V Festival 2016 Review

This summer has been something of a festival adventure for me. From the Valencian coast to the Garden of England, I’ve experienced a whole mixture of music, workshops, performers, and events, but V Festival is by far the biggest festival yet, and definitely the most commercial. The style of the festival has definitely changed since it’s conception 21 years ago. Although Kaiser Chiefs took the MTV stage, and Jake Bugg played a beautifully executed set of Country Rock and Roll on Sunday, the presence of typical rock, indie bands or simple singer-songwriters seemed almost banished from the premises, different from the days when Kasabian, Paul Weller and the Courteeners would take the stage. The festival this year boasted iconic pop headliners instead, with Justin Bieber taking the Saturday slot in Hylands park and Rihanna closing the Chelmsford site on Sunday, their 90,000 people capacity can definitely be seen packed across the various stages.

 

 

V Festival is one of the main chapters of the British festival season. It’s increasingly popular, features a lot of various stalls from sponsors, and a tonne of fairground rides. For a festival this size there are only two campsites, which though both incredibly large, are meticulously separated at ticket purchasing. When buying a V festival ticket You can choose to camp in either red or yellow, and if you have friends in another campsite or make some there who happen to have chosen differently, too bad, the security will probably bite your head off for suggesting you pay them a visit. This being said, the campsites themselves are pretty well organised, lit and have their own food vendors to satisfy their chosen ones, not to mention your fellow neighbours are friendly enough. Contrary to many rumours of tent burning, I saw absolutely no mindless violence or foul behaviour, but maybe that's because they were all in yellow camp, so I guess I’ll never know.

 

V is technically only a two-day festival, but with the vast majority of punters arriving on the Friday, the Arena is open, which at this point fairly clean, and the Radio 1/MTV stage showcased the likes of the incredible DJ EZ and Eric Prydz, who although had an incredible light show, played a set perhaps a bit too house inspired, and the silent disco is open until 1am to subdue the crowds and simultaneously adhere to the residential sound level of the Chelmsford area.

Smirnoff House

Saturday rolled around, and boasted a whole load of dance acts, such as the Smirnoff house stage, where Tinie Tempah’s DJ (if you could call him that) somehow wowed the crowds with his repetitive mix of hits. On the live music front, however, Rick Astley made a comeback with an incredible live performance. A big turnout and lots of fun, he threw in a cover of Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk before ending his set with his beloved classic Never Gonna Give You Up, he certainly didn’t let us down. Also on the MTV stage, John Newman blew away expectations with new track Olé, as well as some classics and his Rudimental beginnings, also throwing in a surprising lone acoustic song written only a week previous, and performed for the first time on that stage. Emotional messages for loved ones graced the lyrics of the song, and although widely unexpected, it was a touching moment in an otherwise jam-packed show. Saturday also saw the likes of pop princesses Jess Glynne and Zara Larsson play, as well as the actual Tinie Tempah, and the elusive Sia’s strangely captivating stage show, which although fifteen minutes late was incredibly entertaining.

Performers at Sia

But really we need to talk about Justin. Rumours about a cancelled set were floating around on the Friday, and when he took the stage Saturday evening it was clear to see why. Looking desperately hungover, and clinging onto signs of life in his various backup dancers, any energy was almost non-existent and he’s half-hearted miming to about half the set was not fully appreciated by the crowd. This, paired with the fact he kept treating the whole show as another stop on the Purpose world tour; and calling the crowd ‘London’ over and over again, made for a pretty disappointing set, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, advise him to take an Alka-Seltzer next time and put it down to illness.

Justin Bieber

One thing that V festival has upped it’s game on is the food vendors around and inside the arena. After some freshly ground coffee, a chicken Caesar Salad with soft poached eggs and (my favourite) a four-cheese Mac N Cheese topped with Jerk Chicken, I can safely conclude you will be able to find something amazing to eat, which you’re going to need to keep you going as you power walking through the absolutely massive festival site.

Sunday came around even quicker than expected and brought with it a lot of more guilty pleasures. All Saints made their reunion on the main stage, and my childhood was made in the few minutes it took them to perform Never Ever and Pure Shores. Following on the Girl Band theme of the day, Little Mix also took the main stage, though opening with Salute and rocking khaki leotards, took a very Destiny’s Child turn, which, alongside a bubbly, high energy stage presence, worked for them massively, as well as bringing Lethal Bizzle on stage with them, driving their fans wild. The main stage also saw the likes of Travis, which though nostalgically fun, didn’t really fit with the other artists, and Example, who seemed to be experiencing some technological issues around his sound, but was fun to watch all the same.

All Saints

Little Mix

 

Over on the MTV stage, Big Sean brought the fire and got the crowd going, ending with his signature ‘I don’t F**k with you’ – a big favourite among the Adidas, flower garland-wearing crowd. Katy B also hit the MTV stage, performing a few of her old tracks, as well as some new ones. Jake Bugg played the MTV stage shortly after, which although backed up by only a band, some simple lights and a colourful backdrop, blew the smaller crowd away with his faultless voice and mesmerising lyrics. David Guetta was the second to last act on the mainstage, just before Bad Gal RiRi herself closed the festival, taking inspiration from the art deco style of the 80’s with her stage show, and seemingly channelling Michael Jackson from beyond the grave, she gave a show-stopping performance. A set which combined the Dirty Diana/ Billie Jean styled tunes of ANTI Desperado and Love on the Brain amongst my favourites, alongside a lot of fan favourites, including a medley of Run This Town, Live Your Life, and Love The Way You Lie. Although the mass amount of crowd around us were rather uninteresting and seemed content at watching the show through a smartphone, her voice, performance and crowd-pleasing setlist was enough to make us move and put the biggest, guiltiest smile on my face.

 

Big Sean

The crowd and general atmosphere of the whole festival was pretty boring, a lot of the festival goers seemed a lot more interested in their image than the acts, which was a bit of a first for me. Because the Lineup at V is so commercial, you don’t really get to stumble across many new bands or acts, as I’ve been lucky enough to do at other, smaller festivals. The smaller stages boost either DJs, already established artists or other acts such as comedy – which although enjoyable – doesn’t scream the festival atmosphere I enjoy. Where I appreciate that  V is one of the most expensive of the British festivals and therefore needs to pack in a crowd-pleasing list, it's lineup is actually pretty small, and doesn’t hold nearly as many artists as one of its main rivals, say Reading + Leeds, who still manage to support and showcase new bands.

I knew from the get-go that V wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, and with this in mind, I did still have a great time. It’s sheer size and sponsorship means that they get some big names, and they know how to accommodate them, the stage show for each performance fairly mesmerising and well planned. There’s also a fair amount of things to see and do (provided you’re willing to pay) but if as long as you like the music, walking, camping, and are adamant that you want to be surrounded by like-minded Instagram happy crowds, then V is the one for you, and you will definitely have fun.

Stage splits announced for V Festival 2016

As the countdown continues to V Festival 2016, sponsored by Virgin Media, excitement is set to reach fever pitch amongst fans today, as details about the scale of Justin Bieber’s exclusive headline performance are revealed. The set is alleged to be the most challenging production the festival has ever seen in its 21-year history – one requirement will see 800 gallons of perfectly purified, 40-degree water soak the superstar, front of stage.

With just over three weeks to go until the festival, Justin Bieber is this week celebrating the news that he reached No.1 in the Spotify Global Streaming Charts for his track with Major Lazer and singer MØ, knocking Drake off the top spot.

Also announced today are the hotly anticipated stage splits for the festivals UK sites at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and at Weston Park in Staffordshire across the 19th to 21st August.  

As the festival marks its 21st anniversary next month, organisers have gone the extra mile this year, exclusively securing some of the biggest recording artists on the planet. Tickets for both V Festival sites have been furiously snapped up leaving only a very limited few tickets remaining for those lucky enough to bag one.

Virgin Media Stage

Performing exclusively at his only European festival this summer, Justin Bieber will headline the Virgin Media Stage on Saturday 20th August in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st August in Staffordshire. Bieber’s most recent album Purpose smashed UK chart records earlier this year by simultaneously charting three singles in the top five spots.

Also exclusively headlining the Virgin Media Stage will be international, Bajan megastar Rihanna, who returns to V Festival this summer after a break of five years, with what promises to be a supercharged performance on Saturday 20th August in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st August closing the Chelmsford site.

Adding to V Festival 2016’s international superstar line-up will be Australian superstar songstress, Sia, and superstar DJ, David Guetta – who are both UK festival exclusives for V Festival 2016.

Sia, who is world famous for her own critically acclaimed material and was one of the standout performances at this year’s Coachella Festival, will take to the Virgin Media Stage in Chelmsford on Saturday 20th and Staffordshire on Sunday 21st. Joining her on the same day of performances will be British indie rock favourites Bastille, Grammy winner Jess Glynne, singer-songwriter James Morrison, Joe Jonas’ pop rock band DNCE, American singer-songwriter Halsey and recent chart-topper Mike Posner.

Global DJ phenomenon David Guetta, one of the most successful artist DJ’s in UK chart history, will be getting the crowds at Weston Park in Staffordshire jumping on Saturday 20th and again in Chelmsford on Sunday 21st. Sharing the Virgin Media Stage on the same day will be the world’s biggest girl group Little Mix, BBC Sound of 2015 winners Years & Years, BRIT Award winners Travis, recently reformed legendary girl group All Saints, festival favourite Example and fast rising American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha.

 

MTV Stage

Taking the top spot at this year’s MTV Stage, on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire,will be legendary group Faithless who return to V Festival for their seventh time. Joining them will be two-time BRIT winner Tinie Tempah, party starter JohnNewman, chart topper Troye Sivan andcelebrated hit maker Rick Astley, (whose recent new album debuted in the UK at No.1), Grammy winner Foxes, Grammy nominated Londoner MNEK, Swedish singer-songwriter Zara Larsson, Irish rock group Walking on Cars and Canadian singer-songwriter Alx Veliz.

BRIT award winners Kaiser Chiefs will also be bringing their many hits to the MTV Stage on Saturday 20th in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st in Chelmsford. The MTV stage continues with singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, BRIT award winner Tom Odell, Mercury Prize nominee Katy B, X Factor StarFleur East, Danish chart-topping soul pop band Lukas Graham, , British DJ and  ‘Tropical House’ record producer Sigala, US hip hop artist Big Sean,English rapper Lethal Bizzle and soulful singer, young Londoner Zak Abel.

 

Dance Arena

The Dance Arena will be jumping with performances from UK garage favourite Craig David TS5 on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire. V Festival goers will be able to dance non-stop to DJ sets from Wilkinson and Sigma, Kurupt FM, MistaJam, My Nu Leng, Monki and Tom Zanetti & KO Kane.

On Saturday 20th in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st in Chelmsford, the Dance Arena audiences will be able to witness pulsating performances from the garage music extraordinaire DJ EZ and deep house favourite MK. Joining them in the arena will be Tchami, Flight Facilities, Blonde, Philip George, Low Steppa, Jonas Blue and Icarus.

 

V Street Stage

Headlining V Festival’s V Street Stage on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire will be legendary hip-hop act The Sugarhill Gang. Joining them will be Rudimental vocalist turnedsolo star Anne-Marie, Jojo, WSTRN, Angel, Ady Suleiman, Raye, Moxie Raia, The Main Level, Raye andJodie Abacus.

The V Street Stage on Saturday 20th in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st in Chelmsford will welcome British Grammy award winners Soul II Soul. They will be joined by outstanding British soul singers Laura Mvula and Corinne Bailey Rae, Liverpudlian rock group The Lightning Seeds (who played the very first V Festival in 1996), singer Gavin James, Def Jam artist Bibi Bourelly, Eliza and The Bear, K Stewart, Freak and Claudia Kane.

 

Glee Comedy Tent

The V Festival Glee Comedy Tent will be roaring with laughter as an all-star line up of comedians entertain the crowds. The incomparable comedic talents of Bobby Mair, Dane Baptiste, Tom Stade, Andy Robinson, Jen Brister, Nathan Caton, Adam Hills, Ivo Graham, Sara Pascoe, Matt Richardson(appearing in Hylands Park on Saturday 20th only), Andrew BirdJoe Bor, Allyson June Smith (appearing in Weston Park Sunday 21st only)and MC Kevin McCarthy will be onstage on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire.

And laughter keeps coming the with Bill Bailey, Josh WiddicombeKatherine Ryan, Danny Slim Gray, Craig Murray, Jarred Christmas, Andrew Stanley, John Fothergill, Michael Fabri, Alex Edelman, Tom Deacon, Funmbi Omotayo and MC Mark Olver who will be performing on Saturday 20th at Staffordshire and Sunday 21st at Chelmsford.

 

BBC Radio 1 Summer of Dance

And to kick off the party weekend, V Festival 2016 will present BBCRadio 1 Summer of Dance Stage on Friday 19th August, featuring some of the hottest dance acts on the planet split across the Chelmsford and Staffordshire sites. Radio 1 DJs Annie Mac and Danny Howard will play both sites, travelling between them on the Friday via helicopter. Annie and Danny will be joined by Eric PrydzMistaJam and MK in Chelmsford, with Gorgon City (Live)Wilkinson (Live), and Monki in Staffordshire.

Justin Bieber & Rihanna to headline V Festival 2016 + more announced

V Festival 2016, sponsored by Virgin Media, will be graced by global chart royalty this summer as Justin Bieber and Rihanna dominate the headline slots across the legendary festival weekend. Our 21st birthday celebrations will take place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire on 20 and 21 August 2016. 

Performing exclusively at his only UK festival this summer, Bieber, who also shares his age with us, will treat you guys to his debut V Festival performance and a sneak peak of his upcoming tour, ‘Purpose’. After smashing UK chart records by simultaneously holding the number one, two and three spot in the UK single charts, the Grammy winner is expected to pull the V Festival crowds in their thousands.

To cement the line-up with true superstar status, Rihanna is will round off the headline bill with another electric performance as she returns to V Festival after five years. The Bajan singer will be bringing the hotly anticipated and unmissable ‘Anti World Tour’ to her only UK festival of the summer.

Adding to V Festival 2016’s international superstar line-up and will be Australian superstar songstress, Sia, and superstar DJ, David Guetta – who are both UK festival exclusives for V Festival 2016. Sia, who is word famous for her own critically acclaimed material, has also written for some of the world’s biggest artists including Beyoncé, Britney Spears and even penned headliner Rihanna’s hit ‘Diamonds’. Global DJ phenomenon David Guetta is one of the most successful artist DJ’s in UK chart history and is well-known for his energetic live shows, bringing the full-on party atmosphere and enthralling sold-out crowds across the world – this set will be unmissable.

Also performing on the Virgin Media stage are British indie rock favourites Bastille, the world’s biggest girl group Little Mix, Grammy winner Jess Glynne and party starter, John Newman.

In another V Festival debut, BBC Radio 1 will host a new stage on Friday night across both Chelmsford and Staffordshire sites. Adding to this incredible new set up, the BBC Radio 1 Summer of Dance stage will bring its all new Summer of Dance line-up, guaranteed to add chart-topping dance anthems, the hottest artists, and newest releases into the mix. Further details including the line up will be announced during Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show on Friday 4th March.

As well as international chart-toppers, a host of homegrown British talent will also feature on the star-studded bill. Legendary V Festival favourites,Faithless return for their seventh time, while BRIT Award winners Kaiser Chiefs will bring the hits. Further British talent includes BBC Sound of 2015 winners Years and Years, singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, UK Garage legend Craig David with his TS5 set, The Voice UK and X Factor star Rita Ora, two-time Brit winner Tinie Tempah and festival favourites Example and Katy B.

Halsey will grace the festival as well as Troye Sivan, who with a unique acting, blogging and musical background under his belt, is sure to deliver an unmissable set. Bringing the rock ‘n’ roll will be BRIT Award winners Travis, singer-songwriter James Morrison and Joe Jonas’ pop rock band,DNCE. Grammy winner Foxes, X Factor star Fleur East and legendary British-Canadian girl band All Saints will each add a pop flavour to the weekend. Soul II Soul will bring the good vibes, while ‘Fester Skank’ smash artist, Lethal Bizzle, DJ EZ, Sigma (DJ set), Flight Facilities, and Big Sean will bring the pounding beats and furious flow to a phenomenal V Festival 2016 line up.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 26th February at 9.30am. Please only book through our official outlets LISTED HERE. Purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.

The full line-up includes: Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Sia, David Guetta, Faithless, Kaiser Chiefs, Years & Years, Jake Bugg, Bastille, Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah, Jess Glynne, Little Mix, Craig David’s TS5, Katy B, Halsey, Example, Troye Sivan, DJ EZ, James Morrison, Travis, John Newman, Foxes, DNCE, Sigma (DJ set), All Saints, Fleur East, Soul II Soul, Big Sean, Flight Facilities, and Lethal Bizzle with more acts still to be announced.

Snoop Dogg is bringing the Cali sunshine to T in the Park

The sun is set to shine on T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations, and with temperatures in Kinross currently soaring into the 20s, organisers are gearing up to welcome 85,000 music fans per day to the sunny Scottish countryside this weekend. When Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion) played T in the Park in 2005, he brought a touch of California sunshine to the fields of Kinross, and with Snoop set to return to play the festival’s 20th year bash on Saturday, it appears as though he’ll be once again bringing the sunshine with him.
 
Geoff Ellis, Festival Director, said: “The sun is splitting the sky here in Kinross as we add the finishing touches to the site, and it’s looking like we’re going to have a glorious weekend for our 20th year celebrations. I think Snoop Dogg must be a lucky charm – he played in 2005 when we enjoyed fantastic weather so I think we may need to book him every year!
“Fans should ensure they’re prepared for all weather this weekend by bringing sunscreen and a hat to shield themselves from the rays. Remember to stay hydrated over the weekend plus bring layers of clothing as temperatures can drop overnight.”
 
Snoop Lion
 
The 20th year bash kicks off on Thursday, when over 35,000 Thursday campers (a new record!) will descend on the fields of Kinross for a top line-up of Thursday entertainment. This weekend, some of the biggest artists in the world will play T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations, including headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihannaand The Killers, plus Calvin Harris, Kraftwerk, The Script, Stereophonics, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, Beady Eye, Frank Ocean, Emeli Sandé, alt-J, Foals, The Lumineers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and loads more.
 
T in the Park organisers have also issued top tips to make sure that festival goers stay safe in the sun this weekend. Says a T in the Park spokesperson: “We’re all looking forward to a sunny T, but the last thing you want to happen is have your weekend ruined because you weren’t properly prepared. These tips should make sure you enjoy the festival and leave with a suntan.”
 
1) Sunburn is sore and it looks nasty. Bring sun cream, use it and reapply it throughout the day.
2) Drink lots of water! Bring an empty plastic bottle and fill it up for free at the water taps onsite.
3) Don’t drink too much alcohol –alternate with water and soft drinks and don’t forget to eat regularly – eating’s not cheating.
4) Don’t forget to bring any medication such as anti-histamines and inhalers as the sun can exacerbate these conditions.
5) Come prepared for a change in weather! Even if it’s hot during the day, the site could become cold at night so bring a warm change of clothes and bring a waterproof just in case!
6) If you do feel ill at any time, or run out of sun cream, visit a welfare tent or a first aid point situated around the site

Miguel added to Poland’s Open’er Festival

The line-up for this year's Open’er Festival is ever expanding as more outstanding major acts confirm for 2013’s edition.
 
Each year, the Grammy Award ceremony needs it's quiet, surprising hero. In 2012, it was Bon Iver, while at this year's ceremony the role was played by Miguel, a 28-year-old Los Angeles singer. With the surprising five nominations, until the ceremony, known only to a small handful of fans, he gave a fiery interpretation of his hit single "Adorn", later receiving a Grammy award for it as Best R’n’B Song. He was just a little short from returning home as author of "Song Of The Year", yet, the American market wasn't ready for him yet.
 
Miguel Pimentel debuted in 2010 with a decent, yet unnoticed album "All I Want Is You”. While the LP gained its faithful listeners, its high quality deserved a far better reception. In 2011, Miguel broke the contract with his label at the time, signing to the renowned RCA Records, who understood the potential in the young singer. In October 2012, he released "Kaleidoscope Dream", deemed one of the best albums of the year straight away. Perfected to the last detail, sung in a way to strike only one comparison – Prince, the album did not only gather words of praise, but also checked in at top positions in the charts. The comparisons to Prince appear in nearly all "Kaleidoscope Dream" reviews, as Miguel has another advantages but exquisite songwriting: good looks and untamed stage antics.
  
Hip-hop beat and the use of rock instruments make Miguel not only one of the creators of the so-called "new r'n'b" (along Frank Ocean or The Weeknd), but also an artist to refresh the entire genre, while keeping faith to the classical sound. It is acknowledged by the growing crowd of fans, award juries and the greatest stars. We believe that on July 6, the Open'er audience will acknowledge it too.

BBC Introducing: New acts for T in the Park

With just 5 weeks to go until T in the Park opens its gates to tens of thousands of Thursday campers and the biggest weekend of the summer gets underway, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager have added yet more hotly tipped, under the radar acts to the 20th year bill. The Recovery!, Roman Nose, The LaFontaines, Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun, PAWS, Baby Strange, Fat Goth, Discopolis, Departures, Saint Max and the Fanatics, Animal Noise, Astroid Boys, Story Books, Propellers, The Adelines, Emily Burns, Model Aeroplanes, Big Beat Bronson, Steel Trees and The Lake Poets will all take to the BBC Introducing stage over the weekend of 12th – 14th July.
 
Glasgow five-piece The Recovery! fuse noise and attitude to create an energetic, heavy rock ‘n’ roll sound. Bringing some dark electro beats to the festival this year are Roman Nose, who have supported the likes of The Glitch Mob and 2manydjs. Combining Hip-Hop, Rock and Pop into one genre mash-up of brilliant noise, The LaFontaines have just played their biggest sell-out headline show to date at Glasgow’s Classic Grand and have supported the likes of Example and Twin Atlantic, plus their track Under The Storm featured as the soundtrack to T in the Park’s 20th year line-up announcement video.  
 
Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun played a rapturously received set at SXSW and have smashed through two UK headline tours. PAWS’ punchy pop punk tracks took off in 2010, and their infectious sound was showcased on their debut LP Cokefloat! in 2012.
 
Baby Strange have been the talk of 2013, storming the stage and packing out the venues around their home-town of Glasgow including their appearance at Tenement Trail in March. Dundee’s Fat Goth recently released their second album Stud to a slew of outstanding reviews from the likes of Rock Sound, Kerrang! and Drowned in Sound. Edinburgh electronic four-piece Discopolis made their T in the Park debut on the T Break Stage in 2011, and were hailed by NME as one of the top new bands to watch shortly after. With two EP’s and studio albums under their belt, Glasgow band Departures have developed a fanbase for their melodic hard core rock.
 
Purveyors of offbeat, catchy pop gems, Saint Max and the Fanatics have won support from luminaries including Steve Lamacq and Vic Galloway since forming a year ago. Essex-based trio Animal Noise create energetic acoustic dance music with fast guitar picking and soulful vocals. Cardiff’s grime collective Astroid Boys impressively entwine hard core beats and impressive rapping with street-wise, captivating lyrics. Story Books released their debut EP Too Much a Hunter in May on Communion, the label co-founded by Ben Lovett from Friday headliners Mumford & Sons.
 
Propellers infuse their classic indie tracks with a disco-inspired twist, and are set to share the line-up with the likes of Jake Bugg and Tom Odell at The Rolling Stones’ forthcoming Hyde Park gig. The Adelines are a guitar-driven quartet who have captured the attention of fans and industry alike with their jangly reverb-guitars and pop sensibilities. Emily Burns oozes dreamy pop with her acoustic sound and Dundee’s Model Aeroplanes are set to own the stage with their energetic indie rock music.
 
Big Beat Bronson is Newcastle’s answer to a hip-hop super-group, with stunning musical rhymes and vocals. Steel Trees showcase themselves as ‘punk misfits’ with their loud and proud grunge music. The Lake Poets put on an enchanting show with beautiful songs centered around lead Martin’s acoustic guitar.
 
Over 85,000 festival-goers per day will descend on Kinross over 12th – 14th July for the 20th year of T in the Park, which will feature performances by some of the hottest acts on the planet, including headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus The Script, Stereophonics, Beady Eye, Kraftwerk, alt-J, Foals, The Lumineers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, My Bloody Valentine, Two Door Cinema Club, The Courteeners, Frightened Rabbit, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters and Men, Twin Atlantic, Editors, Hurts, Travis, Frank Turner, The View, Noah and the Whale, Ocean Colour Scene, Haim, Imagine Dragons, The Fratellis, Johnny Marr, James Skelly & the Intenders, Villagers, Local Natives, Chvrches, Tribes, FIDLAR, Palma Violets, Kodaline, The 1975, Peace, The Strypes, British Sea Power, The Heavy, Deap Vally, Swim Deep, Trash Talk, Brooke Candy,  The Virginmarys and Josephine, plus many more still to be announced. 
 
 
Fans can guarantee they’re part of the 20th year of T in the Park by getting their tickets now from www.tinthepark.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 08444 999 990. Experience the 20th year of T in the Park and join 85,000 music lovers per day as part of the greatest audience in the world this July. Boutique camping options in The Residence are also available for those looking for luxury living at T in the Park – check out www.theresidenceexperience.co.uk
 
For regular T in the Park news, check out www.facebook.com/tinthepark and follow us on Twitter @Tinthepark

Earth Wind and Fire join T in the Park 20th anniversary lineup

Kinross will become a Boogie Wonderland this July when the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire take to the T in the Park stage. Festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager are pleased to announce that the group – one of the most influential and innovative of the 20th century – will be bringing a dose of soul and funk to T in the Park’s 20th year festivities over 12th – 14th July.
During the latter half of the Seventies, Earth, Wind & Fire released a series of albums that changed the face of pop music with their genre-defying fusion of modern jazz, soul, gospel, funk, disco, rock and African music. Their remarkable career, which spans over four decades, has seen them sell over 90 million records worldwide, win 6 Grammy Awards and garner an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
 
Founded by Memphis-born Maurice White, their breakthrough came with the no. 1 album That’s the Way of the World (1975) and they went on to dominate the charts that decade with an unbroken run of multiplatinum-selling albums including Gratitude, Spirit, All ‘n’ All, The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 and I Am. Although Maurice White retired from the road in 1996, he remains the band’s heart and soul from behind the scenes as composer and producer. Famed for their grandiose live performances, and much loved by critics and fans alike for classics such as Let’s Groove, Boogie Wonderland, September, Fantasy and Shining Star, their irresistible, feel good anthems are sure to be a massive hit at T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations.
 
Earth, Wind & Fire join T in the Park’s hugely diverse 20th year bill, which features headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus Chase and Status, Calvin Harris, Snoop Dogg, Kraftwerk, Emeli Sandé, Dizzee Rascal, alt-J, Frank Ocean, Foals, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paloma Faith, Rita Ora, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters and Men, Hurts, Ke$ha, Johnny Marr and many more on the 20th year bill.

T in the Park add hot new acts Logic, AlunaGeorge and more!

Iconic Scottish group Texas plus hot new acts Logic, AlunaGeorge, Laura Mvula, Deap Vally, Jagwar Ma, Ruen Brothers, MS MR, Brooke Candy and Josephine are set to perform T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations over 12th – 14th July, after festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager added yet more must see artists to the bill today.
 
Texas played T in the Park’s Balado debut back in 1997 – the same year their massive number 1 hit album White on Blonde catapulted them to global success. They returned to headline in 2001, and are set to play a huge homecoming show at the festival’s 20th year celebrations. After a 6 year hiatus, they release a brand new studio album entitled The Conversation on 20th May, and will showcase their long-awaited new material as well as treating fans to massive anthems such as I Don't Want a Lover, Say What You Want, Black Eyed Boy and Halo when they return to T in the Park in July.
 
Maryland rapper Logic’s recent rise through the industry has seen him snag a 2013 Freshman spot in hip-hop bible XXL Magazine, sign to Def Jam and work with No I.D. (the veteran producer and now A&R figure who helped mold the careers of Common and Kanye West). He makes his T in the Park debut this July.
 
AlunaGeorge are being tipped for big things this year, after they enjoyed huge success with their track Attracting Flies. They featured 2nd in the BBC’s Sound of 2013 list (after fellow T in the Parkact Haim, who topped the list) and their hotly-anticipated debut album is due for release this summer. 
 
Alunageorge
 
Birmingham’s Laura Mvula is also one of this year’s hottest new stars. Her debut album Sing to The Moon shot into the top 10 in March and she gained critical acclaim with a coveted Brits Critics' Choice nomination.  With her UK headline tour gaining rave reviews, her unique vocals and jazz-meets-soul style are set to go down a storm in Kinross this July.
 
Earlier this month, LA rockers Deap Vally opened for fellow T in the Park act Yeah Yeah Yeahs in Las Vegas and absolutely smashed their set at Coachella. Next stop is Kinross, when they bring their raw rock ‘n’ roll sound (created with only a guitar, drums and vocals) to the 20th year celebrations this summer.
 
Alternative-indie duo Jagwar Ma are Sydney’s answer to Madchester and as a result are causing a stir with their debut single, The Throw. With their 90’s inspired tracks Jagwar Ma are tipped to be huge in 2013.
 
Scunthorpe’s Ruen Brothers uploaded their track Aces to BBC Introducing on Radio Humberside in January and have been causing a stir ever since. The hotly tipped sibling duo are sure to get the crowd going with their 60s-esque rock ‘n’ roll.
 
New York’s MS MR went down a storm at SXSW slot in March, with an incredible set sure to follow at T in the Park’s 20th year this July. Their debut single Hurricane created a huge buzz in the blogosphere, with their first album Secondhand Rapture set to propel them to greater levels of stardom when it’s released in May. They’re most certainly ones to watch at T in the Park 2013.
 
US rap sensation Brooke Candy was first discovered after appearing in Grimes music video and was described by Vice Magazine as “the post-apocalyptic Lil’ Kim”; she has opened for the likes of Azealia Banks and put on an explosive performance at the NME Awards Show in February.
 
Josephine is a soulful chanteuse from Manchester, whose self-reflective debut album Portrait was voted in the top 50 albums of the year by Q Magazine, with the title hailing her “an extraordinary talent.” She’ll showcase her soulful vocal prowess when she makes her T in the Park debut this July.

Snopp Dogg joins the T in the Park lineup!

The undisputed king of rap is the latest star to sign up to the T in the Park bill, which also features Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus electronic pioneersKraftwerk and Stereophonics, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Emeli Sandé, Foals, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, Jake Bugg, Tom Odell, HaimPalma Violets and many more, with tickets on sale now from www.tinthepark.com.

Introduced to the world through Dr. Dre’s album The ChronicSnoop was propelled to stardom after his first album Doggystyle debuted at number 1 in the US and sold almost a million copies in its first week of release in 1993. Over the past two decades, he’s remained firmly at the forefront of popular culture though his legendary street raps and collaborations with a huge array of acts. As well as being one of the world’s biggest hip-hop artists, he’s a respected TV and movie actor, the founder and coach of a hugely successful youth football league and now star of his own video game.
 
Snoop Dogg
 
With anticipation building ahead of the release of his 12th studio album, Reincarnated, his first under new moniker Snoop Lion, the Bigg Boss Dogg is back and sure to be a hip hop highlight of T in the Park.
 
Geoff Ellis, Festival Director, said: “Snoop Dogg is a true legend and one of the most influential rap stars of all time. His first and only T in the Park performance so far back in 2005 was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our 20 year history, and we’re hugely excited to bring him back to Scotland for our 20th edition. Snoop is a phenomenal live act, and I can’t wait to see what he’s got in store for us this year.”
 
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship at Tennent’s Lager, said: “T in the Park continues to attract some of the greatest artists in the world, and Snoop Dogg is no exception. The 20th year is shaping up to be a wonderful weekend, and we can’t wait to celebrate 20 years of putting the T inT in the Park with the greatest audience in the world this July.”

Stereophonics, Chase & Status and more added to T in the Park lineup

Joining the ultra-impressive line-up which already boasts Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus electronic pioneers Kraftwerkalongside The Script, Richie Hawtin, alt-J, Azealia Banks and more are: Adam Beyer, Bastille, Ben Klock & Marcel Dettmann (b2b), British Sea Power, Chase and Status, CHVRCHES, Claude VonStroke, The Courteeners, Deacon Blue, Disclosure, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Sneak, Derrick Carter & Mark Farina (b2b), Eats Everything, Editors, Emeli Sandé, Everything Everything, Frank Turner, The Fratellis, Frightened Rabbit, The Heavy, Hot Natured, Imagine Dragons, Jackmaster, Jake Bugg, Joy Orbison, Labrinth, The Lumineers, Miles Kane, Modest Mouse, Modestep, Nina Kraviz, Nina Nesbitt, Noah and the Whale, Ocean Colour Scene, Of Monsters and Men, The Original Rudeboys, Palma Violets, Paloma Faith, Peace, The Proclaimers, Rudimental, Seth Troxler, Silicone Soul, Slam, Stereophonics, The Strypes, Tom Odell, Twin Atlantic, Two Door Cinema Club, The View, Villagers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The 1975.

With a back catalogue packed with epic festival anthems, Stereophonics are big T in the Parkfavourites. Having played to massive crowds world-wide and chalking up five UK number one albums along the way, their Best Of compilation A Decade In the Sun sold over a million copies in 2008. With a brand new album Graffiti on the Train on the way in March, they’ll return to T in the Park ready to showcase new material as well as their greatest hits – cue mass singalongs from the Kinross crowd.

Returning to cement their reputation as one of the best festival acts on the circuit, drum'n'bass producers Chase and Status will get the 20th year party well and truly started. Having swiftly risen from underground urban phenomenon to become one of the UK’s biggest crossover acts, they’re in demand across the world over as producers and as a phenomenal live act. Following the multi-platinum success of previous records, their third studio album is due for release this summer.
 
Stereophonics
 
Glasgow trio CHVRCHES’ blend of classic and modern analogue synthesisers, bruised beats and barbed pop hooks came to the fore in their debut single The Mother We Share (as it also did inLies, their first track that seeped onto the internet earlier in the year). Voted number 5 in the BBC Sound of 2013, and number 2 in the UK Blog Sound of 2013, their T in the Park debut is not to be missed.
 
The leading lights of UK dance music, Disclosure are spearheading an uprising of exciting young producers. Following the top 20 success of breakthrough hit Latch, the Lawrence brothers are currently working on their debut album, and will bring their trademark beats and slick house to T in the Park this July.
 
Since winning the Mercury Prize with his debut album in 2003, Dizzee Rascal has enjoyed a stratospheric rise to the top of the charts with a host of smash hit number 1 singles. The South-London rapper has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars, and is currently putting the finishing touches to his fifth studio album, the follow-up to 2009's platinum selling Tongue n' Cheek.
 
Editors are back with a new album this summer. The band have been busy recording tracks for their fourth album in Nashville, and will showcase brand new material alongside classic songs from their double platinum debut The Back Room and two number one follow up albums. Ed from Editors said:
 
It is our pleasure to be coming back up to T in the Park this summer, after what seems like an age. Editors have undergone some changes in the last 12 months, but we have come out the other side a more determined band with a bunch of new songs that we think you are going to like. We can't wait to get back amongst it with some special festival crowds, and where could be a better place to do that than T in the Park?”
 
After selling out a headline Wembley Arena show and stunning T in the Parkers last year with a spell-binding set which proved exactly why his honest and passionate folk/punk has won him so many fans, Frank Turner is heading back to Kinross this summer, telling fans: "I'm very pleased to be heading back north of the border this summer – T in the Park is always great, like all Scottish shows in general."
 
Frightened Rabbit released their hotly anticipated fourth album Pedestrian Verse earlier this month to widespread critical acclaim, with the record entering the UK album chart at number 9 last week. Adored on their native Scottish soil, the band’s frank, poetic lyrics and intense live sets have also won them a massive Stateside following, and they make a triumphant return to T in the Parkthis July.
 
Jamie Jones and Lee Foss bring their hugely acclaimed Hot Natured collective to make their T in the Park debut at the 20th year celebrations. Their label Hot Creations is one of the most popular outlets for house and techno and their recently launched Paradise nights at Ibiza’s top underground club DC10 has helped cement their position as one of the scene’s leading outfits. In 2011, Jones earned the coveted title of Number 1 DJ in the world in Resident Advisor’s prestigious poll, and Hot Natured’s T in the Park set is not to be missed.
 
T in the Park is delighted to welcome back Labrinth and the feeling is mutual, with the Hackney born superstar saying: “T in the Park is one of my favourite festivals to play. The crowd is always on fire and I KNOW this year is not going to be any different!"  Labrinth’s debut album Electronic Earth spawned the massive smash hit singles Earthquake featuring Tinie Tempah and Last Time, before he hit the number one spot with Beneath Your Beautiful featuring fellow T in the Park star,Emeli Sandé.
 
The Lumineers will bring their glorious rustic, heart-on-the-sleeve folk rock to the fields of Kinross for the 20th year of T in the Park. The band’s eponymous debut album has won widespread acclaim for its timeless melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. With two prestigious Grammy nominations under their belt, their huge single Ho Hey soared into the UK top ten last year.  
 
Modest Mouse enjoyed massive breakthrough success with their 2004 album Good News For People Who Love Bad News, which included the huge hit Float On, earned the band two Grammy nominations and sold over 1.5 million copies. The Washington group bring their epic indie anthems back to Kinross this July.
 
After bursting on to the scene with the irresistibly catchy 5 Years Time, Noah and the Whalehave gone from strength to strength. Their third album Last Night On Earth, went on to become one of the 2011’s biggest sellers, achieving platinum status and producing the hit singleL.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. They release its eagerly awaited follow-up Heart of Nowhere this May.
 
There’s a major buzz surrounding indie four-piece Palma Violets right now. Their single Best Of Friends was voted NME's track of 2012, with Step Up for the Cool Cats being named Zane Lowe's Hottest Record. The band featured on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 longlist and release their hugely anticipated debut album next week.
 
Joining this year’s glittering line-up are London-based four-piece, Rudimental. The group rocketed to success in 2012 when their single Feel the Love topped the UK singles chart. Since then they’ve enjoyed continued success with single Not Giving In, and they’re sure to go down a storm with the legendary Kinross crowd.
 
Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic won a huge, international fanbase with their 2009 mini-album Vivarium. Its follow-up Free cemented their reputation as one of the biggest bands to emerge from Scotland within recent years, with its title track famously featuring as the soundtrack to the 2012 Red Bull Stratos space jump by Felix Baumgartner. A phenomenal live act, they’re sure to receive a warm welcome back to T in the Park from a home crowd.
New York City’s hottest art-punk trio Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs are back this April with their hugely anticipated fourth album Mosquito. All three of its predecessors received Grammy nominations, with debut Fever to Tell hailed by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork Media, and NME as one of the finest of the decade. An awesome live act known for their raw, intense live shows, they sent the crowd into a frenzy during their 2009 T in the Park appearance when they invited the East Kilbride Pipe Band to join them on stage for a thrilling performance of Skeletons.  Expect yet more fireworks when they make their return to Kinross this July. 
 
T in the Park organisers have also today revealed that the Arcadia Afterburner will be a brand new addition to the site the year. The spectacular mechanical, fire-breathing structure will becomethe place to party late into the night, in the heart of Sunset Strip.
 
With an international line-up of chart toppers, Grammy winners, pioneering trailblazers, rising stars and Scotland’s finest home-grown heroes, the T in the Park 2013 bill is off to a roaring start. 
 
Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “When 17,000 fans joined us at Strathclyde Park for the inaugural T in the Park in 1994, I don’t think anyone could have imagined how the festival would grow and evolve. We are thrilled to be welcoming some of the world’s greatest artists to Kinross this July for our 20th edition, with a truly diverse line-up of seminal artists, global stars and the most exciting new breakthrough talent.
 
“Every year, artists tell us that our audience is like no other and that they love coming to T in the Park to play in front of one of the most passionate and enthusiastic crowds in the world. Earlier this month, T in the Park was named Pollstar’s International Music Festival of the Year and I believe we have our fans to thank for this prestigious award. It’s the legendary atmosphere that makes this festival special, and we can’t wait to celebrate our 20th year with the greatest audience in the world this July.”
 
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship at Tennent’s Lager, said: “What began in 1994 as a founding partnership between Tennent’s Lager and T in the Park, has become a hugely successful, long-standing relationship. When T in the Park began, Tennent’s and DF Concerts shared an ambition and vision for the festival, and we are thrilled to be part of a world renowned event which attracts the world’s finest musical talent. We are exceptionally proud to have been the T in T in the Park since the start and our passion for live music remains strong in the festival’s 20th year.”