Having recently announced plans for their ‘decade of decadence’ 10thanniversary festival, The Masked Ball can now reveal that Groove Armada, 2ManyDJs, Norman Jay MBE, London Elektricity and many more are also set to join their creative weekender on 20th – 22nd May.
The 10th birthday Masked Ball – this year staged over three days, each with its own very special vibe – will boast 12 elaborately-themed arenas,
There'll also be whole new area modelled around 'A Manor House' – a stately home inhabited by the most debauched and demented members of the aristocracy, complete with its own unique take on the traditional garden fete and featuring bizarre attractions like live pig racing, a huge waterslide and hot tubs.
Shaping up as what’s set to be an incredible showcase of talent across the electronic music spectrum, the first to join festival headliners Basement Jaxxand Jungle is Groove Armada, who will return to Porthleven after making their festival debut back in 2014. Eclectic selector’s 2ManyDJs – the touring alias of Belgian outfit Soulwax – are also billed, whilst purveyor of ‘Good Times’, the legendary Norman Jay MBE, will deliver a masterclass in turntablism for partygoers seeking an injection of funk, soul and jazz. Elsewhere, an appearance from drum and bass institution London Elektricity is scheduled alongside MC Dynamite, with creative party-starters krankbrother no strangers to the festival’s themed proceedings.
With a host of support also coming from the likes of Solid Steel’s DJ Cheebawho will be providing an extra special tribute to the late great David Bowie, as well as Stockholm club scene stalwart Mad Mats, The Masked Ball’simmersive offerings will be just as impactful – providing a multi level party kingdom where themed venues range from the outrageous to the downright spectacular. Expect a myriad of rooms, dancefloors, dens, hidden bars and even bathtubs that are all themed around a majestic stately home, making The Masked Ball’s ‘decade of decadence’ milestone one certainly to remember.
Line-up:
2MANYDJS, BASEMENT JAXX, GROOVE ARMADA (DJ), B.TRAITS, BEN PEARCE, JUNGLE (DJ), JULIO BASHMORE, LONDON ELEKTRICITY & MC DYNAMITE, MIKE SKINNER (DJ), NORMAN JAY MBE, PAUL WOOLFORD
APRÉS, BOCA 45, BRANDON BLOCK, DAYTONER, DJ CHEEBA ‘SOUND AND VISION’ (A TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE), CRAIG RICHARDS, DAYTONER, DJ GRIFF, HEAVENLY JUKEBOX, HORSE MEAT DISCO, JAC THE DISCO, KRANKBROTHER, MAD MATS, MONGOLIAN DISCO, PBR STREETGANG, PETE FOWLER, PETE ISAAC, PETE WIGGS, RAF DADDY, ROBERT OWENS
If you’re more into smaller festivals than the larger, more commercial events then Blissfields festival, set in the heart of rural Hampshire is a definite a must-visit. This year’s festival took place on 3rd July to the 5th and it certainly didn’t disappoint, with a line-up including headline acts from American pop-punk band Sleigh bells and hit-spinning brothers 2manydjs.
With only 4,000 people attending, the atmosphere at the festival was extremely chilled out and family-friendly. When we arrived, we were impressed with the laid-back, hippy atmosphere and how much was on offer, especially considering how tiny the festival was. Wandering around the small site, we soon realised that the festival wasn’t completely all about the music, although the line-up was pretty impressive for such a small get-up. There was so much to do and even if you wanted to come for the day and didn’t end up watching any music at all, you still wouldn’t get bored. Whilst exploring over the weekend we managed to fit in playing a free game of golf, staring in wonder at the several birds of prey that were on display (you could pay a few quid to hold them), watched a mesmerizing fire-show, sat in the audience of a wood-sawing show (the end product ended up being a carefully carved owl) and wandered through the many tiny vintage shops that were selling a large variety of trinkets and embroidered goods.
On Friday afternoon, whilst we munched on Jamaican jerk chicken from one of the many small food stalls available, we sat and enjoyed the soothing vocals from singer-song writer Nick Mulvey on the main stage. He finished off his enjoyable set with a warm, grateful departure, bidding to the audience ‘See you soon, see you at another festival!’. Next up was a vibrant performance from Tune-Yards who impressed with their drummy, electric-bass fuelled set.
Nick Mulvey
As the afternoon rolled into evening, we enjoyed a performance from British singer-song writer Dan Croll whose relaxing vocals were perfect for the chilled-out crowd who were by now swaying in time to the music in the early evening. One song that stood out particularly was the soothing ‘Maway’ from his debut album ‘Sweet Disarray’.
Next up on the main stage was indie quartet band Spector who livened up the crowd with hits from their first album ‘Enjoy it while it lasts’ including ‘Twenty-nothing’ and finished off with an emotional performance of their single ‘Never fade away’, prompting synchronised clapping and swaying from the audience.
By the time Sleigh bells were headlining the main stage, the earlier sunny weather had turned into drizzly rain. This however, didn’t appear to bother the crowds, and the noise-pop duo brought in a sizeable crowd who danced their way throughout the energetic set. Vocalist Alexis Krauss was most humble, exclaiming several times what a great audience the crowd were, and how they had no idea what to expect. They gave a great performance mingling and interacting with the crowd, with Alexis even joining an ecstatic audience in the crowd, putting on a fantastic show and proving their worthy title as Friday’s headline act.
Sleigh bells
With music from the main stage finished for the evening, we decided to explore many of the other stages. We enjoyed the electric atmosphere and performances in several tents that were open late-night, such as The Hustle Den and the Hidden Hedge, which was open to 4am for the party animals out there. However the artists that really impressed from the smaller venues was the exceptionally quirky Electric Swing Circus in The Larch, an intimate tent venue slightly more closed off from the rest of the festival. The six-piece electric swing band excited the crowd with their lively set, encouraging pretty much every person in the tent to dance along, many even attempting to swing-dance with both friends and strangers alike. When they played childhood classic ‘Everybody wants to be a cat’ featured in Disney’s aristocrats, the crowd really let loose, with many singing along to the old classic.
Feeling slightly worse for wear on the Saturday, we headed straight to the main stage to listen to an early set from DJ Little Chief as we sat on the grass lining our stomachs for the day with bacon rolls from a quirky café stall. Next we enjoyed a set from London-based band Famy who kicked start the afternoon, impressing with their hammering rock tunes.
Famy
The rest of the day was spent more fairly laid back than the Friday, soaking up the hippy atmosphere, people watching and getting involved in many of the daytime activities on offer. However, there was one act we were sure not to miss and that was 2manydjs incredible headline set on the main stage. Brothers David and Stephen Dewaele set the place alight, mixing up hits from the likes of MGMT, causing the huge crowd to go absolutely mental, and finishing off our experience at Blissfields on a fantastic high.
The Electric Frog & PressureRiverside Festival have today revealed that dance music pioneer Matthew Dear will join the hugely diverse bill for the two day event this May Bank Holiday weekend.
The Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival have already confirmed a dynamic line-up including 2ManyDJs,Jamie Jones, Andrew Weatherall,Cajmere, Derrick Carter, Derrick May, Felix Da Housecat, Francois K, Laurent Garnier, Lord of the Isles, Mash, Melting Pot, Moritz Von Oswald, notsosilent, Pan-Pot, DJ Sneak, Slam, Sunday Circus, Tiga, Visionquest and Vitalic (live).
Depending on whom you ask, Matthew Dear is a DJ, a dance-music producer, an experimental pop artist, a bandleader. He co-founded both Ghostly International and its dancefloor offshoot, Spectral Sound and has had remixes commissioned by The XX, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Spoon, Hot Chip, The Postal Service, and Chemical Brothers; he’s made mixes for the Fabric mix series and Get Physical’s Body Language. He straddles multiple musical worlds and belongs to none—and he’s just hitting his stride.
Matthew Dear is also know as his alter-ego Audion and alongside Tiga has produced the track of the year so far with ‘Let's Go Dancing’. Tiga and Dear have combined forces again on new single ‘Fever’; the hypnotic, percussion-fuelled track is said to serve as another taste of Tiga's forthcoming full-length album, which, as luck would have it, was co-produced by Dear.
Now increased to a two day event, the outdoor music festival takes place on the grounds of the iconic Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship, on the banks of the River Clyde over the May Bank Holiday weekend (3rd and 4th May).
Following a landmark festival headline set from Bastille and selling out over 2 months in advance for last year's event, the biggest Blissfields ever also featured a remarkable wealth of breaking and established talent including London Grammar, Clean Bandit, Sam Smith, Mystery Jets, Bondax and more. Blissfields are today pleased to announce its first wave of acts for 2014, continuing a tradition of breaking the best new talent and hand-picked established names… now increasing it’s capacity to 4,000 tickets against the grain of a tremulous time for music festivals. Reflecting the loyalty and strongly independent and rising nature of the festival, tickets for 2014's event have already been selling at a faster rate than ever before, even ahead of any music acts being announced.
2ManyDJs and Sleigh Bells lead the announcement that includes 2014 Critic’s Choice BRIT Awards nominee Chloe Howl who makes her second visit to Blissfields following a triumphant year that found her shortlisted for the BBC Sounds of 2014 – which also saw Luke Sital Singh and Nick Mulvey nominated, who both join the line-up. Critically acclaimed US carnival-pop act Tune-Yards will no doubt boast hints of the forthcoming third album Nikki Nack in their performance, while 6Music Blog Sound of 2013 Winners Wolf Alice will show why they were the “most blogged artist of 2013” across the UK [Hype Machine].
Set to follow in the dance/pop cross-over footsteps of Disclosure and Bondax,Snakehips and TCTS play late night slots on the newly renamed Hustle Den stage, as Blissfields showcases sets from breakthrough acts Dan Croll, Ry X, Famy, and more, bringing the most exciting up-and-coming artists from around the world to Hampshire.
At the top of the bill, and blurring the lines between pop, dance, disco, house and indie/rock, festival favourites Hercules and Love Affair and 2ManyDJs will close out the Saturday night of the festival, while New York dance-rockers Sleigh Bells will top the Friday night party bill, highlighting the more international nature of the festival this year, reconfirming Blissfields as one of the most eclectically billed boutique festivals in Britain.
Once more it boasts an impressive legacy of fun festival acts as well, presenting fan favourites Dub Pistols as its Thursday night headliner, and welcomes Gentlemans Dub Club, Melt Yourself Down, Monki, and Gypsy Disco to ensure that Blissfields’ spirits are kept high, and that frivolity reigns throughout what was last year dubbed “the festival where it never rains”.
There’s many more acts to announce as well across all stages, but this year’s line-up so far is;
2ManyDJs – Sleigh Bells Hercules And Love Affair – Chloe Howl – Tune-Yards – Dan Croll Nick Mulvey – RY X – Snakehips – Gentleman's Dub Club – Wolf Alice Melt Yourself Down – Luke Sital Singh – Famy – Monki – Dub Pistols Subgiant – Cosmo Sheldrake – Flyte – Gypsy Disco – TCTS Chris T-T – Electric Swing Circus – Beans on Toast Alex Walker – Ally Wolf – Animal – Bela T Chase – Bellyeyesmile – Ben Goddard – Ben Paul Benny Page – Beth McCarthy – Bigtopp – Bitr8 – Black Kat Boppers – Bombs – Bonsai Pirates – Buddhist Punkz Burning Idols – Charlie Ayliffe – Cholombian (DJ set) – Dale Allen – Dave Miatt – Dead Proud – Deadbeat Disco Dr Meaker – Echotape – ESPA – Fauxlo – Firefarm – Fish Hook – Folkgeek Presents: Alex Vargas, Franklin & James, Fawn – Freeway Mad – Gentleman's Dub Club – Ghouls – Giles Whiteley – Headsessions Soundsystem Hentai Babies – Jimi Needles – Josh Savage – Jungle Doctors – Juturna – Lex – Listening Party – Luke Ferre Luke Sital Singh – Mary Miss Fairy – Maths and the Moon – Matt Jarvis – Matt Perriment – Matty LAH Maxin' DJ's – Mem & Kamikaze Love (Shorebitch) – Morgan Hislop – New Desert Blues – Nick Mulvey Nick Tann – One Step Too Late – Paul Diello – Paul Sawyer (EJ Underground) – PolyBlank – Psychedelia DJ's Sai – Sam Brothers – Sam Cotton – Science Of 8 Limbs – Sworthy – Tacit Tone – The Boy I Used To Be The Great Malarkey – The Great One – The Raged – The St. Pierre Snake Invasion – Thequickandthedead Tom Lowman – Transgressive Soundsystem – Uber-Tone – Will Tun & the Wasters – WILLOW – Youngskin
DESPACIO: Powered by McIntosh is a one-of-a-kind sound system created by LCD Soundsystem frontmanJames Murphy and prestigious New York sound engineer John Klett of Tech Mecca. DESPACIO: Powered by McIntosh is a statement intended to preserve, promote and celebrate the tradition of pure live music performances. The focus is on the partygoers’ experience instead of the stage spectacle that has become so commonplace in music today.
The sound system consists of a floor-standing series of seven giant, 11-foot stacks arranged in a circle – allowing the crowd to fully immerse themselves in the music. To carry out James and John's uncompromising vision, only McIntosh, a storied brand that handcrafts all of it products to the highest quality standard would suffice as a partner. While the technical specifications of Despacio are designed meticulously for optimal sound quality, the setup is quite simple considering the 50,000 watts of McIntosh power behind the system.
McIntosh’s first-rate sound and technology will be enhanced by the truly eclectic music selection of James, David & Stephen – recognized audio aficionados with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of music over the last 60 years.
James, David & Stephen will be behind the decks, located in a dark and obscured background, for three daily six-hour sessions from 3:30pm to 9:30pm throughout the festival. Due to the capacity limitations of the space, access will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
SW4 Sunday is already down to the last remaining saver tickets with these due to increase in price on Wednesday 1st August. What can you expect from the day? Check out ourbrand new trailer below. For Sunday is no longer the day of rest…
SW4 SUNDAY FEAT. SKRILLEX, STEVE ANGELLO, PUBLIC ENEMY, 2MANYDJS, ERIC PRYDZ, SKREAM & BENGA + MANY MORE!
“So excited to be headlining SW4 this year. London is like a second home to me and there are so many friends performing as well. Great people! Great times!” Skrillex.
A warm Clapham Common welcome for triple Grammy Award winner Skrillex, who headlines SW4 Sunday in an exclusive London festival performance. Scheduled to close our alfresco action, Skrillex’s set continues South West Four’s heritage of showcasing the most revolutionary DJs. Expect the obligatoryheart thumping bass lines, plus huge, gut wrenching breakdowns and chaotic riffs. Guaranteed to go down as one of the greatest sets in SW4 history, this mouth watering performance is set to pummel Clapham Common into submission. You have been warned.
In addition to Skrillex, SW4 Sunday will welcome the world’s greatest DJs and live electronic acts. Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello makes his SW4 debut this year, in his final UK festival performance of 2012, whilst hip hop royalty will be on show as the truly legendary Public Enemy play SW4 in a UK festival exclusive as part of their 25th Anniversary World Tour. The ‘expect the unexpected’ ethos of 2 Many DJs, the DJ manifestation of sensational production duo Soulwax, make their SW4 debut this summer. After selling out the mammoth Brixton Academy, Alexandra Palace and Amnesia Ibiza last year, it’s a privilege for SW4 to welcome one of the greatest DJs and producers of our generation, Eric Prydz; raw and in the flesh. In addition Sasha’s atmospheric sound and transcendental synths will again be on display at SW4 as he showcases his mesmerising connection with the dancefloor.
Skream & Benga; two pioneers synonymous with quality bass music will be joined by three legends of drum & bass; DJ Fresh, Friction and Andy C, who brings his audio visual ‘Alive’ arc to SW4 for the very first time. Clapham debauchery can be expected from Mad Decent’s Diplo, the riotous Simian Mobile Disco and the dynamic Italian duo Crookers, whilst a defining festival experience will no doubt be delivered by Erol Alkan. The world’s undisputed ambassador for electronic dance musicMr Pete Tongreturns in 2012, joining the enigmatic trio of Seth Troxler, Maya Jane Coles and Dyed Soundorom, all of which make their SW4 debuts this year. Eats Everything, one of THE breakthrough acts of the past 12 months will also be present, along with one of the most important acts of the past 20 years Curtis Alan Jones aka Green Velvet. Flux Pavilion is a red hot talent taking the dubstep world by storm, as isBorgore. With further performances confirmed from Jack Beats, Foreign Beggars, Doctor P, Dillon Francis, Rudimental we can safely say that all in attendance are in for a real SW4 treat.
NEW LINE UP ADDITIONS: LIVE: Justice / Two Door Cinema Club / Hot Chip / Soulwax / Nero / Emeli Sandé / Orbital / Warpaint / De La Soul / Major Lazer / Sister Sledge / The Horrors / Spiritualized / Kevin Saunderson feat. Inner City Live / Gary Numan / Michael Kiwanuka / Azealia Banks / Sub Focus / Gallows / Doom / Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feat Al Mckay / Rizzle Kicks / The Cuban Brothers / Buraka Som Sistema / Bellowhead / Little Dragon / Gold Panda Adam Ant & The Good The Mad and The Lovely Posse / Lianne La Havas / King Khan And The Shrines / Delilah / Friends / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / First Aid Kit / King Krule / Ane Brun / Chas & Dave / Dub Pistols / The Japanese Popstars / Charli XCX / Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard / Slagsmålsklubben / Field Music / Jaipur Kawa Circus / Jinja Safari / Church of Love & Ruin / Frankie Rose / Milagres / Three Bonzos and a Piano / Liz Green / Gabrielle Aplin / Prince Fatty / Fiction / 2:54 / Turbowolf / This Is The Kit / Ghost Outfit / Patterns / Young British Artists / Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo / To Kill A King / L.A. Salami / Laurel Collective / ahab / Gecko / Heathward / Model Society / Sky Sphere / Blackhouse Crow… Plus many more still to be announced
DJ SETS FROM ROB DA BANK AND FRIENDS: 2manydjs / Annie Mac Presents / Four Tet + Caribou (b2b DJ) / 2 Bears / David Rodigan MBE presents RAM JAM / Dirtybird showcase feat. Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin & Eats Everything / François Kevorkian / DJ Yoda / Maya Jane Coles / Scuba / LTJ Bukem / Plastician / Greg Wilson / Scratch Perverts / Giles Smith & James Priestley (secretsundaze) / Oneman b2b Jackmaster / Camo & Krooked / Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends / Mosca / Ben UFO / PBR Streetgang / DJ Shepdog / Shellac Collective / DJ Charge… Plus many more still to be announced
PLUS OUR NEW PREMIUM CAMPING AREA: The Wild Copse
We’ve already announced 12 brand new things that will tickle your fancy, our Wildlife theme, the mighty Orbital as the closing act for the Big Top and Rob da Bank tweeted a few choice tasters but now the time has come to unveil an array of fantastic acts that will be coming to Robin Hill Country Park to rock Bestival 2012. With a pair of electrifying exclusives and a cavalcade of incredible bands and DJs, we really want it to be September already and we still aren’t announcing any of the main stage headliners! You’re going to have to wait at least a week for the first of those!
Rob da Bank says: ‘So, here we are then! Announcing Bestival again – and another bumper selection of acts from across the musical world and styles. The xx at Bestival two years ago is in my top three Besti performances ever so I’m delighted they're hitting the main stage in 2012 and I’ve finally landed Sigur Rós, one of my all-time fave festival acts. From Justice to Azealia Banks, Spiritualized to Sister Sledge, I hope there’s something for everyone and still three headliners to unveil shortly!'’
In 2010, just after winning the Mercury Prize for their debut album, The xx, played a victory set in our Big Top that has gone down in Bestival lore as one our most beautiful moments ever, so we are exceptionally excited to be welcoming them back for as a UK festival exclusive in 2012. With new material on the horizon we can’t wait to see what ethereal treats they have in store for us.
Icelandic post-rock behemoth Sigur Rós are also set to make a UK festival exclusive appearance with us on the Isle of Wight. Lead singer Jónsi was behind another of Bestival 2010s undoubted highlights but we’ve been waiting a long time to be able to announce that the full band, in all its majesty, will be joining us and we can’t tell you just how excited we are to have them on board.
As well as those tantalising mouth-watering exclusives we’ve got a colossal first wave of acts to tell you about, including Gallic dance dons Justice, who told us: “To tell you the truth, we wanted to kick off the new tour at Bestival last year but we finally thought we wouldn't be ready (and we weren't) and decided to take more time to get prepared. Now we're ready, it's gonna be a big surprise for us, we played there in 2005 and 2006 which we believe were Bestival early years (and ours too, think it's the first time we ever played a festival, actually) and we heard since that Bestival has become THE festival to play in the UK, so we're definitely excited and have no idea what to expect as everything will probably be a bit different from 2006”.
We’re already fit to burst but still there’s so many more brilliant bands to tell you about like Northern Ireland’s finest Two Door Cinema Club, Bestival veterans and firm crowd favourites Hot Chip, sharp suited electro purveyors Soulwax, dubstep duo Nero, Scottish soul siren Emeli Sandé, rave deities Orbital, LA artrockers Warpaint, daisy-age hip-hop kings De La Soul, first ministers of bass Major Lazer, utter legends Sister Sledge, handsome pop chameleons The Horrors, towering wig-out merchants Spiritualized, Detroit techno overlord Kevin Saunderson feat. Inner City Live, electro-rock pioneer Gary Numan, BBC Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka, NME Cool List topper Azealia Banks, drum n basser Sub Focus, the adrenalin charged Gallows, mythological rhyme master Doom, disco groove powerhouse Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feat Al Mckay, the irrepressible Rizzle Kicks, the one and only Cuban Brothers, Kuduro dons Buraka Som Sistema, fine folksters Bellowhead, the sublime Little Dragon, laconic looperGold Panda, and 80s pop-god Adam Ant with The Good The Mad and The Lovely Posse.
Other acts getting on the ferry for Bestival 2012 include the hotly tipped Lianne La Havas, wild psychedelic soul sensations King Khan And The Shrines, neo-dubstep songstress Delilah, insouciant Brooklynites Friends, harmonious beatmeister Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, folk troubadours First Aid Kit, darkwaver King Krule acoustic chanteuse Ane Brun, knees-up governors Chas & Dave, DJ Magazine’s Best of British Best Live Act Dub Pistols, Robert Smith collaborators The Japanese Popstars, pop upstart Charli XCX, the magical Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, anti-folk dude Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard , the mesmerising Slagsmålsklubben, madcap mackems Field Music and the Jaipur Kawa Circus.
Plus there will be live performances from Jinja Safari, Church of Love & Ruin, Frankie Rose, Milagres, Three Bonzos and a Piano, Liz Green, Gabrielle Aplin, Prince Fatty, Fiction, 2:54, Turbowolf, This Is The Kit, Ghost Outfit, Patterns, Young British Artists, Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, To Kill A King, L.A. Salami, Laurel Collective, ahab, Gecko, Heathward, Model Society Sky Sphere, Blackhouse Crow, plus many more still to be announced.
With a jam-packed live line-up taking shape, we also have an exquisite litany of turntable botherers that will be Bestival-bound including Soulwax alter-egos 2manydjs, the incredible Annie Mac Presents, the august Four Tet and the exalted Caribou who will be throwing down the platters back to back for your pleasure. There will also be hirsute pursuits from 2 Bears, reggae guru David Rodigan MBEpresenting RAM JAM, the Dirtybird showcase featuring the enviable talents of Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin & Eats Everything, house music forefather François Kevorkian, deck destroyer DJ Yoda, deep and techy up-and-comer Maya Jane Coles , underground techno genius Scuba, DnB original LTJ Bukem, grime superstar Plastician, ertwhile Hacienda resident Greg Wilson, turntable messiahs Scratch Perverts, and secretsundaze top boys Giles Smith & James Priestley. Plus there will be sets from Oneman b2b Jackmaster, Camo & Krooked, Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends, Mosca, Ben UFO, PBR Streetgang, DJ Shepdog, Shellac Collective, DJ Charge and many more still to be announced.
Another brand new thing for this year’s Bestival is our new Premium camping area, nestled between a beautiful wooded forest we’re calling the Wild Copse. We know that sometimes festival camping can get busy and maybe a little rambunctious so we thought many of you would like the opportunity for a little more space, and some top-notch facilities.
The Wild Copse will have its own car park when you arrive and then it’s just a short walk to where you can pitch your tent in an area that will be limited to a set number of ticket-holders.
Included in the area for use by those with tickets only will be high-end toilets and showers. Boutique camping is next door and you’ll share great food and seating area, a lovely chill-out bar serving until late, a pampering area and it will be close to the new healing area; the Soul Park and the new expanded and amazing Arcadia Field featuring Mechanical Cabaret.
The Wild Copse is around a 20-minute walk to the main stage with plenty to see on the way. For those who could use a lift to rest and recuperate or get back to their tent to pick up some knitwear for the evening, there’s an option to grab a shuttle service. This will run 24 hours a day. We’ve planned for this to run every five minutes but predict that demand will be high at peak times of course so it may be quicker to walk back and enjoy all the festival has to offer.
With all this 2012 craziness going on it would be easy to forget what an ace time we had in 2011 with The Cure, Bjork, PJ Harvey, Primal Scream and loads more so we’re very pleased indeed that loads of you didn’t forget because we’ve been shortlisted for Best Small Festival at the NME Awards. All we need now is just a bit more support so if you can spare a few minutes to head over tohttp://www.nme.com/awards and vote for us (it’s number 22 out of 26) we’d be most honoured!
We’ve still got all of our main stage headliners to announce, the first one is coming your way in about a week so keep your eyes onwww.bestival.net, our Facebook and Rob da Bank’s Twitter for all the latest action.
The Parklife Weekender throws open its gates this coming June to officially start the summer. Saturday 11th June at Platt Fields park welcomes pop chameleon Kelis to The Parklife Weekender main stage. Having successfully turned her hand to pop tinged with everything from hip hop to rock, Kelis’ latest offerings have been produced by dance king pin David Guetta and spurred the top five hit Acapella. With the ever expanding popularity of the dubstep scene Katy B has been well know for her collaborations with the likes of Magnetic Man, her appearance on The Parklife Weekender’s main stage is part of her rapidly rising profile as an artist within her own right. Laying on a set of glittering soulful electro will be Fenech Soler, preceded by up and coming Manchester locals Dutch Uncles. The very much in demand DJs and Moda promoters, Jaymo & Andy George and Warehouse Project resident DJ Krysko also perform. Saturday’s main stage headliner will be announced very soon.
The first of seven arenas, each hosted by Parklife’s many club land friends over the weekend will be ‘Chibuku presents’. Headlined by Berlin’s Electro DJ extraordinaire and label boss; Boys Noize, the arena also sees a live set from Fake Blood who returns to Manchester following a standout set at last year’s event. Experimental glitch outfit Modeselektor join forces with internationally renowned design collective Pfadfinderei for what promises to be a truly unique offering. Expect extra sass and attitude from electro duo Spank Rock and Amanda Blank. DJ Medhi and Riton’s Chicago House loving double act; Carte Blanche, DJs Doorly and James Rand complete the Chibuku offerings.
In an all-new 1,500 capacity arena, Simian Mobile Disco’s Delicatessen in association with Resident Advisor sets up shop in Platt Fields. The arena plays host to a headline set by Swedish techno frontrunner Adam Beyer and naturally the SMD boys take to the decks too, for what will no doubt be a typically pleasingly diverse set. Also on the Delicatessen counter will be acclaimed minimal techno DJ James Holden and old school tinged house/jazz hybrid producer Moodymann. Completing the SMD lead arena will be a live set of minimal techno, this time on a very new school trip courtesy of Irish duo; Psycatron and original Simian member Alex Mac’s Magnets.
Crosstown & Friends will enjoy an increased capacity arena for 2011’s festival. The electronic music empire brings three of its own artists to the table in Jamie Jones,Damian Lazarus and Art Department, representing some of the finest house and minimal techno around. Crosstown invite friends Seth Troxler, Robert James and Clive Henry to the decks for more of the best sub genres of house and techno be it deep, tribal or underground.
Now Wave also have the benefit of a roomier arena for 2011. Headlined by NYC’s masked rapper DOOM the arena sees a set by disco troupe Hercules & Love Affair. Following a number of appearances as a Warehouse Project resident DJ in 2010, Jamie xx is one of the most recognised remixing artists of the moment and joins The Parklife Weekender line up. Offering up a slice of ambient and downbeat dubstep for the Now Wave arena will be duo Mount Kimbie, plus one of independent music’s most supportive DJs, Rob Da Bank. More dupstep will be on offer from DJ and label boss Kode 9 alongside vocalist Spaceape and Matthew Dear who will present a glittering live set of electro with hints of his glitchy techno roots. Now Wave’s line up is completed by Space Dimension Controller and Chad Valley as well as a DJ set from the Now Wave boys themselves.
Offering the best in hip hop, old skool, breaks and drum ‘n’ bass, Ape x Metropolis join forces for what could be Saturday’s most banging arena. Having remixed The Prodigy, Dizzie Rascal and Pendulum, Sub Focus headline with a live set. Joining them will be dubstep duo Nero, fresh from their nomination for the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll. Ape x Metropolis also welcomes one of the underground’s finest DJs, Caspa & Rod Azlan, Breakage live featuring Jess Mills and the dancehall addicted Toddla T with MC DRS. Full to bursting, Ape x Metropolis also lays on Digital Soundboy Soundsystem featuring Shy FX, Donnaeo, Roses Gabor and Btraits. The arena is completed by 1Xtra’s Mista Jam, Jackwob, Riot Jazz, Silver & Prophecy plus Rich Reason.
Last but by no mean least for The Parklife Weekener’s Saturday, Hospital records’ ‘Hospitality’ arena will be headlined by RAM Recording Studio co-founder Andy C alongside MC GQ. Hospital’s own High Contrast brings his liquid funk sound into the fold followed closely by label mates London Elektricity. DJ Fresh goes back to back with The Brookes Brothers and also taking to the decks will be Belgian DnB producer Netsky. The Hospitality arena also features their very own Danny Byrd whose track ‘Ill Behaviour’ was on heavy rotation on Radio 1 towards the end of 2010. Completing Hospitality are Alix Perez, Nu:Tone featuring Natalie Williams, duo Camo & Krooked and MCs Wrec and Tonn Piper.
Saturday will also feature Adandon Silence, Gold Teeth, Belly Of The Beast, Bigger Than Barry, Dawn Raid, Good Vibrations, Knee Deep, Missionary DJs, Murkage DJs, Revolver, Selectivehearing, Zutekh and many more.
Sunday The Parklife Weekender’s main stage headliners on Sunday 12th June are Chase & Status; one of 2010’s most successful dance to mainstream cross over stories. Tracks from the drum ‘n’ bass duo’s album, featuring the likes of Plan B, are now staples of daytime radio. Their live set is sure to get Platt Fields park moving. Similarly enjoying cross over success, Skream and Benga, the latest additions to the BBC’s In New Music We Trust output, take to the main stage for a set of the finest dubstep. With a gig history that includes some of the most exclusive celebrity parties and fashion launches, as well as two critically acclaimed albums under his belt, Mark Ronson returns to Manchester following his Warehouse Project NYE set. Annie Mac, the maestro of all things mash-up has championed many of the Parklife Weekender’s line up through her radio show, tours and mix CDs. Her party starting set is not one to be missed. Also up on the main stage will be Labrinth, recently honoured with a BRIT award via his production work on Tinnie Tempah’s ‘Pass Out’, and hip hop loving DJ and singer Yasmin.
The Big Top arena on Sunday is crowned by a DJ set from mash-up kings David and Stephen Dewaele otherwise known as 2manydjs and the figureheads of Soulwax, a duo who have shaped the sound of electronic and cross-over music throughout the noughties. Also taking to the Big Top decks will be Erol Alkan, the force behind the much loved Trash club night Alkan’s career has exploded since the Trash days seeing his electro sets play out internationally alongside dance music’s biggest names. Next up straddling the decks, as well as a menagerie of other DJ trickery, James Zabiela will spin a set of breaks and tech house preceded by tech house DJ and rising fixture on the dance music scene; Riva Starr. Jack Beats, one part Beni G (Mixologists) and one part Plus One (Scratch Perverts), are a duo at the forefront of the wobble centric British House new wave. They complete Sunday’s Big Top along with italio duo Retro/Grade and DJ Greg Lord.
A key figure in the experimental hip hop sounds of the nineties, DJ Shadow’s live set headlines Sunday’s Thrasher arena in association with DataTransmission. Next up will be Warp Record’s young face of turntablism Hudson Mohawke and Bristolian grime merchant Joker. RinseFM’s Roska and grime/garage expert Emalkay also step up to the Thrasher stage. Bass heavy sounds come courtesy of L-vis1990 whilst ex-UK Garage MC Roska arrives at The Parklife Weekender with his afro-beat inspired record box. Also joining line up will be a collaboration between dubstep’s SBTRKT and Sampha as well as Ikonika & Optimum. Machester’s own ‘out there’ producer Illum:Sphere and Hoya:Hoya co-promoter Jonny Dub take to the decks to complete the Thrasher arena.
Also back for seconds on Sunday is the Now Wave arena presenting a headline set from indie’s cheeriest outfit, Mystery Jets. Angular electropop four piece Metronomy, indie art rock NYC residents Darwin Deez, and spacey organic club producers D/R/U/G/S make up more of the exciting offerings. Playing their synth lead indie on home turf will be Egyptian Hip Hop whilst Star Slinger blends fragile electronic sounds over vintage RnB samples. Imaginatively names boy/girl duo Keep Shelly in Athens, Warehouse Project resident DJ, Will Tramp completes the Now Wave arena to make up a hugely exciting bill of genre boundary blurring offerings.
Returning for second helping and teaming up with DJ E.A.S.E’s label (Nightmares on Wax), Metropolis x Ape arena offers up rising dubstep trio Nero, LA’s fidget house DJ Skrillex as well as Brazilian drum ‘n’ bass innovator DJ Marky. Similarly highly regarded in drum ‘n’ bass circles DJ Hype joins the bill as will hotly tipped DnB duo Loadstar will play alongside DnB figurehead Friction and take to the decks. The arena’s line up is rounded off by resident DJs Citizen and Mak.
They’ve hosted some of the most popular stages at Glastonbury and Lovebox so Horse Meat Disco are a welcome addition to The Parklife Weekender 2011. Tensnake, a DJ currently enjoying mainstream success with his take on 80s Italo disco boogie headlines the arena with a live set. Birmingham based Mark E brings his distinctive take on house to the table and Cutloose DJs leave The Roadhouse home armed with their well respected party throwing credentials. Naturally the HMD boys also take to the deck as will Warehouse Project resident DJ, Krysko.
Manchester’s weekly hip hop bash set up a temporary home in Platt Fields on Sunday in the Juicy & Friends arena. Headlined by pioneer and indeed legend Grandmaster Flash the Juicy arena also plays host to the energetic collective Riot Jazz and Manchester’s own alternative hip-hop crew Broke n English. Juicy DJs preside over the arena which features Jonny Dub’s second set of the weekend alongside sets from fellow promoters Taste the Diff’rence and Hot Milk.
Sunday will also feature Audio Farm, Content, Drop The Mustard, Dub Smugglers, Eat My Beat, Heavy Rain, Low Down and Dirty, Miami, Micron Pogo, Take The Whole Cake, Total Garage and many more.
The CEE focus has 3 main attractions on this year’s Sziget: the well known Roma Tent, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and new venues like the Europe Stage and the Central Eastern European Travelling Funfair.
Lineup
Pop-Rock Main Stage
Already announced names for the Pop-Rock Main Stage include Pulp, Kasabian, The Chemical Brothers, Amy Winehouse, Dizzee Rascal, Interpol, Rise Against, Good Charlotte, Smash Mouth, Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Maccabees and so much more. The newest list of confirmations is also a strong selection. It will surely please fans of quality guitar music, as they get to see Great Britain’s trendiest indie band White Lies. Other new additions to the line-up include La Roux – nominated for nearly all prestigious awards – and Manic Street Preachers presenting their 2010 album – Postcards From A Young Man – and hopefully giving us a taste of their new LP, scheduled for this November. Few people would think that members of a hardcore punk band also have modest and sensitive sides, but that’s exactly the case with Mariachi El Bronx, formed from the members of the uncompromising Californian punk band The Bronx. New-Zealand’s exciting musical export item, Batucada Sound Machine will be here as well, while fans can also meet up with one of the most important aspirants of the future soul-generation, Ben l’Onlce Soul.
World Music Main Stage
Some of the names already announced for the World Music Main Stage are AfroCubism, Gotan Project, Goran Bregovic Wedding And Funeral Band, Ojos de Brujo and Rotfront. Besides them, Oi Va Voi is also happy to return to Sziget, while psychedelic rock-country-blues band Cowboy Junkies will play in Hungary for the first time. The line-up will include Sly & Robbie feat. Jr. Reid and Slovenian Magnifico and Shtetl Superstars – only gaining popularity this year, but strong contenders to become one of the big shots of the decade. LaBrassBanda appeared three years ago in Munich and the leather-pants combo immediately made the Bavarian beer festival atmosphere their trademark. Ska Cubano is already considered to be a frequent player of prestigious world music festivals, so it is almost needless to say that they must visit Sziget, too. And we shouldn’t forget about world class Hungarian acts: Csík Zenekar, Lajkó Félix and Muzsikás will once again present their unique shows in front of a passionate world music fanbase.
Rock-Metal Main Stage
A great new open-air venue is ready to welcome fans of harder genres. Rock-Metal Main Stage will be, among many others, a home to legends like Judas Priest and Motörhead, but also Within Temptation, Deftones, Lostprophets and Sonata Arctica will make those heads bang in the moshpit. More to come soon.
A38-Wan2 Stage
It has already been announced that Christal Castle, Peter Bjorn and John, Marina and the Diamonds and Hurts will play at A38-Wan2 Stage. Among the new names a strong British presence is evident: Bomb The Bass, Kode9, Digital Mystikz and Gaslamp Killer will give their best for Sziget fans. Suicidal Tendencies and Xiu Xiu will be representatives of the United States and there are also three Dutch artists in the line-up: De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, DeWolff and Kees van Hondt. Besides them A38-Wan2 Stage will be happy to host Mitch & Mitch (PL), Selah Sue (B), Terry Poison (ISR) and Buraka Som Systema Live (P), too.
Party Arena
Some of the names performing at Party Arena have already been announced: The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77 and Kid Cudi will definitely come to do a set. New additions include Trentemoller and Zombie Nation and finally there are also news on the late evening acts. 2manydjs led by the Dawaele brothers is planning to give all fans a spectacular and crazy night at Party Arena. The coolest trance-collective of Great Britain, Above & Beyond will not only focus on their classic tracks, but will also make you dance like crazy with their new album Group Therapy, to be released in June. The most popular and versatile techno-musician of Spain, Cristian Varela will be here and the oustanding dj, producer and remixer Dubfire will also arrive to this year’s Sziget in the company of Carlo Lio. Another guest of the Party Arena will be Richie Hawtin, one of the most outstanding features of the minimal techno scene, living in Berlin for a long time. And Technasia will play again for party faces open for a special and exotic techno experience.
Europe Stage
Europe Stage is fresh and open-air, a venue where bands from several European countries present their skills. These bands are all extremely popular in their home countries, but still waiting for an international breakthrough. Now they have the chance to prove in front of an enthusiastic Sziget crowd. The already confirmed Europe Stage line-up includes Go Back To The Zoo from Holland, Triggerfinger and Wallace Vanborn from Belgium, Verdena from Italy, Söhne Mannheims from Germany, Ismo Alanko & Teho from Finland, For a Minor Reflection from Iceland, Elvis Jackson from Slovenia, Puding Pani Elvisovej from Slovakia, Skyline from the Czech Republic, Gravity Co. from Bulgaria, Francis International Airport from Austria, and The Mono Jacks from Romania.
Ticket information
Sziget Festival early bird weekly tickets (including camping) are available for 170 Euros till 30 April and if you are not the camper type, you can buy a non-camping weekly for 140 Euros. The prices will go up 30 Euros each after the early bird period is over, so it does make sense to think ahead. Daily tickets will be available from May for 45 Euros.
Beware of ticket fraud! In the past few weeks, dozens of fake tickets have appeared on the festival market. Serial numbers of counterfeit tickets have been banned, so these are invalid. Sziget Festival puts great efforts into the extension of its official ticketing network, so check the list of our distribution partners on our website and be sure you only deal with them.
