Summer Festival Guide

Boomtown Fair Tickets almost sold out

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From August 13-16th 2015, Matterley Bowl in Winchester will play host to BoomTown Fair – a fictional pop-up city where post-apocalyptic Mad-Max meets Burning Man in an immersive playground of creativity, life imitating art, interactive sideshows and live theatre.

Since its inception in 2009, BoomTown Fair has become one of the top 10 largest festivals in the UK and is the only one with an ingeniously manufactured storyline containing it’s own mayoral elections, citizen passports and convoluted political history. It is this, the underpinning storyline that gives the UKs most immersive independent festival the scope to mix cowboys with pirates and aliens with Aztec temples, across their 22 themed main stages and the countless smaller shop fronts, hidden beaches and forest parties…

BoomTown’s sprawling metropolis provides a temporary haven of hidden surprises, pulsating music and immersive audio-visuals to allow each of its thousands of citizens to go on an ultimate voyage of discovery within the labyrinth-esque streets. With a soundtrack of ska, folk, gypsy, reggae, world, punk, pirate, disco, electro-swing, jazz, blue-grass, breaks, bass, jungle, techno and a whole lot more. Even if visitors to the Fair only came for the music, as is the calling card for most traditional music festivals, the sheer array of musical masters to uncover is huge!!

Chapter 7 will see BoomTown unveil their brand new visually spectacular new colossus of a centre-stage for DownTown; The Palace, which is set to be the UK’s largest immersive festival dance arena, bringing with it a powerhouse of a bass line up and some of the worlds biggest names in drum ‘n’ bass, jungle and garage

 

BBC Introduction Acts announced for Standon Calling

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New additions to Standon's Sunday night revelry is a Club de Fromage vs. Coffin Dodgers Disco set on the clock tower stage at the centre of the festival. Standon goers take a step back as two of London’s mightiest club nights are going to slug it out for your love! Kings of pop Club de Fromage are taking on the golden oldies of Coffin Dodgers Disco in a battle of the titans! Expect general silliness, top tunes, giant balloons, free merchandise, the infamous limbo and lots more. Bring those dancing shoes and a comfy cardigan!

Standon Calling's founder, Alex Trenchard comments. "We're so pleased to have the BBC Introducing team curate one of our favourite stages at Standon and incredibly excited about the talent that is emerging from the surrounding areas. We're firm believers in supporting new and emerging talent and with a history of booking acts that go on to great things whether Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Clean Bandit, London Grammar, and we hope the eight selected artists will enjoy their time at Standon as much as we will undoubtedly enjoy their fantastic live performances."

BBC Introducing Three Counties comments, "Standon Calling has always been a great supporter of new music, showcasing acts like Mumford and Sons & Florence & The Machine early on their career. With that in mind in makes perfect sense for BBC Introducing to have our own stage there. We're very excited to show the festival the acts we have to offer. One day you'll tell your grandchild about the time you saw (insert name of the biggest band in the world) on the Introducing stage at Standon Calling."

Standon Calling will celebrate its 10th birthday in 2015. What started as a birthday BBQ and DJs with a handful of friends has become the perfect summer escape for festival-goers, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops and talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and of course its own heated outdoor swimming pool. This year's music offering is a stand-out on the festival calendar with headliners Little Dragon, The Dandy Warhols and Basement Jaxx alongside Roots Manuva, Hercules & Love Affair, Saint Raymond, Ella Eyre, Slaves, Real Lies, Ezra Furman, Kwabs, All We Are and much much more.

LINE-UP
Little Dragon / The Dandy Warhols (UK Exclusive) / Basement Jaxx

The Horrors / Roots Manuva / Hercules & Love Affair / Ella Eyre / Kwabs

 The Antlers / Saint Raymond / Lucy Spraggan / DJ Yoda / The Cuban Brothers / Hypnotic Brass Ensemble / Prides / Slaves / Charlotte OC / Will & The People / Seinabo Sey / All We Are / Jamie Lawson

 Revere / We Have Band / Rag‘n’Bone Man / Real Lies

Gabby Young & Other Animals / Jagaara / Remi Miles / Black Honey / Crows /
Syd Kemp / Black Delta Movement / Kiko Bun / The Thirst / Maddox / Waste / Patawawa 

The Cowshed
Sink The Pink presents Savage: The 2 Bears / Severino / Gaff-E / Jonjo Jury
Bondax & Friends: Maribou State [DJ] / Kidnap Kid, Jax Jones / Grades
Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge: present the Sunday Dingwalls Sessions 

The Last Dance Saloon
BBC Introducing: Amber Run, Nova Twins, Attaque, Longy, Alice Walker, Youth Club, Natasha North, Kimberley Newell
Loose Music: The Magic Numbers / Danny & The Champions Of The World / Treetop Flyers / Dan Michaelson & The Coastguards / The Goat Roper Rodeo Band / Jo Rose / Canyon Ride
Bella Union: Ezra Furman / PINS / Zun Zun Egui / Clarence Clarity / Peter Broderick / exmagician / Bernard & Edith

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Mayor's Homecoming Jamboree Featuring: The Grand Old Ukes Of Yorkshire / The Ol' Brass Band / Rockaoke / Line Dancin' Classes / The Town Soapbox / Bluegrass & Rockabilly Bands Aplenty

Dr Leech's Wellness Center & Funeral Services: The Treatment Rooms Present: Tombstone Transformations, The Ride of Your Life in the Voodoo Taxi Wagon & Vanishing Graffiti Workshops / Art Macabre Death Drawing / A Beginners Guide to Taxidermy / Wild Wyatt’s Survival Camps: How Not To Die In The West / Potions & Poisons Masterclass

The Church Fate: Legs Akimbo Presents The Church / Gospel Choir  / Aunt Annie's Bone Orchard Bake Sale & Bingo / A Conversation with Ghosts / Baptisms of Fire / Shotgun Weddings

The Last Dance Saloon: Salon London Presents: Dark Matters and Bright Ideas / The Telegraph Office: Wild Words of The West, The Radio Shack & The Newspaper Printing Press / The Cut-Throat Barbers: Talk-of-the-Town Hairstyling, Marvellous Makeovers & The Cut-Throat Cabaret Show / Wild Wyatt's Travelling Menagerie: Wildlife from the Wild West

Standon Favourites:Trapeze Lessons / Swimming Pool / The Annual Dog Show / A Parade of Dark & Light / Immersive Theatre / Happy Hoppers Games Arena

Alesha Dixson, Conrad Sewell and more join Liverpool International Music Festival

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Liverpool International Music Festival continues to bring superstars and local talent together and today announces that Alesha Dixon and Conrad Sewell will join local legends MiC Lowry on the Central Stage in association with Juice Liverpool. Juice Liverpool's resident DJ's Anton Powers, Ian Longo and Liam Hincks will join the likes of Echo And The Bunnymen, Basement Jaxx, Labrinth, Laura Mvula, Katy B, Naughty Boy, The Real Thing and over 100 more artists for Europe's largest free music event, LIMF Summer Jam. Taking place at Liverpool's iconic Sefton Park from 27th – 31st August, more information can be found at the LIMF website. 

Having made her name in the chart topping girl group Mis-Teeq, Alesha Dixon continues to make a name for herself as both past winner and judge of Strictly Come Dancing and Britain's Got Talent and incredible music talent and soon to be released fourth studio album. Performing on the Central Stage in association with Juice Liverpool, Alesha comments on her excitement to perform at LIMF:

"I can’t wait [to play LIMF]. I’m so excited that we’re already planning what we’re going to do and I know it’s going to be an amazing event which I’m really happy to be doing. Liverpool’s such a buzzing city, the people are always so receptive and welcoming, it’s always a good vibe and you always know you’re guaranteed to get a great energy from the crowd. When people say Liverpool you know you’re in for a good one.” 

Liverpool's award winning five-piece MiC Lowry have been building a formidable reputation as a live band having first got together at school. Their spellbinding vocal won them a MOBO Unsung award last year and ensured instant approval from BBC Introducing in Liverpool and the legendary Boyz II Men who they toured with last December. Fresh from collaborating on Kygo's huge summer smash 'Firestone' Brisbane born Conrad Sewell will play his solo hits for the Liverpool crowds. Both Conrad Sewell and MiC Lowry will also be performing a one-of-a-kind cover of one of 2015's biggest hits, something not to miss on the day. 

Juice Liverpool's favourite DJs Anton Powers, Ian Longo and Liam Hincks will be warming up the LIMF revellers, as well as the Grammy nominated British multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, Jax Jones who comments,

“I’m massively excited, I’ve just been looking at the line up now and I’m honoured to be on the same stage as some of the names on there. I’ll be raving and misbehaving as soon as my set’s done. I’ve always had a great reception from Liverpool many times. I was there recently and it was a sick night, an amazing reception and it’s always a great night there.”  

The Juice Liverpool artists join the LIMF Summer Jam line up that boasts previously announced Basement Jaxx, Naughty Boy, Laura Mvula, Katy B, The Real Thing, Echo & the Bunnymen with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Bipolar Sunshine and many more for what is set to be the perfect end to the summer. 

The Good Life Experience announces 2015 lineup

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With great memories of last year’s inaugural festival, The Good Life Experience Festival is thrilled to announce Wilko Johnson as the Friday night headliner to get the party started for the last festival of the summer. Joining him will be Tom Brosseau, Smokey Angle Shades, Wiz Jones, Catrin Finch and Honeyfeet as Cerys Matthews curates a fantastic line-up of world-beating musicians for an unforgettable weekend on the Hawarden Estate, North Wales on 18-19-20 September 2015.

The Good Life Experience is a chance to escape the humdrum; it’s a festival to feed the soul. Co-Founder Cerys Matthews commented: “The Good Life festival is not your average festival. It was designed to offer people the chance to learn and experience new things they’d never tried before, from throwing axes to learning how to dance, do yoga, abseil and cook on a campfire, all on the same day. The festival will offer the best of the great outdoors, music, culture and food in a magical setting surrounded by woodland against the backdrop of a stunning historic castle.”

Wilko Johnson is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor, who played with the rhythm and blues band Dr. Feelgood in the 70s, later joined Ian Dury's band, The Blockheads, and most recently starred in cult TV series Game of Thrones. Johnson and Dr Feelgood have been credited as one of the founding influences of the English punk movement, and Paul Weller has said of Johnson: "Wilko may not be as famous as some other guitarists, but he's right up there. And there are a lot of people who'll say the same. I can hear Wilko in lots of places. It's some legacy." Johnson recently played to a sold out Royal Albert Hall with Roger Daltry of The Who, and The Good Life Experience is extremely excited that he will be playing at this year's Good Life Experience on the Friday night.

One of the core values of the festival is an appreciation of The Great Outdoors, and leading this is broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle, who will share the knowledge and skills he has gained from over 15 years of adventure. Poler Outdoor Stuff is also joining the outdoor offering at the festival. Based in Portland, USA, and recently opened in the UK, Poler makes fantastic gear for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for kit that looks great, is good value and does the job. Poler will bring their famous ‘Le Tente’ rooftop tent on top of their Land Rover, along with their range of camping goods. After their massive success at last year’s festival, Best Made Co are returning to The Good Life Experience, all the way from New York City. Central to Best Made Co are their beautiful axes, which they create from the ground up by hand in the USA. They will be hosting their own tent, complete with a shop, exhibition and master-classes. Also joining the action-packed festival are some of the team from the sold-out Eroica Britannia cycling festival. The team will host workshops, have their merchandise on offer, and co-founder Gian Bohan will give a talk on the ethos of the Eroica cycling experience. The passionate Eroica team will also lead an adventurous 20-30 mile ride from the festival, where vintage cycling attire will be encouraged. 

The Good Life Experience will host campfire-cooking demonstrations from a host of great chefs, including Fabulous Baker Brother Tom Herbert, who was a festival favourite last year. The food demonstrations do not stop there, with Deliciously Ella, Thomasina Miers and Valentine Warner, and many more, joining the line-up. 

The Good Life Experience is embracing all things Cuban in its second year. Los Revolucionarios is a sensational all-Cuban band, who have been given the simple brief from festival co-founder Cerys Matthews to 'get the festival dancing'. And returning to The Good Life Experience for the second time, Luis Fernando brings a taste of Cuba to North Wales with the opportunity to sample his amazing hand rolled cigars. All this along with delicious Cuban cocktails means there really will be a taste of Cuba at The Good Life Experience. 

On the books and talks side of things, along with Caught by the River and the Dylans Mobile Bookshop, The Idler will bring their Academy of Philosophy, Husbandry and Merriment, a school, coffee house and bookshop to the festival. The Idler offers courses in liberal arts and practical skills, and they will be running drop in classes throughout the weekend. Co-founder of the Idler, Tom, says that 'characteristic of The Idler's work is that it looks suspiciously like play'. Learn something new and have fun doing it – this is all part of the ethos of The Good Life Experience. 

On Maker’s Row festival goers will be able to take part in workshops with the help and guidance of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. There will be leather working with the amazing Lloyd Newman of Enstone Leather, furniture maestro Hugh Miller will teach the basics of making a small box using dovetailing and enamel artist Kate Samuels will give fantastic workshops on making enamel badges. Festival favourites from last year Hatchet + Bear, will return this year to give their amazing spoon carving workshops, and professional illustrator and compulsive scribbler David Setter is bringing his hand cut vinyl art workshop for all ages.

This and much more is The Good Life Experience. Tom Herbert of The Fabulous Baker Brothers described it best when he said of The Good Life Experience 2014: “If Willy Wonka had married Liv Tyler and they had run away with the Circus, then after a life time of beauty, craziness and brilliance they had gathered all their loved ones and dogs and children for a celebration of life with luscious food, the smell of cigars, perfume and wood smoke, and linked arms for and almighty hoedown, then it’d pale in comparison to The Good Life Experience.” 

Brand new festival Together The People comes to Brighton

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Together The People (TTP), a brand new addition to the UK festival scene, reveals its debut line-up today. Taking place in Preston Park in Brighton on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2015, TTP is a 5,000 capacity, non-camping music and arts festival founded by local music promotions company One Inch Badge. Together ThePeople’s primary focus is to celebrate Music, Food, Community, Film and Arts within the city of Brighton by delivering a high quality, creative, family friendly and socially aware flagship event accessible to all.
 
With great music very much at the heart of the festival, TTP’s debut line-up reflects an eclectic mix of new talent, beloved legends and contemporary stars. Headlining the main stage on Saturday are irreverent Welsh pop collective Super Furry Animals. Fronted by Gruff Rhys, the SFA’s are celebrated not only for their exceptional song-writing and spectacular live shows, but also for their sheer creativity and imagination. With a back catalogue of countless classics from throughout their over-20-year career, this headline slot looks set to be a highlight of the festival season.

 

Joining the Super Furry Animals on the main stage on Saturday are Brighton folk-rock stalwarts The Levellers, political poet and master singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, Mercury-nominated producer/MC Ghostpoet, talented local rising star Chris Simmons and emotive and spirted pop from popular X-Factor finalist Lucy Spraggen.
 
Sunday will see 1960s Motown legends Martha Reeves & The Vandellas take to the main stage, along with instrumental duo Public Service Broadcasting, folk songstress Lucy Rose and Roots Manuva who was recently dubbed “England’s greatest rapper” by The Independent. More Brighton talent will be represented with psychedelic hip-hop outfit Dizrali & The Small Gods and local party providersCarnival Collective opening the stage. The very special guest headliner for Sunday at Together The People will be revealed soon!
 
The second stage will also host several exciting musical acts over the weekend with headline sets provided by Brakes and Scott Matthews. Other slots over the weekend will come courtesy of Brakes, The Xcerts, Horrible Histories, Half Crown, Mok, Carnival Collective, on the Saturday. Followed by Scott Matthews, Jako Hooper, Yonaka, Kudu Blue, Cat in the Hat, Normanton Street, Neon Saints Brass Band.
 
The Soapbox Stage will offer a platform for other creative arts such as literature, spoken-word, poetry and dance. Also welcoming local focus groups and charities to talk about their work, this stage is the place to see cutting edge arts performances and engaging with lively discussions and Q&A sessions. The line-up so far includes:Hammer & Tongue, Beach Hut Writers, Sea Shepherd UK, Brighton Housing Trust, Future Brighton Debate (featuring local focus groups & MP’s), Revolution #10 by Joseph Young. Plus comedy, kids programming and much more to be added.
 
The Folkore Stage will showcase Brighton's excellent array of acoustic talents, as well as artists from all over the country. Programmed by local musician Jacko Hooper who hosts a monthly night of the same name and has recently toured with the likes of James Bay and James Blunt, acts playing across the weekend include:Mike Dignam, Jack Watts, Deidre Faegre, George O’Gilvie, Daisy Jean Russell,Bella Spinks, Aniseed Treats, Oxtoba, Sam Jordan, Bess Atwell, Christopher Matthewson, Josh Mac, Paper Hawk and Matthew the Oxx.
 
There will also be plenty of family fun on offer! On the main stage on Saturday afternoon audiences will be treated to one of the wildest family theatre shows round:The Cat In The Hat, based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss. Expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge! Ever popular book and TV series Horrible Histories will also be taking to the stage with their brilliantly funny educational theatre show ‘Barmy Britain’; a breakneck rollick through 1,000 years of our great land that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages!
 
With a wealth of exciting producers on their doorstep, Together The People will offer festival-goers the very best in local independent food and drink. Street Diner will present ‘Street Food Revolution’ including Dead Good Burrito, Ahimsa, Fries Guys, Guerrilla Grill and Sultans Delight. There will also be several bars serving beverages from local breweries. More information on the food and drinks TBA!  
 
There will be plenty of other areas to explore and exciting experiences to be had atTogether The People’s debut outing. Art Installations and exhibition spaces curated by Studio 45 and Cassette Lord, with a number of workshops including spray painting and street art, screen printing, pottery, lino-cut, woodblock printing and circus skills plus, interactive fun for kids.
 
With so many brilliant local business based on their home turf, TTP have partnered with several of their friends to provide festival-goers with a taster of Brighton’s best-loved cultural institutions. The UK’s leading independent record store Resident will present a Music Pop Up Shop selling some of the worlds best records and hosting meet & greets and signing’s from artists performing at the festival. The oldest cinema in continuous use in Britain, Duke of Yorks Picture house will also be programming an eclectic and entertaining choice of moving pictures in an environment we can guarantee you have experienced before! Plus lots more interesting local retails TBA!  
 
New musical talent will also be strongly represented over on the BIMM Stage (British and Irish Modern Music Institute). Full line-up to be revealed soon but expect a stage packed with performances from the most talented musicians in the city of Brighton right now including folk, rock, electronica, reggae, punk, dance and everything in-between! 

MUSIC
SUPER FURRY ANIMALS
MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS | THE LEVELLERS | BILLY BRAGG
GHOSTPOET | PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING | LUCY ROSE | ROOTS MANUVA | THE XCERTS | BRAKES | HALF CROWN | LUCY SPRAGGAN | GLASS CITY VICE | CHRIS SIMMONS | MOK SCOTT MATTHEWS | JACKO HOOPER | YONAKA | KUDU BLUE | NORMANTON STREET NEON SAINTS BRASS BAND | DIZRAELI & THE SMALL GODS
 
FAMILY FUN
HORRIBLE HISTORIES | CAT IN THE HAT
 
FOLKLORE STAGE
MIKE DIGNAM | JACK WATTS | DEIDRE FAEGRE | GEORGE O’GILVIE | DAISY JEAN RUSSELL | BELLA SPINKS | ANISEED TREATS | OKTOBA | SAM JORDAN | BESS ATWELL | CHRISTOPHER MATTHEWSON | JOSH MAC | PAPER HAWK | MATTHEW THE OXX
 
SOAPBOX STAGE
HAMMER & TONGUE | BEACH HUT WRITERS | SEA SHEPHERD UK | BRIGHTON HOUSING TRUST | FUTURE BRIGHTON DEBATE | HAMMER & TONGUE | BEACH HUT WRITERS | REVOLUTION #10 by JOSEPH YOUNG *
 
PLUS:
THE INCREDIBLE MOVING PICTUREHOUSE | BIMM STAGE | RESIDENT MUSIC POP-UP SHOP | STREET DINER’S STREET FOOD REVOLUTION | ART INSTALLATIONS & WORKSHOPS

TICKET INFORMATION
 
Weekend Tickets
£70 + booking fee – Adult Weekend (16+)
£37.50 + booking fee – Child Weekend (11-15 yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+)
£0 – Infant Weekend (under 11yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+)
 
Day Tickets
£39.50 + booking fee – Adult Day (16+)
£20 + booking fee – Child Day (11-15 yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+)
£0 – Infant Day (under 11yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+)
 
Disabled customers are asked to purchase their tickets via Ticketmaster & call the dedicate line (0800 988 4440) to arrange a carer ticket and obtain further information.

Kendal Calling add new area to showcase Arts, Music & Culture

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Inspired by folklore of the Eden Valley, Kendal Calling presents something completely new for 2015. Wander into the woodlands and discover a whole new level of escapism a world away from the main stages. Expect stampedes led by opulent stags, weird encounters with mythical creatures inside giant, bespoke installations, and so much more—in short, expect a hotbed of art, music and culture nestled among four acres of beautiful woodland. Lost Eden will be home to new performance spaces with packed programs of audio-visual content, as well as a host of other artworks and leftfield experiences throughout the weekend.

If you dare to journey through this rabbit hole, you must prepare to be taken on a journey from a state of nature to a tribal metropolis. Kendal Callers are cordially invited to co-author the story of the Carvetti, the lost inhabitants of the Eden Valley, through costumed parades, spontaneous gatherings, workshops and encounters with newly commissioned installation art. Lost Eden at Kendal Calling is supported by the Arts Council England and curated with outdoor arts experts and NPO Walk the Plank.

A fully immersive experience, Lost Eden presents 10 new art commissions, with high calibre works in a range of media, including projection-based and sculptural work. From intricately carved automobiles to mesmerising video art, the unique and beautiful installations at Lost Eden are not to be missed!

With costumed processions through to giant puppets and gut-shuddering drum troupes, Lost Eden will play host to an abundance of performance too: watch out for glowing stags, ballroom dancers, topiary-headed ladies and larger than life jellyfish—to name just a few.

Lost Eden artworks at Kendal Calling are supported by the Arts Council England. They are curated in association with outdoor arts experts Walk The Plank, a creative force in cultural events and NPO also supported by the Arts Council England. Alison Clark, Director Combined Arts, Arts Council England said, ‘Kendal Calling has grown to be one of the most important festivals in the UK and Lost Eden will give people attending the chance to experience some great visual art alongside the music. I’m really pleased that we have been able to fund the initiative through our National Lottery funded Grants for the Arts programme and look forward to seeing the work myself.’

Catch over 100+ acts spread across the newly introduced stages, with sounds encompassing a cosmic blend of psychedelia, electro-swing, acid jazz, live techno and acid house in the evenings. Highlights will include Dub Pistols DJ set, Aziz Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses) and Wolfie Razzmatazz. Expect world music, bluegrass, folk and acoustic sounds to relax to in the day (watch out for Fiona Clayton, John Fairhurst, Wilf Stone and Bird to Beast). Keep your eyes peeled for panel discussions, lifestyle talks, spoof happenings and literature from our spoken word residents at Bad Language, every afternoon throughout the weekend.

 

ART & CULTURE

NEW COMMISSIONS – OUR PICK

Eden Avenue by Sound Intervention: Sound Intervention, an acclaimed arts company founded by Cumbrian artist Dan Fox, specialises in sonic art. For Kendal Calling 2015 Sound Intervention presents Eden Avenue, an installation of urban lamps flickering with light and the ephemeral sounds of forest wildlife.  http://www.danfox.net

Paradise Found by Mick Stephenson: Light artist Mick Stephenson is best known for his beautiful sculptures crafted from upcycled materials and vibrantly lit with LEDs. Drawing upon this expertise and the vision for Lost Eden,Mick presents a piece that plays upon the interaction between nature and our technologically advanced society. Expect a large-scale collection of clocks, computers and other devices bathing in artificial light while sprouting with lush vegetation.  http://www.mickstephenson.net

Liminal by Christopher Helson: It will be hard to miss the eye-catching contribution of Christopher Helson, as an enormous 8m diameter video sphere. Liminal will feature newly commissioned film as abstract depictions of Cumbrian lakes, mountains and forests.  http://helsonandjackets.com/index.php/liminal

 

PERFORMANCE ART – OUR PICK

Spark! Five mysterious characters made of light and sound will take you on a unique and mesmerising journey. High impact drumming, beautiful lighting design, dynamic choreography, incredible costumes, and strong characters: this is a show not to be missed. Watch out for some surprising audience interactions too! http://worldbeatersmusic.com

The Lantern Company. This world-class company will be furnishing the woods of Lost Eden with illuminated costumed characters, creating amazing and memorable events across the weekend. The Lantern Company play with light and dark, giant puppets, lanterns and performance, with theatrical installations, walkabout characters and carnival processions. Expect something mysterious, beautiful and absurd, often all at the same time!

http://lanterncompany.co.uk

Thingumajig: Unmissable performances by Thingumajig will include Jellish and Sunbirds; larger than life puppetry that will leave you smiling, if not a little stunned. Spectacular, uplifting and colourful, watch out for these unique creatures at dusk and at night in the Lost Eden woodland. 

www.thingumajig.info/projects/jellish

MUSIC

The Carvetti Stage: A mixed stage featuring a roster of sounds from laid back acoustic to bespoke cabaret and thumping brass ensembles. The Carvetti Stage also features lectures, spoken word and Q&As with must-see speakers throughout the day.

The Lost Stage: Expect an industrial sculpture-come-stage crafted and part-curated by the Invisible Wind Factory, our good friends behind Liverpool’s Kazimier. This is an after-hours party of electronic sounds encompassing experimental house, live techno and gut-shuddering dub.

REGIONAL FOCUS

Lost Eden will also showcase Eden Valley artist Fiona Clayton who returns to the live stage after a break. Browlin sees the return of Linton Brown under a new guise. Beachmaster will perform their ever evolving folk punk and Martin Allinsons (The Raged) premiers his new project Lost Colours, an exciting mix of Psychedelia & electronica. Along with other Cumbrian artists Hardwick Circus, Fading Face & Sykamore Sykes will be making their first appearance at the festival.

FULL LOST EDEN LINE-UP

ART & CULTURE: ‘Nature Delivers’ Dan Rawlings / ‘Treeple’ Paul Calsey / ‘Liminal’ Christopher Helson / ‘Eden Avenue’ Sound Intervention / ‘Wild Life Strip’ Simon Williams / Spoken Word with Bad Language / Aziz Ibrahim Q&A / Lifestyle Talks with Betternotstop / Festival Culture Panel with Professor George McKay / Swing dance classes / Live art with John Pearson / ‘Paradise Found’ Mick Stephenson

PERFORMANCE: Spark! / Kitsch & Sync / the Artful Badger / the Lantern Company / Sound Intervention / ‘Birdcage’ Caustic Widows / ‘White Stag’ Rhiannon White

MUSIC (LIVE): Aziz Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses) / The Church / Dogshow / The Age of Glass / Twisted Tubes / Hermigervill / John Fairhurst / Wilf Stone (Pikey Beats)/ Bird to Beast / Fiona Clayton / Fading Face / Hardwicke Circus / Henge / Purple Heart Parade / Ric Birtill / Strange Collective / Sykamore Sykes / Killer Computers / Beachmaster

DJS: Dub Pistols DJ set / Wolfie Razzmatazz / Culture Cuts / Mike Freear / Ki Creighto / Lucid Dream DJ set / Mixmonster Menno / Mortisville / Vinyl Revival / Uber / Faux Queens / Engine DJs / DJ Mime / Lost Colours / Rubrick’s Crumpet Funk / Browlin / Understate / DJ Storm.

 

With its own real ale festival, comedy,  kids activities, gourmet food and drink alongside artists such as Elbow,Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, Vaccines, James and hundreds more, the multi-award winning Kendal Calling is the perfect summer festival..

Reading & Leeds 2015 Announce Alternative Stage And Transgressive Takeover

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With eight weeks to go until the Festival gates open, the line-up for the Alternative Stage at Reading & Leeds has been announced. With tickets for both sites still available there’s never been a better time to buy a ticket. On top of the already huge line-up including headlinersMumford and Sons, Metallica and The Libertines comes a host of the best in comedy and alternative talent from the UK and beyond plus the annual after-hours takeover from Transgressive Records.
 
Heading up proceedings on the comedy front is TV favourite Milton Jones, whose regular appearances on ‘Mock The Week’ along withmultiple Radio 4 shows has made him the leader of the pack when it comes to deadpan comedy. With sidesplitting one-liners aplenty, his Reading & Leeds performance is not to be missed. Bringing the jokes outside of the 140 character limit, Rob Delaney will also be making appearances at Reading & Leeds, proving his worth as an acclaimed stand up comedian after finding fame through making jokes on Twitter. Also heading for Leeds will be Adam Buxton of BBC6 Music fame who will perform his BFI London show BUG. TV joker Russell Kane will also be bringing his hugely popular brand of comedy to the festival, offering a rare chance to see the funnyman outside of the huge venues he’s already playing around the country.
 
With a line-up also including the brilliant ‘Stand Up For The Week’ regular and star of BBC’s Twenty Twelve Sara Pascoe and Canadian Comedy star Katherine Ryan who was a breakout star on Live At The Apollo both of whom who you’ll have seen on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI, Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week. They are joined by wild haired standup and Virtually Famous TV star Seann Walsh, fast rising UK star Daniel Sloss and ‘Show Me The Funny’ finalist Tiffany Stevenson, The Alternative Stage is truly one of the must see parts of the festival.
 
The comedy bill expands even further with the delightfully cutting Stephen K Amos, the hugely inventive Abandoman, Radio 1 star Tom Deacon, the man from TV’s Uncle and Heavy Entertainment; Nick Helm, panel-show favourite the hilarious Holly Walsh, the fearlessly funnySuzi Ruffell, metalhead Andrew O’Neill, comedian and captain of ITV’s Reality Bites Joel Dommett, online superstar, fantastic comic and Beyoncé enthusiast Luisa Omielan, impractical joker Paul McCaffrey,Viral Tap and Xtra Factor star Matt Richardson, Edinburgh 2014 Best Newcomer Award winner Alex Edelman, BBC regular and break out star Dane Baptiste, Magician and Comic just returned from dazzling Las Vegas the side-splittingly funny Piff The Magic Dragon, sketch icons Wit Tank, fast-rising star David Morgan the newly announced co-host of ITV’s SafeWord, and finally everyone’s favourite from Channel 4’s Mr Drew’s School for Boys teacher and rapper, Mark Grist.
 
The famous Alternative Stage is far more than just another festival comedy tent though, as it bills some of the best in forward thinking music and spoken word. Fast gaining a name as one of the UK’s most vital talents after appearing on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist, George The Poet will be bringing his incredible, realistic, unafraid hybrid of spoken word and hip hop to the festival, which is sure to be an unforgettable moment of the weekend. Another huge name joining the bill is Jaguar Skills who will be spinning some of his most notable, eclectic, multi-genre mixes, alongside London-based electronica and Techno producer Max Cooper who is making his Leeds Festival debut. 
 
On top of this, Transgressive’s annual takeover brings together another hotly anticipated late-night line-up to Reading & Leeds. Fresh after celebrating their 10th anniversary at the festival last year, the independent label is bringing another specially curated bill that is their biggest yet. Hi-jacking the Saturday and Sunday nights in Leeds, the stage will run from 9.30pm until late, featuring a host of emerging and established talent throughout the weekend. Grime hero Wiley will be bringing his fantastic and ferocious live show to the tent in the wake of his critically acclaimed album Snakes and Ladders, released at the end of 2014 to huge fanfare. Looking to the future stars of the genre, Novelist will be also be making an appearance, while the likes of Jackmaster, Madame X and DJ Target will get crowds moving throughout the weekend.
 
Transgressive will be taking over Reading by bringing Dj-ing talent to a Silent Disco in the Alternative Stage courtesy of Alt J, Palma Violets,Peace and BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens and Jen Long, which looks set to be nothing short of spectacular.
 
All of this sits alongside parties from Buttoned Down Disco and a series of extra special DJ sets from The Libertines’ Gary Powell and The Kooks’ Hugh Harris for Propaganda.

V Festival 2015 lineup complete annouce and stage splits

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V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, is proud to announce the addition of legendary hip-hop pioneers, De La Soul to its 20th anniversary line-up. The game-changing trio will give crowds a hotly anticipated comeback performance, alongside an eclectic mix of the biggest hit-makers and rising stars of the moment.

Pendulum (DJ set), MNEK, The Coronas, Conor Maynard, Shift K3Y, Sinead Harnett, Seafret, Zac Samuel, James Glover and Nick Jonas, will complete the line-up of the summer.

Over 150,000 fans will get the chance to see the newly announced acts perform across the weekend, as they join Calvin Harris, Kasabian,Sam Smith, The Script, Stereophonics, Ellie Goulding and Spotify’s most sought-after names of 2015, George Ezra, James Bay and Hozier.

De La Soul’s Kelvin Mercer said: “Every time we perform in the UK we get the best reception, from the craziest crowds! V Festival 2015 is going to be the biggest rave of the year, so we’re looking forward to being on that stage and joining the party!”

Grammy-nominated MNEK said: “This year has been a whirlwind and it’s not over yet. I’m so chuffed to be part of such a brilliant line-up and can’t wait to get out there.”

Nick Jonas commented: “I'm honoured to join such an incredible line up at the 20th anniversary of V Festival.  My fans have been very supportive of my new music so I'm really excited to perform for them at one of the UK’s greatest festivals.”

The hottest names in music will be performing alongside hilarious comedy headliners including Russell Kane, Frankie Boyle, Shappi Khorsandi and Matt Richardson, who will all take centre stage in the Glee Club Comedy Tent.

V Festival today also announces its stage splits for 2015:

Saturday 22nd August – Weston Park / Sunday 23rd August – Hylands Park

VIRGIN MEDIA STAGE:

Calvin Harris, The Script, Ellie Goulding, George Ezra, The Kooks, Ella Henderson, Gregory Porter, Imelda May

MTV STAGE:

Stereophonics, Clean Bandit, Kodaline, The Charlatans, Sigma, Maverick Sabre, Ella Eyre, Echo and the Bunnymen, Scouting for Girls, Hilltop Hoods

THE ARENA:

Paloma Faith, Jessie Ware, Duke Dumont, De La Soul, LunchMoney Lewis, Nick Jonas, Wretch 32, Conor Maynard, Lawson, Indiana

THE DANCE TENT:

Oliver Heldens, Philip George, Toddla T, Goldie, Marvin Humes presents Luvbug, Moxie, James Glover (Saturday and Sunday at Weston Park)

Saturday 22nd August – Hylands Park / Sunday 23rd August – Weston Park

VIRGIN MEDIA STAGE:

Kasabian, Sam Smith, Hozier, Courteeners, Annie Mac, James Bay, Marina & the Diamonds, The Proclaimers

MTV STAGE:

Olly Murs, Tom Jones, Chvrches, Labrinth, Mark Ronson DJ Set, Jess Glynne, Fuse ODG, Reverend and the Makers, Bleachers, The Coronas

THE ARENA:

Nero, Andy C, Example + DJ Wire, Pendulum DJ Set, Tove Lo, MNEK, Aston Merrygold, Sinead Harnett, Seafret

THE DANCE TENT:

Hannah Wants, DJ EZ, Mistajam, My Nu Leng, Shift K3Y, Alex Adair, Sam Feldt, Zac Samuel (Saturday and Sunday at Hylands Park)

 

Bloodstock 2015 Ticket Update

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Just five short weeks ‘til they open the gates at Catton Park and the metal hoardes flood on to the hallowed turf for BLOODSTOCK 2015!

In celebration, BLOODSTOCK are releasing their day tickets at 9am on Wednesday 1st July.  Tickets are priced at £60 each, plus booking fee and are available from http://www.seetickets.com/event/bloodstock-2015/catton-park/809956.  If you can’t make it for the whole weekend, come join the metal party for just one day and catch one of 2015’s headliners, TRIVIUM, WITHIN TEMPTATION or ROB ZOMBIE, plus much, much more.

Following the success of 2014’s debut outing, BLOODSTOCK is delighted to announce that the Rock and Metal (RAM) Gallery will once again be part of the festival’s on-site attractions.

Showcasing a selection of art and memorabilia, the exhibition will expand on last year’s event and will feature work by BLOODSTOCK co-founder Paul Raymond Gregory, himself an acclaimed artist with an extensive body of work which includes many famous album sleeves and monolithic pieces inspired by the writings of JRR Tolkien.

Returning again this year is the amazing guitar maker/luthier, Cynosure.  Working to re-define the guitar not just as a functional instrument, but as a working, playable piece of art, he will present several of his unique creations including the brand new RAM Guitar, specially commissioned by Paul Raymond Gregory.  Click for more info at www.cynosureguitars.com/ or www.facebook.com/CynosureGuitars.

Renowned artist Mark Wilkinson will also have works on display.  Mark is the mastermind behind many iconic albums sleeves for Marillion, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and The Darkness, amongst others.  2015 marks the 30th anniversary of Marillion’s iconic third album, ‘Misplaced Childhood’, so Mark’s inclusion in the gallery is especially timely.  More of Mark’s work can be viewed at his website, www.the-masque.com.

Emphasizing the link between music, imagery and the written word, the exhibition will also feature the work of photographers and authors.  Fiaz Farrelly and Alison Richards will both be displaying a selection of their dynamic rock photography, while Ramon Martos, author of ‘…And Justice For Art – Stories About Heavy Metal Album Covers’ and Alex Lewis, author of ‘J.R.R.Tolkien: Codemaker, Spy-master, Hero’, will also be represented.  Ramon’s book tells the tales behind some of metal’s best-known album sleeves, while Alex’s work on Tolkien brings together Paul Raymond Gregory’s own Tolkien-inspired creations and the enormous influence that The Lord Of The Rings and Tolkien’s other writings have had on metal music.

More information on exhibitors is available at Paul’s website, www.studio54.co.uk.

Professionally hung, lit and housed in a specially constructed space, the exhibition marks a step in the long term goal of establishing a new permanent rock venue, with Paul returning to his roots as an artist & gallery owner in support of both art and music. The proposed venue in Derbyshire would include a live music space with bar, rehearsal and recording facilities, and a permanent exhibition space.  A true hub for British rock and metal in the heart of the Midlands, the true birthplace of metal.  Check out more on Paul’s idea here: www.studio54.co.uk/index.php/rock-and-metal-museum/

If you’re travelling to BLOODSTOCK by train, don’t forget to book your Big Green Coach shuttle bus tickets to get you & your camping gear from Lichfield City rail station to the festival site.  There’s still time to book coach travel from 26 different locations around the country or a coach & festival ticket package.  Check out all the info & ticket options at http://goo.gl/23pfik.

Tickets for BLOODSTOCK 2015 are available via the 24hr ticketline at 0871 230 5584 or online at http://bloodstock.seetickets.com/event/bloodstock-2015/catton-park/809956, priced at the very reasonable £135 (plus booking fee) for a four-day Thursday through Sunday weekend ticket with camping.  VIP packages and upgrades are also available, plus pre-booked car parking pitches at a cheaper rate than ‘on the day’.  Camper van pitches are now all SOLD OUT!

All these killer bands are on the bill!  Friday’s headliner TRIVIUM and special guests SABATON, Saturday’s headliner WITHIN TEMPTATION and special guests OPETH, Sunday’s headliner ROB ZOMBIE and special guests BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, plus CANNIBAL CORPSE, IHSAHN, SEPULTURA, ORANGE GOBLIN, DEATH D.T.A, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, 1349, NAPALM DEATH, DARK ANGEL, ARMORED SAINT, BELPHEGOR, OVERKILL, ENSIFERUM, AGALLOCH, KORPIKLAANI, PRO-PAIN, ENSLAVED, RAGING SPEEDHORN, XERATH and WOLF.  Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, there’s headliners DELAIN, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, GODFLESH and ARNOCORPS, LAWNMOWER DETH, MORDRED, ETHEREAL, ONSLAUGHT, OAF, CONAN, PLANET OF ZEUS, GODSIZED, plus many more.

Drake closes Wireless Festival’s 10th anniversary with a bang

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Canadian rapper Drake finally made it back to London's Wireless Festival after a cancellation last year and it was well worth the wait!  With the sun shining down on London's Finsbury Park and the crowd at full capacity, Drake wastes no time in getting into his new single Legend off his latest album 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' and instantly reminded the crowd what they were missing.  With vocals in full swing and the crowd bopping up and down, Drake trawls through his massive catalogue of tunes including, Trophies, We Made It, Crew Love, Tuesday, The Motto, Hold On Were Going Home, Started From the Bottom, Take Care, Energy and more!

In full swag mode and working the crowd into the palm of his hand, Drake connects with the fans by constantly reminding them of his love for London, his second home he pronounces.  Covering the stage floor and giving the entire crowd love, Drake's showmanship is like no other!  There is no ego, and its plain to see that he is as happy to be here as is the adorning crowd.  With a set full of pyrotechnics and the stage transforming to a Jungle midway through, Drake is clearly in his element commanding the stage solo for the majority of his 80 minute performance.

All in all, it was quite a fitting end to what was brilliant day at the 10th anniversary of Wireless Festival, with Rita Ora, Katy B, Chance the Rapper & Public Enemy all playing amazing performances. 

Photo by Andrew Whitton courtesy of Wireless Festival

Drakes full set list is here:

  1. Intro
  2. Legend
  3. Trophies
  4. We Made It
  5. Headlines
  6. Over
  7. Crew Love
  8. Star 67
  9. 6 man
  10. No Telling
  11. Blessings
  12. Tuesday
  13. My Way RMX
  14. Motto
  15. Truffle Butter
  16. 6 God
  17. Worst Behaviour
  18. Jungle
  19. How About Now
  20. Find Your Love
  21. Take Care
  22. Hold On
  23. 0 to 100
  24. All Me
  25. HYFR
  26. Started from the bottom
  27. 10 bands
  28. Know Yourself
  29. Energy
  30. Legend