One of the most exhilarating bands of the moment, Chase and Status are confirmed to headline the Saturday with their adrenaline fueled mix of dubstep, grime and drum n’ bass. Expect to hear all the hits including Pieces, End Credits, Heavy and Take Me Away. These boys know how to put on a show so except an enthusiastic and rapturous audience to descend on the South West.
The poet laureate of geezer rap, Mike Skinner has announced he is officially retiring The Streets this year and We The People are thrilled to have secured one of his farewell shows for the Sunday headline slot. His unique take on club culture, garage and dub marked Mike out as the spokesperson for a generation and he has vowed to send the Streets out with a bang, performing all the tracks that established him over a decade as the UK’s geezer rap prizefighter. With a knowing, brazen swagger The Streets will be bowing out in style making this a must-not-miss show.
With a 10,000 capacity each day in one of the cities most iconic locations and three music arenas, We The People brings a contemporary music festival direct to the people of the South West. Expect many more artists to be announced imminently.
Set a stone’s throw from Leeds city centre the Cocoon in the Park festival site lies within the grounds of a 450-year-old mansion house surrounded by forests and lakes in a celebrated area of outstanding natural beauty. The historic estate of Temple Newsam once again plays host to an exclusive lineup over one stage led by Cocoon ringmaster Sven Väth with support from Ricardo Villalobos, Reboot and Seth Troxler.
The site includes various food outlets and bars, a chill-out area and a VIP platform where VIP ticketholders can enjoy views across the site and main stage with access to separate toilets and a bar. The main stage, nestled in front of a tree-lined verge of woodland, is powered by a Funktion-One PA custom-built by festival sound specialists Audio-Plus, state of the art pyrotechnics, a live VJ projecting on to two huge LCD screens either side of the stage, and of course the Cocoon dance troupe will perform on a purpose-built runway surrounding the stage.
Expect nothing less than the usual breathtaking Cocoon production, attention to detail and top quality soundtrack to one of the biggest and talked about events in the North of England.
Join Cocoon, System and thousands of like-minded souls for what promises to be the ultimate boutique festival experience.
ARTISTS
Sven Väth Väth is a ruler of the techno world and has been for decades. With his revered label and club of the same name, Cocoon, he has brought techno to the masses all over the world and, most famously, at Amnesia, Ibiza, since the turn of the millennium. His learned vinyl sets included sounds from a vast remit of techno; incorporate plenty of colours, oomph and dancing bait and, all the while, are served up with a loveable élan and unbridled passion.
Ricardo Villalobos The most revered of all the minimalists, Chilean Ricardo Villalobos has long been a genre leader. His avant-guard electronic sounds (for his own Sei Es Drum as well as the likes of Perlon) push the boundaries of what is possible both on an electronic full length and a simple 12”, whilst his sets cause roadblocks wherever they are in the world. No one else pulls out quite such a varied selection of records, laces them together so skilfully and has quite the ear for a groove as Ricardo.
Reboot German producer Reboot has a long history of great productions on labels like Cadenza and Cocoon and is regarded as one of the finest DJs and live acts of the day. His sets incorporate the whole spectrum from deep minimal sounds to driving electronic-tech vibes and oldshool House. For the last few years the man has been playing at clubs such as Cocoon Club, Panoramabar, Club 11, Fabric and many more.
Seth Troxler He’s the techno dandy every girl wants to date and every boy wants to be. Warm and enigmatic techno releases on Wolf + Lamb, Spectral Sound; a compilation on BPitch and a residency at Ibiza’s DC:10 last year have all propelled this Detroit born Berlin based party starter into the spotlight in recent years. His sets weave colour with emotion everywhere from Fabric to Watergate and back again.
Tickets Cocoon In The Park will be freezing the VAT rise on Standard tickets from March 2nd till April 30th. From May 1st Standard tickets will rise to £42.50 due to the increase this year on VAT. All tickets below will be available from March 2nd 8am. _1st Release £35 [Only available through Ticket Arena.] **Sold Out** _2nd Release £40 [March 2nd – April 30th] _3rd Release £42.50 [May 1st – July 9th] _VIP £75 Buy Tickets: http://www.cocooninthepark.com/tickets.html _Regional Coaches [Lost Souls] More information will be available for coaches in the second week of March.
Fatboy Slim has one of the biggest dance shows in the world and his songs are instantly recognisable. His discography is second to none with his tracks commonly heard in the furthest corners of the World. This corner is Newquay and Cornwall couldn’t be happier!
Fatboy Slim represents the Boardmasters highest profile act to date. On the 13th August 2011, Newquay, Cornwall is the only option.
The Relentless Boardmasters is Europe’s premier surf, skate and music event and is now cemented as “The Cornish Festival.” The Boardmasters takes place across two sites in Newquay from 10-14th August 2011. Fistral Beach will host World class surfing, skate boarding and BMX while the cliff tops at Watergate Bay will host the 9 live music stages that make up the Boardmasters Music Festival. The Relentless Boardmasters is Cornwall’s only surf, skate and music festival offering the ultimate in World Class surf and music. Previous acts include Cypress Hill, Groove Armada, Leftfield, Newton Faulkner and many more. Set over two locations the Relentless Boardmasters 2011 brings some exciting new additions.
The Relentless Boardmasters, as a celebration of 30 years of surfing at Fistral Beach the event has upgraded its Men’s ASP surf event to a 6 star event which will bring the best up and coming surfers on the planet. This year the event is running a week later, avoiding clashes with other high profile events across the World.
In a move to represent all aspects of surfing the Relentless Boardmasters will introduce longboarding including a 3 Star Men’s ASP event and 6 Star Ladies ASP event. With these new and upgraded events The Relentless Boardmasters will invest in its core surfing heritage and truly represent surfing as a whole.
Also confirmed on the lineup is:
Sub Focus Live Zane Lowe Eliza Doolittle Andy C Scratch Perverts Willy Mason Benjamin Francis Leftwich Liam Bailey Stereo Mcs
We are also pleased to announce the first of 2011’s local acts
With a career spanning nearly half a century, seven number-one hit singles and a further 27 top-ten albums in the UK alone, Rod Stewart is cemented in history as one of the biggest selling artists of all time, and is now set to grace the stage in what marks his first appearance at London’s Hard Rock Calling 2011.
Lauded as having one of the most distinctive and interpretive voices in musical history, Rod Stewart’s distinctive style and soulful gravel-voice first took roots as part of the legendary Jeff Beck Group (1967), before fronting Faces (1969) with band mate Ronnie Wood on lead guitar.
It was Rod Stewart’s solo work that really propelled his global superstardom, with hit songs, including Maggie May, You Wear It Well, You’re In My Heart,Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Sailing and Baby Jane, to name but a few from an illustrious back catalogue that has influenced generations.
“Rod Stewart is one of the world’s greatest showmen – a timeless entertainer who has delighted fans around the world for years,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. “We are thrilled to add him as a Hard Rock Calling headliner and to include him in our 40th anniversary celebration.”
Live Nation’s Vice President of Promotions, Toby Leighton-Pope commented: “We’re excited to confirm Rod Stewart for the Sunday headline slot at Hard Rock Calling, as his shows really get the audience rocking and it’s going to be a real treat for fans on 26 June. It will be spectacular.”
Now in its sixth consecutive year, Hard Rock Calling has fully established itself as one of the UK’s premier outdoor music events. Rod Stewart joins fellow Grammy® -Award winning act and all-American rock band Bon Jovi, who was announced to headline Saturday 25 June in London’s Hyde Park.
Rod Stewart’s headline appearance joins a long line of rock ‘n’ roll greats that have taken to the stage at this iconic location. Past acts have included Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, The Who, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, Peter Gabriel, The Killers and The Police, who created what is now identified as the “must see” concert event on the UK festival circuit.
Hard Rock Calling, produced by Live Nation and presented by Hard Rock International, is a unique and historic musical event with a main stage, second stage and many surprises in store for fans of all ages. In addition to renowned bands and an on-site Hard Rock Cafe, the festival will include a variety of attractions to be announced at a later date.
Tickets go on sale on at 9am on Friday 11 March 2011 and are available at www.hardrockcalling.co.uk.
Held in the stunning historical grounds of Hatfield House on Sunday 17th July 2011, the day will host an exciting array of top music stars and is set to sell out fast. So don’t miss out on Magic Summer Live, tickets are available NOW from www.magic.co.uk priced from £60.
Elton John’s musical career has spanned over 4 decades and seen him sell over 250 million albums worldwide. He is one the most influential artists of all time with a string of Top 5 singles including: Your Song, Sacrifice, Rocket Man and Daniel.
He is a multiple Grammy and Brit Award winner and will be bringing his extensive catalogue including songs from highly acclaimed new release “The Union” to Magic Summer Live in association with BT. A true musical great, Elton John is the perfect name to headline this spectacular event.
Elton John says, “I’m really excited to be headlining the first ever Magic Summer Live event in July. I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer’s day than performing some of my greatest hits on a stage in the absolutely stunning setting of Hatfield House. ”
Joining the bill is sensational pop-soul singer Rumer, who’s self-penned album Seasons of My Soul is a set of songs that anyone with ears can’t help but fall in love with. American duo The Pierces are Catherine and Allison – sisters, songwriters, and singers, who will bring their sweepingly melodic harmonies to Magic Summer Live - delivering an unforgettable day and night of live music. Watch this space for more artist announcements in the coming weeks…
Magic 105.4’s Neil Fox made the surprise announcement live on his Magic Breakfast Show. Foxy told listeners:“Magic 105.4 is really excited about our brand new event, Magic Summer Live. We have an incredible headline act already on board and Hatfield House is the most picturesque setting. It’s going to be an amazing day with some amazing Magic artists. From “Your Song” to “Rocket Man” we’ve played all of Elton’s hits on Magic 105.4, he is one of the most exciting and extraordinary musicians of our time. With the total artist line up we have in mind, and only 20,000 tickets, of which a limited amount are VIP, make sure you get yours, so you don’t miss out!”
Magic 105.4 Programme Director Pete Simmons said: “Magic 105.4 is London’s number one music station and Sir Elton John is the world’s number one live act. We couldn’t have asked for a better headliner to launch our inaugural Magic Summer Live event. Given his very busy schedule and limited dates in 2011, we are honoured that Sir Elton John has chosen to appear with Magic 105.4.”
Magic Summer Live takes place from 12:00- 22:30 in the beautiful park of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire on Sunday 17th July 2011. Hatfield House is just 25 minutes by train from London Kings Cross, directly outside Hatfield mainline station and only 5 minutes off the A1. Tickets are priced from £60 and are on sale now from magic.co.uk and by calling 08700 60 1054. Magic Summer Live will feature some the best names in music so don’t miss out on this highly anticipated event which is expected to sell out.
Headlining Saturdays North Stage is The Chemical Brothers, they’re the kings of the block rocking beat, in fact there are few acts who can rival their spellbinding, relentless, euphoric, crowd pleasing performances. This dance festival exclusive will also be Tom & Ed’s last outdoor show in the UK this year. Returning to host his very own Clublife Stage and back by demand is Tiësto, voted the ‘Greatest DJ Of All Time’ by Mixmag readers and attracting a crowd of over 30,000 last year, expect first rate production and a dance music explosion of epic proportions for this UK Festival Exclusive. Trance devotees unite as the Grammy nominated and globally acclaimed Paul van Dyk returns exclusively to host his very own Evolution Arena, bringing with him a truck load of production for what is set to be a spectacular performance from this dance music heavyweight.
On Sunday we are bringing together two dance titans David Guetta and the Swedish House Mafia. Following an overwhelming year, we’re excited to welcome back the force du jour that is Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, this trio have become one of the most sought after DJ crews in the world, their performance in 2010 was deservedly voted BBC Radio 1’s ‘Essential Mix Of The Year’and
they return exclusively to Creamfields to host their own arena for the third year running, only this time in an all new, bigger structure to accommodate the masses who couldn’t get in last year! Expect a hand’s in the air performance like no other with their trademark blockbuster production.
David Guetta has some of the world’s biggest acts fighting for his production skills and is one artiste that has truly crossed over from the intimate dancefloor to the musical masses, he returns in 2011 with an all new stage show to close out the North Stage.
Last year he was voted the world’s No.1 DJ by DJ Mag so Creamfields is the obvious choice for trance titan Armin van Buuren who enjoyed his performance so much last year he returns exclusively in 2011 to headline and close out the South Stage.
Determined to keep things fresh and exciting, Cream HQ have introduced two new Outdoor Stages, which are needed to house the many headline acts performing this year, they’ve also introduced a flock of new arenas for your pleasure including one of 2010’s biggest artistes Laidback Luke who will be bringing his Super You&Me party to the fields, as he hosts his very own arena – fancy dress essential! Steve Angello will be giving festival goers a double helping of Swedish delight as he debuts his own Size Matters Arenaon the Saturday and returns on Sunday under his Swedish House Mafia moniker. Techno fans will be pleased to see the return of theMixmag Presents Cocoon Arena, Sven Väth who celebrates 30 years on the decks this year will be joined by some of the biggest forces in techno including Marco Carola and a very special performance from Josh Wink. Bass heads and dub-steppers can take sanctuary in the BBC Radio 1XtraArena which makes its debut and features the best of the best from the D&B & dubstep stable. Other arena hosts include Swedish DJ/Producer Eric Prydz who returns with his peers and label mates to host the Pryda Friends Arena for the second year running. High priestess of the airwaves Annie Mac makes the journey north with a cherry picked line up for her Annie Mac Presents Arena which includes Erol Alkan, Boys Noize, Fake Blood Live, Jack Beats and more.
And it doesn’t stop there, other highlights not to be missed include performances from Calvin Harris who will be making his dj’ing debut at Creamfields, performing alfresco on Saturday and under canvas Sunday. On Saturday dubstep trio Magnetic Man, join The Chemical Brothers on the North Stage along with one of Urban Music’s breakout stars Katy B, American DJ/Producer and mau5trap signing Skrillex who can claim deadmau5 as one of his biggest fans. Creamfields favourites and dance music legends who need little introduction Sasha, Pete Tong and special guest Paul Oakenfold all join the bill. Trance trio Above & Beyond who headline Sunday’s Cream Arena will be joined by the likes of Gareth Emery, Markus Schulz and Adam Sheridan and continuing the sound in the Evolution Arena will be Ferry Corsten, Eddie Halliwell, Judge Jules, John O’Callaghan and Cream resident Gareth Wyn.
Joining Laidback Luke in the Super You&Me Arena will be Wolfgang Gartner, Ed Banger duo Carte Blanche featuring DJ Mehdi and Riton, Sidney Samson, Congorock and more.
French hip hop and electro DJ/Producer Alex Metric, Dirty South, AN21, Benny Benassi and Dave Spoon join Angello for his Size Matters Arena debut,and BBC Radio 1Xtra have snared a very special performance from Digital Soundboy System feat. Shy FX, Breakage, B.Traits with Donaeo, Youngman + Stamina MC. Expect live performances from London rapper Example and Armin van Buuren collaborator Chicane plus unforgettable performances from the likes of James Zabiela, Afrojack and Joris Voorn, and offering a sanctuary for the lovers of harder beats is the Goodgreef Xtra-Hard Arena which features performances from the likes ofShowtek, Lisa Lashes and an exclusive live debut from Organ Donors andproviding a more luxurious and pampered ‘festival’ experience we’re pleased to announce that Hed Kandi return as hosts of the Hospitality Arena. More acts to be announced over the coming weeks.
Creamfields are delighted to have BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio1Xtra as this year’s exclusive radio partners; you can hear highlights from the event on both stations the following weekend, and stay tuned to be the first to hear fresh announcements in the run up to the festival - www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 / www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra.
This is your final fling of the Summer – This is Creamfields! Tickets on sale now.
SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST
North Stage
The Chemical Brothers (Dance Festival Exclusive)
Magnetic Man
Katy B
Skrillex
Clublife Stage
Tiёsto (UK Festival Exclusive)
Calvin Harris (DJ Set)
Diplo
+ More
Paul van Dyk Presents Evolution
Paul van Dyk (UK Festival Exclusive)
Ferry Corsten
Eddie Halliwell
Judge Jules
John O’Callaghan
Giuseppe Ottaviani
Filo & Peri Gareth Wyn
Pryda Friends
Eric Prydz
Sasha
Pete Tong
James Zabiela
Joris Voorn
Sébastian Léger
Funk D’Void
Jeremy Olander
Size Matters
Steve Angello
Dirty South
Alex Metric
AN21
Dave Spoon
Third Party
Special Guest: Benny Benassi
Annie Mac Presents
Annie Mac
Erol Alkan
Boys Noize
Fake Blood Live
Jack Beats
Flight Facilities
+ More
BBC Radio 1Xtra
Andy C Joker
Caspa Digital Soundboy System Featuring:-
Danny Byrd Shy FX / Breakage
Hype B.Traits with Donaeo Goldie Youngman + Stamina MC
The offer launches on Thursday 3rd March for a limited time only for this special Bellowhead gig. Get in quickly as there are only a limited amount of free tickets on offer for the multi-award winning Bellowhead’s bank holiday celebrations.
The 2nd May Bournemouth O2 Academy gig is an extra special date in Bellowhead’s tour as it will also be filmed for ‘Hedonism Live’resulting in a DVD release in autumn 2011. This is a unique chance to grab a freebie ticket to see one of the most celebrated bands of the moment and to be involved in the making of their DVD, whilst at the same time securing a ticket to one of the most sought after events in the UK festival calendar, Larmer Tree Festival.
The BBC Folk Awards ‘Best Live Act’, Bellowhead have a short tour planned for April / May to promote the highly acclaimedHedonism album. Since its release in October 2010 Hedonism has sold a boundary-crossing 40,000 albums and the band performed a sell-out tour of the UK in November.
Taking place from Wednesday 13th July–Sunday 17th July Larmer Tree is an innovative festival that delivers high quality with a buzzing atmosphere and eccentric antics. Experts in their field and with an event steeped in tradition, Larmer Tree Festival has over 80 acts showcased on six stages, 150 free workshops, award winning international comedians, quirky and unique street theatre, an onsite night club and late night jam sessions; all located in one of the most beautiful festival sites in the country. Joining Bellowhead as Larmer Tree’s 2011 headliners are; king of ‘hobo’ blues Seasick Steve, the almighty Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestrafeaturing original brit pop siren Sandie Shaw and queen rockabilly Imelda May, with more still to be announced!
Festival tickets are now on sale with options ranging from individual day tickets, 3-day, 4-day or a full 5-day option, all with camping and car parking included. For more information on tickets please visit the website: http://www.larmertreefestival.co.uk/tickets.html
FESTIVAL LINE UP SO FAR:
Seasick Steve / Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest Sandie Shaw / Imelda May / Bellowhead / Stornoway / Show of Hands / C W Stoneking / Spiers and Boden / Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / The Staves / Mama Rosin / Penny Black Remedy / The Dodge Brothers / Boppin’B / Skinny Lister / Moscow Drug Club / Buffalo Gals / My First Tooth / Matthew and the Atlas / Polly and the Billets Doux / Kalakuta Millionaires / Goodnight Lenin / Rosie Doonan / ahab / The Mopes / Disco’s Out (Murder’s In)
Snoop Dogg will play Lovebox featuring Daz Dillinger and Kurupt(Tha Dogg Pound), RBX, The Lady of Rage, Joe Cool and special guest Warren G banging out hit after hit from the legendary Doggystyle album, this will be a festival appearance not to be missed. The Doggystyle album has hit quadruple platinum selling status and spawned several hit singles including ‘What’s My Name’ and ‘Gin & Juice’, featuring many guests from the Death Row Label. Lovebox will be reuniting the Death Row heavy weights on stage for what is set to be the festival collaboration of the entire 2011 season. The Dogg will be performing his critically acclaimed album once again with his cousins for one of the first times in years where Lovebox fans will be privy to the lazy drawl and rhythmically complex-lyric delivery which the seminal album is renowned for.
In addition to Snoop’s musical feast, Loveboxers can expect to see groundbreaking singer songwriter Katy B, fresh off the back of her tour with dubstep pioneers Chase & Status, Swedish dance sensation, Robyn, the wildly flamboyant Scissor Sisters, New York based indie four piece The Drums, mixing maestros 2 Many DJs, music and style icons Blondie, scouse rockers The Wombats, Sweden’s “Queen of Chic” Lykke Li,London rapper Example, electronic pop band Metronomy, young brits Fenech-Soler, ex Soft Cell front man Marc Almond, R&B star Kelis, and UK Beatbox Champion Beardyman.
Taking place on the intersection of London’s most fashionable boroughs, fans can expect to see the likes of Vogue, Grazia and Dazed trend spotting, with the city’s summer fashionistas bringing a touch of glamour to London’s hippest summer hangout. Taking place over three days each day will have a distinct musical identity.
Kicking off the weekend’s music programme and getting the party started will be Lovebox’s boisterous younger sibling, Bang The Box. Bang The Box will be showcasing a speaker-melting hybrid of cutting edge sounds, with a heavyduty underground feel. Featuring the first London Festival appearances from local hero’s Rinse FM who will be hosting an Arena showcasing the very best from the dubstep/grime scene over which they reign, and from France, those coolest of cool Parisian cats, Ed BANGER Records, will both be ensuring the party is fully in swing as Friday night gets off to a flyer…
Saturday will be a Music Safari encompassing an eclectic line-up, a strong party vibe and of course international mega stars, hipper than thou rockers and underground club collectives.
Closing the weekend with decadence and style, Sunday’s Out and Out Fierce programme will be a collection of the weird, wonderful, and fantastically fabulous; showing diversity, and being a true reflection of our wild, polychromatic, polysexual capital. A welcome return to the Pink summer diary, for the pioneering mirror ball massive, Hoxton fashion acuteness, ringleaders of queer culture, and in addition to the main stage heavy weights, Lovebox fans can once again expect to see a mixture of the fiercest all night parties, ballrooms, gay discos, cabarets, and bingo halls galore, mixing it with recycled couture. Showing the festival how it’s done will include drag queen du jour Jodie Harsh, the Queen of London’s drag scene, bringing her infamous Circus parties out of the warehouses and into the park, Jonny Woo,and dedicated to the industry of human happiness and one popular mixture of disco and drag; DJ collective Horse Meat Disco. Subversive artist/designer/stylist and Vogue favourite Dr Noki will bring a convincing level of fashion credibility to an eclectic array of entertainment.
In addition to this musical feast and the real beauty of Lovebox, is that you can quite easily escape from the main stage and still have an unforgettable, deafening, furtive and special experience. With hidden soundsystems, secret corners within the trees, random acts of weirdness, a Farmer’s Market to feed even the capital foodies wildest expectations, street artists, fringe cabaret, cirque, comedy, roaming performance, there will be surprises at every turn defining Lovebox as a true festival experience in the heart of London.
Elsewhere in the park, Gaymers Ciderwill return for their fourth year, hosting the Second Stage featuring a series of bands on an original stage setting like no other. The Drums will perform on the Gaymers Stage, alongside Robyn, Kelis, The Wombats, Example, Metronomy, Beardyman, Lykke Li and Dry The River.
The Relentless Energy Drink Stage also makes a welcome return to Lovebox, with high energy acts playing epic sets throughout the festival, brought to you by Ed BANGER and Hospitality. Ed Banger head honcho Busy P will be teaming up with graphic designer and illustrator, So Me to form Busy Pictionary. So Me will be creating live artwork on stage whilst Busy P spins the decks. Electro artist SebastiAn, French house music duo Cassius, DJ superteam Carte Blanche and underground electronic artist, Uffie are also confirmed to perform. This is set to be a monumental first ever festival appearance for Ed Banger.
Fresh from sell out shows all over the UK, Independent Drum & Bass label Hospital Records will be bringing Hospitality to the proceedings for their first ever London festival appearance, including DJ and producer, High Contrast, influential reggae DJ David Rodigan, live collaborative act London Elektricty (featuring Elsa Esmerelda), DJ, producer and musicianDanny Byrd, new wave Drum & Bass producer Netsky,pioneers of jungle Drum & Bass Shy FX,Austrian Drum & Bass duo Camo + Krooked,hard-edged grunk composer Starkey, prolific Drum & Bass producer Logistics, highly respected producers, Nu:tone (featuring Natalie Williams), Drum & Bass DJs and producers Sigma and definitive label Wah Wah 45’s Soundsystem. Hosts include drum & bass, dubstep and hip hop MC‘s Wrec, Dynamite, Stamina, A.D. and SP:MC.
East London radio stationRinse FM’s dubstep/grime night, FWD Rinse, will be also be making their debut at LOVEBOX 2011 as arena hosts, returning to their home turf of Hackney and Tower Hamlets, where their widely acclaimed station first came to prominence. Artists confirmed for the FWD Rinse stage include dubstep producer and member of dubstep supergroup Magnetic Man, Skream, grime and dubstep producer Plastician, award-winning UK garage star Ms Dynamite, London-based grime music collective, Roll Deep, dupstep DJ Zinc and MC Tippa, electronic music artist, DJ, and owner of the Hyperdub record label, Kode9, garage DJ Roska with rising star of the UK garage scene Jamie George and emerging grime MC P Money.
Tom Findlay, Lovebox founder and one half of Groove Armada “Last year’s three day Lovebox was so damn good people said we couldn’t top it, but with this line up we will! Friday’s Bang the Box delivers bang for your buck – Ed Banger, Skream and The Wombats on a Friday night for only £28. Saturday, Snoop Dogg will turn Victoria Park into an East London block party playing seminal debut album Doggystyle, gin and juice available at the bar. I’ll be there as well with the launch of new GA project ‘Red Light’. Sunday is ‘Out and Out Fierce’ and if you were there last year you’ll know that’s no exaggeration. A full throttle dance off between 2 Many DJs, Scissor Sisters, Blondie, Robyn, and Kelis. Bring your party poppers. Lovebox is London’s only authentic festival. 15-17th July, 3 whole days of summer loving…in Hackney.”
The shaded bass-fest under the trees and the thumping euphoric enclosure from the larger festival is altogether the perfect atmosphere for a soundtrack ranging from carnival to old school. 65,000 beautiful people en-masse will be paying pilgrimage for what is ultimately an adult playground that brings out the inner child in everyone for three days a year. Rock n Roll Chaos, unifying themes, a hedonistic wonderland, and genuinely innovative spirit, Lovebox has something for everyone and is one of summer’s truly essential shindigs.
Amongst the first names of the Pop-Rock Main Stage you get Pulp, coming back on stage after a long period of silence and already announcing that 2011 will see them playing only a few big festival gigs – including Sziget Festival, of course – in their classic line-up. Dizzee Rascal was chosen as the best male performer at last year’s BRIT Awards, and this time all Sziget-fans will have the chance to see why. Main Stage will also host Chicago-based melodic hardcore act Rise Against, Californian rockers Smash Mouth and folk-punk icons Flogging Molly. Interpol is currently on tour with their new album and without any doubt they are going to be one of the most awaited bands of this year’s Sziget Festival. The delicate, enchanting chamber-pop of The National has already fascinated the audience of the world’s most important festivals, and it was definitely not by accident that they received the album of the year prize from Q magazine. Sziget-fans were crazy about Gogol Bordello, so we are more than happy to announce that they will return this year, while Chemical Brothers also promise a spectacular new show for 2011.
The newest venue of Sziget Festival is called Europe Stage, aiming to present bands from various parts of the Old World. These bands are typically very popular in their own countries, often filling arenas and stadiums, but not yet achieved break through on an international level. Sziget Festival does its best to open up gates for bands like Triggerfinger, often referred to as the Flemish AC/DC, or the Belgian Queens of the Stone Age, promoting their new album All This Dancin’ Around. The Europe Stage also welcomes one of the most popular Italian alternative rock bands Verdena and make sure you get ready for Söhne Mannheims, German allstars formed of a dozen of outstanding musicians and covering a wide range of styles from r’n’b to reggae, rock, hiphop and pop.
World music fans get a five-day roundtrip of various genres and as usually, Sziget Festival’s World Music Main Stage will focus on the latest revelations and the biggest shots of the scene without geographical or stylistic limits. A fine example is AfroCubism, one of the greatest sensations of the past few months. We should also mention Cuba-based Eliades Ochoa and band, teaming up with Mali giants Kasse Mady Diabaté, Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté and Djelimady Tounkara to make an unforgettable show. The Argentine-Swiss-French combination of Gotan Project will once again present an undoubted skill in pushing the borders of tango, while the world music venue also offers a fine selection of Balkan music: Goran Bregovic will play beloved Romany anthems together with his remarkable Wedding And Funeral Band. A great news for fans of flamenco as well as hiphop is the gig of Barcelona-based Ojos de Brujo, playing at Sziget as an important station of their farewell tour. Rotfront from Berlin will try their best to be even more successful than they were last year… quite a challenge to say the least. And this is still just a prelude of happiness. France, a clear stronghold of folk- and world music will also have a firm representation with two beautiful bands. Old friends Les Hurlements d’Léo will create a special merge of the sensitivity of French chanson and ‘merciless’ punkrock, while Debout Sur Le Zinc will play the first Sziget show of their 12 years career, revealing their irresistible style of Celtic-Klezmer-tango-rock-gypsy-fusion.
The A38-WAN2 Stage has been offering a wide selection of trendy and cult bands year after year and this process goes on also in 2011. The venue will host Marina and the Diamonds, who is not only a fashion-dictator, but was also nominated for BRIT, BBC Sound and NME music awards, and has even received the prize of the best British/Irish band of the year at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Another great band playing on this stage will be Skunk Anansie, a band hard to label in terms of genre, playing an interesting merge of metal, reggae, electronics and post new-wave. And we should not forget about Hurts, flagship of contemporary British synthpop, awarded as best new band on the 2011 Shockwaves NME Awards.
The Party Arena is the place to be at nights if you are into dj’s and partyculture in general. But even more than that: before the sun goes down this is also an exciting live act scene. Some of the artists playing here will include The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77, one of the most talented players of the electronic scene and new rave allstars Hadouken! Fans will also get the chance of listening to Crystal Castles, aiming atan audience that is open to visualize unknown and fantastic levels of musical existence. Those who have already seen them play live are captured by their sound and charisma forever. So make sure you arrive early to fit in the tent.
Sziget Festival has also a lot to offer for the fans of harder styles. This year organizers will make sure that rockers can get out of their well known tent and enjoy some fresh air with the introduction of the Metal Main Stage. The venue will present rock and metal acts in an open-air scenery with two international and two domestic stars playing each day. For this stage the focus is not necessarily on following the latest trends, rather on highlighting brutal guitar-riffs and some of the legends of the scene. The two early names announced suggest that this venue will be one of the most popular stages of the festival this year. Who are they? According to some fresh news, one of the most important metal bands of all times, Judas Priest is going on tour for the last time ever and they will definitely visit Sziget to make sure fans get stiff necks after a crazy night of headbanging. Motörhead will also return to Hungary, playing a thundering, high-speed, friendly and evil gig like they always did throughout the thirty-five years of their career. If you have ever seen them before, you already know that they simply ignore the age factor, so their live shows are as crazy and wild as the ones you get from musicians half of their age. Co-headliners playing at the venue will include Finnish power-metal heroes Sonata Arctica, already crowned with four golden records and surely considered as one of the most striking bands of the scene.
Although this is just the beginning, only a fragment of all the star-performers to be announced later, it is already clear that music fans from all over the world will have a great time at Sziget Festival also this year.
Last but not least, another great piece of news: you can buy your Sziget Festival tickets in 2011 for the same price you did last year. Early bird weekly tickets (including camping) are available for 170 Euros till 30 April and if you are not the camper type you can buy a non-camping weekly for 140 Euros. The prices will go up 30 Euros each after the early bird period is over, so it does make sense to think ahead. Daily tickets will be available for 45 Euros.
