Sundown Festival is storming into 2020, announcing its first names for what promises to be the festival’s biggest year yet. Heading back to Norfolk Showground in Norwich across three days this September and following a mammoth 2019, this year’s event looks set to close the summer in style, with camping, weekend and day tickets on sale this Friday.
Known as one of the world’s biggest party starters, the unstoppable Sean Paul is one of two headliners to be announced for Sundown 2020. Arguably the most iconic dancehall artist of all time, the crossover superstar will be treating Norwich to an unforgettable headline set, with the arena set to shake to the likes of ‘Get Busy’, ‘Temperature’, ‘Breathe’ and legendary features including ‘Rockabye’, ‘Cheap Thrills’, ‘Boasty’ and many more. Needless to say, this is going to be one of the biggest moments of the summer.
One of the leading voices in confessional hip hop, award-winning UK rapper-turned-superstar Loyle Carner is guaranteed to bring an electrifying headline set to Sundown Festival. With expert craftsmanship and remarkable lyrical resonance, not to mention hits for days across his two studio albums, Carner has become one of the hottest festival bookings of the past few years, with his headline performance looking set to be nothing short of spectacular.
Bringing her smooth reinvention of turn-of-the-century Soul, R&B and British pop music, Sundown Festival is delighted to welcome Raye to the Main Stage in 2020. Forging her path in the UK pop scene, the soon-to-be superstar will treat fans to hits including ‘You Don’t Know Me’, ‘Decline’ and countless others. Also joining the Main Stage line up will be superstar in waiting Becky Hill, whose recent smash ‘Wish You Well’ has stormed into the charts, ready to go off when Sundown comes around this September.
Joining these pop sensations at Sundown Festival will be Fredo and Bugzy Malone who took 2019 by storm with an expert mix of vital and refreshing cuts, with the latter setting pulses racing after his recent collaboration with Aitch, while Fredo and Dave’s ‘Funky Friday’ defined summer 2019. Famed for master lyricism, their infectious jams will be perfect at this summer’s closing extravaganza. Meanwhile, Jay1 and Jaykae will be bringing Midlands-infused grime to the masses, and the main stage will be hosted by KISS all weekend.
BBC Sound Of winner Ray BLK will also appear on Sundown’s main stage, and dance legend Example will return to Sundown with unforgettable classics ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me’ ‘Kickstarts’ and more, a firm favourite of the festival. The Manor and Wilkinson will also bless the main stage with their presence, with more names to be announced.
In addition to a huge Main Stage lineup, Sundown Festival will continue to provide a haven of genre-defying performances from the very best in drum and bass, house and techno.
The Friday Campers Party will feature Holy Goof, Hybrid Minds and Young T & Bugsey. Taking over the Castle Stage, Defected will be in attendance with the full crew plus special guests Sam Divine, Low Steppa, Ferreck Dawn, Endor and Jess Bays.
Building on previous collaborations at the festival, renowned bass leaders UKF will see the iconic Shy Fx, party starters My Nu Leng, dubstep legend Flux Pavillion, Notion, Bou and Harriet Jaxxon take to the stage for what promises to be a legendary takeover.
Solardo will be bringing Higher to Sundown for the first time in 2020, with a series of even more infectious sets. Joined by rising stars including Eli Brown, Franky Wah, Latmun and SOSA, it looks set to be truly unforgettable.
Also making an appearance at Sundown 2020, Hospitality will unleash revered DNB acts including Camo & Krooked,S.P.Y, Kings of the Rollers & Inja, Metrik, Randall, Nu:Logic (Nu:Tone & Logistics), Etherwood, T>I B2B Saxxon, Daxta MC, Carasel and Dynamite MC. Needless to say, it’s going to pop off.
Back for a fourth year due to unparalleled popular demand and fresh after their stunning new look in 2019, the Mystree stage welcomes Weiss, LeftWing: Kody, Majestic, Nathan Dawe, Martin Ikin, Artful Dodger, producer extraordinaire Conducta, Sammy Verji, Illyus & Barrientos, George Mensah and Harry Pearce to the stage this summer, which will no doubt be huge.
The multi award-winning Secret Garden Party, the event that set the creative benchmark for festivals in the UK and around the world, announced today that this year’s event, July 20-23, will be the final instalment in its illustrious 15-year tenure as one of the most celebrated events on the summer festival calendar.
From humble beginnings as a gathering with a few hundred friends the passionately independent Secret Garden Party has grown organically over the years. Its fun-loving friendly outlook, its much-loved eccentricity, and its meticulous attention to detail has inspired and enabled a generation of creative artists, musicians and performers to develop and thrive, whilst embracing the core values of friendship, participation and ownership with its audience. It has also been a major hub for leftfield, like-minded people who were eager to ‘escape to reality’ through the counter-culture. It can be proud of a legacy that inspired so much (and so many) as well as having been the setting for such a collection of wonderful memories and lifelong friendships.
There is never a perfect time to announce this as either too early or too late would have consequences for the loyal gardeners.
Founder and Head Gardener Freddie Fellowes says:
“15 years ago I started out with a set of ideas as to what makes a good party and the most perfect venue for it. But with no set idea of what the destination was for this venture the ‘festival’ was, at that time, the perfect medium through which to explore these ideas. But rather than getting too excited and telling you about the phoenix we are going to raise from all of this, it bears explaining why we are lighting the fire.
Much has changed since our first Garden Party, when there was nothing else like it in the UK: Facebook, YouTube and Twitter had yet to be invented and no one knew what a boutique festival was, let alone Glamping.
Since then the Garden Party has defined and redefined outdoor events in the UK; we have done so as a collective of truly independent outsiders.
We have never compromised our principles and we never will. SGP has always been a beacon of what you can do within those terms and, as imitation (being the sincerest form of flattery) proves, it has set the bar for everyone else going forward.
But it is exactly because of those principles, and the love of those who have made the Garden Party what it is, that we are committing this senseless act of beauty.
What better way to honour the love that has been given to this project and wholly demonstrate this principle than finishing now? This isn’t some principled self-immolation: this is opening up it for the future. So this summer will be the almighty send-off that the Garden Party deserves and whilst that is going to cause some tears to be shed, think of it more as ‘Dylan goes electric’ than our Altamont.
Because after all you can’t be avant-garde from within an institution and lest we forget: the frontier always moves.”
This year’s chapter of Lovebox is set to be even more special than usual. East London’s favourite festival are celebrating their 15 year anniversary – 15 years of music, 15 years of good vibes and 15 years of love.
This landmark occasion calls for the best line-up yet, and Lovebox have delivered. Having already announced Friday’s headliner – the global phenomenon that is Frank Ocean – Lovebox unveils their second headliner, the explosive Chase & Status, and further musical programming.
FEATURING:
FRANK OCEAN (FRIDAY) CHASE & STATUS (LIVE) (SATURDAY)
WITH
JAMIE XX – JESS GLYNNE – SOLANGE – ANNIE MAC – ANDY C – MAC MILLER – RAG’N’BONE MAN – SAMPHA – KAYTRANADA – KURUPT FM – ANNE-MARIE – AJ TRACEY – RAY BLK – MIST – RAYE
KINK (LIVE) – JAZZY JEFF – RICHY AHMED – SOLARDO – JESSE ROSE – CRAIG RICHARDS – TERRY FRANCIS – HORSE MEAT DISCO – MICK JENKINS – SOULECTION – MIKE SERVITO – LEWIS BOARDMAN – DREEM TEEM – KLOSE ONE – LATE NITE TUFF GUY – WORK IT – JAZZIE B – CLUB DRIVE
XL RECORDINGS PRESENTS NEW GEN & FRIENDS
ARTIKAL – DR PACKER – ELLIE COCKS – FORT ROMEAU – SÄLEN – GW HARRISON – HAMMER – JACK SWIFT – JIMMY SWITCH – REX ORANGE COUNTY – LINDSEY MATTHEWS – WILL TAYLOR – HOT BLOOD
FRIDAY
Friday’s headliner, Frank Ocean, speaks for itself. The enigmatic singer-songwriter was catapulted to fame in 2012 with the release of his debut Channel Orange, which was greeted with universal acclaim. After four years of countless memes and think pieces about Ocean’s “disappearance”, questioning when his second album would arrive, it finally landed in 2016 in the form of a visual LP – Endless – followed by the album proper, Blonde. It was well worth the wait.
The Friday also sees one of the hottest producers on the planet, Jamie xx, open for Frank Ocean on the Main Stage. His debut album In Colour has been the soundtrack to our summer since it was released in 2015, and his new album with band The xx is an instant classic. Jamie XX says: “I'm looking forward to playing at Lovebox this year and sharing the stage with Frank Ocean who headlines directly after my set!”
Elsewhere on Friday is US rapper Mac Miller, whose latest, soul-infused album The Divine Feminine was lauded by critics upon its release, fast-rising star Rag N’ Bone Man, the runner-up in this year’s BBC Sound of 2017, and London synthpop trio Sälen.
The peerless Solange headlines the Noisey stage, fresh from the release of her landmark album A Seat At The Table. The younger Knowles sister’s third album was named by Pitchfork as their Album of the Year, and bagged her her first US No 1. February has also seen her win her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her stunning track ‘Cranes In The Sky’. This performance at Lovebox is set to be extra special.
Joining Solange on the Noisey stage is London’s own Sampha, whose distinctive vocals and confessional lyricism have propelled him to global fame. Initially emerging as a frequent collaborator of SBTRKT back in 2011, Sampha has collaborated with the likes of Drake, Beyoncé and the aforementioned Solange, and released his highly anticipated debut album Process in 2017.
Elsewhere on the Noisey stage is the talented super-producer Kaytranada, who we’re thrilled to welcome back to the Park to perform tracks from one of the best albums of 2016 – his debut LP 99.9%. His affiliate Mick Jenkins will also appear – the rising US hip hop artist released his dazzling debut album The Healing Component in 2016 – as well as BBC Sound of 2017 winner Ray BLK and rising star Rex Orange County.
Lovebox are thrilled to welcome fabric back for their second year in the Park as a festival exclusive. The news is all the more exciting considering the iconic’s club loss of license, which thankfully they have now won back after outcry from the global music community. London wouldn’t be the same without fabric, and we’re glad they’re back and bigger than ever. fabric say: "Lovebox gave us the perfect entry into being part of a festival last year and it left us wanting more. To be invited back to build on the foundation we made in 2016 is a prefect to develop something bigger and better than last year across the weekend. Expect something different to last year but with the same calbire of artists and our exclusive audio partner Pioneer."
fabric have programmed a fittingly explosive lineup to mark their festival return. Arguably one of the best DJs on the planet, the inimitable Seth Troxler headlines the Friday. Raised in Detroit, the house and techno master will bring a flavour of Chicago to the Park. Preceding Seth will be Bicep, playing their trademark mix of obscure anthems and club classics spanning a kaleidoscope of genres. Elsewhere, there’s experimental producer KiNK performing a live set, disco master Hammer, and fabric resident Terry Francis.
Finally, Lovebox are extremely excited to introduce a brand new structure for 2017. The Transistor stage will resemble a giant radio set, and feature explosive flame pyros throughout the day – it’s not to be missed. Taking over Transistor on the Friday are Abode, the deep house promoters running the hottest nights in London. Headlining Abode will be the reigning king of underground house, Eats Everything, who will be joined by Hot Creations rising star waFF, the dynamic Jack Swift, and B2B sets from Will Taylor and GW Harris, Ellie Cocks and Jimmy Switch, and Artikal and Lindsey Matthews.
SATURDAY
Saturday’s headliner comes in the form of one of the UK’s best live acts, and a Lovebox favourite. Chase & Status’ ferocious live sets are truly a sight to behold, whether they’re storming through classics from their 2008 debut More than Alot or the bestselling homage to 90s dance, Brand New Machine. 2015 saw the release of EP London Bars, featuring some of the UK’s finest MCs, and their much-anticipated fourth album drops this year.
Expect new material, a brand new show and extra special guests at what is set to be a masterful headlining slot – which was unveiled via a mysterious social media campaign and a billboard portraying a countdown hangman spelling out ‘Lovebox’ in London. Chase & Status say: "We’re blessed to be back headlining Lovebox again. It’s always special playing at home in London & at such an iconic festival."
Lovebox also welcomes Jess Glynne to the Park. One of the UK's most promising pop talents, she originally found fame lending her distinctive vocals to chart smashes such as Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be' and Route 94's 'My Love’. Jess introduced her own sound with the release of her 2015 debut album I Cry When I Laugh. With a follow-up scheduled for release in 2017, this year looks set to build on Jess Glynne's solid reputation as one of the best on the scene. Also on the Saturday is rising star Anne-Marie, whose infectious singles ‘Karate’ and ‘Do It Right’ have led to her being nominated for British Breakthrough Artist at the Brits.
Lovebox favourite Annie Mac will also be back in the Park, and R&B singer Raye plus rising four piece Club Drive will also perform.
Over at the Noisey stage, there’s the most fierce of UK talent, both rising and legendary. DNB icon Andy C headlines, and the RAM Records co-founder is set to destroy his slot. Andy says "First time at Lovebox! Heard some amazing things, I can’t wait to get involved!"
Joining Andy C are comedy rap crew Kurupt FM (stars of the BBC hit show People Just Do Nothing), as well as respective performances from two fast-rising grime MCs – Birmingham’s Mist and London’s AJ Tracey – both deservedly much-hyped in their own right.
For the grime fans there’s a special showcase from XL Recordings. New Gen continues the theme of fresh homegrown talent on The West Stage. This performances follows the compilation album of the same name, which features contributions from the scene's rising stars (Ray BLK, Kojey Radical).
fabric’s Saturday lineup is equally as stacked as the Friday. The legendary Ricardo Villalobos returns to London to head up the billing. Elsewhere, returning to Lovebox after last playing back in 2010, is Berlin’s Dixon (who came No 1 on Resident Advisor’s Top DJs 2016 Poll), Bunker resident Mike Servito, and fabric’s own Craig Richards.
On Saturday Transistor will host a lineup featuring some of the finest names in techno. The multi-faceted Kölsch is set to headline, and will be joined by Richy Ahmed, Jamie Jones, Jesse Rose, Solardo and Lewis Boardman.
It wouldn’t be a celebration of 15 Years of Love without some Lovebox favourites on the decks. Norman Jay MBE, Jazzie B OBE, Horse Meat Disco will all be appearing across the weekend
It’s a brand-new era, so prepare for the truly immersive experience of Bestival 2017. Announcing four incredible headliners and a huge bill of amazing music, we are entering a new chapter of light and sound, exploring the wonders of Colour on our mission to increase the peace this 7th – 10th September at the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.
Rob da Bank says: “Well what an adventure this promises to be… we have a beautiful new home with a massive castle in the middle of it, acres of beautiful woodland and forest, a sea view and the dramatic Jurassic coastline. Going back to our roots with Josie da Bank’s hand-drawn artwork, reviving all our favourite stages from 14 years of Bestival history and going out with all our headliners for the first time ever together, we’re pretty excited at Bestival HQ. From pop to grime, hip-hop to techno, folk to classical and every style in between we are reclaiming our place as the funnest, most adventurous, musically savvy and downright magical festival on the map. Please come along for the ride. and remember Increase the Peace”
We are honoured to say that The xx will be the first ever Castle Stage headliners at Bestival! Never anything less than breath-taking, we can’t think of a more fitting band to get the main stage action underway in our new home.
Commenting on their headline performance, The xx said: “Bestival was one of the first festivals we played, back in 2010, and it had always been a dream for us…we even begged to play the previous year. In 2012 we returned to play the main stage and we’re so happy to say we’ll be headlining this year, at the new site in Dorset. The Isle of Wight will hold a special place in our hearts but we’re excited to bring our new show to their new home”.
Guaranteed to be momentous, we are extremely excited indeed to announce that hip-hop heroes A Tribe Called Quest will headline Saturday at Bestival 2017, performing what will be their last UK Show.
Bringing our debut mainland Bestival to a suitably triumphant close, we are completely over the moon to announce synth-pop geniuses Pet Shop Boys as our Sunday night headliners. Quite simply legends, we think they’re the perfect band to bring some mind-blowing colour to our first Lulworth Estate finale!
Commenting on their headline show, Pet Shop Boys said: “Amazingly it is over ten years since we last played Bestival but we remember it being one of the most enjoyable festivals ever. Looking forward to bringing our new show there this year – and seeing how the audience has decided to dress up!”
And completing 2017’s fantastic foursome of first-time headliners we are delighted to announce Wimbledon’s finest, Jamie T will be the man kicking it all off with an exclusive performance topping the Thursday night bill on our second stage, The Box.
We’ll also have mind-blowing live music from super suave Gallic funksters Justice, plus, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Shadow, Little Dragon, Danny Brown, Rag’n’Bone Man, Laura Mvula, Soul II Soul, MNEK, Circa Waves, Ray BLK, Lucy Rose, and Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon among many, many others.
And there will be DJ sets from Annie Mac, Andy C presents 25 Years of RAM, Kurupt FM, David Rodigan presents RAM JAM, DJ Yoda, Maceo Plex, Jackmaster, Kölsch, Dusky, Toddla T presents Carnival, Artwork presents Art’s House, Sink the Pink and loads more to boot. Check the line-up so far listing at the end of this press release for even more names playing across the weekend.
Redrawing our favourite party in the spirit of its original pioneering vision, Bestival’s creative essence will explode before your very eyes with a cavalcade of brilliant new stages, incredible destinations and stone cold classics, including our brand new main stage The Castle Stage, the eclectic wonders of The Box, the hands in the air nirvana of Temple, Bestival’s heart and soul, Bollywood, and the righteous vibrations of Reggae Roots.
Back by very popular demand HMS Bestival is the last word in off the hook partying, plus you can dance like there’s no tomorrow in new venues The Frozen Mole and Stacey’s, delve into the vintage madness of Caravanserai, and Club DaDa, and kick back in the enchanting Ambient Forest, and at our steam punk vision, Oberon’s Observatory.
Bestival 2017 is a whole new world to explore and to keep you on your toes we’ll also have the dazzling delights of The World's Biggest Confetti Canon, Castle Fireworks Finale, the Love-Bot, The World's Biggest Bouncy Castle, Bestival Inflatable Church, Confetti Wedding Disco, The Feast Collective, Slow Motion, Revolution Rides, Carnival Day Parade and Night Parades, the Sugar Skulls Cocktail Bus, Sunday Best Cardboard Record Shop, Lost in the Woods, Ancient Woodlands, Free Haircuts, Campsite Recycling Hubs, Kids’ Field and for all you vexillophiles out there, Flags by Angus Watt.
The Secret Garden Party is very pleased to announce new additions to its live music line up for 2017. They are as follows:
CRYSTAL FIGHTERS
WILD BEASTS / PEACHES
JORJA SMITH / FICKLE FRIENDS / BONZAI
THE MOONLANDINGZ / ALL THEM WITCHES / KATE NASH / JAIN/ PUMAROSA
WILL JOSEPH COOK / TOM GRENNAN / MABEL / BE CHARLOTTE / TOOTHLESS
NORTH DOWNS / SERAMIC / CHARLOTTE OC / LAUREL
AINE CAHILL / COSMO SHELDRAKE
Combining Basque folk instruments and melodies with modern dance beats, Crystal Fighters bring a joyous mix of sunshine sounds, psychedelia and rave to the Party. Their new and third album, ‘Everything is My Family,’ continues to win plaudits across the board for its uplifting celebration of life, love and family. Live they guarantee an all-out energetic, pulsating assault on the senses. The perfect third headliner for this year’s Secret Garden Party.
Line up announced so far is:
CRYSTAL FIGHTERS / METRONOMY
TOOTS & THE MAYTALS
WILD BEASTS / PEACHES / RAY BLK / HONNE / JAGWAR MA
REJJIE SNOW / JEREMY LOOPS / TOM MISCH / AKALA / JORJA SMITH / FICKLE FRIENDS / BONZAI /THE MOONLANDINGZ / DEAP VALLY / ALL THEM WITCHES / KATE NASH / JAIN / PUMAROSA / ZAK ABEL / WILL JOSEPH COOK / TOM GRENNAN / MABEL / ETTA BOND / BE CHARLOTTE / TOOTHLESS / NORTH DOWNS / LET’S EAT GRANDMA / SERAMIC / CHARLOTTE OC / LAUREL / AINE CAHILL / COSMO SHELDRAKE / MONT JAKE
…with many more artists, djs and parties still to be announced
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAME GAMES & WONKY RACES
This year’s theme ‘Sweet Dreams…are made of this?’ takes a wry and humorous look at the fame game. . Is being a celebrity it all it’s cracked up to be? Or, do we want to change the world…together? Secret Garden Party takes you on the ride of your life.
