Summer Festival Guide

Pendulum return to London to headline South West Four 2017

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A jaw dropping live act, with an unparalleled reputation to destroy the world’s greatest festivals and stadiums on the big occasion, South West Four is proud to present the return of Pendulum to the capital for one night only, in their first performance in London in over half a decade.
 
Having re-defined the concept of an electronic music album with ‘Hold Your Colour’ in 2005, this seminal release assured Pendulum their place in the dance music hall of fame. Six years later they headlined SW4 to critical acclaim, becoming the first drum and bass act to do so at a major London festival. Having disbanded soon after to concentrate on individual projects, Pendulum reform in 2017 to headline for a second time, harnessing the experience of this period away to develop an innovative new dimension for their ‘Live’ domain. Hence why this is considered not just one of our most significant bookings EVER, but one of the most talked about at any festival this summer.
 
Further increasing the magnitude of an earth-shaking revelation, this will be Pendulum’s FIRST LONDON PERFORMANCE IN SIX YEARS! Scheduled to close our mammoth main stage on Saturday 26th August, this is no doubt the bands biggest ever London show to date – supported by colossal production and mindblowing visuals conceived for a heart thumping end to Day One.

SIGMA [LIVE], DUKE DUMONT, HANNAH WANTS, 
MISTAJAM, SONNY FODERA VS LOW STEPPA ALSO ADDED  

From their humble beginnings performing in back rooms to headlining festivals and playing at the most prestigious venues worldwide, Sigma have truly reached the top of their game. The last couple of years have witnessed the duo produce back-to-back number one singles, pick up a BRIT award and embark on a sellout UK tour. With millions of fans globally waiting for their next hit single, the pair have the world in the palm at their hands. We cannot wait to welcome one of the most dominant and prolific acts in dance music right now to play a full live show at our 14th installment of SW4. 
 
One of the most exciting and prolific artists of the last decade, British-Born, American based DJ Duke Dumont has been responsible for some of the most popular house tracks in recent time. His energy and unique productions such as ‘I Got You’ and ‘Need You’ have made Duke stand out in a fiercely competitive scene and he continues to deliver year after year. Stand out appearances at the world famous Amnesia in Ibiza and a sell out American tour means this man is one of the most in demand DJs on the planet.
 
The queen of dance music, Hannah Wants, simply knows no stopping. Bursting onto the scene a few years ago, Hannah continues her meteoritic rise to the top and is firmly established the dance music elite. A stellar residency at Together at Amnesia and countless sell out tours around the planet has seen her amass an army of fans worldwide and London is no different. Having debuted at SW4 in 2015 and attracting a huge crowd in the process, she will return in 2017 bringing her raw energy and excellent song selection to Clapham Common…
 
Tastemaker, DJ, broadcaster and producer are amongst the qualities MistaJam is known for. Jam has become THE voice of breaking brand new music and artists in the last decade and things are certainly continuing in that fashion. The London-man has become a household name and has been responsible for pushing all genres of music in this country from grime to house to hip hop via his outstanding BBC Radio 1 show. We cannot wait to welcome the SW4 regular back to the Common for him to do what he does best, rock the crowd!

Australian Sonny Fodera’s distinguishable groovy house sound makes him stand out from the rest. A stellar year has seen him embark on a thirty-date tour spanning the UK, United States and Australia with the demand for the young producer not letting up.  The same can be said about Low Steppa, the prolific UK producer has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months with notable performances at the world famous Amnesia and Ministry of Sound. Both of these exciting acts will be making their SW4 debut as they come together for a highly anticipated back-to-back performance!

 

David Guetta and Run DMC to co-headline Isle of Wight Festival 2017

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The Isle of Wight Festival today reveals world superstar DJ, David Guetta and legendary New York hip hop group Run DMC will co-headline the Main Stage on Friday 9th June, They join Arcade Fire and Rod Stewart who will top the bill on Saturday and Sunday night. In addition, chart favourites George Ezra, Rag’n’Bone Man, Bastille and Jack Savoretti add to the most exciting line-up of the summer.

Giving the festival a massive injection of memorable hip-hop beats and electrifying electronic dance anthems, the two world famous acts will ensure a spectacular start to what is the first festival of the summer, ahead of a full weekend of live music and entertainment.

Run DMC’s Joseph Simmons said: “We absolutely love playing in the UK, it’s always such a great reception. You guys rock!  To be given the chance to play such an iconic UK festival is huge and we’re really looking forward to it!” 

Festival promoter John Giddings said: “The Isle of Wight Festival has always been known for its variety in music and this year is no different. To have the world’s first and most inspiring hip hop group headlining alongside one of the world's biggest electronic DJ’s is fantastic. I’m also really excited about George Ezra, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Bastille and Jack Savoretti. Again there’s something for everyone. I know the crowds at the festival are going wild for all the acts, not just the headliners.”

Run DMC are widely known as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture. They were the first rap group to be certified gold, to be certified platinum, to have a Top 10 single and feature on the cover of The Rolling Stone magazine. This year they also become the first rap group to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The Queens-bred group, comprised of Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons and the late Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell. Formed in 1981, the group have spent over three decades performing with the likes of the Beastie Boys and Aerosmith, and have gone on to sell over 230 million records worldwide.

David Guetta has played a pivotal role in turning dance music into the chart-topping juggernaut it is today. His impact has been impossible to ignore, or to underestimate. He can be considered among the elite group of super-producers whose sound is synonymous with an era – such as Trevor Horn, Rick Rubin or Dr Dre. Guetta has sold over nine million albums and 30 million singles worldwide and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music including; Sia, Akon, Kelly Rowland, Flo Rida, Rihanna, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Jessie J and Chris Brown. 

George Ezra is an acclaimed English singer-songwriter and musician. His debut album, ‘Wanted On Voyage’, was released in June 2014 and featured the global hit single ‘Budapest’, which achieved platinum status in both the UK and the US, and a second UK top 10 single ‘Blame It On Me’. It was the third best-selling UK album of 2014, and in the top 20 best-selling UK albums of the decade so far, selling a total of 3 million albums worldwide. George Ezra has been nominated for four BRIT Awards, MTV Music Awards, Q Awards and the Ivor Novello Awards.  

Neo-blues & soul singer Rory Graham, Rag‘n’Bone Man, is signed to Columbia Records. His debut single for Columbia, ‘Human’ dropped in July 2016 and was a huge hit in several European countries, topping the charts in Germany. Rag’n’Bone Man received this year’s BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, the award has continued to successfully highlight and identify future British recording talent before it happens. 

Founded by singer-songwriter Dan Smith in 2010, British band Bastille topped the Official Albums Chart in 2013 with their debut LP ‘Bad Blood’, which includes the hit singles ‘Flaws’, ‘Pompeii’ and ‘Of The Night’. Their second album ‘Wild World’ repeated the former's success, also reaching Number One in the charts. 

Former poet-turned-acoustic singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, released his first single in 2006. Savoretti has gone on to release five studio albums, ‘Between The Minds’, ‘Harder Than Easy’, ‘Before The Storm’, ‘Written in Scars’ and ‘Sleep no more’

Ultra Music Festival announce Resistance lineup for 2017

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Ultra Music Festival
The 2017 edition of ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL will see its RESISTANCE concept dominate not one, but two huge stages at Bayfront Park as it grows into a festival within the festival. In addition to welcoming back Arcadia Spectacular’s imposing ‘Spider’ structure across all three days of the event, RESISTANCE will now team up with its recently announced global ambassador Carl Cox to take over the Megastructure on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25. Following thirteen consecutive years of ‘Carl Cox & Friends’ inside the vaunted arena, the legend himself now introduces a brand new era as a driving force behind ULTRA’s burgeoning RESISTANCE concept.
 
Having unveiled a select few RESISTANCE performers in its Phase One lineup announcement on November 17 (including the U.S. return of Sasha & John Digweed together for the first time since 2010), the World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival now drops the names of thirty-one RESISTANCE acts set to descend upon Downtown Miami in just a few months time.
 
 
Arcadia’s fire-breathing Spider will welcome house and techno heavyweights including (in alphabetical order) ANNA, Chris Liebing, Dosem, Dubfire, Eats Everything, Hector, Hot Since 82, Jamie Jones, Kölsch, Maceo Plex, The Martinez Brothers, Matador, Matthias Tanzmann, Nic Fanciulli, Reboot, Seth Troxler, Technasia and wAFF. Support comes in the form of Elio Riso, Josefin Rosen and RioTGeaR.
 
As mentioned previously, Carl Cox will helm RESISTANCE’s debut outing in the Megastructure across both Friday and Saturday, where he will be joined by (in alphabetical order) Black Coffee, Joseph Capriati, Marco Carola, The Martinez Brothers, Sasha & John Digweed and Tale of Us, among others. Support comes from B. Traits, Eli & Fur, Jon Rundell and Saeed Younan.
 

Muse to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2017

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Reading & Leeds Festivals announce Muse, in a UK Festival exclusive, as the first headliners for next year’s festival, taking place 25-27 August 2017.
 
Stadium rock royalty, Muse are one of the most influential and revered live bands of modern times. Led by the commanding presence of frontman Matt Bellamy, the trio have taken to the biggest stages around the world with their interstellar anthems for over 22 years, and their return to Reading & Leeds promises to be yet another landmark moment in their storied career.
Muse commented:
"We’re very excited to be playing Reading and Leeds again. More news about our plans for 2017 coming in the new year."
 
 
 
Also confirmed for Reading & Leeds 2017 in a UK Festival Exclusive, are dancehall-rejuvenators Major Lazer. Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire have become the soundtrack of modern dance, claiming No.1 records, chart-dominating tracks such as ‘Lean On’ and ‘Cold Water’ as well as live shows packed with genre-mashing moments promising an unrivalled party atmosphere.
With a worldwide legion of fans and a catalogue of defining pop anthems, Bastille stand as one of the biggest acts on the planet. Their storming breakout album Bad Blood saw the band catapulted onto playlists, sell out venues, scooping BRIT Awards and selling over 7 million albums. With latest LP Wild World once again dominating the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, expect to witness a crowning moment as true modern titans return to Reading & Leeds.
At The Drive-In are set to bring their high-octane and powerful live show to Reading & Leeds this year, returning to the festival after their sold out world tour in 2016. Establishing an entire genre with their seminal 2000 LP Relationship Of Command, their unpredictable live shows bring a timely reminder as to why they remain such an influential powerhouse in alternative music.
Having released one of the most critically revered hip hop records of the year, Danny Brown will be bringing his world renowned individuality to the stage at Reading & Leeds Festival. Throughout his musical career he’s remained daring and distinctive when delivering his personal message, resulting in an atmospheric and emotional performance that’s not to be missed.
In terms of celebrated post-hardcore British bands, none may be as vital and influential as Architects. Through a career with numerous defiant moments, Brighton’s very own have forged a path of their own such as recently headlining a mammoth evening at London’s Brixton Academy fresh from the release of acclaimed album All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us. Expect an emotionally charged return to Reading & Leeds for a UK Festival Exclusive performance of immeasurable significance.
 
Glass Animals continue to demonstrate why they are set to be one of the true global breakthrough artists of 2016. How To Be A Human Being was released at the end of August via Caroline International / Wolf Tone to rave album reviews, and Radio 1 and 6 music A-listed singles ‘Life Itself’ and ‘Youth’. The band have had a phenomenal live year, selling out their entire UK, EU and US tours and amassing well over 200 million Spotify streams. 2017 will see the band continue their anomalous rise, starting with Singapore, Australia and New Zealand in January, followed by the band's biggest UK tour to date, including Brixton Academy on March 16th.
 
One of the most recognisable voices of the past 12 months, Tory Lanez will be making an appearance at Reading & Leeds 2017. With standout single ‘LUV’ heralded as an indisputable late-night party anthem, the Canadian breakout star is on the cusp of world domination.
 
Powered by catchy, upbeat melodies and the strong voice of frontwoman Chrissy Costanza, Against The Current will dominate their first ever Reading & Leeds performance with tracks from this year’s debut album In Our Bones. They’ll be joined on the bill by drum and bass icon Andy C. His incredible career has seen him headline some of the biggest stages and moments in the genre’s history, most recently including his sell out shows at Brixton Academy and Alexandra Palace.  Equally as momentous will be the return of While She Sleeps, British metalcore’s undeniable DIY heroes who’ll be back in 2017 with their anticipated third album You Are We.
 
With hundreds of acts set to play across eight stages, Reading & Leeds is once again the unmissable festival weekend of the summer – defining and celebrating the who’s who of modern ground breaking music.
 
CONFIRMED TODAY
Against The Current | Andy C | Architects (UK Festival Exclusive) | At The Drive-In | Bastille | Danny Brown | Glass Animals | Major Lazer (UK Festival Exclusive) | Muse | Tory Lanez | While She Sleeps
 

Rod Stewart to headline Isle of Wight Festival 2017

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Today the Isle of Wight Festival 2017 have announced Rod Stewart to headline on Sunday 11th June in his only UK festival appearance next year. He has been delighting fans at sold out concerts up and down the UK as part of his ‘From Gasoline Alley to Another Country Hits’ arena tour.

Rod Stewart will bring his spectacular live show to the festival for the first time, performing a set of both classics and new hits in his dazzling signature style. As one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, with over 200 million records sold worldwide his performance will include show-stopping classics spanning five decades including ‘Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Baby Jane, the First Cut is the Deepest and I Don’t Want to Talk About It’. Festival-goers will also be treated to tracks from his recently released critically acclaimed platinum album ‘Another Country’, which debuted at Number Two last year.

Rod Stewart said: ‘I have been very lucky to have played many of the world's finest venues and festivals – but never played the legendary IOW Festival. I am so excited to put that right. June can't come round soon enough.’

Isle of Wight Festival Promoter, John Giddings said: ‘I’ve wanted Rod Stewart to play at the festival for a number of years – he’s an incredible icon with a career that’s spanned over five decades so it’s impossible to not be a fan. On Sunday night he’ll bring an incredible energy to create an unforgettable moment.’

Topping the bill on Sunday night, Rod Stewart joins the previously announced Saturday headliners Arcade Fire at the festival which takes place from 8th-11th June at Seaclose Park, Newport. Early bird tickets are currently on sale as well as day tickets for the festival – www.isleofwightfestival.com

For a VIP festival experience, exclusive glamping options are also on sale. Camp Kerala Mademoiselle provide Luxury Glamping backstage with room service and VIP transport.

Eve’s Tipis offer a luxury stay with a cocktail bar and hot breakfast options to kickstart your day. The much loved colourful Podpads will also be returning which include a power point to keep your phone charged throughout the weekend. Love Your Tent, Tangerine Fields and Pink Moon Camping also offer unique camping experiences for a weekend in style.

2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most exciting weekends of the summer, and Sir Rod will take his place alongside a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac.

T in the Park will NOT return in 2017

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Unfortunately for those looking forward to T in the Park 2017, we have just been informed that it will not be taking place.  Please see the offical statement from the organisers below.
 
T in the Park festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager today announced the news that the Scottish festival will be taking a break in 2017. The partners of 23 years released a statement, which can be read below in full, to music fans across the world, paying homage to their passion and dedication to T in the Park.
 
EVENT STATEMENT
 
“To the best audience in the world,
 
For over 23 years, T in the Park has been at the heart of Scotland’s music scene – with you, by our side. But for now, sadly, we need to take a break.
 
We launched T in the Park with one aim: to give Scottish music fans an unforgettable weekend with their friends enjoying the best acts from around the globe. And to say we achieved this together is an understatement. T in the Park has become one of the best known, biggest and most loved festivals in the world. When we launched back in 1994 there were only two music festivals in the UK – now there are many and T in the Park paved the way for all that have come and gone in Scotland since.  We created more than just a festival; we created a family and decades of wonderful memories.
 
However, the last couple of years have had their challenges. Against our will, and despite a prolonged fight, we were forced to move from Balado, Kinross in 2015.  This move was a mammoth task for the event and one that was compounded by a series of onerous site restrictions placed upon us as preparations for the event in 2015 took place. 
 
As the build up to the festival was well underway we were informed by Scottish Government Ministers that we would have to apply for full Planning Permission due to the presence of an unregistered, but protected in law, osprey's nest. The constraints – logistically and financially – that the resulting planning conditions put upon us are simply not workable. We tried our best to work with the pressures placed upon the site by bringing in an additional team and fixing the first year traffic issues, but ultimately we’re not in control of the overall site layout and the continued restrictions means that the negative impact on our fans and the limitations placed on their experience is too great. We now need to take stock and take a year out to try to resolve the issues so that we can once again deliver the kind of camping festival you are used to and deserve."
 
 
Until the next time…

Secret Garden Party announce theme for 2017

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Fame, celebrity, a media that obsesses over both and huge business that sells us access to, and relics of, them: the one thing that’s clear is we have ourselves a new religion…  of sorts. But this is a doctrine that offers us a troubling vision of Heaven on Earth; a room, full of our idols, guarded behind doors, with a strict entry criteria…

 

So, in this Strictly X Factor Love Island I’m a Kardashian #get-me-out-of-here social, instant, online world; what should we do?  How much do we embrace this idea of the universal right to fame and, if we do, should we all start immediately baking, blogging, dancing, cooking, singing and redecorating our little hearts out, to get 'there’?  You know that place down the red carpet and behind the velvet rope…

 

Well this summer the Secret Garden Party invites you to join it ‘there’ and finally find out if it’s anywhere we want to be.

In the tradition of the bacchanals, we will satiate this worldly distraction to the point we can break free from it – to finally gain a true perspective.  And in doing so, set a new, true precedent. So we’re donning our finest threads and polishing up like never before for the biggest VIP LOL-off you’ve ever seen. Where everyone likes / follows / adores you, the bouncers all know your name and the Sweet Dreams are made by You…

 

AIF Conference, Cardiff last night….SGP wins award for ‘Act of Independence’.

Whether channelled through its distinctive themes or its confrontation of social issues, Secret Garden Party’s ethos and spirit of independence has always been to encourage a free-thinking and forward-thinking community. So organisers are genuinely gratified to receive recognition for this pioneering work on drug testing – the first public testing facility in the UK.

 

Freddie Fellowes founder of Secret Garden Party, along with Steve Rolles from the Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Fiona Measham, Professor of Criminology at Durham University and director of The Loop ( a not-for-profit service for drug and alcohol harm reduction) last night were  presented with the Association of Independent Festivals’ ‘Act of Independence’ gong at the AIF awards ceremony for spearheading the first UK public drug-testing scheme at last summer’s Secret Garden Party  – a  service approved by Cambridge Police and local health authorities  – where people could have their drugs tested for safety on site.

 

Paul Reed, General Manager of the AIF said:

“There was a very strong shortlist for the inaugural ‘Act of Independence’ award and the result is some well -deserved recognition for an initiative that was both preventative and proactive, focusing on harm reduction, promoting safer drug use and helping people to make informed choices. It was achieved following years of hard work behind the scenes engaging the various agencies involved so congratulation to Secret Garden Party and The Loop for their perseverance and pioneering work in this area. We hope to see MAST testing become rapidly widespread at festivals, and AIF are working closely with The Loop and the organisers of Secret Garden Party to develop best practice and national guidelines for drug use and health and safety services at festivals”

 

Art Applications now open:

SGP is calling out for next year’s creative wonders. Since launching the Grants Programme in the Garden, there’s been an explosion of creative work adorning the site with imaginative installations year on year.  Now SGP is on the hunt for the new and spectacular, theme-inspired pieces for 2017. Artists, Designers & the wildly creative, be a part of this credible arts collective. With commissions, grants and development funds available contact: [email protected]

 

HG’s Theme Playlist:

http://bit.ly/SGP17spotify

Tickets for Secret Garden Party 2017 are now on sale at: tkt.to/sgp2017 

 

Arcade Fire to headline Isle of Wight Festival 2017

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After a phenomenal 2016 that saw Queen + Adam Lambert and The Who grace the iconic main stage, the Isle of Wight Festival is today excited to announce music giants, Arcade Fire, as the first headline act for 2017. The much-coveted appearance will be their only UK festival of the Summer and their first UK festival performance since 2014.

The Canadian band released their fourth studio album ‘Reflektor’ in October 2013 to widespread critical acclaim, debuting at #1 in both the U.K. and U.S. and topping the iTunes charts in 40 countries. 'Reflektor' was hailed as one of the Top 10 albums of 2013 by NME, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Pitchfork among others, and received two Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. After a nod at the Academy Awards for their work on the score of the Spike Jonze film, 'Her' (2013), the band went on to release their first film 'The Reflektor Tapes' combining concert footage and personal moments captured during the making of the album and subsequent tour. Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, known for their thrilling live shows and high-energy performances, Arcade Fire have sold out venues across the globe.

Isle of Wight Festival Promoter, John Giddings, said: After a phenomenal 2016 that saw Queen + Adam Lambert and The Who grace the iconic main stage, the Isle of Wight Festival is today excited to announce music giants, Arcade Fire, as the first headline act for 2017. The much-coveted appearance will be their only UK festival of the Summer and their first UK festival performance since 2014.

The Canadian band released their fourth studio album ‘Reflektor’ in October 2013 to widespread critical acclaim, debuting at #1 in both the U.K. and U.S. and topping the iTunes charts in 40 countries. 'Reflektor' was hailed as one of the Top 10 albums of 2013 by NME, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Pitchfork among others, and received two Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. After a nod at the Academy Awards for their work on the score of the Spike Jonze film, 'Her' (2013), the band went on to release their first film 'The Reflektor Tapes' combining concert footage and personal moments captured during the making of the album and subsequent tour. Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, known for their thrilling live shows and high-energy performances, Arcade Fire have sold out venues across the globe.

Isle of Wight Festival Promoter, John Giddings, said: “I’m so happy to have secured Arcade Fire as our first headliner. David Bowie recommended them and I’ve been a fan ever since. Last year was an incredible year and I’m ready for us to come back even better in 2017.”

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place from 8th – 11th June at Seaclose Park, Newport with Early Bird Tickets on sale from today.  Due to popular demand, 2017 sees the return of Day Tickets in addition to Weekend Tickets. 

For a VIP festival experience exclusive glamping options are also on sale. Eve’s Tipis offer a luxury stay with a cocktail bar and hot breakfast options to kickstart your day. The much loved colourful Podpads will also be returning which include a power point to keep your phone charged throughout the weekend. Love Your Tent and Pink Moon Camping also offer unique camping experiences for a weekend in style.

2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most exciting weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac.

A full range of ticket, travel and camping / accommodation options are available for The Isle of Wight Festival from www.isleofwightfestival.com.

Early Bird Tickets* (for a limited period only):

  • Weekend with / without Camping – £175
  • Day Ticket: Friday – £60 / Saturday and Sunday – £80
  • Student – £155
  • Teen – £125
  • Children Under 12: Free
  • *Prices subject to a booking fee

Disabled Access – must be purchased via the Ticketmaster Special Access Number 0800 998 440

Camping options:

  • Camp Kerala Mademoiselle provide Luxury Glamping backstage with room service and VIP transport
  • Eve's Tipis – Try something different and stay in a tipi, plus enjoy cocktails or champagne from the bar or some hot breakfast options to start your day right
  • Podpads – Bunk down in the colourful Podpads with solid wood or canvas options
  • Love Your Tent – enjoy an ethical camping experience plus hot showers and a Poodle Parlour!
  • Pink Moon Camping – Choose from a colourful collection of accommodation and enjoy your weekend with a unique camping experience

Moondance Festival full lineup announced

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Bringing festival season to a close Found Series mark the end of summer with one final blow out at Moondance Festival on Sunday 18th September 2016. Tickets are flying out for the Sunday all-dayer so dust off your raving shoes and look back over twenty years of rave culture with a likeminded, unified cross-generational crew.
 
A celebration of Britain's iconic rave culture, Moondance Festival will be the first of it's kind to take place in an equally iconic British setting. East London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will set the scene for a retrospective, old skool reunion as Moondance celebrates its 21st birthday. Harking back to the traditional Sunday sessions synonymous with early UK raves, Hopkins's Field in the north of the Park opens up to celebrate rave scene instigators and its musical evolution. Curated to bring dancers from all walks of life, the full line-up boasts a smorgasbord of sounds, shining a spotlight on 20 years of rave across 9 stages the best in old skool, drum and bass, garage, house, jungle and grime.
 
The final announcement sees Moondance Festival welcoming pioneers of the culture, adding stalwarts of the scene to the previously announced Mainstage, alongside fresh new Arena additions, which come the form of Arena 7 and Arena 8, championing urban sounds and upfront house respectively alongside House FM's VIP Arena. 
 
Bringing over 20 years of bass music, the Mainstage welcomes breakbeat legends The Freestylers with a live performance, featuring original artists MC Sir Real, Valerie M and Navigator MC. Matt Jam Lamont also joins the bill. A firm Found Series favourite and a scene kingpin, his sets are a journey throughout the UK Dance Scene, from it's earliest inception through to its current evolution. European house comes courtesy of Italian act Livin' Joy. Famed for carving out a space in the rave scene with 90's classic 'Dreamer', Livin Joy, will be joined on the Mainstage by Luzahnn, with a live performance. Brixton born and bred, former Kiss FM host Rob Blake, will bring the club classic and old skool house vibes to the main stage of the festival.
 
Some other exciting news just announced, United Festival returns to co-host the main stage: Following the success at Finsbury Park and the road-block tie up for Love Rave NYE, United once again link up with Moondance to bring London's biggest celebration of rave culture.
 
The Relentless Arena 7 showcases the artists behind the grass-roots sounds of Grime, Garage and Bass. Acclaimed rapper Chipmunk will headline the stage performing his famed live act which saw him shoot to fame, collecting multiple awards from MOBO, Urban Music Awards and many more along the way. With over 6 years of radio shows, urban music night Jamz and label Butterz under their best East London grime duo Elijah and Skilliam bring the best of the genre to the festival. Longstanding British DJ and Producer Zed Bias, known for his pioneering delivery of UK Garage and broken beat, swaps dark club rooms for open air at Moondance. Jammz and Big Zuu will perform live, with additional actsKlose One, Amy Becker, Silas and Snare, Kruel Intentions, Liam D and Lee Freeland & Tony Parsons rounding up the bass fuelled line-up set to surge throughout Arena 7.
 
Arena 8, the love-child of Found's own Analog and Stush, long-standing purveyors of raves, offers dancers the space to embrace classic, no-frills house music all-day-long. Gaining recognition from BBC Radio 1, DJ Mag and Defected to name but a few, DJ SKT, will headline the collaborative stage. One for the dancers and the house heads, the headliner's set embodies his penchant for classic house, most notable through previous remix work for the likes of legendary house label Strictly Rhythm, as well as Kontor and New State.
 
Audio Rehab founder, Mark Radford joins DJ SKT, flexing his undeniable ability to transform a dancefloor, injecting it with an energy only made possible through years of selection and involvement in the early acid-house, rave and jungle scenes. Sam Supplier, fellow Rinse FM host will also play Arena 8, bringing true rave energy, a unique force owed to the tacit knowledge earned hosting pirate radio, parties and raves over the years.
 
Analog and Stush also play host to Tom Zanetti & KO Kane, Booker T, Sy Sez, DJ S, Aluku Rebels, PSR and Snoops.
 
With over 180 acts playing across 9 stages of music, Moondance Festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be London's biggest celebration of rave culture in 2016.
+++
 
FULL LINEUP:
 
MOONDANCE & UNITED MAIN STAGE
THE FREESTYLERS LIVE FEAT. MC SIR REAL, VALERIE M, NAVIGATOR MC
TODD TERRY 
JOEY BELTRAM 
A GUY CALLED GERALD LIVE (EVOLUTION OF DANCE MUSIC) 
MATT JAM LAMONT
ALTERN8 LIVE
GENERAL LEVY LIVE
LIVIN JOY FEAT. LUZAHNN LIVE 
ANGIE BROWN LIVE (BIZARRE INC)
CHANNEL ONE SOUND SYSTEM
RATPACK VS SL2 LIVE 
DJ PHANTASY WITH SKIBADEE & SHABBA D
ROB BLAKE 
TWISTA & TRIX
ACID BROTHERS
ARENA 2 – GARAGE NATION (GARAGE)
ELIZABETH TROY (LIVE)
VAPOUR MC (LIVE)
SPECIAL MC (LIVE)
ARTFUL DODGER VS DJ LUCK AND MC NEAT 
OXIDE & NEUTRINO
FOUNDATION (STICKY & SCOTT GARCIA)
MIKE DELINQUENT
DJ CARTIER
JASON KAYE
RAMSEY & FEN
JUNIOR BUZZ
DJ LISTENER 
 
MCS VIPER, CREED, B LIVE, RANKING, CKP, KIE, LOKSIBOY
ARENA 3 – BREAKIN SCIENCE (DRUM & BASS)
ED RUSH & OPTICAL
HAMILTON & FRANKEE (RAM RECORDS SHOWCASE)
MAMPI SWIFT
SUB ZERO 
SHADOW DEMON COALITION (SLY, TRIGGA, BASSMAN)
NEW BREED CREW (MAJISTRATE, LOGAN D, EKSMAN, EVIL B, FATMAN D, HERBZIE)
U.N.C.Z (RUFFSTUFF, FUNSTA, HARRY SHOTTA & DREPS)
GUV & TURNO 
INTER
SLB & BOYLAN 
TERRY M & KEZMAN 

MCS EKSMAN, EVIL B, SKIBADEE, GQ, IC3, HARRY SHOTTA, BASSMAN, TRIGGA, FUNSTA, STORMIN, FATMAN D, HERBZIE, DREPS, GRIMA, AZZA, DEEFA, FUNKTION

ARENA 4 – EPIDEMIK (OLD SKOOL & JUNGLE)
FABIO & GROOVERIDER WITH MC MC
SHUT UP & DANCE SHOWCASE FEAT. RAGGA TWINS & PETER BOUNCER 
DJ SY
SLIPMATT
BILLY DANIEL BUNTER
UNCLE DUGS & NICKY BLACKMARKET 
DJ SENSE
MR X & VINYL VERA
DAN REWIND & GENETIC
LISA DIZZY BLONDE & BONNIE BLAZE
JOHNNY B & SOCIAL LOGIC 
PARKER & REMIXX
 
MCS MC MC, RAGGA TWINS, CHARLIE B, SKIBADEE, WHIZZKID, SHABBA D, FIVE ALIVE, FEARLESS, BLACKA, CUTTER, EXPRESS, RIBS
ARNEA 5 – JUNGLE MANIA x ROAST (JUNGLE)
CONGO NATTY FEAT. CONGO DUBZ
DILLINJA & RANDALL 
GROOVERIDER
MICKY FINN
DJ RON 
KENNY KEN
BROCKIE 
BRYAN G & JUMPIN JACK FROST
SHIMON (CLASSICS SET)
 DR S GACHET & ASHATACK
 REDLOCK
 MCS GQ, SKIBADEE, FEARLESS, IC3, DET, RAGGA TWINS, MOOSE, FLUX, EXPRESS
 
ARENA 6 – PROMISED LAND (CLASSIC HOUSE)
 FAST EDDIE (LIVE PA & DJ SET)
ALISON LIMERICK LIVE
 MARSHALL JEFFERSON
 NICKY HOLLOWAY
 TERRY FARLEY
 BRANDON BLOCK & ALEX P
 HUCK FINN
 PHILGOOD & RAM
 ARKOSS
 EZM
 
ARENA 7 – RELENTLESS (GRIME, GARAGE & BASS)
CHIPMUNK LIVE
ELIJAH & SKILLIAM
ZED BIAS
JAMMZ LIVE
BIG ZUU LIVE
KLOSE ONE
AMY BECKER
SILAS & SNARE
KRUEL INTENTIONS
LIAM D
LEE FREELAND & TONY PARSONS
ARENA 8 – ANALOG & STUSH (Upfront House)
DJ S.K.T
MARK RADFORD
SAM SUPPLIER
TOM ZANETTI & KO KANE
BOOKER T
SY SEZ
DJ S
ALUKU REBELS
PSR
SNOOPS
 
VIP ARENA – HOSTED BY HOUSE FM
 
Over 70% tickets sold. Final remaining tickets available at: moondancefestival.co.uk

Stage splits announced for V Festival 2016

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As the countdown continues to V Festival 2016, sponsored by Virgin Media, excitement is set to reach fever pitch amongst fans today, as details about the scale of Justin Bieber’s exclusive headline performance are revealed. The set is alleged to be the most challenging production the festival has ever seen in its 21-year history – one requirement will see 800 gallons of perfectly purified, 40-degree water soak the superstar, front of stage.

With just over three weeks to go until the festival, Justin Bieber is this week celebrating the news that he reached No.1 in the Spotify Global Streaming Charts for his track with Major Lazer and singer MØ, knocking Drake off the top spot.

Also announced today are the hotly anticipated stage splits for the festivals UK sites at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and at Weston Park in Staffordshire across the 19th to 21st August.  

As the festival marks its 21st anniversary next month, organisers have gone the extra mile this year, exclusively securing some of the biggest recording artists on the planet. Tickets for both V Festival sites have been furiously snapped up leaving only a very limited few tickets remaining for those lucky enough to bag one.

Virgin Media Stage

Performing exclusively at his only European festival this summer, Justin Bieber will headline the Virgin Media Stage on Saturday 20th August in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st August in Staffordshire. Bieber’s most recent album Purpose smashed UK chart records earlier this year by simultaneously charting three singles in the top five spots.

Also exclusively headlining the Virgin Media Stage will be international, Bajan megastar Rihanna, who returns to V Festival this summer after a break of five years, with what promises to be a supercharged performance on Saturday 20th August in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st August closing the Chelmsford site.

Adding to V Festival 2016’s international superstar line-up will be Australian superstar songstress, Sia, and superstar DJ, David Guetta – who are both UK festival exclusives for V Festival 2016.

Sia, who is world famous for her own critically acclaimed material and was one of the standout performances at this year’s Coachella Festival, will take to the Virgin Media Stage in Chelmsford on Saturday 20th and Staffordshire on Sunday 21st. Joining her on the same day of performances will be British indie rock favourites Bastille, Grammy winner Jess Glynne, singer-songwriter James Morrison, Joe Jonas’ pop rock band DNCE, American singer-songwriter Halsey and recent chart-topper Mike Posner.

Global DJ phenomenon David Guetta, one of the most successful artist DJ’s in UK chart history, will be getting the crowds at Weston Park in Staffordshire jumping on Saturday 20th and again in Chelmsford on Sunday 21st. Sharing the Virgin Media Stage on the same day will be the world’s biggest girl group Little Mix, BBC Sound of 2015 winners Years & Years, BRIT Award winners Travis, recently reformed legendary girl group All Saints, festival favourite Example and fast rising American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha.

 

MTV Stage

Taking the top spot at this year’s MTV Stage, on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire,will be legendary group Faithless who return to V Festival for their seventh time. Joining them will be two-time BRIT winner Tinie Tempah, party starter JohnNewman, chart topper Troye Sivan andcelebrated hit maker Rick Astley, (whose recent new album debuted in the UK at No.1), Grammy winner Foxes, Grammy nominated Londoner MNEK, Swedish singer-songwriter Zara Larsson, Irish rock group Walking on Cars and Canadian singer-songwriter Alx Veliz.

BRIT award winners Kaiser Chiefs will also be bringing their many hits to the MTV Stage on Saturday 20th in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st in Chelmsford. The MTV stage continues with singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, BRIT award winner Tom Odell, Mercury Prize nominee Katy B, X Factor StarFleur East, Danish chart-topping soul pop band Lukas Graham, , British DJ and  ‘Tropical House’ record producer Sigala, US hip hop artist Big Sean,English rapper Lethal Bizzle and soulful singer, young Londoner Zak Abel.

 

Dance Arena

The Dance Arena will be jumping with performances from UK garage favourite Craig David TS5 on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire. V Festival goers will be able to dance non-stop to DJ sets from Wilkinson and Sigma, Kurupt FM, MistaJam, My Nu Leng, Monki and Tom Zanetti & KO Kane.

On Saturday 20th in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st in Chelmsford, the Dance Arena audiences will be able to witness pulsating performances from the garage music extraordinaire DJ EZ and deep house favourite MK. Joining them in the arena will be Tchami, Flight Facilities, Blonde, Philip George, Low Steppa, Jonas Blue and Icarus.

 

V Street Stage

Headlining V Festival’s V Street Stage on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire will be legendary hip-hop act The Sugarhill Gang. Joining them will be Rudimental vocalist turnedsolo star Anne-Marie, Jojo, WSTRN, Angel, Ady Suleiman, Raye, Moxie Raia, The Main Level, Raye andJodie Abacus.

The V Street Stage on Saturday 20th in Staffordshire and Sunday 21st in Chelmsford will welcome British Grammy award winners Soul II Soul. They will be joined by outstanding British soul singers Laura Mvula and Corinne Bailey Rae, Liverpudlian rock group The Lightning Seeds (who played the very first V Festival in 1996), singer Gavin James, Def Jam artist Bibi Bourelly, Eliza and The Bear, K Stewart, Freak and Claudia Kane.

 

Glee Comedy Tent

The V Festival Glee Comedy Tent will be roaring with laughter as an all-star line up of comedians entertain the crowds. The incomparable comedic talents of Bobby Mair, Dane Baptiste, Tom Stade, Andy Robinson, Jen Brister, Nathan Caton, Adam Hills, Ivo Graham, Sara Pascoe, Matt Richardson(appearing in Hylands Park on Saturday 20th only), Andrew Bird, Joe Bor, Allyson June Smith (appearing in Weston Park Sunday 21st only)and MC Kevin McCarthy will be onstage on Saturday 20th in Chelmsford and Sunday 21st in Staffordshire.

And laughter keeps coming the with Bill Bailey, Josh Widdicombe, Katherine Ryan, Danny Slim Gray, Craig Murray, Jarred Christmas, Andrew Stanley, John Fothergill, Michael Fabri, Alex Edelman, Tom Deacon, Funmbi Omotayo and MC Mark Olver who will be performing on Saturday 20th at Staffordshire and Sunday 21st at Chelmsford.

 

BBC Radio 1 Summer of Dance

And to kick off the party weekend, V Festival 2016 will present BBCRadio 1 Summer of Dance Stage on Friday 19th August, featuring some of the hottest dance acts on the planet split across the Chelmsford and Staffordshire sites. Radio 1 DJs Annie Mac and Danny Howard will play both sites, travelling between them on the Friday via helicopter. Annie and Danny will be joined by Eric Prydz, MistaJam and MK in Chelmsford, with Gorgon City (Live), Wilkinson (Live), and Monki in Staffordshire.