Festivals

Looking for the latest lineup, date, ticket information or latest news about your favourite festivals, look no further.  Summer Festival Guide’s Festival News section covers all your needs!

WOWfest features 2012 winner of Live and Unsigned

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Live and Unsigned auditions started in January leading up to the National Finals at the UK’s Largest indoor music festival, Live Fest (14th July, 02 Arena). The competition will be judged by a panel of music industry gurus from National Radio 1, Kerrang, BBC Introducing, Regional Press & record labels including Radio 1’s Annie Knightingale MBE, Kerrang! Radio’s Alex Baker, former Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim and many more to be announced!

The overall winner of Live and Unsigned 2012 will receive the exclusive opportunity to play WOWfest’s main stage on Friday 17th August. Sharing the main stage over the weekend are the likes of Norman Jay MBE, The Selecter and Aswad, with more still to be announced. In addition the winner of Live and Unsigned’s acoustic music sub category will play WOWfest’s new and local talent stage, Shaved Fish.

Only in its first year, WOWfest’s features an electric mix of House, Reggae, Ska, Jazz, World, Disco, Dance, Dubstep and Drum and Bass music including House legends Paul Oakenfold and Danny Rampling, Reggae stars UB40, Junior Marvin of Bob Marley's Wailers and Maxi Priest as well as Ska originals The Selecter and The Beat to name a few. On top of a spectacular line up the festival features Ubuntu, WOWfest’s African Village, as well as a vintage fun fair, workshops, theatre performances and afterhours comedy club and swirling burlesque.

The Live and Unsigned 2012 winner will also play Relentless Energy Drink Boardmasters, Sundown, Strawberry Fields Festival, Cloud 9 Festival, Glass Butter Beach, Bingley Music Live, Cockermouth Rock Festival, Brownstock, WOWFest, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Just So Festival, Stockton Weekender, London Summer Jam and Lancaster Music Festival as well as receive a cash prize of £10,000.

To enter Live and Unsigned visit http://www.liveandunsigned.uk.com/enter-now

Live and Unsigned Grand Final 14th July 2012 , The O2 London

http://www.liveandunsigned.uk.com/music-showcase

Charlotte Church to play special performance at Blissfields 2012

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With a capacity of just 2,500 and boasting a line-up that consistently features every buzz indie band of the moment, Blissfields Festival will be Charlotte's most intimate festival performance ever, and a chance for her to showcase a raft of new material with a full band in a truly unique environment.
 
Having won a Classical BRIT Award for Artist of the Year, a British Comedy Award for Best Female Newcomer, a GQ Award for Woman of the Year, and following six acclaimed, top 40 albums as well as a career in television – it’s safe to say that the 26 year old Church is as big a household name as Stephen Fry or cucumber sandwiches. Organizers have said they are“delighted when Charlotte approached us to preview new material at the event. We’ve always upheld the belief that Blissfields should be a place for all kinds of music, both emerging and established, and we know she’ll put on a quality show that everybody will enjoy. We’ve already confirmed pretty much all of our bill, but found a way to make this work – and of course we’re really excited by the announcement”.
 
Also announced is 12 year old Lauren Thalia. A local to the festival, she stole the judge’s heart in the audition stages of the competition, and performed at the live semi-final to a television audience of 7 million people with her own version of ‘Earthquake’.
 
Blissfields Festivalare proud to add Charlotte and Lauren to a bill that already includesPatrick Wolf (playing a special grand piano acoustic set), The Noisettes, Guillemots,Toddla T, Spector, Toy, Theme Park, Clock Opera, Charli XCX, Bastille, King Charles, and a wealth of other acclaimed acts to it’s 12th year line-up. Full line-up below.

Florence and The Machine to headline Friday at Bestival 2012

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Rob da Bank says: “The first time I met Flo she was whirling around like a spinning top to a Paul Simon track at a party I was DJing at. I hadn't even heard her open her mouth but she had this alluring vibe already. Once I heard her scratchy demo I was sold and when she did her first radio session for me at Radio 1 I couldn’t believe this flame-haired eccentric young lady had such a stunning voice. Her shows for us at Bestival and Camp Bestival over the last few years have always been highlights for many and I’m glad we can finally seal the deal with a headline show on the Friday of Bestival and with The xx on before her this promises to go down in the Best of Bestival yearbook!”

Florence & The Machine

A longstanding Bestival buddy, Florence Welch and her trusty Machine have wowed Bestivalites across the years. From her mesmerising performance in the Club Dada tent to a handful of those in the know, to her all-conquering main stage set in 2009, her epic vocals, quirky melodies and self-contained musical world have created some utterly jaw-dropping moments that will live long in Bestival lore. Her second album ‘Ceremonials’, released at the end of last year, has cemented her reputation as one of the biggest stars on the planet and gained her accolades by the bucket-load, so we really are honoured to have her back with us again!

Florence Welch says: “This year we are headlining the one and only Bestival on the main stage on the Friday night after the amazing The xx, we hope we'll find you there in the wilderness with us! Lots of love, Florence + The Machine.”

To celebrate the fact that Florence + the Machine will be headlining on Friday night, they have put together a spectacular video message for us rejoicing in our Wildlife theme, which you can check out on our website, www.bestival.net!

Never ones to do things by halves, we’re also over the moon to announce that Swedish indie-pop doyens Miike Snow will be getting on the ferry across the Solent to join us at Bestival. Lauded for their eponymous debut album that brought them to worldwide attention, the band’s recent sophomore outing, ‘Happy To You’, has upped the infectious factor, as they effortlessly cross genres with their uniquely orchatronic sound. Their live show is a theatrical joy and one not to be missed and we can’t wait to see them!

The band told us: “We of Miike Snow are very happy to be playing Bestival this year, on the fantastical Isle Of Wight. We are looking forward to making sure everyone has a delightful time, and visiting Shanklin Chine. See you all very soon.”

Don’t forget about the recently announced Bestival Blocos either and our, frankly, off the hook carnival-esque Wildlife parade. More info on that can be found here.

We will be announcing our Friday night headliner on Monday 21st May, so keep your eyes peeled for the details and in the meantime make sure you keep on checking in at  www.bestival.net, and our Facebook page and Twitter for all the latest behaviour.

All The Acts Announced So far: 

Live Performances From: Stevie Wonder  / Florence + The Machine / New Order  / The xx  / Sigur Rós / Friendly Fires / Nero / 2manydjs – Live / Soulwax  / Justice  / Two Door Cinema Club / Hot Chip / Miike Snow / Bat For Lashes / Emeli Sandé / Orbital / Frank Ocean / SBTRKT / Warpaint / De La Soul / Roots Manuva / Major Lazer / Sister Sledge / Gary Numan / The Horrors / Spiritualized / Death In Vegas / Doom / Ben Howard / Michael Kiwanuka / Sub Focus / Azealia Banks / Alabama Shakes  / Kevin Saunderson Feat. Inner City Live  / John Foxx And The Maths / Gallows / Rizzle Kicks / Buraka Som Sistema / Sage Francis / Grimes / Bellowhead / Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feat Al Mckay / Django Django / Little Dragon / Gold Panda / Adam Ant & The Good, The Mad And The Lovely Posse / The Cuban Brothers / Top Cat Featuring Sir Coxsone Outernational / Chairlift / Iceage / Ren Harvieu / John Talabot / Lianne La Havas / Delilah / First Aid Kit / Gesaffelstein / Daughter / Zulu Winter / Ane Brun / Friends / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / King Khan And The Shrines / The Japanese Popstars / Chas & Dave / Dub Pistols  / Factory Floor  / Charli XCX / Errors  / Lucy Rose / Skepta / Alunageorge / Sunless 97 / Congo Natty / King Krule / Toy / Kindness / Dirty Beaches / Drums Of Death / Jessie Ware / Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard / General Levy / Slagsmålsklubben / Jaipur Kawa Brass Band  / Field Music / Jinja Safari  / Kawa Circus / B.Dolan's Church Of Love & Ruin / 02:54 / Evian Christ / Frankie Rose / Porcelain Raft / Milagres / Three Bonzos & A Piano / Prince Fatty / Liz Green  / Trailer Trash Tracys / Forest Swords / Willis Earl Beal  / Murkage / Alt-J / The Staves / Skinny Lister / Josh Kumra / Ryan Keen  / Stay+ / Jamie N Commons / Nina Nesbitt / Bigkids / Gabrielle Aplin / Kwes / Diagrams  / Fiction  / Turbowolf  / Mary Epworth / Wet Nuns  / Misty's Big Adventure / This Is The Kit  / Stealing Sheep / Clock Opera  / Young British Artists /  Patterns / Ghost Outfit  / L.A. Salami  / To Kill A King / Dingus Khan /  Crowns / Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo / Parma Violets / Gorgeous George / Subgiant / Heath:Ward / Laurel Collective  /Jake Bugg /Ahab / Gecko / Model Society / Tom Williams And The Boat / The Other Tribe / Daytona Lights / Biederbeck / Valentine Gray / Charley Macaulay / Sky Sphere / Blackhouse Crow / The Lovely Eggs /  St Spirit  / Charming / Alonestar / Shepherds / Cherishport / Seán Mcgowan / A Way Of Life / This Way Up / The Widowmaker

DJs Sets From Rob da Bank and Friends: Annie Mac Presents / Skream & Benga / Four Tet B2B Caribou / The 2 Bears / David Rodigan MBE Presents Ram Jam / Jamie xx /  Dirtybird Showcase Feat. Claude Vonstroke, Justin Martin & Eats Everything  / François K / Moodymann / Gilles Peterson / Redlight / DJ Yoda / Maya Jane Coles / Brodinski / Scuba / Kavinsky  / Julio Bashmore  / LTJ Bukem /Shy FX / Plastician / Matador / Greg Wilson / Adamski / Doctor P / The Nextmen / MC Wrec / Pearson Sound / Borgore  / Flux Pavilion / Mark Jones (BTTP) / Max Cooper  / Gemini  / Krystal Klear  / Pangaea / Reggae Roast /  Billy Daniel Bunter / Pariah / Trolley Snatcha / Krafty Kuts / Warm & Electric Minds / Scratch Perverts  / Koan Sound  / Camo & Krooked / Giles Smith & James Priestley (Secretsundaze) / Mosca / Numbers Showcase: Oneman B2B Jackmaster, Deadboy, Spencer, Redinho  / B Traits / Dismantle  / Killaflaw / Gutterslut / Ben UFO / Melé / PBR Streetgang / Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends / Drums Of Death / Blawan / Frank Tope / Leo Zero / Evian Christ  / Girl Unit / Zomboy / Luv*Jam / Dr Alex Paterson / Chris Coco / Pete Gooding  / Phil Mison / Duff Disco / Sonnyji Presents Bang Bhang / Danny Whitehead / Mixmaster Morris / Rev Milo Speedwagon  / Graeme Fisher (Balearic)  / DJ Cable / Foamo / Shepdog / The Shellac Collective / Flying White Dots / DJ Charge / Hip Hop Karaoke / DJ@War / Pathaan / Mojo Filter / Fear Of Theydon / Tythe / Sink The Pink / George B / Kaf-Tan / Ben Hoo

Mr Motivator
 
Brainfeeder Presents Thundercat, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Lapalux, Jeremiah Jae, DJ Kutmah
 
Channel One Sound System

James Zabiela, Jaguar Skills and more added to Jersey Live Festival

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The Dance Arena line up is nearing completion, with Saturday night to be headlined by tech house starlet JAMES ZABIELA whose turntable skills and pioneering use of loops and effects have made him one of the most sought after producer-DJs in the business, with the likes of Royksopp and Ladytron calling upon his remixing services. The legendary Sasha, who signed him to his Excession agency, refers to him as ‘the guv’nor.’ Given the stratospheric trajectory of his career and his superhuman ability on the decks, it’s not hard to see why. 

Jaguar SkillsHe’ll be joined in the Dance Arena on the Saturday by one of the busiest and most influential producers in electronic music, Joshua Harvey, akaHERVE. A mainstay on the UK festival scene in recent years, his sets make for the ultimate rave: with big bass lines aplenty the Jersey Live audience can expect an explosion of electro, dubstep, fidget-house, drum & bass and grime. Having remixed Bloc Party and Calvin Harris amongst innumerous other indie and dance acts, he’s a producer with a big reputation and the talent to back it up. The masked man of mystery JAGUAR SKILLS makes a welcome return to Jersey Live, having performed at the festival in 2010. One of the most exciting scratch and mash-up DJs around, Jag is yet to reveal his true identity to the public, but we’re happy for him to let the music do the talking. 

Since becoming the youngest ever DJs to record a live Essential Mix for Radio One, JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE have gone from strength to strength, regularly co-hosting with the likes of Annie Mac and Zane Lowe and enjoying huge success with their infamous Moda parties, taking place in clubs, warehouses, theatres and even boats across the globe. Their sets are a mash-up of electro, techno, disco and indie, and will be a welcome addition to the Dance Arena bill. Confirmed for the Sunday in the Dance Arena is Ram Records’ much-lauded drum & bass duo DELTA HEAVY. With radio airplay and DJN support from such diverse DJs as Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens, Andy C and Friction, it’s clear that their cross-over appeal is set to make them ones to watch. Completing the first wave of Dance Arena announcements is FEED ME. Signed to Deadmau5’s Mau5trap label, the British electro-house/dubstep producer has remixed Muse, Chase & Status and Gorillaz, and with a debut album due out this year, he’s set for very big things indeed.

Also joining our second wave of announcements are a number of acts that will be performing on the Main Stage, JT Stage and Tease Stage over the weekend, starting with BBC Sound of 2012-listed indie outfit FRIENDS, described by the Guardian as ‘Brooklyn’s sassiest girl-fronted group” and whose third single ‘Mind Control’ was recently named as Huw Stephens’ Hottest Record in the World on Radio One. Manchester reggae-funk party-starters THE JANICE GRAHAM BAND perform twice over the weekend, and come with the approval of none other than Stone Roses bassist Mani, who describes them as “so unique in an age where it’s so easy to copy what has gone before.” Scottish afrobeat quartet BWANI JUNCTION appear on the JT stage at the festival, after having earned themselves a legion of fans headlining the BBC Introducing Stage at T in the Park in 2011. Their compatriot NINA NESBITT will perform on the Tease Stage, having enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the most talked-about new acoustic indie-folk artists of 2012. The precociously talented 17 year-old has collaborated extensively with her other half, Ed Sheeran and is on the cusp of joining him on the British musical A-list. The final artist to be announced is another much talked-about and super-talented youngster JAKE BUGG. Since appearing on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury last year, the 18 year-old singer-songwriter has enjoyed extensive Radio One airplay and been signed to recording giants Universal, and with artists such as Donovan and Johnny Cash influencing his country-tinged folk music, he’s sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s festival.

The festival boasts five stages in total: The Main Stage, where the big guns go head to head; The Dance Arena, which will host some of the world’s hottest DJs and producers. Previous artists have included Calvin Harris, Annie Mac, Mr Oizo and Boys Noize; The Tease Stage is a themed stage featuring a mix of local and international artists, as well as a fancy dress stall (very much recommended to all that visit it) and games galore; The JT Stage hosts an array of local and international artists, and provides a more chilled-out area to recharge your batteries before heading out for more Main Stage action; The Hospitality Stage is available to Hospitality ticket-holders (see below for details) and features exclusive DJ sets throughout the weekend.

With plenty of bars, an entire food village, arts and crafts stalls and its own funfair, yet a capacity of just 10,000 daily, Jersey Live has all the action of a major festival but all the friendliness and intimacy that its boutique status would suggest.

Jersey Live is heading towards a decade of unforgettable parties, and with many more acts to be announced soon, this one might just top the lot.

The Zing Zilla’s & Dick and Dom return for this years Lollibop 2012

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The ‘LolliBop Live’ stage will play host to some of the hottest names in kids entertainment with musical performances from the likes of the Zing Zilla's, JassaAluwahlia (Art Attack) and The Mr Men & Little Miss Party Roadshow. TV favourites Dick and Dom will also take to the stage to entertain crowds with their unique blend of music and games. 

Celebrating its first year in the West End, Shrek the Musical will also make a special appearance with a performance from the award-winning show (Sunday 19 only).

 In the Lollipaladium, see the story of The Gruffalo brought to life on the stage with plenty of audience interaction. CBeebiesfavourite, Mister Maker will be on hand to demonstrate his unique arts and crafts skills.  Mister Maker is a real life character who gets inspiration to make art from everything around him. Packed full of stimulating ideas, set in his own fantasy art world, prepare to expect the unexpected!

Other headline attractions include yoga sessions with Waybuloo, workshops by Horrible Histories, Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre, performances by 8ft Titan the Robot, an Alice In Wonderland tea partyand a chance to meet ‘Tiny’, a 125 million years young dinosaur.

The brand new life-size Transformers Optimus Prime Truck will also be at the three day event, giving fans the chance to get up and personal with this movie legend. 

Pint sized guests (and grown ups) will notice a few more additions to the 2012 event.

The ‘LolliBop Kitchen‘ is an exciting new area, where LolliBoppers will have the chance to learn new skills from live demonstrations and interactive workshops, featuring popular blogger My Daddy Cooks.

A new ’Tween Town‘ area will feature a number of activities for older kids including street dance, hula-hooping, magic and beat-boxing workshops, plus an older arts and crafts tent and a brand new laser room!

Halfords will create a bespoke Bike City at LolliBop, which will include a Wacky Races obstacle course for under 5’s, where children can be the first to try out a brand new range of Balance and Apollo kids bikes. For older kids, highlights include a BMX stunt display and demo area.

Other new areas include: ‘LolliBop Animal Curiosities’, which features animals including a polar bear, a dinosaur and gorillas!  ‘The Disco Shed‘ which will have mini boppers (and parents!) dancing the day away and ‘The Village Green‘ – the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy some street theatre.

Back by popular demand, the Science Museum are preparing for a triumphant return to Regent’s Park with an expanded area and dedicated Science Zone.

For pre-schoolers, the ‘3ft &Under’ area is also back.  Confirmed activities include a mini disco, tiny play, little arts, baby ballet, yoga, teddy bears picnic and sing and sign.  There will be two boob and botty boudoirs this year, and covered buggy parks and lollishade areas are also being created.

Old favourites, including ‘LolliSports‘, ‘Imagination Stations‘, ‘Itsy Bitsy Strictly‘ and ‘The Enchanted Forest‘ will all also return for 2012.

And if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of arts and craft activities, face painting and workshops, including circus skills.

A wide selection of food and drink stalls are on offer to provide a welcome rest.

All of the activities, stages and events are included in the entry ticket price, which starts at £22 per person.For more information, including a full programme of events, visit www.lollibopfestival.com

Public Enemy and more added to SW4 2012 lineup

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Reviewing their list of accolades, it’s easy to see why they are such an inspired choice. Selling millions of records worldwide, plus a penchant for causing controversy, means their seminal anthems strike a chord with fans and critics alike. The influential ‘Rolling Stones’ magazine, ranked Public Enemy #44 in their ‘100 greatest artists of all time’, whilst their rampant tracks have influenced and inspired generations. ‘Bring The Noise’ is just one example, whilst ‘Fight The Power’ took the #1 spot in VH1’s ‘100 greatest hip hop songs.’ It’s these thought provoking titles which deem Public Enemy kings amongst men. To make this SW4 exclusive even more mouth watering, 2012 represents the 25th Anniversary since Public Enemy’s debut album ‘Yo! Bum Rush the Show’ shocked the world and provided the first step on their road to superstardom. As the self proclaimed prophets of rage, notorious for upsetting middle America, their media and government, it’s time to BRING THE NOISE to SW4.

Public Enemy

In addition to the announcement of Public Enemy as our Sunday live headliner, we can also reveal some very special guests playing across the weekend…

On the Saturday the sunshine sounds of Erick Morillo will light up his Subliminal arena. Having already announced that Erick will headline the stage in his only UK festival performance of 2012 and first London show in seventeen months, we can now reveal he will be bringing something extra special to SW4. In its UK debut, Erick returns for a second stint – along with cohorts Harry ‘Choo Choo’ Romero and Jose Nunez. The talented trio have named themselves ‘Sympho Nympho’, a project that has got everyone talking. With all three having previously worked together under the ‘Ministers De La Funk’ pseudonym, an affinity within the DJ booth equates to one hell of a show. Guaranteed to have maximum impact, Erick, Harry and Jose will play off against each other with dramatic delays and rocking reverbs. A sure fire hit at Subliminal in Ibiza this summer, three is definitely the magic number. Each having crafted their own legacy within the scene, together they look set to be a dominant force. A privilege to host their UK debut in another UK festival exclusive, SW4 is delighted to welcome Sympho Nympho.

A-Trak is another Saturday addition, his wizardry unmatched by any other. Proved by a technical trophy cabinet, boasting the DMC, ITF and Vestax crowns, A-Trak is the only artist to hold all three of these ‘majors’. Add to this five DMC world championships, the first triumph whilst only fifteen years young, a record perhaps never to be broken, A-Trak’s perplexing performances is underpinned by these award winning repertoires. Hence the Subliminal arena will be perfect for his sublime skills, the foundation for fusing an array of electronic genres. Wowing not just within the live domain, a production prowess earmarks A-Trak as the top dog. For example remixing Martin Solveig’s ‘The Night Out’, adding a gurgling bass line and rasping synth – peak time personified! Not forgetting some sweet ‘Duck Sauce’, the brilliant collaboration with Armand van Helden. ‘Barbra Streisand’ stormed the charts, whilst ‘Big Bad Wolf’ was awarded ‘Best Underground Track’ at this year’s IDMA awards. Don’t miss one of dance music’s most talented purveyors.

In West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where he spent most of his days! Still residing in Philly, Diplo bears some resemblance to the Fresh Prince. A charismatic and open minded ethos has helped him develop an eclectic and loyal fan base, as has his ability to fuse genres. His seminal ‘Mad Decent’ label, Major Lazer project with Switch and collaborations with Beyonce, M.I.A., No Doubt, Busta Rhymes, Tiesto and Usher are evidence of this and has acted as the perfect platform to gain worldwide exposure. Expect a SW4 Sunday display of electronic madness, flirting with urban, dub, D&B and dancehall, in that trademark Diplo style.

Finally on the Sunday dynamic Italian duo Crookers. To serve up Mama’s groundbreaking recipe for mayhem, incorporating all styles into one chunky package. A sought after sound, Crookers have produced acclaimed remixes for Timbaland, Chromeo, Moby, Robbie Williams and The Chemical Brothers amongst others. Not forgetting the unashamedly catchy remix of Kid Kudi’s ‘Day ‘N’ Nite’, which stormed to No.2 in the UK charts. A warping bass line and soulful under current, ensure this is a track to grace any festival setting. Crookers’ fractious blend of street, rap, house and fidget is one of the great wonders of DJ land. A skill not taught at any academy, it is eminent in their pulsating studio work. Latest offering ‘That Laughing Track’ is custom made for SW4’s lasers and lights. Haunting vocals give it an unconventional sound, but one which will blow the roof off SW4 such are its genre defying properties. Crookers; here to steal the SW4 show.

As indicated by the oversized clock which always adorns Flavor Flav, it’s time for South West Four 2012. The road to Clapham is well and truly mapped out, with these line-up additions. The most diverse and delectable line-up this summer, SW4 is here to stake its claim for another year. Get ready…

Riot Jazz returns to this years Kendal Calling

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Step into a real life festival fairytale with ‘The Great Puppet Show’ that will transform a corner of the Kendal Calling fields with plenty of antics, art installations, eye catching décor designs and a host of circus performers & eclectic musicians. Riot Jazz brings an area of true escapism, it’s weird and wonderful and full of hidden musical gems to discover.

Acts to grace the Riot Jazz stage include: Riot Jazz Brass Band, The WhiskyCats, Honeyfeet, Lauren Housley, Jonny Dub (DJ), Dirty North, Gogo Penguin, New York Brass Band, Extra Love, The E.M.E, Nancy Kent, Lauren Housley, Age Of Glass, Toe Rag, The Templebys, Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs, Sara Mac, Al Baker & The Dole Queue, Chili Mazarin, The 2nd Tallest Man in the World, Scratter's & The Funky Disco Pig, Stan's Magic Foot, Al Baker, Joey Arnold and Blind Dog Daddy'o PLUS a special guest headliner.

The Riot Jazz Brass Band are the artists in residence, the masters of ceremonies who ventured from their arena and graced the main stage last year. Fronted by MC Chunky, the band has performed across the globe from Finland to Croatia delivering high-octane shows. As well as hosting the Riot Jazz area, the band have a debut album coming soon that captures their unique talents in time for Summer.

Other highlights on the bill include Honeyfeet; who has been described as a songbird of her generation with a full live band to support her electric sound. Also joining the bill is Lauren Housley, a bright artist from Yorkshire who is redefining Northern Soul as she conjures a warm, organic soundscape with a fresh, full voice that references Dusty Springfield with the virility of Ray Charles.

Live favourites The Whisky Cats make a welcome return to the festival, with their hazardous and original get up. Their authentic sound and unique theatrical approach to performing has prompted people into saying that they are one of the best live acts in the country. Their sound is so diverse that ex-Blur bassist Alex James said Whisky Cats 'don't sound like anyone else in the world'

Aside from the music they’ll be a whole host of entertainment with performance art, circus troupes and vaudeville amusements. Riot Jazz is a true trip into a land of legend and fairytales, where costumes and decor transform reality, dusk turns into dawn and strangers become friends. Immerse in this adult wonderland armed with weapons of mass distraction. Experience and hear something new, Riot Jazz has landed.

Every Thursday there will be more news from Kendal Calling with area news and line-up additions to add to the already stellar bill.

See you in the fields!

www.kendalcalling.com

FULL LINE UP INCLUDES:

DIZZEE RASCAL / JAMES / MAXIMO PARK / DAN LE SAC VS SCOOBIUS PIP / SHED SEVEN / WE ARE SCIENTISTS / THE VIEW / FEEDER / INSPIRAL CARPETS  / SPECTOR / VINTAGE TROUBLE / TRIBES / BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH / WHISKYCATS / DJ YODA & THE TRANSIBERIAN MARCH BAND / /DREADZONE / LITTLE ROY / TO KILL A KING / DODGY/ BOMBSKARE / GHOSTPOET / TWISTED WHEEL / JUAN ZELADA / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / MONSTER CEILIDH / VARIOUS CRUELTIES / ISLET / LUCY ROSE / TOY / STEVE SMYTH / MAX RAPTOR / HYDE & BEAST / RAE MORRIS / RYAN KEEN / PETE ROE / KING CHARLES / JACK MARTELLO / SPRING OFFENSIVE / JAKE EVANS (BAD LIEUTENANT) / EXTRA CURRICULAR / BEANS ON TOAST / RANDOM IMPULSE / WONDER VILLIANS / POLICE DOG HOGAN

DANCE TENT: BENGA / ANDY C / SHY FX / JACK BEATS (DJ set) / MOSCA / MS DYNAMITE / TODDLA T /  A.SKILLZ / OLUGBENGA (METRONOMY) / UTAH SAINTS / 16-BIT  /  THE CORRESPONDENTS / PHAELEH / DUB PISTOLS (DJ set) / JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE / D/R/U/G/S + MANY MORE

RIOT JAZZ STAGE: RIOT JAZZ BRASS BAND / THE WHISKYCATS / HONEYFEET / LAUREN HOUSLEY / JONNY DUB (DJ) / DIRTY NORTH / GOG PENGUIN / NEW YORK BRASS BAND / EXTRA LOVE / THE E.M.E / NANCY KENT / AGE OF GLASS / TOE RAG / THE TEMPLEBYS / THINGUMABOB & THE THINGUMAJIGS / SARA MAC / AL BAKER & THE DOLE QUEUE / CHILI MAZARIN / THE 2ND TALLEST MAN IN THE WORLD / SCRATTERS & THE FUNKY DISCO PIG / STAN’S MAGIC FOOT / JOEY ARNOLD / BLIND DOG DADDY’O plus more tba

The music and activities in the Kendal Calling meadow span 11 diverse stages and areas, situated in a close-knit site that means you’re never far from your friends; areas include Mainstage, GLoW dance tent, Calling Out new music stage, Kaylied tent, Soapbox, Kids Area, Kendal Calling Real Ale Festival tent, Garden of Eden, Village Green, New Woodland area (details tba), Happy Slap boutique, Riot Jazz, Houseparty and new for 2012; Tim Peak’s Diner brought to you by Tim Burgess of the Charlatans!

100 days till Reading and Leeds Festival

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With exclusive appearances from THE CURE, KASABIAN and FOO FIGHTERS on the Main Stage and hundreds of other artists set to appear, this is the only place for music fans to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend.

KasabianOther acts confirmed to appear include PARAMORE, FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, THE BLACK KEYS, THE MACCABEES, JUSTICE, AT THE DRIVE IN, METRONOMY, LESS THAN JAKE and SOCIAL DISTORTION with many more names yet to be announced over seven stages.

The festival takes place at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds where 160,000 music fans spend the best weekend of the year listening to the greatest line-up of rock, indie, metal, punk and dance music.

Did You Know:

  • There is a competition running online at www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com where you can win the chance to become the Lord or Lady Mayor of the festival. Your ticket will be upgraded to VIP; you can watch your favourite band from the side of the stage, have a backstage slap up lunch and much, much more.
  • Reading & Leeds actively operate and promote deposit schemes for cups and water bottles, facilitating the collection of recyclable waste and ensuring we achieve the highest rate of recycling. A 10p deposit is taken for each cup which is refundable if the cup is taken back to the refund points.
  • When the bands stop the fun doesn’t – at Reading & Leeds films are show in the cinema tent till late and there is dancing in the Silent Arena at both sites where you can disco dance till dawn, plus late night entertainment to be announced at the Alternative Stage in Leeds including DJ’s, interactive films and much more.
  • Vodafone customers can ensure their mobile phone is charged throughout the festival weekend by leaving it at the Vodafone VIP Recharge Truck. Vodafone only customers can also enjoy an unrivalled view of all the performances on the Main Stage by visiting the Vodafone VIP viewing platform.
  • Relentless will bring the new look Energy Sessions Arena, sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink, to the campsite at Leeds each night from 10pm to 3am – a massive outdoor stage playing host to an array of not-to-be-missed DJ talent and delivering a unique experience for festival-goers.
  • 2012 is the tenth year the Festival has been at Bramham Park in Leeds, but Bramham Park has been open to the public for sixty years this year.
  • Jägermeister will be turning up to Leeds with their massive three story specially converted ex-military 25 tonne Ice Truck. The Ice Truck will be situated in the main arena and comes complete with a serving bar, dispensing Ice Cold Jäger shots from tap machines that chill the Jägermeister to zero degrees.
  • River Island will be getting involved at Reading this year with a festival ‘Swap Shop’ – exchange your dirty festival clothes for some brand spanking new River Island kit, safe in the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for charity.  River Island will clean your dirty kit and donate it to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.  Check the festival website for details.
  • Everybody who buys a weekend ticket gets a free burger and beer on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival, with vegetarian and soft drink options if preferred.  Don’t just stick to that though, this year there will be all the usual foody options available but also the likes of tapas, a full carvery and even ostrich!
  • Reading & Leeds Festival is partnering with goCarShare. It's built around Facebook and connects festival-goers, so you can see if you have any friends or friends of friends, heading the same way. There is priority parking right by one of the site entrances for the first 200 cars to sign up, which means no time wasted looking for a space and a short walk to the campsite. All occupants of the car, passengers and driver, will be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets for either Reading or Leeds 2013. The goCarShare team will even wash your car for you! Full details and T&C’s on the Reading & Leeds websites.

Band News:

  • Azealia Banks released an eagerly awaited new track ‘Jumanji’ last week, taken from her debut album 'Broke With Expensive Taste’ due later this summer and Reading & Leeds are one of the only festivals to catch her at.
  • Iceland’s Of Monsters And Men have never been to Reading & Leeds. They’ve said “We're really excited.  We've never played a UK festival, BUT we have played in London.  We expect sun but also a lot of rain. We're not afraid to get muddy!”
  • The Joy Formidable make their only UK appearance of the summer at the festival. They have just completed work on their second album with legendary producer Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Jeff Buckley Rage Against The Machine), the follow up to their debut ‘The Big Roar’.  No doubt fans will get their first preview of the new tracks at Reading & Leeds.
  • The Black Keys release a new single ‘Dead and Gone’ this month, taken from their hugely successful album ‘El Camino’.   Released to widespread critical acclaim in December, ‘El Camino’ debuted at # 2 on the Billboard Top 200 and has already been certified Platinum in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and Gold in France, Ireland, the UK and US.
  • Will Rees from the Mystery Jets was asked recently what he was looking forward to this summer – “Leeds (Festival).  They’ve got dodgems.” Whereas Ryan Jarman from The Cribs said “Reading is always my favourite ‘cos that’s the one I always used to go to when I was growing up, even when Leeds started.  I’ve been there every year since 1997.”
  • Next weekend Foo Fighters will appear on the series finale of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the US, hosted by none other than Mick Jagger.

TICKETING INFO

  • Weekend tickets £197.50 plus applicable booking fees
  • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £85.00 plus applicable booking fees
  • Early entry permits £15.00
  • Campervan permits £60.00
  • Lockers £15.00
  • Reading car parking £5.00
  • Weekend ticket prices include camping

Sunday Day Tickets at Reading Festival are now sold out.

 

Festibelly announce Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Skinny Lister and more!

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Festibelly fav James Yuill, Mr Nice aka Howard Marks, Balkan folk troop The Trans-Siberian March Band, rising French band We Were Evergreen, and London collective Reggae Roast – many more acts are still to be announced. 

As well as the usual dazzling selection of musical talent on the main stage, the Festibelly field will play host to a number of venues and attractions including Terrapin Station, Le Disco, brand new Le Roller Disco, Massive In China and Autumn Shift – together creating a kaleidoscope of psychedelic gypsy to dirty disco, wrong cabaret, circus performance, wonky gameshows, cosy cafés, poetry, painting and more. This year Festibelly flings its arms wide open to those with young Festi Critters, bringing new kids entertainment area The Owlery to site. 

As ever, Festibelly stays close to its grassroots ethos and remains brand and sponsorship free and is always guaranteed to have friendliest Festi-goers to be found. Previous artists to play Festibelly include The Big Pink, New Young Pony Club, Ghostpoet, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Rob Da Bank, Drums Of Death, Man Like Me, Hollie Cook, James Yuill, She Keeps Bees, Greco Roman Sound System, Psychemagik, Reggae Roast, Oh Ruin, Johnny Flynn, King Charles, My Tiger My Timing, Tek-One, O Children, Skinny Lister and Toy.

Catch Festibelly warmup events this summer at London’s The Lock Tavern, Bournemouth’s 60 Million Postcards, Southampton’s The Orange Rooms and Festibelly Local events in its hometown of Lymington, Hampshire.

Event: Festibelly 2012
Location: Undershore, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 5QA
Date: Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th August 2012
Times: Gates open 9pm 25th August – close 2pm 27th August
Ticket Price: Weekend ticket: £55 // Sunday ticket: £38 – on sale 9th April via festibelly.com
Capacity: 3,000

Summer Festival Guide’s preview of this years RockNess

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Very few festivals offer such a diverse selection of bands in a setting as breath taking as RockNess. Now in its seventh year the festival returns the weekend after jubilee bank holiday weekend in the stunning surroundings of Clune Farm on the banks of Loch Ness.

With a little over three weeks to go and the e-mail confirming my attendance fresh in my inbox it’s certainly something to get excited about and to kick start the UK festival season.
 
Rockness will be the first big festival I’ll be photographing and reporting on, several artists within the massive line-up have already caught my eye and will be a definite must to photograph over the weekend.
 
I will have the opportunity to experience new artists and bands alongside those already seen, on top of interacting with the crowd on a whole new level; Working a festival with this different perspective & atmosphere will make it one to remember.
 
DeadMau5
 
RockNess 2012 promises to be a success once again after winning the NME Awards Best Small Festival for the second consecutive year. The eclectic line-up sees English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran headline on Friday, Canadian Electro house producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman AKA Deadmau5 lead the bill on Saturday and Scottish rock sensation Biffy Clyro brining the festival to a close on Sunday. Other live acts appearing across the weekend include Wretch 32, Noah & the Whale, Mumford & Sons, Annie Mac, Justice, The Pigeon Detectives, DJ Fresh, Friendly Fires, Knife Party, Madeon & Beardyman while the Comedy stage is host once again to Scottish Comedian of the Year, Ro Campbel along-side Daniel Sloss with many more also appearing.
 
Click here to goto the official RockNess website
 
Written by Dan Wheatley