Truck Festival 2023

Truck Festival is a one of our firm favourites on the festival calander and this years did not disappoint at all. Located on Hill Farm in Oxfordshire the festival offered a huge line up with some of the hottest bands around. Headlining the weekend was The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, Alt-J and Royal Blood. Every band who performed put on a cracking performance and put all their energy into their sets. The festival had plenty to offer including food and drink stalls, kids activities, gameshows, yoga, karaoke and more. Unfortunately the weather was a typical British type for a festival. Saturday was a downpour which made the site into a slippery mud bath but that did not dampen any ones spirits.

Our photographer Kane Howie was at the festival to document the weekend. You can see a selection of his images below.

2024 tickets are on sale now and are selling fast! We will definitely be returning for next year!

Virgin Money Unity Arena lineup announced

Virgin Money Arena

Following the announcement last week that the UK’s first socially distanced live music arena would be launching on Tyneside, its organisers have today confirmed a barnstorming opening line-up. Virgin Money Unity Arena will officially launch at Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, on Friday 14th August and Saturday 15th August THIS YEAR. Two Door Cinema Club will be the first heavweight headliner to … Read more

Community Festival 2018 review

With a stickiness lingering in the hot air, we could have easily been heading to a music festival in a bustling city in Southern Europe. But, no, it may have been 30 degrees and sweltering, but instead, we were making our way to North London’s Finsbury Park, home for the day to Community Festival.

Celebrating the best of British guitar bands and new music, my companion and I were both excited and curious about the day ahead. For me, a UK summer festival exclusive from indie gang Two Door Cinema Club and sets from The Vaccines and pop rockers You Me At Six were the main draw, as they were each a band I fondly remembered listening to rather frequently in my late teens.

As we slunk our way through the gates it soon became evident that the bands still attracted a similar clientele: the crowds were young and excitable, though seemingly harmless and friendly.

After sipping a cider or two under the rays, it was time to head over to the main stage to catch the first on my hit list: You Me At Six. I instantly became awash with nostalgia, as the familiar punky vocals flooded the arena, provoking lots of movement within the crowds. The boys treated us to a selection of newer and older hits, the obvious favourites of mine being ‘Underdog’, ‘Loverboy’ and ‘No one does it better’ from their first couple of albums.

‘We are young, we aren’t dead, we are reckless’ stated Josh Franceschi, the band’s jubilant frontman, before leading into their hit ‘Reckless’.

A scrumptious portion of Pomodoro pasta from one of the many varied food stalls fought off those hunger pangs and made for the perfect set break. And, before we knew it, we were soon bouncing around to The Vaccines’ indie belters, a mix of catchy hits including the likes of ‘Post-breakup sex’, ‘No hope’, ‘I always knew’ and ‘If you wanna’. With the crowds swarming with energy, the balmy summer atmosphere paired with well-received tunes made it seemingly impossible not to let loose and revel in all the day’s glory.

It was time for the concluding set: our Northern Irish boys, Two Door Cinema Club. Donning eclectic outfits including the likes of a studded denim jacket, a bright red shirt and a trilby hat, the team’s combined fashion choices immediately set them off with an intriguing stage presence. Settling somewhere mid-way in the crowds, we were impressed with how spacious it was; we could actually watch the headline act at a festival and breathe comfortably at the same time.

The feel-good, tinkling indie tunes proved to be the ideal material to finish off a sublime day of music in the sun, including a string of fan-favourites such as ‘Undercover Martyn’, ‘What you know’, ‘Come back home’ and ‘Something good can work’. It was heart-warming to notice that intimate groups of dancing friends had formed, stretching back as far as the eye could see.

‘I’ve never been to a festival where everyone looks so happy, where everyone is dancing so much’ my friend’s voice muffled in my ear, whilst I tossed my arms up into the sky. It seems that summer Sundays really don’t get much better than this.

Scotland’s announces new festival Trnsmt with Radiohead, Kasabian, Biffy Clyro and more

Taking place at Glasgow Green from 7th – 9th July, 2017, TRNSMT will feature headline performances from Radiohead, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro. The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Belle & Sebastian, London Grammar, George Ezra, Two Door Cinema Club, Twin Atlantic, The Kooks, Blossoms, Rag‘n’Bone Man, Circa Waves and many more to be announced, form the line-up for one of the most highly anticipated music events of the Scottish summer. This truly award-winning line-up, with a mighty 72 BRITs, Grammy Awards, Ivor Novello and Mercury Music Prize award nominations bestowed to the artists on the bill, is unyielding in its quest to provide the greatest experience of the summer for music fans.
 
Glasgow Green will play host to this truly metropolitan, non-camping festival, which stages global superstars alongside the very best of local talent. Glasgow, the UNESCO City of Music and cultural and artistic hub, will provide the backdrop as TRNSMT interrupts Glasgow’s summer air with an electrifying celebration of music, bringing people together to enjoy the acts they already love, discover the new, and undergo life-affirming experiences.
 
Fresh on the heels of the release of their ninth LP, the critically acclaimed A Moon Shaped Pool, Radiohead make their return to Glasgow, playing on Friday 7th July. One of the most iconic and innovative bands in the world, Radiohead have evolved continuously since their inception, having created an eclectic back catalogue of albums and songs now widely regarded as classics. No other British band of the past 30 years continuously tops “Greatest Album Ever” or “Most Influential Artist” polls curated by fans and critics alike, are cited as influential to countless other bands of today, and have the unique ability to command respect from a live audience, no matter the scale of event they play. Radiohead last played Glasgow in 2008, so their return to the city in 2017, a year which has already seen them BRIT Award nominated for Best British Group, is long-awaited and highly anticipated.
 
 
Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2004, Kasabian have gone on to become one of the biggest rock bands in the country and will headline TRNSMT on Saturday 8th July. They’ve continued to fly the flag for British guitar music ever since, releasing a further four critically acclaimed albums, all of which reached number one. Their new record will be released in the spring. The Leicester four-piece are known for their blistering live shows, with their unique blend of colossal dance beats and rock turning whole festival fields into dancefloors. Equally at home on the festival stage, in stadiums, arenas or in a small intimate setting, few bands can unify a crowd of thousands in quite the same way as Kasabian.
 
 
Biffy Clyro are three childhood friends from Ayrshire, Scotland who formed a band, delivered three albums of abrasive youthful exuberance and finally cracked the big time when their fourth – 2007’s Puzzle – hit the charts at number one. With a further three albums under their belt, they are now bona fide stars who can headline festivals, fill arenas and deliver hit singles in an era in which rock bands rarely trouble the charts. Currently nominated for Best British Group at this year’s BRIT Awards, Biffy Clyro’s evolution from the jagged post-hardcore of their early material to the huge alternative rock sound of recent years has won them a fervent and fanatic fan base, whose cries of “Mon the Biff!” will be heard for miles across the city when they headline TRSNMT on Sunday 9th July.
 
The 1975’s album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It proved they were here for a long time, and a good time, topping the charts in the UK and US and becoming one of the defining albums of recent years. The band is nominated for Brit Awards this year including Best British Group and Album of the Year and will no doubt be one of the many highlights of TRNSMT on Sunday 9th July.
 
Welsh four-piece Catfish and the Bottlemen will play TRNSMT hot off the back of a world tour for their critically acclaimed sophomore album, The Ride, which saw their anthemic sound reach number one in UK album charts. TRNSMT’s Glasgow crowd will be sure to welcome the band on Saturday 8th July, as charismatic frontman Van McCann revealed his own love for the city on album track Glasgow, which fans will be hoping to hear this July.
 
Indie figureheads, Belle & Sebastian, bring their critically acclaimed back catalogue to Glasgow Green to join Radiohead on Friday 7th July. Emerging in the late nineties, part of the band’s appeal was their apparent obliviousness to fame, which they were thrust into in 1998 with the release of The Boy with the Arab Strap and their 1999 Best Newcomers Brit Award win. Their ability to share their affinity for culture in songs written almost personally to their fans is how they’ve become lovingly imprinted into the music industry today.
 
Artists also announced today, London Grammar, George Ezra, Two Door Cinema Club, Twin Atlantic, The Kooks, Blossoms, Rag‘n’Bone Man and Circa Waves, have amassed a number of award wins and nominations throughout their careers, from London Grammar’s Ivor Novello win in 2014 to Rag‘n’Bone Man’s Brits Critics' Choice Awards in 2017. The musical talent on offer at TRNSMT, led by Radiohead, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro, is the best of the best, the cream of the crop; from your new favourite to most-played artist, the line-up is yours to enjoy thanks to flexible early bird ticket packages.
 
TRNSMT will offer entertainment over two stages – with a line-up that will highlight talent across the musical spectrum, from the most influential band in fans’ lifetime to their favourite new, under the radar artist on the King Tut’s Stage – powered by Utilita. Fans will enjoy music, arts, culture, bars and restaurants as they customise their individual festival experience across the 3 days.
 

Kasabian set to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2017

With their sixth studio album set for release this spring, rock juggernauts Kasabian stand as one of the biggest and most beloved British bands of the 21st century. Their unmistakable modern-day rock & roll anthems have seen them reinvent themselves from the vintage classics of West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, through to the electro-infused party starters of recent album 48:13. A band leading the charge in modern British rock – their UK Festival Exclusive performance at Reading & Leeds will mark an invigorating new chapter for a defining band of our time.

 Kasabian commented: “It’s been five years, and as a band we have come a long way since then. We’re looking forward to playing tunes from the new record and bringing the mosh pit to Reading & Leeds Festival!”

Two Door Cinema Club join the impressive line up for another vibrant performance at Reading and Leeds. Expect old favourites alongside new tracks from latest album Gameshow, as the Northern Irish trio smash yet another festival crowd on their way to indie immortality. 
 
Two Door Cinema Club commented: "It's so good to be back at Reading and Leeds, it's always a highlight of our summer. Good to see so many guitar bands on the bill this year as well."

 Aussie electro king Flume is set to touch down at Reading & Leeds this summer. Latest album Skin saw him branch into stunning collaborations with AlunaGeorge, Vic Mensa, Vince Staples and Beck amongst others. Expect a stellar production of the soundtrack to 2017 when one of the most in-demand producers in modern dance, Flume takes to the Reading & Leeds stage for a UK Festival Exclusive performance.

 No British DJ stands as iconic as Fatboy Slim. In the span of his 20 year career, he not only pioneered an entire revolution in British dance, but became the genre’s leading face and changed a generation in the process. From ‘The Rockafeller Skank’, through ‘Praise You’, ‘Right Here, Right Now’ and many more, Fatboy Slim’s first ever performance at Reading & Leeds this summer is guaranteed to leave festival-goers wanting to ‘Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat’ for the entire weekend.

Following the success of his top ten album The Godfather, Wiley returns to Reading and Leeds in 2017. Widely acknowledged for laying the foundations for one of the most explosive and important genres of the 21st century, catch the godfather himself performing his art in its purest form.
 
Circa Waves will mark their unstoppable return with an appearance at this year’s festivals, bringing their hotly anticipated new album Different Creatures to life with the live presence that has catapulted them to sold-out shows across the globe.
 
Talking about playing Reading & Leeds this year, Circa Waves said: “We are SO made up to be playing Reading and Leeds again. We are so ready for the festival and can't wait to tear the stage up!”

Undisputedly one of the most influential pop-punk rock acts of the past 20 years, Jimmy Eat World powered the 90’s emo scene with inimitable songwriting and epic live performances that made them a cult phenomenon. JEW’s strike rate on hit records since then speak for themselves; alongside 2001’s “The Middle”, the likes of “Pain”, “Work”, “Sweetness” and “Always Be” have not only helped them attain chart success here but also a vehemently loyal fanbase in the UK and around the world. As Jimmy Eat World return to the Reading and Leeds Festival stage once more, in support of their recently released album Integrity Blues, this will be a moment that cannot be missed.

 Aussie metalcore titans The Amity Affliction will make their way to Reading & Leeds this summer for a UK Festival Exclusive performance, bringing their unmistakable sound to new levels after a mammoth 12 months of touring around the globe. One of the most talked about post-hardcore bands of the moment, their debut appearance at Reading & Leeds will be a calling moment of a band in their element.

Joel Birch of The Amity Affliction says: "I can’t actually believe we’re going to be playing Reading and Leeds. What a wild dream we’re living in. After seeing insane photos of these festivals for my entire adult life and wishing I could just go as an attending music lover, it’s going to be an extremely special experience for me personally to be standing on those stages."
 
After a mammoth 12 months of trail-blazing live moments with a growing legion of devoted fans, Rat Boy will be returning to Reading & Leeds in August. Sparking with a youthful rebellion that’s captivated a nation, his riotous performance is not to be missed this summer.
 
ANNOUNCED TODAY
Kasabian | Two Door Cinema Club | Flume | Fatboy Slim | Wiley | Circa Waves | Jimmy Eat World |
The Amity Affliction | Rat Boy 
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED
Muse | Major Lazer | Bastille | At The Drive In | Architects | Torey Lanez | Glass Animals | Against The Current | Danny Brown | Andy C | While She Sleeps
 

Latitude Festival 2014 Launch Event Review

The Black Keys have been announced as the third act to grace the Obelisk Stage at Latitude Festival this year. It will be the first time the blues / rock duo have headlined a UK festival. After the success of their last album 'El Camino' they will be more than ready to set the final night of the festival alight. They will join Damon Albarn and Two Door Cinema Club as the headlining acts for the ninth year of the festival.

The announcement was revealed at Sadler's Wells in London by festival organiser, Melvin Benn. Sadler's Wells not only provided the venue for the launch, it also adds to the festival by showcasing their very own English National Ballet, James Cousins Company and National Youth Dance Company.

The venue was full with guys and gals excited to hear who would be the next acts to be announced. As drink got flowing, it was clear to see that these people could not wait to be opening their first beer at the festival. The conversation was clearly about who they were most excited to see at Latitude.

Other acts which have been added to the stellar line-up include Editors, James, Crystal Fighters, Kelis, The Afghan Whigs and Tinariwen, Mogwai, Lykke Li, War On Drugs, Temples, Parquet Courts, George Ezra, Conor Oberst, Tom Vek and Dawes.

For those looking for something a little different, a well-rounded cultural experience, the reason that people swarm to Latitude, there will be performers such as Laura Bates (Literature), Sabrina Mahfouz (Poetry) and Margeret Thatcher Queen of Soho (Cabaret) gracing the Arts Stages. The theme for the Art Stages was revealed as 'Secrets and Lies'.

Finally if you're just looking for a giggle and a laugh the Comedy stage will delight you with the likes of Dara O'Briain, Milton Jones, Cardinal Burns, Josh Widdicombe and Seann Walsh.

Having been awarded 'Best Line-up' 2013 at the UK Festival Awards, Latitude has continued to pull together yet another outstanding line-up. We cannot wait to get down to Henham Park, Suffolk in July!

Tickets are on sale now. To get yours go to www.latitudefestival.com/tickets

Two Door Cinema Club to headline Latitude Festival 2014

Latitude is hugely excited to announce that Two Door Cinema Club will make their first festival headline performance on the Obelisk Arena. Announcing the trio ahead of the biggest show of their career at London’s O2 Arena to 16,500 fans, Latitude has confirmed the Irish indie rockers will make the step up to headline Latitude’s main stage. With infectious guitar riffs, glistening electronica melodies and Alex Trimble’s lifting vocals, the band will be slowing down after a year of intense touring to play their one and only UK show of 2014 at Latitude. Not only will this be their first appearance at Latitude, but also the band’s very first festival headline show and we are delighted that Latitude is once again the place for a UK act to take that step. We welcome them with open arms and feet ready for a night of infectious anthems!
 
Kevin Baird from Two Door Cinema Club comments on their headline appearance:
 
"It's really exciting for us to be headlining Latitude in 2014. Over the past 5 years we've made the progression from playing in the small tents to being close to the top of the bill on the main stage. Headlining a great festival like Latitude is obviously quite a big deal for us but we also feel like it is the next natural step. We're ready to headline. We're ready to smash it." 

Two Door Cinema Club

Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp and Swedish indie-pop pioneer Robyn, will enchant festival goers in a special joint appearance at Latitude on their Do It Again 2014 tour. The two acts who collaborated to stunning effect in 2009 with ‘The Girl and The Robot,’ a clear stand-out track on Röyksopp’s third album Junior, are reuniting for a small number of shows in 2014. Latitude will be the only opportunity in the UK to catch these grand masters of electro-pop performing hits from their illustrious careers.
 
Californian sister trio Haim took the UK by storm in 2013, following an outstanding appearance on ‘The Jools Holland Show’ and subsequent release of their breakthrough album ‘Days Are Gone’, with ‘The Wire’ becoming the anthem of the summer for many. Nominated for an NME Award for ‘Best Track’ with 'Don’t Save Me' and topping the prestigious BBC ‘Sound Of 2013’ list, these talented siblings deliver an energetic live performance fusing retro, silky pop vocals and catchy rhythms. The crowds will no doubt go crazy for Haim during their debut Latitude performance.

Haim @ Latitude Festival 2014

Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Roots Award’, Billy and his band will be stopping off at Latitude, where his unique blend of political analysis, romantic idealism and engagement with contemporary society will be a perfect fit with the festival’s audience. Since the release of his internationally acclaimed new album ‘Tooth & Nail’, Billy Bragg has been recognised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) with an ‘Outstanding Contribution To Music Award’. Bragg, who was first inspired to combine music with activism by the ‘Rock Against Racism’ movement in 1978, has put campaigning for equality at the centre of his life and work ever since. An activist for workers’ rights and the end of apartheid throughout the 1980’s, on hearing the news that Nelson Mandela had passed away during a recent show, he dedicated his song ‘Tank Park Salute’ to the inspiring former leader. His ongoing commitment to breaking down the walls of secrecy and silence that surround political power structures will resonate with Latitude’s 2014 theme of Secrets. Having previously joined festival goers in debate about identity in the Literary Arena, Latitude is delighted to welcome back Billy Bragg and his rapturously reviewed band for a UK festival exclusive performance on one of Latitude’s music stages.
 
Latitude is hugely excited to be welcoming Booker T. Jones, one of the all-time legends of Memphis Soul and frontman of legendary Stax session band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. This musical heavyweight has played on every record that Otis Redding ever made and wrote the classic Stax hit ‘Green Onions.’  Having recorded with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Sam and Dave, Neil Young, Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan and more recently Valerie June, Booker T. received the Grammy 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in 2007 and Latitude can’t wait to see him spread his soul magic at the festival. 
 
After her mesmerising 2011 appearance, Latitude is pleased to welcome back ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ Brit Award 2012 nominee Anna Calvi to the festival. Following her acclaimed 2013 album release of ‘One Breath’, Anna will bring her romantically visceral guitar sound and hauntingly sultry vocals to the festival.
 
Alabama native Phosphorescent has, across six albums, won widespread praise and critical plaudits for the sombre yet equally redemptive music of which he writes. His latest album, the universally acclaimed ‘Muchacho’, wowed critics on its release in March, and his recent shows with Latitude favourites, The National, further cemented the love for his live show. With a sound that ranges from country rock, to mournful barroom ballads, he will bring the ‘reverence and purity’ celebrated by Pitchfork for an unforgettable set.
 
The ever-prodigious Nils Frahm seems to exist on a continuous stream of musical output. Based in Berlin, the 31year old electronic and contemporary classical pianist is constantly flooring listeners and audiences with his intensely delicate pieces. Taught by Nahum Brodski – himself a student of the last scholar of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – his unconventional approach to an age-old instrument played contemplatively and intimately will bring a hushed silence whilst opening imaginations at Latitude.  
 
Experimental Swedish band Goat have a magnificent live performance reputation that is sure to spellbind Latitude.  Goat’s guitar riffs have been likened to Hendrix and their music is a magnificent melting pot of music genres, with an audio-visual live performance that owns the stage. Colourful and psychedelic, their live show can only be seen at Latitude this summer and is not to be missed!
 
American folk-pop nomad Cass McCombs brings his uniquely laconic and yearning music to Latitude following the release of his epic sixth album ‘Big Wheel and Others.’ With vocals ranging somewhere between the lilting melody of Morrissey and the driving earnestness of Bob Dylan, McCombs’ contemplative lyricism and macabre jams are not to be missed.
 
Chicago singer/songwriter Willis Earl Beal’s songs run a wide gambit of sounds from gospel confessional to noise-touched soul ballads, all characterised by his booming voice.  Beal’s self-produced second album ‘Nobody Knows’ released on XL in 2013 has been described by NME as “one of the most commanding vocal performances of the year…a bold, beautiful and uncompromising record.”
 
San Fermin is the brainchild of 24-year-old Brooklyn based composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone, who wrote the outfit’s self-titled debut album over six weeks after studying under the avant-garde classical composer Nico Muhly (Björk, Grizzly Bear, Antony & the Johnsons). The result is a sweeping, full-bodied soundscape with multiple distinct peaks and ambitious thematic connections described by The Daily Telegraph as “a consistently surprising and exciting record.”
 
Latitude is hugely excited to announce one of 2013’s breakthrough artists, 21-year-old singer songwriter Marika Hackman. Handpicked by Burberry as one to watch in 2012, and with her single ‘Bath Is Black’ nominated for Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record of 2013’, Hackman’s star is truly on the ascent. While Hackman has already supported previous Latitude favourites Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit on tour, her crystalline vocals and spectral, unsettling music sets her apart from her British folk contemporaries. Watch out for her new EP ‘Sugar Blind’ produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J) and released by Dirty Hit Records this December. 
 
New York based Ryan Lott, aka Son Lux, is a post-rock and alternative hip-hop musician. The multi-talented producer’s credits include arranging and programming for films ‘Looper’ (2012) and the ‘Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby’ (2013) as well as recent collaborations with Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti, These New Puritans, Nico Muhly and Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry. 2013’s ethereal and nocturnal experimental rock LP ‘Lanterns’ has been lauded as his best work to date and features contributions from Peter Silberman of The Antlers, DM Stith and yMusic of Dirty Projectors.
 
Modern folk singer-songwriter Josephine Foster from Colorado will bring her wyrd-folk and melancholy balladry to Latitude this year. Foster’s influences include Tin Pan Alley, and her eclectic and engagingly mercurial output includes everything from albums of children's songs and the poems of Emily Dickinson, to neo-psychedelica and Spanish folk songs.

Best Kept Secret Festival 2013

Its a very rare occasion that you get to experience a new festival without hearing the experiences of others, and I wasn't sure what to expect from Best Kept Secret, but I was pleasantly surprised by the site, the friendliness of others and sheer organisation, this is definitely a top European festival to be reckoned with.

Not only is it situated on a safari park, but it is surrounded by a beautiful lake and a white sandy beach. Revellers have the opportunity to kick off those shoes, get their feet wet and go swimming whilst listening to some great bands that are were offer. And don't worry if you're not a great swimmer, there are life guards on patrol looking out for your safety.

For the foodies out there, a great selection of both meat dishes and veggie delights were on offer at a reasonable price. And although the weather wasn't on our side, this didn't stop anyone from grabbing a free poncho, throwing it over themselves and making the most of what was on offer. Like most European festivals, BKF operates on a token system, and have a great incentive to ensure you don't litter. For every cup you return to the bar you receive half a token, 2 tokens gets you a free beer, so before you know it, you'll be receiving a free beer for your efforts.

Best Kept Secret Festival

Friday saw the doors open at 5pm, and within easy walking distance you had a choice of 3 stages. Most of the artists had only a slight overlap, so if you wanted to check out a number of bands, then it was easily done. On the bill were Swim Deep, The Maccabees, Bloc Party, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Fuck Buttons and closing the main stage were the Arctic Monkeys. Not only did they pull in biggest crowd, but they played an hour and a half set including their classics which had everyone jumping up and down.

Day 2 saw the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, Alt-J, Allah-Las, Koreless and Damien Rice take to the stages. Damien Rice entertained the crowd with his hits and it wasn't long before everyone was singing canon ball in unison.

The final day ended with the Local Natives, Everything Everything, Palma Violets, Kurt Vie and the Violators, Portishead and Sigur Ros. Not only was there a great selection of established bands on offer, but also some exciting new bands to watch out for. One band that stood out were Autre Ne Teut, hailing from New York, these guys provided a packed out tent to a mixture of way out musical styles mixed with some great beats to match. Sigur Ros closed the festival with an incredible set and atmosphere to match. They also donated some used signed drum heads and drum brushes, all proceeds donated to Unicef. For anyone looking for their next European festival, I would strongly recommend BKF, you won't be disappointed.

Sigur Ros @ Best Kept Secret

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEST KEPT SECRET FESTIVAL

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