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!

More acts announced for Bloodstock Open Air 2011

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Flying in from Finland, TAROT make their BLOODSTOCK debut on the RONNIE JAMES DIO stage. Fronted by Nightwish bassplayer Marco Hietala, the Finnish five piece come armed with 25 years of majestic metal material spanning eight studio albums. Perfectly capturing the spirit of the 80s, BLOODSTOCK is in for a treat as TAROT deliver a set of fist pumping metal with huge choruses.

The three latest additions for the SOPHIE stage come from both near and afar, with an international coalition representing the UK, Europe and South Amercia. Homegrown heroes POWERQUEST return to BLOODSTOCK for the second time, after going down a storm at the indoor fest of 2003. Currently gearing up to release new album “Blood Alliance”, the melodic power-metallers can expect a hearty, warm welcome back to CATTON HALL.

Also making a welcome return are Italian thrashers ARTHEMIS, who’s debut UK appearance was at 2009’s BLOODSTOCK Festival. Since then, the fearsome foursome have gone on to do a co-headlining tour of the UK, as well tours with the likes of Dragonfroce, Cradle Of Filth, Glenn Hughes and many others. Having taken their explosive thrash all over Europe, Japan and the unlikely location of Ibiza, ARTHEMIS return to Derbyshire to deliver a set of storming Al Fresco Thrash.

Last, but by no means least, Chilean metallers CRIMINAL make their BLOODSTOCK debut in 2011. Making their mark on the thriving South American Metal scene via shows with Kreator, Slayer and Sepultura, plus a nominiation for Best Rock Video at the MTV Latino Video Music Awards, CRIMINAL relocated to the UK to further spread their impact. The result was appearances at major European festivals such as Wacken and Summer Breeze, plus shows supporting the likes of Six Feet Under, Brujeria, Chimaira and Lamb Of God. Now they bring their unique blend of melodic death, hardcore and thrash metal for what will undoubtedly be a punishing set at BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011.

With a host of exclusive performances already confirmed – including headliners IMMORTAL, plus MORBID ANGEL, THERION, AT THE GATES and many more, across three stages of music, plus comedy, fairground rides and a real ale bar, BOA 2011 is an essential date in the metal calendar. Tickets are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011 12th – 14th AUGUST 2011

BAND LINE UP SO FAR:
IMMORTAL :
RHAPSODY OF FIRE : TRIPTYKON : MORBID ANGEL : THERION : LAWNMOWER DETH
ANGELWITCH : CORONER : GRAVE DIGGER : AT THE GATES : TAROT : POWERQUEST : ARTHEMIS : CRIMINAL

Small Nations Festival Earlybird tickets

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Start planning your visit now to Wales’s ‘cŵlest’ festival held on farm every year in Cilycwm, Carmarthenshire.

Book before Christmas to get your early bird tickets (we have a limited number at 2010 prices) for a unique feast of world music.

Small Nations is held on farm near the pretty village of Cilycwm in the gentle rolling hills of Carmarthenshire… a beautiful and relaxed setting for the diverse range of music served up over three days in July.

Small Nations is celebrating its tenth birthday in 2011 and will be pulling out all the stops to make it one to remember. The first line-up announcements for the festival next year are likely to be announced sometime early in 2011, but as ever expect some fab-u-lous acts from small nations across the globe playing over the weekend.
Early Bird Weekend tickets are only £50, book online now www.smallnations.co.uk

 

Tinie Tempah and more announced for Evolution Festival 2011

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Not content with bringing you rock n’ roll legends Iggy and the Stooges and crossover pop star Plan B, Evolution festival is delighted to confirm Tinie Tempah will be performing.

The breakout star of 2010 Tinie Tempah has captivated music fans, celebrities and critics alike and will be performing his Number 1 chart hit ‘Pass Out’ as well as huge singles ‘Frisky’ and ‘Written In The Stars’ from him critically and commercially
acclaimed debut album ‘Disc-Overy’.

Evolution are thrilled to be bringing him to the North East.

Two Door Cinema Club have had a meteoric year also – their euphoric, instant, indie anthems have cultivated a huge live following and they are sure to give the Evolution crowd a real treat.

Leading the charge for North East talent, Detroit Social Club’s enormous grooves, terrace style chants, gnarled vocals and addictive take on rock ‘n roll has seen them compared to Kasabian – their raucous live gigs are the stuff of local legend.

Caribou were adjudged Rough Trade Album of the year and one listen to the stunning ‘Swim’ leaves no room for dispute.  Their live show is a treat for eyes and ears alike

Radio 1’s unstoppable Annie Mac and Fenech Soler complete the line up announcement.

Expect further artists to be announced in early 2011 as Evolution Festival continues to provide the greatest weekend of the year for music lovers of all persuasions.

Iggy and the Stooges and Plan B headline

More Bands for your Buck™, the ticket price remains the keenest and best value of any outdoor music event in the UK calendar making it the perfect Christmas present at £35 + bf for a Weekend ticket! For details of where to buy tickets visit www.evolutionfestival.co.uk

The biggest cultural event in the North East, Evolution attracts 33,000 people per day.

Ticket info: £35 +bf for the weekend / £25 + bf day ticket

 

South West Four (SW4) 2011 dates and pre-sale ticket info

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Just three words summed up the August Bank Holiday weekend; SOUTH WEST FOUR! The sun glistened over Clapham Common’s lush carpet, acting as a grassy base for thousands of discerning clubbers. Add to that four heaving arenas, with mind blowing performances from Fatboy Slim, Armin Van Buuren, Carl Cox, Salt N Pepa and Erick Morillo et al. The music, crowd, lasers, lighting and world class production all cemented the event as London’s premier electronic festival experience.

With summer a distant memory as London is caught up in the big freeze, we thought we would thaw you out a bit by confirming the dates for South West Four 2011; our traditional Bank Holiday slot on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August 2011. Be under no illusion, SW4 returns bigger and better than ever before – we have already gone that extra mile by confirming our colossal headline acts, both of which will be revealed soon.

The pre-sale ticket registration for SW4 2011 has now opened. To get first access to tickets once on sale please sign up now at www.southwestfour.com 

 

blink-182 to headline T in the Park 2011

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With 25 million worldwide album sales under their belt, the pop punk trio from Poway California formed in 1992 and released five studio albums including multi-platinum selling breakthrough album ‘Enema of the State (1999)’ between 1994 and 2005 before breaking away from the music scene.  The 51st Grammy Awards in 2009 brought the band back together and with a new album planned for release in spring 2011, blink-182 will be back with a bang at Baldo.

Geoff Ellis (Festival Director) said: ‘blink 182 are renowned for their amazing live performances and fans are in for a real treat when they play T in the Park next year.  This is the second world class band we’ve announced and there’s plenty more to come…watch this space.‘

George Kyle (Head of Sponsorship Tennent’s Lager) said: ‘Attracting international bands like blink-182 and Foo Fighters further proves that T in the Park is on the of the UK’s biggest and best festivals.  Our 85,000 strong audience are in for another great year.‘

All Christmas Earlybird Tickets are now sold out.  The next batch of tickets will go on sale in February 2011.

At The Gates only UK show at Bloodstock Open Air

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“We had such a blast during the 2008 reunion that we decided to do some more shows.” states drummer Adrian Erlandsson. He continues, “We had an amazing gig at Bloodstock in 2008 and are really looking forward to playing there again.”

One of the most influential metal bands of the last 20 years, AT THE GATES made a permanent mark after 1995’s “Slaughter Of The Soul” album captured the imaginations of metalheads the world over. Taking the aggression of death metal and lacing it heavily with melody, the album was released to huge critical acclaim – including a Swedish Grammy nomination – and AT THE GATES looked set to take the world by storm. However, disbanding in 1996 meant that the next chapter was never written. The 12 years that passed left hundreds of thousands of fans hoping that one day they would get to see their heroes again.

Their wish came true, and the AT THE GATES reunion was one of the summer festival highlights across Europe in 2008, as the five piece reminded the metal world why they were so hugely influential. Now, the band return for an exclusive appearance, and BLOODSTOCK is honoured to welcome them back for what is bound to be an unforgettable set at Catton Hall.

With a host of exclusive performances already confirmed – including headliners IMMORTAL, plus MORBID ANGEL, THERION and many more, across three stages of music, plus comedy, fairground rides and a real ale bar, BOA 2011 is an essential date in the metal calendar, and with early bird tickets on sale now at the price of just £90 – up to 15th December 2010 – there’s no reason to wait for your BLOODSTOCK ticket. Got to www.bloodstock.uk.com to get yours now before this special offer runs out!

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011 12th – 14th AUGUST 2011

BAND LINE UP SO FAR:
IMMORTAL :
RHAPSODY OF FIRE : TRIPTYKON : MORBID ANGEL : THERION : LAWNMOWER DETH
ANGELWITCH : CORONER : GRAVE DIGGER : AT THE GATES

Rockness Festival launch Xmas Offer

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It’s everything a music fan could dream of Santa bringing and the answer to every shopper’s prayers…a RockNess Christmas Stocking.

Forget trying to battle snowstorms, hordes of stressed out shoppers and last minute impulse buys you’ll regret. Save yourself the grief, GO ONLINE and snap up the gift that’ll bring a monster festive smile to your nearest and dearest on Christmas Day.

Stuffed with heaps of money-can’t-buy goodies, the RockNess Christmas Stocking is the ultimate present for music lovers.

Not only does it contain a VIP weekend camping ticket to RockNess – the most beautiful festival in the world, where KASABIAN, THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS and PAOLO NUTINI will headline next summer – but it’s positively heaving with must have treats including a personal aide to help carry your bags on arrival on site, limited edition souvenir ticket and lanyard, a band tee shirt of choice, a bacon buttie and cup of tea every morning, a daily shot of Jagermeister or £10 drinks voucher and the pièce de résistance…a complimentary massage!

At an outrageously good value £199, it’s a sparklingly inspiring Christmas present idea. What’s more, because ‘tis the season of goodwill, the RockNess Christmas Stocking can be paid in three instalments of £66.

Orders placed before the 20th will receive a voucher to go under the tree and any orders purchased after the 20th have the option to download the voucher.

Festival Director, Jim King commented, “We are really pleased to be able to offer this amazing ticket bundle of festive cheer. It has to be the best value festival VIP package on sale anywhere in the UK.”
TO BUY, PLEASE GO TO WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK

Or for your chance to win this AMAZING Christmas Present visit www.facebook.com/OfficialRockNess

RockNess 2011 takes place 10-12 June, 2011 in the village of Dores, close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

The festival won ‘LINE UP OF THE YEAR’ at last month’s UK Festival Awards for its 2010 extravaganza which saw appearances from a raft of incredible acts including The Strokes. Leftfield and Fatboy Slim.

Glade Festival returns for 2011

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Glade Festival, which originated as an underground dance stage at Glastonbury, before becoming an award winning independent event in its own right in 2004, is pleased to announce it will be back in 2011 on June 9th -12th at a stunning new (secret for now) location.

After their hiatus in 2010, due unforeseen rises in site costs, this is very welcome news for all dance fans.

As organiser Anselm Guise explains:

“”We are thrilled to be able to say that the Glade will be back in 2011. The festival is being revolutionised yet stripped back to its shiny grass roots…half the capacity that it was in the last few years and getting back to its original spirit but with a big step forward creatively, musically and artistically. We’ve been dying to let everyone know that it is definitely here again and with everything that’s happened we’ve had to ensure that we’ve got something to excite, that we can make happen and that will be a true celebration of life, music and art. We now can. Half the battle was finding the right home for the festival and we really have. We’ve found a belter…proper English parkland where we can do our thing…trees everywhere! The Glade is back…!”“

Tier One Tickets are set to be released on January 25th, price tba, and available from the all new Glade Website which is also set to go live on January 25th
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www.gladefestival.com

Exit Festival Xmas Package Offer

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From 9am on Monday 20th December until 9pm on Christmas Eve (24th December) festival goers can choose from the following 3 options for 5 days only;

1. Buy 2 tickets get 1 free
2. Buy 5 tickets with 5% discount and Dance Arena VIP passes for 1 day of your choice
3. Buy 10 tickets with 10% discount and VIP terrace table and a bottle of your favourite spirit (ie Vodka) for 1 day of your choice

Get the special offer here http://www.etickets.to/exit-xmas/

Taking place from the 7th – 10th July, EXIT is still the coolest, most adventurous and best value for money festival experience in Europe for the discerning festival goer. Offering more entertainment, easier and cheaper travel options, stunning weather and an atmosphere unlike any other festival, ensure it’s on your list of things to do 2011!

And if the value-for-money, unique, awe-inspiring location and good weather aren’t enough, EXIT 2011 will host over 400 performances on 20 stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels – a walk through the mystical fortress is like a trip through a magical wonderland. Music ranges from rock, dance, indie, latino, reggae, electronica, chill out and regional music, so there is no better festival in the world that brings you so much value and so much variety!

2011 will also see pre & post EXIT events happening in the city of Novi Sad and Belgrade, so festival go-ers can spend longer in Serbia experiencing the warmth of the Serbian people whilst having fun and seeing new sights and cities. It’s an adventure and festival in one!

EXIT is one of the most highly regarded festivals in Europe, being nominated for ‘Best Overseas Festival’ in the UK Festival Awards for the past 4 years, winning the coveted title in 2007 and runner up in 2010. In addition EXIT has also been nominated for ‘Best Major Festival’ in European Festival Awards for 2 years running and has been shortlisted in the ‘Artists Favourite Festival’ Catergory.

And not forgetting the festivals roots and special meaning – Launched 12 years ago as a student initiated 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. EXIT continues to evolve and bring like minded people together and although it gets bigger each year, the sentiment and unique vibe remains the same.

EXIT PHOTOS & VIDEO:
See pictures from EXIT 10; http://www.flickr.com/exitfestival
Check out the video highlights from 2010 http://www.youtube.com/EXITFestivalTV

The Big 4 set for Sonisphere 2011

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Already joining headliners Biffy Clyro and Slipknot, the announcement that Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax are all set to join is massive news for the rock festival for 2011.

METALLICA drummer LARS ULRICH explains:

“As soon as the Big 4 gigs started rolling across Sonisphere Festivals in Eastern Europe last summer, we all felt we were part of something special. The vibe within the bands was more than anyone had anticipated and the vibe with the fans was so next level, it completely blew our minds . . . there was no way this should not happen again!!! So I am beyond psyched that the first Big 4 show in Western Europe will take place on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth, where so many unique and special gigs have happened over the years.”

Last summer saw the live debut of THE BIG 4 – as this collective of Thrash legends are commonly known – marking what was possibly the most significant event in the history of metal. Fans all over Europe could barely contain their excitement, as over 500,000 metalheads bore witness to the show they thought they’d never see.

THE BIG 4 fever did not stop at Europe, as fans the world over eagerly anticipated the possibility of seeing the historical show for themselves in their own countries. Such was the demand that a live cinecast of the Bulgarian show saw over 130,000 people turn out to local cinemas, with reports of mosh pits breaking out in movie theatres across the globe. The recently released DVD of the event, which features all four bands collaborating on a cover of Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil” as well as their individual sets, has only added fuel to the BIG 4 fire, with a frenzied demand for more performances in the countries not fortunate enough to play host last summer.

Now, SONISPHERE brings the titanic combo of METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX to the UK for the very first time, at this exclusive performance at KNEBWORTH. The legends themselves declare their delight at taking the greatest metal show on earth back out on the road:

“There is simply no better venue for a European round two of the Big 4!!” METALLICA’s LARS ULRICH begins. “Put your dancing shoes on, this is gonna be fun!”

“Always excited to do big 4 shows” says SLAYER’s KERRY KING. “Now England is in line to be devastated by this heavy metal powerhouse! Can’t Fucking wait!!!”

MEGADETH mainman DAVE MUSTAINE states; “The Big Four Concerts are the most important, most exciting event to happen in the history of live concerts in our genre, and perhaps the entire music industry. I am glad to be a part of this enormous celebration of thrash, speed, and good ole heavy metal!”

“OH YEAH!!!” proclaims ANTHRAX drummer CHARLIE BENANTE. “Here we Come England! The Big 4 BABY! Can’t wait to Get Metal Thrashing Mad for you Thrashers!”

ANTHRAX bandmate, guitarist SCOTT IAN concurs “Merry early Xmas present for us… more BIG 4 shows!!! The shows we did together with our brothers in Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth were not only the high point of 2010, but also some of the best shows Anthrax have ever played. Getting to share this with our friends in the UK will be amazing”.

Given that 2010’s event had sold out before IRON MAIDEN took to the stage, and the hugely exciting headliners set for next year, SONISPHERE can not guarantee that day tickets will be available for 2011, so fans are advised to get their tickets early to ensure they don’t miss out on what is already shaping up to be SONISPHERE’s most exciting year yet.

Tickets for SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH 2011 are now on sale. Beat the VAT increase – and get your application in to become a SONISPHERE TOURIST with your free ticket for POLAND and CZECH REPUBLIC or AUSTRIA (subject to availability) – by snapping your ticket up quickly.

SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com