Nottingham Splendour Festival 2015 Highlights

It was a scorcher at Splendour Festival 2015 with The Specials, The Twang and Lawson headlining the mainstage. In between acts we got the chance to have a chat with Georgie, Ferocious Dog, To Kill a King, and Lawson. Splendour has a reputation for showcasing Nottingham's best young talent and again this year it didn't disappoint, with up and coming acts from Nottingham, the Midlands, and around the UK. There was no lack of things to do with the day, with fair rides, stalls, samba and a circus, it catered for the whole family. Much to the disappointment of the festival goers, the ale ran out at 5pm, however they didn't let it dampen their spirits and still enjoyed the sun, music and entertainment.

We caught up with headliners Lawson backstage, with band member Joel Peat himself originally from Nottingham, he said he loves being back in his home town and with a familiar crowd. The sun wasn't quite enough for Lawson though, who were all feeling the chill despite what we thought was a happy 22 degrees. The boys had visited the circus and the beer tent and gave Nottingham a sneak preview of their brand new single 'Lions Den'. Lawson said they love playing to a Nottingham crowd and like lots of the other local bands are inspired by, and love playing at Nottingham's own rock city. During their Splendour set it was screaming girls galore with their typical pop-rock ensemble of songs to get the crowd going. 

Ferocious Dog, on the confetti stage, have a large following in Nottingham and when we caught up with them they said that it was great to be back since they first played two years ago. The guys are hoping to play on the mainstage within the next few years as they're becoming more popular. Ferocious Dog are building up their fanbase and have played two sold out gigs at Rescue Rooms, and got to play at Nottingham's infamous Rock City which they described as 'the dream', having spent the eighties and nineties watching bands there. 

To Kill a King, have used Splendour to increase their exposure for the young band after making the main stage, being one of the first acts up, the crowd warmed to their British rock infused set. The boys have been really busy, travelling to Nottingham for Splendour follwing playing at Latitude festival the night before. They said that often festivals can be far less stressful than gigs as 'everyone's really intent on listening to what you're doing and that'll get really stressful, and you'll come to festival season and everyone's in a field, drunk, and you can basically just have a really good time with it'. Equally, the boys say they love gigging and explain that by the time festival season is over they think 'why is no one listening to me?!'. 

On the main stage Roots Manuva's set was perfectly timed with an outburst of sun much to the appreciation of the festival goers. Roots didn't disapoint with ska infused reggae to keep the crowd entertained and in the festival mood. James were recieved by one of the largest crowds of the night and the tracks 'Laid' and 'Sit Down' had to be among my personal highlights of the day, with the crowd of all ages joining in with the classics.

Local artist Indiana, tore up the mainstage with a cult Nottingham following, after being brought in to replace Jess Glyne. From her appearances on BBC introducing and In New Music We Trust, Indiana's fanbase has gradually developed in the midlands and across the UK. Her melodic, Florence-and-the-Machine-esque voice, combined with a heavy baseline went down a storm setting up the three headline acts. With the local acts out in storm, Georgie, first up on the confetti stage, was enjoying the exposure of being at a festival being an under the radar musician. Georgie says her progression in music has come as her 'voice has matured' and she's 'matured in herself'. 

Heading over to the acoustic tent, which was snuggly tucked away inside the off buildings of Wollaton Hall, Joy Mumford was singing to mellow beats as the sun went down. The acoustic tent showcased some of the best new music across the day including Hhymm, Eyre Llew, Pierce Brothers, Jamie Lawson and Molly and Jack

Bananarama, headlining on the confetti stage, attracted a crowd of life long fans, singing along to all of their hits including 'Robert de Niro's Waiting', 'Full Summer', and 'Really Saying Something'. They also switched it up with covers of the Beatles 'Help', and The Bee Gees 'I want you back' and 'You should be dancing'. Bananarama's disco vibes on the confetti stage and The Specials eighties two tone and ska on the main stage offered something for everyone and was a great end to a family day out.

Kings of Leon and Duran Duran to headline Gibraltar Music Festival

Bringing some of the world’s biggest live acts to Gibraltar each year, GMF is back in 2015 with its biggest lineup to date in the picturesque and intimate surroundings of Victoria Stadium on the Rock of Gibraltar.

Headlining proceedings this year are none other than Nashville rock heroes Kings Of Leon who come to GMF as a British exclusive performance. Since bursting into the public consciousness with breakthrough album ‘Youth & Young Manhood’ back in 2003 they have spent over a decade becoming one of the greatest bands of a generation.

Also headlining will be pop icons Duran Duran. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide and with a new album set for release in mid-September of this year featuring highly anticipated collaborations with the likes of Janelle Monáe, Kiesza, Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson, the band are as vital and festival ready as ever. Expect a career spanning set filled to the brim with the band’s huge arsenal of hits alongside new material.

Joining the headliners is a supporting cast of some of the world’s best talent including award-winning piano balladeer Tom Odell, breakthrough singer-songwriter Rae Morris, powerpop superstars The Feeling, pop-rock chart smashers Lawson and reggae veterans Third World alongside names like Reach,Strange BrewTim Garcia featuring AfterhoursPaddy Taylorand many more still to be announced.

Providing the perfect end to the festival season, GMF is a family-friendly festival in the sunshine. Affordable and easily accessible, Gibraltar Music Festival rolls a holiday and a festival into one incredible weekend.

Midlake & Bruno Major added to British Summer Time Hyde Park lineup

Since releasing their critically acclaimed album ‘Antiphone’ last November, Midlake have supported The Flaming Lips, Pearl Jam, and headlined their own US & European tours. Currently on a sold out UK tour, culminating at Shepherds Bush Empire this evening (26thFeb), they take to the Barclaycard Unwind Theatre this July for what will be one of the highlights of the day. 
 
Despite being a relative newcomer, Bruno Major has already supported London Grammar, Sam Smith, Nick Mulvey, played with The Rolling Stones at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park last year. Having recently released a live EP of his work, he’s currently recording his debut album, which he’ll be showcasing on the Village Hall stage in Hyde Park this July. 

British Summer Time announce McBusted & Neil Young

The 2014 summer season in London's Hyde Park will see the return of the 10 day concert series British Summer Time this July.  This years headliners include McBusted, Backstreet Boys, Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Joining headliner Neil Young and Crazy Horse and special guests The National are; Half Moon Run, Lucy Rose, Ethan Johns, Tom Odell, Caitlin Rose, Phosphorescent, Flyte and a special guest to be announced AS SECOND STAGE HEADLINER soon.  

The Vamps, Lawson, FIVE, Neon Jungle are joining the UK’s #1 pop supergroup, McBusted and US pop sensations Backstreet Boys.

Also set to perform are The Webb Sisters, Jack Savoretti, To Kill A King and Hero Fisher.

Considered one of the greatest songwriters ever, Neil Young – who will headline the event on Saturday 12th July – has been one of the most influential artists of the rock age, both as a solo artist and part of the legendary Buffalo Springfield and not to mention Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.  Twice inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his music ranges from the beautiful acoustic country of 'Heart of Gold' to the marauding rock of 'Down By The River.'  This Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park gig will be doubly anticipated as Young and his band Crazy Horse had to cancel some of their UK dates this year due to an injury to guitarist Frank Poncho Sampedro.

Always remaining relevant, Young recently published his acclaimed autobiography ‘Waging Heavy Peace’ and continues to be heavily involved in environmental issues – championing electric cars, alternative fuels as well as farmers’ rights with his annual Farm Aid concert.

He releases new album, ‘Live At The Cellar Door’ on December 11th, a collection of intimate gigs he played at Washington D.C.’s Cellar Door Club in 1970, just after he released the classic album ‘After The Goldrush.’ In January, Young plays two shows at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall.

McBusted caused hysteria selling out tickets in a heartbeat for their 2014 dates at The O2 Arena.  McBusted is the coming together of two of the UK's biggest acts – Busted and McFly, who throughout their career have combined their winning, infectious pop and rock songs with their irresistible personalities and humour. Between them, they have an arsenal of hits to unleash, including Busted's 'Year 3000' and 'What I Go To School For' combined with McFly's 'Shine A `Light' and 'All About You'.  McBusted’s gig at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park in 2014 will be the 10th anniversary of Busted's last ever gig in Hyde Park and the perfect setting for a pop super summit!

The Backstreet Boys are one of the biggest selling boyband in the history of pop, rising to power in the mid 1990s and selling a staggering 130 million records around the world. They have enjoyed a career renaissance after reforming in 2012 and releasing a new album this year, whilst they will be touring the UK in March and April 2014.  With the back up of mega hits like 'I Want It that Way', 'Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)' and  'Everybody' (Backstreet's Back), your summer of pop is in truly safe hands.

V Festival Review 2013

This year’s V Festival came to a close this weekend, with the event displaying perfectly how to showcase some of the biggest chart stars in the world, as well as give some exciting up and coming artists a platform to shine.

The festival kicked off on Saturday afternoon and despite the unsettled weather, a buzz filled the air and the main stage began to fill up early with people eagerly awaiting the performance of a lady that goes by the name of Beyoncé.

First up on the main stage were The Fratellis, who played a triumphant set to seal their comeback to the music business. They helped set the tone for the day and had the crowd up on their feet and singing along to popular hit Chelsea Dagger amongst others.

 After this I headed to the 4music stage, stopping along the way to grab a drink and meet a group of lads who were dressed as power rangers. Here I had a little wait before the next act, so I chatted to a pair of girls who had been watching Gabrielle Aplin serenade the crowd at the arena stage, with her “gentle tone and heart-warming lyrics.”

Finally, out came Maverick Sabre who provided the crowd with a laidback soulful sound to accompany some late afternoon sun. He was shortly followed by Of Monsters and Men who continued in the same fashion by mixing an inviting atmosphere with some uplifting melody’s to get the crowd going.

With about 40 minutes to spare before Labrinth took to the 4music stage I darted off to the arena stage where I saw Jessie Ware get lost in the moment as she delivered a faultless set. Then I was quickly back to the 4music stage to see the previously mentioned Earthquake singer bring down the house with an electric set that included hits Express Yourself and Sunshine. Not to mention some onstage flames which lit up the crowd as the sun slowly started to set.

 I, like many other people then made my way to the main stage where a huge crowd gathered to see Jessie J do her thing. Rocking her recently famous short bleached blonde hair and dressed in a unique skimpy black and white ensemble, fitting of her personality, the singer delivered the only way she knows how, with a punch. Popular tracks Price Tag, Do It Like A Dude and Domino were accompanied by fist pumping and strutting from the 25-year-old as she got the crowd in the mood for the rest of the night.

The penultimate act to grace the main stage on Saturday evening was The Script. Despite the mellow rockers trying their best to hype up the crowd, many used this time to head to the bar and stock up on as many drinks as they could carry, or stuff their face with something from one of various food vans. However the crowd did all come together to sing along to The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, whilst frontman Danny O’Donoghue took the opportunity to connect with one of his many female fans by getting hold of her phone and singing to her ex-boyfriend, ‘Am I better off dead?’

As darkness descended on the Chelmsford site, it was finally time for what most people had been waiting for. The crowd, a mixture of Single Ladies and men too, were all there waiting to see the woman they adored, and wait they did. The delay of 25 minutes consisted mostly of fans chanting ‘Beyoncé Beyoncé’, as rain started to fall on the huge crowd. Leaving some wondering whether they should be over at the 4music stage watching as one of the world’s biggest DJ’s, Steve Angello, made an awesome replacement for Beady Eye.

The former Swedish House Mafia star absolutely smashed it with an amazing laser light show alongside dropping massive hits like, Don’t You Worry Child and Save The World,to get the respectable sized crowd raving the night away.

V Festival 2013

Back at the main stage and at last the music hit. Run The World (Girls) blasted out of the speakers and the crowd went crazy as out stepped Beyoncé. Dressed in a beaded leotard and sporting a new blonde bob hairstyle, Queen Bee dazzled the masses not only with her colossal hits but with her sophisticated video interludes, leaving them in awe. With the crowd all singing along to Love On Top, Irreplaceable and Halo, Beyoncé took the opportunity to show off a number of amazing outfits which just demonstrated that she really does know how to put on a show. All this combined with her fantastic all-female band and faultless dancers left people talking about the brilliant performance well into the early hours of the morning.

Sunday morning rolled around and with the sun shining in the sky, many people emerged from their tents looking a little worse for wear after last night’s antics. This however didn’t stop the lively atmosphere and many people were quickly back on the booze, including a large group of men spending the festival dressed as women.

I started off the day at the 4music stage where Lawson quickly got the crowd going with an excellent cover of Don’t You Worry Child. I then made the long trek to the arena stage to roll back the years and have a good ole sing-song with Five. A bigger crowd than was probably expected gathered to watch the 90’s boy band relive their youth with hits Keep On Moving and Everybody Get Up.

After stopping to grab a drink and an overpriced pizza, I headed to the main stage where I caught the end of the Jason Mraz set before getting amongst the crowd for Essex’s own Olly Murs. He provided the audience with plenty of opportunities to find their dancing feet, but it seemed like most were after a more exciting sound.

Luckily this came at the 4music stage as Rudimental’s late afternoon set attracted a large and energetic audience. Songs Waiting All Night and Feel the Love got the approval of the masses as most were going for it with their drinks being sent flying.

Later the early evening mellow atmosphere was accompanied by the elegant Emeli Sandé, who graced the main stage with her delicate vocals providing the crowd with the perfect opportunity to sit and take a break from the tiring day. Beneath Your Beautiful echoed amongst the audience as many joined in with the chart hit.

Having spent a couple of hours at the main stage, I once again made the long walk to the arena stage where I watched a very enthusiastic Ellie Goulding wow the crowd with not only her excellent voice but her ability to play multiple instruments.

With night fast approaching, it was left to two huge acts to fight out for the attention of the party-goers. Calvin Harris was in charge of headlining the 4music stage whilst Kings of Leon were given the same responsibility at the main stage, I was lucky enough to catch both.

The superstar DJ attracted a huge crowd as he closed the 4music stage in spectacular fashion, with a set of immense tunes including, Drinking From The Bottle, We Found Love and new song, Under Control. Combining this with lasers and an abundance of fireworks he was able to perfectly captured the spirit of the festival.

Meanwhile at the main stage Kings of Leon were keen to prove they were back on form ahead of their new album release, and they did just that. With new single Supersoaker and with a number of festival favourites like Sex On Fire and Use Somebody they had the crowd in raptures. With everybody singing at the top of the voices to the raw and exciting sound of the American rockers, the festival came to a close for yet another year.

All in all, V Festival again did what is does best, showcasing the best chart toppers in the business,  and with its friendly vibrant atmosphere it is easy to see why the festival is so popular among a variety of age groups. The organisers yet again managed to attract some of the biggest stars in the music industry, all of whom delivered to put on one hell of a show.

So after a successful 2013, festival expectations for next year are high, and with confidence that V will deliver it will be a weekend you won’t want to be missing, I know I won’t be. 

OsFest 2013 Shropshire’s biggest Music Festival

OsFest is now in its 3rd year, with previous acts like Goldie Looking Chain, Tinnie Tempah, Razorlight and many more this up and coming festival always delivers. This year for May bank holiday we had another great line up. JLS were to headline along with James Arthur, The Enemy, Lawson, The Pigeon Detectives, Lucy Spraggan and many more to come. 

*With short notice James Arthur had to drop out with commitments made in the US which regrettably meant he couldn’t be at Osfest this year. To fill the main stage spotlights  Britain’s got talent finalists  – The Lovable Rogues took up the arena. Fridays DJ set from Monki Radio 1’s 1XTRA DJ set the crowd right from the start. The crowd at this point was only small due to most people arriving Saturday, as with the crowds the weather was the same. When waking up Saturday I was amazed to see perfect blue sky and sunshine! unlike previous years where the weather had dominated this set up the weekend perfectly and added so much atmosphere to the main arena. 

Leading to Saturdays main acts I was delighted to see TICH and A*M*E perform who gave a great performance and with the amazing lighting setup on the main stage. This gave me the opportunity to snap away and get some really amazing images. With the crowd starting to really build heading into the afternoon, along with the drinks flowing and the sounds of the Mega Spin and bumper cars in the background Wiley took the stage. With Wiley’s great line up of songs such as ‘Rolex‘ and ‘Can You Hear Me?‘ the crowd were so reactive to his words, jumping down from the stage at one point to meet his fans security had to pull him back from being eaten by the front rows of the crowd. The side of the area had a cut-out section for people to walk in and out, near the side of the main stage and the with the sun starting to set projected beams of orange and amber light hit the crowds hands as they sang along to Wiley’s chants; This really highlighted the incredible success of this festival and was a very euphoric experience!

As the sun was about to set, the next performance was from Lawson, a true success in the music industry over the past few years their fan and crowd numbers have shot up with their success and great vocals performed by Andy Brown. Singing songs from their very popular  2012 album Chapman Square, the crowds were at their peak! My favorite song performed by them I think had to be their Swedish House Mafia cover of ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ the crowds reacting singing along with them Andy really pushed the crowd to sing their hearts out. 

OsFest

With a short break it was time for the undoubtably the crowds number one act at this point, JLS had arrived and were backstage waiting to come on. Peoples camera phones were out and the crowd from the back of the arena was a sea of mobile LCD screens. I think I even saw an iPad involved! Starting their performance with ‘Beat Again’ you could hear the younger girls screaming! I thought that Wiley’s performance would be hard to beat due to his off stage performance and energy with the crowds, I think by the end of JLS performance it was a level pegging. The lights from the main stage were being hammered and the strobes and house lights were being switched around to illuminate the crowds. I know many of the younger crowds had gone to sleep easy that night after having such an exciting hot day in Oswestry. 

Sunday

Another sunny day to come at OsFest 2013 acts the Enemy, Pigeon Detectives, The Lovable Rogues and Lucy Spraggan to play main stage along with many more, with the sun shining the main arena area was the only shade the amusements surrounding the main tent became busy once again. Lucy Spraggan was a great favorite of mine from the  Sunday at OsFest, she had risen from the Live and unsigned category at the age of 20 to being a very good competitor in X-Factor and due to illness she didn’t get chance to perform all the way through the show as she was forced to quit the X-Factor due to illness. 

She references all of her songs from real world experiences and it was like listening to her telling multiple stories as she sang, her song about Jeremy Kyle as she wakes up was a great one for me, the crowds again loving her great on stage performance of singing and story telling. 

With the Lovable Rogues performance, the crowd really started to get involved and more and more people from the surrounding amusements started to make their way into the tent area. Performing their great new single ‘What a Night’ the main arena was pounding! The speakers and acoustics from the main tent were really impressive! wherever you were inside the tent you got a great sound and even form the back of the crowd you could still enjoy the performance of any of the acts due to the high stage and great lighting setup, perfect for the little ones who found them selves being hoisted onto their parents shoulders to get the perfect view. I saw a grown women on someones shoulders who wanted an even better view from the back of the arena area. 

Though the day different acts performing at OsFest had been interviewing in the Specialized Media Tent and were scattered around the VIP area for those with the right wrist bands was a perfect way to see some of the acts up close. I saw The Pigeon Detectives interviewing along with The Enemy and Lewis Watson who performed in between Lucy Spraggan and The Lovable Rogues. 

Heading towards the close of the festival this year, we were just waiting on The Pigeon Detectives and The Enemy I have to say OsFest ended on such a high after watching The Pigeon Detectives perform. The lead singer for The Detectives Matt Bowman had more energy and control of the crowd than I had ever seen from an artist on stage before! His command of the crowd due to his energy was presented as pure respect from the crowds in the main arena. He was poring water of his head while performing ‘Im Not Sorry’ from their 2007 album ‘Wait For Me’ I think they set the mark for the entire festival at that point. Matt was squirting water all over the front of the crowd, jumping from the drum kits and bouncing around in the press pit! I think these guys should have been last on at OsFest as it was very difficult for The Enemy to top such an energetic performance. They did very well and I really enjoyed their performance! I got some great shots and while watching them interview they really seemed to be a really down to earth group of guys. While performing they played my all time favorite cover ‘sit down’ and ‘Away From Here’ They were great to see live and some of their guitar work was awesome! I remember being below Tom Clark (Lead Singer) as he thrust his guitar up with one hand and slammed down a chord on a few areas of the stage. 

OsFest

Overall I had a great great time this year and will be heading back up next year with no  doubt in my mind. With the great reception from all staff, security and for the line up this year. Im hoping with the continued publicity of this little (Big) festival they will grow and grow on the map. 

SATURDAY PHOTOS

Ke$ha, Little Mix, Lawson and more added to T in the Park lineup

Some of the hottest pop sensations of the year are set to bring a touch of sparkle toT in the Park’s 20th year celebrations this summer. Festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager have today added yet more chart-topping stars to the hugely diverse T in the Park bill, with Ke$haLittle Mix, Lawson, Gabrielle Aplin, James Arthur, Diana Vickers, Lucy Spraggan, Bo Bruce andJosh Record heading to Kinross over 12th – 14th July.
 
Ke$ha burst onto the scene when her debut single Tik Tok topped the US charts for 9 consecutive weeks, selling over 5 million copies.  Her latest album Warrior features guest vocals from Iggy Pop, as well as contributions from an impressive array of artists including Nate Ruess from American indie rock trio Fun., American rapperwill.i.am, The Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, The Strokes and The Flaming Lips. She thrilled the Kinross crowd with a stand-out set when she played T in the Park in 2011, and makes a welcome return this July.
 
Kesha
 
Little Mix became first ever band to win The X Factor in 2011, and quickly shot straight to No.1 with their debut single Cannonball, before hitting the top spot again with its follow-up Wings. Their debut album achieved platinum status and they sold out venues across the country with their first UK tour. They’ve worked with everyone from Xenomania to Nicola Roberts to Fred Ball on their debut album DNA, and after catching the attention of hip-hop legend Missy Elliott, they recorded a new version of How Ya Doin’ featuring the iconic rapper. The track is their fifth single, and has just been released early due to phenomenal demand from fans.
 
London-based four-piece Lawson captured the attention of industry and fans alike after posting material on YouTube. With 3 top ten singles and a no.4 album, they’ve cemented their reputation as one of the country’s hottest new bands. They return to T in the Park for the 20th year celebrations, after they made a big impression at last year’s festival.
 
Another internet sensation, Gabrielle Aplin began her flourishing music career publishing cover songs on YouTube. Flash forward a few years and she has two Top 10 hits (including the number 1 single Power of Love), 3 sellout UK and Ireland tours and a John Lewis Christmas advert soundtrack under her belt. With the release of her debut album in the imminent future, Gabrielle is sure to delight the Kinross crowd with her exceptional talent.
 
In less than a year, James Arthur has gone from living in a cramped bedsit in Saltburn-by-the-Sea near Middlesbrough to winning The X Factor and scoring the fastest selling single of 2012 with Impossible. The huge no. 1 hit has sold over a million copies and earned him a nomination for Best British Single at the BRIT Awards. His extraordinary performances on The X Factor cemented his status as a hugely promising and supremely talented musician, and with his eagerly anticipated debut album set for release later this year, his T in the Park set is not to be missed.
 
Diana Vickers has had an incredible journey since her stint on the X Factor in 2008. She went on to land a deal with RCA Records in 2009, releasing her debut albumSongs From the Tainted Cherry Tree and reaching number one with debut singleOnce. Her second album Music To Make Boys Cry is due for release later this year, and she’ll make a return to Kinross for T in the Park’s 20th year event.
 
Lucy Spraggan’s infectious tunes and witty lyrics won her a massive fanbase when she appeared on The X Factor last year. She mesmerized the studio audience as well as millions of viewers across the country with her sassy songwriting and skilful guitar playing, and is set to wow the T in the Park crowd this July.
 
After coming second on The Voice, Bo Bruce is back and ready to release her debut album later this month. Before I Sleep is a stunning set of emotion-soaked songs – from dreamy debut single Save Me, to the gorgeous, drama-packed exploration of fears that is The Hands I Hold, it’s sure to win a whole new legion of fans.     
                                                                                                                     
London’s Josh Record is one of the country’s most exciting new songwriting talents. His frank, perceptive lyrics and gorgeous melodies, showcased beautifully on his latest EP Bones, have already caught the attention of the likes of Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Steve Lamacq, and his T in the Park debut is not to be missed.
 
Over 85,000 festival-goers per day will descend on Kinross over 12th – 14th July for the 20th year of T in the Park, which will feature performances by some of the hottest acts on the planet, including headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus The Script, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Emeli Sandé, Snoop Dogg, Dizzee Rascal, Rita Ora, Jake Bugg, Paloma Faith, Labrinth, Noah and the Whale plus many more still to be announced.

Lucy Spraggan joins the OsFest lineup

Lucy has performed at Osfest for the past two years but now returns as one of our headline acts after performing in the X Factor live shows; We just had to have her back! Lucy will join James Arthur, The Enemy and King Charles on Sunday 26th May.

JLS, Lawson and Wiley will be taking to the stage on Saturday 25th May before headline act JLS.

We also have rising stars ‘I am Tich’, who has already toured with Paolo Nutini, Pixie Lott and Justin Bieber.

‘Get Cubs’ and ‘The Propellers’ will perform over the weekend,  both have been featured on Radio One recently.

Manchester alternative rock band Rook and the Ravens will also be performing.

Plus our fantastic home brewed talent including The Taste, Danny Gruff and the Peacemakers, Dan the Thief, Portlights and The Maydays.

This year Osfest is partnering with the £500,000 Appeal to help fund a £2million Bone Cancer Centre at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oswestry (RJAH). The new Centre will be designed to treat cancer patients in a dedicated care environment, the majority of whom are under 24 years of age. Appeal Director Gwilym Owen OBE, commented, “This is fantastic news! We are delighted that Osfest 2013 has come onboard to support our Bone Cancer Centre Appeal. The festival targets the age group where bone cancer most often strikes”.

The music festival at Oswestry Showground has been held for the last three years and has attracted a number of top acts including Example, Razorlight, Stooshe and Hard-Fi.

The festival, which attracts thousands of music revelers, will take place over May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 24thuntil campers depart on Monday 27th May at Oswestry Showground.

A variety of music and dance acts, both well known and emerging, local talent promise something to suit all musical tastes.

The main stage big top will only take 5,000 festival goers this year.

Full weekend camping tickets start at £59.50 Non Weekend Camping £55.00 and day tickets from £29.50.

Carly Jackson, event director, has urged people to get hold of their tickets fast!

Carly said: “As the main stage is undercover this year when they are gone they are gone, so don’t miss out”.

 

Wiley and Lawson added to OsFest lineup

 

Bringing you a multitude of acts over the 3 days starting Friday evening and delivering through till Sunday! Saturday alone will have at least 10 acts on Main Stage to keep you in your dancing shoes all day – Wiley will be performing his number one hit ‘Heatwave’, band of the moment LAWSON will be taking to the stage and the evening will be topped off with a LIVE performance from JLS, the perfect weekend.

Other local artists will take to the 2nd stage and the infamous "Dance shed"; OSFEST truly has something for every musical taste.

Watch this space for Sunday’s acts to be revealed!

The list of acts for this year is looking superb and we will be releasing  updates over the next few weeks – we in the Osfest office are working tirelessly to bring the BIGGEST and BEST Osfest so far… BREAK FOR THE BORDER… be part of it – get your tickets today!

Twang, Dodgy, Jack Beats and more added to V Festival 2012 linup

 

Ahead of his appearance at V Festival, Andy Brown, lead singer of Lawson says, "We are absolutely delighted to be playing V Festival this year. It's been a dream of ours for a long time and when we wrote the album we had live festival performances on a hot summer’s day, watching thousands of people go for it, in mind – it's gonna be an amazing couple of days.”

Andy continues, “We're big fans of a lot of the acts playing so hopefully we'll get the chance to have a few beers and catch some of their sets after we'veplayed – in particular Snow Patrol, The Killers and Rita Ora. Bring it on!"

Jack Beats comments, “We are really pleased to be involved in this year’s V Festival and can't wait for the shows!"

The newly announced artists will join headliners Stone Roses and fellow rockers from across the pond, The Killers.  Othermusic royalty featuring across the weekend will include Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, the first lady of American hip-hop Nicki Minaj, David Guetta,Tinie Tempah, Rita Ora, Wretch 32 and the Ivor Novello winning Ed Sheeran.

Further to the plethora of talent appearing at V this year, fans are being asked tostay tuned for further announcements over the upcoming months.

Fans are encouraged to visit www.vfestival.com to find out more about the remaining ticket options available, including coach and ticket packages through the Big Green Coach company and V Style for those looking for a luxury festival experience.

V organisers once again stress that fans should only purchase tickets through official outlets listed on the V Festival website and that purchasing from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.