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!

8 weeks till T in the Park, Professor Green, Chipmunk and more added

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professor greenA Brit boy bringing his unique blend of urban into the mainstream music scene is Hackney born rapper Professor Green. His debut album ‘Alive Til I’m Dead’ reached No.2 and was certified gold. Originally signed by Mike Skinner, Professor Green can count Lily Allen amongst his biggest fans and the pair secured a No.5 hit with their collaboration on ‘Just Be Good to Green.’  Times are indeed good for Professor Green, with new album ‘At Your Inconvenience’ ready for release in August.  T in the Parkers will get the ultimate sneak preview when Professor Green plays T in the Park.
 
Professor Green said: “T in the Park was one of the few festivals that I didn’t get to play last year. I love Scotland so I was delighted to get an invite to perform. Scottish crowds go mad and they are really receptive. I look forward to bringing my band, all the hits and having a Tennent’s!”
 
chipmunkAt only 20 years old, Chipmunk had successfully released five top-ten hits including No.1 single ‘Oopsy Daisy.’ He proved he is indeed a ‘Champion’ of the British music scene when he released a track with Chris Brown called exactly that, the first track from his new album ‘Transition’ which will be released in April, packed with hit after hit that will be played at T in the Park.
 
OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) led by the controversial, anti-establishment visionary that is Tyler the Creator is probably the most talked-about new music collective in the world right now.  Hailing from the sunny shores of Los Angeles, OFWGKTA caused quite the stir earlier this year due to the lyrics and the video of single ‘Yonkers’ and they were the talk of the town at SXSW.  Tyler’s second full length album ‘Goblin’ is due for release in May (10) and it’s set to both shock and delight fans and critics alike, in a way that only Tyler the Creator seems to know how.  OFWGKTA will undoubtedly put on a T in the Park show to remember.
 
labrinthAlso hailing from London is singer/songwriter and producer Labrinth.  He’s already achieved No.1 and No.2 smash hit singles ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Frisky’ in collaboration with fellow rapper and confirmed T in the Park artist Tinie Tempah, as well as his own No.3 debut single ‘Let the Sun Shine.’  Let the sun shine indeed as Labrinth wows the crowd at T in the Park. 
 
Nominee for BBC’s Sound of 2011 and MTV’s Brand New for 2011 poll’s, London lad WRETCH 32 is most definitely one to watch this summer.   With two Top 5 singles already under his belt (‘Traktor’ and ‘Unorthodox’), there’s plenty more hits to come from this finely tuned rapper’s second album ‘Black & White,’ which is due for release in August and will be previewed at T in the Park this summer. 
 
DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager are thrilled to announce the addition of Professor Green, Chipmunk, OFWGKTA, Labrinth, and WRETCH 32 to the A-List line up which already includes Arctic Monkeys,Coldplay, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Beyoncé, Pulp, The Script, Plan B, Slash, Tinie Tempah, Tom Jones, Jessie J and much more.
 
A limited number of T in the Park Residence packages are still available to buy. The Residence offers festival goers a bespoke, luxury experience where all their accommodation needs are taken care of. Guests are welcomed into an oasis of indulgence to enjoy a unique festival experience in their luxury accommodation of choice. Once they have settled into their home for the weekend, festival goers can relax in the Residence Lounge Café & Bar or treat themselves to a pampering session in the spa before heading to see their favourite bands as well as accessing the festival’s hospitality area. For more information, log onto www.tinthepark.com/residence.
 
Be Chilled has proved to be one of the biggest hits at T in the Park and due to phenomenal demand, Tennent’s Lager is bringing back the hugely popular, quick and slick service to the heart of the T in the Park campsite for the fourth year running.  Campers can pre order Tennent’s Lager or Magners Original Cider now atwww.tennents.com/bechilled and Tennent’s will have orders chilled and ready for collection on the campsite throughout the weekend.
 
At the heart of T in the Park is the music and atmosphere that continually unites the crowd and creates a weekend of memorable moments that will last a lifetime. Brit Award and Grammy winners, the best breakthrough talent, multi-million selling artists, new music icons and legends…T in the Park 2011 has them all.  Bring it on Balado.

Get Loaded in the Park add The Riles, About Group and more!

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the riflesComing straight from a huge sell out show at The Coronet last week, The Rifles bring a new look band to Get Loaded in the Park. With a third studio album soon to hit our airwaves, Chingford’s finest look set for an absolutely massive summer with the first chapter written on 11th June.
 
In the Gigwise Arena, Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor bring his other band About Group to Clapham Common for an exclusive and rare appearance. As a Mercury prize-nominated pop star, Alexis has been responsible for bringing geekery to the dancefloor and will be showcasing tracks from About Group’s second album.
 
New Zealand born, London resident Connan Mockasin brings his delightful, slanted and enchanted world to Get Loaded in the Park. He has recently been creating a stir on the blogs with his track ‘Dolphin’ and will be bringing his unique blend of psychedelic pop to the party.
 
As the new act from former Les Incompétents / Lion.Ox.Eagle.Man member Frederick Macpherson, Spector categorically tick the box labelled ‘raw energy.’ A vigorous and ludicrously good-looking five piece, they fuse rawkus energy and effortless panache.
 
Last but by no means least, Six Nation State are a UK based four-piece who in the past three years have supported bands such as Babyshambles. With their debut album set for release this year we’re delighted to have them on board. “For two years we lived on Clapham common so coming to play Get Loaded is a little special for us. It’s going to be a great start to the summer festivals!” Gerry del Guercio (Six Nation State)
 
 
OTHER GET LOADED IN THE PARK HIGHLIGHTS…
Having stole the show at the recent Camden Crawl, Get Loaded headliners Razorlight return to the Capital for another spectacular performance. Their set at the Crawl featured new tracks alongside the classics we all know and love and resulted in Johnny Borrell telling NMEhow he felt Razorlight’s return “feels like a new band.”
 
The Cribs arrive at Get Loaded having destroyed Rockness the previous night with further main stage performances from Noisettes, British Sea Power, Patrick Wolf and Los Campesinos! In the Gigwise arena Darwin Deez plays his only London show of 2011 alongside Yelle, O.Children, Babeshadow and Alpines. Finally The Flower Post host the Last.FM arena with the brilliant Johnny Flynn playing with Slow Club, Sound Of Rum, The Agitator, Beans On Toast, Dark Moon and The Joker And The Thief.
 
An indie and live bands showcase as strong as you will see in London this year, we hope you can join us on June 11th as Get Loaded in the Park returns in triumphant style.
  
Open from 12.00pm – 9.00pm
Early Bird Tickets: SOLD OUT
Last remaining saver tickets: £35 + Booking Fee
Fully licensed bar until close

TICKET OUTLETS:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk / 24hr tel: 0844 847 1706
www.hmvtickets.com
www.seetickets.com
www.skiddle.com
www.ticketweb.co.uk
www.viewlondon.co.uk

Big Audio Dynamite, Levellers and more for Beautiful Days Festival

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big audio dynamiteThe original Big Audio Dynamite line-up featuring Mick, Don, Dan, Leo and Greg head to Devon in August to headline on the Friday night, sharing the bill with gypsy-punks Gogol Bordello. Headlining the Saturday night at Beautiful Days are Carter USM making their first festival appearance in 14 years and their only UK festival appearance this year! Festival founders Levellers will close the festival on the Sunday night followed by a firework finale.

Other acts already announced include alternative rock band Pop Will Eat Itself plus the return of Irish-American celtic punk band Flogging Molly, one of the UK’s most iconic bands Stereo MCs, Mercury Prize nominated Manchester trio I Am Kloot, singer/songwriter John Grant, seminal 80’s legends The Blockheads, British punk band The Mob (making an exclusive festival appearance), festival favourites Alabama 3 playing an acoustic set, folk-rock musician Teddy Thompson and 9 piece dub/ska outfit Gentleman’s Dub Club and Irish band Four Men and A Dog.

PLUS former Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton, ska band The Beat, rock’n’roll phenomenon The Jim Jones Revue, award winning folk group Lau, Czech rockers Divokej Bill, world music fusion band Salsa Celtica, psychedelic rock band Wolf People, folk band Sheelanagig, musician and traveller Rory McLeod, InMe frontman Dave McPherson, alternative rock band Mojo Fury and The Fabulous Good Time Party Boys.

Also previously announced are Oysterband who will headline ‘Big Session @ Beautiful Days’ in the Big Top on the Saturday. They will be joined on the Big Session line-up by Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader, Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble, Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds, trad folk meets hip hop with Dizraeli & The Small Gods, Jackie Oates and The Young Coppers. The first acts to be announced for The Little Big Top are DJ Friction, Sigma, Trolley Snatcha and Steve Hillage’s System 7 with the rest of the DJ line-up and Scary Dave’s comedy line-up during the daytimes still to be announced.

There are still more acts to be announced in the coming months for the Main Stage, The Big Top, The Little Big Top and Dirty Davey’s Bandstand plus the festival’s Sunday theme.

Tickets for Beautiful Days 2011 are on sale now. Adult Weekend Camping Tickets are £110, 10 to Under 16’s Weekend Camping Ticket £60, 5 to Under 10’s Weekend Camping Ticket £30 and Under 5’s Weekend Camping Ticket £5. Car routing/parking tickets are £15 and Campervan tickets are £35. All tickets are available to buy from www.levellers.co.uk, www.seetickets.com & www.artistticket.com. Go to www.beautifuldays.org for all festival information.

Confirmed lineup:

BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE, CARTER USM, LEVELLERS, GOGOL BORDELLO, POP WILL EAT ITSELF, FLOGGING MOLLY, STEREO MCS, I AM KLOOT, JOHN GRANT, THE BLOCKHEADS, THE MOB, ALABAMA 3 ACOUSTIC & UNPLUGGED, TEDDY THOMPSON, THE BEAT AND MANY MORE!

Soundwave Festival Croatia update

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Confirmed line up so far:

BONOBO & FULL BAND // ROOTS MANUVA // ZERO 7 // FLOATING POINTS // BELLERUCHE YUNGUN & MR THING ANDREYA TRIANA KEB DARGE // HEXSTATIC (LIVE AV SET) CHANNEL ONE SOUND SYSTEM // SMERINS ANTI SOCIAL CLUB // LAZY HABITS SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA // ANCHORSONG KUTMAH // KID KANEVIL // DJ WRONGTOM SHEPDOG // STUART MCCALLUM (THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA) // DJ FORMAT // RIOT JAZZ DJ CHEEBA // SPIN DOCTOR // JOHNNY DUB // IIIIUMSPHERE and many more..

 

Soundwave Festival Croatia is lauded by those in the know as Croatia’s best kept secret and THE must do under the radar festival on the European calendar, Organised and promoted by the UK’s most boundary pushing promoter collectives Soundcrash and New Bohemia, the festival showcases the most in-demand leftfield artists of our time all set on the Adriatic Coast in the beautiful 900 year old white wash walled Croatian fishing village of Petrcane.
 
Soundwave offers a wonderful alternative to the UK’s rain soaked festivals. Beach bars, boat parties, an outdoor Amphitheatre and nightclubs offer an array of all day entertainment. With Sunshine guaranteed Soundwave is the perfect combination of summer holiday and music festival all at a price cheaper than a train ticket to Glastonbury!

Soundwave Festival goers and artists alike come from far and wide to be part of the continuously progressive line up that always retains it’s unique spirit making it so special year in year out. This year is no exception. Soundwave are very proud to announce that the multifaceted symphonic talents of Bonobo and full live 9 piece band have just been added to the already outstanding line up featuring some top heavy artists including the legendary Mr Roots Manuva, Swedish electro funksters Little Dragon, Zero 7, Floating Points, Hexstatic, Stuart McCallum (The Cinematic Orchestra) and many many more. (Full line up so far is below)

Kick back and relax, listen to sound of the wind blowing through the trees, the Waves gently lapping on the beach as smiling people dance under the clear starry sky. Sun kissed days and balmy nights full to the brim of the best music, laughter with friends and an infectious familiar feeling from the heady days of hedonism from Ibiza’s infamous Summer of love and that is just the nighttimes. Soundwave by day, flower’s into a Sun Music worshiper’s paradise. A beautiful private beach, an array of superbly curated boat parties and outside Amphitheatre performances roll into an endless offering of sonic bedazzlements.
 
Why Croatia?

Natural beauty, Island hopping, historical sites, stunning National parks, 25C guaranteed weather and amazing fresh Seafood are just a handful of the attractions on offer in Croatia. With highlights being a visit to Paklenica National Park- the most visited climbing site in Croatia, and the largest in Southeast Europe alongside a must do trip to Kornati archipelago an isolated group of 150 secluded islands. The beautiful village of Petrcane where Soundwave is situated is 12km northwest of Zadar with a population of 600 people engaged entirely with fishing and farming and surrounded by lively cafes and tavernas, a thick pine tree forest, old olive yards and beaches that make a beautiful landscape. Petrcane’s surrounding area offers up Croatia’s top beaches, with the historical town of Nin known as the cradle of Croatian culture just a short drive away.
 
Soundwave cheap travel and accommodation:

Soundwave festival tickets are a snip at £89 and not only that, Croatia has some of Europe’s cheapest flights currently on offer at £100 return to Zadar via Ryanair, Split via Wizzair and the capital – Zagreb via Easyjet and Wizzair from most major UK Cities. Many festival-goer’s keep the carbon footprint at bay by car sharing, making the drive over from the UK and other parts of Europe part of the fun, whilst others reach the festival by jumping on the Eurostar and connecting buses and boats from all over Europe. Plenty of Cheap hotels and apartments recommended on the Soundwave website keep the festival nice and cheap and punters can also camp for super cheap in highly rated nearby campsites.
 
Soundwave tickets are now on sale at a mere £89. Soundwave fans head back year after year so expect flights to Croatia to sell out fast as Sun loving music fans book their tickets for the party of the year.
 
Get ready to ride the Soundwave!! More special announcements to follow shortly….
 
LISTINGS INFO:

SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL CROATIA: 22ND– 24TH JULY: PETRCANE, CROATIA
Cheap flights are available to Zadar via Ryanair, Split via Wizzair and Zagreb via Easyjet and Wizzair from most major UK Cities 
www.soundwavecroatia.com

SOUNDWAVE 2011 TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Tickets are £89 for a 3-day pass available NOW at these National ticketing outlets:
www.ticketweb.co.uk // www.leedstickets.com // www.seetickets.com // www.lastminute.com www.ninjatune.net

 

 

Rastamouse for Lollibop Festival 2011

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LolliBop are chuffed to bits to announce that Rastamouse and his crime fighting companions Scratchy and Zoomer  will be “Makin’ a bad ting good” on their way to the LolliBop main stage this year! We can’t wait!

Mel Wilds LolliBop Director says “We at LolliBop towers are squeaking with excitement that Rastamouse, Scratchy and Zoomer will be coming to this years festival – come down and join us for three days of fun!”

Rastamouse added: “Da Easy Crew vibes gonna be rockin’ LolliBop dis year.  Irie Man!”

‘Give it up for Da Easy Crew’!

Sharing a bit of love and respect and skating their way onto the LolliBop stage Rastamouse, Scratchy and Zoomer will keep the little ones bopping with some ‘Hot Hot Hot’ tracks from their debut album and some cool, cool performances of songs from the show including ‘Ice Popp’.

Reggae singing superhero Rastamouse became a phenomenon earlier this year after his TV series premiered on CBeebies.

When things go wrong in Mouseland, President Wensley Dale always calls on Da Easy Crew. That’s when Rastamouse, Scratchy and Zoomer hang up their guitars and cut loose from Nuff Song Studio to find out “whaa gwaan”. More often than not there’s a mystery needs solving or a criminal to be captured. By working together Da Easy Crew always fix the problem. And if a criminal has been apprehended Rastamouse makes sure redemption not retribution is the order of the day. Whatever’s gone wrong; through love and respect Rastamouse will always make a bad thing good!

After a sell – out success in London’s Clissold Park last summer, the magical LolliBop festival is proud to have found a majestic new home in Regent’s Park!

With his laid back vibe and reggae – jammin’ sound Rastamouse joins The Zany ZingZillas who will be monkey’ing around on the main stage joined by Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest play; get scared by Horrible Histories or see your favourite CBeebies presenters Cerrie Burnell, Alex Winters and Sid Stone introducing our fabulous acts. Fly into space with The Science Museum Live, dance the night away with Dick & Dom and Baby Loves Disco at the Ibiza style disco Minimission, or Rhumba around Itsy Bitsy Strictly style.

And there’s much much more! Facepainting, arts and crafts, comedy, Babyoke, hairdressing, go karting, pizza making workshops, Football factory, an Enchanted Forest with wizard & fairy schools, DJ Workshops and even a gorilla enclosure…watch out for your bananas! Phew!

LolliBop is THE family event of the summer with all the thrills of a festival vibe but without the hassle of camping or long car journeys! Plus once you have paid your ticket price all entertainment is free! Our fantastic three day festival extravaganza is a feast of interactive fun, where everything is aimed at keeping our pint sized festival goers happy.

We just can’t wait for you to have a taste of LolliBop!

The Big Feastival New Acts and Restaurants announced

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NEW ACTS ANNOUNCED:
FRIDAY: ROOTS MANUVA / ASHLEY BEEDLE
SUNDAY: GUILLEMOTS / THE BEES
AND
NEW RESTAURANTS ANNOUNCED:
COACH & HORSES / CANTEEN / BARBECOA
Taking place on Clapham Common on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd July, The Big Feastival is the first festival of its kind bringing together great food and amazing live music – in one place, over one fantastic weekend….and best of all, it’s for charity!
Friday 1st July is party night.  Along with Soul II Soul featuring Caron Wheeler, New Young Pony Club, Norman Jay and Danny Rampling, Roots Manuva and Ashley Beedle from X-Press 2 will be rocking the crowd with their beats.

The Charlatans, The Mystery Jets and Kurran and the Wolfnotes must have a legion of fans, because tickets for Saturday 2nd July are flying out of the door. Joining Athlete on Sunday 3rd will be the amazingGuillemots and The Bees, so it will be a proper Sunday session!

Joining the Michelin starred list of pop-up restaurants are the inimitably seasonal and honest Coach and Horses, the great British favourite Canteen, and the fire-master Barbecoa. 

All this entertainment and fine dining options are included in the standard ticket price packages – and now with a new ‘3 Dishes’ ** ticket at £65, it’s a great deal for food loving festival fans!  Plus the £35 Early Bird Day Ticket is still available for festival entry (but no food included) – but hurry as limited availability!

Make sure you visit www.thebigfeastival.co.uk and follow www.facebook.com/thebigfeastival and@thebigfeastival for more information and don’t forget to tag your tweets #bigfeastival.
 

* (Norman Jay MBE) IN AID OF THE PRINCE’S TRUST & JAMIE OLIVER FOUNDATION
MUSIC:
Friday: Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler / New Young Pony Club / Norman Jay Good Times /
Roots Manuva / Danny Rampling / Ashley Beedle

Saturday: The Charlatans / The Mystery Jets / Kurran & The Wolfnotes

Sunday: Athlete / Guillemots / The Bees
 

RESTAURANTS:
Locanda Locatelli / The Providores / Wahaca / Fifteen / Canteen / Barbecoa / Benares / Redhook / 
Vinoteca / Cafe Spice Namaste / GBK / Giant Robot Present The VIP Bar / Coach & Horses / Canteen
 
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticketline – 0844 888 9991 / www.ticketline.co.uk

Friday 1st July: 14:00 – 22:30
Saturday 2nd July: 12:00 – 22:30
Sunday 3rd July: 10:00 – 20:00 

Early Bird – £35 - Music + Festival Entertainment

Adults (18+) Standard 3 ‘Dishes’** Ticket – £65 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (3 Feastival ‘Dishes’)

Adults (18+) Standard 5 ‘Dishes’** Ticket – £75 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (5 Feastival ‘Dishes’)

VIP Tickets (18+) £125 - Music + festival entertainment + 5 Feastival Dishes + VIP bar by Giant Robot with unlimited beer wine and soft drinks + non-stop fantastic food 

FAMILY (2 adults, 2 children 12-17***) – £175 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (A family receives 16 Dishes between them)

Child Tickets (Aged 12-17)*** – £25 - Music + Festival Entertainment + Food (3 Dishes)

Child Tickets (Aged 11 And Under)*** – Free Entry!

** A ‘Dish entitles you to a free meal at one of the onsite restaurants. 24 chefs and restaurants are participating in this exciting fundraising event.  Each restaurant will have their own pop-up kitchen to provide a signature dish. 

*** The age you will be on the day of the event

Sony Radio Academy Awards Winners

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The judges said of Annie Nightingale: “In recognition of more than 40 years of exceptional broadcasting including her breakthrough achievements, her championship of the new, and the inspiration she has given to music makers and broadcasters alike.”
 
Jenni Murray was lauded: “For a career of exemplary broadcasting, for her incisive yet sensitive interviewing skills, her championship of the woman’s perspective and the inspiration she has given to others.”
 
This year’s ceremony, celebrating 30 years of excellence in radio, reflected a great year for speech radio, especially in the sporting arena. talkSPORT played a blinder, not only scoring their first ever win in the mighty Station of the Year but doing the treble with their Controller Moz Dee crowned Station Programme of the Year and ‘FIFA World Cup 2010’ taking gold for Best Promotional/Advertising Campaign. The judges observed that: “Moz has shown exceptional leadership this year as talkSPORT has grown in stature and sound.” Sporting rivals BBC Radio Five live also had lots to cheer about winning a total of six golds, the highest number for any BBC station. Star strikers for Five live, were Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty carrying off the hotly contested Breakfast Show of the Year (10 million plus) with the judges commenting: “ This is truly populist radio, created by Gold standard journalists”, Colin Murray’s ‘Fighting Talk’ making him number one for Best Sports Programme and triple nominee, Victoria Derbyshire, taking the honours in Best News & Current Affairs Programme.
 
Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine was the evening’s sole double gold winner, topping the podium for both Speech Broadcaster of the Year and Best Interview of the Year, with the citation saying: “A broadcaster at the top of his trade, with intimate knowledge of his subject, he dissects Gordon Brown then uses the infamous ‘”She’s a bigot” tape to hammer home the final nail in the prime-ministerial coffin.”  
 
A Rolling Stone gathers a Gold with Ronnie Wood’s winning riff as Music Radio Personality of the Year and Frank Skinner beats Moyles and Westwood to Best Entertainment Programme, two of three Golds , three Silvers and a Bronze for a beaming Absolute Radio. And Radio 1’s Zane Lowe added ‘ record-breaker’ to his job description as he took his fourth Gold for Music Broadcaster of the Year.
 
The judges citation for Ronnie Wood highlighted that he is ”an amazing character with a really innovative programme. Ronnie has lived the life of a thousand men and you feel like a child sitting at his feet as he unfolds his rarified story book.” While of Frank Skinner, they noted that he “is a natural host, warm and inclusive, fantastic at getting the best from those who appear with him.”
 
One of the most popular winners on the night was BBC London 94.9’s and 5 live’s Danny Baker, who became Speech Radio Personality of the Year, for being “A true original. A personality who’s found new and innovative ways to use the techniques of radio, whether he’s delivering a unique verbal barrage or creating an endless stream of compelling ideas….” Turning base metal into Gold was physicist Brian Cox for Radio 4 in Best Speech Programme, and there was more excitement for the Station as Matthew Price got the nod for News Journalist of the Year. 
 
Others with that winning feeling were Absolute Radio’s Annabel Port, who became Best On-Air Contributor with the judges praising her as “A naturally funny storyteller whose contributions are hugely entertaining and perfectly pitched.” Also BBC Wiltshire’s Graham Mack, for Breakfast Show of the Year (under 10 million), Radio 2’s Simon Mayo for Best Music Programme and Radio 3’s Jez Nelson for Best Specialist Music Programme. BBC Radio 5 live presenter Robbie Savage walked away with this year’s Sony DAB Rising Star Award, the night’s only people’s choice award, with Robbie Savage rallying the support of listeners to receive thousands of votes – the most in the awards history – to secure him the title.
 
Radio stations the length and breadth of the country were honoured throughout the night, including an impressive win for Real Radio North East in the Best News Special for ‘Raoul Moat – The Final Hours’. Central FM (103.1) took Gold for Station of the Year (Under 300,000), BBC RadioDerby triumphed in Station of the Year (300,000 – 1 million), Gold for Station of the Year (1 million plus)  was scooped by 105.4 Real Radio North Westand Digital Station of the Year was awarded to Fun Kids.
 
Other golden moments included Kiss 100’s win for Best Station Imaging, ‘BBC Introducing’ for Best Use of Multiplatform, BBC 6 Music’s victory in Best Music Special with TBI’s ‘The John Bonham Story’, Best Internet Programme went to Answer Me This Podcast, Classic FM won Best Use of Branded Content for Alex Masterly with Towry and ‘The Jason Byrne Comedy Show’ won Best Comedy for Radio 2.
 
The nominations for Best Community Programming all highlighted very powerful issues, such as mental illness, prison, serving in Afghanistan and HIV, but it was BBC Radio Berkshire’s ‘Warning: May Contain Nuts” that most impressed the judges: ‘By bringing together those with mental illness alongside stand up comedians, the station showed real integration can be achieved through laughter.”
 
Tim Blackmore, Chairman of the Sony Radio Academy Awards said:
“In spite of the continuing emergence of new platforms and of video ubiquity, the creative use of sound continues to attract massive and regular support from the vast majority of the British public. This is entirely down to the skills and talents of radio professionals in all sectors of the audio business and it is these awards that continue to highlight their ever impressive levels of achievement.”
 
Presenters of the Awards included Beverly Knight, James Cracknell, Ed Byrne, Duncan Bannatyne, Chipmunk, Pamela Stephenson, Rachel Stevens, Natasha Kaplinsky, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Maxine Peake, James Morrison, Kirsty Wark, The Feeling and Wynne Evans. 
 

Judges for the 2011 Sony Radio Academy Awards included Richard Bacon, Moz Dee, Clive Dickens, Sue Lawley, Mary Anne Hobbs, Hardeep Singh Kohli and Miranda Sawyer.

Henley Festival lineup and ticket details

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tom jonesLegendary Welsh singer Tom Jones opens this year’s unmissable Henley Festival (6 -10 July).  Tickets ranging from £35 – £110 go on sale today [1 March]:  www.henley-festival.co.uk

The festival is the UK’s best summer party – a five night, star studded, black tie event on the banks of the river Thames in the beautiful town of Henley-on-Thames.  Tom Jones and the other headline acts, including Jools Holland, Alexandra Burke, Rumer, Blake, and ABBA Symphonic, will entertain fans from floating stage on the river, against the backdrop of the Henley skyline. 

The riverside setting provides an intimate environment for festival goers to experience magical summer nights.  Each evening, over twenty acts from the world of jazz, opera, classical and theatre, from the UK and abroad, perform live music and comedy.  The Roving Company of Eccentrica entertain you as you wander through art galleries and sculpture lawns. 

Later on, watch a dazzling firework display, then follow the revellers to Chinawhite Club
and party late into the night.

For elegant dining, book a table at Albert and Michel Roux’s Riverside Restaurant, the largest a la carte restaurant in Europe, along with other inviting riverside restaurants and bars. 

“This is a festival both for the connoisseur and the party goer. International performers combine with a jewel box of spectacular acts throughout the five days in a magical location on the banks of the Thames.”says Stewart Collins, Artistic Director  

“There’s nothing like the Henley Festival. The beautiful setting and the intimate performances make it the best summer party you can imagine,” says Tom Jones. 

Tickets and Dining:

  • Choose from reserved Grandstand seats or unreserved Lawn deckchairs for the main Floating Stage concert from £59 each.
  • Promenade tickets (from £35 each) provide standing room for the main concert.
  • All Henley Festival goers enjoy live performances in the Cafe du Soir and the Salon plus a free pass to seven art galleries, sculpture lawns, eccentric roving street acts such as the Art Tart, a spectacular fireworks display, plus dancing in China White nightclub.
  • Dine in style at Albert and Michel Roux’s Riverside Restaurant or the less formal Terrace Restaurant and Café du Soir. Or choose casual outdoor eateries like Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Head at Henley, the Chinese Garden and other venues for light bites.
The Programme:
Gates open at 6pm, when you’ll rub shoulders with well known faces, fellow culture seekers and artists, while sipping champagne in elegant, stylish, black tie and evening dress. View sculpture, including the iconic Alice in Wonderland by Salvador Dali, live ice sculpting and works by artists ranging from Peter Blake to John Piper, and dance into the wee hours at Chinawhite nightclub. 

Henley Festival Box Office:  01491 843404 or book via www.henley-festival.co.uk

 

 

Feeder to headline Saturday night at Y Not Festival 2011

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Feeder formed in Wales in 1991 and are one of the most successful UK chart acts.

Other acts confirmed to perform include Dog is Dead, Yunioshi, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Wolf Gang, Max Raptor and more. The full line up can be found via www.ynotfestivals.com/lineup.

Festival fans were recently asked to vote for their favourite fancy dress idea in a poll on facebook. “Good VS Evil” led the poll from start to finish and will be the theme for the Saturday of this year’s festival.

The Y Not Festival is an independent music festival in Derbyshire, which promises great value for money, a fantastic line up and a friendly atmosphere. This year the festival will be licensed for 4999 people and takes place on Friday 5th – Sunday 7th August 2011. Tickets can be purchased via www.ynotfestivals.co.uk or can be bought locally in the Matlock music shop on Dale Road.

 

Rhythms of the World lineup additions

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New acts added to this years lineup include:

Ska Cubano and Raghu Dixit headline, with The Subways, Aghast, Safari, Oi Va Voi, The Selecter, Luke Leighfield, Lizzy Pattinson, My First Tooth, The Zipheads, Skip ‘Little Axe McDonald, Calan, CW Stoneking, Jim Moray, Kadialy Kouyate, Moishe’s Bagel, C.C. Smugglers, Blonde Louis, Camus & The Cat, Fernando’s Kitchen, Swanvesta Social Club, My Pet Junkie, The Blues Agents, Stackridge, Indi & The Vegas, Tonight We’re Electric and Dry The River