Summer Festival Guide

LCD Soundsystem, Slaves, Faithless and more for Ibiza Rocks 2016

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Last summer Ibiza Rocks celebrated 10 phenomenal years of being the home of live music in Ibiza and the ground-breaking brand are back with another blistering line up including the hugely anticipated return of LCD Soundsystem who will headline the coveted birthday slot for this Ibiza exclusive. Mercury prize nomineesSlaves will kick things off at the opening party on 15th June before an incredible array of open-air starlit summer shows follow from a mix of music’s finest including dance music pioneers Faithless, Grammy Award winner Jess Glynne, festival giants Kaiser Chiefs, BBC Sound Of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice Award winnerJack Garratt, electronic music troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem and multi-platinum selling rapper Tinie Tempah. 

Slaves were part of the standout show of the summer last year when they supported The Libertines for Ibiza Rocks sold-out 10th Birthday show.  Following the success of their critically acclaimed debut ‘Are You Satisfied?’ and widely regarded as one of the most exciting live acts on the scene right now, the garage-punk duo will proudly return as headliners in their own right.

Slaves said: “Last year it was madness and one of the best experiences we’ve had as a band so far.  We’re fans of The Libertines so that was an honour and we had non stop fun. Ibiza being associated with clubbers makes it all the more special when you’re playing really loud rock to everybody. We can’t wait to get back to Ibiza Rocks. What a crowd.”

Staying true to Rocks longstanding reputation for championing the very best new talent, next up in June is BBC Sound of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice award winner Jack Garratt.  Already part of the family, Jack captivated the crowd during his intimate set at the Ibiza Rocks Christmas party last year and now he will bring his multi-instrumental live show to the world-famous Ibiza Rocks main stage for the very first time, supported by supreme new talent, electronic-soul duo HONNE.

Jack Garratt said: "I've already packed my tie-dye vests, speedos and enough UV body paint to paint the town LIT.”

Three times Grammy award winners LCD Soundsystem play a very proud part in Ibiza Rocks’ history.  When the band played the Music Box at Manumission’s 10th Birthday in 2004, it proved so inspirational that it cemented the belief that live music had a home on the White Isle and in 2005 Ibiza Rocks was born. The headline shows LCD Soundsystem subsequently played at Ibiza Rocks Bar (2007) and Ibiza Rocks Hotel (2010) stand out as another two of the most significant Rocks events of all time.  Just months after their last Rocks gig James Murphy announced one final farewell, sold-out show at the iconic Madison Square Gardens, making the memories of the Ibiza shows all the more poignant. It’s now time to celebrate the bands hotly anticipated comeback and their choice to return to Ibiza Rocks for one of only a handful of live shows anywhere in the world this summer.  Almost exclusively headlining major festivals such as Coachella and Primavera, LCD Soundsystem will bring the fans much closer to the music with this long-awaited gig back ‘home’ in the intimate poolside setting of Ibiza Rocks Hotel for Part 1 of Rocks’ Birthday celebrations in July.

Super-producer Diplo and his electronic dance troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem will keep the party vibes in full flow with their eclectic soundsystem mix of house, dancehall and electro. Having first played the Rocks stage In 2012, Major Lazer have gone on to become one of the most in demand acts in the world and achieved the biggest hit of last year with ‘Lean On’ – the most streamed single of all time, achieving over 540 million streams and 1.21 billion youtube views. Fresh from playing a historic concert in Cuba to over 500,000 people, Major Lazer will bring the same electric energy to the world- famous Rocks stage in July to conclude Rocks birthday celebrations.

One of the biggest female artists in the world right now and no stranger to Ibiza, Grammy award winner Jess Glynne first played Ibiza Rocks in 2014 supporting Rudimental and will now return as a No.1 album selling, chart-topping solo star for her own headline show in July.

Ibiza Rocks will proudly welcome back a band that were pivotal to shaping the success of Ibiza Rocks when it launched over 10 years ago. Kaiser Chiefs played one of the first ever shows in 2005 before the gigs moved to the 500 capacity Ibiza Rocks Bar (Bar M) in 2007 and the band featured on a truly memorable summer line up that included Arctic Monkeys, LCD Soundsystem, Mark Ronson and Kasabian. The Leeds lads will return for their 5th headline show in August and clearly can’t wait to celebrate one of summer’s most special gigs once again.

Kasier Chiefs said: “A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, we played Ibiza Rocks for the first time, in the backroom of club Manumission. It gets better and better every time, so here we go with the 5th installment. See you by the pool!”

Tine Tempah loves Ibiza and Ibiza loves him.  A firm fan favourite with a high-energy, captivating live show, Tinie will be Balearic bound once more to wow the crowds with new material and huge hits including his UK No.1 single ‘Not Letting Go’ wihich features fellow Rocks artist Jess Glynne.

With over 15 million record sales under their belt, pioneering dance outfit Faithless were one of the first acts to play Ibiza Rocks in 2005 and reunited last summer to celebrate their 20th anniversary, performing as part of Radio 1’s ’20 Years in Ibiza’ weekend at Ibiza Rocks Hotel.  It is with huge excitement that Ibiza Rocks welcomes the band back for a full headline Ibiza Rocks show in August.

The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists, best breakthrough talent and cutting edge DJs.  Summer 2015 will see the celebration of Ibiza Rocks 11th Birthday during the 14 weeklong season of spectacular outdoor gigs.

Shane Murray, Brand Director, Ibiza Rocks Group said: “This year is hugely exciting for us at Ibiza Rocks as we embark on our second decade on the island. LCD Soundsystem debuted for us way back in 2004 for a show that was pivotal in inspiring our live music revolution in Ibiza. It felt special – upstart promoters and a maverick producer challenging the way things were. They return as one of the world’s biggest bands and we couldn’t be prouder. With Faithless and Major Lazer Soundsystem joining us we’ve got three global festival headliners at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel this year and that’s because there simply isn’t another gig atmosphere like it for artists and fans alike. Then we have new talents like Slaves, Jack Garratt and Jess Glynne who we’ve brought up through the ranks from support slots to headliners and firm favourites like Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs who consistently put on a brilliant live show. There’s more to come and we can’t wait.”

Ibiza Rocks 2016 line up so far:

15/06  OPENING PARTY WITH SLAVES
29/06  JACK GARRATT  | HONNE
06/07  IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 1) WITH LCD SOUNDSYSTEM 
13/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 2) WITH MAJOR LAZER SOUNDSYSTEM  
20/07 JESS GLYNNE  
27/07 TINIE TEMPAH
03/08 KAISER CHIEFS
31/08 FAITHLESS

Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 15th June – 14th September 2016
We Are Rockstars every Friday from 3rd June – 16th September 2016
Craig David’s TS5 Pool Party every Sunday – 17th July  – 4th September 2016

Editors, Kelis, Band Of Skulls set for Y Not Festival 2016

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The second installment of Y Not’s line-up boasts of plethora of international talent starting with alt-rock chart-toppers Editors. The band’s dark and brooding sounds will top the bill on Friday night’s main stage. NYC’s Kelis also joins the party, a set sure to have crowds dancing along to her many hits including ‘Milkshake’. Soon to release their fourth album ‘By Default’, Band Of Skulls head to Y Not this year armed with their blues-tinged, garage rock vibes. Fellow guitar-slingers and ‘Scooby Snack’ stars Fun Lovin’ Criminals also are set for the festival this year whilst a special addition comes in the form of indie outfit The Coral. The band will perform for Y Not’s ‘early birds’ on the Thursday evening of the festival.
 
Elsewhere Y Not’s rock-flavoured cocktail consists of Neck Deep, Beans on Toast, Lucy Rose, Milky Chance and Joy Division/New Order legend Peter Hook, performing with his band The Light. Festival-goers will be spoilt for choice as their soundtrack to the Derbyshire bash also includes The Lancashire Hotpots, Eliza & The Bear, Sunset Sons, Lucy Spraggan, Fickle Friends and the rather ferocious, amp-abusing Eagulls.
 
Across the 12 stages of Y Not further additions are Heck, Dinosaur Pile Up, Lonely The Brave, Queen Kwong, White and the 90s-inspired rising talents of Milk Teeth. Public Access TV, Dead!, Creeper, Traams, Nai Harvest, Reigning Days, Shame and Francobollo all also feature in a line-up bursting at the seams.
 
After being crowned ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the Festival Awards 2015 and their 10th birthday in the same year, Y Not is bigger, better and stronger than ever as all sights are set towards this July and the event’s 11th edition.

Eastern Electronics lineup announced for 2016

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Undisputed party kings Eastern Electrics have long been known for their mischievous ways, always adding a flavour of fun to their much-loved summer outing, taking place this year on Saturday August 6th. Spicing things up, the Eastern Electrics Festival family have decided to announce the seventy international superstars playing this years extravaganza using the #RevEEal game, where players can bit-by-bit piece together the mega set of artists joining across the eight EE stages by chasing the ‘EE’s around the screen. Undoubtedly the strongest bill to date, players are in for a treat once the code is cracked!

Try it for yourself at www.easternelectrics.com/reveel

For those who can’t hang on, you can check our full line-up here. For the third year running, idyllic Hatfield House will be transformed into a playground for big kids, soundtracked by the hottest names from the worlds of house, techno, garage, bass and disco, plus quite a bit in-between. Main stage is headed up by long-standing EE family member Seth Troxler (remember this video?) who’ll be bringing his classic deep cuts to ravers with a killer headline set. Delicious duo The Martinez Brothers also join, alongside Bristol badman Eats Everything and house heavyweight Hot Since 82. Another long-term EE friend and Hot Creations affiliate Richy Ahmed joins the Main Stage gang, and find Do Not Sleep’s Darius Syrossian spinning, with Art of Dark’s Colin Chiddle rounding off proceedings. 

Everybody’s favourite Croydon boy Oliver Jones aka Skream returns to the Big Top stage for the second year with his Skreamizm crew. All day they’ll mix old-skool to nu-skool sounds from the electronic realms with murky techno explorations with Boddika and Artwork’s 90’s ‘Grain’ alias. The legendary Derrick Carter joins Skream and the gang, expect a bag full of vinyl classics from the Chicago icon. EE regulars Waifs and Strays also bring their seamless selections to Big Top, as well as the man himself. 

Eastern Electrics are chuffed to announce Groove Armada as hosts of the Switchyard, who bring with them an all-star cast of selectors including bumping house duo Waze and Odyssey, Kompact poster-boy Kölsch and Ben Westbeech akaBreach. Expect hi-energy, feel-good sets all round, plus Cynic Music’s Felix Dickinson and classic-revivalist Robert James. Viva Warriors will be flexing their muscles at this years instalment, set for a not-to-miss takeover with the Warrior family including Steve Lawler, Cassy and wAFF, as well as Denney, Detlef and Ceri set to get deep with the EE crew. 

After incredible scenes last year, EE announce the return of Black Butter Records, who’ll bring the bassier flavours to the EE wonderland. DnB master Shy FX, Rinse FM main man Oneman, and leading lady Monki will all represent with an extended host of yet more solid talent, with Mele, Bodhi, NVOY and newcomers Syv. Ibiza lovers are also in for a treat with an arena hosted by favourite White Isle crew Do Not Sleep, headlined by DNS boss Darius Syrossian, then a packed out bill of Do Not Sleep favourites including Nick Curly, Matthias Tanzmann and Huxley, plus Bones and Kydus.

A real gem of the EE arenas, the Star of Eastern Electrics Pub returns with a host of fun-loving and classic acts playing at the cosy stage, including DJ S.K.T, and garage icons MJ Cole, Spoony and Sam Supplier, and a blast from garage past with Artful Dodger. And for those Eastern Electrics ravers after a more VIP experience can discover the myth, the magic and the mystery of Ibiza’s most rock’n’roll hotel at the Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes VIP Village.  Complete with secret sets and devilishly decadent surprises, the pioneering promoters will transport the essence of Pikes and Ibiza to the festival field for the very first time.  

Fairground rides, street food, glitter girls, dress-up tents, hidden forest raves and much more on-site madness takes place in Hatfield House for EE, adding another dimension to the big day out. It’s a chance for ravers to lose themselves in a playground for grown-ups, letting go for a day of debauchery. Since their early warehouse party roots in the noughties, Eastern Electrics have grown into a UK clubbing institution, always known for their sense of fun, and no holds barred attitude to partying. 

Only a 20 minute train journey from Kings Cross, Eastern Electrics is held in the stunning grounds of Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. With such a short joinery time, Eastern Electrics is accessible from all major UK cities, and with price tags for the whole day starting from just £39.50, EE2016 is not one that could, or should be missed. In the coming months Eastern Electrics Festival will also reveal the line-ups for two after-parties, one taking place locally in Hatfield, and one in London. Details to follow.

LINE-UP BY STAGE

Main Stage

Seth Troxler * Martinez Brothers * Eats Everything * Hot Since 82 * Richy Ahmed * Darius Syrossian * Colin Chiddle 

 

Skreamizm

Skream * Boddika * Derrick Carter * Grain (Artwork) * Waifs and Strays

 

Groove Armada

Groove Armada * Waze and Odyssey * Kolsch * Breach * Felix Dickinson * Robert James

 

Viva Warriors

Steve Lawler * Cassy * wAFF * Denney * Detlef * Ceri

 

Do Not Sleep

Darius Syrossian * Nick Curly * Matthias Tanzmann * Huxley * Bones * Kydus

 

Black Butter Records

Shy FX * Oneman * Monki * Mele * Bodhi * NVOY * Syv

 

Star of EE Pub

DJ S.K.T * MJ Cole * Spoony * Artful Dodger * Sam Supplier

 

Ibiza Rocks House Presents Pikes VIP Village

An all-star secret line-up to be revealed…

Annie Mac, Mark Ronson, Katy B and more lead the BSTK 2016 lineup

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Annie Mac and Mark Ronson are today confirmed as the first headliners for BSTK 2016. Mark Ronson, the Grammy award-winning international DJ, producer and musician will take to the decks crowning the main stage whilst Annie Mac, the taste-making DJ, broadcaster and TV host will top the bill in The Good Shed.    

Also confirmed for the festival is the critically acclaimed Katy B, soon to release the follow up to her number 1 album ‘Little Red’, and world record holders for 'Highest-Charting UK album by an Unsigned Act', Krept & Konan. Elsewhere BSTK welcomes the arena-filling ‘Blackout’ hit-maker Wretch 32.
 
For guitar-lovers Scouting For Girls promise a prime slice of indie pop whilst MOBO Award winner Fuse ODG provides for BSTK’s afrobeat needs. An iconic name confirmed for this summer’s event is the multi platinum selling rapper and  producer Mike Skinner.
 
Across the line-up further additions cover a whole host of party-fuelling sounds from both DJ and live acts across the dance, pop and urban spectrums of music such as Mistajam, Justin Martin, Big Narstie, Huxley, and Ms Dynamite. Names familiar to major airwaves, the top ten and the UK dance floors come in the forms of Charlie Sloth, Artwork, Izzy Bizu, Doorly, DJ Craze, DJ Yoda, Becky Hill, Bonkaz, Yungen and Lady Leshurr.
 
Further additions include an array of talent such as Sonny Fodera, DJ Luck and MC Neat, Hauswerks, Ivy Lab, Crissy Cris, Mampi Swift, Nicky Blackmarket and DJ SS. Whether its house, UK garage, drum n bass or techno BSTK has all bases covered for raving into the early hours with Drumsound & Bassline Smith, FuntCase, Logan D, Mat Format, Erb N Dub, Harry Shotta, Carasel, Unknown, Youngman, Indica and Nuklear.
 
BSTK returns this summer renewed and refreshed; as well as details of further artists future announcements will unveil further headliners, details of the VIP offering and all manner of entertainments to delight festival goers this coming July. 

Stevie Wonder returns to London for British Summer Time Hyde Park

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On July 10th, Stevie Wonder will perform his masterpiece Songs In The Key of Life in its entirety, for a truly epic, must-see show from one of the most prolific artists of all time.  
 
Hugely acclaimed in the US, Songs In The Key of Life Tour has run for 18 months, having been extended many times due to phenomenal public demand.  Coming to the UK for the very first time, there is extra reason for celebration because 2016 is the album’s 40th Anniversary year. 
 
Released in 1976 on the legendary label Motown Records, featuring the hits Sir Duke, Isn’t She Lovely and I Wish, it is cited as an influence on many of the world’s biggest stars, Elton John, Prince, Michael Jackson and Pharrell to name a few. It was crowned Grammy Album Of The Year in 1977 and is widely hailed as a true work of art. 
 
It followed an unsurpassed trilogy of albums that graduated Wonder from teenage Motown prodigy to true artist – Talking Book, Innervisions and Fullfillingness' First Finale – all released in the first 4 years of the 1970s. Wonder spent 2 more years on 'Songs', producing a double album of enthralling music and cementing his position as a musical genius.
 
Together, the albums made the 25-time GRAMMY winner the only artist to have ever received Album Of The Year awards in three out of four consecutive years.
 
Praise for the album over the years has come from all quarters:
 
Elton John – "Let me put it this way: wherever I go in the world, I always take a copy of Songs In The Key of Life. For me, it's the best album ever made and I'm always left in awe after I listen to it. When people in decades and centuries to come talk about the history of music, they will talk about Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder."
 
Barack Obama (on his musical heroes) – "If I had one, it would have to be Stevie Wonder. When I was just at that point where you start getting involved in music, Stevie Wonder had that run with Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Innervisions, and then Songs In The Key of Life. Those are as brilliant a set of five albums as we've ever seen."
 
Kanye West – "I’m not trying to compete with what’s out there now. I’m really trying to compete with Innervisions and Songs In The Key of Life. It sounds musically blasphemous to say something like that, but why not set that as your bar?"
 
Praise for Songs in the Key Of Life US tour: 
 
Rolling Stone – “Fitting an album that attempted to capture the nuance of existence, the show is possibly 2014's greatest testament to the limitless potential of American music itself.”
 
Hollywood Reporter –“You just wanted it to go on forever, for it was yet another song in the key of Stevie Wonder’s magical life.”
 
Consequence Of Sound – “After three hours of playing, people were still hoping he’d do a second encore. You can tell it’s not 1976 by looking at him, but you’d never know if you were only listening. Some things get old, but Stevie Wonder barely ages.”
 

Daughter, The Kills and more added to Finland’s Flow Festival

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Adding even more sensational names to the bursting lineup of gamechangers and cultural leaders Flow Festival Helsinki has announced even more names to their unparalleled weekend in Europe’s capital of cool.
 
Dr Dre protege Anderson .Paak stands as one of the most talented musicians to emerge in the past few years, with a multi-instrumentalist styling that has drawn plaudits from critics and fans alike. Recent LP “Malibu” was a decadent blend of soulful jazz, broad and intimate in equal measure, and expect such musical soundscapes to captivate the Flow Festival Helsinki crowd this August. He’ll be joined on the lineup by the chilling emotional refrains of Daughter and their sonical tales of heartbreak and longing. Second studio album “Not To Disappear” was yet another step-up for the British trio, and their untouchable live show will be triggering heartstrings and goosebumps in the Finnish capital. 
 
Also joining the lineup today is uncompromising indie duo The Kills who have systematically remained independent and innovative over their 15 year career. With an anticipated new album “Ash & Ice” dropping in June, expect a blend of classics and fiery new cuts from the most stylish duo in British rock. With further announced performances from Washington hip-hop starlet Goldlink and one of the most in-demand producers on the planet Arca (DJ Set), Flow Festival Helsinki has once again stepped up with dazzling additions to this year’s event.
 
Announced today is the day-by-day musical programme for the Finnish bash, with each day packed to the rafters with sensational talent, unique musicianship and genre-defying performances that is set to secure Flow Festival Helsinki as the ultimate epicentre of culture, music and the arts across the European festival scene.
 
3-Day festival tickets start from €175, whilst day ticket prices start from €93, with further ticket information and packages available from the Flow Festival Helsinki official website.
 
FLOW FESTIVAL HELSINKI – DAY BY DAY PROGRAMMING
 
FRIDAY AUG 12TH
Massive Attack & Young Fathers (UK)
Iggy Pop (US)
Jamie xx (UK)
Four Tet (UK)
Sleaford Mods (UK)
Lil B (US)
Stormzy (UK)
Ben Klock (DE)
Phuture live (DJ Pierre & Spanky) (US)
The Black Madonna (US)
Roman Flügel (DE)
Paula Temple (UK)
Ata Kak (GH)
Eevil Stöö (FI)
Raappana & New Riddim Crew (FI)
Jaakko Eino Kalevi (FI)
View (FI)
Mikko Joensuu (FI)
 
SATURDAY AUG13TH
The Last Shadow Puppets (UK)
M83 (FR)
Chvrches (UK)
The Kills (UK/US)
Hercules & Love Affair (US)
Floating Points (live) (UK)
GoldLink (US)
Wooden Wisdom (US/UK)
Holly Herndon (US)
Jeff Mills (US)
Oscar Mulero (ES)
Voices From The Lake (IT)
Liima (DK/FI)
Rooxx (FI)
Ronya (FI)
Röyhkä/Inginmaa/Hypnomen (FI)
 
SUNDAY AUG14TH
Sia (AU)
New Order (UK)
Descendents (US)
Daughter (UK) 
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals (US) 
Kamasi Washington (US)
Thundercat (US)
Thee Oh Sees (US)
Arca (DJ set) (VE)
John Talabot (DJ set) (ES)
Pantha Du Prince presents The Triad (DE)
Shackleton presents: Powerplant (UK)
J. Karjalainen (FI)
Death Hawks (FI)
Räjäyttäjät (FI)
Khid (FI)
Venior (FI)

Lianne La Havas to headline this years Leefest

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Rising from the same South London streets which saw the very first LeeFest take place in the back-garden of founder Lee Denny, Lianne La Havas stands as an untouchable enigma, leading the new wave of British soul with her delicate tales of heartbreak and triumph. Recent album “Blood” has seen Lianne take her sound around the world, touching the lives of many and culminating in huge landmark shows including sold-out nights at Brixton Academy and the illustrious Royal Albert Hall. Acclaimed, revered and loved in equal measure, the Mercury Prize and Grammy Award-nominated wordsmith will be headlining an extremely special Saturday night at LeeFest Presents: The Neverland in a celebration not to be missed.
 
Talking exclusively about her headlining appearance, Lianne La Havas says:
“I am over the moon to not only be playing but headlining at LeeFest this year. It is a beautiful part of the country and I nearly share a name with the festival! Looking forward to having a sing song with everyone!”
 
Creatively in-sync and intuitively unique, fluent wordsmith Ghostpoet will be bringing an ethereal sermon on modern life to The Neverland from across his critically acclaimed catalogue. Scooping multiple Mercury Prize nominations and an unmistakable ability to pinpoint the highs and falls of society around us, his captivating performance is one destined to leave its mark on The Neverland this year.
 
Electronic soul crooner Shura has been a new music favourite for over 2 years, releasing track after track of sublime, glistening pop and building anticipation for her debut studio effort “Nothing’s Real”. Due for release this year, expect a mesmerising showcase from the Liverpudlian pop saviour. Equally as acclaimed is British hip-hop legend Roots Manuva whose gritty tales of modern Britain have remained an essential part of UK Hip-Hop for over 20 years. Back with the BBC 6 Music-approved “Bleeds”, his performance is set to be a revolutionary experience.
 
Kaleidoscopic dance gurus The 2 Bears will be bringing the sunshine to Mermaids Lagoon with an extremely special set of “rave-garage” for a party event not to be missed as the tropical soundsystem comes to The Neverland. Pulsating genre-morphing thrives with underground favourites Submotion Orchestra as their cocktail of jazz, electronica, dubstep and soul transport The Neverland into another realm.
 
Speaking about their anticipated appearance within Mermaids Lagoon, The 2 Bears said:
“And so we pack our boat with heavy bangers and sail in to the mystic to visit mermaids lagoon. Not a bears natural habitat but I'm sure we'll make the best of it. Hopefully Cher, Christina Ricci and Bob Hoskyns will be inside the rave x”
 
One of the most admired and vital artists of recent times, North London’s poetic mastermind Little Simz has drawn vast plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic with her brutally honest tales of city life. Independent spirited and recently named in Forbes influential “30 Under 30” list, witness a cultural definer when Little Simz stops into The Neverland for an unmissable live performance. Making waves around the globe, Spring King’s infectious ramshackle rock made headlines when summer anthem ‘City” became the first track played on Apple’s Beats 1 radio station. Full throttle and unrelenting, catch the next big UK rock sesantions at LeeFest Presents: The Neverland.
 
On joining the lineup, Spring King frontman Tarek Musa said:
“A lot of our good friends and bands we love have played LeeFest, such as Stealing Sheep, Mystery Jets, All We Are and The Magic Gang! Pumped to be playing this year! Always dig a festival with a comedy stage, I’m a huge stand-up comedy fan.
See ya soon LeeFest <3”
 
Continuing the LeeFest reputation for discovering and embracing the best in cutting-edge new music, a range of rising and hotly tipped names join this year’s incredible lineup. The raw rhymes of Loyle Carner is sure to be an extremely spiritual moment at The Neverland, showcasing why BBC, NME, Channel 4 and MTV all pinpointed him as a future icon. Rough and ready pop-soul quartet Clean Cut Kid will continue their unrelenting ascent to arenas with a captivating set at The Neverland, whilst indietronic duo Formation, dream-gazers The Big Moon and the retro-futurist masters MIAMIGO will all bring unrivalled showcases.
 
MIAMIGO commented:
“We’ve heard great things about LeeFest, so stoked to be included in the line-up for this year’s event. Honoured to be sharing the stage with such amazing artists. Bring on the sun!”
 
Godfathers of Garage DJ Luck And MC Neat will be spinning their unmatched catalogue of classics to the Neverland masses, whilst riffs and rock will reign supreme with pulsating sets from Fort Hope, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Queen Kwong and Nai Harvest to truly shake up the unprecedented weekend. With riotous punk GIRLI, Big Deal, bedroom-pop slider Oscar and many more on the lineup, The Neverland is set to be the only destination needed for your next favourite act.
 
Arguably sitting with one of the best musical lineups of the summer, LeeFest Presents: The Neverland also is pleased to announce a vast array of activities for festival-goers to indulge and experience throughout the weekend. From Glitter Wrestling and Drag Queens, to Comedy, Paint Fights, Spoken Word and Theatre, the inhabitants of The Neverland are set for an immersive and unparalleled weekend of culture and partying.
 
Unleashing the careers of international icons such as Bastille, London Grammar and Years & Years before anyone else, 2016 marks 10 years since the original LeeFest kicked off in the back garden of founder Lee Denny.The Neverland represents the next chapter in their unparalleled story, standing as  the culmination of the dreams of thousands in the snowballing LeeFest community. Separated into three distinct realms, it promises a fantastical immersive adventure across the weekend, with Mermaids Lagoon and its neon-soaked opulence and glamour, the dark and dystopic fury of Skulls Ridge and the no nonsense blissfields of The Neverwoods. Combined, it provides a magical panoptic Kingdom full of unabashed creativity, diverse personalities and serious partying with an unparalleled lineup of music, performance and creativity.
 
With a Friday Night Headliner still to be announced, alongside a diverse range of dance titans and extremely special unannounced secret shows, The Neverland is set to be the defining independent festival of the summer.
 
Escaping the confines of the real world, the Neverland’s kingdom of infinite wonder awaits, allowing all of us an opportunity to escape and pursue our dream to never grow old.

Chase & Status announced as headliner for Boardmasters

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Boardmasters gets set to make waves today as the third headline act for this year’s festival is announced. Drum n Bass duo Chase & Status will be making a hotly anticipated return to the golden Cornish coastline for Boardmasters 2016 as they get set to entertain festivalgoers with their thumping, thrilling sound. Cornwall’s own surf and music festival runs from Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 August 2016 for five days of exhilarating surf and music action along the sun-drenched coast.

Chase & Status have firmly cemented themselves as the ultimate Drum n Bass duo, having dominated the dance scene for over a decade with their unique sound, which never fails to get crowds jumping. Having released three studio albums, their most iconic dance hits include ‘Blind Faith, ‘Lost and Found’ and ‘Count on Me’. The duo have just released a brand new single ‘Control’, featuring Slaves, who join the list of the huge musical names that Chase & Status have worked with, including Plan B, Example and Rihanna. They’re no strangers to Boardmasters, having headlined back in 2014. Back by popular demand, Chase & Status are sure rock Watergate Bay this summer with a fist pumping, banging display of the very best in Drum n Bass.

Boardmasters has also today announced further acts joining the line up, including 2016 BRIT Award winning rockers, the awesomeCatfish and The Bottlemen who scooped with coveted British Breakthrough Act gong at this year’s ceremony. The four-piece, who released their new single ‘Soundcheck’ last month are currently on tour, taking the UK by storm with their retro-rock sound and are expected to drop a brand new album later this year.

Boardmasters is stoked to announce even more acts for this year’s festival. The hottest UK rising star right now, Raleigh Ritchie who recently released his debut album ‘You’re a Man Now, Boy’ will be making his Boardmasters debut. The incredible Foxes will be bringing her electro-pop sound, with Krept & Konan representing the best in fresh UK hip-hop. UK rapper Mike Skinner presents TONGA, formerly front man of The Streets is lined up for Boardmasters 2016 alongside funk legends Soul II Soul best known for the chart-topper ‘Back To Life’, and dubstep pioneer Artwork. Bringing the best in UK grime is Kano, who has just released new album‘Made in the Manor’. Get set for dance floor royalty, as Radio One Dance Anthems DJ Danny Howard also joins the line up, withProtoje who’s leading the reggae revival and Manchester punk rockers Spring King. Indie-rockers Eliza and The Bear, who have firmly established themselves with a reputation for an unforgettable live show will take to the stage, as will White who’s sure to bring an electro-funk vibe, the incredible Irish talent SOAK and one to watch, singer-songwriter Louis Berry. Further acts added to the line up include Formation, Big Deal, Toucan, Carly Foxx, Camelphat, Apres, Ben Remember, Kloe and Hein Cooper.

Boardmasters is located across two sites jam-packed with the best in music and sports action. Keep the party going with Beach Sessions with live music on stunning Fistral Beach, as well as the Beach Bar and BBQ offering food, drink and DJ sets. Head into Newquay and party into the early hours with Boardmasters After Parties, which take place at clubs around the town centre. There arePro Skate and BMX competitions to check out the best in extreme sports, the Surf Village, Cornish Market where you can sample delights from local merchants, as well as Surf Art, photography and film sessions. If watching the surf action from the sidelines has tempted you to try it out yourself, you can ride the waves with a Surf Lesson with a local surf school. Unwind and relax at theWellbeing Area or the On Site Eco Spa for some well deserved pamper time. There is also Luxury Camping and Glamping on offer to upgrade your experience even more.

Established in 1981, Boardmasters is a 5-day event situated across two stunning locations in Cornwall – the surfing mecca of the UK,Fistral Beach where Boardmasters famous International Surf Competitions take place and arguably the most stunning location in the country to watch live music, Watergate Bay. Last year saw Boardmasters welcome over 150,000 festivalgoers across its two sites over the 5 days of the festival. Boardmasters operates a tiered ticket system with price bands for tickets changing over time. The sooner you buy, the cheaper it is! Book tickets via the website.

BOARDMASTERS 2016

Headline Acts

Deadmau5 // James Bay // Chase & Status  

Joined by

Catfish and the Bottlemen // Kaiser Chiefs // Primal Scream

Lianne La Havas // Sigma // Craig David’s TS5 // // Wilkinson // Wolf Alice

Example & DJ Wire // Foxes // Soul II Soul // Mystery Jets

Kano // Krept & Konan // The Magic Numbers // Eats Everything // Protoje Jackmaster // Roots Manuva // Rat Boy // Blossoms

Mike Skinner & Murkage presents TONGA // Raleigh Ritchie // SOAK

 

Apres // Artwork // Ben Remember // Bicep // Big Deal // Bodhi // Camelphat  

Carly Foxx // COASTS // The Correspondents // Danny Howard // Detroit Swindle Doorly // Dusky // Eli & Fur 

Eliza & The Bear // Eton Messy // Formation // Gabrielle Aplin // Heidi // Hein Cooper // Jack Savoretti // Jamie Lawson

Jonas Rathsman // Kloe // Louis Berry // Maribou State // MNEK

The Mouse Outfit // Nahko and Medicine for the People // Rationale  

Spring King // Toucan // VANT // White

Also Festival announce full lineup for 2016

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Created by Salon London, Also festival brings to life the biggest, boldest and most exciting ideas from art, science, psychology and philosophy in immersive talks and experiences over the summer solstice weekend. Across the programme Also seeks to find out more, from the personal to the universe itself. Talks with authors, professors and Nobel Peace Prize nominees explore how to survive an apocalypse, how to play a role in world peace through forgiveness and explore the future of artificial intelligence. DJs and live musicians provide the soundtrack to the weekend, Also's beautiful lakeside banqueting tent hosts a range of dining experiences, and there are a range of workshops are designed to get children engaged with big ideas. The theme for 2016 is Chance as festival-goers of all levels are given plenty of opportunities to get involved, from the philosophy of wine tasting to wild swimming in a perfumed lake. Also takes place 17th – 19th June and tickets start at just £75. For more information visit www.also-festival.com.

The third Also Festival takes place in the stunning lake-side setting of Park Farm, Warwickshire, within 50 acres of beautiful 'Capability' Brown-designed countryside all open for festival-goers to explore, swim and relax in. Like the location, Also's programming encourages experiences without constraints, whether that's learning how to survive an apocalypse, trying a hand at standup, watching a band or sitting down to a three course dinner in the festival's beautiful dining tent. Across the weekend the festival will welcome professors, authors, theorists and more to share their ideas and bring them to life in a live setting. Books by speakers will be on sale for those who want to explore those ideas even further at home.

IDEAS
 

This year Also organisers have cherry-picked some of their favourite thinkers to come and stoke the cognitive fires with a series of interactive sessions. Cambridge University Professor for Risk Sir David Spiegelhalter helps us make considered decisions about how much risk we want to take in our life in Risky Business, while How To Forgive sees three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr Scilla Ellworthy talk about forgiveness and how to actively create peace in life. Down by the lake it's Time To Consider as renowned psychotherapist Philippa Perry discusses philosophy over breakfast and author and classicist Natalie Haynes explains how to learn transcendent lessons about life, love and beauty from the Ancient World. A Bear Grylls for the mind, Dr Lewis Dartnell of the UK Space Agency gives an insight into how to restart the world in the event of a catastrophe in Creative Surge and leading artificial intelligence expert, UCL’s Dr Robert E Smith, will be on hand to answer questions on the future of Artificial Intelligence and how we'll co-exist with super smart computers. 

Magic meets science with Dr Gustav Kuhn of Goldsmith's University as he brings experts from both sides to see what they can learn from each other. Having worked on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and currently a professor at the University of Cambridge, Dr Ben Allanach is something of an authority on particle theory. He'll be bringing festival-goers up to speed on what the LHC could tell us about life, the universe and beyond. Oxford University's Professor of Social Geography Danny Dorling looks at how and why to redress the balance between the powerful 1% and everyone else. 

FOOD
 

Also's food raises the bar for festival dining. A Friday night three-course dinner whets the appetite, hosted in Also's dining tent down by the lake and serving a seasonal menu sourced within 10 miles of the festival, while The Fat Chance Banquet is a Saturday night highlight with a menu curated by James Knight and Rebecca Otero served with a game of chance, magic and psychology developed by a leading illusionist to satisfy both the stomach and mind. French comedian and connoisseur Marcel Lucont pairs Wine and Philosophy in an exciting new tasting session for Also Festival and throughout the weekend there will be a whole host of pop up food events to enjoy.

FAMILY
 

Also is open to all the family and the ethos of the festival spreads to the children's programme. Astrobiologist Dr Lewis Dartnell separates science fact from science fiction and invites young budding astronauts to ask anything they want about space and beyond. DJing for Kids is back as DJ Vertigoshares all tricks of the trade in a hands-on session behind the decks. Also is partnering with multi-arts group As-Creatives to deliver even more children-friendly content and for teenagers only, Sir David Spiegelhalter gives advice on navigating the teenage years in a special q&a.

CHANCE
 

Following the theme of Chance, festival-goers are encouraged to experience something new over the weekend. The Also Choir sessions sees festival co-founder and lead vocal coach for The Voice, Juliet Russell, help novice and experienced singers raise their game before a performance with a festival artist. Who are we really? With Psycho Games, Redstone Press and Also team up to present innovative and playful takes on famous personality tests like the Rorschach Inkblot Test and the Thematic Apperception Test to find out just that and how other people might see differently. New Bollywood dance moves are up for grabs at Bhangra on the Beach, spend Cocktail Hour in the Orangery with Oxford University Experimental Psychology Departments group of Crossmodalists, map areas of the brain and recreating scientific experiments with leading academics. Also welcomes Cabaret Fantastique to the festival, a truly incredible show that showcases the best, boldest and most beautiful in cabaret and scent expert Lizzie Ostrom, a.k.a Odette Toilette, pushes the brain's capacity of sensation with a perfumed swim in the lake. Further highlights across the weekend include Rockaoke, Rave Yoga, Lip Sync Battles and for the brave, open-mic stand up comedy with The Taste of Funny Gong Show. 

MUSIC
 

Also Festival is proud to welcome Faithless founding member Jamie Catto to the line-up for 2016 as he helms a session on how to unlock passions and will also take part in Also's Soundtrack to My Life, sharing the tracks that mean the most to him. Music at Also comes courtesy of Andro, the soulful crooner from the band Jungle who is breaking out on his own as well as Afropean choir Mizike, while DJs provide the soundtrack for Sunday with previous guests including Justin Robertson and Greg Wilson.

Weekend tickets with camping start at just £75, with luxury camping available with the Safari Hotel option. Tickets are available here – http://www.also-festival.com/tickets.

Wireless Festival announce Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, J. Cole, Kygo, Boy Better Know and more!

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Wireless Festival is back for its 11th year, returning to Finsbury Park for the ultimate summer party on the weekend of the 8–10 July.Announcing the first acts for the 2016 line up, Wireless is set to be one of the biggest music events of the year, with more acts still to be announced. Day tickets cost from £59.50 and Multi-day tickets are also available.

Click here to buy tickets on Friday 

Since Wireless began in 2005 it has garnered an undeniable reputation for breaking and nurturing some of the biggest names in entertainment with the festival and its fans undeniably at the cutting edge of modern music. This year’s festival brings the best talent to the capital with artists including the UK’s very own Grammy Award winning Calvin Harris, the return of Chase & Status, platinum-selling rapper J. Cole, grime collective Boy Better Know and a performance by Norwegian superstar Kygo.

Friday’s headliner, Calvin Harris is undeniably one of the most successful artists on the planet. During the past decade, the Scottish DJ/producer was the first musician to score nine top 10 singles from one album (the 2012 LP ‘18 Months’), whilst his fourth album also delivered 3 No.1 singles.

Chase & Status need no introduction as a festival headliner.  Saul Milton and Will Kennard form the recording duo behind the band’s live show. Before the release of their highly anticipated 2016 4th studio album, Chase & Status returned with brand new project: ‘London Bars’, which saw the duo joining forces with some of the biggest rhymers from the UK scene. Last month the band premiered their first new track from their 4th album, ‘Control’ which featured Slaves. 2016 is set to be a massive year for them and Wireless Festival are excited to welcome them home, to celebrate the best in UK music at what’s set to be their first live London show in over 2 years.

Chase & Status said; “We have an epic show lined up for Wireless 2016, which we‘ve been planning in secret for the last couple of months. It’s an honour to be performing in our hometown alongside some of the most exciting names in music and we’re looking forward to dropping one of our best sets yet.”

Grammy nominated and platinum-selling rapper, J. Cole, has taken the hip-hop world by storm in recent years. Cole released his first live album, ‘Forest Hills Drive: Live’ earlier this year – he returns to Wireless Festival following his incredible 2014 performance.

Closing Sunday’s show is UK's favourite grime collective Boy Better Know. Headed up by founders Jme and Skepta, the renowned BBK is best understood as a cultural movement in 2016. Die-hard Wireless fans will share an important moment in British musical history when BBK ‘shutdown’ the festival in July.

Kygo is one of the 25 most played artists in history, having amassed over a billion streams in a single year. Ready to take London by storm, Wireless festival will welcome the Norwegian DJ for his Wireless debut in Finsbury Park this year.

The 2016 line up also champions some of the best emerging and established music talent, includingappearances by international platinum-selling artist Craig David who, fresh from his sold-out European tour brings his TS5 show to Wireless. Also joining the line up are MOBO award winning duo Krept and Konan, and grime royalty Lady Leshurr.

British songstress Jess Glynne is also billed to take the Wireless stage this summer, performing some of her iconic, feel-good anthems to fans. The hit-maker has had an incredible 2015, including 2 No.1 singles, and is set for even bigger things in 2016.

Straight off the release of his debut album, Wireless is pleased to present trapsoul artist Bryson Tiller, who has taken the American music scene by storm with over 36 million plays of his single ‘Don’t’ on SoundCloud.

Tiller will be performing alongside U.S. hip-hop and R&B greats including Miguel, who’s recent album release ‘Wildheart’ was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the best R&B albums of 2015, and Future, who recently made history in the US by charting 3 albums at No.1 in the last 6 months with ‘Dirty Sprite 2’, ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ and ‘Evol’.

Ranked as one of the top DJ’s in the world, Martin Garrix will be performing his electric mix of EDM and House music to fans at Wireless Festival. One of the youngest and fastest rising stars of EDM music, Martin Garrix has worked with the likes of Usher, Ed Sheeran, Tiësto and is set to get the crowd dancing well into the evening.

Wireless will also play host to US rap sensation, Action Bronson. Known as one of the most raucous live performers hip-hop has today, expect hits from his critically acclaimed album ‘Mr. Wonderful’. Also joining the line up are Yelawolf and singer and rapper Ty Dolla $ignwho has combined hip-hop and contemporary R&B to create a truly unique sound.

With additional performances by duo Sigma and current UK number 1 album holders, The 1975, Wireless looks forward to giving festival goers the ultimate music experience this summer.

Artists announced: Action Bronson, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Anne-Marie, A$AP Ferg, Big Narstie, Bomba Estéreo, Boy Better Know, Bryson Tiller, Bugzy Malone, Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Craig David's TS5, Dillon Francis, Disciples, DJ Semtex, Future, Geko, Jahkoy, J. Cole, Jeremih, Jess Glynne, Kehlani, Krept & Konan, Kurupt Fm, Kwabs, Kygo, Lady Leshurr, Logan Sama, Martin Garrix, Maverick Sabre, Miguel, Nadia Rose, Newham Generals, Petite Meller, Section Boyz, Sigma Live, The 1975, Ty Dolla $ign, Vic Mensa,Vince Staples, Wilkinson Live, WSTRN, Yelawolf, Young Thug, Yungen