Slam Dunk Festival is also proud to announce the stage splits for this year’s festival where the Jagermeister Stage is set to play host to pop-punk titans Good Charlotte as they make their Slam Dunk Festival debut, alongside arena rockers PVRIS and ferocious Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, as well as amazing acts such as State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Four Year Strong and of course, Sleeping with Sirens and Creeper.
The Monster Stage will be the place to catch emo-rock legends Jimmy Eat World as they celebrate their 25th anniversary with their first performance at Slam Dunk Festival. Showing them how it’s done will be Taking Back Sunday who will unite the crowd with heartfelt singalongs with additional performances from Lower Than Atlantis, Moose Blood, and Twin Atlantic, the Monster Stage will also see unmissable reunion performances from The Audition and The Dangerous Summer.
This year’s Fireball Stage will see fan-favourites Reel Big Fish’s return to Slam Dunk as this stage’s headline alongside Californian legends Goldfinger, Brit reggae-punks The Skints, with Zebrahead and Capdown as they join Save Ferris, King Prawn, Guttermouth and Templeton Pek for the biggest punk & ska-party of the year!
This year’s Fireball Stage will see fan-favourites Reel Big Fish’s return to Slam Dunk as this stage’s headline alongside Californian legends Goldfinger, Brit reggae-punks The Skints, with Zebrahead and Capdown as they join Save Ferris, King Prawn, Guttermouth and Templeton Pek for the biggest punk & ska-party of the year!
Known for bringing the heavy, the Impericon stage has all bases covered this year with American hardcore punk rockers Every Time I Die topping the bill. In addition to these incredible heavyweights, the Impericon Stage also welcomes the return of Canadian leaders Comeback Kid, Northlane, Crown The Empire, The Devil Wears Prada and Astroid Boys. Counterparts, Brutality Will Prevail and Loathe will be appearing here at Slam Dunk Festival for the first time ever.
Over on this year’s Signature Brew Stage, Patty Walters will be leading As It Is to the top, following highly-anticipated sets from UK pop-punk front-runners ROAM, Trash Boat and Woes and favourites Can’t Swim and Broadside. New additions Me Vs Hero & Homesafe will be also now joining them!
One for the new music aficionados, the Rock Sound Breakout Stage will see the hottest new bands perform. Canadian troupe Palaye Royale, American favourites Chapel and Dream State will appear alongside Grayscale, Holding Absence, Milestones, Sleep On It, Stand Atlantic and The Faim.
Paying homage to Slam Dunk Festival’s humble beginnings, the acoustic Key Club Stage is packed with some of the most exciting acts in contemporary rock music. Warming up the stage for headliners Speak Low If You Speak Love will be UK natives Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford and Cavetown before an American invasion of Four Year Strong, PVMNTSand Selfish Things.
In the biggest line-up to date, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 is set to play host to an unparalleled exhibition of pop-punk movers and shakers as it welcomes blistering performances from co-headliners Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World, a reunion exclusive from The Audition (Worldwide exclusive) as well as highly anticipated sets from the likes of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, PVRIS, Taking Back Sunday, Creeper, Every Time I Die, Sleeping With Sirens and many more. Whether you’re at Leeds City Centre on May 26th, Hatfield Park on May 27th or Birmingham’s NEC, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 will be the ultimate alternative party of the summer.
This is a Festival you dont want to miss out on so make sure you buy your tickets soon and get planning who you'll be seeing this year!
TICKET INFORMATION Tickets on sale now and are available from http://slamdunkmusic.com/ Cost £49 or £55 including the infamous afterparty. All subject to booking fees.
Today Slamdunk Festival annouced the final acts to join the 2018 line-up and there none other than Watford mob Lower Than Atlantis, emo icons Say Anything, Chicago favourites Homesafe and easycore heroes Me Vs. Hero will join the impressive line-up.
A true phenomenon within British rock music, Lower Than Atlantis began last year with a blistering headline show at London’s prestigious Brixton Academy following the release of their fifth studio album ‘Safe In Sound’ which achieved #8 in the UK official album charts. Armed with an arsenal of anthems from their critically-acclaimed back catalogue, the Watford troupe’s appearance Slam Dunk Festival will make for a truly undeniable display of British rock excellence.
Mike Duce of Lower Than Atlantis says; “Slam Dunk is one of my favourite festivals in the world! The crowds are always up for a laugh and I feel like almost every band’s sets feel like a headline set. It’ll also be really nice for us to see all our mates that are in other bands. Social media content for days, a banging rock n roll show and then we make the big party!”
The brainchild of frontman Max Bemis, Say Anything are undeniable pop-rock figureheads, steadily releasing exemplary album after album despite multiple lineup changes in their long-standing career. Responsible for the powerfully imaginative single ‘Alive With The Glory of Love’ and subsequent hit tracks such as ‘Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too’, the electrifying ‘Give A Damn’ and theatrical ‘Boyd’ which featured Sherri Dupree-Bemis, the Californian kings are set to storm the stage when they return to Slam Dunk Festival in May, following their last appearance at the festival in 2012.
Homesafe, one of the hottest new names in pop-punk in recent years, see Knuckle Puck’s Ryan Rumchaks switch from bassist to frontman to deliver one of the most-anticipated sets of the weekend as they will be their debut UK performances. Live performances of ‘Relapse’, ‘Resolve’ and ‘When You Left’’ are not to be missed.
In addition to these names, Slam Dunk Festival are proud to announce the exclusive reunion show of their old and treasured friends, Me Vs Hero. Mixing up pop-punk, hardcore and occasional heavy metal breakdowns, the original UK kings of easycore are back for Slam Dunk, playing their debut album ‘Days That Shape Our Lives’, in full over the weekend.
Make sure you dont miss out!
TICKET INFORMATION Tickets on sale now and are available from http://slamdunkmusic.com/ Cost £49 or £55 including the infamous afterparty. All subject to booking fees.
SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL NORTH – SATURDAY 26TH MAY – LEEDS CITY CENTRE SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL SOUTH – SUNDAY 27TH MAY – HATFIELD PARK SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL MIDLANDS – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 28TH MAY – BIRMINGHAM NEC
Over the years, Cambridge Junction has played host to many great artists. On Tuesday 3rd April the venue welcomed English rock band, Lower Than Atlantis. The quartet, who are originally from Watford in Hertfordshire, first formed in 2007. They released their first EP in 2008 and then went on to release their first full album "Far Q" back in 2010.
The live music gig was being held in the main stage room at the venue. Upon arrival, the room was covered in a blanket of dim blue lighting and was quickly filling up with a relatively young crowd. With drinks and chatter flowing nicely the audience was soon introduced to the other acts that would be joining the guys from Watford.
For the evening, Lower Than Atlantis were joined by support acts The Faim and Milk Teeth.
The Faim were the first of the night's acts to take to the stage. With an excited crowd of people in front of them, they jumped straight into their first song of their set, titled "My Heart Needs To Breathe" before then introducing themselves.
This four piece pop/alternative band first formed on the 20th November 2014. The band members themselves have stated that their music has been influenced by artists including, 5 Seconds of Summer, Blink 182, and Fall Out Boy. I will also mention that their debut single "Saints of the Sinners" was also co-written by Pete Wentz, also known as the lead vocalist of rock band, Fall Out Boy. The first thought that came to my head upon hearing them perform was "they sound just like Fall Out Boy". And now I know why after doing my research.
The Faim are a band that have a great stage presence with high energy and know how to work the crowds well, an example of this was asking the audience to jump along with them during their performance. They are a really likeable band and when performing live it is clear to see that the four lads are very passionate about their music. As the stage is flooded with blue and green lighting, the band performed songs including "A Million stars", "Midland Line" and "Infamous". They brought their set to a close with a performance of their single "Saints of the Sinners" which is not only (as mentioned previously) their debut single release but is also about "making their mark in the world". What's worth mentioning is that the down to earth band members were also seated at their own merchandise stall at the back of the room after their set, with their family members. Who doesn't love a good family support network?
After a short break the second of the evening's acts graced the stage.
Milk Teeth, a punk rock band from Stroud in Gloucstershire, are full of energy and clearly enjoy making interesting facial expressions when performing. The band are Becky on vocals and bass, Billy and Chris on guitars and Oli on drums. Unusually, just like fellow support act The Faim the drummers were set up front alongside their fellow band mates for this gig. The band's guitar players were great at rallying the excitement from the crowd of fans in front of them. The band members also encouraged the audience to shine lights from their phones during their set. They performed their original songs including "Nearby Catfight" – which was also the song they entered the stage to, they also showcased "Stabbed" and "Swear Jar".
After an energetic set from Milk Teeth, along came another short interval as we stood waiting for the night's main act! During this break the venue did continue to play music into the sound system as we chatted amongst ourselves. Some rather unusual releases featured on the venues 'interval playlist'. What stood out for many people there was the moment when Aha's Take on Me came blaring through the speakers. It was like being at a gig in the 80s. The whole room sang along and was filled with buzzing energy. Continuing with their vintage playlist, we were then treated to Uptown Girl which was originally made famous by Billy Joel back in 1983! The well known single got as far as the end of the intro before being turned off to welcome the night's main act. This did not go down well with ticket holders as the room was then filled with Boos and sighs of disappointment. Although these negative emotions were soon forgotten about when the band members of Lower Than Atlantis walked onto the stage.
The band's drummer, Eddy Thrower was the first to take his place. He sat at his drum kit and began to build the atmosphere with a small drum solo which was accompanied by synchronised strobe lighting. He was quickly joined by fellow band mates Declan Hart on bass, Ben Sanson on guitar and then lastly the band's front man and vocalist Mike Duce. And what strong entrance they made! They started their set with their amazing single "Had Enough".
Further into their set, vocalist Duce had requested the audience to run and mosh in front of him, before he then came down into the viewing area to begin crowd surfing with his fans. After being carried back to the stage the band continued to play more of their music until once again their front man returned to the middle of the crowds of people. He stood in the middle of the room with his guitar to play an acoustic version of their song "Another Sad Song". The atmosphere was so relaxed and calm, with people sitting crossed legged on the floor in a circle around him. Not something you'd typically expect to see at a rock band's gig. It could have been likened to sitting around a bonfire singing campfire songs.
This was one band that certainly knew how to work a crowd! It is clear to see how much their value their fans after seeing them live. The band's lead singer asked the audience "if anyone's got a beer then raise it up!" he then encouraged drinkers to consume their beverage of choice while all members of the band and fans chanted "CHUG CHUG CHUG" and when they played "Beech Like The Tree" they managed to encourage plenty of people to crowd surf.
As the majority of musicians that perform live, Lower Than Atlantis' set appeared to come to an end after finishing their song "Words", which of course, wasn't their last song of the evening. The band members exited the stage for a very short space of time before returning for once more for an encore. They all thanked their fans for all of the support they have received over the past 11 years and then stated "otherwise we would be working in Morrisons, although there's nothing wrong with working in Morrisons". Nice cover up lads!
The gig came to a close with the band's last two performances of the night which were "English Kids" and my personal favourite of theirs "Here We Go".
Lower Than Atlantis is a band that is undoubtedly worth seeing live, they offer familiarity with their hit singles and also something completely different when interacting with their fans! Our photographer and I are now new fans of The Faim. All three bands are continuing to tour this year with tickets still available.
Set to bring you electrifying music, entertainment and arts in the heart of two cities this spring bank holiday, Common People is back for 2018 with headliners Lily Allen andJames on Saturday and The Jacksons on Sunday in Southampton and The Jacksons on Saturday and James and Ride on Sunday in Oxford.
For just £57.50 for an Adult weekend ticket or £30 for an Adult day ticket, you can enjoy an amazing festival brimful of singalong favourites, deep-down disco delights, and all manner of amusements. Don’t miss out on two joyful days of bank holiday merrymaking brought to you with love by the makers of Bestival, this 26 & 27 May onSouthampton Common, and in South Park, Oxford.
Rob da Bank says: “It’s been quite some ride putting together the Common People line ups for 2018. We love Southampton Common and South Park in Oxford, they’ve become two of our favourite places to throw a party… this year will be super special with none other than Lily Allen in Southampton and legendary Oxford band Ride coming back to South Park. Co-headliners James are the cherry on the cake. Our Disco Day also promises to be super funky with The Jacksons bringing their disco and soul classics, but my personal highlight has to be Prince’s unbeatable backing band The New Power Generation coming over from the States for a one-off weekend with us. We couldn’t get Prince but we will have all the hits. Add in all the local bands and DJs and a real focus on family fun and entertainment and I promise you a magical May weekend awaits”.
Back with a bunch of bangers that prove she’s still at the top of the game, Lily Allen headlines Southampton’s Common Stage, along with Manchester legends James for a singalong Saturday special, with sets through the day special guests All Saints, The Sherlocks, Jaguar Skills, The Cuban Brothers, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana andPlastic Mermaids.
Fancy dress is the order of the day on Saturday in South Park, Oxford as we unleash disco kings, The Jacksons, basking in the dazzling reflection of the World’s Largest Disco Ball. Plus, you can fill your dancing boots with delights from The New Power Generation, Sparks, Boney M, The Cuban Brothers, Aswad, Jungle Brothers, Hak Baker, Cut Capers and Dancin Oxford.
Sunday is fancy dress in Southampton with The Jacksons, World’s Largest Disco Ball. And boogie down beats from The New Power Generation, Sparks, Boney M, Snap!, FooR, Jungle Brothers and Hak Baker.
While in Oxford, Sunday sees headline sets from indie legends James, and hometown heroes Ride, plus Maximo Park, London African Gospel Choir presents Paul Simon’s Graceland, Honeyblood, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana, Low Island, Chainska Brassika and Dancin Oxford.
Our new Carnival Stage will jump to the sounds of DJ Yoda, a $hit Disco takeover with HAAi & more, Fred V & Grafix, Holy Goof, Barely Legal and more in Southampton. With laser guided love on the Oxford-based twin stage from General Levy, Fred V & Grafix, Craig Charles, and a Simple takeover with Willow, Em Williams, James Weston, Rodney P & Skitz and more.
As ever underground players and nascent rock action can be found on the Uncommon Stage hosted by The Joiners in Southampton with sets from Dream Wife, Demob Happy, Pale Seas, The Rising, Ben Goddard and many more. While Oxford’s Uncommon Stage hosted by Nightshift will see appearances from Deadbeat Apostles, Inner Peace Records, Tiger Mendoza, The August List, and many more
We’ll also have throbbing beats at Sugar Skulls in Southampton and the Disco Shed with a roster of soon-to-be-announced DJs and there will be family antics and festivities galore across our Common People wonderlands including the Kids Garden, BigTopMania, and a whole host of local family entertainment.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketline
Head to http://commonpeople.net/ for more info.
FULL SOUTHAMPTON LINE UP:
SATURDAY COMMON STAGE LILY ALLEN / JAMES / ALL SAINTS (SPECIAL GUEST) / THE SHERLOCKS / JAGUAR SKILLS / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED NIRVANA / PLASTIC MERMAIDS
SUNDAY COMMON STAGE DISCO DAY WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST DISCO BALL: THE JACKSONS / NEW POWER GENERATION / SPARKS / BONEY M / SNAP! / FOOR / JUNGLE BROTHERS / HAK BAKER
CARNIVAL STAGE SATURDAY: DJ YODA / $HIT DISCO TAKEOVER: / HAAI / KIWI / ARTFUL DODGER / $HIT DISCO DJS / PETE CALLARD / GOAT SHED DJs / NATHAN DAWE – SUNDAY: FRED V & GRAFIX / HOLY GOOF / BARELY LEGAL / HADDA / AARON BLYTH / SOUL45
UNCOMMON STAGE (HOSTED BY THE JOINERS): DREAM WIFE / DEMOB HAPPY / PALE SEAS / THE RISING / BEN GODDARD / SAINTS OF SIN / THE COLLISION / DEFERENCE / TOREADOR / LAURAN HIBBERD / PIONEERS / MISS VINCENT / STARTERS
PLUS, ANTICS & FAMILY FUN: SUGAR SKULLS DJs / KIDS GARDEN / INFLATABLE CHURCH / WALL OF DEATH BIG FISH LITTLE FISH / HAMPSHIRE CRICKET / KIDS BUSHCRAFT / BIGTOPMANIA: CIRCUS PERFORMANCES, FACE PAINTING, HAVE-A-GO EQUIPMENT & MORE / ALPACAS / CARDBOARD CASTLE / HAVEN FALCONRY / PUNCH & JUDY / GIANT SANDPIT / BOUNCY CASTLE & INFLATABLE SLIDES / VINTAGE FUN FAIR: SWING BOATS / HELTER SKELTER / CHAIR O’ PLANES / BIG WHEEL
FULL OXFORD LINE-UP:
SATURDAY COMMON STAGE DISCO DAY WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST DISCO BALL: THE JACKSONS / THE NEW POWER GENERATION / SPARKS / BONEY M / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / ASWAD / JUNGLE BROTHERS / HAK BAKER / CUT CAPERS / DANCIN OXFORD
SUNDAY COMMON STAGE: JAMES / RIDE / MAXIMO PARK / LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND / ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED NIRVANA / LOW ISLAND / CHAINSKA BRASSIKA / DANCIN OXFORD
CARNIVAL STAGE: SATURDAY: GENERAL LEVY / FRED V & GRAFIX / FINEART / BURT COPE / SIR S*MBO SOUNDS / DROP BOMB ENTERTAINMENT / NATTY MARK / LIGHT ROOTS SOUND / SUNDAY: CRAIG CHARLES / SIMPLE TAKEOVER: WILLOW / EM WILLIAMS / JAMES WESTON / RODNEY P & SKITZ / COUNT SKYLARKIN’ / DANNY DREAD MSD / WHITE MAGIC / MR CLIVE WHITE
UNCOMMON STAGE (HOSTED BY NIGHTSHIFT): DEADBEAT APOSTLES / INNER PEACE RECORDS / TIGER MENDOZA / THE AUGUST LIST / CANDY SAYS / DEATH OF THE MAIDEN / EARINADE / LAIMA BITE / PREMIUM LEISURE / CHRIS BARKER / KONE / BRICKWORK LIZARDS / THE GREAT WESTERN TEARS / DRORE / MSRY / LUCY LEAVE / YOUNG WOMEN'S MUSIC PROJECT HAZE / 31HOURS / GHOSTS IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS / SELF HELP
PLUS, ANTICS & FAMILY FUN: DISCO SHED / KIDS GARDEN / GORILLA CIRCUS / THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BOUNCY CASTLE / OXFORD PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘ONE SMALL STEP’ / THE STORY MUSEUM PRESENTS ‘THE PUMPKIN’ / PEGASUS PLAY PLACE / BIGTOPMANIA: CIRCUS PERFORMANCES, FACE PAINTING, HAVE-A-GO EQUIPMENT & MORE / TREE CLIMBING WITH BIGTREE CLIMBING CO. / COWLEY ROAD CARNIVAL DANCE WORKSHOPS / SUPERSAURS DINOSAUR / GIANT SANDPIT / SWING BOATS / JINGO GLITTER
Bestival is proud to present a host of new names joining our multi-ringed circus of love. With heavyweight soundsystems, dancefloor stalwarts and must-see new acts, don’t miss four days of magical music and circus-themed trickery on over 20 stages and micro-venues in eight unique arenas, at the most colourful show on Earth, now in the heart of the summer, on the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.
Rob da Bank says: “Teaming up with mates and compadres who run record labels, parties or raves is what Bestival has always been about and this year wont disappoint as we bring over Marrakech’s Oasis gang, roll out the one and only David Rodigan, our first and only Resident For Life with his Ram Jam party, as well as some drum and bass mayhem from Goldie and Metalheadz and the Ram crew… turn up the control!”
We’ve teamed up with Marrakech festival and house music haven, Oasis, for an Oasis x Bestival soundclash with sets from Amelie Lens, Nastia, Butch, La Fleur, Benjamin Damage, Alex Niggeman back to back with Denis Horvat & Amine K. Rattling your ribs on a serious rig, we’re are honoured to welcome Ram Jam back to the dance with sets from incomparable reggae auteur Rodigan, plus original nuttah Shy FX, turntable conjurers The Nextmen &Venum Sound. Legendary junglism comes courtesy of Metalheadz with sets from main man Goldie, plus double drop pioneer Randall, first lady of drum n bass DJ Storm and Ant TC1.
Expect super-rave behaviour from the Raindance crew with ultimate oldskool action from Rat Pack, Rachel Wallace, Liquid, Billy Daniel Bunter, Uncle Dugs, Nebula 2 and Nookie. And big system banging flavours come from the airwaves next generation Radar Radio with sets from Jossy Mitsu, Conducta, Kenny Allstar, Amy Becker, DJ Argue & Master Peace andMartha. Plus, we’ll have Shogun Audio Pres Alix Perez, Technimatic, Pola & Bryson, Glxy &SP:MC & Visionobi and Ram Records with Loadstar going B2B with DC Breaks and Mind Vortex.
And keeping it fresh and correct we’ll have live music and DJ sets from The Big Moon, The Heatwave, Justin Robertson, Purple Rave with Rob da Bank & Tayo, London Contemporary Voices: Guilty Pleasures, House of Pharaohs, Mt Wolf, Jethro Watson, Thomas Urv, Ellie Prohan, Tasha, Gilded Pleasures, Jim 8-Track, Eden Pardey, Cooking With Sherry, Ian & Rob and Roast Beatz.
Joining us in a Friday Ronnie James Dio main stage slot are British thrash icons ONSLAUGHT. The band are working on their new studio album set for release later this year via AFM Records, so expect the world premiere of a brand new song at BLOODSTOCK! The band tell us “ONSLAUGHT have always loved playing at BLOODSTOCK, the UK’s finest metal festival and this year the show is going to be something special indeed! We’ll see you maniacs at the front!” Get warmed up by watching the video for ‘The Sound of Violence’.
Also nabbing a Friday slot opening the main stage are British metal crew, FEED THE RHINO. The quintet’s latest album, ‘The Silence’ landed last month via Century Media with lead track, ‘Heedless’ landing its premiere via Daniel P. Carter on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show. Have a listen! The band tell us “We are beyond honoured to be performing at this years BLOODSTOCK Festival. See you in the Pit!"
Japanese power metal ladies, LOVEBITES join us for a slot on Friday’s Sophie Lancaster stage. The five piece release a new mini-album, ‘Battle Against Damnation’ on 6th June, but if you’re not up to speed on the band, make sure you investigate this video for ‘Shadowmaker’ and additional news info over at their Facebook page.
London death metallers, DE PROFUNDIS join us in a Sophie stage slot on Friday. The band are readying the release in May of new album, ‘The Blinding Light of Faith’. Get a load of this new track ‘Bastard Sons of Abraham’ and then view the array of purchase options (digital, physical and special bundles) over on their Bandcamp page.
Brit thrash outfit REPRISAL also land a Friday Sophie slot. Their new album, ‘None Survive The Sun’ lands this Friday 30th March via Hostile Media. Feast your eyes on the video for ‘Nephila’ and head over to pick up a copy of the album at
http://reprisal.bigcartel.com.
Progressive death metal New Yorkers UNCURED land a slot on Sunday’s Sophie stage. Having just wrapped a 28-date US run with Soulfly, the four piece come to Europe this Summer to play shows with their friends in JASTA. Check out their video for ‘Stygian Valley’ below and if you're curious for more, get further info on the band over on their Facebook page .
Our first phase of BLOODSTOCK club nights start on Monday 16th April! More will be added for June/July, so don’t despair if your local rock club isn’t listed. Get along to one of the following events, check out some tunes from BLOODSTOCK bands old and new, and be in with the chance of winning weekend tickets or related giveaways. Expect fun ways to win tickets – previous year’s events featured the likes of bucking broncos, endurance tests, and air guitaring! Check your local club for details, as dates may be subject to change. Events for April/May run as follows:
In yet another amazing lineup announcement, Slam Dunk Festival are pleased to reveal the details of this year’s acoustic stage where Speak Low If You Speak Love, Four Year Strong Presents: Some Of You Will Like This, Some of You Won’t, Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford, PVMNTS, Selfish Things and Cave Town will all be making hotly tipped unplugged appearances at Leeds, Hatfield and Birmingham all over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Revealed as the acoustic stage headliner, State Champs’ beloved bassist Ryan Scott Graham will be bringing his stripped back project Speak Low If You Speak Love to Slam Dunk Festival, following State Champs appearance earlier in the day. Following the release of sophomore LP Nearsighted in early January, the hauntingly heartbreaking solo performance will be sure to attract an attentive crowd, eager to witness the electro-tinged acoustic spectacle.
Previously announced Slam Dunk Festival legends, Four Year Strong have confirmed that they will be making another appearance at this year’s festival as they settle in to host Four Year Strong Presents: Some Of You Will Like This, Some Of You Won’t – the live performance of their cherished acoustic album of the same name. Promising the very best unplugged favourites, originals and unheard rarities, this spectacle will be a highly regarded set for any die-hard pop-punk fan!
Known for putting a fresh twist on alternative folk and creating heartfelt crowd pleasers, Rob Lynch will be returning to Slam Dunk Festival to deliver his trademark solo sound through delicate tracks such as ‘My Friends & I’, ‘Hawking’ and ‘Broken Bones’.
Birmingham native Luke Rainsford is poised to pick up his acoustic guitar and make his Slam Dunk Festival debut over the May Bank Holiday weekend with energetic yet fragile storytelling and musicality. The hotly-tipped single ‘Sweet Briar’ is taken from the highly-anticipated EP ‘I Just Don’t Deserve To Be Loved’, which is set for release ahead of the Slam Dunk Festival weekend – meaning fans have plenty of time to learn lyrics for perfect singalongs.
Making the transatlantic journey to Slam Dunk Festival will be PVMNTS and Selfish Things, hailing from Los Angeles and Toronto respectively. Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey will be rounding up the PVMNTS gang for a sincere singalong on Slam Dunk’s acoustic stage. Also stopping by will be Selfish Things’ frontman Alex Biro, who is set to stripback their impassioned rock hits for a memorable delicate rendition.
In addition to this great names, Cavetown will be bringing his relaxed bedroom jams to the acoustic stages too.
In the biggest line-up to date, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 is set to play host to an unparalleled exhibition of pop-punk movers and shakers as it welcomes blistering performances from co-headliners Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World, reunion exclusives from Thursday (UK exclusive) and The Audition (Worldwide exclusive) as well as highly anticipated sets from the likes of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, PVRIS, Taking Back Sunday, Creeper, Every Time I Die, Sleeping With Sirens and many more. Whether you’re at Leeds City Centre on May 26th, Hatfield Park on May 27th or Birmingham’s NEC, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 will be the ultimate alternative party of the summer.
FULL LINE-UP TO DATE:
Good Charlotte, Jimmy Eat World, PVRIS, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Taking Back Sunday, Sleeping With Sirens, State Champs, Twin Atlantic, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, Every Time I Die, Creeper, Thursday, Four Year Strong, The Skints, Zebrahead, The Audition (Worldwide Reunion Exclusive), Set Your Goals, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, Northlane, Capdown, Save Ferris, Comeback Kid, Crown The Empire, Counterparts, Trash Boats, ROAM, Broadside, Can’t Swim, Palaye Royale, Sleep On It, Stand Atlantic, Milestones, Chapel, Dream State, Holding Absence, The Faim, Grayscale, The Dangerous Summer, As It Is, Moose Blood, Templeton Pek, Woes, King Prawn, Guttermouth, Astroid Boys, Brutality Will Prevail, The Devil Wears Prada, Loathe, Speak Low If You Speak Love, Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford, PVMNTS, Selfish Things, Cave Town
Country music in the UK? Not something you heard of much back in 2013 when the O2 Arena in London welcomed its very first C2C Festival. Telling people you were going to a country music festival was like telling people you were eloping. Fast forward to 2018, Country Music has started to become a bit bore acceptable to the mainstream, british artists such as The Shires are selling out tours and playing every festival that you can imagine, Ward Thomas secured a number one album slot for their second record Cartwheels and festivals across the UK are booking country artists more and more. It doesn't stop there though. Many C2C Alumni are starting to break into the scene as they collaborate with pop artists. Chris Stapleton started to blow up after his Brit Award performance with Justin Timberlake and has been charting ever since with his own material, Maren Morris had a top ten hit with her collaboration with Grey and Zedd for the song Middle and artists like Kacey Musgraves are playing some of the UK's biggest venues – country music in the UK is starting to be a thing.
So here we are 2018 and C2C has just had it's sixth festival. The first year was just the main arena and a few pop up stages with unknown acts but as the years have gone on, the festival stages surrounding the arena that take place in the day have become bigger and better, securing more known artists from all over.
This year, the festival stages had exceptionally popular artists that you would pay good money for to see individually such as DanielleBradbery, LANCO, RyanHurd, StephanieQuayle, LindsayEll, AshleyMcBryde, RyanKinder, HighValley, WalkerHayes, JillianJacqueline, MorganEvans, DeltaRae, MoPitney, LukasNelson&PromiseoftheReal, AshleyCampbell , RussellDickerson and many many more. The festival stages took place from Friday day time through to Sunday day time and included some evening after party shows which ran directly after the main arena events had closed.
The O2 is transformed into a mini Nashville during C2C Festival and fans are absolutely everywhere, it is heaving. The queues to get into each venue are very long and you get to experience full band shows to acoustic shows to songwriters rounds. Highlights on the pop up stages for many this year were AshleyMcBryde , LANCO , DeltaRae , DanielleBradbery and LukasNelson.
Then we have the main stage acts. In the last few years C2C has expanded from a two day event to a three day event by popular demand. This year, we, the UK were treated with a rarity of having TimMcGraw and wife FaithHill headline. Tim and Faith headlined the Friday night in London and brought over their entire Soul2Soul tour which they have been touring the US with. As well as hearing songs they released as a pair, we got to hear their solo hits too sich as Tim's stunning track Humble&Kind and Faith's huge UK hit in the 90's ThisKiss.
On Friday other main stage acts included the unmissable OldDominion who are worthy of being UK chart toppers with their country pop sound, witty lyrics and exceptional performance skills. Old Dominion are not a band to overlook and you wouldn't even consider them country by UK standards. Songs such as Break Up With Him and No Such Thing As A Broken Heart created a strong sing a long atmosphere which was electric.
KelseaBallerini also took to the stage. Country's new pop princess, this wonder woman of the stage has it all, beauty, stage presence, killer vocals and one heck of great list of songs such as Peter Pan, Legends and I Hate Love Songs. Kelsea is heading towards being the biggest thing in country music, taking over a title Taylor Swift once had in the genre before going pop. Kelsea, newly wed to MorganEvans brought her beau with her as he played the Spotlight Stage that night inside the O2 Arena in between main stage acts. Morgan, an Australian country artist won the crowd with his charm and his brilliant songs such as Kiss Somebody and I Do. Also on the Spotlight Stage that evening was rising star BrettYoung who played the O2 Arena in October with Lady Antebellum. Brett had the entire arena singing along to his hit In Case You Didn't Know.
Saturdays main stage acts saw the UK debut of LukeCombs who is looking to be the next big male country artist. His rock country sound shook the O2 and left everyone in awe enabling him to sell out his London's Shepherds Bush Empire date in October this year which prompted him to add an extra date.
Following Luke was the UK's favourite US star KipMoore. If you think you don't like country, listen to Kip Moore or better yet go and see him live on a whim and then think again about whether you like country or not. Kip Moore is ever the performer. Kip's mind blowing stage performance skills along with his fantastic band make you wonder why this guy is not the headliner of every festival going. Kip has a country rock voice that is so dang good and infectious that you could listen to him all day. Kip's three albums Up All Night, Wild Ones and Slowheart are some of the best material around in any genre, especially Wild Ones.
Taking stage after Kip was the eagerly anticipated return of country music duo Sugarland. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush recently reformed and made their C2C debut which blew everyone away. Both Jennifer and Kristian have played C2C individually as solo artists but never as Sugarland, so this was a very special moment indeed. Sugarland filled the O2 Arena with so much energy and excitement with songs such as Stuck Like Glue that anyone who had to follow Luke, Kip and them had a hard task.
Set with that hard task was KaceyMusgraves. A radio 2 listeners favourite, people were concerned that Kacey and her mellow yet sassy music wouldn't quite cut it for a main stage act but how wrong the doubters were. Kacey pulled it out of the bag and then some. With her new album Golden Hour due out next week, Kacey treated the audience with her stunning new music as well as some of the classics such as Follow Your Arrow, Silver Lining and Merry Go Round to name a few. Kacey had upped her game since her last C2C performance and delivered a much more energetic and upbeat show – a show very worthy of a headline slot.
On the Spotlight stages on Saturday were Ashley McBryde who brought a more traditional country sound to the arena and enchanted her audience. Being the new IT girl in country music, Ashley left C2C being the most talked about artist from festival goers. Her songs Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega, American Scandal and Girl Going Nowhere created a storm big enough to pick her up and whiz her into a girl that is going everywhere.
Also on the Spotlight Stage was Jillian Jacqueline who made her UK debut last October as part of Country Music Week, Jillian's EP SideA is a stunning collection of modern country pop with some of the finest, sweetest and slick songs you will ever hear. Way beyond the boundaries of country music, Jillian needs to be a mainstream artist so do look her up.
LukasNelson son of legend Willie Nelson proved his worth and more on the Spotlight Stage. A country, soul, rock god this artist and his band Promise of The Real are as mainstage, headline worthy as the previously mentioned Kip Moore. A born performer, Lukas has so much to offer and became my highlight of the entire weekend and rocked the joint with his powerful tracks Find Yourself and Just Outside Of Austen. Lukas returns to the UK on July 10th for a show at London's The Garage so I highly recommend a visit.
Saturday also saw a truly stunning and emotional tribute to Glen Campbell which was delivered by his daughter Ashley Campbell. An artists in her own right and a phenomenal Banjo Player, Ashley gave us a medley of some of her fathers finest tracks such as Gentle On My Mind and Wichita Lineman. Ashleys performance was so powerful that the arena erupted and chanted for more.
Sundays main stage brought the UK debut of one of the most talked about new country bands in the US right now Midland. Bringing traditional back in both their music and fashion styles, Midland delivered one of the strongest performances across the weekend. Midland played tracks from their debut album On The Rocks and filled the arena with their insane performances of Drinkin' Problem, Make A Little and Check Cashin' Country. The trio captivated the O2 crowd and had everyone up and dancing to their slick, cool sound.
Following Midland was Americana artist MargoPrice. Having had a televised Glastonbury performance, Margo has made quite the career in the UK recently. Margo impressed the crowd with her music, albeit slightly chilled out and a bit too mellow after Midland but she still held her own and gave a hell of a show which included a "drum off" with her bands drummer with two drums sets on stage delivering one awesome jamming session. Margo also brought Lukas Nelson on stage to perform with her for a song his dad Wille Nelson recorded with Margo called Learning To Lose.
After Margo was the legendary EmmylouHarris who undoubtedly put on a show stopping, flawless performance. Again, a bit laid back which isn't a bad thing, just a bit too chilled for the last night, Emmylou had one of the biggest and most respectable crowds yet as everyone in the arena stood for her entire set. To be able to say you have seen Emmylou Harris live is a rarity and something to treasure.
Closing the festival was another UK favourite LittleBigTown. A vocal group so sensational, Little Big Town can do no wrong and always put on a performance that will blow your mind. Mesmerising doesn't quite do it enough justice, this band are the best of the best across all genres and vocally, no vocal group can beat them live. With one of the most impressive and much loved back catalogues which include Girl Crush, Boondocks and the Taylor Swift penned Better Man,Little Big Town played hit after hit and proved why they work so well together and why they are nominated for just about every award out there.
On Sundays Spotlight Stages were Canadian Country artist Lindsay Ell. Lindsay, best known for her insane guitar skills that put her up there with likes of Clapton,Lindsay showed the audience she was so much more than that with her beautiful vocals and amazing music from her newly released album The Project.
After Lindsay was Sony artist Russell Dickerson who brought a fresh, pop sound with his tracks Every Little Thing, Yours and Blue Tacoma. Russel is another artist to watch with his catchy, infectious music and will soon be all over the radio.
Last but far from least on the Spotlight Stage was Walker Hayes. Mixing hip hop with Country music, Walker had a lot of doubters who he soon converted into fans with just one song. Walker is quite the showman and stood in stage unaccompanied with just his guitar and loop pedal wowing the crowd with his songs Broke Up With Me , Shut Up Kenny and More.
All in All, this was one of the best C2C Festivals yet and stamps out all those stereotypes of country music being stetsons , boots and songs about trucks and beer.
C2C Festival is the place to be to discover new music and enjoy old music and a place to make you realise that you actually do like country music but never knew.
With 21 years at the forefront of electronic music festivals, there are very few that quite compare to the behemoth that is Creamfields. For the 2018 edition, the festival once again unleashes a stellar line-up that is mind-blowing in depth and breadth, with artists from across the full-spectrum of dance music set to make the trip to the fields of Cheshire for another 4-day extravaganza that looks set to be bigger than ever.
Taking place on August Bank Holiday weekend, Creamfields 2018 will see over 300 artists perform across 30 stages, for a 4-day spectacular that will see 70,000 people come together for what has now taken pride of place as the premier event for dance music fans across the globe. From house to techno, trance to drum & bass, this year’s edition has it all, featuring performances from the likes of Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Alesso, Andy C, Annie Mac, Armin van Buuren, Armand van Helen, Axwell & Ingrosso, The Black Madonna, Carl Cox, Camelphat, The Chainsmokers, Chase & Status (DJ set), Danny Howard, Dillon Francis, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Diplo, Disciples, DJ EZ, Don Diablo, Duke Dumont, Dusky, Eric Prydz presents HOLO, Fatboy Slim, Faithless (DJ Set), Galantis, Giggs, Goldie, Green Velvet, Groove Armada (DJ Set), Hannah Wants, Hardwell, Hot Since 82, Idris Elba, Jamie Jones, Joris Voorn, Joseph Capriati, Kölsch, Krept X Konan, Laidback Luke, Leftfield (DJ Set), Loco Dice, Luciano, Major Lazer (Live), Marco Carola, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Maya Jane Coles, Mistajam, MK, Nicole Moudaber, Oliver Heldens, Patrick Topping, Paul van Dyk, Pete Tong, Ramz, Roni Size, Rudimental (DJ Set), Sasha & John Digweed, Sigala, Sigma, Skream, Solardo, Stefflon Don, Steve Angello (Live), Sub Focus, Sven Väth, Tchami & Malaa (No Redemption), Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet, Vini Vici, Virtual Self, Wilkinson (DJ Set) feat. MC AD-APT, W&W and Yousef to name a few.
With ground-breaking stage production, a wide-range of camping options – including the luxury Dreamfields packages – and a range of music that is sure to get the pulse racing, it’s a sure bet that Creamfields 21 is going to be one to remember.
CREAMFIELDS UK 2018 – LINE UP
FRIDAY 24th AUGUST
SICK BOY STAGE
The Chainsmokers
Sigma
Martin Solveig
Sigala
STEEL YARD PRESENTS INTEC
Carl Cox
Nicole Moudaber
Darren Emerson
Carlo Lio
Jon Rundell
Harvey McKay
Fabio Neural
ARMADA – Powered by Utilita Energy
Armin van Buuren
W&W
Fedde Le Grand
David Gravell
Dubvision
Ruben De Ronde
Special Guest: Vini Vici
SUB_AURAL ARENA
Chase & Status (DJ Set)
DJ EZ
Kurupt FM
Matrix & Futurebound
Klose One
Understate
Special Guest: Hannah Wants
PARADISE
Jamie Jones
Joseph Capriati
Green Velvet
Patrick Topping
Richy Ahmed
Mark Jenkyns
ANDY C PRESENTS RAM
Andy C
Wilkinson (DJ Set)
Roni Size
Rene Lavice
Frankee
Sound In Noise
MC’s: Tonn Piper, AD-APT, 2Shy
Special Guests: SASASAS
BLOW
Camelphat
Sonny Fodera
Dennis Cruz
Mihalis Safras
Pirupa
+ more to be added
PEPSI MAX ARENA
Sander van Doorn
Ummet Ozcan
Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman
Firebeatz
Julian Jordan
Junior J
RobbieG
Special Guest: Will Sparks
KEEPING THE RAVE ALIVE
Kutski
Code Black
Darren Styles
Joey Riot
MKN
AV18
Obsession
Danny Burch
HOSPITALITY ARENA
Anthony Probyn
Jemmy
Andy Joyce
Adam Cartwright
Bernie Lee
Mike Catherall
Danny Whitehead
Aaron Amihere
Jono Robertson
Brad Hogan
SATURDAY 25th AUGUST
HORIZON STAGE
Major Lazer (Live Creamfields Debut)
Annie Mac
Giggs
Disciples
+ more to be announced
ARC STAGE
Axwell & Ingrosso
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Galantis
Timmy Trumpet
+ more to be announced
Special Guest: Nicky Romero
MEGA ARENA Powered by Utilita Energy
Above & Beyond
Steve Angello (Live)
Virtual Self
Danny Howard
Grum
Spencer Brown
Oliver Smith
Gareth Wyn
STEEL YARD
Marco Carola
Loco Dice
Alan Fitzpatrick
Camelphat
B.Traits
Very Special Guests: Sasha & John Digweed
MAD DECENT
Diplo
Dillon Francis
A-Trak
Valentino Khan
Party Favor
Ape Drums
+ more to be added
JAM PACKED
Krept X Konan
Mistajam
Ramz
Holy Goof
Darkzy
Jaykae
Friend Within
Sir Spyro
Conducta
Mollie Collins
Sian Anderson feat. Big Jabba Jones
Sammy Porter
Dobby
Special Guest: Stefflon Don
ALL GONE PETE TONG
Luciano
Pete Tong
Hot Since 82
Joris Voorn
Skream
Mason Collective
Special Guest: The Black Madonna
PEPSI MAX ARENA
Laidback Luke
Benny Benassi
Tom Zanetti & K.O Kane
Bassjackers
Mattn
Special Guest: Ben Nicky
MELBOURNE BOUNCE
Teddy Cream
Joel Fletcher
Sunset Bros
Natalie Sax
303
Leftfield (DJ Set)
James Zabiela
Dave Seaman
Justin Robertson
Stuart Hodson
Samuel Lamont
Kenny Muir
RONG
Solarstone
Giuseppe Ottaviani
Menno De Jong
Alex M.O.R.P.H
ReOrder
Shugz
Liam Wilson & Dan Dobson
Rong Residents: Pete Bromage, Jamie Cooper & B.Vis
The Bestival team are extremely excited to announce yet another exclusive for 2018! Diplo and Mark Ronson’s brand-new project Silk City is our exclusive Friday night headliner at this year’s midsummer show on the Lulworth Estate.
Rob da Bank says: “We don’t like doing the same thing as other festivals here at Bestival HQ… so for our Friday night headliner we’ve booked something you’ll never have seen in Europe or probably the world. Two of the best party-starting DJs with a new stage show packed with surprises back to back… ladies and gents, boys and girls, please welcome Diplo and Mark Ronson aka Silk City to the stage!
They’re long-time friends of Bestival, so we are ecstatic Diplo and Mark Ronson have chosen our 15th anniversary celebrations to make their European debut as Silk Citywith a UK festival exclusive set. And if there’s one thing you can guarantee, it’s that this pair know how to rock a party. Two of music’s greatest names together on the Castle stage, with you, us and some big, big tunes, it’s already got legendary written all over it.
Destined to be monumental, do not miss your first ever chance to catch Silk City as they join fellow exclusive headliners London Grammar and Jorja Smith, plus MIA’s only confirmed UK headline festival appearance and an ever-eclectic line-up featuring Grace Jones, Plan B, Chaka Khan, First Aid Kit, Mura Masa, Rudimental (DJ Set), Hot Chip (DJ Set) and many, many more.
