T in the Park Day Splits announced + more acts added

They played the very first T in the Park back in 1994 in their former incarnation Glass Onion, headlined in 2000 and 2005, and now the mighty Travis are set to return to Kinross to play T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations in what is set to be a poignant homecoming show for the band and audience alike. Festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager have today added an array of top acts to the T in the Park bill, with the Glasgow four-piece plus Hurts, Johnny Marr, James Skelly, Jack Savoretti, Willy Mason, Foy Vance, Steve Mason, Milo Greene and DIIV joining the festival line-up over 12th – 14th July.
 
Festival organisers have also revealed today which days each act is playing, with the weekend of the year fast taking shape.
 
Travis are huge favourites with the T in the Park crowd, and their previous performances (including 2 showstopping headline sets) are widely regarded as some of the greatest moments of the festival’s 20 year history. After the top 10 success of their debut album Good Feeling, they achieved global success with the seminal, 9 x platinum-selling follow-up The Man Who, which hit the top of the UK album charts. Their much loved back catalogue is packed with classic hits, which have earned them BRIT Awards for Best Album (The Man Who), Best British Group (2000 and 2002) and Ivor Novellos for Best Contemporary Song (Why Does it Always Rain on Me?) and Best Songwriter (Fran Healy). After a temporary hiatus, they make their much anticipated return with their 7th album later this year and are sure to receive a hero’s welcome when they make a long-awaited return to the festival in July.
 
Manchester Electro-pop duo Hurts were hailed by the BBC’s Sound of 2010 as ones to watch and since then have gone on to achieve global success. Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson have released two critically acclaimed albums, Happiness (2010) and Exile (2013) packed with melancholic 1980s-inspired electro-pop gems, and were a huge hit with the crowd when they played T in the Park in 2010 and 2011, and are set to make a welcome return this July.
 
HurtsRecently crowned NME’s Godlike Genius, Smiths legend Johnny Marr is also heading to Kinross forT in the Park’s 20th year celebrations. As one half of one of the most influential British songwriting partnerships of all time, he challenged pop conventions with The Smiths’ giant, euphoric tunes, and his 30 year career has seen him perform with groups including The Cribs and Modest Mouse. Revered by music fans and critics alike, he has been bestowed with Q Magazine’s lifetime achievement award, Mojo’s Classic Songwriter Award, the Ivor Novello Inspiration Award, and of course, Godlike Genius by NME.
 
On his first solo-adventure since The Coral’s hiatus, James Skelly has enlisted the help of The Intenders and is due to release debut album Love Undercover this summer. The Coral have been a big favourite of T in the Parkers in years gone by, and their frontman is sure to thrill fans when he reprises some of their greatest hits in Kinross this July, as well as showcasing his new material.
 
English-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti released his third album Before the Storm last year to a raft of rave reviews. His catchy guitar tunes are sure to go down a storm with the T in the Park crowd when he makes his debut in Kinross this July.
US singer-songwriter Willy Mason’s debut album Where the Humans Eat, which featured the classic Oxygen, won him major critical acclaim and a legion of fans. Having recently toured with T in the Park headliners Mumford & Sons, he released his third studio album Carry On in December and is set to play the festival’s 20th year celebrations this July.
 
Northern Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance made a big impression with his 2012 release The Melrose EP, and is set to follow it up with his new album Joy of Nothing this summer. Celebrated for his thought-provoking, powerful lyrics and spine-tingling vocals, he’s been hailed as one of the finest song-writers to emerge from Northern Ireland in recent years.
 
Fife-born Steve Mason, formerly of The Beta Band is now a solo artist in his own right, with his 2013 release Monkey Minds in the Devil's Time winning critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian. It’s sure to be a special moment when he plays on home soil with his solo debut at T in the Park this July.
 
Also announced today are LA pop-outfit Milo Green, who bring their harmony-drenched, folk-tinged pop to Kinross. Describing their sound as cinematic-pop, they released their self-titled debut album earlier this year.  
 
DIIV created instant vibrations in the blog-world with their impressionistic debut EP Sometime. With Zachary Cole Smith at the helm, the Brooklyn four-piece’s debut album Oshin blends classic kraut, Creation-records psychedelia, and late-80s Seattle influences to great effect.
 
Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “Travis have given us some epic performances at T in the Park over the past 20 years, including at our very first outing back in 1994 and incredible headline sets in 2000 and in 2005. They’ve been there since day 1, and it really does feel like they are part of the fabric of T in the Park. We’re absolutely thrilled that they’ll be joining us for our 20th year celebrations – it wouldn’t have felt quite right without them. They’re one of Scotland’s all-time greats with some massive tunes, and the sound of 85,000 voices singing along to their greatest hits in Kinross this July will be quite a poignant moment.
 
“Johnny Marr is a true legend and we’re honoured that he’ll be joining us for our 20th year celebrations, alongside all the other great acts announced today. It’s going to be a great weekend.”
 
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship at Tennent’s Lager, said: “T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations are shaping up to be very special indeed. Throughout the festival’s 20 year history, Travis have been firm favourites with the crowd – it’ll be fantastic to see them back on home soil, and I’m sure they’ll be a real highlight of the festival weekend.”
 
Over 85,000 festival-goers per day will descend on Kinross over 12th – 14th July for the 20th year ofT 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 Stereophonics, Calvin Harris, Kraftwerk, Frank Ocean, Snoop Dogg, Foals, alt-J, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Two Door Cinema Club, Phoenix, Jake Bugg, The Lumineers, Frightened Rabbit. My Bloody Valentine, Twin Atlantic, The View plus many more still to be announced.
 
T IN THE PARK 2013: ARTISTS ANNOUNCED SO FAR
 
FRIDAY: MUMFORD & SONS | CHASE AND STATUS | CALVIN HARRIS | KRAFTWERK | EMELI SANDE | PHOENIX | THE COURTEENERS | JAKE BUG | OF MONSTERS AND MEN | KENDRICK LAMAR | RUDIMENTAL | THE PROCLAIMERS | EVERYTHING EVERYTHING | HAIM | IMAGINE DRAGONS | STEVE MASON | JAMES SKELLY | JACKMASTER & JOY ORBISON | TRIBES | FIDLAR | MILO GREENE | EATS EVERYTHING | BO BRUCE | SILICONE SOUL | SONS & LOVERS
 
SATURDAY: RIHANNA | THE SCRIPT | SNOOP DOGG | BEADY EYE | DIZZEE RASCAL | ALT-j | THE LUMINEERS | MY BLOODY VALENTINE | FRIGHTENED RABBIT PALOMA FAITH | TWIN ATLANTIC | TRAVIS | THE VIEW | NOAH AND THE WHALE | DEACON BLUE | KE$HA | RICHIE HAWTIN | LAURENT GARNIER | THE FRATELLIS | MILES KANE | MODEST MOUSE | VILLAGERS | DERRICK CARTER X MARK FARINA X DJ SNEAK (b2b) | DAUGHTER | SLAM | LAWSON | GABRIELL APLIN | JAMES ARTHUR | WILLY MASON | PALMA VIOLETS | KODALINE | PEACE | THE STRYPES | CLAUDE VON STROKE | BRITISH SEA POWER | NINA NESBITT | FOY VANCE | JACK SAVORETTI | DIANA VICKERS | SWIM DEEP | THEME PARK | LUCY SPRAGGAN | THE ORIGINAL RUDEBOYS | THE VIRGINMARY’S |
 
SUNDAY: THE KILLERS | STEREOPHONICS | DAVID GUETTA | FRANK OCEAN | FOALS | YEAH YEAH YEAHS | TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB | RITA ORA | LABRINTH | EDITORS | HURTS | AZEALIA BANKS | FRANK TURNER | HOT NATURED | OCEAN COLOUR SCENE | DISCLOSURE | BASTILLE | JOHNNY MARR | TOM ODELL | LITTLE MIX | LOCAL NATIVES | CHVRCHES | BEN KLOCK 7 MARCEL DETTMAN (b2b) | SETH TROXLER | TYLER, THE CREATOR | THE 1975 | ADAM BEYER | MODESTEP | EARL SWEATSHIRT | THE HEAVY | NINA KRAVIZ | TRASH TALK | LEWIS WATSON | LUCY ROSE | DIIV | JOSH RECORD

Lineup additions to Secret Garden Party and more!

The Secret Garden Party is YOUR party.  It is a moment in the year when you can connect to your creative powers, explore your wildest fantasies and meet thousands of people who all want to meet you.  It is a magical gathering that exists for only four days – away from cities and schedules, brands and boundaries – founded on participation and with the potential to change your life. 

It is a festival of the arts… where everyone is the artist.

Come Play With Us This Summer

The Secret Garden Party is thrilled to present a cornucopia of indulgent fun and games this summer, which includes everything from naked trampolining to casting spells or debating with David Icke.  Acknowledge those deeply-held superstitions and myths, break free, have fun together, abandon yourself to the Garden’s offering and emerge….. liberated.

Here is a random list of what this magical experience offers to those of a friendly heart and an open mind:-

Naked trampolining, mud wrestling, paint fights, giant parades, gifting ceremonies, dance off battles, badger dating, fire shows, Miss Behaves mess tent, theatre of dolls, human guess who, gentrified croquet, Miss Dance workshops, life drawing, aerial displays, death defying circus, spell casting, tax deductible theatre, gypsy disco, wood fired hot tubs and sauna, meditation with headspace, fine dining, black cat cabaret, poetry slam, debates and discussions, potion making, extreme science experiments, Pagoda, Yacht Club, ghost stories, apocalypse survival school, the kissing den, naked pool of wonder

MORE LIVE MUSIC & DANCING ADDED:

THE GREAT STAGE:

LITTLE COMETS – THE STAVES

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE STAGE:

JOHN NEWMAN – NINA NESBITT

TEMPLE OF BOOM:

CLEAN BANDIT

THE CROSSROADS:

SAM SMITH – THE RUEN BROTHERS

THE LIVING ROOM
Kick off your worries, abandon your shoes, get cosy, get up close and personal. The Living Room is the place for those extra special stripped-back sets, playing host to those magical and memorable moments when you experience something truly intimate and truly great. Every year a few acts from the Great Stage are invited to unplug and play too. Added to their already stunning line-up this year is:

JANET DEVLIN – THE STAVES – SAINT RAYMOND

HOUSE OF HATS – BEN SMITH BAND – SHANNON WARDROP

THE LAKE STAGE

Located in the centre of the lake with the Secret Installation is the sound system guaranteed to set the dance floor on fire… quite literally.

KRANKBROTHER – REAL NICE – HEAVENLY SOCIAL JUKEBOX

KITCH 'N' SYNC RECORDS – LOVE SICK with BLONDE AMBITION

SAMUEL POTTS – AMP + DECK (DJ set)

JAY KARIM & MICHAEL PALMER (Big In Japan) – ISSAC FERRY

THE DANCE-OFF

Dance battles, group games, big tunes, and party times…

Back to make you bump, grind, move, shake, laugh and cry your way through four days of relentless dance battles, group games and tomfoolery on a grandiose scale as we all, once again, grace the most entertaining boxing-ring since Stallone took on Mr T in Rocky III.

This summer we tip our hats toward ancient societies that have been shrouded in secrecy and silly handshakes for centuries.  So don your ceremonial robes and get ready to see The Knights Templar throw down against Opus Dei, Mensa backflip over The Freemasons and Girl Guides shoot Ping-Pong balls at Scouts.

FRIDAY AFTER-HOURS SESSION: THE ITCHY & SKRATCHY SHOW FEATURING…

VENT – MC MASH CLAN – ITCHY & SKRATCHY DJS – MOULDY SOUL – HIDDEN RIDDEM

SATURDAY AFTER-HOURS SESSION: THE GHETTO FUNK ALLSTARS FEATURING…

JFB – BSIDE – RUSS CUBAN – TOO MANY TS – STREETWISE

HOSTED BY PROFIT: RESIDENT DANCE-OFF DJS – PYTHAGORAS – KB & AIRAYD – CAT CAT CAT – FRUITY DE LA MERE – FREAKY DIMITRI – PRAWN T CRACKER

PLUS DANCE-OFF FRIENDS: THE ASBO DISCO – SKELLY MAN – T-SEX – FRENIC – 7 DEADLY – BREAKS (4-DECK BREAKS MIX WITH KB & AIRAYD)

PRESENTED BY YOUR HOSTS

MC GOBBLEJOB, MR GOATIVATOR & FAT MOUSE

That¹s right Gardeners: It¹s time for the Illuminati Party (but don¹t you dare tell anyone)

ODDBALL DANCEHALL

Continental Drifts and The World’s Tallest DJ bring you one of the strongest ever line-ups of Antique Beats; a smorgasbord of electro blues, the sounds of the Delta mashed up and shaken down. Electro Swing, Brass Bands reworked,Mississippi Big Breaks; an out-and-out Gypsy Soundclash. Get your footwork fancy with all-day dance styles and teaching from Rhumba to Russia – plus aerial assault, death-defying circus and cabaret creations all day and ALL OF THE NIGHT!

FEAST OF FOOLS

"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun." – Katharine Hepburn

This summer it’s The Right Royal Knees-Up Tour, celebrating 25 years of dance parties.

T’was 25 years ago this summer when we waited by our phones for the word…

That a party was gonna happen… sometime… somewhere… tonight…with…

THE OLD SCHOOL BRIGHTON BEACH MASSIVE – DJ’S FROM DR.ATOMIC – SLACK & POSITIVE SOUNDS INCL SIMON ATKINSON – FOOLISH FELIX, DIZZY D – JUSTIN ROBERTSON of the legendary LIONROCK – RUSS CUBAN from the CUBAN BROTHERS NOEL WATSON of DELERIUM & TRIP.

LATE NIGHT

When the sun sinks and the shadows grow long, the glitter sparks, the beat goes on. Magic Hour in the garden. There are so many late night places to play this year. Running later than late we have The Drop, The Oddball Dancehall – whose exterior will be festooned in LED’s, the Badger Amphitheatre and Main Stage, the Temple of Boom, plus the re-established late night bar at The Forum –  not to mention Small World and the Village Hall.

FOOD:

SOUL FIRE FINE DINING RESTAURANT
The infamous and unprecedented Garden restaurant returns this year, celebrating its fifth anniversary with some extra special chefs. Fine dining in the middle of a field with your loved ones. Booking for Sunday Roast and à La Carte.

FOOD STALLS

Expect a huge array of award-winning stalls with all dietary needs catered for – gluten, wheat, dairy intolerant; vegetarian, vegan and halal; meat and fish. Sample the Ghurkhas’ own Nepalese cauliflower curry or beef khursani. There are delicious tagines, roast dinners, handmade chocolate and Guinness ice cream, the Flaming Cactus’ award-winning tamales, handmade pies, Texan BBQs, stone-oven flatbreads or game sausages and much much more.  For bookings: http://store.secretproductions.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=17_5

SANCTUARY

In 2013 the Secret Sanctuary will once again spread its love, calming energy and healing vibrations with the Gardeners. This summer it will play host to the Sui-shi lounge, apothecary bar, sundown yoga, morning meditation, swimming, acupuncture, Balinese day beds, reflexology, Acro yoga, Bamboo lanterns, lakeside cocktails, reiki, bugbar soundsystem, solar showers, boating, twilight tunes and massage for the ultimate journey of relaxation, with their team of highly qualified therapists, guaranteeing to ease your body, mind and soul. 

Explore touch with the myriad of wonderful healers who are on hand to rub away any aches and pains. If you are unsure how the Sanctuary can help then you can ask the experts. Their team of helpful receptionists will be on hand to help explain all the healing techniques on offer, take bookings and ensure that you are booked in with the right person to suit.  The healers can bring you up, bring you down, rejuvenate your body and mind and soothe your soul. The demand is always really high for treatments as exhausted gardeners need re-charging, so please don’t leave it until Sunday to book in.

Reading and Leeds Festival add more names to the lineup

With even more artists yet to be announced across the NME/Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Dance, Lock Up/Rock, Festival Republic, BBC Radio 1Xtra Alternative and BBC Introducing Stages, the line-up just keeps getting bigger and better for 2013!

NEW NAMES ADDED TO THE MAIN STAGE

Already announced on the Main Stage are UK festival exclusive headliners Green DayEminem, and Biffy Clyro, plus UK festival exclusive performances from Fall Out BoySystem Of A Down andDeftonesNine Inch Nails will return to Reading & Leeds for the first time since 2007 to perform a 2013 UK exclusive show.

Also playing the Main Stage are legends of UK drum and bass, Chase and Status, bringing a world-class live show to Reading & Leeds and Frank Turner, who returns to play the Festivals which “hold a special place in his heart” for the seventh consecutive year; his set will be a triumphant showstopper.

Frank Turner

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

The Main Stage will welcome the unique musical stylings of quintessentially British band Skindred, whose blend of heavy metal, dub, reggae and drum ‘n’ bass, or ‘ragga metal’, has landed them legions of fans and numerous awards.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

British punkrock band Lower Than Atlantis will be returning to the Festivals on the Main Stage after an incredible set on the Festival Republic Stage last year. Expect to hear the crowd singing along to hits from their entire catalogue, including current album ‘Changing Tune’.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Joining the line-up are New York punk band We Are The In Crowd, currently touring the UK and Europe with their latest album ‘Best Intentions’, as well as Southampton based five-piece Bury Tomorrow who will be offering their unique blend of melodic metalcore and bringing songs from their anticipated second album ‘The Union of Crowns’.

NME/RADIO 1 STAGE LINE-UP EXPANDS

The NME/Radio 1 Stage gets even hotter with new names joining headliners SkrillexAlt-J and Phoenix, plus others already announced including Jake BuggImagine DragonsMajor Lazer,A$AP Rocky and Haim.

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

Joining the line-up will be Scottish five-piece Frightened Rabbit, armed with songs from their critically acclaimed Top 10 album ‘Pedestrian Verse’, the band’s arena-rock arrangements promise a thrilling live show. Hedonistic punks FIDLAR, whose melodic twists and turns have earned them plaudits from critics on both sides of the Atlantic also take to the stage.

Tipped by the likes of Radio 1 and MTV, Dublin-based Kodaline will be making their Reading & Leeds debut. The alternative rock quartet will be playing the best from their new album ‘In A Perfect World’ and more.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

North London band Tribes are revered as breathing life back into guitar music. The band’s second album ‘Wish To Scream’ is out in May, preceded by the single ‘Dancehall’ on 20th May, which follows the instant anthem of first single ‘How The Other Half Live’. Released just 11 months after their well-received debut album ‘Baby’, the Festival crowds will see them flying the flag for British Indie.

Hotly tipped as ones to watch on the 'BBC Sound of 2013’ list, experimental electronic duo AlunaGeorge will be proving exactly why they’ve been enjoying chart success this year, with their unique brand of sensual vocals and pop sensibilities.

alunageorge

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE ADDS A WHOLE HOST OF ARTISTS

Headliners Sub Focus LiveMagnetic Man and Knife Party, plusBaauer and Iggy Azalea, will be joined by a raft of amazing artists on the newly expanded three day BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage.

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

British electro-pop comes courtesy of Fenech-Soler, signed to Warner Records and championed by Radio 1’s Annie Mac and Greg James, the four-piece have received attention from a legion of music bloggers. They will be joined on the line-up by Radio 1 DJ and drum‘n’bass multi-award winner Friction, for the heaviest bass on the Dance Stage. Also confirmed are London based collective Clean Bandit who work with a variety of vocalists to create their eccentric brand of electronica.

London electronic outfit Is Tropical rose to success after the release of their ‘Native To’ album, which also won ‘Best Animation Video’ and ‘Best Indie Rock Video’ at the UK Music Video Awards. Also joining will be Lancaster duo Bondax with their blend of garage-inspired electronica championed by the likes of Annie Mac and gaining increasing popularity in the blogosphere and LA polymath Robert DeLong, whose unique mash-up of indie and electronica has earned him nominations as a 2013 ‘Artist to Watch’ for MTV US, Billboard and Vibe Magazine.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

Trendsetting DJ, Fool's Gold label head and turntablist A-Trak graces the Dance Stage with a wealth of critical acclaim behind him. Performing at the Grammy’s, sharing a Billboard cover with Diplo and Skrillex and winning a ‘DMC World DJ Championship’ when he was just 15, his performance is sure to be an unforgettable one. Also added is one of the hottest commodities in dance music right now, dubstep heavyweight, Flux Pavillion.

A Trak

Bristol DJ Redlight has been a staple in club culture for many years, mixing and taking on bass music from dubstep to drum ‘n’ bass and even grime, and it is with pleasure that he joins the Dance Stage this year. Searching out talent from across the hemisphere, Sydney-based duo Jagwar Ma will be acclimatising to the British festival season and warming up the crowds in the Dance Stage. Fresh from supporting The xx, and headlining the NME Awards show, they are gearing up to bring their brand of psychedelic electronica and sunshine bass lines to festival goers. 

Also confirmed is rockabilly inspired Willy Moon, hailing from New Zealand, now based in London, Moon promises a mix of hip-hop and 50’s inspired dance music, plus there will be fantasy-laden electro from the former Mellowdrone frontman Big Black Delta and mysterious soulful R ‘n’ B from Night Works.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Confirmed for this day is LA Moombahton Dillon Francis fusing the genres of reggaeton, moombahton and house music for a truly thrilling bass explosion, fresh from collaborating with Major Lazer, a slew of sell out shows and riotous praise, he will be offering up the best of his distinctive basslines and wobbles. 90’s garage and pop inspired electronica comes courtesy of futuristic pop princess Charli XCX.

Joining them will be drum‘n’bass titans Fred V & Grafix as they gear up for a set that promises bone thudding bass and the best in contemporary and classic drum ‘n’ bass, plus high-octane dance music from Jacob Plant ft. Majestic.

THE LINE-UP FOR THE LOCK UP STAGE GROWS

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

The Lock Up Stage this year welcomes Alkaline Trio as headliners for this day. The renowned Illinois punk band will be playing the best of their music, from the punk beginnings of their first albums to the more pop-punk offerings seen on their most recent album ‘My Shame Is True’. Promising to excite their legions of fans, expect an electrifying atmosphere and more than a little bit of moshing.

Joining the Stage will be Australian punk rock/psychobilly band The Living End and Californian metaphoric rock group RX Bandits. For a ferocious dose of post hardcore stylings, catch legendary special guests, New York four-piece Quicksand, one of the most influential bands of their genre in the early to mid-90’s.

Also on the bill are Exeter based rock n rollers The Computers who are about to embark on their highly anticipated UK tour, warming up for our festival crowd!

New York punk rockers Cerebral Ballzy return to Reading & Leeds Festivals after an amazing set on the Festival Republic Stage in 2011; the 80’s punk-inspired skater boys are sure to deliver a memorable live show for the Lock Up crowds.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

Joining Tomahawk on this day will be legendary New York hardcore band Sick Of It All with a punk offering, and for a heavy dose of volume, Reading & Leeds favourites, LA hardcore punk band The Bronx will be on hand. Legendary British ska/punk band King Prawn are back after a 10 year hiatus. The band will bring their unique blend of reggae and hardcore to the Festivals for an unforgettable show.

FIRST NAMES FOR THE NEW ROCK STAGE ANNOUNCED

With the expanded Dance line-up covering three whole days, Reading & Leeds are adding a Rock Stage day to each site, with the first names just announced.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Enter Shikari unveil..Shikari Sound System. At this year's Reading & Leeds Festivals, Shikari Sound System will make its world debut headlining the Rock Stage.

Shikari Sound System is the electronic alter-ego of the British band Enter Shikari, famous for blurring the lines between musical genres across three (thus far) UK chart Top 5 albums since they hit the wider public consciousness in 2006. Having DJ’d and produced in various side projects over the years they finally decided to fully elope with live dance music, and so was born the Shikari Sound System.

For further explanation, let's hear it from the horse's mouth: "Expect re-worked Enter Shikari tracks along with classic remixes and new surprises. Expect eerie live electronics and tent-peg-dislodging baselines. Expect a tour through many dance tempos and electronic genres that have been a constant inspiration to our band's sound. Combining both live instruments and percussion with dub-plate wizardry, this is one for the skankers, the steppers, the movers and the shakers."

Enter Shikari have a deep history with the Reading & Leeds Festivals – attending as teenagers, and having played the festival five times in the past seven years – and so embraced the opportunity to return once again, albeit in 'disguise'. The band's latest single, a 1min16sec blast of a track, has this week been added to the BBC Radio 1 playlist.

Described as "one of the best British bands of the last decade" by Zane Lowe, Welsh hardcore band Funeral For A Friend will also be playing the Rock Stage this year. The award-winning band are veterans of rock performances, playing alongside Guns N’ Roses, supporting Linkin Park and countless others for over a decade. Hardcore Punk band Gallows return to Reading & Leeds for their seventh consecutive year, bringing their electric live show and guaranteed carnage to the Rock Stage, plus Northern Irish band And So I Watch You From Afar will be playing following on from their recently sold out UK shows and release of their critically acclaimed album.

Japanese metalcore band Crossfaith will be bringing their blend of industrial metal and electronica from Osaka to Reading & Leeds’ very own Rock Stage, as well as alternative rockers Arcane Roots, the three-piece from Surrey are influenced by progressive, experimental and pop-tinged rock which can be heard in their music. For a dose of hard rock, don’t miss British four-piece Heaven’s Basement who have gone from strength to strength since they formed over four years ago and have played alongside the likes of Papa Roach and Black Stone Cherry.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE WELCOMES NEW ADDITIONS

The Festival Republic Stage showcases the hottest upcoming bands as well as established names, with the first bands for 2013 already confirmed including The StrypesThe 1975Temples and Swim Deep, Reading & Leeds can now announce many more artists.

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

Crystal Fighters take to the headline position with their distinctive mix of acoustic guitar and percussive electronica, as the celebrated British/Spanish dance outfit gear up to release their new album ‘Cave Rave’, with current single ‘You & I’ featured as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record this week.  

Glasgow's Chvrches come fresh from a stellar run at SXSW that saw them collect the festival's inauguaral Grulke Prize for ‘Best International Newcomers’. The prize is just the latest in an ever-increasing list of plaudits for a band championed by Pitchfork and NME, and who came fifth in the BBC ‘Sound of 2013’. Their accessible yet ambitious synth angles, pitched somewhere between Robyn and The Knife, mean Chvrches are equally at home atop the Hypemachine blog chart as supporting Depeche Mode in European arenas.

US alternative rock outfit Surfer Blood join the line-up, the band have been gaining momentum since their appearance on ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’ back in January. Kate Nash is back, after a hiatus, with her new punk direction. Her musical stylings have taken a shift in direction this year with the release of her feminist punk-influenced album ‘Girl Talk’ and recent sold out tour. Also confirmed is soulful Scandinavian electronica courtesy of Karen Marie Ørsted, or MØ. Her sultry vocals have been likened to Grimes and Lou Rhodes and have made her a critics’ favourite.

New York duo MS MR are set to capitalize on their ‘No. 1 on Hype Machine’ status and are tipped to be the first superstars of Chill Wave.  This boy/girl duo's singles caused a huge buzz on all the coolest music blogs last year and their debut album ‘Secondhand Rapture’ is set for release in May.

For a dose of Canadian indie, Half Moon Run will be performing for the first time at the festival, after a period opening for Mumford and Sons, the band has been slowly creeping on the radar of Indie fans. The stage also sees talent from Mancunian newcomer Findlay, whose stylish mix of glam-blues vocals and pop production have put her firmly on the critics’ radar this year and Oxford four-piece MMX, who have been hotly tipped after their debut release ‘Cold World’ last year, will be first on.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

Headlining the Festival Republic stage this year is one of Britain's most enigmatic bands, British Sea Power.  It's been 10 years since their debut album; expect to hear old favourites as well as tracks from recently released masterpiece ‘Machineries of Joy’.  Their sweeping, epic, angular guitar pop has established British Sea Power as a classic alternative act and this headline set will be a euphoric affair.

Post-folk funk groover Lucy Rose made her name as a vocalist in Bombay Bicycle Club before branching out on her own. The singer-songwriter from Warwickshire will be returning to the Festivals after a show-stopping full band set last year and now in receipt of a critically acclaimed debut album ‘Like I Used To’, Lucy will bring her haunting vocal talents to the Festival Republic Stage.

Lucy Rose

Reading & Leeds are thrilled to announce Tim Burgess, it’s been 10 years since the lead singer of The Charlatans released a solo album, and his blend of Northern soul and Americana will be one of many highlights across the weekend. The Charlatans previously headlined Reading & Leeds in 1999, the first year that Leeds Festival ever took place.

Tampa, Florida trio Merchandise have transcended the punk and hardcore scene and now carry a more thrilling post-punk menace taking their cue from early 90's alternative acts such as Dinosaur JR and the Jesus and Mary Chain. Fuzzy four-piece London based psychedelic band Splashh have been steadily building momentum since last year with rave reviews from The Guardian, NME and a slew of underground blogs. Also on the line-up is punky blues-rock from Drenge, a duo from the Peak District who serve up catchy percussive guitar songs, NY punk garage rockers SKATERS with their unique pop-punk offerings and Belgian pop/rock band Balthazar who have received international acclaim after winning ‘Best Album’ at the Music Industry awards last year with ‘Rats’.

Also added are British folk/rock band To Kill A King who will be playing their unique brand of folk melodies and melancholic indie.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Headlining the Festival Republic Stage this day are five-piece Indie rockers Spector who have enjoyed rave reviews from the likes of NME, The Guardian and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and have gone on to achieve mammoth musical success since their performance at the Reading & Leeds BBC Introducing Stage back in 2011. They return to top the Festival Republic Stage bill with their synth laden guitar riffs and contagious tracks including ‘Chevy Thunder’ for fans to sing-along to.

Ferocious English/American rock band Pure Love, featuring former Gallows frontman Frank Carter and ex-The Hope Conspiracy guitarist Jim Carroll, will perform and expect guitar shredding from UK garage rock The Jim Jones Revue, as they play their distorted blend of bluesy rock. Responsible for one of the year’s most talked-about guitar albums, Parquet Courts will be joining the Festival Republic Stage. The New York punk rockers are hailed for their witty brand of super sharp lyrics and fresh indie sonics and will be bringing the energy to Reading & Leeds this summer.

Excitingly, punk rock garage outfit California X will be making their debut UK performance at the Festivals, English synth-pop outfit Chapel Club return with their distinctive moody indie electronica and US indie electronica duo twenty one pilots join the growing bill. The Family Rain's full on live shows are high octane affairs and these three siblings’ unique brand of hip-hop inspired, dirty blues infused rock 'n' roll has marked them out a band to watch in 2013.

 

Bestival announce new Dance Area The Port

HMS Bestival is finally steaming back into home waters. Our trusty and now slightly rusty ship and crew have just spent the last decade cruising the high seas, dodging pirates in tropical climes and partying with natives on moonlit beaches. Now it’s time to come home to celebrate 10 years of Bestival on the Isle of Wight. All aboard for the journey home to The Port!

Bestival HQ have been busy working on how to mark a decade of Bestival’s passing and have come up with our most ambitious and largest project onsite since we began. The Port is a landlocked harbour with HMS Bestival as its centrepiece surrounded by a pier, nautical sideshows and all the action of a bustling port…in a festival!

The Port will boast state of the art sound provided by Funktion One, hi-tech lasers and LED screens and a boatload of pyro exploding from HMS Bestival’s funnels. DJs will man the bridge, steering the good ship through day and night of techno and house with many of the world’s leading DJs playing on this hyppereal ship.

Taking a little time out from reaching for the lasers Rob da Bank says: I'm probably more excited about this new stage for Bestival than anything else in the last decade of creating fun and mental spaces for people to party on. We've got a tree you can rave inside, a forest with films and a giant metal spider that breathes fire but we've never had a life sized ship transmitting the best techno and house DJs across the waves while lasers strafe the crowd and a lighthouse booms its foghorn!

“This whole new field is going to be an all night maritime adventure with dirty little rum bars, enticing brothels and sea shanties ringing out from random sailor folk in every corner. It'll have crazy aerial displays and a bucket load of pyro that will blow your mind, it's the dance arena to end all dance arenas and it’s gonna go off. If you want to know where the party’s at, it's at The Port."

Manning the bridge of our incredible 24m long ocean going liner will be a cavalcade of the finest names to grace club culture, a veritable who’s who of Bestival Classics. Friday night headlining action will come courtesy of the Plastikman himself Richie Hawtin. Saturday will see a triumphant Annie Mac Presents selection and Sunday will be brought to a cataclysmically joyous end by the one and only Carl Cox. We will also have the cream of the dance music scene to smash up The Port’s dancefloor, including the newly announced Knife Party’s explosive fusions of bass and beats, Kiss FM’s DJ EZ who will be dropping majestic garage goodness, the mighty Toddla T Sound who will be ripping up the fiery techno-dub, hirsute duo The 2 Bears who will administer some euphoric hands-in-the-air action, turntable ninja Jaguar Skills who will be serving up his genre swerving cut & paste bedlam, and back to back mayhem from Bestival favourites Phat Phil Cooper And Russ Cuban.

 

Commenting on his Friday night headline slot, Richie Hawtin said: "I'm excited to return to Bestival this year for the 10th anniversary. I'm not sure what I'm more excited for – headlining The Port, or having the chance to hear my brother Matthew play again inside Bestival's incredible Wishing Tree."

Commenting on his Sunday night headline slot Carl Cox said: "Bestival's always an amazing festival with great people, and hopefully good weather! Cannot wait to return and check out their brand new arena – The Port".

And remarking on Saturday’s AMP line-up Annie Mac added: “We're so happy to be back at Bestival for 2013 and bringing AMP to the all new Bestival Port stage! We've got such an exciting mix of DJs from the UK garage legend that is DJ EZ, to the Bristol house dons Julio Bashmore and Eats Everything. We'll be bringing proper party carnival vibes through Toddla T Sound, as well as showcasing brand new talent from the likes of Cyril Hahn. AMP at Bestival 2013 is looking forward to offering up one of the most skilled and fun line up of DJs we've ever had, DJs who will no doubt provide you with many a special Bestival moment. Cannot wait to see you there!”

With a lighthouse come helter skelter a Dockers Bar, amazing aerial performances from a huge crane, delicious dancing girls and camp sailor boys on stage, plus dance podiums throughout the arena for the crowd, a coruscating brilliance of unbelievable pyrotechnics, sparkle, flame and fire effects, confetti, and smoking funnels, The Port is where you’re going to want to be. There will be a mega DJ line-up all weekend long that will include the previously announced Seth Troxler, Julio Bashmore, Maya Jane Coles, Erol Alkan, Duke Dumont, Eats Everything, Cyril Hahn, Hospitality Bestival Take Over Featuring High Contrast, Danny Byrd, Nu:Logic, Fred V & Grafix Hosted By Wrec & Dynamite, Marcel Dettmann, Heidi, Ed Rush and Jesse Rose.

Electric Daisy Carnival completes its lineup!

Announcing a list of additions to an already formidable line-up, Electric Daisy Carnival London looks set to make this Summer of Love an extra special one. The fresh acts joining the line-up for this extravaganza are BurnsChris LakeChuckieDeniz Koyu & Danny AvilaDimitri Vegas & Like MikeDirty SouthFeed MeFlux PavilionJack BeatsMat ZoNeroNERVOSub Focus and Tom Staar.
 
Watch London electro producer Burns whose Sony Music ‘Limitless’ EP is available now for pre-order. UK house producer Chris Lake plays all around the world, and comes to Electric Daisy Carnival fresh from a US tour. Listen to his big tune ‘Ohh Shhh’ now. Dirty Dutch house supremo DJ and producer Chuckie arrives on the line-up for Electric Daisy Carnival London, bringing his own world-renowned sound to proceedings.
 
NeroTurkish DJ sensation Deniz Koyu and Spain’s prodigy Danny Avila have joined forces this year for their Generation Wild tour. They come to Electric Daisy Carnival London to show what they can do.  Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike recently enjoyed a Beatport Number 1 with ‘Turn It Up’, and these Belgian brothers don’t look like slowing down any time soon. In just two years their star has risen, and this year they won the Best Break-Through DJ award at the 28th Annual International Dance Music Awards. Acclaimed producer, DJ and remixer Dirty South has worked with a host of artists including Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, Sebastian Ingrosso, Deniz Kuyo and Alesso. His album, April’s ‘Speed of Life’, is a big-room corker – see him at his best on 20th July.
 
His recent release on mau5trap Records has won acclaim from all corners, and he’s an Electric Daisy Carnival veteran, having played Las Vegas in 2012 – and now Londoner Feed Me plays on his home turf. Fresh from the release of his brand new EP ‘Blow the Roof’, UK dubstep big gun Flux Pavilion also joins the Speakerbox Arena. The Circus Records mastermind, who has recently collaborated with Major Lazer, was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll, and brings a distinctive bass sound to the event. DJ duo Jack Beats have remixed for the likes of Skream, Big Boi and La Roux and join Electric Daisy Carnival London for a big set.
 
Catch British wunderkind producer Mat Zo – whose May collaboration with Porter Robinson ‘Easy’ has already reached the Number 1 spot on Beatport and Hype Machine – is a don’t-miss addition to the line-up. Grammy Award-winning British trio Nero – who have collaborated with and remixed the likes of Skrillex, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris and N.E.R.D., and whose track ‘Into the Past’ features on the soundtrack for the upcoming film ‘The Great Gatsby’ – join the line-up. With a follow-up to their debut ‘Welcome to Reality’, which reached Number 1 in the UK albums chart, under construction, this is a chance to see this big-name act in Mistajam’s Speakerbox Arena.
 
Joining the Main Stage experience are Australian twins NERVO, who co-wrote David Guetta’s Grammy-winning 2011 track ‘When Love Takes Over’, and have also worked with Afrojack and Steve Aoki. They bring an undeniable stage presence to Electric Daisy Carnival London. Another big addition, Londoner Sub Focus joins the ranks on the Speakerbox Arena. Ahead of the release of his second album later this year, his new single ‘Endorphins’, featuring Alex Clare, is released in May and is available now for pre-order. And don’t miss out on seeing Moda Music founding member Tom Staar.
 
Electric Daisy Carnival, the world-famous electronic music event, heads to London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 20th July 2013 for its first international event outside the USA. Promising to be one of the biggest UK shows of the summer, Electric Daisy Carnival London features some of electronic music’s biggest and most globally recognised talent across one main stage and three arenas.
 
FULL LINE-UP (A-Z)
 
Alesso
AVICII
Burns
Caspa (MC Ken Mac)
Chris Lake
Chuckie
Crookers
Deniz Koyu & Danny Avila
Destructo
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Dirty South
Fake Blood
Feed Me
Flux Pavilion
Goldie (MC GQ)
Hardwell      
Jack Beats
Jaguar Skills
Ken Mac
Madeon      
Mat Zo
MC GQ
Mistajam                        
Nero
NERVO
Porter Robinson             
Rusko
SHY FX (Stamina MC)
Stamina MC
Steve Angello
Sub Focus
Tiësto
Tom Staar

 

Chic ft Nile Rodgers and more for Festival No 6

The award-winning Festival No. 6 has announced Chic ft. Nile Rodgers and a second raft of stellar line-up additions, ahead of revealing their final announcements in May. Festival No.6 is a pioneering festival concept bringing together music, arts and culture in the most incredible festival site you will ever see. Festival No.6 takes place over the weekend of 13-15 September, 2013 in the eccentric surrounds of Portmeirion, Wales, home of the cult TV series The Prisoner.

Chic have sold over 100 million records including huge worldwide hits 'Good Times', 'Everybody Dance' and 'Le Freak'. Nile has worked with a staggering list of true music legends, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Prince, Mick Jagger and, most recently, Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams on current single 'Get Lucky'.

Nile Rodgers said:

"I've never been to Portmeirion but it looks like a truly magical place. Chic always love to play somewhere unique and special, especially if we've never played there before, so we're really looking forward to Festival No.6.

"It's another big year for Chic and myself, with my collaboration with Daft Punk and lots of other exciting things planned, and Festival No.6 looks like being one of the highlights. We're looking forward to showing Portmeirion that there ain't no party like a disco party!"

Nile Rodgers

Also newly confirmed is Super Furry Animal frontman Gruff Rhys’s and producer Boom Bip’s acclaimed collaborative project Neon Neon,along with soul songstress Lianne La Havas and lyrical virtuoso Tricky.

Daughter, Wire, London Grammar, Leisure Society, Money, Melt Yourself Down, Mary Epworth, Dan Croll, Wave Machines, Sivu, Islet and Sam Airey also join the carefully curated line-up that already includes The Manic Street Preachers, James Blake andEverything Everything, I am Kloot, AlunaGeorge and Laura Mvula amongst others.

The DJ line-up has also expanded to welcome the legendary Daddy G and founding member of Massive Attack, Horse Meat Disco, Will Sergent of Echo & the Bunnymen, Crazy P, Psychemagik, Sancho Panza, Pete Herbert, Low Life, Heavenly Social DJ's, Jagz Kooner, Dicky Trisco, AOR Disco, Guy Williams, Sophie Lloyd, Richard Hector-Jones, Bernie Connor, Nadia Ksabia and Neal Schtuum.

Music is just one part of Festival No.6. During the festival the village and the surrounding woods come alive as a unique series of inspiring venues which will come alive with intimate talks, debates, film screenings, comedy, art trails through the woods, pop up theatre and much more.

So far Punk poet John Cooper Clarke, award-winning novelist Caitlin Moran, author and Review Show critic Paul Morley and Man Booker Prize winner DBC Pierre, amongst others, have already been added to the arts and culture line-up.

Other cultural highlights include talks and readings from Tracey Thorn (Everything but the Girl), John Niven (Kill Your Friends), Bob Stanley (Saint Etienne) and Michael Smith (The Culture Show) as well as the return of the wonderful Jan Morris, one of the highlights of last year’s No.6.

A second wave of speakers, as well as a whole host of prolific comedians and cultural happenings will soon be announced – so watch this space as this year’s offering looks set to raise the bar even higher than last year.

The acts will perform across the entire site, from the historic town hall to the Colonnade gardens, to the picturesque Estuary Stage and the promenade along the river, against a back drop of neo-classical architecture, sandy beaches and palm trees.

The sleepy, Welsh fantasyland is famous for being the set of cult 60’s TV show ‘The Prisoner. The village is a wonderfully bizarre and elaborate interpretation of a Mediterranean villa, couched in the waters, mountains and forests of North Wales.

Oxegen announce Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, Calvin Harris and more

OXEGEN returns to Punchestown from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th August Bank Holiday weekend.

Headlining this years festival is superstar DJ David Guetta, voted worlds #1 DJ in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs fan poll. Guetta has sold over six million albums, 15 million singles worldwide and has consistently topped the charts with dancefloor hits such as Play HardTitaniumSweat, and When Love Takes Over featuring some of the worlds biggest music stars.

David GuettaGuetta will join Calvin Harris who has just broken the record for most top 10 singles from the one album. His current LP 18 months has achieved eighth top ten hits, including the latest ‘I Need Your Love’ featuring Ellie Goulding beating Michael Jackson who previously held the record with seven top ten hits from his 1987 LP Bad.

Also heading to Punchestown this summer are UK rapper Example, dub step duo Chase & Status, one of hip hops finest Snoop Dogg, chart toppers Labrinth and Rita Ora, as well as AlessoPitbullDJ FreshSoulwaxNeroRizzle KicksNicky RomeroSashaWretch 32 and Devlin performing across three stages including the Heineken Live Project stage and the Red Bull Electric Ballroom.

Joining the line up are a host of top DJs and Live acts including Otto Knows, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Iggy Azalea, The Original Rudeboys, Duke Dumont, Erol Alkan, Crookers, Jack Beats, Fake Blood, Congorock, Jacob Plant, Gin ‘N’ Juice, The Dead Prezidents, Al Gibbs, George Fitzgerald, Dave DeValera, John Gibbons, Borgore, Monsta, Ayah Marrar and Danny Byrd with more to be announced alongside Ireland’s largest Silent Disco.

Snoop Dogg

TICKET INFORMATION

Save €75 on 2011 ticket price when purchased between 8am Friday 26th and 8am Saturday 27th April 2013 from Ticketmaster outlets or on line at Ticketmaster.ie.

More Sundown acts announced

Four new artists have been announced for this year’s Sundown Festival as the event plays host to a selection of some of the most promising young talent in the UK music scene

Joining the Saturday Main Stage line-up – which already boasts the likes of headliner Example, Rita Ora, DJ Fresh, James Arthur and Jaguar Skills, among many more – are the returning Ria Ritchie and newcomer Amplify Dot, whilst Charlie Brown and Ed Drewett will both join the Sunday Main Stage line-up, which already includes headliner Jessie J, JLS, Wiley, Union J and more

Returning to Sundown Festival after last year’s impressive performance, Ria Ritchie is a talented young singer, musician and song-writer. Having written with the likes of Plan B – who was the first to spot her talents – Craze & Hoax (Emeli Sande, Dot Rotten), Futurecut (Lily Allen, Rizzle Kicks, Olly Murs) and Ben Mark (Take That), Ria was signed to Takeover Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and flourished through a process of incessant gigging, including supporting Tinchy Stryder, Example and Wretch32, and big things are expected for her very soon

Amplify Dot is a British rapper whose career kick-started – at just 14 years old – when she jumped on stage and blew the audience away with her impromptu performance at a Missy Elliot gig, after Missy asked if anyone in the Brixton audience could rap. Having worked hard to hone her skill over the past decade, building experience in London and LA, Amplify Dot is now signed to EMI and ready to unleash her vocal talents as a solo artist

Charlie Brown is a rising talent whose debut single On My Way entered the UK Singles Chart at #7 late last month. Having signed to AATW in 2012, Charlie has worked with everyone from Wiley, Jay Sean and The Script, through to high-profile hit-makers such as Fraser T. Smith (Adele), RedOne (Nicki Minaj) and FutureCut (Wretch32), while collaborators on his debut album Dreamstate include Quiz & Larossi, MoJam (Emeli Sandé, Professor Green), Focus (Misha B), and Wayne Rodrigues (Nelly Furtado, Kelly Clarkson)

Ed Drewett is the household-name-in-waiting of UK music, having worked with everyone from Pro Green, collaborating and featuring on the #3 chart track I Need You Tonight and supporting him on three tours, through to The Wanted, as the writer of Lightning and the #1 chart singles All Time Low and Glad You Came

Drewett’s debut solo-single, Champagne Lemonade, was subject to multiple delays, eventually being released in 2010 amid sweeping management changes at his first record label. He finally released his second solo single, Drunk Dial, in March of this year, ahead of his forthcoming debut album

Drewett has also more recently collaborated with Olly Murs, helping to pen songs for Olly’s latest album, Right Place Right Time

The full line-up for Saturday’s Main Stage confirmed so far, now includes, Example, Rita Ora, DJ Fresh, James Arthur, Jaguar Skills, Angel, Little Nikki, Ria Ritchie and Amplify Dot, with Rinse FM’s Saturday Stage 2 including sets from Skepta, Redlight, High Contrast, Zinc, Friction and Huxley, with Color hosting the campers-only after-show Warehouse party

The full line-up for Sunday’s Main Stage is so far confirmed as Jessie J, JLS, Wiley, Union J, Amelia Lily and Tich, with Hospitality’s Stage 2 Sunday line-up hosting sets by Netsky, Danny Byrd, Nu:Logic, S.P.Y, Fred V & Grafix and Metrik, with MCs Wrec, Dynamite, SP:MC and Texas all providing lyrics, ahead of the Hed Kandi after-show closing party, for campers, in the Warehouse

The ‘Circus Opening Party’ on the indoor Warehouse stage – again accessible only with camping tickets – will see Doctor P, Funtcase, Cookie Monsta, Brown & Gammon, Roksonix and Krafty kicking off the weekend on Friday 30 August

Sundown Festival spokesperson, Dion Clements comments: “Sundown has always offered the chance to see some of the biggest names in urban, dance and pop music, but we’re also keen to showcase new talent we know have promising futures; Ria, A.Dot, Charlie and Ed all fill that criteria with ease and we’re pretty sure the audience will be among some of the first music fans to see why”

Tickets are on sale now for Sundown Festival, which will take place at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday 31 August & Sunday 1 September. For more information, or to book tickets for the event, visit www.nationalboxoffice.co.uk, or call 0871 224 1112 / 1113

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.

Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival full lineup announced

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival returns for a 7th consecutive year – the UK's ONLY independent, boutique, 3-day green field jazz festival.

Friday Evening

6:30 – 7.45pm – Octopus – This eight piece band of seasoned professionals will play us in with classic swing. Fabulous arrangements of big band classics.

8:15 – 9.45 – Cherry-Lee Mewis –  Blues powerhouse meets hillbilly boogie from this five foot, power-house, singer songwriter and her smokin' hot band. Recent highlights for Cherry include being 'Artist in Session' on Paul Jones' BBC Radio 2 show, a headline slot at Hebden Festival and two nominations for Best Original Song at the British Blues Award.

Late Night Sessions Courtesy of the Beverley Arts Trust

10.00 – 10.45pm – Harri Watts Band- An eclectic mix of jazz, folk and fusion featuring some blistering electric violin. Expect some infectious rhythms and lots of toe tapping plus some great Yorkshire humour.

11.00 – 12.00 midnight – Cadenas Vivaz- Six piece latin, soul party band who will ensure that the first night of the Festival ends with a heady blend of salsa, soul, rock and roll and anything else they can think of on the night. Watch out for some familiar songs given a very special treatment.

Saturday

1:00 – 2:25pm – The Lemon Monkeys (Matt Smith and Carlos Olmos) – London based jazz guitar duo performing a mix of soul, funk, jazz and blues

2.45 – 4:15pm – The Potter Ensemble-  A new ensemble of a jazz quartet of bass, piano, drums, sax and a string quartet of violins, viola and cello. Playing a variety of contemporary jazz, Duke Ellington, standards and original compositions, under the stewardship of bass player and jazz educator Paul Baxter.

4:35 – 6:05pm – Gwyneth Herbert – One of the most creative and striking performers currently working on the UK scene, Gwyneth’s soulful, seductive voice is something quite special, bringing sophistication to the singer/songwriter material, and a wonderful “edge” to the occasional Jazz number
'One of the country's most exciting talents' Sunday Times 'Remarkably gifted performer' Guardian 'Majestic-voiced' Jazz UK

6:30 – 8.00pm – A celebration of Kenny Ball, performed by his Jazzmen and son Keith Ball – “At Burton Agnes we were saddened to learn of the death of jazz legend Kenny Ball. Kenny was to play on 6th July at the Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival with his Jazzmen. The show will go on; Kenny’s Jazzmen will perform celebrating his life and work, with vocalist Keith Ball, Kenny’s son, stepping into his father’s shoes as the frontman.”

Kenny Ball died on 7th March 2013 as a jazz legend. He had more UK top 30 hits than any other jazz artist, no fewer than 20 albums on sale, a Billboard Gold Microphone Award, and an honorary citizenship to the city of New Orleans.
Kenny achieved worldwide fame during the 'Trad Jazz Boom' of the 60s. Beginning with 'Samantha' in 1960, and most notably with 'Midnight in Moscow' that reached number 2 in the UK and US charts and sold more than one million copies.
Kenny played for over 50 years all around the world.
Kenny's son, singer Keith Ball, will step into his father's shoes as front man together with the Jazzmen to put on a musical, swinging show, aptly celebrating the great life of Kenny Ball.

 8:20 – 10:00pm – Simon McBride – Predicted to be the next Irish blues guitar hero in the footsteps of Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, former Young Guitarist of the Year Simon McBride has undeniable guitar artistry combined with a fine voice and a real knack for creating memorable hooks and great melodies.

'Hugely accomplished' Mojo
'Blues rock par excellence' Classic rock
'McBride is now among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world.' Guitarist Magazine

Late Night Sessions Courtesy of the Beverley Arts Trust

10.00 – 10.45pm – Lucy Marshall- 17 year old, self-taught pianist, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Worlaby, Lincolnshire. Having no particular genre, she has covered a range of music, as well as writing her own, to suit all tastes.

11.00 – 12.00 midnight – The Alligators- Appearing at the Festival for the fourth year running the Alligators will round off Saturday night with their high octane brand of no holds barred old school rhythm and blues. 

Sunday

12:00 – 1:30pm – Rob Law Quartet with Thom Whitworth – Rob Law is an accomplished piano player who has earned himself a reputation as one of the country's most exciting young artists. Guitarist Thom Whitworth has played with top players and won Young Jazz Musician of the Year. He is regarded by many as the new Pat McCarthy. Most jazz bands use either piano or guitar, and most piano and guitarists dislike playing with each other because they clash, so this combination is both exciting and unusual.

1:45 – 3.15pm – Trudy Kerr quartet- Hailed as ‘one of the country's most polished singers’ by The Times. Trudy's musical career break came when Ronnie Scott offered her a week at his club in 1995; she's performed regularly at the famous Soho jazzerie ever since.
Trudy has toured extensively at festivals and jazz clubs around the world and the UK. She has collaborated with many great musicians including Mulgrew Miller, Georgie Fame, Acker Bilk and Jamie Cullum. She also finds time to co-present BBC Across the South's Jazz Hour.
Trudy will perform music from her new album, The Rhythm of Lifea collaboration with her husband Geoff Gascoyne featuring exciting original material, songs from the ‘Great American Songbook’, and some lesser known gems.

3.30 – 4.45pm – 24 Pesos- 24 Pesos have a unique and energetic take on the Blues that has put them at the forefront of the new Blues scene in the UK. They were voted as 'The UK's most exciting and original Blues band' by Maverick Magazine. 24Pesos play original music, with deep understanding of the Blues history, virtuoso instrumentation, a joyous groove, real songs and enough energy to bring the house down every night. 

'One of the most exciting young bands in the UK' Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2

'Contemporary blues laced with greasy funk, never a dull moment' Freddy Celis, Rootstime
'Fast, furious and a whole lot of fun' Blues Matters Magazine

5.00 – 6.00pm – Ben Beattie's Jazz Essentials plus Simon Cunliffe-Lister – The driving force behind this band is saxophonist and pianist Ben Beattie. His compositions have been compared to the Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek. Jazz Essentials bring together a interesting mix of atmospheric jazz, blue grooves and soulful ballads. Although they take influences from many areas and eras of the jazz genre, they carry a unique sound that is sympathetic with earlier and contemporary areas of music. They offer a sincere and genuine approach to their music-making by injecting a youthful vigour that creates a resounding and individual personality.  Festival organiser and saxophonist Simon Cunliffe-Lister will play out the weekend with Ben and his band.