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!

Win festival slots at Norfolk Spectacular

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Norfolk’s newest music festival is held at the Norfolk Showground over the course of two days towards the end of the summer, and since its debut last year has already began to rival some of the bigger, more established festivals.

Norfolk Spectacular!
Last year Norfolk Spectacular received thousands of requests from unsigned acts across the UK applying to play at the festival, but spaces were limited. So, for the first time, Norfolk Spectacular has joined forces with the Live and Unsigned competition to offer festival slots to three acts! The lucky winners will be chosen from the Live and Unsigned Grand Final at The O2, and will include the overall Live and Unsigned 2012 champion.

Norfolk Spectacular may be Norfolk’s newest music festival, but make no mistake – it is not a small festival.  Around 40,000 festival goers attended Norfolk Spectacular’s debut in 2011 to witness the range of incredible acts the music festival had to offer. The main stage was headlined by Chase and Status and N-Dubz, and also played host to Example, Chipmunk, Eliza Doolittle, Professor Green, Tinie Tempah, Taio Cruz and Tinchy Stryder over the course of the weekend. The Arena Stage meanwhile saw a range of local and unsigned artists take to the stage to showcase their talent.
Win Festival Slots

Live & Unsigned is the biggest unsigned music competition for original unsigned bands and artists in the UK. It offers the finalists the chance to play at The O2 in London alongside some of the UK's best musicians at Live Fest, London’s biggest indoor festival. There’s also £100,000 worth of prizes to be won, including an additional new main cash prize of £10,000 for the winning act to spend on their development.

Auditions begin in January 2012 and all acts in the competition are auditioned live. Acts that make it through the audition stage will get to perform to industry judges, A & R associates and celebrity guests. Judging last year’s competition and hopefully set to join the panel again in 2012 include Radio 1 DJ’s Annie Nightingale, Ras Kwame, Tom Deacon and Daniel P Carter, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and Happy Mondays star Bez.

If you are interested in playing the best festivals of 2012, including Norfolk Spectacular, click here to check out all the festival partners for Live and Unsigned 2012.

Strummercamp announce New Model Army as headliner

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In their 31st year, with 13 albums to their name, New Model Army still possess an insatiable creative ambition. As one of the Amigo’s favourite bands this promises to be one of the best closing nights Strummercamp Festival has seen.
 
Other confirmed acts include:
Goldblade,Neck, The Lovely Eggs, V Thirteen, Stand Out Riot, Beat The Red Light, Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man, Hated Til Proven, Acid Drop, Faintest Idea, Only Strangers, Bootscraper, Rising Strike, Run Out The Guns, Ducking Punches – many more acts to be added

The Stone Roses set for Sziget Festival 2012

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The Stone Roses were one of the pioneers of British guitar pop’s ‘Madchester’ era, ruling the scene of the late 80’s and early 90’s. Their comeback was announced in October 2011 and quickly hit major music media headlines with the plan of their forthcoming world tour. The first triple-gig of the tour is set for Heaton Park in Manchester, with the initial 2 nights selling out in less than 15 minutes. Not a bad sign, considering the capacity of 150.000. Another revealing piece of data: The Stone Roses record sales grew with an unbelievable 1000% after announcing the reunion.

The Stone Roses

Rumor has it that the band is already thinking about recording a new album, so you better prepare for a total conquest of The Stone Roses, peaking at the 20th Sziget Festival.

Six massive acts added to Hideout Festival 2012

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Sub Focus AKA Nick Douwma, has quickly risen through the ranks of underground jungle to become a major player in electronic music. Initially known for dancefloor dismantling drum & bass, Sub Focus is now known for being synonymous with music that draws from all corners of the electronic landscape. His new single Falling Down is available for free download from his Facebook fanpage. No doubt Sub Focus’ return to the Isle of Pag will raise the roof at Hideout Festival 2012.

Having announced herself onto the electronic music scene in 2010, Maya Jane Coles has had unbelievable few years since, earning 9th best DJ in the world in Resident Advisor¹s 2011 top 100 DJs poll. A bright talent with more than a couple of strings to her bow, Maya Jane Coles will bring something very different and exiting to Hideout 2012.

Breakage, who will be making his 2nd visit to the festival, moves effortlessly through styles from drum and bass to dubstep and has proved to be one of the most versatile operators in either scene to date. His recent single Fighting Fire was endorsed by Zane Lowe as Hottest Record In The World and further support has come from Hideout favourite Annie Mac.

Kerri 'Kaoz' Chandler, a deep house music originator, has been injecting soul into music since the early nineties and unparalleled in his ability to bring an intoxicating spirit and sparkling soul to the genre, his signature sound has always stayed true to his jazz and soul roots, ensuring Kerri Chandler will light up Zcre Beach this summer.

As one of the year’s brightest techno stars Ben Klock is welcomed with open arms to Hideout 2012. The Berghain resident has been touring the globe, as well as releasing records on Ostgut Ton and his own label Klockworks and has mounted an international reputation over the last few years making his name synonymous with the rise of techno throughout the world.

Finally, Hideout 2012 welcomes Toddla T to Croatia, 2011 has been another huge year for Toddla T. He has produced tracks for some of the UK urban scene¹s biggest stars, is putting the finishing touches to his second album, DJs around the globe, has a slew of remixes under his belt and has now landed his very own weekly Radio 1 show.

Bilbao BBK Live 2012 – Early Bird Tickets On-sale Today

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Having recently confirmed RADIOHEAD as the first headliner in which is set to be the band's only Spanish performance this year, Bilbao BBK Live has quickly established itself as one of the major European festivals. Previous editions of the event have included headliners such as Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction, RHCP and Suede.

More acts will be announced very soon, so stay tuned to our website

Bilbao BBK Live is a three day event that takes place on top of a hill surrounded by mountains offering spectacular views over the city of Bilbao. The privileged location of the festival site, its proximity to the city and beach and a late start of bands, allow festival goers to make the most of this unique event and setting. Bilbao is a modern city famous for its architecture, museums and gastronomy, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from some of the best waves in Europe.

Bilbao BBK Live is above all, a fuss free festival; with an uncomplicated layout, easy access from the city and airport, it has proven to be a huge success with national and international festival goers. The two main stages and the schedule, guarantees that acts never overlap, so you get everything you have paid for and much more!

Exit Festival Xmas offer and ticket details

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And it gets better… the Christmas ticket offer runs from 16th to 24th December and includes even more savings and exclusive deals; buy 2 get 1 free, free camping for 5 tickets and VIP treatment plus free camping for 10 tickets.  Limited packages available so hurry to avoid disappointment. 

Taking place from Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th July, in the magical Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the river Danube, EXIT continues to deliver the most adventurous and value for money festival experience, with a diverse and cutting edge line up, cheap food and drink onsite and the best campsite entertainment whilst bathing in the hot Balkan sunshine. 

EXIT is also home to the world famous Dance Arena, renowned for its incredible energy and set within a moat of the fortress walls. From techno to electro to dirty house to house with a disco twist, the Dance Arena covers all tastes and will keep you dancing all night long. Pushing cutting edge new talent and tipping its hat to the old school, the music in the arena never disappoints and the experience of dancing with 20,000 people as the sun rises over the fortress walls is truly mind blowing!

EXIT’s unique fortress venue has other festivals green with envy, offering breathtaking sunets over the city of Novi Sad and over 600 artists, peforming on 20 stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels – a walk through the mystical fortress is like a trip through a magical wonderland. EXIT is also a musical journey as they embrace diversity and offer different genres of music from worldwide artists.

Getting to EXIT is all part of the fun, taking place in Serbia one of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems. By plane, train, coach or camper van it’s well worth the effort and you won’t be disappointed. EXIT is a non-corporate event with a unique history, having started as a student protest against the communist Milosevic regime. EXIT has proved that music is a universal language that can connect and bring people together to make the world a better place.  Be part of something that is more than just a music festival, where hedonism meets activism as EXIT continues to evolve and bring like-minded people together. "Party hard and remember – apathy is the enemy”

The picturesquese city of Novi Sad also has lots to offer with a bustling cafe culture.  Spend your days leisurely cafe hopping enjoying the Serbian sun and hospitality with plenty of bars, cafes, restuarants and shops to choose from.

The EXIT Village is the best way to experience the festival, make new friends, dance on the beach or make a splash in the water.  The EXIT Village is a short walk from the festival site and has it’s own entertainment and facilities.

With more entertainment, easier and cheaper travel options, unique location, stunning weather and an atmosphere unlike any other festival, EXIT offers a 4 day extravaganza costing much less than a UK festival ticket, giving the festival goer more value for money.

 

 

Christmas ticket offer:
Buy 2 and get 1 free – LIMITED!
Buy 5 and get free camping: for you and your mates  – LIMITED!
Buy 10 and get free camping + VIP treatment: table on VIP terrace and bottle of your favorite spirit on the night of your choice   – LIMITED!

Buy tickets direct from EXIT and from our official ticket partners HMV, See Tickets and Skiddle
http://www.etickets.to/exit
http://eng.exitfest.org/

Tickets:
Early Bird Tickets: £85 plus booking fee – SOLD OUT
Loyalty Club Tickets: £89 plus booking fee
Standard Tickets: £95 plus booking fee
Camping Tickets: £25 plus booking fee
VIP Tickets: £220 plus booking fee

Buy tickets direct from EXIT and from our official ticket partners HMV, See Tickets and Skiddle
http://www.etickets.to/exit
http://eng.exitfest.org/

Travel and Accommodation:
Getting to EXIT has never been easier, faster and cheaper! The nearest airport is Belgrade, with direct flights from the UK with JAT and Wizz Air. Belgrade is one hour from Novi Sad, you can get a taxi or take a shuttle bus with EXIT Trip and eufest.  

EXIT Trip is the Official Travel and accommodation for EXIT Festival with the lowest price guaranteed! Offering huge discounts on direct flights, accommodation and local transfers in one package, look no further than herewww.exittrip.org

EXIT have also teamed up with No Mud who are also offering great value package deals to EXIT. www.nomud.com

Ibiza & Mallorca Rocks Opening & Closing Parties announced

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Ibiza Rocks is once again lining up an ‘A Team’ of talent to take over the Balearics with Ed Sheeranconfirmed to headline the opening parties of Mallorca Rocks (05 June) and Ibiza Rocks (06 June). Two Door Cinema Club will take pride of place for the closing parties in Mallorca (18 Sept) andIbiza (19 Sept) to complete the 16 week-long, sun-drenched series of outdoor summer gigs crammed with outstanding talent.

Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest music sensations of the year. The critically acclaimed Suffolk singer-songwriter dominated the airwaves for months with massive hit ‘The A Team’, which quickly became the highest-selling and highest-charting debut single of 2011 and then went straight to the top of the charts with the release of his debut album ‘+’, which achieved double-platinum status in just 3 months. With influences ranging from Jay-Z to Damien Rice, Sheeran’s genre-defying blend of acoustic pop, folk, grime and hip-hop has earned him major awards recognition and a huge following.  Fans are set to be out in full force when Ed Sheeran brings his biggest hits and best new material to the Balearics for the hugely anticipated Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks opening parties on Tuesday 05 & Wednesday 06 June respectively.

Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ in March 2010, Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories across the globe. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South America, playing two successive sold out shows at Shepherds Bush Empire, selling out Brixton Academy in just a few hours, absolutely smashing the festival circuit with stand-out sets all summer and earning themselves headliner status of the forthcoming NME Awards Tour, the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim.  Two Door Cinema Club headline the closing parties of Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks on Tuesday 18 September and Wednesday 19 September respectively.

Kevin Baird, Two Door Cinema Club, said: “We're very excited to be playing Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks next year! We've never performed over on the sunshine isle so it's going to be a fun show. We've spoken to other artists who have performed there in the past and it's supposed to be a crazy party! Looking forward to it."

Shane Murray, Ibiza Rocks promoter, said: “We're really excited and exceptionally proud to bring Ed Sheeran and Two Door Cinema Club to make their live debuts on the Rocks stages.  It’s a real coup to bring such in demand artists to the Balearics – we've set the bar pretty high for the rest of the summer!  Exciting, new music for the festival generation is what Rocks is all about and these exclusive shows are a perfect way to Open and Close. With 16 weeks and 32 gigs – our biggest season of live music under the stars awaits.”

The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists and breakthrough talent live under the Balearic stars and offers a choice of quality accommodation options in Mallorca and Ibiza at exceptional value.  It’s no wonder Ibiza Rocks is THE most popular international festival destination for the UK youth market and the brand’s destination concept hotels continue to attract a new generation of music lovers to Mallorca and Ibiza for the holiday, and gig of a lifetime.

Summer 2012 will see 32 ‘Rocks’ gigs across 16 consecutive weeks.  Mallorca Rocks every Tuesday from 05 June – 18 September.  Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 06 June to 19 September.

Tickets and hotel packages available now at www.ibizarocks.com and www.mallorcarocks.com (Gig Tickets priced from £28.50 plus booking fee)

*Special Opening & Closing Party Short Breaks from €104 (approx. £89) per person (see: Notes to Editors for full list of options and prices).

 

Jessie J, Calvin Harris & Labrinth added to Barclaycard Wireless 2012

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Barclaycard Wireless will be Rihanna’s only UK performance of 2012, and with these hot UK artists joining the bill it is certain to be a sensational day in the capital.
 
Jessie JJessie J will bring her unique ghetto-pop swagger to Hyde Park for her Barclaycard Wireless debut.  In less than a year, the singer, songwriter and self acclaimed show pony has become a bonafide UK superstar.  She topped the BBC Sound of 2011 poll, was announced the winner of the Critics Choice Awards at the 2011 Brits and her debut single ‘Do It Like A Dude” was awarded Best Song at the 2011 MOBO Awards. With her outrageous flair and undeniable coolness, Jessie will no doubt put on an explosive set.  
 
Calvin Harris will hit Hyde Park with his big, bold and colourful electro dance pop.  He boasts an incredible CV with over seven Top 10 singles, including two number one’s, and over 1.5 million tracks and 500,000 albums sales in the UK.  His recent collaboration with Barclaycard Wireless headliner and Barbardian superstar Rihanna propelled him into the charts once again, with the song hitting number one in the UK and on the Billboard Hot 100. 
 
Labrinth, the East London singer/ songwriter and highly sought after producer made his Barclaycard Wireless debut last year and is sure to give a dazzling performance in 2012.  He made his debut appearance on the UK chart in March 2010 when his collaboration with Tinie Tempah “Pass Out” reached number one, since then he’s gone from strength to strength.  His first solo single “Let The Sun Shine” reached number three last year and second single “Earthquake” hit number two upon its release in October, it has remained in the top ten ever since.

Barclaycard Wireless is a dazzling open-air live music experience in the heart of bustling London. It offers a chance to experience the excitement of watching the best in popular music right on your doorstep; with many more acts and details still to be unveiled, Barclaycard Wireless 2012 is certain to be the biggest and best event on the summer’s musical calendar.
 
Ticketing Information:

Tickets are priced at £52.50 plus booking fee.

Tickets & VIP Packages available at www.wirelessfestival.co.uk 

All Barclaycard customers who purchase via www.barclaycardunwind.com  have the chance to win a VIP upgrade.

Pearl Jam to headline Isle of Wight Festival 2012

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Also added to the bill are The Darkness, Feeder, Professor Green, Wretch 32, Loick Essien and Clement Marfo & The Frontline. Tickets are available NOW from www.isleofwightfestival.com for what is sure to be a weekend to remember.

Pearl Jam sold more than 15 million copies of their first two albums, leaping from obscurity to superstardom and will now take the headline slot on Saturday 23rd June at the Isle of Wight Festival2012. Responsible for popularising the Seattle grunge sound and style, Pearl Jam continue to combine guitar-heavy Led Zeppelin-influenced songs with Eddie Vedder's charismatic impassioned vocals. This will be a UK Festival exclusive and so make sure you’re there to witness what will be an unbelievable performance!

Pearl Jam

 The truly eclectic line up will see British glam rock band The Darkness take the headline slot in the Big Top on Sunday 24th June closing the Festival weekend. The band, who reformed this year are renowned for their elaborate stage performances, so expect a show you won’t forget in a hurry. 
 
Since they started releasing records fifteen years ago, Feeder have never been far from the charts or strangers to the stage. After a crowd pleasing performance in 2008 the band will open the Festival’s main stage on Friday 22nd June.
 
On Saturday 23rd June, Hackney boy Professor Green will bring his slick rap lyrics to the atmospheric Big Top. After recently celebrating success with the number one single ‘Read All About It’,Professor Green comes to the island for a not to be missed performance! Joining the Big Top bill is one of the biggest music success stories of 2011; Wretch 32. Sure to wow the crowd with tunes such as the chart topping, ‘Don’t Go’, Wretch 32 is the perfect addition to the Isle of Wight Festival line up.
 
Loick Essien came to music almost by accident and now brings his sophisticated, smooth, accessible British urban soul style to the Big Top  on Saturday 23rd June.  Next up is Clement Marfo & The Frontline, whose inimitable sound comes from their deft ability to fuse hip-hop, grime and rock and pop in a brilliantly idiosyncratic fashion.
 
John Giddings, the Festival’s promoter, says, ‘Pearl Jam completes our American trilogy for this year. They have been on our wish list for a long time and we are proud for them to come to the island for the first time. Meanwhile we intend to provide plenty of other entertainment in the Big Top and Garden Stage starting with contemporary urban entertainment of Professor Green and Wretch 32.’
The much-loved Isle of Wight Festival is one of the most important dates on the summer calendar and a truly remarkable weekend of music and fun. Taking place across three stages festivalgoers can expect unmissable performances from artists including; Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Elbow, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Example,Noah & The Whale, The Vaccines, Madness, and The Christians.  More acts will be announced soon…

Beach Break Live to offer four slots to Live and Unsigned 2012 acts

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The popular student festival is a nationwide extravaganza set in the sublime setting of Pembry Country Park, Wales, that has gone from strength-to-strength since its victory on the popular BBC programme ‘Dragon’s Den’ to establish itself as THE event of the summer for the student masses!

Beach Break Live offers endless cups of tea, severe sleep deprivation, laughs, ridiculous ideas, whimsical anecdotes and a shed load of spreadsheets have all entered the mixing pot and we’ve finally cracked the perfect recipe… The 2011 line-up included Tinie Tempah, White Lies, Example, We Are Scientists, Mark Ronson, Katy B, Zane Lowe and a whole lot more!

2011 saw Beach Break Live into its fifth year and as for their fifth birthday, they thought they’d celebrate. With a corking location providing the most tantalising stretch of polished sandy beaches, more activities than you can shake a stick at, the latest selection of musical geniuses, a never ending supply of beer, tunes and memories, topped off with you lovely lot all bundled into one glorious country park!

Chris Grayston, Managing Director of Live and Unsigned said; ‘Beach Break Live has to be one of the premier events for students and music lovers nationwide. Our acts have always expressed their desire to play this massive festival and we’re delighted to announce that Live and Unsigned acts will now have a direct-line to play Beach Break Live 2012!’

Year-on-year Beach Break Live receives thousands of requests from unsigned acts from all over the UK applying to play at the festival, but spaces are always limited. So, for the first time, Beach Break Live has joined forces with Live and Unsigned to give festival slots to four acts to perform at the award winning festival!

Live & Unsigned is the biggest unsigned music competition for original unsigned bands and artists in the UK. It offers the winning act the chance to play at The O2 in London as part of Live Fest, London’s biggest indoor music festival, alongside some of the UK's best musicians as as well as £100,000 in prizes, including an additional new main cash prize of £10,000 for the winning act to spend on development.

Auditions will begin in January 2012 and all acts in the competition are auditioned live. Acts that make it through the audition stage will get to perform to industry judges, A & R associates and celebrity guests. Judging last year’s competition and hopefully set to join the panel again in 2012 include Radio 1 DJ’s Annie Nightingale, Ras Kwame, Tom Deacon and Daniel P Carter as well as Kerrang’s Alex Baker.