will be bringing good vibes to Balaton Sound this summer. Among the names we can also find Joey Bada$$, the brilliant multi-dimensional Berlin duo Pan-Pot and Dutch DJ and producer Quintino. The Sound crowd will definitely remember the shows by Vinai, Roni Size & Reprazent, Chris Liebing and SBCR DJ, also known as Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo from The Bloody Beetroots.
BoomTown Fair have kick started six weeks of intensive line up announcements with the bass heavy playground of DSTRKT 5. As the festival is made up of eight very different ‘districts’ which celebrate a variety of individual music genres and cultures from Ska to Jungle, Reggae to Folk and a whole load more in between and beyond, the line ups are released district by district. First out is the bass mecca of DSTRKT 5, which true to form will be hosting some of the most innovative trailblazers in the genre including; Squarepusher, Noisia, Spor, Machinedrum, Metalheadz takeover and Surgeon to name a few, resulting in a powerhouse of a bass line-up and the perfect soundtrack for BoomTown’s unveiling of a the brand new colossus of a centre-stage for DownTown, The Palace, which is all set to be the UKs largest fully immersive festival dance arena.
Taking place over 13th – 16th August in Matterley Estate – Hampshire, BoomTown have now released the final part of the ‘Chapter 7: The Introduction’ trilogy that, like any expertly crafted drum and bass track, has slowly built up over Part One and Part Two to the ultimate drop with the new monstrous dance stage and its phenomenal line-up unleashed on the eagerly waiting viewers in Part Three! The brand new nine-story 3600 surround arena set, that promises to be exceptionally loud, will be dominated by a finely crafted selection of heavy weight bass warriors!!
Ready to storm the new Palace stage with a brand new live show, is boundary pushing maverick Squarepusher. Renowned for mixing up apocalyptic dystopian sounds and electronic beats so obscure they border on extra-terrestrial with jaw-dropping live bass guitar solos to the backdrop of mesmerizing visuals: BoomTown bass lovers are in for one genuinely mind-blowing experience this summer with the combination of Squarepusher and one of the most insane festival stages the UK will have ever witnessed!!
Keeping Squarepusher good company on The Palace stage will be the dark, solid drum and bass of Spor, unchallenged trio of drum and bass mastery Noisia, tough techno and murky industrial beats of Surgeon live set, an almighty showcase of 20 years of Metalheadz with Goldie b2b Dillinja, Ulterior Motive b2b Dom and Roland, Jubei b2b Ant tc1, hosted by SP:MC and no stranger to fictional cities, Machinedrum will be introducing his Vapour City and all its surging bass to the good citizens of Boom City!
Next up in DSTRKT 5 is the iconic BoomBox stage, towering an impressive 40ft, this giant ghetto blaster emits some of the most legendary sounds in the entire of DownTown. Chapter 7 will be no different with an unbelievably exciting 10hr takeover from two ultimate legends: Norman Jay MBE and Mr Scruff present…Keep the Good Times Unreal!! Other acts to be found on the BoomBox include: seminal producerDeekline, Canadian glitch-hop maestro Stickybuds, the ultimate dancefloor demolition men Scratch Perverts and an Inspected Recordsshowcase ft: Culprate, Emperor, Asa, Sorrow, ZES, Inspector Dubplate, plus loads more…
Whilst over in the fully expanded, upgraded and sound proofed BodyShop, gabba, mashup and hardcore techno reign supreme with the prolificLuke Vibert; PRSPKT Takeover (with Hellfish vs Producer, Bryan Fury, Thrasher, Switch Technique) Simon Underground; Vandal; Bizzy B, Randall (92-94); Jerome Hill; Crystal Distortion; Renegade Hardware 20th Anniversary Takeover plus more…
On top of these main stages in DSTRKT 5 there will also be a Renegade Street Party hosted by none other than underground soundsytem and pioneers of social justice through coming together of communities, SP23. Forged at the heart of the Spiral Tribe sound system, SP23 will be back in the UK this summer for the first time in 20 years and bringing a true piece of historic party culture back to where it all began.
A man that can effortlessly start a party and get it bouncing before he’s even dropped the second tune, Fatboy Slim is the master, a true king amongst men, and one of our favourite DJs ever. From the likes of Everybody Needs a 303 and Gangster Trippin’ to recent top ten smash Eat Sleep Rave Repeat, Norman Cook has soundtracked some of the greatest moments of our lives, we’re massively proud to have him onboard for the launch of our brand new show, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Southampton Common on Saturday 23rd May as Common People’s first ever headliner!
Commenting on his headline slot, and quoting a classic tune in an exclusive video just for us,Fatboy Slim said: “Living in the love of the common people, smiles from the heart of a family man. Momma’s gonna buy you a dream to cling to, Fatboy’s gonna love you just as much as he can. And he can. Join me on Southampton Common with the Bestival family, 23rd May.”
Warming the cockles for the big event on the Isle of Wight this September, Common People will also have live sets on Saturday 23rd May from daisy age hip-hop legends De La Soul, sick beatmeister Jaguar Skills, and Sound of 2015 hot tip George the Poet, plus Plastic Mermaids, our Battle of the Bands winner, Funky Little Choir, and Lycra-clad enigma Mr Motivator.
Sunday 24th May capers will feature a very special guest indeed who will be announced very soon, plus live action from pop behemoth Clean Bandit, who will be showcasing their inimitable brand of classical riffs with a healthy dose of baroque pop nous for all the Common People. With their chart topping smash Rather Be racking up over a million sales, making it the third biggest selling tune of 2014, and their debut album New Eyes reaching the top three, Clean Bandit are a proper big deal and we couldn’t be happier that they’re joining us.
We’ll also have hometown riffers Band of Skulls, who said of their Common People appearance “We are extremely happy and proud to be playing Common People festival. We grew up here in Southampton and the common has played a big part in our lives. Hometown shows are always great, this will be extra special. See you in May”.
And there will be even more Sunday joy with authentic rock n rollers Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, incendiary two-piece Slaves, cut & paste master DJ Yoda, funky breakdance geniuses The Cuban Brothers, 6 Music funk aficionado Craig Charles and West End Kids.
Bestival’s creative team will be flexing visionary moves, taking the spirit of Bestival to the heart of Southampton, transforming the common into a world of wonder. Amongst the hysteria you will find plenty of mind-boggling Common People antics including the woven magic of Yarn Bombing, legendary Mr Motivator Workouts, and psychedelic 19th century salon, The People's Front Room.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to have a small libation with an array of stunning bars, including the vintage vibes of the Day of the Dead Margarita Lounge Bar featuring cabaret, rock n roll, alternative, world and gypsy music, fantastically exotic concoctions from Josie da Bank’s super chic Jam Jar Bar and lavish behaviour at the VIP Hospitality Bar. A huge selection of delicious treats from cocktails and craft beers to lip-smacking afternoon teas and a tantalising selection of the finest Streetfood vendors around will delight the most adventurous of souls and keep you all coming back for more.
A whole host of fantastical fun, daytime diversions, amusements and good times will entertain one and all including, Bigtopmania Circus, Lost & Found, Tree House Theatre, Big Foot the Clown Show, The Fez Heads, Big Bears Big Balloon Disco, Big Bubble Bash, Trapeze lessons, Circus Skills, Crazy Inflatable bundle madness, Face Painting, Toddlers Play Area, Craft tents, Welly Wanging, Morris Dancing, Hoedowns, and Brass Bands.
Much like at sister festivals Bestival and Camp Bestival, The Big Top at Common People will play host to some of the most exciting underground electronic music the world has to offer. Saturday will see Junk at the controls with sets from Dusky, Huxley, Dense & Pika, Leon Vynehall, Luca Pilato and Jordan McKinlay. Switch takes over on Sunday with Chicago house legend Derrick Carter taking pride of place, with sets from Rob da Bank, Friend Within, Toyboy & Robin, and Muddywellies. We’ll also have Southampton’s illustriousJoiners adding to the mix in our new bands tent, and plenty more to boot.
Returning to Zrce Beach on the island of Pag for its fourth outing, Croatia's only exclusively Hip-Hop and R&B festival Fresh Island has announced Joey Bada$$, Danny Brown and Tinashe as the first big names for 2015. Taking place 15th – 17th July Fresh Island will once again host performances from some of the most revered names in the world of Hip-Hop and R&B alongside new talent, MCs and DJs.
Fresh Island headliner Joey Bada$$ celebrates not only the release of his highly anticipated debut album B4.DA.$$ today, but also his birthday and is set to have a momentus year in 2015. At just 20, the Pro-Era founder has stormed to critical acclaim after his debut mixtape 1999 three years ago and will be bringing his formidable live performance to the Fresh Island stage in July. Joining him will be Danny Brown who will no doubt also have crowds roaring from his infectious energy. Gaining widespread attention in 2010 with his debut album The Hybrid (after several widely received mixtapes) Danny Brown is arguably the most unique name in Hip-Hop, working with some of the most innovative names across the musical spectrum from A$AP Rocky, Ghostface Killah and Action Bronson to Rustie, Purity Ring and A-Trak. Rounding off the headliners and adding some R&B to the mix is Tinashe. The LA singer/songwriter rose to prominence in 2012 with the release of her debut mixtape In Case We Die and has since then become one of the most respected artists in the genre, working with Ryan Hemsworth, DJ Mustard and Clams Casino.
Other big names to hit the Fresh Island stages include Drake and R Kelly collaborator Migos, Godfather of Grime Skepta and Laudz & DJ Zegon of Tropkillaz. Dedicated to embracing the worldwide culture of Hip-Hop Fresh Island will bring some of the most innovative turntablists and DJs to the island of Pag including Action Bronson collaborator Statik Selektah and KISS FM resident Shortee Blitz as well asteaming up with world renowned dance teachers for Adria Dance Camp (www.adriadancecamp.eu). Heavyweight UK brands Shorebitch, Faded and Forever Croatia will also be on hand to host special pre-parties to get revellers ready for the main event.
We are excited to announce that Paloma Faith will perform on 18th June and tickets for this concert will go on sale on Monday 19th January at 11am.
On confirming her date at the Festival, Paloma said: "I'm so thrilled to be playing at Hampton Court Palace Festival this June. I hear that the atmosphere is so intimate in the open air setting of base court – it will be the perfect setting for my summer concert."
Renowned for her unique style, the Hackney-born singer has soared to fame since her early days on the cabaret scene. Now she is one of the leading lights, and has proudly received Four BRIT Award nominations to date, including British Female Solo Artist and Best British Album.
Paloma has worked with a legendary roster of music icons and singer-songwriters including Pharrell Williams, Diane Warren, John Legend and Raphael Saadiq; producing two double platinum selling albums in the UK. At the Festival, she will delight the audience with songs from her recent and most successful album to date,A Perfect Contradiction with top ten singles Can’t Rely on You and her first Number 1 Only Love Can Hurt Like This.
Britain’s favourite tenor Alfie Boe will return to the Festival on 19th June with his band performing classic tracks from a selection of his albums, including his latest album Serenata, which sees him bringing the magic and romance of the Italian Riviera to the UK. His success has seen him conquer the world’s most prestigious opera stages, led the cast of Les Miserables for nearly a year, and stolen the show at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace.
King of boogie woogie, Jools Holland& his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will perform two energy-fuelled shows at the Palace where he will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis on drums and the fabulous Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry. With his show ‘Later with…Jools Holland’ now in its 45th series, and Jools’ Annual Hootenanny in its 22nd, Jools’ name has become synonymous with quality music.
The sumptuous sounds of the MGM Studio Orchestra will be revived by John Wilson & The John Wilson Orchestra on 14th June as they pay tribute to composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Jerome Kern and Andre Previn, among others by performing some of Hollywood’s best loved songs and show-stopping sequences from the MGM film musicals.
Celebrated for his sold out annual appearances with the John Wilson Orchestra at the BBC Proms, all of which have been broadcast on television, John Wilson has established an international reputation as a conductor, arranger and scholar. The John Wilson Orchestra is a unique hand-picked ensemble of some of the world’s finest musicians specialising in authentic concert performances of classic film musical scores.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns for a glorious evening ofFanfare & Fireworks. Against the backdrop of the Tudor courtyard the Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music, culminating in Handel’s rousing Music for the Royal Fireworks. After the concert, Festival-goers will experience a spectacular fireworks display over the Palace.
Following the huge announcement that revealed over 100 names from We Are FSTVL’s 2015 edition, the twice award winning music event has kicked off the year with even more names added to the line-up. Returning to the ‘Field of Dreams’ in Upminster, Essex on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2015, We Are FSTVL welcomesMasters at Work, Heidi, Route 94, Dusky and many more – who will join the likes of Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Sven Väth, Jamie Jones, Hannah Wants, Seth Troxler and Jackmaster – plus two further stage hosts from legendary house music promoters Paravana and Clockwork Orange.
Headlining Defected’s ‘Very Big Top’ on Saturday 30th May is the house-garage production and remix duo "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, who together as Masters of Work perfectly join the dots between the latest and greatest innovators of the underground scene. Jackathon’s leading lady Heidi is also set to bring her signature brand of fiery house and techno to Sunday’s Main Stage, joined by house chart-topper Route 94, whose soulful take on house for ‘My Love’ quickly became a surefire festival anthem of 2014.
Also announced are London based duo Dusky, who will be on hand to deliver their very own selection of genre-bending productions at MK’s Area 10 stage on Sunday 31st May, with DJ S.K.T also representing the bass-ier side of the house spectrum alongside Beckwith and Disciples –the London-based trio behind killer single ‘They Don’t Know’.
Returning to We Are FSTVL for the third year running are promoters Paravana. With their unique imagination drawing upon the tranquil surroundings of the Cambodian island of Bamboo. Famed for a series of bass-flavoured releases, the Bristol based collective will provide the latest in emerging, club-centric sounds, and welcome Max Chapman, Senzala, and garage-producer trio Panda – providing an idyllic soundtrack for Sunday’sField of Dreams.
In a UK festival exclusive, legendary promoters Clockwork Orange will also host their very own arena at We Are FSTVL on Saturday 30th May. Having launched in London back in 1993, Clockwork Orange will celebrate their 25thanniversary with a line-up that fully explores the origins of UK house, kicking things off with a b2b set between head promoter Danny Clockwork and Keith Mack. Co-creator Andy Manston will also feature, with 90s key player Tall Paul topping the bill alongside Brandon Block, Alex P, Trevor Fung, Tristan Ingram, 2 Good Souls and Tony Grimley.
Field Day welcome double Brit Awards nominee and Mercury nominee FKA Twigs, whose Field Day performance will be a London festival exclusive. The exceptional dancer turned singer, songwriter and producer has released one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2014 – her outstanding debut 'LP1'. Already considered a modern music and style icon, FKA Twigs is swiftly establishing herself as one of the most interesting and enigmatic faces in British music.
Also on board are Run The Jewels, the hip hop super duo formed by underground kings Killer Mike and El-P, in charge of the brilliant ‘Run The Jewels 1’ – Pitchfork’s top album of the year; as well as Hudson Mohawke, one of the most exciting producers to come out of Scotland in the last ten years, seducing rap-heads and ravers alike with his neon-lit E&B and warehouse smashing low-end beats and producing for char topping urban-pop names like Kanye West, Chris Brown and Azealia Banks.
Meanwhile, Norwegian cosmic disco Producer and Field Day favourite Todd Terje, creator of some of the most memorable dance floor hits in recent years, will be performing live with his full band The Olsen’s for the first time in the UK. Fingers crossed for a Bryan Ferry guest appearance…!
We are honoured to have Radiohead’s drummer Philip Selway with us this year, as well as the brilliantTune-Yards, whose explosive live performances are as thrilling and unshakeable as her music. Also confirmed is Fryars, the musical brainchild of London-based Benjamin Garreet, whose peerless sound has won him fans from Kanye West to Depeche Mode.
World music has always played a notable part on Field Day’s line up. Joining the brilliant Ethiopian Keyboardist Hailu Mergia are Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté. In a rare father-and-son collaboration, Toumani, a genius of African music and widely recognised as the greatest living kora player will be joined by his talented son Sidiki, Mali’s best beat maker and kora’s emerging star. This will be a very special performance and we absolutely cannot wait to have them at Field Day this year.
In addition, Brian Shimkovitz aka Awesome Tapes from Africa will be responsible for an unforgettable DJ set on twin tape decks, exploring obscure and wonderful sounds from across the continent.
Expect epic sets from Young Turks signed, Barcelona producer John Talabot, responsible for his outstanding 2012 debut ‘ƒIN’; exceptional producer and DJ Floating Points, who’s won over crowds around the world with his strictly vinyl club session, climbing the ranks of the globe’s most impressive DJ’s; as well as sets from Rinse FM residents Elijah&Skilliam, and fast rising Brighton deep-house producer Leon Vynehall
+ sets from Huw Stephens, Marc Riley, Phil Taggart, Tom Ravenscroft, Volte-Face, Bad Vibrationsand Georgie Rogers!!
Reload relives all those memories and more bringing the very best acts and global superstars of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to the Norfolk Showground for a weekend of nostalgic celebration and unbridled fun for all the family. With over 100 million records sold between the first six acts announced, Reload promises musical merriment in abundance with sets laden with sing-along anthems and pop hits of the day.
First up for 2015 are Birmingham’s finest sons, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue reunited. This seminal act transcended their working class origins to become one of the most successful reggae acts of all time selling in excess of 70 million albums worldwide. Their global hits included ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘(I Can’tHelp) Falling In Love With You’ and ‘I’ve Got You Babe’ and they are a fitting headliner for this year’s extravaganza.
Level 42’s unique fusion of jazz funk with a pop / rock sensibility saw them emerge as one of the most powerful live acts of the 80’s. Noted for Mark King’s percussive slap bass guitar, the group spawned a string of huge hits in Europe and the US including ‘Lessons In Love’ and‘Something About You’.
Boomtown Rats need little introduction. Led by the irrepressible force of nature that is Bob Geldof, their high energy, new-wave sparked a string of classic singles including ‘Rat Trap’ ‘I Don’t Like Monday’s’ and ‘She’s So Modern’
The undisputed highlight of last year’s Reload festival was Billy Ocean’s set and he returns to festival by popular demand. This Grammy Award winner has sold over 30 million records and his performance will have the Reload audience revelling in classics such as ‘When The Going Get Tough’, and Get Out Of My Dreams, Get In To My Car’, See you at the front!
One of the voices of the 80’s, Jimmy Somerville is sure to spark a huge sing along to his up tempo brand of synth-pop, new-wave and dance which spawned hits such as ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’, ‘Smalltown Boy’ and You ‘Make Me Feel’.
The dance, disco and soul of M People was one of the defining sounds of the 90’s, culminating in a Mercury Music Prize for the album Elegant Slumming. Formed by legendary DJ Mike Pickering and featuring the irrepressible vocals of Heather Small, M People had a string of hits including ‘How Can I Love You More’ and ‘Moving On Up’
