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!

Winter Sessions Weekender 2012 in Chamonix France

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Confirmed artists so far:
NORMAN JAY, ZERO 7, TROJAN SOUND SYSTEM
MR THING, DK (NINJA TUNES), SOUNDCRASH SOUND SYSTEM
CHEEBA, LAZY HABITS, RUNNING NUMBERS, JON KENNEDY
RUSS JONES, PADDY FREEFORM
and more to be announced…
 
Daytime mountain activities:
MOUNTAIN TOP STAGE & SOUND SYSTEM, SKI & SNOWBOARD COMPETITIONS, MOUNTAIN TOP BAR & BBQ, ALPINE CAKE BAKE OFF, I-POD BATTLE, SPACE TURKEY WRESTLING, BEST ONESIE KING & QUEEN and much more….
 
Renowned as the adventure sports capital of Europe, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc plays home to the two day festival on and off the slopes of the Mont-Blanc Massif.
 
Winter Sessions heart and soul is rooted in creating good time party vibes with storming line up’s echoing out across the Alps. The line up this year brings together an eclectic mix of world class DJ’s and bands covering an array of musical genres to suit every taste; house, electro, drum & bass, hip hop, disco, dub step, ska, roots and reggae.
 
Artists include the legendary Norman Jay (MBE) of Good Times Notting Hill Carnival fame, gold album selling Electronica actZero 7 and roots, reggae, SKA stars – Trojan Sound System (Earl Gateshead & Daddy Ad). Upping the ante even further this year are London’s biggest promoters of the moment, Soundcrash, who have come on board as an official partner to the festival hosting a stage and sound system. Further acts include Mr Thing (Scratch Perverts), DK from the mighty Ninja Tune record label, hip hop ensemble Lazy Habits and Hackney Globe Trotter, Russ Jones bringing a cumbia flavour of beats and bass lines.
 
Alongside the sounds pumping out all weekend, Winter Sessions pays homage to the beautiful setting they are blessed enough to access for the masses – the Mont-Blanc Massif mountain range. Mountain Sessions, the daytime event held in the Snow Park of Les Grand Montets mountain celebrates the defining element of the festival; massive amounts of snow!!Mountain Sessions features ski and snowboard competitions, a stage, sound system, bar and BBQ topped with a collection of hilarious games and attractions including the I-pod Battle, Best Onesie King & Queen, Alpine Cake Bake Off and Space Turkey Wrestling. 
 
If you’re looking for a unique festival experience, this is where it’s at. If you don’t ski or board, don’t let that put you off.Chamonix is the third most visited natural site in the world for some damn good reasons!  Walk into an ice cave of one of the longest glaciers on earth; the Mer de Glace, check out the view from the Aiguille du Midi some 3,842 metres high, gohusky dog sledging or take a helicopter ride around France, Italy and Switzerland in one afternoon.
 
And if you are a winter sports lover, welcome to paradise! Chamonix boasts some of the most amazing terrain in Europe, over 600km of piste – not to mention what you’ll discover off piste. Freeriding at its very best!
 
Whether you’re a corporate group looking for a unique way to entertain some clients or group of mates looking for the most economical package possible, we have something for every need and budget.  
 
Winter Sessions official travel partner, Off The Piste, are offering some unbeatable holiday packages around the Weekender. Bespoke holidays from just £314 pp including 7 nights self catered accommodation, 6 day ski pass and 2 day festival wristband which gives you access to a range of fantastic discounts across the Chamonix valley (skis, boards and boots hire, restaurants, bars & experiences).
 
Corporate and luxury packages are available from official partner, Haute Pursuit, offering all inclusive catered chalet, private driver, helicopter ride and VIP access to all the festival has to offer.
 
Early Bird Weekender tickets are exclusively available from www.soundcrashmusic.com at just £49 until the 31st January 2012. Advance Weekender tickets are available online from a selection of UK & French outlets.

 

Soundgarden, Biffy Clyro, and more announced for Download 2012

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Soundgarden, one of the forefathers of the renowned Seattle alternative rock scene in the 90s, reunited last year following a 14-year hiatus, and is set to release a brand new album later in the year. Download takes place 8-10 June and is headlined by The Prodigy, Metallica and Black Sabbath. 

Soundgarden

Soundgarden – Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd – along with their contemporaries Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Nirvana, were all pivotal in the creation of a brand new sound in alternative rock during the 90s which centered on Seattle. ‘Grunge’ became a worldwide phenomenon, not only impacting musically but on wider culture and fashion too. 1991’s album Badmotorfinger produced the singles ‘Jesus Christ Pose’ and ‘Rusty Cage’ whilst its follow up, 1994’s Superunknown, which reached No.1 on the US Billboard Chart and No. 4 on the UK Album Chart featured the singles ‘Black Hole Sun’ ‘Fell On Black Days’ and ‘Spoonman’. Soundgarden have sold over 21 million albums worldwide.
 
"We are beyond psyched to play Download 2012. It will be a huge year for the band and what better way to celebrate than bring it all to our UK family at Download. See you there!" – Matt Cameron, Soundgarden
 
A further 13 acts have been announced to play Download to ensure the festival’s 10th anniversary is its biggest and best weekend yet!  Scottish rockers BIFFY CLYRO bring their incendiary live show to Donington for the 5th time in their career, whilst TENACIOUS D – Jack Black and Kyle Gass’ comedy-tinged rock act – and London Electronic / Dubstep duo CHASE & STATUS LIVE will both make their Download debut, the latter as special guests to The Prodigy. They will be joined by the biggest names in contemporary metal – LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM and MACHINE HEAD – who all return to Download for more ferocious action on the stage and in the mosh pits. 
 
Thrash icons ANTHRAX, who celebrated their 30th anniversary last year, return to Donington for this year’s Download, as well as YOU ME AT SIX, the UK rockers who have gone from strength to strength with most recent album Sinners Never Sleep reaching No. 3 in the UK charts. 
 
Famed for their Guinness World Record Attempt for ‘Largest Circle Pit’ at Download 2009, DEVILDRIVER will play the festival for the third time in support of new album Beast, along with American metalcore act AUGUST BURNS RED and the highly creative and eclectic DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT. Download 2012 will also see the reformation of UK rockers LITTLE ANGELS and Californian hard rock band UGLY KID JOE.
 
Weekend tickets for Download 2012 are now on sale from www.downloadfestival.co.uk <http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/>  – subject to availability.  Weekend ticket prices for Download 2012 will remain the same as the prices for Download 2011 until midday Monday 30th January 2012 when all ticket types will go off sale. All tickets will go back on sale at 5pm Monday 30th January 2012 with Weekend tickets increased to 2012 prices. Festival organisers encourage fans to take advantage of this offer while it lasts.

Beach Break Live Tickets details and new website launched

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Over 20,000 festival-goers travelled to the UK’s largest student festival in 2011, Beach Break Live today releases a video taster of what to expect in 2012!

Set in stunning South Wales, Beach Break Live is the leading student festival, celebrating the end of another academic year. After months of planning, June 14th – 18th will see thousands of university goers descend on Pembrey Country Park, South Wales, to enjoy four action packed days brimming with some of the biggest, best and most hyped music, extreme sports and more.

Beach Break Live have now opened the gates to the festival digitally speaking with a re-vamped website featuring an access all areas highlights video capturing all the mayhem from 2011: 

 

Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks 2012

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How do you fancy a line-up of bands and DJs that stretches across four months? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get here – Ed Sheeran starts the party on 5th June (Mallorca) and 6th June (Ibiza), whilst Two Door Cinema Club are playing the closing parties on 18th and 19th September. In between you can expect regular gigs, silent discos and clubbing trips. Here’s all you need to know about the 2012 festival for both venues:

  • Ed SheeranEd Sheeran is the man of the moment. Riding high on the success of multiple BRIT Awards nominations and hit singles including ‘The A-Team’ and ‘Lego House’, he’s heading to the Balearics to kick things off for us. Mixing grime, indie, acoustic and rap, you’d be hard-pushed to put him in just one music category, so expect the crowds to be massive.
  • Activities to look forward to are the weekly silent discos, daily pool parties and the use of the Xbox Social Room, where you can try out the hottest new games.
  • This year festival-goers have been treated to double the amount of events, with big-name DJs playing every weekend in addition to the weekly gigs.
  • During the summer months you can expect an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day – perfect weather for sunbathing, exploring the islands or trying out some water sports. If you’re in Ibiza then why not check out the hippy shopping scene, or chill out in the Can Marca Caves? On Majorca Island you can visit the Nemo Submarine, hit the trendy bars of Palma or go horse riding in the hills. Don’t forget to take your camera!
  • The full list of acts hasn’t been announced, but you can guarantee there will be something to everyone’s taste. In 2011 we had Tinie Tempah, Biffy Clyro and Example, whilst Pendulum and The Kooks have played in previous years. Basically you won’t be disappointed with the eclectic mix of talent here!
  • You don’t have to camp. Forget your tent and don’t worry about using dodgy loos in fields, because this festival takes place within the grounds of its very own hotel. Guests have full access to the regular events, and those who stay on gig nights will get their tickets included in the price of their stay. If you book a Stage View Studio room then you won’t even have to leave your accommodation to see the bands, getting your own private party.
  • If you want to save even more money, go for the cheaper Mallorca Rocks Hostal package – you’ll be just 500m from the main hotel, with full access to the pools and other facilities, and you won’t miss out on tickets for the events. What’s more, you can also book Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks flights at the same time and have your entire festival holiday sorted in a few simple clicks.
  • Want to try some of the local clubs and attractions when you’re there? Just ask your Hotel or Hostal Hosts, who can organise discounted entry to clubs such as BCM in Magaluf, as well as waterpark tickets.
  • Two Door Cinema Club, who are closing the festivals, have said: “It’s going to be a fun show. We’ve spoken to other artists who have performed there and it’s supposed to be a crazy party!” We’ll take their word for it.

Now you’ve got all the details, it’s time to start the countdown to summer – let the festival season begin.

 

Beverley Festival join up with Live & Unsigned

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Beverley Festival is the one of the UK’s biggest Folk, Acoustic, Roots festival held in Beverley, Yorkshire and it returns between Friday 15th and Sunday 17th June 2012.

Beverley Festival

Beverley Festival is an incredibly diverse family festival , it promises to offer 3 nights & 2 days of breathtaking music from International Artists, Dance, Comedy, Film, Spoken Word, Acoustic Sessions, Workshops for all ages, Children’s events, Craft Stalls, Real Ale, camping & much more with the ‘Festival Village’ being the centre of events at the Beverley Leisure Complex, HU17 0LT

Many other events take place such as the Festival Film Club and not forgetting the fabulous headliners which in previous years have seen highly acclaimed acts such as: Billy Bragg, Seth Lakeman, Chumbawamba, New Model Army, The Buzzcocks, Eddi Reader, The Proclaimers, Paul Carrack, Barbara Dickson, not to mention 5 times Radio 2 Folk Award Winners Bellowhead!

Beverley  will give you the chance to sample some First Rate music and Fine Ales straight off the Yorkshire Wolds and relax in the shadow of one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain – Beverley’s historic Minster set in one of the most beautiful market towns around.

How to win a slot

It will come as no surprise that Beverley Festival organisers are inundated with requests from all kinds of bands and acts across the UK, all bidding for a much sought after slot at the Yorkshire festival, but spaces are as limited! Therefore they have decided to team up with the Live and Unsigned contest for the first time, to give slots to four Live and Unsigned acts! The lucky winners will be chosen from the Live Showcase Finals, to play a slot at Beverley Festival.

Chris Wade, Artistic Director at the Yorkshire Festival says “We are very much looking forward to seeing the acts at the auditions and the regional finals and are extremely excited that we get to pick those we feel would fit into our festival programme. Whoever we choose, they are sure to have a great time at the festival and will be warmly received by our audiences. Live and Unsigned – like ourselves, offer emerging talent an opportunity to be heard.

Being in the business for 29 years, it never ceases to amaze us when we hear all the fantastic new talent emerging from our shores, taking to stages and with some going on to win prestigious awards such as Moore Moss and Rutter who formed at our festival and have since won a Radio2 Folk Award. Folk music is becoming fashionable again with acts such as Mumford and Sons appealing to all ages and musical tastes. Our festival has something for everyone and for all ages. Folk is cool and so are festivals, especially those in Yorkshire…. ”.  

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 alongside some of the UK's best musicians 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 DJs 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 in Yorkshire and beyond in 2012, click here to check out all the festival partners for Live and Unsigned 2012.

Klaxons, Noah and the Whale and more for Bilbao BBK Live 2012

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Noah and the WhaleAdding to the international bands, Bilbao BBK Live will also showcase the best of the current Spanish indie scene, also announcing performances by Vetusta Morla and Lori Meyers.

Having recently confirmed RADIOHEAD as the first headliner of the 2012 event, Bilbao BBK Live establishes itself as one of the major festivals of the European festival circuit, attracting the biggest names in music. Previous editions of the event have included headliners such as Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction, RHCP and Suede.

Three Day Early Bird tickets to the festival, which include camping, are available for just £73 until the 24th of January on See Tickets, Ticketweb and Lastminute.com.

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

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

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

More info

Festival: Bilbao BBK Live (www.bilbaobbklive.com/2012)
Dates: July 12th-14th 2012
Where: Kobetamendi, 10 min bus ride from Bilbao city centre
Tickets: Early Bird Three Day Pass incl. camping – £73 (until the 24th January) available on See Tickets, Ticketweb and Lastminute.
Line-up so far: Radiohead, Klaxons, Noah and the Whale, Snow Patrol, Band of Skulls, The Gift, Vetusta Morla and Lori Meyers
Schedule: TBC
Doors Open: Thursday 9th July (16.30pm)
Doors close: TBC

 

Hampton Court Palace Festival Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

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Historic Royal Palaces and PWR Events are delighted to announce the first of the artists confirmed to perform in the stunning open-air courtyard of King Henry VIII’s Palace, taking place from 13th to 24th June 2011. Tickets go on sale at 5pm on Thursday 12th January.

Katie Melua, one of Britain’s most successful artists of the last decade who’s sold more than 11 million albums, will delight festivalgoers with familiar favourites such as Closest Thing To Crazy and Nine Million Bicycles, as well as performing songs from her new album Secret Symphony, due for release in March. Legendary Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons will perform their first concert in the UK for 18 years at Hampton Court Palace Festival. This eagerly awaited concert will give fans the chance to hear many of the classic hit songs played live, such as: Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye), December 1963 (Oh What A Night) and Grease. Festival favourite, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will make a triumphant return delighting crowds on a summer’s evening and Caro Emerald, who recently appeared on Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny, will make her Festival debut this year with her eclectic style of ballroom jazz, cinematic tangos, groovin' jazz and infectious mambos with songs from her platinum-selling album Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor.

In addition to the music, Hampton Court Palace Festival is renowned for creating a truly unforgettable experience. Artists perform in the historic main courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Palace providing an intimate atmosphere for an audience of 3,000. Corporate hospitality is available in the State Apartments and Festival-goers can also arrive early (doors open at 1730) and enjoy a delicious picnic courtesy of Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, in the stunning Palace gardens.

To hear further announcements please register on www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com or follow us on twitter @HCPfestival.

“This is a festival that offers everything – a wonderful selection of music, a thrilling all-star line-up

and a beautiful and historic setting”

Classic FM Magazine

Listings Information:

Festival Dates:    Wednesday 13th to Saturday 24th June 2012

Location:               Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU

Book tickets:        www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

In Person:             Welcome Centre, Hampton Court Palace

Follow us:             www.facebook.com/#!/HamptonCourtPalaceFestival

                                http://twitter.com/HCPFestival

Hampton Court Palace Festival
Date Artist Time  Ticket Prices
15th June Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra 9pm £50 & £45
21st June Caro Emerald 9pm £45 & £37.50
22nd June Katie Melua 9pm £50 & £45
23rd June Frank Valli & The Four Seasons 9pm £60 & £75

 

James announced as first headliner for Wychwood Festival 2012

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Having moved back a weekend to accommodate the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Wychwood will next year take place from Friday 8th June to Sunday 10th June and will once again be set to the famous backdrop of the rolling Prestbury Hills. To celebrate the Manchester band’s appearance at Wychwood, festival organisers will be asking fans and friends of Wychwood to send in pictures of themselves ‘sitting’ in unusual places for the chance to win weekend camping tickets for them and their family.  For more information please visit the festival’s Facebook profile www.facebook.com/wychwoodfestival

James

Also confirmed for this year’s festival line-up is a dazzling array of artist from a diverse mix of genres.  Cornish shanty singers Port Isaac’s Fishermen’s Friends will join the likes of Johnny Kalsi and the mighty Dhol Foundation, Sean Lakeman, the brother of previous Wychwood headliner Seth, and Kathryn Roberts and The Roving Crows, a local band who brought the house down last year and are back by popular demand.  On the comedy front, Mr. Robin Ince will return to curate a delirious line-up of some of his favourite comedians as well as perform one of his now legendary sets while on the family programme Wychwood is delighted to welcome the CBeebies star Katy Ashworth to Wychwood for the first time.  Katy will be joined by the stars of Nick Junior The Bopps who will be thrilling the children with their antics and last but by no means least theRoald Dahl Museum & Story Centre will once again return to provide story telling and creative activities in 2012. Wychwood is also proud to be welcoming Mumsnet, the hugely influential portal for all things parenting, as a media partner to next year’s festival.

Famed for delivering a truly family-focussed festival experience, Wychwood leads the way with innovative programming designed to delight children and wonderful music from around the world to entertain the adults.  Since launching in 2003, Wychwood has become one of the UK’s most successful independent arts event of the summer season and been nominated in the ‘Best Family Festival’ category at the UK Festival Awards every single year..  A limited number of early bird tickets are currently on sale until 31st December 2011. From January 1st tickets are priced as follows:

Ticket Type Earlybird From 31/12/11*

Weekend Festival Tickets

Weekend Adult £100 £115
Weekend Disabled 2 for 1 £100 £115
Weekend Youth/Concession £82 £95
Weekend 10-15 Year Old £45 £55
Weekend 5-9 Year Old £0 £15
Under 5 FREE FREE

Booking Fees

Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket) £2
Cheque/PO FREE
Postage & Recorded Delivery £3

Camping Passes

Adult Weekend £10 £20
Adult Weekend in Campervan/Caravan/Live in Vehicle £20 £35
Weekend Youth/Concession Weekend £5 £10
Under 16 Weekend FREE FREE
Please indicate if you are bringing under 5s as they will be issued with a ticket in 2012.

Tickets can be purchased from the festival box office on 01993 772580, by visiting the festival website www.wychwoodfestival.com,WeGotTickets.com or TicketWeb.co.uk.

Amsterdam Dance Event adds fifth day!

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After selling out for the last five years, the ADE is regarded as one of the highlights of the annual international dance and electronic music calendar. Thanks to the fact of being both a major festival of electronic music as well as a business platform for the international music industry, the event is widely considered to be an important indicator of the health of the electronic music scene.

Event organiser the Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation expects that the five day event will once again attract more than 140,000 festival-goers and 3,000 conference delegates from 62 countries. “Two years ago we included the Wednesday in order to accommodate a growing list of conferences and parties, and in 2012 – because there are now so many events throughout the whole of the weekend – Sunday is now officially included in the ADE dates,” Richard Zijlma, ADE Director, said. The 2011 Sunday schedule included amongst others Visionquest at Trouw, Moon Harbour & secretsundaze, Wicked Jazz Sounds and the Melkweg After Party.

ADE 2012 will also feature expanded versions of the ADE University (aimed at inspiring and educating students and young music industry professionals) and ADE Playground (showcasing technology and technological innovation), both of which were introduced in 2011 to widespread acclaim, as well as improvements and new developments for the Hard Dance Event (HDE), Music and Bits and ADE Next.

Each year 3,000+ artists, A&R managers, journalists, label representatives, booking agents, producers and music publishers from around the world gather in Amsterdam to do business, network, discover new talent and keep up to date on the latest technological and legislative developments. The 140,000+ festival visitors – including approximately 30,000 tourists – fill the city's venues for a wide range of shows and events featuring the very best national and international artists.

The 2011 edition of the ADE staged a record 220 events in 52 venues across the city, with a total of over 800 DJs and acts performing. The Amsterdam Dance Event 2012 will take place on October 17 to 21. More information is available atwww.amsterdam-dance-event.nl The Amsterdam Dance Event is organized by the Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation, an initiative of Buma 

Decide confirmed for Bloodstock Open Air 2012

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Always at the forefront of the death metal movement, DEICIDE was an original pioneer of the brutal sound and imagery associated with the Florida death metal scene. In 1987, Glen Benton and Steve Asheim teamed to launch one of the most talked about, controversial and venomous crusades in metal history and have since risen to

International notoriety, releasing two of the highest selling death metal albums of all time.

DEICIDE quickly became known for their technical yet brutal sound as much as the rumors that surrounded them. After famously marching into the office of Monte Conner (Roadrunner Records) and demanding “Sign us, you fucking asshole!” the band went on to create the definitive sound of 90s death metal thanks to their ability to play technical solos at blazing speeds with overlapping riffs. DEICIDE also created an astounding ten studio albums that have changed the face of the extreme metal scene.

Now they bring their blasphemous brutality to BLOODSTOCK for the first time, offering the only chance to catch them live in the UK this year.

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR have also revealed details of a deposit scheme, having teamed up with online ticket agentSEETICKETS to offer fans an easy way to pay for their BLOODSTOCK festival tickets for 2012. Sign up by no later than 1stMarch to pay for your weekend camping ticket in 3 easy instalments, starting from £36.25 + booking fee.

With a line up including headline sets from ALICE COOPER and BEHEMOTH, Norwegian Black Metal superstars DIMMU BORGIR's  only UK show of 2012, as well as over 100 bands including ANVIL, PARADISE LOST, WATAIN, ORANGE GOBLIN, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and Swedish metal merchants GRAND MAGUS, there is no more metal place in the UK thanBLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR.