ella eyre

Camp Bestival 2015 Review

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Camp Bestival, the spin-off to the Isle of Wight legend, Bestival, is nothing short of a festival treasure. Lovingly curated by DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, this is a festival exclusively for families and offers one of the most varied musical line-ups alongside children’s attractions and huge television stars.

From the moment you pull up in the car park, you know this is a festival that is going to work out those leg muscles, with everything built on steep hills covering an area the size of a small town! 

Arriving on the Thursday, before the festival really starts, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a small and unassuming event, with only a few stalls (thankfully including Nandos!) and one arena open, it was easy to believe that this was going to be a weekend that dragged. However, this initial belief was proved wrong from first thing Friday morning with an amazing opening set by the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band to warm the crowds. 

With the Blue Coats keeping the crowds happy it was not long before everyone was on their feet and laughing along to Dick and Dom’s performance of ‘Dick v Dom Go Wild!’ – an act full of audience participation and lots of water guns and a foam fight, the adults were laughing along with the kids at all the obvious innuendos and humorous use of Richard’s nickname. 

The first day flew by quickly with plenty to see and do such as the Insect Circus, the multiple fairground rides and interactive experiments at the Science Museum tent. Before you knew it you were pitched up back at the main stage watching the sun set to the pounding beat of Professor Green and Clean Bandit before a slow crawl back up the hill to the camping site and a steaming cup of tea brewed over the gas stove. 

After a long night anyone would expect it to be a rather quiet and slow morning… But at a festival full of little ones, and Mr Tumble opening the main stage it was a rather early, and very excitable morning! After a set of ‘Hello Hello’, the ‘Hokey Cokey’ and ‘Old MacDonald’s Farm’, the parents were screaming for a break while the kids were ready for some more! My day was spent lazily roaming the huge site, visiting the wall of death, riding the carousel and enjoying more of the fantastic food on offer (as well as trying out the ‘Solar Power Shower Tower’), winding down to Level 42 with a box, yes a box, of Rosé was just what was needed!

With Kaiser Chiefs rocking the stage until late into the night, it was yet another late night, with everyone sadly trailing back to the tent after an explosive set fuelled by classics such as ‘Riot’ and ‘Ruby’, more tea, but yet another early morning!

Sunday’s stage times left a trail of confused festival go-er’s with Ella Henderson and Bob Geldof swapping stage times. While there was an notice on the website, and also on the screens to the side of the main stage, there was still a lot of confusion which left many fans unable to watch their favourite act. One lady said that her young daughter was watching another act over at the Big Top and ended up missing Ella Henderson, who was her main motive for booking the ticket. 

The disappointment was short-lived however as Ella Henderson smashed her set and paved the way for the amazing Kent duo, Slaves, who powered through their set with just two drums, symbols, and a pleasing lack of shirts, with a guest appearance from a friendly manta-ray. Soul II Soul graced the stage next with a set of classics, such as ‘Back to Life’ which gracefully slipped into a blazing set by Ella Eyre which got everyone smiling as we waited patiently for the night’s headlines, Underworld, to take the stage.

As Underworld’s set slowly came to a close, the crowd all turned around to watch the spectacular fireworks which closed the entire festival.

The final trek back to the tents was slow and with everyone slowly coming down from the amazing high of the weekend at the realisation that it was all over, the air was thick with mixed feelings. 

Monday morning was another early rise but everyone was moving slowly. The tents slowly disappeared in a slow trail of little truck’s being pulled up another hill to the car park, it was clear that this amazing festival was one that would be missed by all those in attendance, until next year at least.

Standon Calling Festival 2015

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It's my favourite time of year again, Standon Calling is back and better than ever. I was lucky enough to attend last year’s festival, and after having an incredible time, I knew it would be hard to top it this year. However, it did not disappoint, with a bustling atmosphere rivalling much larger events. Kicking off on the Friday, despite having its largest number of attendees ever, it still managed to retain its charm and original ethos of championing emerging artists. Standon Calling had an excellent set list this year, with Little Dragon, Dandy Warhols and Basement Jaxx headlining the festival. Basement Jaxx was my personal favourite, drawing the largest crowd on Sunday night with all ages singing along. Other musical highlights came from Prides, Saint Raymond and the incredible Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, who came all the way from Chicago to blow the audience away with their musical talent spanning all genres from hip-hop to jazz and rock. Ella Eyre was incredible, her vocals and perfromace really brought the whole of Standon together. The Cuban Brothers returned for another year, with hilariously crude jokes kicking off their energy filled performance, proving a crowd favourite. The BBC Introducing staged also hosted lots of musical talent, my particular favourite being Amber Run, who closed the show on Saturday night. They proved extremely popular, after their highly anticipated album '5am' released earlier this year.

However, Standon Calling offered up much more than just music, making this a festival that really does provide for all. Kids and adults alike participated in the annual dog show, with the usual humorous classes including 'waggy-est tail' and 'owner most like it's dog'. With over 30 participants, The Clock Tower became a bustling hive of activity filled with laughter and plenty of barking! The theme this year being 'Day and Night' provided festival goers with the perfect excuse to dress up, finalised by a parade out of which two lucky winners won tickets for next year. As always, the design team had done an amazing job to transform the fields into a set that resonated the theme. The trapeze proved extremely popular with adults and children alike, as did the swimming pool which was a perfect accompaniment to the hot weather. One of my highlights was the petting zoo, you could literally go and pick up a bearded dragon, learn all about them and then pick up a snake. It was fascinating and provided very popular over the weekend! For the revellers who wanted to dance the night away, the Cowshed with its incredible decoration stayed open until the early hours.

Food and drink weren't in short supply, with my personal favourite being the Mac and Cheese stand serving up 'The Kanye Western', their twist on the traditional recipe featuring smoked sausages, BBQ sauce and crispy onions. Barnaby Sykes Pie Maker's returned this year with their incredible goods; the chicken and ham pie with mash and gravy was phenomenal. Sweet treats were readily available at Kitty’s Cake Emporium, from blueberry, lemon and poppyseed cake to the gluten free orange sponge, all equally delicious. Refreshing cold ciders were plentiful at the Old Mout Cider bar, at which you could also sing karaoke and bounce on a trampoline whilst trying different flavours of cider; what a perfect combination! Ice cold cocktails and beers were also available, and with the cash free payment system, it made queuing and buying drinks much easier and faster.

Overall, I had an amazing time and cannot wait to return next year. I have never been to a festival like it, it's atmosphere is truly unique. I will be first in line for the early bird tickets when they become available, it is worth every penny.

Words by Elise Nichols

Photos by Mickey Cole

Parklife 2015 Review

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On June 6 and 7, 80,000 people descended on Heaton Park for Parklife 2015, indulging in headline sets from Disclosure on Saturday and Rudimental on Sunday, while Hudson Mohawke, Todd Terje, Jamie XX and the weekend’s highlight, FKA twigs, had Summer Festival Guide darting from stage to stage.

SATURDAY 

Saturday belongs to Jamie XX. Throughout a perfectly-crafted set, 'Girl', 'Gosh' and 'Sleep Sound', along with the soon-to-be defining track of the summer festival season, 'Loud Places', and older percussive house gem 'Far Nearer' pack the Now Wave tent – one overexcited reveler climbing the tent's rigging, becoming barely visible, to an eruption of cheers as he carefully eases back down.

Earlier, in the Big Top, Everything Everything – dressed in matching red suits – belt through new material, their current single 'Regret' achieving anthemic status.

Disclosure's graduation to main stage headliners comes with a plethora of new material from their imminent second album, 'Caracal', along with a host of upcoming vocal talents. 'White Noise', 'F For you' and 'You & Me' gain as incredible a response as expected, but it's Guy and Howard’s newest creations which stand out, as the Lawrence brothers tease, "Parklife, we've got some surprises for you". Lion Babe's leading lady Jillian Hervey – with the longest legs and wildest hair SFG HAs ever seen – comes first, her R&B-orientated vocals perfectly complimenting the slinky synths of an as-yet-unnamed track as she struts across the stage in arm-length silver gloves and nearly knee-high black boots. London-based future R&B vocalist Nao soon follows, her vocals and onstage presence similar to Aluna Francis, before Kwabs’ soulful tones command the crowd from a raised platform throughout two untitled tracks. The arrival of American jazz legend Gregory Porter for an on-point rendition of current single and collab ‘Holding On’ mesmerises the mainly young crowd with his unparalleled ability to hold a note, fusing two musical worlds seamlessly. After a brief stage leave, ‘Help Me Lose My Mind’ and ‘Latch’ – the latter is dedicated to Sam Smith who’s just recovered from vocal surgery – sees friends on shoulders in a moment of hysteria.

Bidding farewell for the evening, the flocks of thousands head for the shuttle bus appropriately chanting the lyrics to Blur's ‘Parklife’.

SUNDAY 

As SFG arrive on Sunday, Ella Eyre is playing to a massive crowd to the main stage despite her early afternoon set placement, launching herself across the stage in a leopard print leotard, belting out 'Deeper' and 'If I Go' along her energetic way.

Later, Labrinth arrives – suit and shades on – blasting through his synth-heavy chart hits 'Earthquake', 'Pass Out' and Sigma-collaboration 'Higher', the latter emptying everyone's lungs.

Meanwhile, in an equally busy Resident Advisor tent, Jimmy Edgar and Machinedrum – together they're known as J.E.T.S – pump out thumping techno as green inflatable aliens and neon balloons are slung around in the air; Ben UFO's back-to-back set with Pearson Sound continuing the bass-heavy electronic onslaught.

Oliver Dollar's back-to-back with Jesse Rose proves an early evening highlight, opting for Dirtybird's booty-house with Claude VonStroke's 'Make A Cake', assuring an up-tempo energy from the off.

Over at the MK Area 10 stage, Ben Pearce – of 'What I Might Do' fame – drops a housier edit of Take That's 'Relight My Fire', completely unexpectedly.

Later, in the Big Top, James Bay proves himself as having the potential to command the main stage in a year’s time; 'Let It Go' and 'Best Fake Smile's infectious chorus inducing a sense of euphoria.

US-based Sango, sporting a Manchester City sports jacket, opens the Kaytranada stage on Sunday with hip-hop and trap-influenced bubbling synths and bass beats in a tucked away Greek coliseum-like vicinity; even the security guards are bouncing along as they make their way through the crowd amidst a sparse edit of Skepta's ‘That's Not Me’ and a Cashmere Cat-sounding remix of Drake's ‘Through The 6’.

Chet Faker, sporting a topknot for the occasion, packs the Sounds of the Near Future stage with his synth-laden sound. Alone at first, he intricately and passionately delivers electronic instrumentals, before he’s joined by a guitarist and drummer. Encouraging us to "use those muscles" before ‘No Diggity’, a sea of phones are hoisted to record the cover, as everyone’s vocal muscles flex while singing along to ‘Drop The Game’.

Bristol duo Blonde meanwhile pack the Drop The Mustard stage with their summery house anthems ‘Foolish’, ‘All Cried Out' and ‘I Loved You’ as part of a new live show, wheeling out guest vocalists – expect them to be as big as Disclosure this time next year.

Todd Terje, with his live band The Olsens, who alternate between saxophone, flute, bongo drum, guitar and keyboard, build into their funky set with zooming laser synths, though it does take a while for the crowd to warm to the sounds. ‘Delorean Dynamite’ and set closer ‘Inspector Norse’ soon get them moving though, as the funky bass line kicks in; one Terje fan who’s celebrating a birthday screams “this is the best day of my life” while his friend, clearly intoxicated, jokes, “is this Lady GaGa?”

Jungle's well-deserved transition to the main stage sees them play to a massive crowd, the summery weather perfect for their almost 70s sound as the seven-piece perform their biggest hits, ‘Julia’ and ‘The Heat’ just as the sun beams down.  

Back in the Sounds of the Near Future tent, Hudson Mohawke walks onstage with a new live set up, bringing out Redinho on keyboards and Two Door Cinema Club’s Ben Thomas on drums. Drawing on material from his new album ‘Lantern’ and his and Lunice’s collaborative project, TNGHT’s biggest hits, intense bass and red strobes match the maximalist electronica of ‘Acrylics’ and ‘Higher Ground’, sending the crowd into mass hysteria.

An hour later, FKA twigs, visible only through a cloud of smoke, leaves thousands in awe, as her hauntingly ethereal performance remains compelling from start to finish. Easily the largest crowd of the day, there’s a ritualistic sense to her set as she flows through her debut album ‘LP1’ and new material from her imminent third EP, ‘Melissa’. With an incredible vocal from the off, twigs, dressed in double denim with her hair to one side, is joined by a three-piece band who delicately tap their synth pads respectively, producing the intense, almost apocalyptic trip-hop beats of ‘Water Me’, ‘Number’ and ‘Papi Pacify’. How she was once only Jessie J's backing dancer is unbelievable for her unique talent as a vocalist, dancer and performer. Effortlessly charismatic, the entire crowd’s eyes are transfixed on her throughout the hour set as she reaches vocal notes you didn't know existed, all whilst popping her body around the stage. Removing the denim jacket to show off her toned body in a stripped white top, her enigmatic presence is made even more likeable when she speaks, sweetly and humbly. "It’s great to be back in England,” she delights, “I just got back a week ago.” Closing with a faultless rendition of ‘Two Weeks’ and then ‘How’s That’, it’s evident that the summer festival season belongs to FKA Twigs.

The War on Drugs, Palma Violets, Ella Eyre and many more added to T in the Park 2015 lineup

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Some of the most talked about buzz bands at this month’s SXSW festival are amongst a wave of new acts added to the T in the Park bill today, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager are delighted to announce. The following acts have today joined the T in the Park bill and are set to play Strathallan Castle over Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July:
 
FRIDAY 10TH JULY LINE-UP ADDITIONS
The War on Drugs, SIGMA, The Cribs, Hannah Wants, The Twilight Sad, Prides, Lucy Rose, Slaves, Lower Than Atlantis, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Lonely The Brave, Indiana, Coasts, Blossoms, The Beaches, The Riptide Movement, Fort Hope
 
SATURDAY 11TH JULY LINE-UP ADDITIONS
Marina & The Diamonds, Palma Violets, Circa Waves, The Strypes, The LaFontaines, Sunset Sons, George The Poet, Walking on Cars, The Coronas, Gavin James, Vaults
SLAM TENT: Maceo Plex (headline set), Annie Mac (joins the Slam Tent bill in addition to her Main Stage Friday set)
 
SUNDAY 12TH JULY LINE-UP ADDITIONS
Ella Eyre, Wolf Alice, Benjamin Booker, Young Guns, Black Rivers
SLAM TENT: Claude VonStroke
 
Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs’ signature layered, dense sound has won the band a mass of fans around the globe. They reached the number two spot in the UK Independent chart with 2014’sLost In The Dream, which was hailed Album of the Year by Uncut and Q. The band continue to reap recognition internationally, and fresh from an epic performance at SXSW, they are a hugely exciting addition to this year’s T in the Park line-up.
 
International chart toppers SIGMA’s early releases quickly marked them out as producers to watch, while remixes for Eric Prydz, Ellie Goulding, Stylo G and Sway began to take them to a wider audience. Their first number one single, Nobody To Love was followed up by another chart topper when their second single, Changing ft. Paloma Faith was released, and they’re sure to bring a party vibe to Strathallan Castle.
 
Marina & the Diamonds aka Marina Diamandis creates irresistible electro indie pop, and will make her long-awaited T in the Park debut this summer. The Welsh singer-songwriter has released her latest album Froot this month and is sure to showcase new material in her T in the Park set.
 
Since forming in 2002, The Cribs have won major plaudits including NME’s prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music Award in 2013. The band return this month with a brand new album For All My Sisters, heralding an exciting new chapter in the upwards trajectory of the Jarman brothers. BigT in the Park favourites, they’re sure to go down a storm at Strathallan Castle.
 
Hailed “the undisputed queen of 2014” by Mixmag, Hannah Wants has validated herself as a world renowned DJ with some serious credentials. Last year alone she picked up the Best Breakthrough DJ title at the DJ Mag awards and became Mixmag’s Best Breakthrough DJ and Star Of The Year, and her set is not to be missed.
 
Scottish trio The Twilight Sad’s desolate, majestic and dense sound has earned them major plaudits since they formed in 2003. Their fourth studio album Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave (released in October) was named Scottish Album of the Year by The Scotsman and Album of the Year by Drowned in Sound.
 
Another exciting band hot off the back of shows at SXSW, Palma Violets have been working with producer John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses) on their new album Danger in the Club, due for release this May. The band recently went on the road for the NME Awards Tour and will bring their euphoric sound to T in the Park this summer.  
 
In what’s sure to be a huge moment for band and fans alike, Prides will make T in the Parkhistory when they become the first band to play the Main Stage at the festival's new home, Strathallan Castle. Since they last appeared at Balado in 2013, they have played to a global audience at The Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony. Producing original synth-pop tracks with infectious lyrics and feel-good melodies, the Glasgow trio are sure to receive a local heroes’ when they open the Main Stage on the Friday. 
 
Slaves aka Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman opened the NME Awards Tour’s 20th anniversary shows earlier this year. They count Arctic Monkeys amongst their many fans, and are set to make a hotly anticipated return to T in the Park after their incredible headline set on the BBC Introducing Stage last year.
 
Liverpudlian quartet Circa Waves are another band who dazzled crowds in Austin and who are hotly-tipped for a successful year. After making a big impression at last year’s T in the Park, Circa Waves have played sold-out shows around the country and are sure to delight fans with their energetic indie pop tracks at T in the Park in July.
 
Since forming in 2007, Lower Than Atlantis’ sound has evolved from hardcore punk to melodic indie rock. Their self-titled fourth record was released in October last year and was hailed album of the year by Rocksound.
 
Siblings Kitty, Daisy and Lewis’ musical references and skills are rooted in the old tradition where songs and music are handed down, played and enjoyed at gatherings of family and friends. They’ve built an impressive fan base and will showcase tunes from their exquisite second studio albumSmoking In Heaven.
 
Creating infectious rhythm and blues infused rock 'n' roll, Ireland’s The Strypes have in the past toured with the likes of Arctic Monkeys and are sure to get the T in the Park crowd rocking when they return to the festival this July.
 
Cambridge quintet Lonely The Brave are one of the most exciting live acts on the UK rock scene at the moment, with David Jakes’ goose-bump-inducing vocals as striking live as they are on record. They released their debut album The Day’s War to massive critical acclaim and a place at no. 14 in the UK album charts this past September.
Nottingham singer-songwriter Indiana released her critically acclaimed debut album No Romeo in February of this year. Featuring the hit single Solo Dancing, the record is a collection of moody electro pop gems.
 
Original party band, The LaFontaines had a belter of a year in 2014. Playing their first US headline shows, conquering Europe with Watsky and performing to a capacity crowd at T in the Park as well as headlining their biggest ever show at Glasgow’s O2 ABC. 2015 is the year they release their highly anticipated debut album ‘Class’ – produced by Matt O’Grady (You Me At Six, Don Broco, Deaf Havana), with an accompanying UK headline tour.  
 
Bristol’s Coasts are creating a huge buzz around the UK and beyond. Recently on tour in America, their performance at this year’s T in the Park is sure to treat the crowd to a soaring performance full of indie rock tunes. Tracks including recent single Oceans have received support from the likes of Radio 1 alumni Zane Lowe and has resulted in festival slots at the likes of Coachella and Lollapalooza.
 
Also fresh from SXSW, Blossoms are one of Stockport’s finest musical exports. They combine psyche-pop riffs, vocal melodies, a film noir meets 60s aesthetic, a range of audible references from Arctic Monkeys via Abba to The Doors to incredible effect and are sure to be a big hit at T in the Park this July.
 
The start of 2014 saw Sunset Sons morph from surfers making music for fun into a band at the centre of an A&R scrum into a major label-signed, red hot tip to become arena-sized stars. Their irresistible sun-soaked pop rock anthems earned them a spot on the BBC’s Sound of 2015 longlist.
 
Bold, edgy, with an incredible vocal to boot, Ella Eyre’s buzz has grown exponentially. A casual songwriting session with Rudimental evolved into Ella writing two songs for their debut album, and she can be heard on the band’s Waiting All Night. Also featuring on DJ Fresh’s top 5 smash Gravity, she won the MOBO Award for Best Newcomer last year and releases her first studio album Feline in May.
 
The Beaches – named after the area of Toronto where they live – are proud pioneers of the new wave of fem-rock. Their sassy, saw-toothed alt-rock songs recall The Strokes, Elastica, The White Stripes, Metric and The Runaways, and they exude the kind of romantic defiance, youth rebellion and peer solidarity that makes them a formidable force for rock.
 
George the Poet blends poetry and rap to hypnotic effect. Having amassed more than half a million views for his poems on YouTube and Vimeo, he has brought poetry to a new generation, mixing social and political comment with humour, and featured at no.5 in the BBC’s Sound of 2015.
 
Fresh from a rapturous appearance at SXSW, Wolf Alice will release their debut album My Love Is Cool in June and will bring some of their rock-tinged new material to T in the Park the following month. The grungy London four-piece create a relentless sound fused with superfuzzed guitars and were named Breakthrough Act of the Year at the UK Festival Awards in December.
 
Walking on Cars are one of Ireland’s most exciting new acts. Signed to Virgin EMI Records, they’ve been taking their soaring rock anthems to an international audience including a packed show at SXSW earlier this month and will make their first appearance at T in the Park this July.
 
Songstress Lucy Rose, The Riptide Movement (who supported the Rolling Stones at their Hyde Park show in 2013), Fort Hope who combine earth shattering riffs with soaring melodies, Dublin’s boisterous rock outfit The Coronas, soulful New Orleans singer-songwriter Benjamin Booker, English rockers Young Guns, Ireland’s Choice Music Prize Award Winner for ‘Song Of The Year’Gavin James and London trio Vaults (who made a big impression when they supported Paolo Nutini on tour at the end of last year) also join the bill. As two-thirds of Manchester’s Doves, the Williams brothers Jez and Andy achieved major success with four hit albums, before forming their new band Black Rivers. They recently supported T in the Park headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on their UK tour, and will make their Strathallan Castle debut this July.
 
T in the Park and Slam are also delighted to confirm that Annie Mac, Claude VonStroke andMaceo Plex will play the Slam Tent this July. Annie Mac – who has recently taken over from the legendary Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 and who also plays a Main Stage set on Friday – has joined the bill for the Slam Tent on Saturday. Maceo Plex first gained popularity during the early 90s rave culture with his mixes of techno, electro, and house music, before incorporating a more funk and groove-based sound. He’s played some of the most prestigious clubs in the world such as Cocoon and Fabric, and headlines the Slam Tent at T in the Park on the Saturday night. San Francisco-based house and techno producer Claude VonStroke is another exciting addition to the Slam Tent line-up.
With some of the biggest names in music heading for Scotland this summer, T in the Park’s debut outing at Strathallan Castle is already shaping up to be an unmissable weekend:
 
FRIDAY 10th JULY: Kasabian, David Guetta, Sam Smith, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, Hozier, Mark Ronson (DJ set), The War on Drugs, Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, SIGMA, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG, The Cribs, Hannah Wants, The Twilight Sad, Prides, Lucy Rose, Slaves, Lower than Atlantis, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Lonely the Brave, Indiana, Coasts, Blossoms, The Beaches, Fort Hope, The Riptide Movement
SLAM TENT: Adam Beyer B2B Joseph Capriati, Âme, Ben Klock, Eats Everything, Slam, Telford
 
SATURDAY 11th JULY: Avicii, The Libertines, The Script, Twin Atlantic, alt-J, George Ezra, Jessie J, Courteeners, The Vaccines, Labrinth, The Proclaimers, St. Vincent, Enter Shikari, Seasick Steve, Jungle, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Marina & the Diamonds, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX, Palma Violets, Circa Waves, Jack Savoretti, The Strypes, Rae Morris, The LaFontaines, Sunset Sons, George the Poet, Walking on Cars, The Coronas, Gavin James, Vaults
SLAM TENT: Annie Mac, Art Department, Gary Beck, Jackmaster B2B Joy Orbison, Lil Louis, Rødhåd, Visionquest, Maceo Plex
 
SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above & Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish & the Bottlemen, James Bay, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, Ella Henderson, The View, Modest Mouse, Years & Years, Peace, Everything Everything, Admiral Fallow, Ella Eyre, Marmozets, Wolf Alice, Benjamin Booker, Saint Raymond, Young Guns, Black Rivers
SLAM TENT: Alan Fitzpatrick, Dense & Pika, Dixon, Dubfire, Loco Dice, Maya Jane Coles, Claude VonStroke

Huge additions to Bestival 2015 lineup

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Currently showing just about everyone exactly how it’s done, we’re delighted to announce long-time Besti-friend, Charli XCX, is coming back to Robin Hill to blow apart our Summer of Love! Also making a triumphant Bestival return is purveyor of blissed out balladry, Lianne La Havas, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce Neneh Cherry is coming to Bestival, playing alongside London duo RocketNumberNine, with whom she released the album MeYouWeYou in 2013.

We’ll also have the gravelly tones of Ella Eyre, experimental singer-songwriter Andreya Triana, BBC Radio 1 raver B.Traits, and BBC 1Xtra’s ever-eclectic Monki, the stunningly brilliant SOAK, Manchester synth ace Lonelady, fuzzy Scottish duo Honeyblood, interactive audio-visual genius Kate Simko & London Electronic Orchestra, and California-based lo-fi duo Girlpool. Plus we’ll have music fromMoxie, Josey Rebelle, DJ Barely Legal, Ekkah, Jagaara, Throwing Shade, Laura Moody and Graceland.

And, lest we forget, we also have a star-studded array of previously announced acts including Roisin Murphy, Little Dragon, Kate Tempest, Snap!, Annie Mac, Lily Allen Presents Funlord, Hannah Wants, Lapsley, Shura and Rae Morris, amongst a veritable love-in of amazing joy that includes The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Duran Duran, Tame Impala, The Jacksons and many, many more.

Huge lineup announced for The Big Feastival 2015

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On the music bill, The Big Feastival welcomes Groove Armada (DJ Set), to headline the main stage on Friday 28. Fresh from winning Best British Female at the BRIT Awards last week, iconic songstress Paloma Faith will bring the weekend to a close on Sunday 30 August.  With the Saturday Special Guest Headliners still to be revealed, this year’s festival is set to be the best yet.

Also on the bill and making her debut at The Big Feastival this year is popstar Ella Eyre, the voice of massive hit singles “Waiting All Night” and “Gravity”. Legendary hip-hop star and DJ, Grandmaster Flash will also make his first Feastival appearance alongside festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, much-loved DJ Norman Jay MBE and beat boxers Duke, all announced to perform across the weekend.

Groove Armada said: "The second most important thing for us when we're planning a gig, with the first being music, is where we're gonna have dinner. So on that basis this show is properly gonna go off, gourmet Groove armada style."

Saturday’s headline performance, the full line-up of music acts, satellite stages and brand new music workshops will be revealed soon.

Known for bringing sensational culinary talent to the stage, The Big Feastival has announced the initial programme of chefs set to join Jamie Oliver this year. Two Star Michelin masters Raymond Blanc, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Nathan Outlaw will all grace The AEG Big Kitchen, alongside critically acclaimed rising star James Lowe and the inspirational Monica Galetti.  The irrepressibleGennaro Contaldo makes a welcome return as everyone’s favourite Great British Bake-Off finalist Richard Burr gets set to make his debut.   

Brand new to The Big Feastival for 2015 is the Healthy Living Zone, dedicated to the art of healthy eating and wellbeing. Health food pioneers Deliciously Ella, Livia’s Kitchen (Olivia Wallenberg), Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley will head up a specially curated programme of events. Festival-goers will be invited to recharge their batteries with fresh festival fare from the Health Hub, serving everything from freshly pressed juices to sushi.  The Kitchen Counter will feature talks and tutorials while The Action Station will re-energise even the sleepiest of heads.

To feed the foodies, the ever-popular Street Food Alley returns to the festival with the best of British street food.  Visitors are invited to sip, sample and shopThe Producers Markets, cook up a storm in The AEG Cooking Club and get behind the grill with the all new Weber Grill Academy On Tour.   We are delighted to have the Birra Moretti Experience providing that ever needed drop of refreshment, and with pop up dining experiences still to be announced, there will be something on the menu for everyone.

The Big Feastival boasts an enviable line-up of children’s entertainment across the weekend including Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Little Dudes’ Den, The Big Top, The Village Green Games and the iconic Vintage Fairground.  The full programme of fun and games and this year’s Very Special Guests will be announced soon!   

Jamie Oliver – 

"I can't quite believe we're headed for our fourth year at Alex James' farm – Feastival just keeps getting better every year. It's already got an incredible line up for music fans and foodies, and I know that we'll only add to it over the next few weeks. As usual, I can't wait!"

Alex James – 

I’m excited to have everyone back to the farm. Three days of great music and delicious food, plus plenty of fun for the kids, it’s the perfect bank holiday weekend. And this year is set to be the best yet.”

Little Dragon, The Dandy Warhols and more added to Standon Calling 2015 lineup

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Pop outsiders Little Dragon have never been afraid to push the envelope with a slew of sensational albums under their belts, each as unique as the rest. The band's third album Ritual Union skyrocketed them into critical acclaim, yet they've kept their heads and still continue to deliver intriguing and unpredictable music as well as an electrifying live performance that will be seen at this year's Standon Calling. The Dandy Warhols are certainly no strangers to live shows, having celebrated their 20th anniversary last year and toured with the likes of David Bowie, Tom Petty and The Rolling Stones. Standon Calling are proud to announce the Portland band will perform their only live show at this year's tenth birthday and will be an absolute must see over as they wow crowds with their favourite tracks from their eight album back catalogue along with brand new material.

Standon Calling is renowned for its eclectic musical line-up and 2015 will be no different. Roots Manuva brings UK Hip Hop and roots to the festival, house and disco comes courtesy of New Yorker Andy Butler and his ever changing Hercules & Love Affair, while Nottingham's own Saint Raymond brings a helping of folk rock. Supporting rising stars, Standon welcomes BRIT winner and Rudimental collaborator Ella Eyre, BBC Sound of 2015 rock duo Slaves, dreamy electronic dance trio Real Lies, hotly tipped soulful crooner Kwabs, Liverpool trio All We Are and more.

MTV Brand New Review

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MTV kicks off the Liverpool International Music Festival with a line-up of fresh UK vocal talent.

I'll be honest…I didn't quite know what to expect going into this gig.
The cynic in me though "Oh, here we go…MTV parades a bunch of marketable girls all 
billed as 'the next big thing'". The cynic in me was quickly silenced. 

As soon as we got under way, one thing was abundantly clear…..these girls can really do it. 
And they can do it well.

Becky Hill was first up with a strong performance of old and new material. 
There always seems to be this sort of stigma attached to the whole 
'reality TV contestant goes legit' thing, or maybe it's just me, but again, this was dispelled
from the get go. Becky proved to both me and a warehouse full of 300+ Liverpudlians that she's the real deal.

Next up was Jess Glynne.. and yes, even I've heard of Jess Glynne. This girl just seems to be everywhere at the minute.                                                                                                             Giving off a much less animated presence than Becky, Jess was fine letting her voice 
do the talking. In her short career, she seems to have already built up enough hits in her back catalogue to keep almost any crowd screaming …and this crowd was no exception.                                             Backed up by a slick band (and I don't say that often) and some pretty energetic backing singers, this whole group put in a stylish performance leaving the crowd hungry for much, much more.

So there's me. Stood in the trendy setting of the Camp and Furnace with my cameras round my neck, pleasantly surprised by what I'd seen so far.
Then it was time for the final act..and trust me when I say that this crowd was already pretty bloody happy with what they'd got for their £3 ticket purchase, but when Ella Eyre was announced,                 they kicked it up a notch…and by 'kick it up a notch'…I mean they went mental.                             Figuratively, of course.

On to the stage runs this electric lioness, dressed like a sexy x-men character and absolutely rips the crowd to shreds. Whipping around in a blur of hair and Spandex, Ella worked this crowd like she's been doing it since she was born. 
Honestly, I just shot Kendal Calling and even there I didn't see stage presence this good.
Of course, she dropped some crowd-pleaser's like "Deeper" "Love me like you" and "If I go" (which sent the already manic crowd through the roof) – and the ones we didn't
know, she taught us the words to.                                                                                                   Even through a few technical difficulties (let's face it, sh*t happens sometimes) she managed to keep the crowd right in the palm of her hand.

It's kind of ridiculous to think that this girl is only 20.  
What's even more ridiculous is to think how good she'll be in another few years.
Probably the worlds next International super awesome ultra mega star. Or y'know, words to that effect.

All in all, this was a stellar line-up of absolute vocal powerhouses who definitely brought their A-game for the MTV cameras..and whilst they were busy doing that, they also restored my faith in the future of UK vocal talent. Thanks ladies.

An excellent way to kick off the Liverpool International Music Festival.                      

Well played, MTV. Well played…

Ella Eyre & Foxes join Norfolk’s Sundown lineup

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Foxes have been added to the main stage line-up on Saturday, 30 August, while Ella Eyre will join the Sunday line-up

Both artists featured on massive tracks by Rudimental, with Ella providing vocals for the UK #1 Waiting All Night and Foxes on Right Here, ahead of their own single releases. Foxes also featured on Zedd’s Clarity, viewed more than 62m times on video sharing site YouTube, as well as Sub Focus’s Until the End and Fall Out Boy’s Just One Yesterday

Following Foxes collaboration success, her debut single Youth became a Top Twenty UK Singles Chart hit, while her follow up single,Let Go For Tonight, reached #7, both from the forthcoming May 2014 album release, Glorious 

Ella has also worked the vocals for the likes of Tinie Tempah, on Someday, and Bastille, on Free and No Angels, before releasingDeeper from her EP of the same name

Sundown Festival, recently the focus of BBC Three’s Festivals, Sex & Suspicious Parents special episodes, now boasts a main stage line-up of Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, Zane Lowe, Katy B and Foxes on the Saturday, with Ellie Goulding, John Newman, Clean Bandit, Neon Jungle and Ella Eyre on the Sunday, with more to be announced in the coming weeks and months

Elsewhere, Sundown’s dance-orientated Stage 2 will be hosted by House specialists Defected Records on the Saturday night, with Shadow Child newly confirmed to be joining the previously announced DJs MK, Breach and Sam Divine, while drum and bass label RAM Records take over for the Sunday, with Andy C, Wilkinson and Calyx & Teebee and now Delta Heavy confirmed so far.

Frank Turner to headline Y Not Festival 2014

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Having previously announced Dizzee Rascal & White Lies as headliners for Y Not Festival, the Summer Festival Guide can announce that Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls are the third headliner for this years festival.

Also joining the festival are:

Razorlight

Shed Seven

Ella Eyre

Swim Deep

Saint Raymond

Beans On Toast

Yuck

Circa Waves

DZ Deathrays

Menace Beach

The Wytches

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys

Amber Run

Nordic Giants

Tiger Cub