In 2015, Northern England’s most cherished festival, Beat-Herder in Lancashire will celebrate their 10th birthday – a landmark anniversary that marks their journey from humble free party origins to an annual three-day 12,000 capacity bonanza with a legion of devout fans. Described by The Guardian as ‘wonderfully barmy and typically northern’, Beat-Herder is a rare find in today’s climate: a staunchly independent festival that stays true to its roots, completely shunning all corporate sponsorship or branding.
Today, Beat-Herder announces the final wave of acts rounding up the bill for the special 10th anniversary edition. Closing the festival on the main stage on Sunday night is celebrated British rock band, The Levellers. The 90s favourites will end the 10th birthday festivities with their own nostalgic blend of folk-punk in a return to the big stage.
A dance festival at heart, with its roots firmly in electronic music old and new, Beat-Herder Festival looks set to continue its history of programming dance music’s finest, with a tour de force final wave of acts including DJ, producer, remixer, club promoter and label founder Erol Alkan and his Phantasy cohort and Fabric residentDaniel Avery. Also confirmed is 2020Vision head honcho Ralph Lawson and distinguished drum and bass stalwart turned in-demand house and techno producerTrevino.
Baltimore native and house / disco legend Maurice Fulton will be joining the 10th anniversary celebrations alongside more locally sourced homegrown talents including Tim Sheridan who has a long history playing at and promoting warehouse beach parties in Ibiza and his own Veryverywrongindeed parties across Europe and the UK. Disco legend Greg Wilson will headline the Trailer Trash stage on Sunday night while live disco funkers Crazy P are confirmed to play the main stage on Sunday.
Over the last decade, Beat-Herder has come to be known for its unrivalled attention to detail when building the site. Built entirely from scratch by hand, the festival houses all manner of surprises at every twist and turn. Each year unexpected new areas magically appear for festival-goers to stumble upon. Last year’s new additions included a swimming pool in the woods, housed in a Scandinavian style wooden cabin, complete with changing rooms and lifeguards and The Ring, a huge earth mound with a Stonehenge-esque entrance.
This year Beat-Herder was crowned winner of the Extra Festival Activity Award at the UK Festival Awards, an award that recognises events that paid that extra bit of attention to detail that creates a magical and unforgettable festival experience.
FULL LINE UP (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
08:58 / 2 BAD MICE / 47 SOUL / A-SKILLZ / AFRIQUOI / ANDREW WEATHERALL / ANDROID SISTERS / ANDY PYETT / ANNIE TT / ARCTIC LAKE / BASEMENT JAXX / BIG JIM / BLAENAVON / BLISS ZION / BODIE / BOE & LEE / BOMBSTRIKES / BORN IN A BARN / BOXED IN / BY THE RIVERS CAMPO / CAPTAIN HOTKNIVES / CATZ N DOGZ / CAUSA / CHAPTER 4 / CHEZTIKOV BROS / GOAT BOY / CHRIS HOLT / COJO / CRAZY P / DANIEL AVERY / DAVE ANGEL / DEAN MCPHEE / DJ CLUMSY / DJ FFLYFFILYFBYBL / DOHNUT / DOPE TRIK / DREADZONE / DREAM THEMES / DRUM MACHINE / DUB DADDA / DUB PISTOLS / DUB REAKTION / DUB SMUGGLERS / DUTTY MOONSHINE / EARTHDOCTOR / EATSTATIC / ED STONES & THE BD3 / EDDIE EARTHQUAKE / EROL ALKAN / FATHER FUNK / FEATURECAST / FIRE BENEATH THE SEA / FOLKESTRA / FOXES FAUX / FRASER TT / FREAKY BITCHES / FREESTYLERS LIVE / GHOST CULTURE / GOOD FOXY / GRAEME PARK / GREAT SCOTT / GREG WILSON / GRIFFS MAGIC THEATRE / GRINNY GRANDAD / HECTOR BIZERK / HENGE / HORSE PARTY / INDIANIC / INSTRUMENT OF JAH / ITAL GUIDANCE / J BEAR & THE GIANTS / JAM TIDY / JAMBEATER / JAMES ATKIN / JAMES HOLROYD / JERAMIAH FERRARI / JOHN THE BAPTIST / JOHN TREE / JOHNNY CLASH / JON DASILVA / JUSTIN ROBERTSON / K-KLASS / KARL ROSCOE / KASSASSIN STREET / KEN EVIL / KIRAN LEONARD / KRYSKO/ LORD / LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / LAWLESS / LAZY SUSAN / LINDSAY TT / LOO & PLACIDO / LOWDOWN DJ'S / LUMBERJACKS / LUNALOOP / LYONS & LA ZEL / MAR / CONSTANTINE / MARK TURNER / MARTEN HORGER / MARTHA REEVES / MATT MONTEZ / MATT PLYFORD / MATT TDK / MATTY B / MAURICE FULTON / ME & MY FRIENDS /MESSENGER / MIAOUX MIAOUX / MIRANDA ARIEH / MISSKITTYFLIP / MISTAJAM / MISTER TOOLEY / MISTI VALENTINE / MOFO & BOZO / MOLLY TILSTON / MOOQEE / MOOSE FUNK SQUAD / MOUSE OUTFIT / MR BENN LIVE / MR SCRUFF / MR SWITCH / NAZIM ZIRYAB / NIGHTMARES ON WAX / PADDY STEER / PALACE / PAPA SHANTI MEETS NEMA KUTA / PAPER CRANES / PAROV STELAR / PAT TRASH TT / PAUL TAYLOR / PAUL THORNTON / PAUL WOOLFORD / PBR STREETGANG / PEACH TT / PETE FOXON'S SOUL TRAIN / PHIL HARTNOLL / PIMPSOUL / PLUMP DJS / PORT ISLA / RALPH LAWSON / RED EYE HIFI / RED J TT / RED TIN DAVE / RICHARD NORRIS / ROSS ALLEN / RUBBER KAZOO / RUM JIG / RUSS CUBAN / SACHA SCHWARTZ / SAM AND THE WOMP / SEAN P / SHIBA SAN / SIMON SCOTT DIMENSIONS / SKUTCH MANOS / SOLANA / SPAT-CHILLA / STEF M / STEVE THORPE / SUGARBEAT RESIDENTS / SUGARHILL GANG / SWING DANCE / TANTRUM DESIRE / TELEGRAM / THE KAYANITES / THE LEVELLERS / THE PIRATONES / TIM SHERIDAN / TIRIKILATOPS / TREVINO / UNDERGROUND ROOTS / UTAH SAINTS / VANILLA ACE / VIEKA / WILL JOSEPH COOK / YOUTH CLUB / ZION TRAIN
Nozstock The Hidden Valley has announced its next wave of names performing at the festival this July at their beautiful working farm in the Herefordshire hills, curated and managed by the father and daughter partnership of Noz and Ella.
Reaching its 17th year this summer, Nozstock is one of the UK’s longest running festivals and has already announced Wu Tang Clan, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Beardyman and many more.
The festival is now very proud to announce Fuse ODG joins the bill, with further new live artists including the Neville Staple Band, Will and The People, Mouse Outfit ft Dr Syntax & Sparkz, By The Rivers, The Computers, Will Joseph Cook, Clarence Clarity and many more, with P Money, Mad Professor, Chimpo, Reggae Roast and lots more DJs and MCs, plus in Laughing Stock Seann Walsh, Mark Simmons, Andrew Maxwell, Mike Wozniack, Brett Goldstein, Spencer Jones and Pat Cahill all star.
The line-up for Calling Festival 2015 heats up as Sunset Sons, Bleachers, Sundara Karma, White Room, James Veck Gilodi, VANT and Osca are confirmed, joining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds for one of the biggest days in London’s festival calendar. Calling Festival takes place in Clapham Common on Saturday 4 July. Tickets are on sale now at www.livenation.co.uk.
Calling Festival 2015 is renowned for bringing the hottest new acts to the forefront, and this year’s line-up does not disappoint. Sunset Sons, nominees of BBC Sound of 2015, will bring their beachy, surfer rock vibes to the festival. The band have been making waves across the UK; their debut album The Fall Line has been riding high in the iTunes chart and the majority of UK dates are sold out. Bleachers, lead by Fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff, are fast becoming a crowd favourite following a string of shows in the UK. Their frenetic energy and relentless explosive sound have been getting high praise on both sides of the Atlantic.
James Veck Gilodi, front man of Deaf Havana, has been confidently striding around the UK selling out shows as he carves out his future as a singer-songwriter. Inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, his effortlessly honest folksy acoustic sound has been delighting fans and his song writing ability has been well documented.Sundara Karma, are the all driving, rousing indie quartet from Reading. Gathering the support of resident BBC Radio 1 DJs Fearne Cotton and Huw Stephens, their dreamy, almost psychedelic sound has been described as ‘the sound of summer’.
VANT have enjoyed an incredible start to the year on all fronts. Described as a cross between The Kinks and the Pixies, 2015 has seem the band supporting the likes of Royal Blood, The Bohicas and Hinds, and receiving extensive airplay from BBC Radio 1 and XFM. London four-piece Osca have been hotly tipped as the next big thing by nearly every tastemaker blog, website and the likes of Zane Lowe proclaiming their last single a ‘next hype’ record.
Finally, White Room have grabbed the attention of the music industry, including the ‘Modfather’ Paul Weller – who they have supported on several occasions. The band have drawn comparisons with the Stone Roses and The Charlatans, and will bring some Britpop vibes to the Common.
Calling Festival takes place at one of London’s best outdoor locations, Clapham Common. The multi-stage festival is steeped in heritage, where music icons Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Paul Simon, The Who, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, The Killers, Bon Jovi and more have all previously jetted in to headline its main stage. Last year, over 80,000 people flocked to Calling to experience music from legends Stevie Wonder and Aerosmith, plus an amazing daytime lineup of top musicians.
This year’s festival is headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, with Ryan Adams and the Shining, Modest Mouse, Wolf Alice, Echo & the Bunnymen and The Hives
Ready to descend upon Croatia’s Dalmatian coast this July for ULTRA Europe’s third annual gathering, Hardwell, Dash Berlin, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Paul Van Dyk andSolomun can now be added to the already huge list of Phase One headliners, includingAlesso, Armin van Buuren, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Carl Cox, The Chemical Brothers (Live), David Guetta, Knife Party, Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero, Steve Angello, Tiësto andZedd. All of these global superstars and more will be bringing their talents to the colossal Poljud Stadium in Split from July 10-12 at ULTRA Europe’s flagship event.
In addition to the colossal Main Stage, the inimitable ‘Resistance’ stage will be making its first appearance in Croatia, following a spectacular debut at Ultra Music Festival Miami in March 2015. Once again co-produced by the UK’s award winning Arcadia Spectacular team (responsible for some of the most groundbreaking stage productions at Glastonbury) the 360-degree immersive ‘Afterburner’ production will play host to some of the most forward thinking artists in electronic music.
If that weren’t enough, Ultra favourite Carl Cox will once again be bringing his Carl Cox & Friends arena to the masses in Split, where he’ll be joined by a selection of superstar guests who will be revealed over the coming weeks.
Supporting acts announced in the Phase Two lineup include (in alphabetical order) Andrew Rayel, Apollonia, ATB+, Blau, Chaim, DVBBS, Flosstradamus, Galantis, Guy Gerber, Harvard Bass, Hot Since 82, Markus Schulz, Marlo, Nic Fanciulli, Orjan Nilsen, Sasha, The Chainsmokers, Umek and W&W. Offering a plethora of international talent, the biggest electronic music event in Croatian history is living up to its reputation for showcasing the most in-demand talent, providing party-goers with a truly unique experience.
Crowned the World’s No.1 DJ in the DJ Mag polls for two consecutive years (2013 & 2014), global superstar Hardwell will be gracing the ULTRA Europe main stage for a third consecutive year. Joined by fellow Dutch megastar Dash Berlin, both will look to secure their reputable legacy as heroes of the EDM scene. Seasoned-veteran and all-round ambassador for global electronic music, Paul Van Dyk will also be showcasing a master craft that he has built up for more than two decades, as he prepares to set one of Europe’s most formidable arenas alight in just two months time.
On the other side of the musical spectrum, global ambassador of techno and Ibiza mainstay,Marco Carola, is set to amaze the crowds in Split with his energetic, three-deck mixing, proving once again why he remains as one of the most in demand DJs on the planet. Jamie Jones and Solomun will also be bringing their talents to Croatia in July, proving the diversity of this year’s lineup and its widespread appeal.
‘DESTINATION ULTRA’ is a brand new concept that will see the festival expand into a phenomenal seven-day experience. ULTRA Europe’s Official Opening Party, Cocoon, will officially kick off on Thursday, July 9, at the brand new Giraffe Palm House in Split (the official Ultra Europe After Hours club) with none other than SVEN VÄTH headlining the proceedings. The Cocoon head honcho will also be bringing fellow label mates Christian Burkhardt (LIVE), Maurizio Schmitz and Reach Visuals to a party that will have everyone in attendance whipped into a tech-filled frenzy.
A week on from the Opening Party with Väth and his cohorts, the DESTINATION ULTRA ClosingParty, Resistance, will get underway for the first time on Wednesday, July 15, at the breathtaking Fort George venue on the picturesque island of Vis. Built in 1815, the Fort George site was originally used by the British Army to defend against opposing forces, but in 2015, it will see NIC FANCIULLI and JORIS VOORN taking to the decks in this pristine location to put a fitting end to a perfect week.
‘DESTINATION ULTRA’ is offering more choice than ever for its attendees this year with a wealth of other parties and events to attend across the week. With the ULTRA EuropeFestival itself being hosted on July 10-12 and featuring some of the most sought after artists in the world, more than 150,000 fans are expected to witness another slice of history.
Following the Festival, ULTRA Europe will launch a one-off Yacht Regatta on July 13 on Zlatni Rat Beach on the Island of Brač, Bol with world famous South African house duo, Goldfish. July 14 will then take the party across to the island of Hvar for the famed third edition of ULTRA Beach, where Fedde Le Grand, Oliver Heldens, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and more will play to over 5,000 people at the Hotel Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
EXIT, TheSoundYouNeed and UKF present Sea Dance Festival, Europe's most beautiful beach festival held from 15th-18th July on Jaz Beach, Montenegro. After scooping 'Best Medium-Sized Festival' at the European Festival Awards, 2015's proceeding will be headlined by iconic dance supergroup The Prodigy in a Balkans-exclusive as well as electronica diva and former Moloko singer Roisin Murphy, plus Rudimental (DJ) who have redefined the drum n bass genre for the mainstream charts. Joining them will be British duo Sigma, genre-hopping Noisia and 'Afterglow' producer Wilkinson. Festival-goers can also expect sets from a number of underground artists including esteemed Slovenian producer Gramatik, hip hop/house fusers Bondax, Californian soul outfit Soul Clap, the master James Zabiela and over 100 more across six stages.
Serbia's legendary EXIT Festival presents their latest offering as part of their 15th Birthday celebrations – the stunning Sea Dance Festival in Montenegro. Partnering with AEI Media and their premium brands TheSoundYouNeed and UKF, Sea Dance will create the ultimate beach festival experience in Europe's hottest new party destination. With day parties at the best beach on the Adriatic, revellers can dance under the warmth of the sun with the sand in between their toes, whilst drinking cocktails at sunset and experiencing the finest purveyors in electronic music and beyond. To watch 2014's highlights visit here.
Headlining Sea Dance 2015 is The Prodigy who's rich quarter-century-long music career has made them one of the most influential bands in dance music and touts over 25 million albums sold worldwide, their most recent being their sixth studio release 'The Day Is My Enemy'. Their signature and energetic live performances are known for the mass euphoria they produce and a real coup for Sea Dance Festival who will host them for the first time in the Balkans. Joining them in a special headline slot is Roisin Murphy, one half of electronic duo Moloko and respected soloist who has been one of the key figures of the music scene since the late 90s. With unparalleled hits and music classics such as 'The Time is Now' and 'Sing it Back' and her newest EP 'Hairless Toys', Roisin has established herself as the icon of modern pop culture and her highly-anticipated premiere performance at Jaz beach will be her first in Montenegro.
Rudimental are a British drum n' bass band who's hits such as 'Waiting All Night' and 'Not Giving In' have earned them both Brit and Mercury nominations, and have made them one of the most in-demand festival acts in recent years. Joining them on the mainstage will be Sigma who have scored two number one's including 'Nobody to Love', a re-edit of Kanye West's infamous track, as well as 'Changing' with vocals from Paloma Faith. Noisia, the famous trio from Holland, are renowned for their unparalleled technical skills with their style transcending from traditional drum bass to dubstep, breakbeat and house, with releases on labels such as Jay Z's Rocnatio. Finally Wilkinson from London has been dubbed one of the most exciting young talents to come out of the genre earning a place on Andy C's prestigious Ram Records roster and not-to-mention the legendary Hospital Records.
Representing the drum 'n bass heads are Renegade Hardware stalwarts Calyx & Teebee who will bring some serious basslines to the idyllic surroundings of Jaz Beach along with legendary three-piece Black Sun Empire and liquid dnb purveyors Fred v & Grafix. Other acts to feature at Sea Dance include the newly announced Brookes Brothers and bass-heavy Gotsome, while the young pioneer Maduk will have revellers dancing long into the night.
As one of the most innovative names in the game James Zabiela will bring his DJ magic to the Montenegro shores alongside New York's leading lady in house and disco Kim Ann Foxman. Bondax and alumniSnakehips will also take to the decks accompanied by the ultimate party DJ Doorly. Bringing a hip hop flavour to the Dance Paradise Stage is Brooklyn-based DJ/Producer Gramatik whose unique blend of electrothump, funk, jazz, hip hop and rnb has spawned hits such as 'Hit That Jive' whilst Seattle duo Odesza will bring some of the biggest dancefloor hits of 2014 including 'Say My Name (feat Zyra). Other acts to feature include remix king Star Slinger, French house star FKJ aka French Kiwi Juice and TCTS.
Known for their laid-back LA vibes Soul Clap will bring their Crew Love family to the festival providing feel-good house music ideal for the beach. The colourful Nick Monaco will join the ambassadors of Crew LovePillowtalk.
Bringing some of the world’s biggest live acts to Gibraltar each year, GMF is back in 2015 with its biggest lineup to date in the picturesque and intimate surroundings of Victoria Stadium on the Rock of Gibraltar.
Headlining proceedings this year are none other than Nashville rock heroes Kings Of Leon who come to GMF as a British exclusive performance. Since bursting into the public consciousness with breakthrough album ‘Youth & Young Manhood’ back in 2003 they have spent over a decade becoming one of the greatest bands of a generation.
Also headlining will be pop icons Duran Duran. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide and with a new album set for release in mid-September of this year featuring highly anticipated collaborations with the likes of Janelle Monáe, Kiesza, Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson, the band are as vital and festival ready as ever. Expect a career spanning set filled to the brim with the band’s huge arsenal of hits alongside new material.
Joining the headliners is a supporting cast of some of the world’s best talent including award-winning piano balladeer Tom Odell, breakthrough singer-songwriter Rae Morris, powerpop superstars The Feeling, pop-rock chart smashers Lawson and reggae veterans Third World alongside names like Reach,Strange Brew, Tim Garcia featuring Afterhours, Paddy Taylorand many more still to be announced.
Providing the perfect end to the festival season, GMF is a family-friendly festival in the sunshine. Affordable and easily accessible, Gibraltar Music Festival rolls a holiday and a festival into one incredible weekend.
As a regular face on '8 Out Of 10 Cats', 'Would I Lie To You?' and many more the BAFTA nominated Michael Legge will perform alongside 'Gloucestershire's number 1 diabetic comedian' Jon Wagstaffe and hotly-tipped student funnyman Jamali Maddix on day one. Making his name on both sides of the Atlantic Irish-born Keith Farnan and Edinburgh fringe regular Mitch Benn keeps the laughter rolling alongside musical comedian George Rigden, Russel Howard's Good News regular Jarred Christmas and the interactive comedy of Howard Read. New up-and-coming talent Jenny Collier, Jack Heal, Sam Chaplin,Becky Brunning and many more will also keep the Wychwood audience in stitches throughout the weekend.
Further musical additions to this year's Wychwood have also been announced. With a performance on Later With Jools Holland and a release on the esteemed Africa Express label, Songhoy Blues will perform their debut show on the main stage while Josephine & The Artizans will showcase their unique 'Hip-Hopera' over at the Ecroticity Big Top alongside 3-piece Pocket Club. Citing inspirations ranging from The Horrors to Fleetwood Mac, Object Object take residency on the main stage while Coventry four-pieceQuarry and Leader will perform at the Big Top and the Hobgoblin Stage.
Wychwood's Pomme Stage has been revealed, featuring some of the finest local talent in association with the University of Gloucestershire. Heading up the stage across the weekend will be the likes of alt-rockers All Ears Avow, Cheltenham's own Spice & The Readies, experimental hip-hop trio SPOILS and former busker and rising singer-songwriter Ben Cipolla. Also appearing will be brooding songstress Gigi St. Fallow, Bobby Scaife, Katie Collins, Megan Timms, Joe Buckingham, Dan Walton and Maxine Stacey from Cheltenham and from the Black country comes Neil Morris and David Young.
Adding to the exciting literature programme on display at Wychwood comes yet more esteemed writers set to educate and influence on the Children's Literature Stage. Author of 'Twelve Minutes to Midnight' and 'Shadows of the Silver Screen', Christopher Edge will share his tales alongside Roald Dahl Funny Prize winning author Philip Ardagh and the writer of the 'Compton Valance' series Matt Brown. The feline friendly Anna Wilson, Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner Steve Anthony and 'The Grunt' and 'The Grouch' author Tracey Corderoy will also be on hand to inspire the children and adults of Wychwood.
Created in 1996 to provide clean, green and renewable energy for all, Ecotricity's founder Dale Vince will debate the importance of sustainable green energy with organic food supplier Guy Watson of Riverford. Chaired by the BBC One Show and Observer journalist Lucy Siegle the topics up for discussion include the sustainability of Energy, Transport and Food, three very important topics that will undoubtedly make for an informative and inspiring debate.
Riverford founder Guy Watson said: “I’m happy to be taking part in the ‘Green Britain Chat’ this year at Wychwood. We’ll be talking about a whole bunch of things we can do towards helping Britain be great and greener. I’ll be focusing on the Food side of things, with organically grown food being an important part of this; I can talk for ever about vegetables until someone tells me to shut up; fortunately my fellow panellists talk can about our Energy and Transport if they can get a word in; plus the importance of making space for Nature!”
New for 2015 Wychwood Festival will this year be taking festival-goers back to a time that was both glamorous and gritty. On one side there were the dive bar dwelling anti-establishment anger of Sex Pistols, on the other the decadent sounds of Donna Summer and thew exclusivity of Studio 54. When it comes to Punk vs Disco, which side will Wychwood festival-goers choose? Wychwood is inviting revellers to release their inner-anarchist or dancing queen to create a sense of Saturday Night Fever on Cheltenham Racecourse.
FESTIVAL LINE-UP
MUSIC Ladysmith Black Mambazo / UB40 – Ali Campbell, Astro, Mickey Virtue reunited / Boney M The Undertones / Justin Fletcher / The Proclaimers / Craig Charles / Andy Kershaw / Dreadzone / Basseskou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba / Mad Dog Mcrea / Dr & The Medics / Songhoy Blues / The Outcast Band / The Going Goods / Talk In Code / A Way With Words / The Edwin Starr Band ft. Angelo Starr / Electric Swing Circus / Rusty Shackle / Pocket Club / Ghostpoet / Lucy Rose / Mt. Wolf / Plastic Mermaids / Fickle Friends / Monsieur Doumani / The Wonder Stuff Acoustic / Darlia / Demob Happy / TED ZED / Black Honey / Palace / Zak Abel / Lanshapes / Syd Arthur / Henry Green / Hunter & The Bear / Loud Mountains / Cooper Black / Object Object / Josephine and the Artizans / Sophronie / George Montague / Danni Nicholls / The Black Feathers / John Adams / Grace Palmer / James Michael / All Ears Avow / Spice & The Readies / SPOILS / Ben Cipolla / Gigi St. Fallow / Bobby Scaife / Katie Collins/ Megan Timms / Joe Buckingham / Dan Walton / Maxine Stacey / Neil Morris / David Young
BBC Introducing Coventry & Warwickshire: Grassroutes, Rosetta Fire / Yes Sunshine / Reece Bahia /Quarry / Speak Brother / James TW / Emily Burns / The Commonjets / Joe Doloman
BBC Introducing Hereford and Worcester: Cantaloop / Ronin / Clark Carmody / Tom Forbes / Interior Castle / Crowsaw / 7shades / The Dale Von Minaker / Fictonian / Chase The Deer
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Ali Sparkes / Petr Horacek / Giancarlo Gremin / Steve Anthony / Steve Cole / Chris Edge / Paul Strickland / John Dougherty / Anna Wilson / Karen Langtree / Tracey Corderoy / Philip Ardagh / Cathy Cassidy / Philip Adagh / Tracey Corderoy / Matt Brown / Tony de Saulles / First Draft
WYCHWOOD COMEDY IN ASSOCIATION WITH EFESTIVALS Michael Legge / Jenny Collier / Jack Heal / Chris Turner / Jay Cowle / Jamali Maddix / Jarred Christmas / Becky Brunning / Sam Chaplin / David Jordan
Latitude today announces the line-up for their 10th Edition which takes place Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th July 2015 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk.
Ten years ago Latitude Festival creator Melvin Benn set out to rewrite the festival rulebook, showing that music lovers could also be culture lovers, by creating the UK’s first multi arts boutique festival set out to challenge the festival status quo
First to headline Latitude’s Obelisk Arenaon Friday night is a band close to Latitude’s heart; Mercury Prize-winning art-rockers alt-J. Having delivered outstanding sets on smaller Latitude stages over the years, 2015’s triumphant return promises to be a special moment for all who have witnessed their incredible Latitude journey. With a recent sold out arena tour and two critically acclaimed albums, the Leeds trio will no doubt give the Latitude audience a stunning set.
Portishead will give a rare UK appearance as they top the bill on Saturday. Emerging in 1994 with landmark album Dummy, Portishead have remained adventurous and uncompromising throughout their 20-year career. Compelling, provoking and moving; this will be an unmissable performance.
Closing Latitude this year is an outfit fronted by one of Britain’s most loved musical figures; Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Song-writing pioneer and out-spoken cultural icon, Gallagher’s relevance has never faltered and Latitude is delighted to welcome him and his latest band to their 10th anniversary Edition. Performing tracks from the recent critically acclaimed album Chasing Yesterday (which Gallagher produced as well as wrote), plus plenty of classic sing-along Oasis tracks, this will be a closing show to be remembered.
Quotes from headliners:
"We are hugely excited to return to Latitude for the third time. Playing there has always been so memorable. Latitude has always supported us, and to go from playing the smaller stages to this means it will be a night of celebration."
alt-J
“I've been to Latitude before as a festival goer and really enjoyed it I think the effort they put into their whole programming – music, comedy and film – is what makes it a great festival to be part of. And I'm really looking forward to it.” Geoff Barrow from Portishead
“I love the vibe at Latitude and the location. Good forward thinking programming as well, I played a couple of years ago in the cinema tent with a silent film project I was doing and it was a really good experience…looking forward to this one very much.” Adrian Utley from Portishead
“Well not only have I never played at Latitude before, but I’ve never even been there, ever. So yes, I’m really looking forward to headlining the Festival on July 19th” Noel Gallagher
Other special appearances on the Obelisk Arena will include a selection of some of today’s most exciting and respected British artists; we start off by welcoming Nicky Wire back to Latitude ten years down the line with the legendary Manic Street Preachers who will be performing a selection of loved tracks from their varied and extraordinary career, Canadian electronica-maestro Caribou, electronic auteur James Blake will return for a third time, and both soul sensation Lianne La Havas and folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling for a second and all with new albums to share. Festival favourites, Wild Beasts return to share their latest critically acclaimed album with us and we also welcome the soulful Mancunian JP Cooper to Henham Park for the first time.
Gracing us from all corners of the globe are four time Grammy award nominee Nigerian musician Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, transfixing Swedish singer-songwriter and Latitude favourite José González, American soul singer Benjamin Brooker, blues veteran Seasick Steve, and soul veteran Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens will be bringing us her Daptone released gospel music.
This year the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will host even more exciting musical treats including headline sets from three accomplished British acts; top of the bill on Friday is pioneering sonic technician Jon Hopkins, platinum selling rock band The Vaccines will headline on Saturday, and a festival exclusive show from SBTRKT who will close the stage on Sunday night with his soulful and textured take on electronic music preceded by the highly acclaimed live show from La Roux.
Other acts set to play on the coveted BBC Radio 6 Music Stage include; Catfish And The Bottlemen who have risen up through the Latitude stages, all-female punk rockers Savages, acclaimed alternative pop group Django Django, London-based pseudonymous musical duo Public Service Broadcasting and Americana four piece The Districts. With forty albums under his belt King Creosote is back to perform songs from an extensive career and has previously graced both the Poetry Arena and iArena at Latitude, also announced today is American musician and legend The Thurston Moore Band and two-piece grunge band Drenge.
Esteemed artist Mark Kozelek brings Sun Kil Moon to Latitude, also announced are Years & Years with their eccentric blend of R&B and 90’s house, and Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers returning for round three, South London’s Kwabs, alternative rock group Wolf Alice, and BBC Sound Poller SOAK is also on the bill as well as exclusive performances from Toro Y Moi and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Announced acts for the i Arena include one of electronic music’s most renowned talents, Warp Records cult artist Clark who headlines Saturday. Joining the festival to headline Sunday are London based musical duo Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell otherwise known as The 2 Bears. Also announced; the unique and the distinctive Adult Jazz, hot new talent Jack Garratt, multi-instrumentalist DM Stith, blues rock experimentalist Duke Garwood hugely talented singer songwriter Shura, the incredibly refreshing indie rockers Gengahr, Texan gospel and soul songster Leon Bridges and folk-pop star Marika Hackman. .
Joining the eclectic line-up are; Icelandic ambient techno duo Kiasmos, hotly-tipped twin sister musical duo Ibeyi, post-punk indie rock band The Twilight Sad, captivating singer Nadine Shah, soul powerhouse Curtis Harding, Norwegian singer songwriter Susanne Sundfør and the brilliant, all-female Swedish pop-quartet Dolores Haze outrageous King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard who specialise in psychedelic tunes!
The People's Ear will present a line-up essential to create a heat to warm the ears from 11pm-3am every night on the iArena. Acts include self-taught musical craftsmen Ben UFO, three of the most innovative names in electronic music – untouchable London wordsmiths The Four Owls, Grammy nominated funk master Werkha (Live) and his live band, musician, three-piece DJ EZ, producer Monki and Alexander Nut and tropical bass heroes The Busy Twist. Expect and believe!
In an exclusive festival appearance at Latitude, Gareth Malone will this year be putting together a unique choir of Latitude festival goers. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to apply to be part of this 100-strong group who will rehearse at several points over the weekend, culminating in a Main Stage lunchtime performance on Sunday 19th July. In addition, Gareth and his Voices choir will be performing on the Waterfront Stage on Saturday 18th July.’
COMEDY AT LATITUDE
Over the last ten years Latitude’s comedy line-up has set the bar for summer festivals, offering the Latitude audience a unique opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the business all over the same weekend. It’s also the first chance to see the acts destined to make waves in Edinburgh later in the summer.
Headlining this special 10th Edition year will be national treasure Alan Davies, the longstanding QI panellist is well-known for his glorious insight into worldviews. Growing up in the ‘70s, losing his mother as a little boy, the vagaries of Facebook, sex toys and being a father are just some of the subjects he tackles.
Festival organisers are hugely excited to announce Jason Manford to headline the Comedy Arena. Renowned for his hilarious observations and loveable, friendly delivery, Jason has been a firm favourite with comedy fans of all ages since his first solo stand-up show earned him huge critical acclaim. The Perrier nominated comic won Chortle Breakthrough Act in 2006, Latitude’s inaugural year, and has risen to become one of the UK’s favourite TV comics.
2013 British Comedy Award Best Male Comic nominee, and Live At The Apollo star, Jon Richardson is one of the UK's brightest and immensely likeable stand up heroes. Back with a brand new stand-up routine to delight audiences, Time Out call him ‘Sublimely brilliant, stunning…He is a comic right on the verge of greatness. If you haven’t seen him yet, get your finger out and sort it!
Off the back of his hugely successful Channel 4 TV show ‘Catastrophe’ Rob Delaney brings his performance to the Suffolk setting. Voted the funniest man on Twitter, Latitude welcomes Rob’s hilarious but sometimes dark anecdotes and tales to the festival for the first time.
Australian comedian and television presenter Adam Hills best known for hosting The Last Leg on Channel 4 will bring his combination of positive uplifting comedy and rampant spontaneity to the Comedy Arena.
Another award-winning comic performing at the festival this year is Jack Dee. Best known for his sarcasm and deadpan humour, he takes a break from being everyone’s favourite grumpster to lend a helping hand to Latitude Festival goers with his side splittingly funny show Help Desk where he will be joined by a panel of star comedians from the festival line up to offer expert advice on the Latitude audience’s problems.
Perrier Award winning Irish comedian David O’Doherty will bring his stand-up routine to the festival this summer. Also on the bill is; Latitude’s resident prankster Josh Widdicombe, Canadian super comic Katherine Ryan, one of many stand out female comics programmed for the festival this year. With a formidable reputation on the live circuit and high profile TV appearances to her name, Katherine will pull out all the stops this summer.
This year’s festival will host; self-proclaimed “spit and sawdust” performer Shappi Khorsandi, Best Show nominee at the Edinburgh Fosters Comedy Awards in 2014 Sara Pascoe, brilliant Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss, top of the 2015 tipster list Dane Baptiste, lyrical anti-lad, Liam Williams, the hugely popular Holly Walsh, the effortlessly talented Joe Lycett, fantastic bombastic star of the hit show ‘What Would Beyonce Do’s Luisa Omelian, ventriloquist Nina Conti with her popular puppet characters and Viral Tap star Matt Richardson who all join the 10th Edition celebrations.
WATERFRONT STAGE
Following from his sold out Barbican shows, we are hugely excited to announce that piano virtuoso Chilly Gonzales will be performing his new album Chambers on the Waterfront Stage with the Kaiser Quartett. Switching gears from his 2013 collaborations with Grammy winners Daft Punk and Drake, Gonzales’ Latitude show will be an entertaining and intimate experience orchestrated especially with Hamburg’s Kaiser Quartett displaying his inimitable touch. This will be a stunning highlight of the festival and it is not to be missed.
Since 2008 Sadler’s Wells has presented a special programme of dance at Latitude Festival to audiences in excess of 40,000 people across the years. This summer the theatre returns for an eighth consecutive year, presenting a diverse programme on the outdoor Waterfront Stage that will appeal to audiences of all ages and that reflects the theatre’s reputation for presenting world class dance in all its forms. Full line-up to be announced.
POETRY ARENA
At the heart of Latitude the Poetry Arena showcases the very best stand up and beat poets, alongside laureates and literary legends. Headlining this year’s Poetry Arena will be the former laureate and award winning poet Simon Armitage CBE who is described by Poetry Review as “the front man of his generation”.
Tim Key, star and creator of Radio 4’s Late Night Poetry Programme Tim Key is as a poet, actor, comic and film star, appearing as Alan Partridge’s sidekick in Mid-Morning Matters and Alpha Papa. A brilliant poet and Edinburgh Perrier Award winner we are delighted he will be joining us in the Poetry Arena this year.
Children’s favourite and recently appointed professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths and presenter of Word of Mouth on Radio 4 Michael Rosen joins the celebrations. Last year Michael packed the Poetry Arena to the rafters. Number one poet of the parents, Michael was the subject of a recent viral campaign to hire him as Education Minister.
Punk Rock legend, performance poet and Latitude favourite the inimitable DoctorJohn Cooper Clarke is expected to bring a new collection of poetry. A seminal influence on punk the voice of Manchester and beat poets everywhere, expect a ferociously funny performance and make sure you get a seat early.
Smashing into the Poetry Arena to read his latest poems will be BBC Three’s ‘Uncle’ writer and star Nick Helm, his hilarious stand up style has been described as ‘brash and bullish’.
FILM & MUSIC STAGE
The first name announced for the Film & Music Stage is Brit Award nominated George the Poet. A poet for the people, George mixes social and political comment with humour to demonstrate his passion for poetry as a powerful tool to educate the masses. George delivers an unforgettable live performance, which consists of a hypnotic blend of poetry and rap.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
The Kids Arena keeps children entertained all day and into the night with everything from pond dipping & astronomy to pizza making and night-time disco and fire-show. There’s something for everyone! Use traditional tools or pan for gold, explore the woods or ID animal bones!…investigate a crime scene or head to the Kids Theatre for shows, music, drama classes and puppetry. There are giant crafts from building with architects to shaping willow, working with clay, knitting, felting or getting busy with a million stickers! Amazing activities come from a range of trusted names, from Macmillan’s Children’s Books to the Zoological Society of London,Suffolk Wildlife Trust to the Woodcraft Folk and many more.
The Inbetweeners’ Teen Area is a hidden woodland wonderland-offering teenagers a packed weekend. Chose music, media, fashion and technology workshops, including; a live stage, new DJ Academy and chill-out area with Culture Works East and Access to Music. Or join our friends from Greenpeace; tackle wildlife, bush-craft and survival skills or get physical with climbing nets and a zip wire suspended high in the trees – a real walk on the wild side!
SPECIAL ADDITIONS
Other Voices will bring a little bit of musical magic from its spiritual home on the Wild Atlantic Way in the West of Ireland to Suffolk for this year’s Latitude Festival. Now in its fourteenth year, Other Voices has previously accepted invitations from Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, Wilton’s Music Hall in London and The Glassworks in Derry-Londonderry during their Festival of Culture in 2013.
This year Latitude welcomes, Solas, a new spa area providing an oasis of calm by day and meticulous merriment by night. Meaning ‘light’ in Irish, Solas invites festival goers to learn the art of chilling out. Take refuge in the specially designed holistic area where expert therapists will soothe the mind and body with massages, yoga, treatments and workshops to ease and appease, while indulgence meets decadence in bubbling hot-tubs and seaweed baths. Dotted throughout the zone will be a hand-picked selection of installations; unwind under a canopy of reflective art and light and expand your mind as you investigate the sonic robotics of Indonesian inspired Gamelatron.
As darkness unfolds, Solas will become an intimate tableau of late-night party corners. A piano bar sunk into the forest floor will entertain and ignite, while the ElectroShack spins a dizzying array of upbeat earworms. Jump on the furniture and make yourself at home at My Club House, peer across the festival grounds from the secret Hilltop Hideaway, or shed your 21st century cool and embrace the sunshine kitsch at Body Holiday.
Sky Arts returns for the 10th celebrations to bring fans highlights from the Latitude weekend. Two 120minute jam packed shows of performances, interviews and highpoints will be televised the weekend after the festival.
The final of Sky Arts Guitar Star, a major new competition to search for a world-class guitarist, will film the winning player performing on Latitude’s Obelisk Arena. For more information visit: http://www.sky.com/tv/show/guitar
This year for the first time ever Latitude will be partnering with ActionAid a leading international development charity who support women and children living in extreme poverty. They work to help empower women and children to fight for their own rights and to create lasting change.
By day, the new ActionAid tent will be home to creative craft workshops, games and festival fun activities and by night the tent will transform into a late-night party venue with DJ’s playing until the early hours. Look out for signings and guest DJ sets from some of the festival acts too.
With support from Festival Republic and Firebrand merchandise, ActionAid will also be teaming up with one of the 2015 Latitude acts to create a limited Edition festival item which will be available to buy exclusively at the festival. All proceeds will go towards supporting ActionAid’s work to change lives for good.
Latitude is synonymous with the perfect festival experience, and this year organisers are going one step further with Latitude’s Charity Concierge. Imagine someone going to the bar for you…putting up your tent….even holding your place in the queue for the Comedy Stage or Theatre tent. Latitude’s team of 100 enthusiastic volunteers will be offering these services throughout the arena and in some campsites, to raise money for the Kenyan Orphan Project. And Festival Republic will match fund every penny. The team are aiming to raise £50,000 so lie back in the sunshine and let someone else do the leg work!
V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, is proud to announce the addition of hit-maker Mark Ronson, performing a DJ set, Example supported by DJ Wire, Maverick Sabre, Scouting for Girls, Aston Merrygold, Bleachers and Billboard chart-topper Tove Lo to the 2015 bill.
Returning to V Festival following his 2014 appearance, Example said: “I can’t wait to return to V Festival, the crowds never disappoint. A lot of people will be used to my shows with the live band behind me, but this time I’ll be bringing DJ Wire as I want to put on a unique rave with a twist. I've been lucky enough to perform at festivals all over the world but there's always something special about V Festival – it feels like my home turf."
Maverick Sabre said: "It’s been a busy year and what better way to celebrate than playing at one of the best festivals in the UK. I’ll be dropping some new tunes so really looking forward to getting out there and sharing them with my fans.”
Aston Merrygold said: "I'm so excited to be performing at V Festival for the first time, it's going to be great fun! It has definitely been tough trying to contain myself, sitting on my hands waiting to get out there with new material, so I can't wait to finally share my music with everyone…bring it on!!!"
The newly announced acts will be joining a 20th anniversary line-up that includes Calvin Harris, Kasabian, Sam Smith, Stereophonics, George Ezra and Ellie Goulding. What’s more, the hottest names in music will be performing alongside an eclectic mix of comedy headliners including Russell Kane, Frankie Boyle, Shappi Khorsandi and Nick Helm,who will all take centre stage in the Glee Club Comedy Tent across the weekend.
Backstage at the Snooker World Championships is clearly where the gossip's at this year, as Muse frontman Matt Bellamy lets slip that the band are set to do a headline slot at Bestival 2015. In an interview he said "We're doing Download Festival, which is like the metal festival, and Bestival in Isle of Wight later in the year, and next year we'll do our own tour obviously."
This revelation has not yet been confirmed by Bestival HQ or curator Rob Da Bank, but Muse have been a long requested band on the forums and with new album 'Drones' released on June 8th, it looks like Bestival could be set for a Supermassive Summer of Love.
