SW4 2011 Review by Hannah Hassack

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Arriving for the Saturday line-up at about 2pm the party had very much already started. The queues of people waiting to get in moved at good speed and there was just enough time to swig a cider or 2 before we were in the middle of the action. And the mud.
 
The majority of people arrived at the event between 12pm and 4pm, wanting to make the most of the excellent value line-up. At £40 for an early bird ticket, SW4 attendees couldn’t deny they were getting a good deal, with a very similar line up to Creamfield’s at nearly half the cost.
 
With it being the first of the 2 day event which spans the August Bank Holiday weekend, the grass was fairly green when we descended, the facilities were in good nick and spirit levels were high (in terms of both vodka and mood) The general atmosphere can be described as Creamfield’s meets Park Life, which is unsurprising given the line-up. Dance lovers paradise, this wasn’t an event for the faint hearted. Forget flowers and mellow swaying, think welly-stomping and glow-sticks!
 
The weather was predictably unpredictable; swinging between bouts of strong sunshine and bursts of rain, but people spirits weren’t dampened. As the fields became muddy and the poncho’s came on, it only seemed to spur people on and give them the energy to have a good time, all was embraced and a festival glow spread like jam and fuelled our fire as we danced the day away.
 
Things kicked off with Underworld on the Ministry of Sound’s Main Stage, with it being their exclusive appearance in London for 2011 crowds were strong. Their techno rock cocktail was a brilliant way to kick off the afternoon and as the throngs filtered in it was quite literally music to eager ears. The energy and excitement of Underworld's gig set the bar for the entire event, and what followed didn’t disappoint.
 
Underworld were followed by Laidback Luke, Zabiela and Pete Tong to name but a few legendary acts known for their energy and power to get the crowds going, while over in the Cocoon area, Sven Vath, Loco Dice and Josh Wink held their own.
 
A definite highlight was undoubtedly the rip-roaring response Above & Beyond received when they kicked things off in Group Therapy Arena. This entrancing trio have edged their way slowly but steadily onto the electro scene over the past few years and their fantastic catalogue of hits and lesser known tracks has made them a must-see and didn’t fail to wow us. Mixing it up with some Sirens of the Sea classics as well as some Group Therapy numbers of latter release, the ravers were more than satisfied.
 
For a bit of variety, Over in the Shake It! Arena, Tiga, M.A.N.D.Y. and Layo and Buschwacka did their thing. The line up in this arena offered some unique electro dance remixes that could really get you shaking and delivered an ever so slightly more toned down tunes to rave to. Following the aforementioned quirky acts and bringing in some underground house tunes to finish off was European DJ Spencer Parker.
 
Another highlight was Ferry Cortsen’s special appearance – a phenomenal way to close the Group Therapy Arena, the finale offering the same calibre with which the arena opened. The long standing globally celebrated trance hero sent ripples throughout the entire arena with his powerful and intoxicating beats. The energy of the event had not yet died and crowds were on fantastic form to appreciate it. Bringing out some classics from his extensive discography, as well as offering up some new mixes, the set was edgy, energetic and enchanting. The set ended all too soon, but this was definitely a case of quality over quantity, and the calibre of the entire set couldn’t be doubted.
 
Reports tell me the quality of Sunday’s event was just as a high, and despite the direct competition with Creamfield’s, Clapham Common absolutely held its own for the entire weekend. Each year the line-up for SW4 seems to get more captivating and with the outstanding shows from such globally acclaimed legends this year, the calibre of the line-up is bound to peak yet again next year! Get yours early, because this is a fantastically priced, superbly located event that promises to deliver.

Greenbelt Festival 2011 Review by Christina Boonstra

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The August bank holiday weekend is a feast for all festival lovers. With events littered across the country, you can gorge yourself on festivals till you pass out from exhaustion. From the majors like Leeds, Reading and Cream Fields, to the niche folk festivals scattered all across the country, the festival goer must choose carefully, before carelessly throwing away such a precious weekend in the festival calender.
 
So out of all the things happening that weekend, why would anyone decide to go to Greenbelt?
 
That's the very thing we were thinking as we accustomed ourselves with the festival lay out on Friday afternoon. After pitching tent, and gathering our bearings, we turned our eyes to the program and begin to feel a little dizzy with choice.
 
Greenbelt claims to cram arts, faith, and justice, into one short weekend at Cheltenham racecourse, resulting in 30 venues packed with debates, discussions, performances, music, food and comedy. 
 
On Friday, we wandered around like lost children trying to make sense of it all. Made ourselves feel a little better, by taking pictures sitting on a tiny horse statue, and then, got down to the serious business of figuring this festival out. Flight Brigade, a seven piece folk band began the night early on the Underground stage, and by the time it came to Billy Bragg's rather bizarre headlining set on the Main stage, Greenbelt was really growing on us.
 
Yoga
 
Determined to rise to challenge of taking in everything Greenbelt had to offer, we woke, relatively early on Saturday morning in order to seize the day. But instead, we watched on as much early birds took part in a spot of yoga outside the Performance café, caught the end of a set by Rend Collective, and realised that trying to take part in a meditation workshop when you're starving, does not work. After leaving the class as inconspicuously as possible, we feasted on possibly the best choice of festival food we’ve ever seen, from home made sausage and mash, to falafel, it made a great day, even better.
 
One thing that struck us about this festival is the amount of children present. There was a real family feel, but not in an annoying screaming for ice cream kind of way. A very relaxed vibe, where you'll see retired hippies, chatting to young parents as the Franciscan monks walk by (yes we said Franciscan monks).   Mingled in with artists like the Duke Special, having a pint at the festival's very own local, the Jesus Arms.
 
Playhouse
 
Greenbelt is unique in many ways, it brings together great performances such as Get Cape Wear Cape Fly and Idlewild, with up and coming music talent and comedy, as well as a host of drama and dance performances housed in unique venues with a home made feel about them. At this festival you're more likely to be queuing up for a show at The Playhouse than for a pint. But, if all the festivals you've been to lately seem to have blurred into one, maybe next summer spend your precious bank holiday weekend on Greenbelt, it will definitely be different.
 
(4 stars)

Anvil for Bloodstock 2012

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The first act confirmed for the RONNIE JAMES DIO main stage next year are legendary Canadian comeback kings ANVIL. ANVIL are true defenders of the faith, having never lost sight of their vision to create uncompromising, dyed in the wool heavy metal. They have been on a rock ‘n’ roll journey for the past 30 years and while few bands can make it to the three year mark, ANVIL have closed in on three decades of the most uncompromised and ear pleasing metal known to headbangers. 
 
Ever since the award-winning documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” propelled the Canadian band from their respectable, hard-earned status as a band revered by the likes of Metallica, Motorhead and Guns N’ Roses,ANVIL founding members, vocalist/guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, have made sure that one thing remains constant; their dedication to their music. Their performance at BOA 2012 is bound to be a memorable one in BLOODSTOCK’s history.
 
Home-grown stoners ORANGE GOBLIN are first to be confirmed for the SOPHIE stage next year. Since the mid 90s, ORANGE GOBLIN have upheld the traditions of great British heavy rock and metal, cementing their place in rock history as pioneers alongside the likes of Monser Magnet, Kyuss, Fu Manchu and Clutch. Since their formation in the late night drinking holes of London’s Soho, the band have risen to the very pinnacle of what they do, earning a reputation as an awesome live band that has seen them share the stage all over the world with the likes of Alice Cooper, Heaven & Hell, Sex Pistols, Kreator, Queens of the Stone Age, Danzig, Monster Magnet, Nashville Pussy, Cathedral, Nebula, Unida, Alabama Thunderpussy, Dio, Grand Magus, Witchcraft and many more. Returning to BLOODSTOCK for the first time since the inaugral indoor event in 2011, anyone under the canvas of the SOPHIE tent while OG are on its stage will be helpless against the sheer power and presence of man mountain/frontman Ben Ward, and will be in for one of the weekend’s highlights.
 
BLOODSTOCK have released early bird tickets for next year’s fest at rock bottom prices. Four day camping tickets for next year’s event – which takes place 9th – 12th August next year –  are available now atbloodstock.uk.com for just £90 (plus booking fee) until xmas. 
 
BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2012 takes place at Catton Hall August 9th – 12th
 
Tickets for the 2012 event are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

Leeds Festival 2011 Review by Gary Rampling

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I made my way down there on Thursday in time for Friday’s music and the atmosphere was buzzing with many festival-goers joking around and talking with a real sense of excitement about the forthcoming bands there. I entered, squeezed my tent into the crowded yellow camp and left to have a look around the festival.

I was surprised at the huge open space called ‘the village’ that occupied a few acres. It had food stalls covering its perimeter with most people relaxing and enjoying the prospect of having a special weekend. There were even a few football goals set up where people were playing a couple of 5-a-side games of football which seemed quite unusual for a festival. When the night came there were a couple of stages open and places to go that were outside of the main arena. The Relentless stage in the village proved a hit with its thumping dance music played to massive crowds till the early hours of the morning, with this stage open and it being popular every night of the bank holiday weekend. It perhaps showed that dance music perhaps should not be entirely in the background at Leeds Festival.
 
FRIDAY
I woke up the next day and made my way towards the main arena. The main arena was really well laid out with people having to make their way down a slight slope to get to the main stage. Though, it was about a five minute walk to the main arena the distance was not a bother but was welcomed as it made the whole arena seem less cluttered then some other festivals.
 
The first band on the main stage was We Are the Ocean, and with the amount of rain that was pouring down on the crowd, it did seem like we were indeed – the ocean. The rain didn't hold this band back as they put on a spirited set, and bar a couple of technical hiccups, played with plenty of energy to wake the early birds up.
 
Next over to the NME/Radio 1 tent came Best Coast who tried to add a bit of sunshine to the day with their summery lo-fi songs. Keen to stay out of the apocalyptic downfall of rain that just would not quit, I headed towards the deliciously named Ham Sandwich in the BBC Introducing tent whose light cute instrumentation suited the lead singer’s gentle voice; they seem like a band who will gather a strong following in the coming years, they’re even suitable for vegetarians. 
 
Now to a band on the main stage of which I am a huge fan: Interpol. They played a brilliantly atmospheric set list that evenly covered their four albums. It was hard to take my fan goggles off for these guys, though perhaps the crowd wasn’t too up for them. It was a treat for fans nonetheless. It was now Elbow’s turn. The rain had finally completely stopped by now, but for me an eight hour drenching of rain was preferable to the drenching of a suspiciously warm cup of liquid that was hurled towards my section during Elbow’s set. Elbow’s Guy Garvey tried to warm the crowd up in a more endearing manner by trying to get us all to move, being particularly insistent on us all keeping our hands up in the air for long periods (perhaps he should have called the band ‘Hands’ not Elbow)
 
MuseNext was Muse whose live reputation is out of this world. They opened with an eerie voice (from Tom Wait’s ‘What’s he Building?’) talking whilst there were flashes of large shadows of the band, contained in a curtain. Finally the curtain raised and much to the crowds anticipation they launched into 'New Born,' the first track from Muse's second album 'Origin of Symmetry' which they had previously claimed they would play the whole way through. And they did.
 
Due to the massive guitar riffs on the album and Muse's amazing ability to put on a show, the whole thing was incredible. Particular highlights included 'Micro Cuts' where Matt Bellamy showed off astonishingly high pitched vocals for dramatically long periods before the song came crashing to its epic guitar crunching close.
 
It wasn't just Matt who was thoroughly impressive musically, Chris and Dominic were too, and they particularly got to demonstrate this during a drum and bass jam for a few minutes while Matt went off stage. The sheer power of them during this jam left me thinking that these two could do a whole live set as a duo and still produce a better show than most bands (though I'm not suggesting they should lose Matt)
 
Muse’s set was littered with all sorts of cool things;lasers, flames the size of the stage, fireworks, interesting videos, lights and of course plenty of gigantic eyeballs filled with confetti that were thrown into the crowd. No band should ever perform without some form of gigantic eyeball being thrown around somewhere. Muse really did throw everything at this headline slot, bar the kitchen sink, and to be honest an on-stage kitchen sink wouldn’t have been all that spectacular. At the very end – after Muse had come on and played nine of their greatest hits – a fireworks display came bursting out from the top of the stage and as this came to a close I was left with my heart racing and with a sense of awe. Fantastic!
 
SATURDAY

The next day started off sunny while I made my way to see Miles Kane's set of high trousers, kicks and Indie licks. He had a cool swagger about him that made it hard to take your eyes off of him, even during his weaker songs. The next highlight of the day was Deftones. I've heard a lot about these guys but never seen them live before and they absolutely blew me away. I'm sure that, based on that set, they would have gained fans from the few people there who weren’t familiar with them before.

 
After having left the main stage for a bit to purchase an expensive Yorkshire pudding the size of a paddling pool, and still with the Deftones wonderfully gripping set in the back of my mind, it was now time for 30 Seconds to Mars. Similarly to Deftones I could not believe how great they were. Jared Leto spoke to the crowd in between songs and gave the whole set an intimate feel, almost as if he was addressing everyone personally in a crowd that had thousands; it was something really special. Towards the end they made the performance even more special for dozens of crowd members at the front when Jared invited them onstage for 'Kings and Queens,' and credit to the on-stagers; they all went mad.
 
Next up were Jared Leto's "good friends" and headliners My Chemical Romance. They came out in their album themed attire putting on a triumphant display. No sign of the trouble they had at Leeds twin festival Reading in their 2006 performance, where they got bottled by many angry Slayer Fans (who were stupidly placed next to them on the bill that year). They stormed through many songs off their latest album ('Danger Days') and put on an all round good show.
 
My Chemical Romance
 
SUNDAY

On the final day Leeds Festival we were treated to not one but two festival headliners. Just as Pulp had stepped aside for The Strokes to go on stage last at Reading on the Saturday, The Strokes returned the favour and Pulp went on last at Leeds on the Sunday. Pulp played a strong set and won over many of the youths of the festival who may have only heard a couple of their songs, as when queried on the best performance of the weekend; Pulp was a popular choice. It also seemed to make more sense to have Pulp last over The Strokes, as Jarvis Cocker and co. seemed genuinely excited to be there; dancing around the stage in his unique style, whereas The Strokes were somewhat static and let their anthems and cool approach do the talking (or singing). Earlier highlights in the day included the sing-alongs to Madness' 'Our House' and opener 'One Step Beyond', though the lesser known tracks did not go down as well with the crowd; it was worth it for the well-known ones.

Pulp

All in all the festival was a major success and although the amount of rain did make it an extremely Welly-squelching affair, it was clear that behind all those festival goers mud covered faces there were big white smiles..

Photos courtesy of Hall or Nothing

Reading and Leeds 2012 Pre-sale Ticket at 2011 Prices

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A limited number of weekend tickets for the world famous Reading & Leeds Festival will go on sale at this year’s prices on Thursday 1st September at 9am.
 
The all-important line-up and general sale tickets will be released in the Spring.
 
For further details and tickets visit:
  
 
Vodafone customers can buy tickets now before the general pre-sale. 

Register for your tickets at Vodafone.co.uk/vip

Global Gathering 2012 Earlybird Tickets

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As an exclusive offer to our festival goers, all tickets purchased between Thursday 25th August until Monday 3rd October will NOT incur ANY booking fees. That’s a 10% saving on your ticket!

Earlybird tickets are priced at £99 for Weekend General Admission and £175 for Weekend VIP Admission.

Don’t miss out! FREE Booking Fee Offer ends at 9am on Monday 3rd October.

To purchase Earlybird tickets for GlobalGathering 2012 click here

Lake of Stars Festival Update

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Vampire Weekend DJ’s, BBC 1Xtra DJ and Presenter Gemma Cairney, BBC Radio 1 DJ Goldierocks will join FOALS and Freshlyground to headline this year’s Lake of Stars Festival.
 
Will Jameson, Lake of Stars festival director says: “It’s one of the only events offering 70 live acts from Africa and Europe playing everything from indie to kwaito to reggae and dubstep in a location that Wanderlust travel magazine hails as one of the Top Ten emerging travel destinations in the world.”
 
Known for it’s incredible DJ line up, the Lake of Stars Festival has featured Annie Mac, Andy Cato, Felix B, Ross Allen, Mary Ann Hobbs, Goldierocks, Eddy Temple Morris, MistaJam and DJ Yoda.
 
Bass player of New York band Vampire Weekend, Baio’s DJ sets have rocked clubs from across the globe from Ibiza to Paris to Sydney to Seoul. Before joining Vampire Weekend, he ran a radio station, threw sick basement shows and DJ’d parties at Columbia University in New York. This will be his DJ debut in Africa, brought to Malawi courtesy of the US Embassy in Lilongwe.
 
DJ and Presenter Gemma Cairney began her radio career at Channel 4 Radio and now hosts a regular slot on BBC 1Xtra as well being a roving reporter on the BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury Festival in 2011 and 2009.
 
Goldierocks. That’s Sam Hall; blonde-haired vixen and rock n roll talent-spotter de jour and British Council Selector Radio show host. Now most renowned for her energised ‘punk rock’ DJ appearances, invading parties and aftershows all over the world – at some point in time, Sam’s probably hijacked your fave indie/electro haunt. She’ll be coming to Malawi thanks to the British Council.
 
For more information about the festival, visit www.lakeofstars.org


Event: Lake of Stars Festival 2011
Location:  Sunbird Nkopola Lodge, Mangochi, Malawi
Dates: 30th September  2nd October 2011

V Festival 2012 Earlybird Tickets

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V Festival 2012 will take place across the weekend of August 18th – 19th, with a limited allocation of tickets going on sale on Wednesday 24rd August from 9am. Fans are urged to be quick, early bird tickets are likely to go within a week. Festivalgoers can also book festival tickets and coach packages through See Tickets and Big Green Coach at 2011 prices.

V Festival Director, Simon Moran comments:
 
“Once again there was an incredible demand for tickets this year and as ever we’d like to give music lovers the chance to get their hands on next year’s early, and save some money in the process. With Glastonbury off the festival circuit next year, there is evenmore reason for music fans to take advantage of this great opportunity. Thisyear’s line up was one of the most exciting and eclectic yet so next year’s festival has a lot to live up to, but I’m sure it won’t disappoint.”
 
Following the success of this year’s sold out V Style packages, the new luxurious range of stylish accommodation will once again be available for those in search of some pampering. Festival fans can sleep in decadent surroundings by choosing between a lux pad, pop up hotel room, yurt or perhaps even a gypsy caravan to chill out at the end of each night. V Style packages include* weekend passes and all your accommodation needs including a warm shower and premium toilets. You’ll never go back to basic camping again!
 
Organisers are urging fans of the festival to ensure that they only use official ticket channels when buying tickets and not to purchase tickets from unofficial or secondary outlets.  

Visit www.vfestival.com for details of all official ticket outlets or contact See Tickets.
www.seetickets.com / 0844 871 8816

V Festival 2011 Chelmsford Saturday Review

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Today saw the 16th edition of V Festival hit Hylands Park in Chelmsford.  V Festival is known for providing a diverse lineup to suit everyone and thats exactly what we had this Saturday.

Arctic Monkeys

From the headlining Arctic Monkeys, through to to Jessie J, Chase & Status, Aloe Blac, Ziggy Marley and even a comedy tent, it was not hard to be pleased.

Sheffield rockers Arctic Monkeys brought Saturday to an almight close as they trailed through hits from their latest album 'Suck It and See' as well as hits from their previous albums.  Notable tracks like 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' went down a treat with the crowd in the main arena that streched right to the back.

Aloe Blacc's soulful and cool presense on stage was the perfect fit for a sun drenched crowd who were lapping up his energy.  The crowd got into full swing when Aloe performed his hit 'I Need A Dollar'.

Over on the V Stage, Bruno Mars came out to a wet welcome as the rain started to come down at Hylands Park.  Opening with his hit 'The Lazy Song' the crowd, unfazed by the change in weather, continued to sing song after song with Bruno.

With the rain subsiding, the welcoming sun shone over Hylands Park.  We headed to The Arena where hip hop star Wiz Khalifa was performing.  Wiz has a laidback style about him and he came out performing with a mic on a stand!  Fresh off his Rolling Papers album Wiz Khalifa banged out tune after tune with 'Black & Yellow' the biggest song of his set.

Back on the 4 Music Stage, Example had the majority of the crowd bouncing to his army of tracks which included his latest single 'Natural Disaster'.

Bruno Mars

Still with a cast on her leg, Jessie J arrived to a packed out arena on the 4 Music Stage to perform whilst sitting on her throne.  Even though she was confined to sitting down, her performance is still amazing and energetic, you can see how much she just wants to get up and dance! She stated 'It's my first time performing in Essex, this time last year I was in the crowd!'

Back over to the V Stage, Plan B had taken to the stage.  One of the biggest UK artist's of the moment, Plan B has featured on a number of festival lineup's this year.  His performance is bar none one of the better of the day.  Moving through tracks from his 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' the enjoyment of the crowd can be heard throughout the park as they applause and join in to sing along with him.  His tracks 'The Recluse', 'Prayin', 'She Said' were some of the biggest of his set.

V Festival is one of the must go to festivals on the summer calendar!  Its diverse lineup and dual location makes it an easy choice for festival goers from around the UK.

V Festival on Sunday will host Rihanna and Eminem as headliners.  Its a sure fire thing that they will bring down the curtains to an almighty applause as we witness yet another great year at V Festival!

Photos courtesy of Cake PR

Bestival 2011 Sold Out!

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With a glint in his eye and a spring in his step Rob da Bank said: “We’re mega proud to have sold out Bestival for the seventh year running. Selling 50,000 tickets for a 100% independent festival in the current climate is no mean feat but its all thanks to our wicked crowd of regulars and new Bestivalites and music lovers who have chosen to join us on the Isle of Wight in 3 weeks… Thanks for the support and see you in the magic meadows of Bestival!”
 
Featuring a colossal 18 stages of live music and DJs, creative mayhem, magical experiences, our Rock Stars, Pop Stars and Divas fancy dress parade, loads of crazy fresh stuff including the Swamp Shack, Roller Disco, Wall of Death, Freesports Park, Crazy Golf, Campsite Hubs, Ambient Forest, Herbert’s Dream and much more, we’re pretty sure it’s going to be our best Bestival yet and we can’t wait!
 
After its success at this year’s Camp Bestival we’re bringing Kerstin Rodgers’ The Underground Restaurant to the Isle of Wight to give Bestival-goers the chance to enjoy an extravagant three-course sit down meal in the heart of the festival. An experience not to be missed! ??

There will be a wonderful set menu, gorgeous waitresses in vintage French pinnies, vintage mismatched crockery, table linen and a chance to sit down for lunch, dinner or a late supper… always welcome at a festival. Plus on Saturday night only there will be a Pyjama Party themed Midnight Feast! Wear jim-jams, nighties, bring teddies, hot water bottles, dressing gowns, comfy slippers, hair rollers, your pet blanket and have a secret feast under the cover of a supper club. Places are limited though so we highly recommend you book yourself and you friends in now. click here to book (NB: sittings do not clash with the main stage headliners).

 
As the countdown gets well and truly under way we’ve joined forces with Rapanui Clothing, a brilliant Isle of Wight based eco-fashion company, to create a limited edition pre-event T-shirt for this year’s Bestival. This Organic Cotton T-shirt is made in a wind-powered, Fair Wear Foundation audited factory and is printed on 100% organic cotton. They were transported by ship, not air, are printed with phthalate-free inks and were hand-finished in the UK. A strictly limited edition run, these T-shirts will ONLY be available to order up until 26th August. They will not be on sale at Bestival itself. You can order yours here
Finally, if you were lucky enough to get yourself a Bestival ticket but your circumstances have changed and you can’t make it down to the Isle of Wight now the ONLY place we recommend to re-sell your ticket is www.thetickettrust.com
 
Likewise, if you would like to purchase a Bestival ticket, the ONLY place we recommend that you go to is www.thetickettrust.com
 
The Ticket Trust has been created by the Association of Independent Festivals and Sandbag to offer a safe and secure ticket exchange to help correct the secondary ticketing problem. Comprising a group of promoters, artists and music industry professionals embarrassed by what they see happening to tickets to their events – the exploitation of fans’ pockets! The Ticket Trust has created a place where music lovers can exchange unwanted tickets at face value, providing a platform for safe, secure and legitimate ticket exchange – without the over inflated mark-ups. This is the promoters’ and artists’ answer to the secondary ticketing market which seeks to make big profits – taking hard earned cash away from the fans, the musicians and the live events we all love.
Remember to keep on checking www.bestival.net for full line up details and all the up to the minute news.