Summer Festival Guide

Lionel Richie set for Henley Festival 2015

by

The glamorous Henley Festival in partnership with BMW, returns to the banks of the River Thames for five extraordinary installments from 8th– 12th July 2015.  From the moment you enter our world,the fun-loving & quirky black tie festival presents a kaleidoscope of entertainment at every turn.  Join us for world-class music, witty comedy shows, art & sculpture, eclectic pop up dining, immersive street theatre and fireworks with a twist each evening. Just 6,000 tickets will be available for each evening from www.henley-festival.co.uk at 9am on 26th January, priced from £35.

THURSDAY 9TH JULY, LIONEL RICHIE – Making his Henley Festival debut on the Floating Stage, the multi award winning, international superstar, Lionel Richie, who has been on the forefront of the music scene with a career spanning over three decades. With over 100 million album sales worldwide to his name and hits including Hello, All Night Long and Dancing On The Ceiling, this will be a night not to be missed.

Lionel Richie said: “I’m looking forward to playing at Henley Festival as I don’t think I’ve ever played on a Floating Stage on the River Thames before!  There’s been some great acts perform over the years at Henley so I’m very excited for it to be my turn.” 

FRIDAY 10TH JULY – Who got Rhythm?! – A Gershwin Spectacular – Back by overwhelming popular demand, an orchestral experience like no other takes the headline slot on Friday 10th July. Celebrate the music of George Gershwin in the company of the entire Philharmonia Orchestra, as they perform a selection of timeless classics, spanning an iconic repertoire, including lavish arrangements of Rhapsody in Blue, Fascinating Rhythm, A Foggy Day in London Town – and of course I Got Rhythm. Conducted by Troy Miller and Fabio D’Andrea, the all-star cast will see performances from acclaimed jazz singer Gregory Porter, award-winning trumpet soloist Alison Balsom and Chinese prodigy Ji Liu at the piano, plus a host of other stars taking to the Floating Stage.

First phase of Red Rooster Festival 2015 announced

by

Set in the idyllic private grounds of Euston Hall, designed by Capability Brown and William Kent, 2015 sees the welcome return of Red Rooster. Inspired by the sounds and aromas of America’s Deep South, Suffolk’s R&B, Blues and Americana festival is returning on 5th-7th June.

Announcing the first wave of acts before the Christmas break, Red Rooster is pleased to confirm one of modern day blues most renowned acts, CW Stoneking. The illusive CW Stoneking’s appearance at Red Rooster will be one of the first announcements of a UK show since 2011, his last one being to a sold out audience at London venue Koko.

CW Stoneking has also just released his first album in six years, “Gon’ Boogaloo,”  to much critical acclaim. Joining CW Stoneking in this first announcement will be favourites Son of Dave, Dollar Bill, The Rumble, and The Thinking Men.

Food and drink at Red Rooster is a major part of the event; what Deep South inspired event wouldn’t be?? Joining the bands will be some of top UK street food traders, including “The Orange Buffalo” (Voted No.1 Wings in London), “Colonel Tom’s Gumbo”, “The Mac Factory”, Norwich local smokers “The Harbecue” and chilli specialists Soul and Pepper.

Drinks are provided by one of the UK’s finest bar suppliers, Soulshakers – a team who specialises in southern hospitality. Think Alabama Ice Teas, Louisiana Jam’s, Sazerac’s and Hillbilly Moonshine’s – Red Rooster DOES NOT provide tasteless beer and low quality spirits!

Florence + The Machine and more set for Flow Festival 2015

by

Known for an eclecticism that spans both the local and international and showcases upcoming talent alongside major established artists, the first line-up announcement includes Florence + The Machine, fronted by the enigmatic Florence Welsh, whose grandiose vocals are arguably the greatest of this generation. The band is currently recording much-anticipated new album which follows 2011’s critically acclaimed ‘Ceremonials’.

Also announced today is Major Lazer, the dancehall electro project from American producer Diplo, while indie-rockers Alt-J, who received theprestigious Mercury Prize in 2012 with An Awesome Wave, will bring their playful, electro-influenced sound to Finland for the first time.

These first additions to the 2015 line-up also include Todd Terje, the Norwegian DJ, producer and songwriter who will perform his acclaimedlive set. Another taking the stage will be one of today's most respected producers of electronic music, Flying Lotus, aka Steven Ellison, nephew of legendary jazz musicians Alice and John Coltrane, who combines hip hop, IDM and jazz to create his own distinctive sound.

U.S. rappers El-P and Killer Mike, better known as Run the Jewels also join the Flow 2015 line-up, as do cult synth rockers Future Islands,whilst Foxygen – who also debut in Finland at Flow – will add their 1970s-style psychedelic rock to the mix.

Motorhead to rock Exit Festival 2015

by

One of the loudest hard rock bands of all time, MOTÖRHEAD, are finally coming to EXIT to play hits like ‘Ace of Spades’, ‘Rock Out’, ‘Killed By Death’, ‘Overkill’ and many others in ravenous rhythm! Motörhead were formed back in 1975 by bass player and singer Lemmy Kilmister and the current line up with Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee can reflect on Motörhead’s 40th Anniversary next year. The band, who were just nominated for another Grammy Award for ‘Heartbreaker’ from their beststelling current album ‘Aftershock’ had persistently fought against any classification of their music and frontman Lemmy Kilmister always open the set with: “We are Motörhead. And we play rock’n’roll!“

The legendary hard rock band has a huge fan base all over the world and a highly productive career: back in the studio in January 2015 they will start working on their 22nd studio album to celebrate Motörhead’s 40th Anniversary, coming right up when they play the famous EXIT festival!

One of the most entertaining rock’n’roll bands in the world, the Californian EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, will perform for the first time in Serbia in celebration of EXIT’s 15th anniversary! The band has been successfully playing with the dirty rock aesthetic since 1998. Backed by their witty lyrics, videos and performances, they deconstruct stereotypes that were set by the hard riff sound. The band was formed by the mischievous rock’n’roll duo, the charismatic Jesse Hughes and the multitalented Josh Homme. Albums „Peace, Love, Death Metal“ (2004), ‘Death by Sexy’ (2006) and ‘Heart On’ (2008) launched them to the very top of the world riff scene, while hits like poput ‘I Want You So Hard (Boy’s Bad News)’, ‘I Got a Feelin (Just Nineteen)’, ‘Wannabe in L.A’, ‘Miss Alissa’, ‘Cherry Cola’, ‘Only Want You’ promise nothing short of an explosion of energy at the Petrovaradin Fortress.

Eagles of Death Metal announced a new, long-awaited album set to be released in 2015. Frontmen Jesse Hughes commented on this in a highly recognisable fashion: “Again, [we've] stolen a bunch of songs from the greatest rock bands in the world. So technically, this will be the greatest rock album ever made!“

The rock’n’roll giants will be joined by the local representatives. The new Serbian supergroup ŠKRTICE will perform in front of a world-class audience. The famous Serbian rock'n'roll frontman, Cane from Partibrejkersi, is joined by some of the finest Belgrade musicians. The supergroup's collaboration promises to open a new chapter in rock music.

One of the most influential hardcore/reggae bands in the region, EYESBURN, have been active for an incredible twenty years. Their labour of love is best witnessed by their instantly recognisable sound – which is no small feat. Their mixture of tight guitar riffs and reggae rhythms set them grossly apart from other bands. Eyesburn will once again show at EXIT why they became and managed to stay a symbol of an entire social and music movement in Serbia and in the Balkans.

Billy Idol, Lamb of God and more added to Download 2015 lineup

by

Among the latest fleet of iconic names added to Europe’s biggest rock and metal festival this year is punk icon and Generation X frontman Billy Idol, who returns to Donington for the first time in five years.

Billy Idol said: 

It was a fantastic experience playing at Download 2010 in the teeming rain with the audience completely unfazed. So if that was fun, this year should be dynamite! See you there!

Groove metal giants Lamb of God return from hiatus in 2015 amid rumours of a new album to blow away the minds of the Download faithful.

Other massive bands joining them include Black Veil Brides – the hard rockers following in the tradition of fellow Download 2015 performers KISS  & Motley Crue with their raucous live performances and on-stage personas, while Rise Against return to bring a bit of poignancy and political edge to their barrage of heavy, melodic punk rock.

On playing Download Black Veil Brides said: 

We are absolutely honoured to once again have the opportunity to play on rocks biggest stage at the Download festival 2015! We've always had a blast and we are looking to make our third time the best one yet! Seeya Saturday!

Rise Against’s Tim McIlrath said:
The Download Fest always puts together one of the best and heaviest line-ups in the UK and we¹re pretty damn ready to get muddy with the best of them.

Elsewhere, America’s most successful rock performer in the Billboard charts, the four times Grammy-nominated Godsmack will perform at Download for the first time in 2015 following the release of their acclaimed 1000hop album earlier this year.

Tongue-in-cheek but firmly balls-out rockers Eagles of Death Metal will also swoop into Donington in 2015 to make their eagle-ly (soz)-awaited debut at the country’s primary rock and metal festival.

Homegrown natural born killers Mallory Knox continued their meteoric rise with the release of their second album Assymetric in October and will give fans a taste of it at Download.

If those massive names aren’t enough, the sludgiest funk stoner rock beasts music has to offer, Clutch, return to Download after a four year absence, while DragonForce will also be blazing into Donington on a wave of the fastest, most frantic and fiery speed metal in the rock world.

Hardcore rap rockers Hollywood Undead will showcase material from new album, Day of the Dead, with the eponymous lead single providing some of the heaviest hooks ever from the LA six-piece.

Another rap-metal crossover joining the 2015 line-up, this time appearing at Download for the first time, is Body Count, fronted by rap legendIce-T.

More straight-edged rock comes in the form of prodigal Southern hardcore sons Every Time I Die, making their first Donington appearance in a decade, while Australia’s finest purveyors of anthemic metalcore Parkway Drive also return.

More long-lost friends join the party in the form of Swedish punk rockers Backyard Babies – making a first appearance in six years – while their compatriots H.E.A.T also bring their epic signature brand of Nordic hard rock to Donington.

Pennsylvania horror merchants Motionless in White make their first appearance since this year’s epic Reincarnate, while Download will also be treated to a savage dose of theatricality from symphonic metallers Crown the Empire, who make their debut in 2015, following the release of this summer’s The Resistance: Rise of the Runaways.

Adding to Download 2015’s burgeoning antipodean contingent and also making their debut this year are metalcore tyros Northlane, with yet another fresh slab of meat for rock and metal fans to get their teeth into are seasoned hardcore punk warriors Madball, who recently announced that they have begun recording an eighth studio album.

All of these incredible acts will join headliners Slipknot, Muse and Kiss, and main support Judas Priest, Faith No More and Mötley Crüe as well as an armada of the world’s finest vessels of rock and metal.

UB40, Astro and more set for Wychwood Festival 2015

by

Off the back of its 10th anniversary, Wychwood looks to 2015 for another stellar year as the country's favourite family weekend. Welcoming all generations, the festival curates a packed programme year on year with timeless greats, upcoming music, literature, comedy, children's entertainment, good food and drink. 

UB40's Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue are the first headliner revealed for next year, joining a long list of world famous acts to grace the Wychwood stage including The Boomtown Rats, The Human League, Supergrass, Duffy and more. Responsible for a myriad of hits in the 80s and 90s including Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and Falling In Love With You, the band's founding members reunite for a thrilling performance on Saturday night. 

Also performing on the Saturday are Scottish brother duo The Proclaimers. Currently battling for Christmas number one with their charity single cover The Farm’s All Together Now, the pair have been making music for decades and their extensive touring makes them the perfect live veterans for Wychwood's busy main stage. Vintage samples, electro beats, gypsy-jazz guitar, electric double bass, keys and live drums will be performed by the sounds of Electric Swing Circus delivering a consistently dazzling show, whilst indie folk band Rusty Shackle will perform on Sunday's mainstage. Providing the sounds and the beats for Friday's opening night celebrations, the mighty Deadzone return to Wychwood after popular demand providing a show-stopping performance and a firm favourite for all Wychwood fans.

Strong supporters of innovative new music as well as heritage acts, Wychwood will once again team up with London promoters Smashing Blouse who take over the popular Big Top stage. Headlining on Saturday is the mercury-nominated, lyrical wizard and astounding live performer Ghostpoet, plus Brighton pop outfitFickle Friends.
 

Graeme Merifield, Festival Director comments, "We are hugely excited to welcome UB40 with the exceptionally talented Ali Cambell, Astro and Mickey Virtue back together for what I have no doubt will be an incredible Saturday headline performance on our Wychwood mainstage. The tenth birthday celebrations this year was an absolute delight and with this firmly in our mind, Wychwood 2015 is set for even bigger and better things and we cannot wait to share the three wonderful days with you all."

Wychwood Festival returns to Cheltenham Racecourse from 29th to 31st May 2015. Early bird weekend tickets are priced at just £119 for adults, £94 for concessions, £54 for 10-15 year olds, £18 for 5-9 year olds and under 5 free. All tickets and more information is available from www.wychwoodfestival.com. 

Basement Jaxx set for Standon Calling

by
After two sell-out years Standon Calling returns for a tenth birthday celebration like no other. One of the most intimate festivals of the summer, Standon has always punched above its weight by securing the biggest acts around and 2015 will be no different. Fresh from their recent Grammy nomination for Never Never, electronic music heavyweights Basement Jaxx are the first act to be revealed for the festival. Known for their incredible live performances and hot off their recent tour, Grammy Award nomination and Guardian citing as at the 'live peak of their career’, the spectacular show featuring costume changes and incredible dancers will close Standon Calling in true style on the Sunday evening.

Speaking about today's announcement Felix of Basement Jaxx said: "It's great to end the year with a Grammy nomination and our tour finale at the O2 in London. Looking forward to 2015, we're excited to announce a headline slot at the brilliant Standon Calling festival on Sunday August 2nd".

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, art, comedy, fancy dress and of course its own heated outdoor swimming pool. Next year will see an innovative new day-to-night programme that will see the festival embrace its dual persona of packed out fun for all by day and then more mischievous side as a myriad of hedonistic surprises are unveiled for when the sun goes down. 

A very small number of early bird tickets tickets are available at £97 and tier 1 tickets for Standon Calling 2015 are expected to go on sale any day from £117 from www.standon-calling.com with discounts available for group bookings.

Clean Bandit, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim and more set for Croatia Rocks

by

The pioneering Ibiza Rocks brand will travel to Zrce Beach to once again revolutionise the music holiday format with Croatia Rocks on 19th – 23rd July 2015. The festival marks a decade at the forefront of the Ibizan music scene for the group.  Working with the team behind the monumental Hideout Festival and with Ibiza Rocks’ Musical Director Zane Lowe at the helm, Croatia Rocks will welcome a handpicked selection of live and DJ heavy hitters and newcomers from the world-famous Rocks & W.A.R! stages. 

By day, Croatia Rocks teams up with the biggest clubbing brands on the planet as revelers are treated to a myriad of DJ talent against the backdrop on the stunning Adriatic coastline. By night, The Rocks and W.A.R! stages deliver the best of live and electronic music into the early hours as the crowds party with the biggest names and hottest upcoming talent.

Live highlights at the inaugural Croatia Rocks include the standout live act of 2014 Clean Bandit, the funk-inspired Jungle who bring their extensive live show to the beautiful surroundings of Zrce Beach. Kwabsbrings his exceptional vocals and anthemic songwriting to sun-kissed revelers, while lyricist Kate Tempest, the hotly tipped Shura, Brighton-based surf-rockers Black Honey and high-energy London lads The Bulletproof Bomb, all fly the flag for innovative new UK music. 

Croatia Rocks will also host DJ sets on the sandy beaches of Pag from double BRIT winner Fatboy Slim, who returns for the first time in three years to Croatia. After the roaring success of their number one debut album 'Home' Rudimental will fire up the Croatia Rocks crowds with a very special DJ set as well as a plethora of electronic music’s finest including Wilkinson, Hannah Wants, Blonde, B.Traits, Soul Clap,Monki, Shy FX, Friend Within, Karma Kid, Waze & Odyssey, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Doorly, Mak & Pasteman,  Eton Messy DJs, Jaymo & Andy George, Tom Shorterz and Lxury.

More added to Takedown 2015 lineup

by

Joining already announced Mallory Knox and Charlie Simpson we have some ambient post hardcore courtesy of Reading's Devil Sold His Soul, guitar fuelled rock in the guise of Leeds boys Allusondrugs, electronic alt rock from The One Hundred, stomping anthems from Emp!re, some bruising metal from local boys Dendera, some hardcore from Essex crew Confessions of a Traitor, and some melodic deathcore from Plymouth boys Refuge of the Fallen.

Steve Angello, Knife Party, Steve Aoki join We Are FSTVL 2015 lineip

by

Adding to the palpable excitement, further acts have been revealed for FSTVL 2015 including Steve Angello, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Marco Carola, Claude VonStroke, Redlight, The Martinez Brothers, Oliver Heldens, Amine Edge & DANCE, Art Department, Cyril Hahn, Huxley b2b J.Phlip, Onebit, Andrea Oliva.
 
On Sunday 31th May, We Are FSTVL’s Main Stage will be headlined by Nordic house heavy-weight Steve Angello. Following a sonic campaign for world domination as one third of dance phenomenon Swedish House Mafia, his Main Stage performance will bring an explosive close to the final day. Further dance music luminaries join the Main Stage billing with enigmatic duo Knife Party and the unstoppable Steve Aoki also announced.

French ‘G House’ pioneers Amine Edge & DANCE bring their bass-heavy style to the ‘Field of Dreams’ for the second year running, whilst hot new property Oliver Heldens will deliver his infectious brand of future house. Bronx-born tech house duoThe Martinez Brothers will also feature, and indie-electronic pair Onebit will round off the main stage line-up.

 
Elsewhere at Sunday’s FSTVL, Jamie Jones’ welcomes two esteemed figures to complete the billing for Paradise; Music On’s Marco Carola, will bring a hefty dose of techno to We Are’s Very Big Top, while Dirtybird head honcho Claude VonStrokeadds a ghetto-tinged house flavour to proceedings. Those treating themselves to some Area 10 VIP action will be rewarded with a rare back-to-back set from Dirtybird label-mate J.Phlip alongside Huxley, hot off the back of releasing debut album “Blurred”.
 
Joining Defected’s ‘Very Big Top’ on Saturday 30th May is Swiss upstart Andrea Oliva, whose Ibiza residency for ANTS at Ushuaia has made him a serious one to watch for 2015 – whilst underground mainstays Art Department are set to join Saturday’s Used + Abused Techno Warehouse. Representing Hannah Wants’ bass-tinged stage is Bristolian pioneer Redlight, with the hazy pop sounds of Cyril Hahnrounding off We Are FSTVL’s phase 3 announcement.