Summer Festival Guide

Primal Scream & Belle & Sebastian to headline OnBlackheath 2016

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OnBlackheath Festival in partnership with John Lewis, London’s most anticipated music, food and family festival returns this year on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. OnBlackheath is the ultimate weekend for standout live music with mouth-watering food and drink experiences along with a fun-filled program of entertainment for all ages. Tickets are on sale Friday 12 February and available via www.OnBlackheath.com 

Confirmed to headline the Main Stage on Saturday are Scottish rock legends Primal Scream who are on the cusp of releasing their latest studio album ‘Chaosmosis’ alongside Grammy Award winning electronic music maestros Hot Chip. Indie pop icons Belle & Sebastian to close the Festival on Sunday along with multiplatinum-selling James who are set to release their new album ‘Girl at the End of the World’.

Saturday’s line-up alongside Primal Scream and Hot Chip will be, Mercury Music Prize nominee Roisin Murphy and cool catLoneLady. Sunday sees Belle & Sebastian, and James on the main stage, along with local heroes Squeeze, and Mercury nominated singer songwriter SOAK. 

This year’s Second Stage will see the return of Heavenly Records with a promised killer line up, and new kids on the blockNTS Radio, who have been making big waves since they began broadcasting in 2011.

OnBlackheath, celebrating their third year, unveiled their 2016 line-up at an exclusive launch party DJ’d by Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook at the Hare & Billet pub, a stone’s throw from the festival site.

Harvey Goldsmith CBE added, “I am incredibly proud that OnBlackheath festival has reached its 3rd year returning on 10th & 11th September 2016. We’ve established ourselves as one of London’s most looked-forward to events. We pride ourselves on good music, bespoke immersive food experiences and a special day out for all the family. I am thrilled this year to introduce for the first time, the ‘Puffin World of Stories’ to the Under 12’s area, bringing to life the great Puffin authors.”

With the hottest in music and very best culinary delights, OnBlackheath offers festivalgoers a memorable experience on the historic green space of London’s Blackheath Common SE3. OnBlackheath will also feature an array of exciting attractions including the John Lewis Food Village with a  food demonstration stage coupled with celebrity chefs and an immersive dining experience. For the first time Puffin Books will be bringing to life the kid’s experience with their World of Stories across the festival. OnBlackheath embraces families as under 12s go free!

Rachel Swift, Head of Brand Marketing for John Lewis said, “For the third year running we are delighted to be supporting OnBlackheath.  It's our celebration of music, family fun and food with the John Lewis Food Village at the heart of the festival.  And if you're a my John Lewis member there's exclusive access to an array of extra treats.”

OnBlackheath has established itself as a landmark event in the London calendar and has previously presented the likes of Massive Attack, Grace Jones, Elbow, Madness, Manic Street Preachers and Kelis. Last year over 30,000 music and food lovers gathered to enjoy OnBlackheath, across the two days.

The Cribs, The Kills and more added to Isle of Wight Festival 2016 lineup

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The Isle of Wight Festival today announces five acts for the 2016 festival, taking place 9-12th June at Seaclose Park. Joining the line up are returning indie brothers The Cribs, rock’n’roll duo The Kills, Britpop alumni Ocean Colour Scene, legendary rockers Status Quo and festival favourites Mike + The Mechanics.

Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics and Faithless will all perform across the weekend along with Iggy Pop, Twin Atlantic, Busted, Jess Glynne, Sigma and The Corrs at what is the first festival of the Summer – weekend tickets are available now fromwww.isleofwightfestival.com.

Renowned for their energetic brand of indie-rock, The Cribs released their sixth album ‘For All My Sisters’ last March which peaked at Number Nine in the UK Charts. In the year of their 10th anniversary the band were honoured with the ‘Spirit of Independence’ award at the Q Awards and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ at the annual NME Awards.

Comprised of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, The Kills have been described as rock ’n ’roll’s best-kept secret. Together the duo have released four critically acclaimed albums, including the 2011 release  'Blood Pressures’ which reached the Top 40 in both the US and UK. The band will be playing US shows including Coachella Festival in April.

Ocean Colour Scene will be returning to the festival for the first time since they wowed crowds in 2010. Following a sold out tour in January to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their ‘Moseley Shoals’ album, the band will be performing this classic release at The Isle of Wight Festival in its entirety. ‘Moseley Shoals’ is just one of three of the band’s albums which reached the Top Five in the Official Charts and contributed to their nine successive Top 20 hit singles.

One of Britain’s best loved rock bands Status Quo will be performing classic hits such as ‘Whatever You Want’ and ‘Down Down’ in a special performance which will be one of the last opportunities to see the band in their full set up following a recent announcement that after 2016 they will be hanging up their electric guitars for good.

Isle of Wight Festival veterans Mike + The Mechanics will once again be delighting crowds with hits such as ‘Over My Shoulder’ and ‘All I Need Is a Miracle’. Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford will be joined by one of the UK’s most prolific R&B singers Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar, who has previously toured with the likes of Rod Stewart and Paulo Nutini. 

Boomtown Fair announce the Old District lineup for 2016

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Following BoomTown’s massive first major line-up release, the festival kicks off five weeks of artist announcements for the nine districts that make up the weird, wild and wonderful fabric of the city. First up it’s the ancient pirate port of OldTown, the festival’s longest standing district that plays host to The Jolly Dodger, a 90-ft pirate ship and the OldTown main stage.

Shivering the timbers of The Jolly Dodger is a collection of some of the world’s finest exponents of gypsy, Balkan beats, Klezmer and pirate music. In addition to the already announced Babylon Circus and Los de Abajo, prepare for the Hungarian ‘speed folk freak punk’ of Bohemian Betyars, the turbo-charged Czech-American world-fusion of N.O.H.A and arriving from France, jazz-metal trio Les Yeux d'la Tête and Balkan electro-punk pioneers Fat Bastard Gang Bastard Gang Band, plus many more…

Full OldTown Line-up

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

Away from the many artists gracing the OldTown main stage, the district comes alive in its magical, meandering back streets and rum-soaked taverns, where salty sea dogs and land lubbers alike revel to a soundtrack of sea shanties and pirate folktales. An unmissable theatrical spectacle comes courtesy of The Invisible Circus in their Battle for BoomTown show.

Join the OldTown online community here and keep up-to-date with all BoomTown news via Facebook and Twitter, or sign up to the BoomTown Chronicles via the website. 

LINE UP SO FAR:

Town Centre

Asian Dub Foundation, Babylon Circus, Bad Manners, Beardyman, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Leftfield, Levellers, Mad Caddies, Madness, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Molotov Jukebox, Parov Stelar, The Correspondents (Live Band), The Selecter, The Slackers

Lion’s Den

Benny Page vs Ed Solo feat. Darrison, Channel One meets Mad Professor, Congo Natty feat. Congo Dubz, Tenor Fly and Iron Dread, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Heatwave presents Showtime, Inner Circle, Junior Kelly, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, Little Roy, Morgan Heritage, Mungo’s Hi-Fi (Live), Solo Banton, Soom T, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, The Skints, Zion Train

Old Mines

Beans On Toast, Dhol Foundation, Imelda May, Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Lau, Los De Abajo, Mokoomba, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Ojos De Brujo, Seth Lakeman, Shooglenifty, Skinny Lister, Steve ‘N’ Seagulls

The Jolly Dodger

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

The Windmill

Craig Charles, Prince Fatty feat. Horseman

Psychedelic Forest

Gaudi, GMS, Hallucinogen, Highlight Tribe, Neelix, Ozric Tentacles, Shpongle, Skazi

Hidden Woods

Manudigital

Devil Kicks Dancehall

Big D & The Kids Table, Leftover Crack, Sonic Boom 6, Talco, The Dickies

Poco Loco

Foreign Beggars, Pharaoh Monche, Submotion Orchestra, Swindle Live

Mi Casa

B Traits, Derrick May, Friend Within, Jackmaster, Octave One (Live), Shadow Child, Skream

DSTRKT 5:

Bang Hai Palace

Audio, Calibre, Calyx & Teebee, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Dynamite MC, Hype b2b Hazard, Krust, Mefjus b2b Emperor, My Nu Leng & Dread MC, Roni Size, Teddy Killaz, TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D)

Sector 6

DJ Craze, Deep Medi Takeover, Derrick Carter, Diemantle, DJ Zinc, Melé, MJ Cole, So Solid Crew, Zed Bias Soundsystem and MC Trigga, Om Unit

Robotica

Koan Sound, Shades of Rhythm, The Upbeats

Muuti’s Scrapyard

Angerfist, Cause4Concern, Chris Liberator b2b D.A.V.E The Drummer, Dr. Peacock, Guigoo, The Outside Agency, Radium, The Speed freak

Jungle Syndicate

Bong-Ra, IGORRR

Headliners announced for Kendal Calling 2016

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Having sold out their 10th birthday edition a whopping 19 weeks in advance last year, Kendal Calling returns to the beautiful Lake District in 2016 with huge headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Rudimental, Madness and The Charlatans.           

One of Manchester’s finest musical sons Noel Gallagher will be bringing a catalogue of festival-ready anthems to the fields with his High Flying Birds. Exactly 20 years to the week since Oasis’s seminal Knebworth and Loch Lomand shows, Noel will take to the stage at Kendal Calling for what is sure to be one of the festivals defining moments. Expect cuts from his two hugely acclaimed solo records plus some old favourites as a genuine musical icon graces the Lake District with his mighty anthems.

Chart-topping drum and bass crossover kings Rudimental’s high octane, party sets have cemented their reputation as one of the best live acts around.  Last year’s sophomore album ‘We The Generation’ featuring huge collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Dizzee Rascal whilst debut album ‘Home’ catapulted the band into the mainstream and captured the hearts of the nation’s youth.

Celebrating 40 years since their formation, London legends Madness are the ultimate sing along band and their hit laden set is sure to include the likes of ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘One Step Beyond’ and ‘Our House’.  Suggs, Carl and the Madness boys know how to work the crowd and these consummate showmen’s career spanning set will be a summer festival highlight.

A year on from their triumphant return with landmark album ‘Modern Nature’ and five years on from the founding of singer Tim Burgess’ festival favourite Tim Peaks Diner, The Charlatans return to Kendal Calling as special guest Thursday headliners. Expect hits galore as these North West heroes grace the stage and Tim pops up over the weekend to deliver dj sets and the finest cherry pie and coffee at Tim Peaks Diner.

Tim Burgess, Charlatans singer and founder of Tim Peaks Diner comments:

"As ever, I'm really looking forward to Kendal Calling. The sixth year in a row for me, the second time The Charlatans will have headlined and this year is the fifth year for Tim Peaks. It's going to be an extra special four days. See you there!"

Joining the headliners are indie rock sensation Catfish and the Bottlemen, quirky indie quartet Everything Everything, gritty three piece Band Of Skulls, power pop iconsAsh, incendiary Swedish rock and rollers The Hives, bombastic classic rockers The Darkness, enduring New Yorkers We Are Scientists, BBC Sound Of stars Blossoms, riotous punk upstart Ratboy, Merseyside slacker champs Hooton Tennis Club, the smoky blues of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, fresh faced garage punkers Pretty Vicious and filling the now customary hip hop legends slot the mighty Sugarhill Gang and many more. 

Over on the dance stage will be none other than returning man of the moment Craig David’s TS5, living legend David Rodigan MBE and Radio 1 and XOYO resident Toddla T.

Full Lineup To Date:

Noel Gallagher / Rudimental / Madness / The Charlatans

Catfish & Bottlemen / Ash / Everything Everything / Band of Skulls / The Hives / We are Scientists / The Darkness / Blossoms / Ratboy / Craig David’s TS5 / Sugarhill Gang / Toddla T / David Rodigan MBE / Pretty Vicious / Hooton Tennis Club / Sundara Karma / Rag 'n' Bone / Lightning Seeds / Age of Glass / Alice Gasson / Auction For The Promise Club / Beds in Parks / Blueprint Blue / BMX Bandits / Bridges / Britpoporama Indie Disco / Buffalo Brothers / Camp Stag / Colour / Dave Rybka / Ded Rabbit / Documenta / Dorey The Wise / Dust Junkys / Fours / Gideon Conn / Grumbling Fur / Hatcham Social / Haus / Henge / Horsebeach / IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE / Kelvin / Kid Kapichi / Kismet Ryding / Liberty Ship / Marsicans / Modern Minds / Molotov Jukebox / New York Tourists / Omit Sleep / Plastic Mermaids / Publik Sektor / Puppet Rebellion / Riot Jazz Brass Band / Rosie Lowe / Shunya / Signals / Stay Beautiful Bowie Disco / Teen Canteen / The Bear Around Your Neck / The Big Moon / The Crookes / The Floodgates / The Galivantes / The Hidden Revolution / The Lottery Winners / The Mexanines / The Soul Rays / The Templebys / Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs / Thomas Turgoose (DJ set) / Tim Book Two with Tim Burgess / Too Many T’s / Too Much Love / Turrentine Jones / Viola Beach / Where Fires Are

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Madness to headline Y Not 2016

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Winner of ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the recent Festival Awards, Y Not today reveals the legendary Noel Gallagher appearing, as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, as the first headliner for 2016’s event taking place 29th – 31st July in Derbyshire. Also topping the bill are 2 Tone heroes Madness whilst elsewhere on the line-up indie favourites Catfish And The Bottlemen, The Hives, The Cribs and many more will be taking to the stage.
 
After its 10th anniversary, sell out success and bagging ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the Festival Awards in 2015, Y Not had a tough act to follow. However, pulling out all the stops Y Not shows its worth once again with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds as grand headliners of the 2016 festival.  Gallagher is very rightly held in high regard as one of the greats of British performing and songwriting. In more recent years as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, the band have scored two number one albums, the later ‘Chasing Yesterday’ crowned as ‘Best Album’ by the 2015 Q Awards, whilst also bagging nominations for NME and BRIT Awards. This set will without doubt be a highlight of Y Not 2016.

Also topping the bill this summer will be great British pop band Madness. Camden Town’s finest head to the Peak District armed with 2 Tone guitars, keys, brass and sax sure to have festival-goers up on their feet and dancing. With 11 studio albums under their belts it’s hard to predict what may feature in a set list but it’d be a safe bet that hits such as ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’ and ‘It Must Me Love’ may very well feature.
 
Elsewhere on the line up are Catfish And The Bottlemen, the four piece have shot to success since their 2014 debut album ‘The Balcony’, the same year in which they scooped the BBC Introducing Award at the first BBC Music Awards. Next to step up to the mic will be garage rock Swedes The Hives, best known for their suave dress sense and the punk howls of hit record ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’. The Cribs, once dubbed ‘the biggest cult band in the UK’ by Q Magazine, make a welcome return to Y Not following an appearing at 2013’s festival. Further additions come in the form of Mercury Prize nominees Everything Everything and Liverpool’s indie rock outfit Circa Waves.
 
Taste maker’s favourite Rat Boy, teen punks Pretty Vicious, folk band Ferocious Dog and emo upstarts Moose Blood add further weight to Y Not’s first announcement.
 
Last but by no means least Y Not welcomes hardcore trio Gnarwolves, Sheffield’s The Sherlocks, the anthemic Sundara Karma plus The Magic Gang, Louis Berry, Cassels, New Desert Blues, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and The Decoy.

Madness, Damien Marley, Fat Freddys Drop and more added to Boomtown 2016 lineup

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BoomTown Fair has announced the first batch of headline artists for Chapter 8 of the fully immersive, genre-spanning festival. The headliners include three acts who have been at the top of the BoomTown wish list since day one and represent the musical foundations of the trailblazing independent festival: UK ska powerhouse MADNESS, reggae royalty DAMIAN ‘JR GONG’ MARLEY and New Zealand 7-piece dub specialistsFAT FREDDY’S DROP.

Over the 11-14th August, 50,000 citizens will descend on the Matterley Estate, Winchester amid a theatrical narrative of revolution, across nine individually themed city districts with a soundtrack covering all bases of the musical spectrum. Joining Madness in the Town Centre, prepare forFun Lovin’ Criminals’ block-rocking fusion of hip-hop, funk and punk, British electronic luminaries Leftfield and festival outlaws the Levellersdelivering their political brand of folk-rock. Back by popular demand are 2-tone ska heroes Bad Manners and California ska-punk legends Mad Caddies, keeping energy levels high alongside 10-piece French ska rockers Babylon Circus, Austrian electro-swing pioneer Parov Stelar and the superhuman mouth-driven music of Beardyman.

The Lion’s Den has cemented its reputation as the UK’s biggest reggae stage, and its Chapter 8 lineup features a suitably all-star cast of reggae, dub and dancehall VIPs. Entering the Den alongside Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and Fat Freddy’s Drop is another of BoomTown’s most requested acts and one of the first ladies of dancehall; welcomed back to the festival with arms wide open, Tanya Stephens. Straight out of Jamaica, we proudly host prominent reggae artists and committed Rastafarian vocalists Junior Kelly and Tarrus Riley, plus Inner Circle andMorgan Heritage, iconic bands whose sounds resonate as strongly in 2016 as they have throughout their extensive careers.

Now firmly settled in its new location, The Old Mines stage will be showcasing the best in folk, world and roots music, headed up by the unique rockabilly-blues sounds of Irish vocalist Imelda May, UK folk favourite and 2005 Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman and one of the most respected world fusion bands on the planet, Afro Celt Soundsystem. Reunited nine-piece Catalan collective Ojos de Brujo are guaranteed to turn the Mines inside out with their hip-hop tinged take on flamenco, and off the back of a number of sold out shows across the UK and Europe, US group Nahko And Medicine For The People bring their alchemy of folk, reggae and hip-hop. 

BoomTown’s Latin district Barrio Loco will be in full-on carnival mode as ever, with the Poco Loco stage rocking to the sounds of New York hip-hop giant Pharaoh Monche and British genre-benders Foreign Beggars, back after smashing the BoomTown Winter Gathering to bits. The all-new Mi Casa stage caters for the house and techno heads, welcoming Detroit pioneers Derrick May and Octave One (live) and UK DJs du jourJackmaster, Skream and Shadow Child.

With the towering Bang Hai Palace on its frontline, DSTRKT 5 will blow minds even further in 2016. Causing mayhem on the Bang Hai stage are takeovers from some of the biggest brands in drum and bass; Critical Music and Ram Records, plus Full Cycle celebrating 20 years in the game with Roni Size and DJ Krust reuniting on the decks. More drum and bass legends feature in the form of DJ Hype b2b DJ Hazard, withCalyx and Teebee bringing their brain-melting six deck show.  Representing the cream of the bass music crop on Bang Hai is Bristol boys-done-good My Nu Leng & Dread MC, and garage super-group TQD (Royal T, DJ Q and Flava D).

Elsewhere in DSTRKT 5, three brand new stages will be firing out signals from across the electronic music continuum. The dystopian android vibes of the Robotica stage will be soundtracked by supersonic beats and bass from Koan Sound and Nightmares on Wax, while the revolution HQ stage Sector 6, hosts innovators from both sides of the pond; DJ Craze and Derrick Carter fly in from the USA, and So Solid Crew,Newham Generals and a Deep Medi takeover fly the flag for UK homegrown sounds. Those craving harder and faster BPMs will find sanctuary in Muuti’s Scrapyard, where the likes of Angerfist, Dr. Peacock and Radium will unleash hardcore rave carnage.

After the huge success of the Psychedelic Forest in Chapter 7, the area returns with a lineup of scene-leading artists, with the likes of Gaudi,Neelix, Shpongle, Skazi and Hallucinogen showcasing the finest in psychedelic trance, techno, breakbeat and ambient.

Primal Scream set to headline Electric Fields Festival

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Electric Fields, Scotland’s most exciting new music festival, is proud to announce PRIMAL SCREAM as the first headliner for 2016, with Everything Everything, The Twilight Sad, Public Service Broadcasting, Erol Alkan and Model Aeroplanes and Joy Orbison also revealed.
 
Returning to the stunning grounds of the 17th Century Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th August, Electric Fields expands to two full days for the first time in 2016, offering festival goers even more incredible music and time to enjoy the intimate, community atmosphere that has made it such a hit with fans during its first two outings.
 
Primal Scream continue to be one of the most exciting bands on the planet, with a hugely successful and influential career spanning almost three decades and a catalogue of genre-defying hits, united by the groove. Loaded, Movin’ On Up, Rocks, Jailbird, Kowalski and Country Girl are just some of the highlights and, with the bands’ 11th album Chaosmosis due for release in March 2016, this homecoming show will be an unmissable festival experience.
 
Electric Fields co-founder Nick Roberts said: 
 
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Primal Scream to Electric Fields this August. They have created some of the greatest music these islands have produced and are right at the top of their game. The rest of the line-up compliments the whole nature of the festival brilliantly and we’re delighted to have this legendary band spearheading it for us. With our new two-day format, we’re able to bring even more incredible acts to the beautiful estate at Drumlanrig Castle and we can’t wait to welcome everyone come August.”
 
Standing as the mad scientists of indietronica, Everything Everything have garnered acclaim and awe with their constantly evolving soundscapes on modern life. Since emerging onto the alternative scene with their Mercury Prize nominated debut “Man Alive”, the Manchester quartet have grown from strength to strength, characterised by the multi-faceted vocals of frontman Jonathan Higgs. Dominating airwaves and stages around the world, these time-travelling explorers will be touching down at Electric Fields fresh from their widely acclaimed latest LP “Get To Heaven” for a set that’s sure to live-long in the memory.
 
National treasures don’t come much bigger than The Twilight Sad whose melancholic tales of heartbreak and life have soundtracked the emotional heartstrings of their homeland for nearly a decade. Their 2014 album “Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave” was met with universal acclaim, breathing new life into the post-punk world. With a new release on the horizon, their performance at Electric Fields is set to captivate the masses, and cement their place as one of the most important acts of a generation.
 
Public Service Broadcasting stand in a world of their own, creating unique and challenging soundtracks to the pivotal moments in human history. Their most recent LP, “The Race For Space,” transported listeners back to the heady days of the space race, combing historical clippings of the time with their epic instrumental soundscapes. Their immersive, cinematic show is set to be a stand-out at Electric Fields this summer.
 
Scotland’s very own Model Aeroplanes stand as one of the most exciting new bands in the UK, and their dazzling blend of indie-pop shows exactly why major labels were scrambling to sign the Dundee natives. Expect a mesmerising performance from a band destined to fill arenas. 
 
Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s will bring some of the most exciting names in electronic music to their own stage at Electric Fields this year. Erol Alkan, seminal electro pioneer, revered producer, remixer, DJ and head honcho of independent label Phantasy Records will be dropping tectonic vibrations throughout the fields, as he makes himself at home for an unrelenting showcase of the best in underground dance. Joining him on the Sneaky’s lineup will be renowned boundary-morpher Joy Orbison whose infectious beats will make for a celebration of groove and funky house. Drawing inspiration from a plethora of genres, the maverick Londoner has lead the way for electronic music, establishing a style that has soundtracked dark basement dens and festival stages worldwide. 
 
Electric Fields is delighted to announce that the Tim Burgess-curated Tim Peaks stage, famous for secret sets and an eclectic variety of artists, will be part of the 2016 family. The first artist to be revealed is actor Paddy Considine’s Riding The Low. So much more than a side project, the band’s infectious Suede-like melodies have seen them captivate crowds at festivals around the country.

James Bay set to headline Boardmasters 2016

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Boardmasters, Cornwall’s own surf and music festival, has today announced its first headline act set to take to the main stage this summer will be UK singer-songwriter of the moment, James Bay. Boardmasters returns to the stunning sun-drenched Cornish coastline for another year, giving festivalgoers the best in surf and music. The festival runs from Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 August 2016.

British homegrown talent, James Bay is riding the wave of platinum-selling success, with his No.1 debut album, ‘Chaos and the Calm’, featuring one of the biggest hits of the year ‘Hold Back The River’ and his current worldwide tour is selling fast. Having been honoured with the Critic’s Choice award at last year’s BRIT’s, he’s been nominated for a massive four awards at the 2016 ceremony and is also in the running for three Grammys. Continuing its role in bringing the hottest new acts to the South West, Boardmasters is stoked to welcome James Bay as he continues to dominate the UK and global music scene.  Fans are in for a treat, with James Bay set to put on a spellbinding performance when he takes to the main stage for his first headline appearance.

Boardmasters has also announced further acts to perform at this year’s festival. First up is the undisputed king of the UK garage sceneCraig David, tipped as one of the most hotly-anticipated comeback acts of 2016, with his latest hit ‘When The Bassline Drops’ currently storming the charts. Also announced are some of the UK’s hottest music acts – Kaiser Chiefs, Jamie Lawson who signed to Ed Sheeran’s record label last year, Example, Sigma, Wilkinson, BRITs British Breakthrough Act nominee Wolf Alice, Jack Savoretti, Gabrielle Aplin, MNEK, Nahko and Medicine for the People who will join James Bay and Craig David for what’s sure to be a weekend of high-octane performances from the biggest names in music. 

Leefest present The Neverland for 2016

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Celebrating 10 years since the original LeeFest kicked off in the back garden of founder Lee Denny; 2016 sees the emergence of the next chapter for the UK’s favourite independent festival with an exciting new creation; The Neverland.
 
The story of LeeFest is now legendary, growing from a back garden gathering with friends into a celebration of the true spirit of festivals. At the age of 16, Lee’s decision to rebel against his parents’ wishes led to the formation of a true community of kindred spirits and a celebration of new music, arts and creatives. Naturally expanding from the ground upwards year after year, it’s morphed into an unmissable fixture of the summer and along the way has introduced global success stories such as Bastille, London Grammar, Years & Years, Young Fathers and Jack Garratt amongst others. LeeFest is for the people and by the people, and that unfaltering desire for independent creativity and fantastic live moments has pushed it to the forefront of festival culture.
 
Now looking to evolve and innovate to the next level, this year LeeFest is taking flight into the kaleidoscopic world of The Neverland; a magical panoptic Kingdom full of unabashed creativity, diverse personalities and serious partying! The Neverland is the culmination of the dreams of thousands in the snowballing LeeFest community.
 
Defined by three distinct realms, The Neverland provides a fantastical immersive adventure for attendees…
 
Submerged in neon coating and sun-kissed horizons, Mermaids Lagoon will be the go-to destination for all those seeking the Club Tropicana high-life of cocktails, sunshine and pristine clarity. Dive into the bright lights of 80s glam in all its prime, with the beautiful people and luminous vibes of sunshine by the beach and margaritas on tap, as a vivid soundtrack of pop music serenades the pool bathers. For those seeking opulence and extravagance, a dip into Mermaids Lagoon is the height of decadence and thrilling glamour.
 
A futuristic dystopia, Skull Ridge lies in The Neverland shadows – a living embodiment of shadowy fantasies and mind-blowing attractions. Corruption and lawlessness are rife and the pounding, relentless soundtrack of bass, grunge and punk reigns supreme. Mob rule and darkness are ever present in this sprawling part of The Neverland that is unforgiving and unrepentant.  
 
The Neverwoods boasts some of the finest scenery in the whole of The Neverland, with panoramic natural vistas and a place of tranquillity, nourishment and well-being. Stroll through the picturesque frames of the ambient forests whilst becoming one with the wonderful nature flowing throughout and embrace new music, arts and crafts in a no nonsense paradise celebrating good times and joy.

More added to this years Gottwood Festival lineup

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Gottwood are proud to announce a new set of artists who will join the likes of Mr. G, Joy Orbison, Move D, DJ Deep, Craig Richards, Ben UFO, Roman Flügel, Sonja Moonear, Andrew Weatherall, Zip and many more in their magical Welsh forest this June.
 
Joining the Gottwood Family will be the Barcelona based Hivern Discs Label owner John Talabot,known for his slow moving and ebullient house. Alongside John Talabot, Gottwood welcomes the return of Rush Hour records Hunee, a Gottwood favourite following an epic set in the Gottwood Forest during the 2015 event.  
 
Gottwood are also excited to announce rising star John Dimas, who will bring his stripped back avante-garde house and techno sound to a Gottwood stage, whilst hotly tipped Manchester grime collective LEVELZ take over an intimate corner of the welsh woodland. 
 
Ensuring all musical bases are covered jazz, funk and fusion band The Expansions, who are best known as Andrew Ashongs session band, will play Live on the Lawn Stage as will the enthused raw groove, funk and hip-hop sounds of The Max Graef Band and the afro edit sounds of Sheffield's Al Zander aka Lodger. 
 
Futureboogie's Maxxi Soundsystem, twin duo The Menendez Brothers and One Records head honcho Subb-An will be bringing more up front party attitude to the forest, along with the well respected Leicester based club night and label collective City Fly. Manchester based crowd-loving crate-digger Neil Diablo will also be onboard, playing solo and also alongside Crazy P original member Jim Baron as their Ron & Neil collaboration. 

 

Alongside new media partners,  Stamp The Wax, and friends of the festival Ruf Dug, Gottwood are set to create a new space at the festival aptly named Ruffys Lab. Artistically curated by Ruf Dug himself, expect daytime interviews, product showcases, 80's video games and evening house parties with take overs from Ruf Kutz, Stamp The Wax and Dream Catalogue.