Wilkestock Review 2016

Wilkestock music festival is the Tardis of the summer event calendar….Small on the outside, big on the inside with a lot to offer.  With a theme of 'Wilkestock Wonderland' showcasing artwork of the infamous white rabbit and queen of hearts, the hertfordshire setting looked enchanting. This is an event where all of the proceeds go to charity. This year all of the proceeds were split between Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and also Keswick Mountain Rescue.

The festival was brought to life in 2006 by two brothers Tom and Olly Wilkes.  Originally a party for friends, the event just grew bigger each year. Last year's event in 2015 had over 1,500 people in attendance.

The organisers at wilkestock catered for all ages, the site included a bar that was styled  like a log cabin, sofa's scattered all around the grounds for a relaxed atmosphere and a 'kids area' which provided two bouncy castles, a cinema with toadstool seating and minature golf.  The most important part of the layout was the five music stages: Main stage, Bella Stage (BBC Introducing), Bangorang, Rock up & Rinse and The Doghouse

I have to mention the variety of food. There may have only been a handful of vendors in the small food court area but there was certainly plenty to sink your teeth into. The traditional choice of burgers, chips and sub rolls from 'The Wingmen', fresh stonebaked pizzas, an ice cream van and something very different from 'Safari' an african themed caterer introducing exotic flavours such as ostritch, crocodile and zebra meats to festival goers.

Onto the main event! The music! The whole weekend provided a really good and varied line up but firstly lets take a trip back to Friday's acts.  Early in the afternoon we saw perfomances from Cardinal Kings, Timeless Lizards (who also performed an acoustic set on the BBC Introducing stage on the Saturday) and quite popular acoustic style singer Doug Sure who introduced himself as the guy that people expect to be the soundman for the stage set up who felt like he needed to tell some stories with his songs after previous band's heavy rock music styles. Sure performed oringinal singles such as 'Wishing Well' (which is a song about the grim reaper), 'Darling' and also a song of the audience's choice by a show of hands in the air, their left or their right. From this choice he then sang the classic Craig David single '7 Days'

One of the bands to watch on Friday were four piece indie rock band Paves. Straight out of the Reading and Leeds festivals this year. Great band but I do have to mention how much I loved the lead singers attire. He sported Mick Dundee Chic as I like to call it, in light coloured fitted trousers, a denim jacket and a cowboy hat. And yes I am referring to the character from the Crocodile Dundee films.

Other popular performers included the uniquely vocalled Dinges, JoCee (who sang a fantastic cover of The Spice Girls' single 'Say You'll Be There'), and the headliner warm up act  Eliza and the Bear – whose set included their biggest hits such as the one we all know from a particular cider advert on tv as the band themselves referred to. But unfortunately they were interrupted by two young girls climbing up onto the main stage to which was dealt with by the sound crew. This was a major security error and it should have been avoided.  Though the band did play on in a professional manner.

Time for Friday's headline act….The Subways! The band is made up of three members Billy Lunn (vocals and guitar), Charlotte Cooper (vocals and guitar) and drummer Josh Morgan.  An English rock band from Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire have seen great success since the releases of songs such as 'Rock and Roll Queen' and 'Oh yeah'.

The energetic set from Friday's headliner saw lead singer Billy doing his well known rock and roll leaps and even climbing up to rock out on the drum kit. The band sang other well known hits including 'Dirty Muddy Paws', 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' and 'Good Times'. The audience revelled in rock and roll goodness by singing along to well known lyrics and even creating the stereotypical mosh pit. The band finished their set with their biggest hit 'Rock and Roll Queen' during this, huge confetti cannons were activated, filling the festival grounds with colour and excitement, with both adults and children alike creating confetti angels on the ground.

Saturday

 After a great day of festival frolicks that Friday had to offer, the following day had high expectations. The pressure was on! Unfortunately the weather was not ideal for a festival but the show did indeed go on. The place to be on Saturday was inside the enclosed Bella stage hosted by the team from BBC Introducing.  A highlight from early on in the day was the performance from husky voiced Tom Grennan. A bedfordshire based artist with his acoustic guitar and soulful-indie sounds.  He is certainly an act to look out for as he's already recorded a single with the huge Chase and Status called 'When it All Goes Wrong' and is about to support The Libertines at 02 Brixton academy on the 7th September 2016.

Another strong act of the day was four piece rock band Exit Black from Luton in Bedfordshire. The band performed a stripped back acoustic set with only two members: Tony on vocals and Joe on guitar. The duo performed original songs including: 'Memories' and 'Rise and Fall' encouraging the audience to sing along with them. The boys also performed a cover song requested by the BBC Introducing team which was a rendition of 'Maybe Tomorrow' originally by the Sterophonics.

There were three bands that really (pardon the pun) stood out in the crowd for me, one of which I have already mentioned (Exit Black), the second of those three, are the boys from Alexis Kings.  An up and coming rock band from St.Albans in hertfordshire who have already seen success from their debut single 'Squire' which reached the top 10 in the spotify charts. They performed other originals which included the very popular 'Strawberry Blonde'

One of the biggest crowd pleasers of the late afternoon were The Scruff. A quirky guitar pop-rock band.  With their crazy, trippy intro to their music and lack of clothing from the topless lead singer they really did bring something different to the stage. I can personally see a likeness to Blur and Madness with these guys.

Saturday's warm up acts for the headliner provided a large variety from the self labelled 'Dirty-pop' act Get Inuit, the glitzy set from The Jenova Collective and the big one before the big one (my third favourite act of the day) The Hunna.

Other than the highly anticipated live set from Mystery Jets, These guys were certainly not to be missed. The Hunna – who have gained over 1.75 million spotify streams, formed in October 2015 and have already made quite the name for themselves. The four piece indie-rock band's upcoming tour of the UK is almost a total sell out. It is clear that these guys are aiming for domination in the music industry. Their cleverly titled debut album '100' went straight into the top 20 of the official UK album charts. Not only did The Hunna provide an amazing warm up show for the headliner on main stage but they also did an acoustic set earlier on in the day with just two of the band members. They provided us with lyrical beauties including 'Bonfire', 'Still Got Blood', 'Brother', 'You and Me' and 'Bad For You'.

Drum roll please…Please welcome to the stage, Saturday's healine act. Mystery Jets! Formed in 2003 and six albums later the band are still going strong and ever popular with their loyal fanbase. Despite the soggy weather, the site was filled great vibes. With a quick adjustment of the microphone stand and a wave to the audience the band kicked things off with 'Telomere' then diving straight into 'Serotonin'.  Amoungst the huge crowds of people under the bright lights coming from the main stage were photographers, people recording from their mobile devices, some groovy movers (including the food vendors with drinks in hand) and even a small toddler dancing along in a Captain America costume. How adorable!         

Mystery Jets also performed other rocking hits like 'Two Doors Down', their latest single 'Bubblegum' and 'Half in Love With Elizabeth' before then finishing their awesome show with 'Alice Springs'

All in all, I had a great time at this festival and I would highly recommend it to everyone I know. An allrounder with lots to do and see. Bring on Wilkestock 2017!

See Friday photos here and Saturday photos here

All photos by Kane Howie

The Great Escape Brighton 2016 Review

We all know how most UK festivals work- you show up, you camp somewhere, usually muddy and wet, you sneak a few bottles under your shirt/short/hat/combination and you head to the arena for some musical action. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a massive festival fan, but the Great Escape is a different kind of festival altogether. It’s almost completely focused on ‘new music’, and with that tagline comes a whole new era of ‘festival’ in general. Although it is a brilliant collection of new music, with everything from up-and-coming indie bands to an underground grime scene, whether it’s festival status is truly deserved, is debatable. You don’t have the same camaraderie as camping in a field and getting wasted with your friends, it’s a completely urban environment and I can imagine for a non-brighton dweller can be quite hard to navigate.

 

For those of you who are unaware of what the Great Escape is, it’s a four day extravaganza in which various venues around Brighton host gigs and events under the same umbrella.

I grew up in Brighton, and seeing the Great Escape flourish every year has been a real beauty to behold. It puts the city in a good mood, there are loads of artists wandering around, I get to go to venues I’ve never been to before or wouldn’t go to without reason. It’s nice to promote new talent and isn’t massively overpriced for what it is. There’s a lot of nice little treats that come with your wristband, like a couple of free drinks at certain places or discounts on food and fringe events. It makes the city way more lively and you look at Brighton through rose tinted glasses, it brings a bucket load of atmosphere to my friendly city.

The long weekend itself was hectic, Some of the acts were unrefined, some were okay and some to be quite frank, some were pretty dreadful – with new music comes it’s fair share of risk – but when you get the one show that gives you the ‘I’m going to be able to brag about seeing these guys before they were famous’ feeling, it gives you goose bumps and an air of cockiness that lasts all evening, and that’s what GE is all about.

The festival is well known for its urban music vibes, with patterns showcasing Lady LeShurr in a packed out, madly energetic gig, however even with Stormzy playing a ‘spotlight show’ and music from Craig David’s new DJ act TS5, there was a very melancholic, Scandi-Pop, indie vibe to the majority of the festival, but that might be tailored to maybe the shows I happened to catch. A few favourites to call out were HER and SISKA, both French and both very different. The first was oozing sex all over the hope and ruin and had powerful vocals with highly sensual lyrics. The latter was a soulful, almost folky, bass filled vibe with some of the best vocals I heard all weekend.

Alongside all the lesser known artists, there were still some heavyweights pulling crowds to bigger venues, with Jake Bugg bringing the energy to Wagner Hall, which in itself is a masterpiece, even if a little hard to find. An amazing tucked away venue behind Saint Peters church- outdoors, fairy lights, and a cute little bar with a stage surrounded by foliage. It’s the type of place you had to stay at all day to see the one act you were actually interested in at 21:30. Mystery Jets also played a lively set, with a more prog-influenced feel than anything we’ve seen from them before at the Corn Exchange, a venue more central, capable of holding bigger crowds, and one of the best organised throughout the festival. The newly rejuvenated ‘Old Market’ also saw its fair share of action, with The Temper Trap playing a beautiful Amazon Live: Front Row gig, bringing a fresh lease of life to the venue.

 

 

Alongside the full blown Great Escape, is its rebellious little sibling that crops up all over the shop, The Alternative Escape. Although technically still a branch from the same tree, the Alternative Escape boasts something a little different, showcasing newer acts from specific labels and the Black Lion pub even hosting a few more learned events and East Street Tap remaining a hot spot for music and some definite refreshment throughout the evening.

It’s been over ten years since its humble beginnings in 2006, and although it’s continuing to bloom into a must-see of the summer, I do feel it needs to be slightly refined. They’ve got some great ideas and concepts, but the venues need to be stronger, maybe a few more outdoors stages, a few more quirky events, and just that little bit extra on top of the music. The music is great, but when you hit a three hour lull in the middle of a saturday afternoon, I can imagine those of us not from Brighton would feel quite irritable, which is the last thing you want in a crowd. But I say this from the perspective of a mum wanting to see it’s baby do well. The focus is on the music and the bands, and that’s something that gives it an edge, which can be lacking from the larger, more mainstream festivals these days. Things are only going to get better, and I for one can’t wait till next year.

 

Kodaline, Jurassic 5, Mystery Jets added to Truck Festival

Oxford’s Truck Festival today reveals Irish chart-toppers Kodaline as the third headliner, completing the trio of names set to top the main stage over the weekend of 15-17th July. A plethora of further additions come in the form of alternative hip-hop group Jurassic 5, Brit indie rock outfit Mystery Jets and many more exciting names both legendary and up & coming. Amazingly for such a huge offering Truck Festival tickets are only £86.50, available now via TruckFestival.com.
 
Over the last three years Kodaline’s star has ascended rapidly, the Dublin natives have enjoyed huge success with their second album reaching number 4 in the UK charts. This summer the band reach headliner status when, at Truck, they will appear as one of three names to crown the main stage at the newly expanded three-day edition of the festival. Part of the 90s underground rap revolution, Jurassic 5 bring with them a significant legacy to Truck. The hip-hop group have for a long time courted and won fans across a broad spectrum, both before and after their 2013 reunion, Truck Festival is set to be a similar sure-fire crowd pleaser. Former Eel Pie Island residents Mystery Jets make a return to the festival having last performed at the event in 2012. Their latest release ‘Curve of the Earth’ has certainly wowed critics including NME who have already dubbed it ‘one of the most well-rounded records of 2016’. Next up for Truck is the young singer songwriter SOAK. A.K.A. Birdie Monds-Watson, SOAK collected the Irish Choice Music Prize for album of the year only a little less than a month ago.

Also destined for Truck are a whole host of the most promising new, young talent including Blossoms, currently riding the airwaves with their insanely catchy single ‘Charlemagne’. Elsewhere pop-punkers Neck Deep and the dreamy tones of Swim Deep are destined for the festival, as are Bristolian electro-indie trio, Coasts, and melodic hardcore band, Basement.
 
Across Truck’s 7 stages the other additions are plentiful and varied as warehouse party pioneer Norman Jay MBE, Frances, IAN (a set with a secret), Clean Cut Kid, Spring King, Fickle Friends and Eliza And The Bear join proceedings.
 
Completing the total of 49 new names for the line-up are DMAs, Vant, Black Honey, Lauren Aquilina, The Big Moon, The Amazons, Ady Sulieman, Black Peaks, Public Access TV, Jodie Abacus, Emily Barker, Danny And The Champions Of The World, Pumarosa, Samm Henshaw, Estrons, Jonny Foreigner, Get Inuit, Bloody Knees, Yndi Halda, Traams, Tired Lion, The Dreaming Spires, Shame, Virgin Kids, Monarks, Yonaka, Zuzu, Tax The Heat, Hudson Scott, Shark Dentist, Cassels, OhBoy! and Happy Accidents. 
 
Oxford’s original independent festival returns to Hill Farm once again this July however for 2016 the event expands from two to three days. Truck Festival’s 18-year history has seen sets from the likes of Foals, The XX, Two Door Cinema Club, Biffy Clyro and Peace. Oxford’s original is the discerning go-to for credible and quality acts and 2016 is shaping up to be no less than another prime year. With standard weekend tickets priced at only £86.50 this is one of, if not the best value for money festival this summer. 

Air, Mystery Jets, The Temper Trap and more added to Field Day lineup

 Field Day are delighted to reveal the new line-up additions that will be joining headliner PJ Harvey, and previously announced artists including Beach House, Daphni, GOAT, John Grant and Thurston Moore Band on Field Day Sunday 12th June.

Field Day are thrilled to welcome Air, the French outfit whose sound has been influenced by the psychedelic and progressive rock pioneers Pink Floyd. With a string of hits under their belt, Air will treat fans to a special set of their classics, demonstrating their seminal signature sound this Field Day Sunday. Air are perhaps best known for their 1998 debut 'Moon Safari' which went platinum in the UK and for a short while seemed to define the musical zeitgeist. They've also composed elegant soundtracks for Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides
 
Joining Air will be the hugely successful Australian rock band The Temper Trap. With the band's third album on the horizon, Field Day are extremely excited to welcome them on Sunday 12th June as they showcase their new material at the Festival. 
 
It's been ten years since the recently announced Mystery Jets broke surface with their debut album, 'Making Dens'. What's kept Mystery Jets consistently fascinating over the last decade has been an itchy footed desire to keep trying new things. Given the strength of their new album 'Curve Of The Earth', the next ten years looks set to be as exciting for listeners as the last.
 
Field Day are also excited to announce New York native sing-songwriter and filmmaker Adam Green. With his new hyper-sensory, poetic and humorously subversive 'Aladdin' project currently making waves, Green will perform new tracks from the album at Field Day this June. 
 
Hair-raising and pulse-quickening, indie punk rockers Fat White Family will also be on board this Field Day Sunday 12th June. Formed in a Peckham squat, the band have now released their second album 'Songs For Our Mothers', hailed as rich and fascinating both lyrically and musically.  
 
Brooklyn-dwelling singer-producer Empress Of will bring her deconstructed R&B rhythms and skittering, minimalist beats to a Field Day stage. Whilst fresh off the back of his new album 'Meet The Humans', Steve Mason swings musically across dance, pop, folk, dub, and deep house influences, remaining lyrically adept and open. 
 
Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen Skin will also be on board, known for his avant garde and experimental work with his custom-made electrified and modified instrument. Kimmo proudly counted the late David Bowie as one of his fans, who invited the artist to his 2002 Meltdown Festival in London. Finally, Field Day are excited to welcome the astonishing voice, thunderous rhythm and euphoric drone of D.D Dumbo and Italy's Mind Enterprises who will bring his vibrant take on dance to Field Day Sunday.
 
LINKS & FURTHER INFORMATION
 
FULL FIELD DAY LINE-UP:
 
Field Day Saturday 11th June 2016
 
James Blake
Ata Kak / Avalon Emerson / Bicep – Live / Champion / Coves
Danny L Harle / Dean Blunt / Deerhunter  
 Dilly Dally / DJ Koze / Dusky / Floating Points – Live  / Fakear / Fickle Friends 
Four Tet / Frisco / Gillbanks / Girl Band / Gold Panda / Greco-Roman Soundsystem  
Holly Herndon – Live  / Jackmaster b2b Gerd Janson / Kelela 
KiNK – Live / Little Simz / Loyle Carner / Mabel / Meilyr Jones / Metz 
  

Motor City Drum Ensemble /

 

 Mount Kimbie – DJ Set / 

 

Mura Masa / 

 Nao / Nimmo 

Novelist / Orchestra Baobab  Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band  
Plastician / Red Axes – Live / Rejjie Snow / Roman Flügel / Roots Manuva
 Sleaford Mods / Slimzee / Skepta / SOAK / Special Request / Tale Of Us 
The Black Madonna / Wild Nothing / Wooden Wisdom & DJ Fitz 
Yorkston Thorne Khan / Yeasayer / Youth Lagoon 
 
Field Day Sunday 12th June 2016
 
PJ Harvey
Adam Green / Air / Blossoms / Beach House

 Ben Watt Band feat. Bernard Butler / Cass McCombs / D.D Dumbo / Daphni 
 Declan McKenna / Empress Of / Fat White Family / Formation / GOAT 
 Kimmo Pohjonen Skin / Mbongwana Star / Mind Enterprises / Mystery Jets 
 Molly Nilsson / Moon Duo / Optimo / John Grant / Junior Boys / Parquet Courts 
 Steve Mason / Tangerines / The Brian Jonestown Massacre / The Temper Trap 
 Thurston Moore Band / Tourist

Mystery Jets to headline Dot to Dot Festival 2016

Dot To Dot Festival is established as the UK’s Premier Festival for unearthing the hottest new talent around, alongside established acts from across the globe. 2016 marks the Festival’s 11th edition and will see it returning to ManchesterBristoland Nottingham from the 27-29th May. Dot to Dot’s ever eclectic line-up is set to make this year one of the biggest and best in the festival’s history!

With lots of exciting announcements to follow, including a second headliner, Dot To Dot and DHP Family, in partnership with Fred Perry Subculture, are elated to announce the first wave of artists to play this year’s Festival:

The anthemic Mystery Jets will return to co-headline the Dot To Dot stage this year, blasting out infectious tunes and soon to be classics from their new album “Curve Of The Earth”. Australian indie giants The Temper Trap also join the Dot To Dot line-up after spending all of 2015 in the studio working on a highly anticipated third album. 

With his brand of indie hip-hop rock Rat Boy will stir up the Dot To Dot crowd, conveying modern lyrics of a pissed off generation, alongside Lauren Aquilina’s beautifully honest ballads and euphoric guitar rock supremoes Sundara Karma. Imaginatively crafted chill-out specialists The Japanese House will be spellbinding Dot To Dot-goers with dreamy harmonies whilst Yorkshire-based brothers The Sherlocks bring their Courteeners-esque guitar riffs and energetic live performance to the festival, along with Dublin’s hottest indie rockers Little Green Cars.

The first wave of artists to be announced also includes: Ardyn, Barns Courtney, Bleeding Heart Pigeons, Chappo, Cigarettes After Sex, Crosa Rosa, Dancing Years, Ekkah, Estrons, The Jacques, Lewis Del Mar, Liss, New Carnival, Northeast Party House, Stephen Kellogg, Trevor Sensor, and there is still so much more to be announced!

Live at Leeds announce fifty more artists for 2016

Leading the new announcement are undisputed cult icons Mystery Jets, who over the space of 13 years have released wave after wave of groundbreaking indie music, transcending genres and eras with classics such as “Young Love” and “Two Doors Down”. Their recent fifth album “Curve Of The Earth” pushes new boundaries into a more panoramic classic rock sound, all the while captivating and engrossing. Bringing old and new to Live At Leeds this April, it’s sure to be another stunning performance from the pioneering romantics.
 
Also joining the bill is Ghostpoet, the undeterred maverick professor of UK soul whose acclaimed studio albums have seen the London born crooner scoop two Mercury Prize nominations and a raft of plaudits across the country. Plaudits have also been flying for the psychedelic pop craftsman Blossoms whose penchant for huge hooks has seen many tip the Stockport natives as ones to watch in 2016, coming 4th in BBC’s Sound Of 2016 list. Their appearance at Live At Leeds is destined to shut down the city centre for future rock royalty.
 
Ghostpoet says:
“It's nice to be returning to Live At Leeds after playing it for the first time a few years back. Should be fun!”
 
Commenting on their addition to the Live At Leeds 10th Anniversary, Blossoms said:
“Live At Leeds was one of our highlights of last years festival season, we can't wait to be back this year!”
 
Further additions to the lineup today include the indie-pop joy of Sundara Karma fresh from their recent support runs with Wolf Alice,  indietronic duo Formation, Izzy Bizu and her soulful take on modern pop, grunge revivalists Milk Teeth and the returning noise-pop heroes Los Campesinos! – themselves celebrating 10 years together in 2016.
When asked about their appearance at Live At Leeds 2016, the band commented:
“Leeds is always the most fun gig of any tour that we do, so we’re delighted to be back for Live At Leeds this year, slap bang in the middle of such a brilliant city with a peerless music scene!”
 
Sundara Karma are looking forward to the festival, adding they were:
"Psyched to announce that we will be joining all the lovely lot down in Leeds for the Live at Leeds fest!”
 
Formation said:
"We're really excited about heading up to Live at Leeds and playing a great show!"
 
New addition Samm Henshaw also commented, saying:
“i am extremely honoured to announce that myself and The Sound Experiment will be playing at Live at Leeds 10th year anniversary this year!”
 
This giant addition of new names join an already extensive lineup of chart heroes and upcoming stars including Jess Glynne, Circa Waves, We Are Scientists, RAT BOY, Band Of Skulls and Clean Cut Kid making Live At Leeds 2016 the go-to destination to catch the vital stars of tomorrow, today.
 
With more names to be announced, as well as details on the accompanying Digital Programme, Live At Leeds 10th Anniversary is set to be a true celebration of creativity and originality, and the only way to kick-start the 2016 festival season.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW, PRICED FROM £32.50 AT THE LINK BELOW

http://lunatickets.co.uk/live-at-leeds-2016.html

Announced Today:
Mystery Jets // Ghostpoet // Blossoms // Benjamin Francis Leftwich // Los Campesinos // Izzy Bizu // Sundara Karma // Blood Red Shoes // Loyle Carner // Formation // Samm Henshaw // The Duke Spirit // Mabel // The Sherlocks // Milk Teeth // Beach Baby // Declan McKenna // WHITE // Vitamin // Cameron AG // Miamigo // Inheaven // Anteros // Viola Beach // Pumarosa // Blaenavon // Fews // Hidden Charms // Slutface // Kagoule //
The Jacques // Cattle And Cane // Meilyr Jones // Autobahn // Rhys Lewis // Holy Esque // Hannah Lou Clark // Beaty Heart // Zuzu // Kloe // William J Healey // George Taylor //
George Cosby // Isaac Gracie // Drones Club // Catholic Action // Asylums // Fronteers // Georgie // Carnabells //John Joseph Brill // Cape Cub // Strange Bones // Flawes // Babeheaven // Seramic // James TW // Joseph J Jones // Fletcher Jackson // Dear Friends // Caro //
Where Fires Are // The Indigo Project // Fighting Caravans // Trash // Tusk // Kleine Schweine //

Field Day partner up with Trangressive Records

Celebrating its first decade, the modern music company Transgressive will be partnering with Field Day in 2014 for a series of DJ hi-jacks across both days featuring a host of its artists plus members of the Transgressive team.

Taking over the decks across all stages during 20 slots during the weekend, audiences can expect the full colour and diversity of Transgressive's uniquely curated roster – whether Leeds rockers Pulled Apart by Horses, modern pop impressarios Mystery Jets, or brand new talent such as Marika Hackman and Thumpers. The full line-up is listed below.

"Eat Your Own Ears and Field Day have had a long history with Toby and Tim and Transgressive over the many, many years. They have built an incredible roster of acts and are always forward thinking and inspirational in their approach. So it's a real pleasure to host and welcome some of the brilliant Transgressive artists, some familiar, some brand-new, to Field Day to play special DJ sets across the stages." Tom Baker – Field Day 

"Field Day has created some of Transgressive's favourite ever live music memories – including Foals' first ever festival headline appearance in its second year. When we were mapping out parties, festivals and events for our 10th Anniversary this year, it felt like an obvious choice to present something with Tom and the Field Day team. However, we wanted to do something a bit different – so thought we'd turn some of our artists into DJs for the weekend. A few of our crew will also have a go to try and make people dance. We'll all see you there." Toby L – Transgressive

The confirmed list of Transgressive DJ's at Field Day 2014 includes:

Saturday 7th June:

Mystery Jets DJ Set

Dry the River DJ Set

Marika Hackman DJ Set

Becoming Real DJ Set

Transgressive Sound System DJ's

Sunday 8th June:

Pulled Apart by Horses DJ Set

Theme Park DJ Set

Thumpers DJ Set

Dry the River DJ Set

Transgressive Sound System DJ's

Ringmaster Festival add more acts to lineup

On September 27th Ringmaster Festival will open it's gates for the first time and are pleased to announce their Friday schedule, which will serve as a taster to the main spectacle of Saturday's line up.

Friday will see Dry The River as headliners, along with performances from Dan Croll, Night Engine, Flyte, Dancing Years and a local opener, selected by Dry The River. 

Saturday brings along Maximo Park, Mystery Jets, Deaf Havana, The Blackout, Hadouken!, We Are The Ocean, Ghostpoet and Johnny Borrell & Zazou, as well as some of the UK’s finest rising acts like Swim Deep, Lewis Watson, Theme Park, Thumpers, Luke Sital-Sing and Chloe Howl, whilst Gnarwolves replace Dinosaur Pile-Up. 

Mystery Jets

Saturday will also see the signing tent come to the action, where fans can will be able to meet bands and see acoustic sets from the likes of Deaf Havana in a 150 capacity environment.

Originally planed as a one-day event, the now two-day festival takes place at Hopton Wafers, in the stunning Hereford & Worcestershire countryside. This year’s Ringmaster will home big top tents with the look and feel of a vintage circus but with a focus very much on music.

With a shared vision and ethos of celebrating creativity in all forms whilst supporting the next generation running through from the festival founders and all the extended staff Ringmaster will be donating a share of £5 per ticket to their two chosen charities, Barnardo’s & Longlands Care Farm. The festival will also be supporting the local area by using local food produce.

Other acts set to play this year are: The Xcerts, Young Kato, The Family Rain, Arcane Roots, Fossil Collective, Tall Ships and Sons and Lovers, plus many more..

Ringmaster Festival changes location for 2013

Ringmaster Festival has, due to access issues being insurmountable, changed to a larger venue, enabling the festival newcomer to incorporate 2 nights of camping to the schedule.
 
Newcomer Ringmaster Festival announces a venue change to Hopton Court, Hopton Wafers, Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire, DY14 0EF. The change in venues enables the addition of two nights campaign at this years festival and more music from up and coming local acts on Friday 27th September (full details to be announced soon).

Set in the stunning Worcestershire & Shropshire countryside borders, Hopton Court will now welcome this year's Ringmaster Festival.

Originally planned for one day, Ringmaster is now extended to include camping on both Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September, with upcoming bands now planned for the Friday evening.  

Acts confirmed for this year are: Maximo Park, who headline the BIG ELI tent, withMystery Jets, Deaf Havana, Swim Deep & Theme Park. The Blackout, We Are The Ocean & Canterbury play the Red Baron stage and Ghostpoet, Johnny Borrell & Zazou, Tall Ships & Chloe Howl being some of the names on the Mabel Stark stage.

Maximo Park

Ringmaster also welcome Mike Dignam, Dolomite Minor, The Darlingtons, Lloyd Yates, Tom Jarvis, Midnight Special, Katey Brooks, The Watermelons and Liz Lawrence and many, many more to this years line up.
 
For full line up and stage information please visit: www.ringmasterfestival.co.uk

Y Not Festival lineup update

Joining The Cribs, The Horrors, The Darkness, The Enemy, Ash and the Mystery Jets and many many more are: Deaf Havana, IsMe, Chapel Club, Temples, The Temperance Movement, Nightworks, Maybeshewill and Chloe Howl. For the full line-up go to www.ynotfestivals.com

The Darkness

Also revealed are the chosen 20 unsigned bands who emerged from Y Not's search for the best of new talent. The festival, found in the heart of the Peak District, has a tradition of supporting emerging artists – stemming back to its birth in a quarry.

Festival organiser, Ralph Broadbent says, "There's been an excellent response this year – we had over 1,700 artists apply".

In addition to Y Not, the judging panel included BBC Introducing, Naim Label and top bands, The Horrors, Mystery Jets, and We are The Ocean. The results are on the Y Not website. BBC Introducing's Dean Jackson said: "I was happy to listen and watch the new artists as, having a long association with Y Not, I know what a fantastic opportunity it is for emerging artists to play."

Dean also explained, "I'm passionate about development of the next generation of bands and musicians so, consistent with what I do every Saturday night on the radio, I jumped at the chance to help new artists get this important early exposure". There's been widespread support through Twitter and Facebook from the bands already playing at Y Not.  

Aled, from Kids in Glass Houses, said " Every band has to start somewhere and while the computer has made it easier than ever for bands and musicians to express themselves and produce professional quality work, they still need that bit of help to get seen and heard – and luck." Their experience, he said was very similar, "We got our breaks as an unsigned band by sending our demos in the post to competitions similar to the Y Not one and magazines as well. I think Britain is very open and eager for new bands so it's great that Y Not recognise that and are actively supporting and seeking new talent. These festivals aren't gonna headline themselves in five years!"

And Y Not meanwhile is ensuring this will be a spectacular of a festival. Between the gaps in the music, there are bars, a drive- in cinema, dodgems, helter skelter, a roller disco and unusual sightings rumoured. Younger families are also being looked after – with expanded family camping and kids activity area. This year the festival runs from 2-4 August, near Matlock, Derbyshire.