Carl Cox announces Open Air party on Brighton Beach this summer

Carl Cox Invites
Very special guests to be announced
Location: Brighton
Date: Saturday 23rd July, 2022

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SIGN UP FOR PRIORITY ACCESS TO TICKETS
www.carlcoxbrighton.com

Pre sale tickets on sale Wednesday 16th March at 10am
General sale tickets on sale Wednesday 16th March at 1pm

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Globally renowned star Cal Cox will return on the famous pebbled beach on Brighton with a selection of his own personally invited friends and peers a day before. The likes of Andy C, Sub Focus, Shy FX, Dimension, Friction and many more play on the Sunday.

This is the second of the four dates to be announced by Louder and Joy so to get your tickets sign up for priority access at www.carlcoxbrighton.com. Carl’s appearance in Brighton sold out in a matter of days last year so signing up for tickets is highly recommended.

Last year’s show surpassed all expectations as Carl delivered a show that left nothing for imagination. For that reason he is known around the planet for his high energy sets of powerful house and techno. The big man with the bigger smile has for years been a kingpin in Ibiza at clubs like Space, and tours the world’s best clubs on a non-stop basis with his dexterous DJ style mixing up both classics and cutting edge new sounds as well as plenty of the music he releases on his own Intec label. There are few bigger names in electronic music than this legend, and to see him play on the beach in the open air will be historic indeed.

The day after on Sunday July 24th is a high class drum & bass affair with scene innovators and pioneers alike playing a stage hosted by Worried About Henry and Breakin Science. They include the likes of Andy C, Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Shy FX, Dimension, Friction and Harriet Jaxxon.

With more dates still to be announced. On The Beach 2022 is already set to be an unmissable weekend of music from across the genres.

Creamfields full 2020 lineup announced

Over the past few months Creamfields have been dropping name after name for their 2020 lineup, and with festival season just around the corner it turns out they were only just getting started, as the full lineup and arena breakdown now drops for the 4-day August Bank Holiday spectacular.

Among the multitude of acts featured are Calvin HarrisEric Prydz HOLOSPHERE, The Chainsmokers, BICEP Live, Armin van Buuren, Pendulum TRINITY, Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Camelphat, deadmau5, Peggy Gou, Nina Kraviz, Above & Beyond, Charlotte de Witte, Sven Väth, Adam Beyer, Boris Brejcha, Kölsch, Alesso, MK, Oliver Heldens, Purple Disco Machine, Paul van Dyk, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Timmy Trumpet, Fisher, Scooter, Chase & Status (DJ Set), Example, Sigma, ARTBAT, Clatptone, Solardo, Faithless (DJ Set), Afrojack, Sonny Fodera, Tchami, Jax Jones, Third Party, Ben Nicky, Marco Carola, Pete Tong, Hot Since 82, Helena Hauff, Andy C, Claptone, Denis Sulta, Jamie Jones, Patrick Topping, Joseph Capriati, Nicole Moudaber, Sub Focus (DJ Set), Holy Goof, JAUZ and many, many more.

Lineup for 2020

Friday 28th August

NORTH STAGE

The Chainsmokers

Oliver Heldens

Jonas Blue

+ more

STEEL YARD

Eric Prydz HOLOSPHERE

Adam Beyer

Kölsch

Cristoph

+ more

MAU5TRAP (Powered by Utilita Energy)

deadmau5

Example

Chris Lorenzo

Jay Robinson

Livsey

+ more

 

NINA KRAVIZ & FRIENDS

Nina Kraviz

Peggy Gou

Helena Hauff

Dax J

Leon Vynehall

 

PARADISE

Jamie Jones

Patrick Topping

Nicole Moudaber

Richy Ahmed

+ more

 

FREAKSHOW

Timmy Trumpet

Ben Nicky

Will Sparks

Darren Styles

Sub Zero Project

Dimatik

Special Guest: Scooter

ANDY C presents ONE 7 FOUR

Andy C

Dimension

Kings Of The Rollers & Inja

SPY b2b Randall

Bou

Harriet Jaxxon

Skantia

Killer Hertz

 MC’s: Tonn Piper / GQ / IC3 / Haribo

 

TURN IT UP

Brennan Heart

Zatox

Miss K8

Kutski

Hixxy

MKN

Reklus

Faze 2

PEPSI MAX

Gareth Emery

Sander van Doorn presents Purple Haze

Mauro Picotto

Menno de Jong

Craig Connelly

Ciaran McAuley

Daxson

Saturday 29th August

 

NORTH STAGE

Calvin Harris

Tchami

+ more

 

SOUTH STAGE

Armin van Buuren

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

W&W

Vini Vici

Carta

+ more

STEEL YARD presents CARL COX: INVITES

Carl Cox

Charlotte de Witte

Josh Wink

Enrico Sangiuliano

Andrea Olivia

Anna Tur

Live: Guti

 

SUB_AURAL (powered by Utilita Energy)

Pendulum TRINITY

Artist A to Z:

Holy Goof

Hybrid Minds

Jauz

SASASAS

Sub Focus

Special Guests:

Friction

Notion

Yakö

North Base

ANJUNABEATS

Above & Beyond

ilan Bluestone

Alpha 9 b2b Spencer Brown

Mat Zo

Oliver Smith

Trance Wax

Amber Stomp b2b Amy Wiles

 

CATCH & RELEASE

Fisher

Erick Morillo

Franky Wah

+ more

Very Special Guest: Nic Fanciulli

 

ALL GONE PETE TONG

Marco Carola

Joseph Capriati

Hot Since 82

Pete Tong

Eats Everything

Joey Daniel

La Fleur

 

DEFECTED

Gorgon City

Basement Jaxx (DJ Set)

Riva Starr

Sam Divine

Low Steppa

Monki

Dom Townsend

PEPSI MAX

Laidback Luke

Third Party

Bassjackers

Loud Luxury

TNT aka Technoboy n Tuneboy

Adaro

Mattn

DJ Isaac

Teddy Cream

Andy Whitby

RONG

Ferry Corsten

John O’Callaghan

Giuseppe Ottaviani

Will Atkinson

Greg Downey

Factor B

Pete Bromage

Jamie Cooper

B.Viss

Sunday 30th August

 

MUSICAL FREEDOM

Tiësto

Alesso

Afrojack

Faithless (DJ Set)

Toby Green

Magnificence

Jonas Aden

STAMPD

Martin Garrix

Jax Jones Live

Sonny Fodera

Disciples
Loopers

Bart B More

Silque

 

STEEL YARD

Camelphat

Solardo

Artbat

Paul Woolford

Eli Brown

SOSA

SOUNDSCAPE

BICEP Live

Denis Sulta

Skream

Michael Bibi

Mason Collective

Logic 1000

 

SUB_AURAL (powered by Utilita Energy)

Chase & Status (DJ Set)

Sigma

My Nu Leng

Matrix & Futurebound feat.Rhymester

+ more

MK AREA10

MK

Hannah Wants

Leftwing:Kody

Offaiah

KC Lights b2b Nightlapse

Special Guest:  Claptone

 

WAREHOUSE

Sven Väth

Boris Brejcha

Alan Fitzpatrick

ANNA

Yousef

B.Traits

James Organ

 

GLITTERBOX

Roger Sanchez

Purple Disco Machine

Todd Terry

The Shapeshifters LIVE with Teni Tinks

Simon Dunmore

Melvo Baptiste

 

PEPSI MAX

Paul van Dyk

Aly & Fila

Cosmic Gate

Bryan Kearney

John Askew

Ruben De Ronde

Shugz vs David Rust

Rob Harnetty

GOODGREEF XTRA-HARD

D-Block & S-Te-Fan

Wildstylez

Sefa

Sound Rush

Alex Kidd

Minus the Crown

Argy

Shaun T

Phil Mackintosh

Thursday 27th August

Line up to be announced

Carl Cox Returns to ADE with Massive Awesome Soundwaves showcase

Undoubtedly one of the globe’s most popular DJs, this ADE Carl Cox will be bringing his Awesome Soundwaves label to Elementenstraat for a very special one-off show alongside some of his favourite established and emerging artists.

It happens at Warehouse Elementenstraat on October 17th in tandem with ADE.

Playing will be the likes of Christopher Coe, Hannes Bieger, Julien Chaptal, Mat Playford, Reinier Zonneveld and Quazar, while on a DJ set tip, the likes of Acid Mondays, Alex Kennon, Chelina Manuhutu and of course, Carl himself are sure to excite.

Head to the Awakenings website for more.

 

Creamfields 2018 lineup announced

With 21 years at the forefront of electronic music festivals, there are very few that quite compare to the behemoth that is Creamfields. For the 2018 edition, the festival once again unleashes a stellar line-up that is mind-blowing in depth and breadth, with artists from across the full-spectrum of dance music set to make the trip to the fields of Cheshire for another 4-day extravaganza that looks set to be bigger than ever.

 

Taking place on August Bank Holiday weekend, Creamfields 2018 will see over 300 artists perform across 30 stages, for a 4-day spectacular that will see 70,000 people come together for what has now taken pride of place as the premier event for dance music fans across the globe. From house to techno, trance to drum & bass, this year’s edition has it all, featuring performances from the likes of Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Alesso, Andy C, Annie Mac, Armin van Buuren, Armand van Helen, Axwell & Ingrosso, The Black Madonna, Carl Cox, Camelphat, The Chainsmokers, Chase & Status (DJ set), Danny Howard, Dillon Francis, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Diplo, Disciples, DJ EZ, Don Diablo, Duke Dumont, Dusky, Eric Prydz presents HOLO, Fatboy Slim, Faithless (DJ Set), Galantis, Giggs, Goldie, Green Velvet, Groove Armada (DJ Set), Hannah Wants, Hardwell, Hot Since 82, Idris Elba, Jamie Jones, Joris Voorn, Joseph Capriati, Kölsch, Krept X Konan, Laidback Luke, Leftfield (DJ Set), Loco Dice, Luciano, Major Lazer (Live), Marco Carola, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Maya Jane Coles, Mistajam, MK, Nicole Moudaber, Oliver Heldens, Patrick Topping, Paul van Dyk, Pete Tong, Ramz, Roni Size, Rudimental (DJ Set), Sasha & John Digweed, Sigala, Sigma, Skream, Solardo, Stefflon Don, Steve Angello (Live), Sub Focus, Sven Väth, Tchami & Malaa (No Redemption), Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet, Vini Vici, Virtual Self, Wilkinson (DJ Set) feat. MC AD-APT, W&W and Yousef to name a few.

 

With ground-breaking stage production, a wide-range of camping options – including the luxury Dreamfields packages – and a range of music that is sure to get the pulse racing, it’s a sure bet that Creamfields 21 is going to be one to remember.

 

 

CREAMFIELDS UK 2018 – LINE UP

FRIDAY 24th AUGUST

SICK BOY STAGE

The Chainsmokers

Sigma

Martin Solveig

Sigala

 

STEEL YARD PRESENTS INTEC

Carl Cox

Nicole Moudaber

Darren Emerson

Carlo Lio

Jon Rundell

Harvey McKay

Fabio Neural

 

ARMADA – Powered by Utilita Energy

Armin van Buuren

W&W

Fedde Le Grand

David Gravell

Dubvision

Ruben De Ronde

Special Guest: Vini Vici

 

SUB_AURAL ARENA

Chase & Status (DJ Set)

DJ EZ

Kurupt FM

Matrix & Futurebound

Klose One

Understate

Special Guest: Hannah Wants

 

PARADISE

Jamie Jones

Joseph Capriati

Green Velvet

Patrick Topping

Richy Ahmed

Mark Jenkyns

 

ANDY C PRESENTS RAM

Andy C

Wilkinson (DJ Set)

Roni Size

Rene Lavice

Frankee

Sound In Noise

MC’s:  Tonn Piper, AD-APT, 2Shy

Special Guests: SASASAS

 

BLOW

Camelphat

Sonny Fodera

Dennis Cruz

Mihalis Safras

Pirupa

+ more to be added

 

PEPSI MAX ARENA

Sander van Doorn

Ummet Ozcan

Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman

Firebeatz

Julian Jordan

Junior J

RobbieG

Special Guest:  Will Sparks

 

KEEPING THE RAVE ALIVE

Kutski

Code Black

Darren Styles

Joey Riot

MKN

AV18

Obsession

Danny Burch

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Anthony Probyn

Jemmy

Andy Joyce

Adam Cartwright

Bernie Lee

Mike Catherall

Danny Whitehead

Aaron Amihere

Jono Robertson

Brad Hogan

 

SATURDAY 25th AUGUST

HORIZON STAGE

Major Lazer (Live Creamfields Debut)

Annie Mac

Giggs

Disciples

+ more to be announced

 

ARC STAGE

Axwell & Ingrosso

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

Galantis

Timmy Trumpet

+ more to be announced

Special Guest: Nicky Romero

 

MEGA ARENA Powered by Utilita Energy

Above & Beyond

Steve Angello (Live)

Virtual Self

Danny Howard

Grum

Spencer Brown

Oliver Smith

Gareth Wyn

 

STEEL YARD

Marco Carola

Loco Dice

Alan Fitzpatrick

Camelphat

B.Traits

Very Special Guests:  Sasha & John Digweed

 

MAD DECENT

Diplo

Dillon Francis

A-Trak

Valentino Khan

Party Favor

Ape Drums

+ more to be added

 

JAM PACKED

Krept X Konan

Mistajam

Ramz

Holy Goof

Darkzy

Jaykae

Friend Within

Sir Spyro

Conducta

Mollie Collins

Sian Anderson feat.  Big Jabba Jones

Sammy Porter

Dobby

Special Guest:  Stefflon Don

 

ALL GONE PETE TONG

Luciano

Pete Tong

Hot Since 82

Joris Voorn

Skream

Mason Collective

Special Guest: The Black Madonna

 

PEPSI MAX ARENA

Laidback Luke

Benny Benassi

Tom Zanetti & K.O Kane

Bassjackers

Mattn

Special Guest:  Ben Nicky

 

MELBOURNE BOUNCE

Teddy Cream

Joel Fletcher

Sunset Bros

Natalie Sax

 

303

Leftfield (DJ Set)

James Zabiela

Dave Seaman

Justin Robertson

Stuart Hodson

Samuel Lamont

Kenny Muir

 

RONG

Solarstone

Giuseppe Ottaviani

Menno De Jong

Alex M.O.R.P.H

ReOrder

Shugz

Liam Wilson & Dan Dobson

Rong Residents:  Pete Bromage, Jamie Cooper & B.Vis

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Andy Mac

Sean Hughes

James Dutton

Josh Demello

Alan Hartley

Jamie Trippier

Liam Cors

Lee Bullock

Jon Coburn

Ian McGaw

 

SUNDAY 26th AUGUST

ARC STAGE

Tiësto 

Hardwell

Don Diablo

Mike Williams

+ more to be announced

 

HORIZON STAGE

Martin Garrix

Fatboy Slim

Oliver Heldens

Faithless (DJ Set)

Lost Frequencies

Justin Mylo

+ more to be announced

 

STEEL YARD presents PRYDA

Eric Prydz presents HOLO

Adam Beyer

Kölsch

Dusky

Cristoph

 

MEGA ARENA Powered by Utilita Energy

Alesso

Tchami & Malaa (No Redemption)

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

Third Party

Anton Powers

Special Guest: Duke Dumont

 

MK AREA10

MK

Armand van Helden

Idris Elba

Detlef

Eli & Fur

KC Lights

Special Guests: Groove Armada (DJ Set)

 

SUB_AURAL

Rudimental (DJ Set)

Sub Focus

Goldie

High Contrast

Friction

Dimension

Majestic

North Base

 

CIRCUS

Sven Väth

Eats Everything

Yousef

Solardo

Lewis Boardman

Ki Creighton

Special Guest: Maya Jane Coles

 

PEPSI MAX ARENA

Paul van Dyk

Ferry Corsten

Aly & Fila

John O’Callaghan

Bryan Kearney

John 00 Fleming

Rob Harnetty

Very special Guest:  Paul Oakenfold

 

GOODGREEF XTRA HARD

Scot Project

Alex Kidd

Andy Whitby

Organ Donors (Ultrasound Album Set)

Rob Tissera

Klubfiller & MC Storm

Energy Syndicate (10 Years Showcase)

Shaun T

Reklus

Phil Mackintosh

Hosted by MC Finchy

 

CREAM CLASSICS

Seb Fontaine

Tall Paul

K-Klass

Tilt

Paul Bleasdale

Andy Carroll

George Kafetzis & Rue Jay

Ricco

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Ed Mackie

Billie Clements

Chris Wright

Thomas Tuft

Mr Cousens

Sam Rice

Hardman & Devall

Darren Donnelly

Jae Holmes

 

THURSDAY 24th AUGUST

SEXY BY NATURE

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

Kryder

Bruno Martini

Jack Eye Jones

 

CREAM

DJ S.K.T

Kideko

George Kwali

Michael Calfan

Nathan Dawe

 

CREAM TERRACE

Philip George

D.O.D

Kris Kross Amsterdam

Jack Wins

Lil Rockit

Joel Rogers

 

HOSPITALITY ARENA

Paul Nunn & James Glover

Strictly Underground

Ricochet Musica

 

Ultra Music Festival announce Resistance lineup for 2017

Ultra Music Festival
The 2017 edition of ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL will see its RESISTANCE concept dominate not one, but two huge stages at Bayfront Park as it grows into a festival within the festival. In addition to welcoming back Arcadia Spectacular’s imposing ‘Spider’ structure across all three days of the event, RESISTANCE will now team up with its recently announced global ambassador Carl Cox to take over the Megastructure on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25. Following thirteen consecutive years of ‘Carl Cox & Friends’ inside the vaunted arena, the legend himself now introduces a brand new era as a driving force behind ULTRA’s burgeoning RESISTANCE concept.
 
Having unveiled a select few RESISTANCE performers in its Phase One lineup announcement on November 17 (including the U.S. return of Sasha & John Digweed together for the first time since 2010), the World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival now drops the names of thirty-one RESISTANCE acts set to descend upon Downtown Miami in just a few months time.
 
 
Arcadia’s fire-breathing Spider will welcome house and techno heavyweights including (in alphabetical order) ANNA, Chris Liebing, Dosem, Dubfire, Eats Everything, Hector, Hot Since 82, Jamie Jones, Kölsch, Maceo Plex, The Martinez Brothers, Matador, Matthias Tanzmann, Nic Fanciulli, Reboot, Seth Troxler, Technasia and wAFF. Support comes in the form of Elio Riso, Josefin Rosen and RioTGeaR.
 
As mentioned previously, Carl Cox will helm RESISTANCE’s debut outing in the Megastructure across both Friday and Saturday, where he will be joined by (in alphabetical order) Black Coffee, Joseph Capriati, Marco Carola, The Martinez Brothers, Sasha & John Digweed and Tale of Us, among others. Support comes from B. Traits, Eli & Fur, Jon Rundell and Saeed Younan.
 

Bestival 2016 ‘The Future’: Reviewed!

Thursday

It’s that time of year again, where the rest of the UK has basically resigned itself to Autumn but Bestival-goers know that there is one last high summer fling to be had. Cars crammed with people and gear are flooding the ferry docks, horns are blaring, people are already on the drinks at 9am… off we go to the Isle.

Upon arriving at Robin Hill, it’s clear something has gone awry. For some unknown reason they’ve decided to trickle-open the carparks, meaning those wanting to camp in yellow can’t actually park in yellow because it’s currently closed. For those not au fait with Bestival’s layout – the giant hill/massive walk through three campsites to get from Red parking (which is the only one open right now) to yellow camping, is utterly soul destroying when you’re carrying 4 days’ worth of binge-drinking materials. The second fail of the day (related) is that by not opening multiple car-parks and therefore access gates, EVERYONE IN THE WORLD is queuing for red entry. Two hours to get in is beyond mental, hopefully this will be rectified for next year because it was truly the worst entry system we’ve encountered at a festival this year, and Bestival have done it so right the last five years or so before.

After finally trudging over and setting up camp (in a field where toilets haven’t been delivered yet… what is going on?!), it’s time to head over to the arena to see what’s what. Next big shock of the day… where on earth is the main stage? The stage that sits in its’ place is about a quarter of the size of last years’ behemoth and is low-down, downhill. There are a lot of short people who are going to be seeing absolutely nothing this weekend that’s for sure.

Luckily, The Magic Meadow is up and running with the true Bestival vibe to make us feel better about everything. Happily The Feast Collective has only been moved here, not banished because everyone is starving and the food is just incredible. Where else can you side by side order a grilled-shrimp-and-samphire burger, raclette draped chips and a spicy beef rendang? With a pint of Bestivale in hand it’s off to scout out some early bands.

Asylums on the Invaders of the Future stage are punky and lively, you can’t really argue with a band who love to perform. ‘Joy in a Small Wage’ is perfect rock band fayre, easy to sing along, great to dance to, and the band themselves are leaping around the stage as they play in front of the Day of the Dead bar.

The highlight of Thursday is Besti-faves, Hot Chip in the Big Top. Weird and wonderful as always they play to a busy tent despite starting at nearly one am, and their electronic melodies can be heard far and wide across the still-filling campsites.

Friday

Friday sees ferries delayed by the discovery of a World War II torpedo in Portsmouth harbour which is later disposed of by controlled explosion, but with everything soon back on schedule it’s becoming apparent that not enough camping has been opened by the festival this year. Having sold only 40,000 tickets compared to years’ 50,000+ it seems that a decision was made to condense campsites. However, they clearly went a field too far and people are scrabbling for space today.

Anyway, on to the first proper arena day and we find ourselves drawn in by the presence of The World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle over on top of The Grassy Hill. At a price of £5 for ten minutes of bouncing, it’s pretty damn steep, but hey we’re drunk and ready to throw some shapes. After knackering ourselves out, getting told off by the flip police, and avoiding serious damage it’s time to explore Caravanserai over in the Stardust Field.

What can I say about Caravanserai except, it’s magical. Surrounded by half-caravan seating booths, a carousel stage and Wurlitzer carts, it almost feels as if you’ve stepped into an American Horror Story set, without the inherent creepiness I guess. An area is being roped off by toothless yokels who are swigging something foul from an xxxx bottle and people are being called up to ‘dance off’ against each other, choosing ‘beats’ or ‘junk’ as backing tracks. As people crowd in we see a wookiee face off against a cheerleader who is throwing flips on a perilously downhill slant, a pole-dancer takes on a guy with a bizarre rope-tied tiny tears doll, and an extraordinarily drunk flying squirrel twerks at an Adidas clad musician. It’s bizarre and brilliant.

Heading out to the main stage for something a little less frenzied we catch Kitty Daisy & Lewis on the main stage as they whip out the harmonica for some bluesy riffs.

Next up are Bestival legends and all-round disgracefully wonderful pervs, The Cuban Brothers. No Bestival could be complete without them and their crazy array of stunts, tricks, the tightest jumpsuits ever seen outside of Olympic gymnastics and old school hip-hop vibes. Starting off in traditional carpet-print suits, Archerio and Kengo hit the stage with their dance duo which we as always attempt to emulate badly. Miguelito rocks ‘Mike For President’ in his gold wrasslin’ belt, and guest BAM from hip hop crew The Jungle Brothers comes out just in time to be accused of #sexyfavours. As they sing “I’m a Jungle Brother, and he’s a Cuban Brother” we see Juan Erection and Kengo bust out the big moves with huge flares, head spins and tucks. Mike pops into the crowd for a bit of fondling and then busts out the swan pants with absolutely zero shame. The Cuban Brothers are party central and the huge crowd is laughing and dancing along with them. The only sad bit? Kengo brings out his skates but the stage appears to be a bit wet to see him do any tricks. Damn!

Next up, Norwegian waif Aurora is elfin and adorable. Wearing a ton of knitwear in the high summer heat, she has a touch of Tilda Swinton about her, but oh that voice. She soars with ‘Winter Bird’ and instantly endears herself to us when by breaking her ethereal spell to say “I really had to pee before I came on stage, but when I started to  sing… it went away. I didn’t pee myself on stage though!!”.

Years & Years hit the stage with a light-show based on the lines of their album cover and some pretty fabulous futuristic outfits. Frontman Olly Alexander is dressed in metallic geometric 8-bit armour which kind of looks like a Minecraft/Moschino collaboration and with huge ticker tape explosions they race through hit after hit. ‘Take Shelter’ and ‘Ties’ have everyone mesmerised and as snappy modern dancers flood the stage it’s clear the band have upped their production value in the last two years. Finishing up with everyone singing along to ‘King’, Olly yelling “I love this festival” and a massive rainbow streamer explosion from the top of the stage, they have been a perfect Bestival band.

Over in Bollywood there’s a sweaty crowd dancing their hearts out whilst cocktails are flowing at the cocktail bus next door. A tiny rave is happening in Sunday Best and there are people spread out all over sampling the culinary delights on offer here. Anna Mae’s Mac & Cheese deserves a mention for being the stodge that saved our souls after two bags of wine. Yes, bags. Praise cheesus!

Heading into the Ambient Forest for a bit of a calm-down, we take a stroll into the revamped Amphitheatre (amazing new design) but we are a little sad that the late-night movies have been axed this year, along with Scroobius Pip’s much loved Satin Lizard Lounge. The forest itself is full of new seating nooks and artistic installations like the Tron-esque musical pipes, and the tinkling of ivories can be heard through the secret entrance to the Gatsby-esque Blind Tiger.

Back to the main stage and Skepta has drawn a massive crowd for ‘It Ain’t Safe’ but it’s Major Lazer who really take it up a notch with thousands pouring into the arena for the likes of ‘Lean On’ and ‘Light It Up’.

Read our Major Lazer full headline review HERE

Over at the Spaceport, set in a giant fuse box underneath a massive rocket, Carl Cox is lighting up the night with some solid beats, followed by Diplo straight off the back of his main stage performance. The ribbon-wrapped area, flanked by two huge astronaut installations is awesome, but the layout does make access quite difficult with thousands of bodies piled in.

Saturday

Alas, predictions were true and the rain has put a stop to many of the wild and wonderful costumes we’re used to on a Bestival Saturday, not to mention the main parade has been cancelled due to ground conditions. Such a shame! However, spirits are never dampened at Besti when Mr Motivator is on hand for an early shakedown. There’s something weirdly comforting about a man espousing health in the midst of our foul hungover scurvy-wracked state. No I haven’t had any fruit for three days except in a cocktail, but I’m pretty sure I can keep up with these aerobics… probably…

The Chuckle Brothers are obviously both terrible and nostalgically hilarious but it’s Wolf Alice who deserve a much bigger, less soggy crowd for their soft, rock style. ‘Bros’ and ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’ are brilliant and should have been sun-drenched. Hopefully we can catch them again at a less damp future Bestival. Lady Leshurr is a powerhouse performer with hit 'Brush Your Teeth' and clearly everyone is loving the return of Craig David, no matter how many times he says his own name.

Over at Invaders, Pretty Vicious‘Cave Song’ has a huge crowd up and jumping including a rowdy bunch of people dressed as their older selves with inflatable zimmer frames – The Future, I geddit, very clever. Followed up by rowdy bijou band Hinds who rock so much pocket-power they practically eclipse the main stage sound, we are loving their energy. Yelling “What’s up Bestival! Bestival is the first festival we did as a band… we were so excited because it was the first time we ever had like an artists wristband!” they echo the sentiments of quite a lot of new bands who were given their first chances at this festival. Rob Da Bank and co. have always been right on the cutting edge of booking up-and-comers, allowing new acts to flow into the festival mainstream.

Onto tonight’s main stage headliner – The Cure. With probably half the crowd never having heard of them, it’s a pretty great turnout. Hits ‘Friday I’m In Love’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’ are absolutely amazing, but the three encores and an almost three hour set they perhaps go a step too far.

Read our full headline review of The Cure HERE

Next door on the Invaders stage, PC Music Allstars followed by Danny L Harle bring a small slice of electronic rave, then euphoria to the side of the Magic Meadow and the glowsticks are out in force (ermegherrrd right?) and as we head back to the campsites later on, the STA Travel garden is inexplicably packed with people winding to… Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl. Yep, that’s the last song in my head before sleep. Thanks guys.

Sunday

Waking up to thankfully clearer skies it’s a chance to break out all the sparkly shit we couldn’t wear yesterday and walking through the tent graveyard, uh, campsite – it’s clear some people have gone full feral now. Broken poles poke holes in the sky as wellies (with feet still in them) protrude from tents, their owners flat out in oblivion.

The arena mud has dried enough to provide safe passage and it’s soon time for a bit of Electro-Swing with French movers and shakers Caravan Palace. At first a fairly small crowd has gathered but as they begin to blast out their strange mix of high tempo beats and jazz-swing riffs the arena suddenly becomes a bouncing, writhing mass of bodies throwing down together. It’s a big statement but I think CP are ‘the’ band of the entire weekend, the sun is out and the set is just incredible. Bow-ties and braces are the look, and cute and firey vocalist Zoé Colotis Charleston’s across the stage like she was born in the wrong decade. Hopping into the crowd to pull on a fans’ Union Jack tshirt, Zoé yells “We don’t care about Brexit, we love the UK!”. It’s a stellar performance and a great book for Bestival.

Over in the Big Top, a very different type of electro-swing-come-dubstep is going on with an incredible array of circus type acts to boot. Slamboree are fiercely Burning-Man in style, there’s a hint of cabaret mixed with Mad Max and freakshow vibes. Their sound is new, fresh and the fire-performers, skeletal dancers, fabric-winged fairies and kabuki masked creeps are amazing.

Taking a little time out up at Slow Motion, we laze in Solace with tea and cake, marvel at the Owl and Falconry display and laugh at Llama’s butts before attempting drunken hoop twirling and some hefty/danger fraught poi. The yoga tent looks great, but we are way beyond balance at this point.

In the Ambient Forest we stumble into becoming performers ourselves with the Uke band by The Gypsy caravans. With a song book filled with unlikely and brilliant options, we stay for renditions of Don’t Stop Believing, Friday I’m In Love, and go all out at the top of our voiced for The Final Countdown. This is the kind of unexpected happening that sets Bestival apart from other festivals, unplanned weirdness is always memorable.

The Out of Africa Bar & Disco Shed provide a little downtime as we listen to Michael Jackson jams and drink enormous cocktails whilst ducking to avoid the frenzied games of swirly tennis (swingball?) going on behind us. Grabbing some free fabric wristbands from the merch tent (if these were made up, why did we all get crap plastic wristbands for entry this year?) we stomp our way back to the main stage for Bastille.

Returning triumphantly to Bestival, Bastille are this time dressed in white jumpsuits with ww.com on the back, depicting their brand new album ‘Wild World’. Kicking off with old favourite ‘Bad Blood’ we know it’s going to be a good one, and the crowd is absolutely sardine-rammed into the arena. ‘Things We Lost In The Fire’ and ‘These Streets’ are brilliant, and new track ‘Good Grief’ gets a great reception. Despite it not really being a surprise any more, we all get down with their cover/re-working of No Scrubs ‘No Angels’ and ‘Of The Night’ a mashup of ‘Rhythm of the Night’ and ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’.

Dual headliners Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa make their mark on Bestival, with everyone getting their groove on, reliving their noughties youth. Though ticket sales say that this years’ headline choices perhaps weren’t up to Bestival’s usual standard, it’s clear those who are here are having a rowdy good time.

Check out our full headline review of Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa HERE

Now, hugging your mates and telling them you intensely love them is pretty standard practice at Bestival, it’s just that kind of place that makes you love the world, but the closing fireworks is where you can hold each other tight and reminisce on the great/hazy memories you’ve made this weekend. Soon you’ll be trawling through blurry pictures of yourself looking an absolute state and missing every single moment of this magical festival, but for now – we’re oohing and aahing at this amazing Prince Tribute. Complete with screened video, purple smoke and confetti, we are truly sad that Prince never made it to Bestival, the kind of place that would truly have revered him and his music. The solar system rings of fire glow below as massive rockets flower in the sky and it is beautiful.

The night is still young for those squeezing every last ounce of Bestival into their souls, and The Human League are playing to a huge crowd in The Big Top. ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ and ‘Don’t You Want Me’ go way beyond karaoke and into the you-can’t-hear-the-band-because-everyone-is-singing territory.

Caravanserai is also full of life, with fire performers, aerialists and tightrope walkers walking high above cosy groups of people laughing in waltzer cars, whilst bursts of fire flame into the night from The Spaceport in the distance. Grabbing some gourmet grilled cheese we make the last trek back to the tents, watched by the shining eyes  of the Lovebot.

There have been many harsh reviews floating about for Bestival this year which I think are largely unfounded. Yes things were very different which definitely came as a shock after the sheer grandiosity of the last few years, but the atmosphere was as ever, oh so Bestival. The creativity, beauty and balance was still there – all the things Bestival is renowned for. For every mad moment where something truly serendipitous has caught you off guard, where something held you in the kind of wonderment you thought you’d lost after childhood, and for every second you forgot your problems and just let loose, Bestival is the engineer. The thought that drives this festival is apparent in every corner, no matter the budget. I will be there next year with bells on. Or whatever stuff the new theme requires really.

All photographs © Andy McHardy – please do not use without permission.

Carl Cox @ Space Ibiza..The last hurrah

Have you heard about a club called Space in Ibiza and bloke by the name of Carl Cox? Well if not then you must be living in a bubble because these two things go hand in hand and are synonymous with club goers all around the world. Having come into its current form in 1989, Space has grown a reputation for one of the best clubs on the planet. With its uber famous outdoor terrace blearing out tunes with planes flying overhead during the fantastic nights put on, it's a shame that this will be the final year we get to enjoy this unique setting.

Space will be shutting it's doors for good come the end of the 2016 summer season and hence we have come to Ibiza to witness personally one of my favourite artists Carl Cox complete his legacy at his Music is Revolution night which takes place every Tuesday.

Walking up to Space you can't miss the blue neon lighted signs for Cox's night. Called the Music is Revolution: The Final Chapter, Carl is sending Space out in style by bringing together some of the biggest electronic music artists in the world like Masters at Work, Sasha, John Digweed, Fatboy Slim and many more! You really do have to wonder how they can replace an icon like Space and a night that has been growing from strength to strength for 15 years, I am not sure they can.

Lucky enough we are here on the 5th July and treated to a pretty special lineup with Adam Bayer B2B Ida Endburg and Nic Fanciulli B2B Carl Cox in the Discoteca area whilst Andy C and more perform on the terrace.

Kicking off the start of the night, Adam and Ida quickly shift into the gears and before you know it the room is rammed with bodies warming up before the main event. Adam and Ida work great together going back to back, treating the crowd with driving baselines and spine tingling breakdowns complete with CO2 cannons and a mind blowing light and lazer display. Their 3 hour set concludes with the room at pretty much full capacity, it's hot and sweaty, but what else would you expect from a night where you have thousands of people dancing away for hours on end.

The crowd ruptures into cheers and claps as Carl and Nic take their positions. With a intro video kicking off their set, Carl Cox's famous deep banging bass line style kicks in and the crowd goes absolutely insane. With the CO2 Cannons and lights and lazers doing their thing, you can tell we are in for a good few solid hours of dancing and plenty of fist pumping hands in the air opportunities. The one thing that I love about Carl Cox is the energy he brings to every set. Having seen him for the first time circa 2001 out in New Zealand, his persona behind the decks is what makes him an extraordinary artist and performer. You can tell Carl loves what he does and the passion shows through his bouncing around and interacting with the crowd in every set he does. Team this up with another talented performer in Nic Fanciulli, and you got an amazing group of people performing for this crowd behind the decks.

The set is exactly what I expect from these guys, driving baselines, sick drops and breakdowns and the type of music to keep you grooving all night into the early hours. Combined with an extrodinary visual setup hovering above the decks, an up for it crowd, and the fact that we are in the legendary Space Ibiza venue, it makes for quite an emotional experience that many have yet and will ever get to experience in this lifetime.

It was an absolute pleasure to witness Carl Cox playing at Space in his "Final Chapter" and if you have yet to see him here then I highly suggest you book your flights to Ibiza and tickets to Space for one of the upcoming Music is Revolution nights which take place every Tuesday.

Bestival’s Spaceport line-up revealed!

The legendary Port remains missing, its whereabouts unknown but Bestival’s brand new, revolutionary monolith of sound, The Spaceport, is shaping up to be the greatest dance stage ever! Throbbing to an intergalactic soundscape of epic proportions, our seven storey symbol of the future will transmit Bestival’s unique vision of our dancefloor destiny as we unveil the crack squad of space cadets, who will be joining previously announced Spaceport headliners Diplo, Carl Cox, and Fatboy Slim, to blast us into the unknown this coming September on the Isle of Wight. 

Bestival rave-master Rob da Bank says: “Prepare for lift off my futuristic friends, this is going to be the stage of the summer of UK festivals. A dream team of Josie da Bank, our mate Paul Normandale, who’s Bjork and Coldplay’s lighting designer, super set designers Spatial and a host of madcap inventors are building an incredible imaginary Spaceport for you to rave at and take off into The Future. In that rocket will be no less than rave veterans Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox, Diplo, DJ Yoda and Candi Staton propped up by newbies like DJ Barely Legal and Mele and Monki… The Future is almost here”.

Following an out of this world opening ceremony, we’ll be heading into orbit as we ramp up the rave action with a cavalcade of advanced selectors including Benji B, Destructo, DJ Barely Legal, DJ Yoda, Dub Pistols Soundsystem, Eats Everything, James Zabiela, Kenton Slash Demon, Klose One and Mella Dee. 

And hitting the decks to take us beyond the solar system of sound will be Mount Kimbie, Mumbai Science, Norman Jay MBE, NRG Flash: Monki & Mele, Oneman going back to back with My Nu Leng, Purple Rave Prince Tribute from Heidi, Rob da Bank & Tayo, Riton, Sink The Pink presents No Limits with Candi Staton & Livin’ Joy, Skream and The Heatwave.  

The epicentre of the inevitable and the future of the dance, The Spaceport is where the party’s at. Don’t miss it.

First three phases for South West Four 2016 announced

Almost forty acts complete our line-up so far and with many more to be announced across eight stages, we’re confident that this next move will cement our position amongst Europe’s elite even further.  As ones to never back down and accept the norm, phase three will continue to build the greatest line-up found anywhere in the UK this summer…. 

JUST ADDED TO SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

Having just single-handedly sold out one of Europe’s most iconic venues with almost ten thousand fans losing their minds to his unmistakeable methods at Alexandra Palace, Andy C returns to South West Four in the form of his life. This year he’s back, but on a whole new level as the uncompromising turbine of sound will take to the outdoor main stage to play in total darkness for the very first time. 

JOINED BY RAM RECORDS

NETSKY [LIVE] • SUB FOCUS* • WILKINSON*

NOISIA [LIVE] • CAMO & KROOKED*

FULL CYCLE PRESENTS RONI SIZE & DJ KRUST*

FRICTION • RENE LA VICE* • CULTURE SHOCK*

PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUEST:

CULTURE SHOCK

Responsible for developing drum and bass’ most promising breakthrough talent into the genre’s greatest artists over the years, RAM simply stands in a league of its own. From releasing seminal, timeliness classics to hosting international arenas and residencies, the imprint’s success is second to none. Last year saw them host a stage in one of the festival greatest ever highlights, this year they’re back with even bigger attack as they host one of our gargantuan 10,000 capacity stages.

Hailing from Belgium and firmly marked as one of Europe’s top talents, Netsky [Live] has confirmed South West Four as his only London festival performance of 2016 and will headline the stage. Championing the underground with standout crossover abilities, we’re extremely pleased to announce that Nick Douwma aka Sub Focus will also join this illustrious drum and bass line-up. His relationship with RAM has seen him grow into the global phenomenon he is today and with a reunion on the horizon at SW4, this is huge. Rising from South London, Wilkinson has confirmed that he will return to South West Four for his exclusive homecoming performance on Saturday 27th August. After headlining a RAM NYE 2015 to a sold out Brixton Academy, the demand for his return is unbelievable. 

Circus Records founder Flux Pavilion has chosen South West Four as the exclusive date for his the full debut of his mesmerizingly immersive live show. After providing the capital with a ground-breaking performance at Ministry of Sound in Dolby Atmos last weekend, we can officially reveal that he joins us the stage’s very special guest. Mastering an uncompromisingly original and emotional sound, the Dutch trio of Noisia are renowned for their unparalleled technical skill and instantly recognisable techniques and also join us. Camo & Krooked have enjoyed an incredible rise to the top of the ever-changing world of electronic music thanks to their unparalleled inimitable style of fusing boundary-pushing sounds. After proving their position at the top of the scene for over a decade, the Austrian duo return to SW4 for another exclusive date.

After reuniting in celebration of their influential imprint Full Cycle, SW4 is pleased to announce the arrival of a truly timeless act. Joining the RAM stage on Saturday 27th August, we are excited to reveal that Full Cycle presents Roni Size & DJ Krust will arrive exclusively on Clapham Common. Favoured for the chaotic carnage, anarchy and disorder witnessed in his previous Clapham Common displays, it’s easy to understand why we’ve invited one of the most revered names in the game back for more of his bone-shaking beats as Friction also returns. Arguably one of the most exciting talents currently rising out of the RAM Records camp, SW4 is excited to bring Toronto’s Rene La Vice to Clapham Common for the very first time. 

Fresh from releasing their debut album ‘Paradise Lost’ on RAM earlier this month, inviting Delta Heavy to join us at SW4 was inevitable. As big fans of their trademark sound at here SW4 HQ, we can’t wait to see what the duo have in store for SW4. Armed with new music and plenty of surprises, there’s no doubt this will be worth the wait! Completing RAM’s onslaught for 2016 is one of its favourite and most talented producers. SW4 please get ready for the return of Culture Shock.

JUST ADDED TO SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST

JAMIE JONES VS JOSEPH CAPRIATI

DANNY TENAGLIA • JOHN DIGWEED

JONAS RATHSMAN • CUARTERO • MAR-T

Undoubtedly one of the biggest bookings of our entire two-day Bank Holiday Weekender, this is one we’ve wanted to shout about for some time. After witnessing the coming together of two of the underground’s most celebrated DJs at DC-10 last summer, we’re pleased to reveal that Jamie Jones vs Joseph Capritai will arrive exclusively at South West Four this summer. Responsible for the greatest Ibizan highlight of 2015, the demand to see Jamie and Joseph back together behind a pair of decks is phenomenal. Each weighing in at the very top of their game, this is simply unmissable. 

Considered amongst the true greats of electronic music and ranked within its most influential characters, SW4 is honoured to welcome Danny Tenaglia back for his first performance at the festival in eight years. This will form his first UK show in twelve months, making his return all the more special as he joins us for a rare performance on British soil. No artist has made an impact on SW4 quite like our next addition. Returning for an incredible thirteenth year in a row, Bedrock boss John Digweed has formed in inseparable relationship with South West Four over the years. His parties across South London have become the stuff of legend, with his unrivalled ability to create the most sought-after electronic atmospheres. 

After following his progress in recent months and witnessing his back-to-back session with Sasha at Electric Brixton on NYE, we’re extremely pleased to reveal that Jonas Rathsman will make his South West Four debut this summer. Having risen through the ranks of Saved, Desolat and Moon Harbour, Cuartero joins us for his debut SW4 performance this August. Also joining us for the very first time on Bank Holiday Sunday 28th August is Amnesias long-standing resident Mar-T. Another standout Ibiza favourite, the Barcelona-born producer has spent the past twelve months releasing on Get Physical and Mad Tech in addition to 2015’s fantastic remix of Popof’s ‘Going Back’, don’t miss him. 

SW4 SATURDAY LINEUP SO FAR

Rudimental [Live]
Dizzee Rascal [Live]
Knife Party
Andy C
DJ EZ ·
MK
Plus in alphabetical order:
Amine Edge & Dance
Armand Van Helden
A-Trak
Blonde [Live]
Bondax [Live]
Boys Noize [Live]
CamelPhat
Camo & Krooked
Claptone
Delta Heavy
DJ EZ
Flux Pavilion [Live]
Friction
Full Cycle presents Roni Size & DJ Krust
Gorgon City
Kidnap Kid
MistaJam
MK
Nero [Live]
Netsky [Live]
Noisia
Oliver Dollar
Redlight
Rene La Vice
Sub Focus
Wilkinson
+ MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED ACROSS 4 STAGES
HOSTED BY TOGETHER, RAM, WELCOME TO GORGON CITY AND SW4 LIVE

SW4 SUNDAY LINEUP ANNOUNCED SO FAR

The Chemical Brothers [Live]
Above & Beyond
Carl Cox
Paul Kalkbrenner
Plus in alphabetical order:
Bakermat
Booka Shade
Cirez D
Cuartero
Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons [Live]
Danny Tenaglia
Four Tet
Fritz Kalkbrenner
Hunter/Game [Live]
Jamie Jones vs Joseph Capriati
John Digweed
Jonas Rathsman
Mar-T
Maribou State (DJ Set)
Recondite [Live]
Sasha
Sister Bliss (Faithless)
Sven Vath
+ MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED ACROSS 4 STAGES

Bestival unveils new music for the future…

Predicting something very special as we charge inexorably towards The Future, the Bestival crew are set to whet your appetite with a hearty helping of amazing bands and DJs that will be joining The Cure Major Lazer, Diplo, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Skepta, Wolf Alice and many more at Robin Hill this coming September.

Rob da Bank says: “I love booking Bestival. It’s proper ‘kid in a sweetshop’ time when I look at all the acts out there and try to curate a line-up that makes sense across many genres… which is how I think Bestivalites like it. It’s not just booked for you, it’s for me too, so I cannot wait for a weekend encompassing Kano, Goldie, Mura Masa, Evian Christ and Reggie and Bollie. If you fancy it too, I’ll see you on the ferry!”

Upping the grime ante, renaissance man Kano will be joining us to showcase his skills with some super-sick bars. His recent Fire in the Booth for Charlie Sloth was a total masterclass that set the standard for the young pretenders, making his appearance at Bestival truly unmissable.

We’ll also have future perfect live performances from much vaunted Seattle duo Odesza, the lush and sultry Snakehips, wunderkind producer Mura Masa, London collective WSTRN, superfly freestyler Lady Leshurr, BBC Sound of 2016 nominee Billie Marten, Brits Critics' Choice nominee Frances, soul-funk-jazz-pop fusionist Izzy Bizu. and X Factor’s real superstars Reggie & Bollie.   

Also taking to the stage will be the inimitable Los Hermanos Cubanos, The Cuban Brothers, the sublimely intimate This Is The Kit, South African folkster Jeremy Loops and our old mates the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band. 

Stepping up to the platters that matter to keep you dancing all night long expect DJ sets from beat juggling behemoth DJ Yoda, Metalheadz legend Goldie, Southampton’s finest deck destroyer James Zabiela, sonic adventurers Mount Kimbie, and Ellesmere Port’s boldest export Evian Christ. 

There will also be sets from Radio 1’s Heidi, bass marauders Oneman b2b My Nu Leng, on the fly edit merchants Melé & Monki’s NRG Flash, architect of grime and recent Bestival FM guest Artwork, and Honey Soundsystem, Applescal, Poté and Venum Sound.

And, adding a soupçon of off the wall behaviour, we will have Bestival antics from spandex-clad force of nature Mr Motivator, crack of dawn ravers Morning Gloryville, and Circus Raj.