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Leefest Presented The Neverland, and it was awesome. Review 2016

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The Neverland, Leefest

 

The last weekend of July, deep in the woodlands of Kent, after taking the second star to the right and straight on till morning, Neverland itself appeared for a brief window, boasting a three-day escapade of music, madness, and absolute magic. Surrounded by Pirates, Mermaids and mischievous lost boys, you would be forgiven for truly believing you were in the middle of a fantasy world, but in fact, this was Leefest, 2016.

 

Small, sweet and charmingly rebellious, the story of Leefest almost writes itself – spawned from a classic act of teenage rebellion, the festival started in Lee’s back garden. Under strict instructions not to have a house party, Lee and a few of his friends built a stage, gathered some bands, got in some food, some booze, and started the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Map of the Neverland

 

It may be 10 years old, and have substantially grown in size from its original gathering, but it still boasts that friendly, backyard vibe that many flock from all around to be a part of. It’s still small, it only has a 5000 person capacity – but it has enough life to surpass anyone’s expectations. Lee, masquerading as Peter Pan himself, can often be found floating around the ‘Neverland’ – smiling, cheerful and just generally warm, his refusal to grow up has resulted in an incredibly organic experience that can only be described as Secret Garden Party meets your local village fete.

 

The site itself is quite small, there’s one large campsite for punters, and the arena is stretched out over three different ‘realms’ yet would probably take about 5 minutes to cross completely, yet it’s littleness gives off a more collective, cosy feel than a cramped one. The three realms are focused around the peoples of Neverland. The Lost Boys rule the roost, the main stage is placed bang in the middle, with tree houses, ropes and various bushcraft surrounding the stage, often with the lost boys and woodland creatures perched in their nooks and crannies. The Pirates rule Skull Ridge, substituting Hook for Captain Morgan, most of the heavier bands played the little garage-like venue Hooks Rock and dirty DJ’s heading the Gold Mine, an alleged old bomb crater that was kitted out to look like a true pirate quarry, complete with a wooden structure complete with a platform and dancing pirates. Heading over the other side, you’ll find Mermaid’s Lagoon, where colourful sea creatures will greet you to the colourful, eclectic 50’s retro style area, with an airstream cocktail bar, the Wondersands beach where Neptune will keep you moving, hot tubs and the Rainbow Rooms. Alongside the realms are those who control it; the mermaids are glamorous and fabulous, and mainly mind their own business, which is a good idea when the Lost Boys pull their own pranks and the Pirates are the chaotic havoc wreckers who are meant to terrorise everyone, but in reality are happy to give you a sip of their rum, or a gold coin if you pledge allegiance.

 

 

The Pirates of Skull Ridge

 

Though there are performers and punters alike going a little crazy, the festival is incredibly family friendly. Throughout the day, the place is awash with kids, there are tonnes of activities from face-painting, to swing dance lessons, and water fights between pirates and lost boys to keep the little ones occupied. As the night gets on, you see fewer kids, but the good-natured attitude doesn’t change.

 

The Mermaids at Mermaid Lodge

 

Leefest is pretty famous for discovering bands before they blow up, and a lot of the past performers are now incredibly popular. The bands themselves can quite often be seen wandering around the festival and stopping in on all the various artists, the crowds are just incredibly accepting. The beautiful thing about Leefest that I found was the complete lack of celebrity culture. Everyone just seems to accept each other for who they are, people for people, and just genuinely excited to be there. Maybe that’s even due to Lee himself, who never without a smile, is often wondering around the grounds, happy to stay and chat to people, or jump on wherever necessary, in fact on the Saturday he jumped behind a busy bar to serve me a couple of beers.  

 

Though the crowds aren’t big, they’re lively and loving, and this passes into the acts themselves, many putting so much energy into performances. A lot of bands that play Leefest blow up in the months and years to follow and this is certainly to be the case for a large amount of the artists there. Saturday Headliner Lianne La Havas serenaded an entire festival with her melodic, soulful voice and faultless charming personality. Genuinely humble about the headline slot, and overwhelmed by the love and support of the crowd, her multi-instrumental set was a glorious end to the three-day gathering.

 

Lianne La Havas at Leefest

 

In terms of the rest of the music, there is not one artist I could even begin to fault. Leefest is a little different in the way it's a Thursday, Friday, Saturday lineup, which mixes up the whole ‘sunday feeling’ kind of vibe, but it works the way it does. Thursday was a fairly quiet day, everyone was just getting into the swing of it, and performances by Everything Everything and Ghostpoet paved the way for what was to come. Everything Everything were on the bill as special guests, but their impeccable energy and infamous stage presence gave the crowd a perfect start. A contrast, but equally spellbinding performance by Ghostpoet left the festival goers content and blissful as they headed back to the campsite ready for an earlier start on the Friday.

 

Everything Everything at Leefest

 

Friday saw an incredible mixture of artists, me myself discovering new bands and artists to fall in love with. Peluche kicked off the main stage, followed by the melodic compilations of Corey Fox-Fardell. Roots Manuva played a brilliant but short sub-headline set, followed by the Liverpudlian indie rockers Circa Waves. In terms of the main stage however, I was most impressed with Lil Simz, the North London, grime-esque artist that completely took over the energy of the crowd, and I fully expect to see her take over the scene in the coming year.

 

Lil Simz on the main stage

 

Over the other stages, the growth garage/grunge rock movement and Lo-Fi sound was increasingly obvious, much to my delight, with bands Beaty Heart, Get Inuit and Spring Kings gaining hype and support and playing amazing sets. Otherkin are another of those bands I expect to see blow up in the next year; in the middle of a European tour and set to play the Festival Republic stage at Reading and Leeds this year, the band are a mix of punky pop meets grunge rock and have a live show that’s one of the most ferocious I've ever seen, the band themselves heading into the crowd, complete with mics and instruments, and oozing a carefree attitude, which was easily caught up by the crowd. Inviting the crowd on-stage for the last song, the boys really brought it all, and I'm converted a few more fans than just me.

 

The crowds at Leefest

 

As Leefest closes on Saturday, that sloppy Sunday feeling got a bit mixed up, as the latest, busiest night was also the last. Acoustic, Ellie Goulding inspired pop artist Hannah Trigwell took the main stage following her Sofar Sounds set earlier in the day, wooing the crowds with her catchy melodies, a perfect precursor for Lianne La Havas, the soulstress herself and beautiful human to play as the main headliner. Pop punk indie band We Are Scientists also took the main stage, themselves fascinated with the various tribes of Leefest, as did Shura, whose mass popularity after the release of her first album really showed as fans were wowed by her performance. Saturday was also definitely one for strong female artists, with The Big Moon, Skinny Girl Diet, King Kwong, She Drew The Gun and GIRLI playing amazing sets. Vant also hit up the circus tent, with their politically fueled music proving a hit on the Leefest crowds.

 

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnacks

 

Though all good things must come to an end, the festival does not stop when the music does, with the pub-like structure on site hosting Electric Swing and DJs Madame Barducci and the fierce Rumpsteppers, plus still serving drinks until the beginning of the sunrise at 5am.

 

Skull Ridge, Leefest

 

Honestly, there aren’t even enough words to truly describe how beautiful this little festival is. I don’t know what I was expecting but whatever it was, was truly blown out of the water.

Fire Dancing Pirates, Leefest

Wondersands at the Mermaid's Lodge

All photos supplied by official Leefest Photographers

Isle of Wight Festival 2016 Review

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Bags ready tent purchased and we were ready to hit the road for an epic weekend of random antics, filled with laughter, good friends and live music, a line-up so large, that no one could contain their excitement.

Thursday evening has arrived tents up and its time to see what the Isle of Wight Festival 2016 has to offer. The 'Big Top' stage opens up with performances from 'The dolls', 'Maxi Jazz and the E-Type Boys' and 'The Cast',  who were getting the audience ready for the headliners of the evening 'Status Quo'. 

'Status Quo' hit the stage at 9:30 to perform to the festival goers, filling out the 'Big Top', and leaving fans to listen from the sidelines, filling the area around the Big top, creating some members of the audience to suggest they should have opened up on the main stage as the sound was distorted by the carnival in the background. 'Status Quo' performed songs such as ‘Down, Down’, ‘Caroline’, 'In the army now’ and 'Rocking all over the world’ Starting the festive antics with a powerful and electric performance, the audience roared in excitement  which created a great atmosphere that thrived over the weekend at Isle of Wight Festival 2016; lining the stomach for the acts that will be hitting the stage in the days to come.

Friday was the first official opening of the main stage with performances from bands such as 'Reverend and the makers', 'Busted' and 'Everything Everything'. Just many of a great line up.

  

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival

Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis share a joke as Busted perform on the main stage on Friday 'Busted' took us back the noughties performing hits such as ‘what I go to school for’, 'Air hostess’, 'Crashed the wedding’, and ending the performance with ‘Year 3000’. This was a nostalgic performance, creating a great atmosphere through the field as people interacted with the band and danced like no one was watching.

They were followed by 'Jess Glynne' a British female artist, Who took the crowd on a powerful journey opening up with ‘don’t be so hard on yourself’, and performing hits from her latest album such as ‘Hold my hand’, 'Real love' and ‘Take me home’ her vocals were flawless and her performance created a stamp on how the evening would continue. 

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival

For me the performers of the night were ‘Stereophonics', the crowd were waiting in anticipation as the welsh boys were getting ready to come on and perform to thousands of fans across the isle of wight, the weather was holding out and the sky was drawing in and they arrived, the crowd went wild and the anticipation was over, 'Kelly Jones' has such stage presence that captured and got the crowd to their feet, performing songs such as ‘Handbags and Gladrags’, 'Have a nice day’, 'local boy in a photograph’ and ‘A thousand trees’ hit after hit just blaring from the stage, getting better and better and each song bringing the audience to life. They ended with 'Dakota' getting the crowd to join in and get crazy for one last hit of the night before introducing their co-headliners 'Faithless'. 

'Faithless' closed the night with and electric performance, performing hit such as ‘God is a DJ', ‘insomnia’ and ‘Fatty Boo’ just closing the night in the right way, Lights, good music and dancing all you needed was the glow sticks and you were set, this got the crowd ready for the rest of the weekend, for the acts to follow.

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival

Saturday brought many artists to ‘The Big Top’ and ‘The Main Stage’ the festival was picking up and the bands were getting ready to perform for the many crowds surrounding them today. 

The ‘Big Top’ seen many artists such as the ‘Simon Townsend’, ‘The Damned’ and ‘Pendulum’ perform throughout the day, Two artists stood out for me the most ‘Bang Bang Romeo’ and ‘Adam Ant’.  'Bang Bang Romeo’ performed at the Isle of wight 2015 on the 'Jack Rocks Stage', they were invited back and given a space on the 'Big Top'stage for 2016, they gave a dynamic and creative performance, the Vocals were powerful and edgy, which created the atmosphere of their music and got the audience supporting the Yorkshire based band, performing songs such as ‘Chemical’, ‘Johannesburg’ and their new release ‘Invitation’.

The legendary ‘Adam Ant’ gave an eccentric performance, performing songs such as ‘Kings or the wild frontier’, ‘Dog eat Dog’, ‘Stand and Deliver’  and ‘Goody two shoes’. He bought the eighties to the festival, giving the crowd quirky and stand alone performance.  To Help bring awareness Spandau Ballets 'Gary Kemp' and The Corrs 'Andrea Corr',  performed 'Starman’ in a touching tribute to the late 'David Bowie’ for Stand up for cancer who are raising awareness and supporting those who have been affected by cancer. At 3:45 there was a short video celebrating 'David Bowie's’ Life and capturing hundreds of fans, bringing awareness for the course, by wearing 'David Bowie’ masks and posing for a picture on the MainStage.

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival

The MainStage gave the crowd artists from ‘The Kills’,‘Turin Brakes’, ‘Alabama 3’ and ‘Polly Money’ warming up the audience for the headliners of the evening ‘The Who”.  Before 'The Who’ we had some amazing acts perform ‘Iggy Pop’ hit the stage his character larger than life and his movements creating an interesting view as he performed hits such as 'Wild Thing’, ‘Sweet 16’ and ‘Passenger’ the audience joined through the performance creating an atmosphere that leads on to the next performer to grace us with his presenc 'Richard Ashcroft’ performed songs from his album ‘Urban Hymns’ performing songs such as ‘Out of my body’, ‘Breaking the night with colour’ and two new ones ‘Hold on’ and ‘This is how it feels’ whilst performing classic such as ‘The drugs don’t work' and ending with the classic ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ the audience went crazy for this and it was an amazing way to introduce ‘The Who’.

'The Who’ headlined the isle of wight on Saturday night performing to a verity of individuals, people who have been following them since the sixties and the younger generation who has been influenced by their music from their parents of even their grandparents. ‘Peter Townsend’ and 'Roger Daltery’ performed for over 2 hours, performing hits such as ‘My generation’, ‘Behind blue eyes’, ‘The Kids are alright’ and ‘Pinball Wizard’. They opened up the show with “who are you’ getting the crowd worked up and ready for the night ahead.  After 5 decades of being together they still can put together a great live performance, even though at times there were moments of strain In ‘Roger Daltery’s’ voice but this overcame by the commitment to the performance, by showing that he still could hit those high notes in the song 'love reign O'er me’, put those moments of strain behind the crowd the ended a night with a high. 

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival

Sunday was the Day to celebrate the Queens 90th Birthday but not only celebrate one 'Queen', but to celebrate legend we know as ‘Queen’ the one and only 'Freddie Mercury’. With 'Queen with Adam Lambert' Headlining the final show of the weekend. The show everyone has been waiting for. 

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival

On the Sunday 'The big Top’ welcomed artists such as ‘The Novatones’, ‘The Carnaby's’, ‘Reef' and ‘The Second Sons’.  The Big Top was closed by the Welsh band known as  ‘Feeder' after 'Queen' had closed the MainStage, ‘Feeder' performed songs such as ‘Buck Rogers’, ‘Just the way I am feeling’ and ‘Just a day’ bringing the audience that was  already buzzing to their feet, dancing and bouncing around the tent intertwining and celebrating the end of an amazing festival. Their performance was electrifying, loud and on point. A fab close to a fantastic day.  The Main Stage was warming up and bring the sunshine out, acts such as ‘Twin Atlantic’, ‘Half Moon Run’  and ‘The Cribs’ performed alongside Former ‘Genesis' 'Mike Rutherford’ 

With the band ‘Mike and the Mechanics’ performing some of the classics from ‘Genesis’ ‘I can’t dance’ and 'Land of confusion’ bringing the sun out with every song, the crowd building up and joining the band on a sunny but yet cloudy day. This was a great way to start the Sunday line up for me. 'Ocean Colour Scene’ set of the evening with ‘Hundred Mile  High City’ bringing the audience to their feet, one hit after another ‘The RiverboatSong’, ‘The day we caught the train’ and ‘You’ve got it bad’ this got people pumping and ready, even with the rain this did not stop the crowd  from jumping up and down and enjoying themselves at the Isle of wight festival. 

Now that we were warmed up, rained on and waiting in anticipation…. 'Queen' was about to come on, the music starts and the crowd roars, the field was packed to the edges, from everyone finding their perfect spot, so they could enjoy the celebrate the life and legend of 'Freddie Mercury'captured through the Vocals of 'Adam Lambert'. This is the closest we will ever get to seeing Queen as a whole, 'Brian May', 'Roger Taylor' and the flamboyant singer 'Mr Lambert'.  'Lambert' from the start made it known that he was not there to replace 'Freddie Mercury' as no-one could, but to bring the songs that were once created and performed by a legend to life, and to honour and celebrate his life. With Rock Legends 'May' and 'Taylor'.  'Lambert' captivated the audience with his outgoing and eccentric performance, starting the night off with ‘One Vision’ and from their belting out hit after hit such as, ‘Fat Bottom Girls’, ‘Another One bites the dust’, ‘I want to break free’ ‘Don’t stop me now’ and ‘Somebody to Love’.  Whilst Performing ‘Lambert’ dedicated a song to the Victims of the Orlando shooting and anyone affected by acts of terrorism, he performed a beautiful and heart warming version of ‘Who wants to live forever’.  'Brian May’ Performs ‘Love of my life’ asking the audience to join in, dedicating this song to the late 'Freddie Mercury', at the end of the performance a video Clip of ‘Freddie Mercury’ finishing the song to the audience is introduced. This is closest that we would come to witnessing the Legend Perform. This was used in one more song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ using ‘Lambert’ and Clips of ‘Mercury’ to perform parts of the song to the crowd. This was done just right, not overdone but capturing the man that helped to build such great Anthems.  The crowd joined in for every song and captured every moment together ‘Radio Ga Ga’ was a highlight of my evening everyone in the audience clapping and creating that moment When they sing “Radio Ga Ga ( Two Claps) Radio Go Go" and the audience clap in the middle , that for me was epic and immense, it is something I have always wanted to be involved in and now I can tick this moment of my bucket list.   They Finished the show with such power and energy that we were still buzzing even when they were no longer on, They performed ‘We Will Rock you’ and ‘We are the Champions’ Everyone joined in sang their hearts out and enjoyed the show-stopping, breathtaking band of the weekend, they truly finished with a Bang. 

A Show turning event for the Isle of Wight festival 2016!

Suede, Jess Glynne and more lead Standon Calling 2016 lineup

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Standon Calling is pulling out all the stops with the first announcement for 2016, unveiling a wealth of musical talent including the mighty Suede, Grammy-winner Jess Glynne and r&b superstar Kelis to perform at the Hertfordshire festival, 29th – 31st July. Also confirmed are Everything Everything, The Hives, Ghostpoet, Anna Calvi, Blossoms, The Thurston Moore Band and many more. Following a sell out year, Standon Calling returns to its stunning manor grounds setting, inviting thousands of friends, families and festival lovers to gather for a magical weekend of live music & DJs, fancy dress, swimming and day to night hedonism. Remaining tier 1 tickets are on sale now and start at £127.

A boutique festival with major musical ambition, Standon Calling has once again secured some of the best talent around for what will be a truly unforgettable weekend. Joining the festival's 11th edition will be the legendary Suede, set to deliver a headline performance of old school favourites and tracks from their recent critically acclaimed album Night Thoughts. Also heading up the bill are the Grammy-winning vocals of Jess Glynne, fresh from a stellar performance at last week's Brit Awards.

Renowned for her incredible live performances, the multi-talented musician and part-time chef Kelis will be bringing all the boys (and girls) to the yard. Swedish quintet The Hives famed for their famous brand of garage rock are also confirmed, as is Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine supergroup The Thurston Moore Band. Mercury Prize-nominees Everything Everything will no doubt have revellers in the party spirit with their genre-defying musical prowess. Further perfomances come courtesy of fellow Mercury Prize-nominee Anna Calviand winner Ghostpoet along with anti-folk singer-songwriter Adam Green, nine-piece hip-hop groupThe Mouse Outfit and rising Stockport rockers Blossoms who recently jumped to the top of the iTunes album chart.

Flying the flag for electronic music is house pioneer and legendary DJ, Theo Parrish. GOLDIE who was recently awarded an MBE for his contribution to UK music also joins the fray along with Dan Deacon, Gold Panda, Luke Abbott. Standon Calling's own night club, the Cowshed, returns to keep the party going well into the early hours. Seminal label Hospitality are onboard behind the decks for a special one night takeover and Sink The Pink's naughty little sister Savage Disco will take the helm for another night that promises plenty of camp hilarity.

Indie fans are well catered for as Standon adds Teleman, Meilyr Jones, Declan McKenna, Clean Cut Kid, Pins and Swim Deep. Honne bring their futuristic soul and Natty, Tiggs Da Author, Hot 8 Brass Band, United Vibrations, Kiko Bun and Rag'n'bone Man inject a welcome mix of jazz, funk, reggae & r&b to the party. Also on hand to keep crowds entertained will be comedic superstars The Cuban Brothers. 

Standon Calling has become renowned for offering a great platform for rising musicians to cut their teeth and  over the years Standon has hosted early performances from Florence and the Machine, Friendly Fires, Mumford and Sons, Bastille, Metronome, London Grammar, Clean Bandit, The Maccabees, Paloma Faith and more. This year the festival continues to support rising talent and welcomes Rationale, Loyle Carner, Billie Marten, Jones, Flyte, Charlie Cunningham, Tangerines, The Amazons, Exmagician, Hannah Lou Clarke, Seramic, Revere, Venice Trip, Peluche, Bella Figura, Nadia Nair and Petricha.

What started as a birthday BBQ and DJs with a handful of friends has become the perfect overgrown house party, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops, talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and of course its own heated outdoor swimming pool. 2016 is already shaping up to be a special year with plenty more to be announced soon.

The theme for this year's festival will be announced this Saturday when Standon Calling takes over Vault Festival in London for a special Saturday night party on 5th March. Past themes have included ‘Murder on the Standon Express’, ‘Running Away from the Circus’ and ‘A Town of Two Faces’ and this year's theme is set to be even more ambitious. 

LINE-UP SO FAR
Live
Suede / Jess Glynne / Kelis
The Hives / Everything Everything / Ghostpoet / Anna Calvi / Blossoms / The Thurston Moore Band
Gold Panda / Loyle Carner / Adam Green / Teleman / Swim Deep / Tiggs Da Author / Honne / Natty / The Mouse Outfit / Meilyr Jones / The Cuban Brothers / Declan McKenna / Hot 8 Brass Band / Billie Marten / Rag'n'bone Man / Rationale / Clean Cut Kid / Kiko Bun / Jones / United Vibrations / Pins / Flyte / Charlie Cunningham / The Amazons / Tangerines / Exmagician / Hannah Lou Clarke / Seramic / Revere / Venice Trip / Peluche / Bella Figura / Nadia Nair / Petricha
DJs
Theo Parrish / GOLDIE MBE / Dan Deacon / Luke Abbott
Cowshed Takeovers
Hospitality / Savage Disco
Micro Venues
Groove Garden / Top Shed / Autumn Shift / Dog & Whistle

Primal Scream set to headline Electric Fields Festival

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Electric Fields, Scotland’s most exciting new music festival, is proud to announce PRIMAL SCREAM as the first headliner for 2016, with Everything Everything, The Twilight Sad, Public Service Broadcasting, Erol Alkan and Model Aeroplanes and Joy Orbison also revealed.
 
Returning to the stunning grounds of the 17th Century Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th August, Electric Fields expands to two full days for the first time in 2016, offering festival goers even more incredible music and time to enjoy the intimate, community atmosphere that has made it such a hit with fans during its first two outings.
 
Primal Scream continue to be one of the most exciting bands on the planet, with a hugely successful and influential career spanning almost three decades and a catalogue of genre-defying hits, united by the groove. Loaded, Movin’ On Up, Rocks, Jailbird, Kowalski and Country Girl are just some of the highlights and, with the bands’ 11th album Chaosmosis due for release in March 2016, this homecoming show will be an unmissable festival experience.
 
Electric Fields co-founder Nick Roberts said: 
 
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Primal Scream to Electric Fields this August. They have created some of the greatest music these islands have produced and are right at the top of their game. The rest of the line-up compliments the whole nature of the festival brilliantly and we’re delighted to have this legendary band spearheading it for us. With our new two-day format, we’re able to bring even more incredible acts to the beautiful estate at Drumlanrig Castle and we can’t wait to welcome everyone come August.”
 
Standing as the mad scientists of indietronica, Everything Everything have garnered acclaim and awe with their constantly evolving soundscapes on modern life. Since emerging onto the alternative scene with their Mercury Prize nominated debut “Man Alive”, the Manchester quartet have grown from strength to strength, characterised by the multi-faceted vocals of frontman Jonathan Higgs. Dominating airwaves and stages around the world, these time-travelling explorers will be touching down at Electric Fields fresh from their widely acclaimed latest LP “Get To Heaven” for a set that’s sure to live-long in the memory.
 
National treasures don’t come much bigger than The Twilight Sad whose melancholic tales of heartbreak and life have soundtracked the emotional heartstrings of their homeland for nearly a decade. Their 2014 album “Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave” was met with universal acclaim, breathing new life into the post-punk world. With a new release on the horizon, their performance at Electric Fields is set to captivate the masses, and cement their place as one of the most important acts of a generation.
 
Public Service Broadcasting stand in a world of their own, creating unique and challenging soundtracks to the pivotal moments in human history. Their most recent LP, “The Race For Space,” transported listeners back to the heady days of the space race, combing historical clippings of the time with their epic instrumental soundscapes. Their immersive, cinematic show is set to be a stand-out at Electric Fields this summer.
 
Scotland’s very own Model Aeroplanes stand as one of the most exciting new bands in the UK, and their dazzling blend of indie-pop shows exactly why major labels were scrambling to sign the Dundee natives. Expect a mesmerising performance from a band destined to fill arenas. 
 
Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s will bring some of the most exciting names in electronic music to their own stage at Electric Fields this year. Erol Alkan, seminal electro pioneer, revered producer, remixer, DJ and head honcho of independent label Phantasy Records will be dropping tectonic vibrations throughout the fields, as he makes himself at home for an unrelenting showcase of the best in underground dance. Joining him on the Sneaky’s lineup will be renowned boundary-morpher Joy Orbison whose infectious beats will make for a celebration of groove and funky house. Drawing inspiration from a plethora of genres, the maverick Londoner has lead the way for electronic music, establishing a style that has soundtracked dark basement dens and festival stages worldwide. 
 
Electric Fields is delighted to announce that the Tim Burgess-curated Tim Peaks stage, famous for secret sets and an eclectic variety of artists, will be part of the 2016 family. The first artist to be revealed is actor Paddy Considine’s Riding The Low. So much more than a side project, the band’s infectious Suede-like melodies have seen them captivate crowds at festivals around the country.

Everything Everything, Blossoms and more added to Isle of Wight 2016 lineup

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Representing the best of indie present and future are the Mercury Prize nominated Top Ten act Everything Everything, the BBC Sound Poll tipped Blossoms and BBC Introducing favourites Sunset Sons, who join guitar heroes Feeder, Cast, Reef and Turin Brakes, and a medley of country, blues and soul courtesy of Alabama 3, Joanne Shaw Taylor and The Second Sons, at what is shaping up to be yet another incredible weekend of music. 

These ten new acts join previously announced headliners Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics and Faithless, plus Iggy Pop, Twin Atlantic, Busted, Jess Glynne, Sigma and The Corrs at what is the first festival of the summer – weekend tickets are available now from www.isleofwightfestival.com. 

2015 was a big year for Manchester indie art rockers Everything Everything. The first single from their third studio album ‘Distant Past’ was named as Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record In the World’ whilst The album ‘Get To Heaven went Top Ten. Known for their incredible live shows and infectious choruses, Everything Everything are certain to bring a spark over the weekend. 

Stockport five-piece Blossoms had a hugely successful year last year. Stand out track ‘Charlemagne’ was on the A-List at 6 Music and on the Radio 1’s BBC Introducing playlist and the band were in the Top 5 of the BBC Sound Poll; 2016 will definitely be a big year for them.

Anglo-Aussie quartet Sunset Sons enjoyed a massive 2015 with several festival appearances and an opening slot for Imagine Dragons. They will release their debut album ‘Very Rarely Say Die’ in April ahead of a big UK & European tour, before hitting the summer festival circuit. 

With eight studio albums, three compilations, two EPs and 34 singles under their belt, Welsh rockers Feeder formed in 1992 and have had plenty of experience of bringing their heavy guitars and sugarsweet melodies to festivals. With hit singles including ‘Buck Rogers’, ‘Just The Way I’m Feeling’ and ‘Comfort in Sound’ the crowds will certainly be out for their set in June.

Cast are back with a brand new album, having formed out of the ashes of The La’s and Shack in the early 90s. Reunited with original producer John Leckie, the album is the band’s sixth studio release and will follow a run of UK shows celebrating 20 years of the band and their debut album ‘All Change’.

With a March tour coming up, West Country indie rockers Reef are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Top Ten anthem ‘Place Your Hands’, taken from their second album ‘Glow’ which topped the charts in 1997. The band, now featuring Jesse Wood on guitar, are no stranger to festivals and will no doubt be a huge crowd pleaser at Seaclose Park.

Turin Brakes will release their seventh studio album ‘Lost Property’ next week, ahead of a UK tour. Since starting out in 1999, the band have sold around 1 million records worldwide, have been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and reached No. 5 in the singles charts in 2003 with the track ‘Painkiller’.

They don’t come from Alabama, and there are not 3 of them, but Alabama 3have a sure-fire way to mix it up. Their track ‘Woke Up This Morning’ was used in the opening credits for US hit TV show The Sopranos,  and their live performances consist of mixing a heavy combination of techno, country & blues and rock n roll, which is certain to turn a few heads at this year’s festival. 

First discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, Joanne Shaw Taylor is a blues rock guitarist and singer, who played lead guitar in Annie Lennox’s band at the Diamond Jubilee Concert in London in 2012. With numerous live shows around the US, plus a UK tour in April as special guest to Wilko Johnson, she will be bringing her acclaimed blues notes to Seaclose Park this summer.

With music taken from yesterday and today, The Second Sons are the ultimate party band designed to get crowds on their feet and dancing. Drawing on the classic sounds of the 60s and 70s, the band’s influences range from the Stones to Otis Redding and everything in between.

Love Saves the Day 2016 FULL lineup announced

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Saturday 28th May…

Love Saves The Day are delighted to announce their line-up for 2016. Taking centre stage as Saturday's headliner will be the acclaimed London-based electronic pop group Hot Chip. Everything, Everything, the genre-defying indie rock outfit based in Manchester will also be present, alongside BBC Music's 'Sound Of 2016' hot pick Mura Masa, electronic music duo Maribou State, and Shura, who will bring her hugely impressive catalogue of songs to the Love Saves The Day Main stage.

Other names on the bill for Saturday include American duo The Martinez Brothers who will be leading the proceedings on the Cloud Nine stage, alongside the hugely popular Skream, contemporary London-based trio Disciples, and Phonox Club resident and man of the moment Jasper James.

Bristol based club night Just Jack will also be hosting their very own stage on Saturday, showcasing Berghain resident Ben Klock, Robert Johnson family member Roman Flügel, the highly regarded Joy Orbison and the legendary Paranoid London. 

Elsewhere, The Dance Off stage will be headlined by the long standing house and garage duo DJ Luck and MC Neat, garage legend Artful Dodger and grime act Bonkaz an artist who has been hailed as one of the key players in the recent grime revival – plus some very special guest to be unveiled.

Other names on Saturday's bill include: Apex Collective,  Banoffee Pies, Christophe, Clean Cut Kid, Colours, Dan Wild, Dave Harvey, Dirty Talk, Feel The Real, Get Born, MNEK, Musu, Pardon My French, SG Lewis, Slix Disco, Studio 89, Teak and Tom Rio. 

Sunday 29th May…

Day two of the festival welcomes Dizzee Rascal, an artist who's music spans grime, UK garage, bassline, British hip hop and R&B, known for his high energy hits including 'Fix Up Look Sharp' and 'Dance With Me'. Winner of 2014's Best Grime Act at the MOBO awards Stormzy will also be joining on the Sunday, along with Soundclash champion David Rodigan and the hypnotising Warp Record's artist Nightmares On Wax.

From LuckyMe and Warp to TNGHT and Kanye West collaborations, Love Saves The Day also welcomes the highly successful Hudson Mohawke, who will headline The CRACK Stage along with a host of impressive music heavyweights, including the US based African cassette collector, blogger and DJ Awesome Tapes From Africa and Glasweigan producer Rustie. Bristish rapper Loyle Carner will also take to the CRACK stage along with London-based rap outfit Section Boyz.

Chinese Man, carried by the French Chinese Man Records label will bring the sound of hip-hop, funk, dub, reggae and jazz to Love Saves The Day Sunday, in addition to the renowned remixer Mad Professor, and bass player and producer specialising in digital reggae Manu Digital. After curating his own stage in 2015, Shy FX will be back to host the Cloud 9 stage, with very special guests still to be announced. Elsewhere, Sip The Juice take over The Dance Off stage on the Sunday, with Afrika Bambaataa leading the proceedings. 

Other names on Sunday's bill include: Aba Shanti Soundsystem, Alternate DJ's, Billy Disney, Blazey, Blazey, Bodywork, Curtis Lynch ft. Nanci, Dubkasm, DJ Dazee, Durkle Disco, Egoless, Faze Miyake, Hannah Mulvanny, Hot 8 Brass Band, Jethro Binns, Lionpulse, L-Vis 1990 b2b Bok Bok, Mistafire, OBF ft. Shanti D, Sly One, Sprung, RSD ft. Joe Peng and Trevor Sax. 

Love Saves the Day will also feature the only appearance of the Arcadia Afterburner in the UK this year. The original Arcadia installation, the Afterburner is a 360 degree stage built around a central flaming spire with dance platforms radiating out to a ring of exploding lamp posts. Having appeared at festivals as far afield as New Zealand, Croatia and the United States, and a staple at Glastonbury, the Afterburner is returning home to Bristol to bring the fire to Eastville Park.

Dizzee Rascal and Everything Everything to headline Blissfields 2016

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Blissfields is pleased to announce the headline acts of its 2016 “House Party” themed summer event as grime-pop legend DIZZEE RASCAL and double top-10 charting electronic rock band EVERYTHING EVERYTHING. They’re joined by RONI SIZE, SUNDARA KARMA, JONES, DUB PISTOLS, BEANS ON TOAST, MOLOTOV JUKEBOX, TOO MANY T’S, and SERIAL KILLAZ with over a hundred more live acts and DJs across a variety of stages still to unveil. Tickets are on sale now viablissfields.co.uk for the June 30th to July 2nd event in Hampshire.
 
Your inner child has been given the keys to Blissfields – under one condition – you absolutely have to throw a party. From the soul basement of Animal House to the tree-lined estate of Vicarage Farm, it’s time to go old school and take over the palace for one ultimate weekend party. Bring your sleeping bag, togas, PJs and mixtapes to the biggest house party of 2016 – featuring the king of all special guests’Dizzee Rascal. Regarded as the godfather of grime, this Mercury Award winning platinum selling crossover artist will see in the House Party vibe in blockbuster style.

 
Following the release of their second top-10 album “Get To Heaven” last summer, Everything Everything will also be taking on headline duties on the newly christened Manor Stage for the intimate 5,000 capacity Blissfields crowd this July. Mercury Award winning DnB pioneer Roni Size with Dynamite MC will also join the bill, alongside some guaranteed summer highlights Sundara Karma, Jones and longtime Blissfields favorites Dub Pistols and Beans On Toast.
 
Blissfields has always celebrated the intimate party spirit and this year it’s going all out with its BIGGEST TOP SECRET ART INSTALLATION EVER, creating an onteractive festival site like they’ve never done before. Blissfields will be hosting slumber parties, garage raves, retro living room discos, and so much more alongside its usual music programme, sprawled across a stunning Hampshire arena where legend has it; it never rains.
 
Channelling the spirit of National Lampoons and Dr. Frank N. Furter via the Bratpack, 1990’s and Skins, Blissfields will smudge the eras into the party at the end of the universe. Blissfields favourite and now AIF Award winning HIDDEN HEDGE area is celebrating the occasion by going even more overboard than before… crash-landing its Boeing cockpit installation into a new VJ stage, as SERIAL KILLAZ top their music bill.

The BLISSCOTHEQUE double decker Routemaster bus will be taking a mix of the old school and freshest urban performers til dawn, accompanied as always by a loaded cocktail bar.
 
The festival within a festival for little Blissfieldians and their families, ANGEL GARDENS is back in 2016 programming a non-stop multi venue experience for any age. In 2015 Grandmaster Flash turned up to scratch with kids as part of a DJ workshop… this year, who knows!
 
The CRAFT AREA and an all new and re-thought A-Z ARENA will be hosting immersive and hands-on activities across the weekend, with some theatrical twists while THE LARCH is also getting a makeover with a later run time to include a silent disco.
 
For the first time in the festival’s history Blissfields have teamed up with an agency to host a special 'takeover' of the big top on Thursday night. For one night only, the festival will welcome 'The NOW Stage' that will be hosted and curated by the independent bookings and management agency, This Is Now, who will stage performances from Molotov Jukebox, Too Many T’s, Son Of Dave and more, as part of their programme to kick Blissfields off in style. Thursday tickets are available when booking weekend passes.

Everything Everything, Roni Size & more set for Boardmasters 2015

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Even more acts have been announced for Cornwall’s Boardmasters festival, including 2014 Single Of The Year winners Everything Everything,Mercury Award winner Roni Size Reprazent, rising r&b star and rapper Raleigh Ritchie plus new and upcoming talent from the likes of High Tyde, Rhodes, Seafret, Sundara Karma, The Academic and Tora. They will be joining headliners Bastille, Rudimental and Faithless when the festival returns from Wednesday 5 August to Sunday 9 August. Tickets are on sale NOW via the website here.

As well as Bastille, Rudimental and Faithless, performances across the weekend will also come from already announced Clean Bandit, De La Soul Live, Duke Dumont, Nick Mulvey, Lower Than Atlantis, Reef, MNEK, Sunset Sons, DJ EZ and The Darkness with loads more acts still to be revealedacross seven stages.

Cornwall’s own surf and music festival is five days of thrilling surf competition at Fistral Beach finished off with the explosive live music on the stunning headland, Watergate Bay.  New for 2015, Boardmasters camping at Watergate Bay has now been extended and will open from Wednesday 5 August, meaning surf fans, beach bunnies and music lovers won’t have to miss a single day of the festival. Those looking for the ultimate Boardmasters experience should purchase the new bumper ticket package – the ‘Charger’ ticket, which includes everything from bus pass to parking, VIP camping, Beach Session gigs, After Parties and a Boardmasters t-shirt and tote bag.

The Libertines will headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2015

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are thrilled to announce The Libertines as the final of this year’s Main Stage headliners!  The indie-rockers will bring the good ship Albion to the Festivals this summer, cementing a Reading & Leeds legacy which dates back to 2002.  

Rising up through the Festivals’ billing, the legendary troubadours Peter Doherty, Carl Barât, Gary Powell and John Hassall made their Main Stage debut in 2003 and returned in 2004. The band blew the crowds away in 2010 when they famously reunited at the Festivals and now, for the first time, they will take their rightful place as Reading & Leeds headliners. With their long awaited new record in the works, their set will undoubtedly be one of the defining moments of Reading & Leeds 2015.

In an exclusive video message, Peter Doherty said: “

I’ve just woken up and I can’t stop thinking about playing at Reading & Leeds.”

John Hassall said: 

"Really excited to be playing Reading and Leeds this year. There is a great vibe in the band and we should be doing some new songs too. So it'll be the best Reading and Leeds ever!”

Gary Powell said: 

"We are all extremely happy to be playing Reading and Leeds this year.  As Reading and Leeds was the festival that graciously allowed us to perform back in 2010 at our first attempt at reforming, and the audience were amazing in their reception of us, it seems only right that we go back to the scene of the crime and do our best to not only replicate what we did back then – but do better, for the fans and friends we have met along the way. Here’s wishing 'us all' luck come R&L. We’ve all got a lot of work to do!!!!I for one am excited for the challenge and looking forward to seeing everybody!"

Festival boss Melvin Benn comments:

“What a band to announce as our third headliner. The Libertines are part of the Reading & Leeds family and I can’t wait for the boys to walk on to our Main Stages in their rightful place at the top of the bill.

“I’m excited to announce over 50 other phenomenally talented acts today who will bring amazing performances for our fans. I really think we’ve got the ultimate line-up this year. Where else can you see Kendrick Lamar on the same day as Deadmau5 and Years & Years, or Marmozets on the same day as Azealia Banks or Metallica, or All Time Low on the same day as Knife Party or Mumford & Sons!

“It’s almost exactly six months to the Festivals and I already can’t wait until August Bank Holiday weekend.

"Having spent some time reviewing the ticket price and talking to people about it I felt that where we had got to with the day price was too high and once I really examined it decided to go the whole hog and reduce it to £59.50. However, anyone thinking it’s a way to get the weekend including camping cheaper will be disappointed. It will not give access to the campsite as I'm creating new entrances for day ticket holders. It’s still great though for those that don't want to camp." 

 Over fifty further names are also revealed today, joining artists already announced for the Festivals including Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons and Metallica, proving that Reading & Leeds is the Festival for true music fans.

MAIN STAGE

On the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds, pop-punkers All Time Low will return to the Festival for the first time since 2012 with eagerly anticipated new album ‘Future Hearts’ in tow.

Sheffield’s Bring Me The Horizon have established themselves as the UK’s biggest and best metal crossover act, and will follow up their all-conquering sold out Wembley Arena headline show last year with a set immediately before Metallica on the Main Stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds. Their performance at the Festivals this summer is a European exclusive.

Grammy nominated rapper Kendrick Lamar will showcase his unparalleled ability and powerful wordplay in his debut performance at the Festivals, creative indie rock heroes The Maccabees will take the Main Stage and will play some tracks from their forthcoming album, Wakefield rock band and NME Outstanding Contribution to Music Winners The Cribs whose hotly anticipated new album ‘For All My Sisters’ will be released this March.

Panic! At The Disco will bring their incredible grown up pop-rock and infectious hooks back to the Main Stage, along with anthemic rock quintet Lonely The Brave, who return following their hugely successful set in 2014.

Pop Punk’s most exciting new band Neck Deep have set course for Reading & Leeds this summer to demonstrate exactly why they were named ‘Best Newcomer’ at last year’s Kerrang! Awards and West Yorkshire Festival favourites Marmozets will bring their incendiary live set back to Reading & Leeds as they graduate to Main Stage billing.

NME/BBC RADIO 1 STAGE

Following the release of their debut studio album ‘Abandon Ship’ late last year, electronic dance duo Knife Party return to the Festivals this summer for an extra special closing set on the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds.

American rock band Limp Bizkit and rap prodigy Tyler, The Creator also join the bill, along with Birmingham indie poppers Swim Deep, inventive British art rock band Everything Everything, indie rock quartet Peace and North London production duo Gorgon City.Also revealed today are Math rock legends American Football, Liverpudlian band of the moment Circa Waves, beat-maker and prolificproducer Jamie XX, leftfield pop musicians Glass Animals, emotionally charged Pennsylvania four-piece The Districts and Punk duo Slaves.

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE

Boy Better Know featuring JME, Skepta, Wiley, Shorty, Solo 45, Maximum, Jammer & Frisco will be headlining the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage on the Sunday at Reading and the Friday at Leeds.  Headed up by JME, brother Skepta and Wiley, they are the leading collective in Grime. 

 Also performing across the weekend are drum & bass duo Camo & Krooked, producer and techno artist Brodinski, Scottish production wizard Hudson Mohawke, mysterious R ’n’ B maestro Ben Kahn and My Nu Leng, who will bring their big bounding beats to the Festival. London based feel-good House duo Toyboy & Robin, New York electric pop duo Cardiknox, geek-step Midlander FTSE, electronic producer Porter Robinson presents his incredible Worlds live show, LA DJ Dillon Francis, and self-proclaimed ‘sad dance’ musician Tourist will also be performing.

THE LOCK UP/PIT STAGE

As one of the most influential pop punk bands of all time, and with a rich history at Reading & Leeds, New Found Glory return to headline The Lock Up on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Three-time Grammy nominated titans of metal Mastodon will take top billing on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds.

Canadian hardcore heavyweights Cancer Bats also join the line-up, along with ex-My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero, who brings his new project FrnkIero Andthe Cellabration. Swedish theatrical metallers Ghost, technical death metal band Gojira and reunited hardcore legends Modern Life Is War will rock the stage across the weekend. Anthemic punkers The Menzingers, Sheffield’s top metal band While She Sleeps, Southampton five piece Bury Tomorrow and rockers Simple Plan are also revealed for the Festival bill.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE

All three Festival Republic Stage headliners are revealed in today’s announcement, with a very special set from Django Django closing the stage on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Indie rock veterans The Wombats will headline the stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds and fan favourite Frank Turner will bring a special solo set to Reading on Sunday / Leeds on Friday.

Legendary Irish rockers Ash will make a welcome return to Reading & Leeds, building on a rich history with the Festivals dating back to their first performance at Reading in 1995. Having recently announced their new album, their set will be yet another classic performance providing the soundtrack to the summer.

Also performing on the stage will be Canadian indie-pop quintet Alvvays, fast rising rockers Coasts, grunge revivalists Darlia and Australian indie sensation DMA’s. The soaring melodies of Jake Isaac, folky Sydney trio Little May, the socially observant hip-hop/rock of Ratboy, American baroque pop band San Fermin, young South Londoners The Bulletproof Bomb, the soaring rock of We Are The Ocean, irish rock-pop five piece Walking On Cars and Missouri garage punk brothers Radkey make the Festival Republic Stage the one-stop shop for all things on the rise, alongside some of the biggest names in music.

BBC 1XTRA STAGE

Now a well-established feature of Reading & Leeds, the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage will bring the absolute best in urban music across the three days of the Festival. Co-headlining on the Friday at Reading and the Saturday at Leeds are Harlem trap lord A$AP Ferg and hazy Brooklyn hip hop crew Flatbush Zombies, providing an incredible East coast double header of real rap music. Having finally dropped her long awaited debut album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ late last year, Azealia Banks returns to Reading & Leeds for one of her characteristically high octane live sets to headline the 1Xtra Stage on Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds.

With one final headliner still to be revealed for the stage, the tent will host sets from Miami bass turntablist Craze, South London hip hop duo Krept & Konan, grime hero and UK trailblazer Lethal Bizzle and the fresh sounds of Essex rapper Nick Brewer. The line-up grows even further with the addition of genre-blurring urban DJ Oneman and the unique dream-rap of Pell. New York natives Ratking are one of the purest voices of modern underground rap music and this year marks their debut R&L performance alongside MOBO Award ‘Best Grime Act’ and BBC Sound Of runner up Stormzy. Brotherly hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd are also announced today.

Newly announced today:

The Libertines (Headliner)

 A$AP Ferg

All Time Low

Alvvays

American Football

Ash

Azealia Banks

Ben Kahn

Boy Better Know

Bring Me The Horizon (European Festival Exclusive)

Brodinski

Bury Tomorrow

Camo & Krooked

Cancer Bats

Cardiknox

Circa Waves

Coasts

Craze

Darlia

Dillon Francis

Django Django

DMA’s

Everything Everything

Flatbush Zombies

Frank Turner (solo)

Frnkiero Andthe Cellabration
 

FTSE

Ghost

Glass Animals

Gojira

Gorgon City

Hudson Mohawke

Jake Isaac

Jamie XX

Kendrick Lamar

Knife Party

Krept & Konan

Lethal Bizzle

Limp Bizkit

Little May

Lonely The Brave

Marmozets

Mastodon

Modern Life Is War

My Nu Leng

Neck Deep

New Found Glory

Nick Brewer

Oneman

Panic! At the Disco

Peace

Pell

Porter Robinson

Radkey

Rae Sremmurd

Rat Boy

Ratking

San Fermin

Simple Plan

Slaves

Stormzy

Swim Deep

The Bulletproof Bomb

The Districts

The Maccabees

The Menzingers

The Wombats

Toyboy & Robin

Tourist

Tyler, The Creator

Walking On Cars

We Are The Ocean

While She Sleeps

 

Already announced:

Metallica (Headliner and UK Festival Exclusive)

Mumford & Sons (Headliner and England & Wales Festival Exclusive)

Bastille (England & Wales Festival Exclusive)

Catfish and The Bottlemen

Deadmau5

Hannah Wants

Jack Garratt

Jamie T

Manchester Orchestra

Pierce The Veil

Pretty Vicious

Rebel Sound

Refused

Royal Blood (UK Summer Festival Exclusive)

Run The Jewels

Wilkinson (Live)

Wolf Alice

Years & Years

Mark Ronson, Everything Everything and more join T in the Park lineup

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Following last week’s T in the Park line-up announcement, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager have today announced some exciting new additions to the 2015 bill, including the unstoppable Mark Ronson (DJ set), Everything Everything, Admiral Fallow, Jack Savoretti, Rae Morris, Marmozets and Saint Raymond. 
 
The hugely in-demand, multi-Grammy Award-winning producer and musician Mark Ronson will make his T in the Park debut this July in what will surely be one of the most hotly anticipated DJ sets of the weekend at Strathallan Castle. Ronson returned with a bang at the end of last year with his record-breaking smash hit single Uptown Funk featuring Bruno Mars. He followed up with his brand new album Uptown Special – his most inventive and vibrant work to date – which became his first-ever number one album in the UK and entered the Top Ten on the Billboard 200 chart in the US when it was released earlier this year.
 
Since they appeared on the longlist of the BBC Sound of 2010 award, genre-defying, Manchester-based indie rock outfit Everything Everything have gone from strength to strength, receiving a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for their debut album Man Alive. The band return with more unpredictable, infectious pop gems this spring, with the release of their third album Get to Heaven.
 
Glaswegian folk pop five-piece Admiral Fallow first played T in the Park in their former guise, when they headlined the T Break Stage in 2009 as the Brother Louis Collective. Through melding an indie-rock line-up with clarinet, flute, double bass, string section and two jaw-dropping vocals, they deliver beautifully eccentric and finely-crafted songs. Their debut album, Boots Met My Face, was packed with anthemic choruses and stomping Wilco-esque tunes, and its 2012 follow-up, Tree Bursts in Snow was similarly rapturously received by fans and critics alike.
 
When Jack Savoretti released his critically-acclaimed 2011 release Before The Storm, it earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting new songwriting talents around. The record’s eagerly anticipated follow-up Written In Scars was released this month, showcasing his gorgeous, gritty, soul-soaked vocals and bringing to the fore his richly diverse influences.
 
Another hotly tipped singer-songwriter, Rae Morris was longlisted in the BBC Sound of 2015 poll, and released her dazzling debut album Unguarded at the beginning of the year. The album debuted at number nine on the UK Albums Chart, and earned major plaudits for its ethereal, atmospheric pop.
 
Marmozets’ debut album, The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets, made a big impression upon its release and won the band major critical acclaim for its huge, ambitious sound. Hailed as “the most exciting young band in Britain" by Kerrang!, they are set to play T in the Park for the first time this summer.
 
Saint Raymond was one of the most talked about acts of last year. His single Young Blood was Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’ on Radio 1, and he secured the sole support slot for Haim’s sold-out UK and European tour. His self-penned, independently released debut Escapade EPshot up the iTunes album chart upon release.
 
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), Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG
  
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, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX, Jack Savoretti, Rae Morris
  
SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above & Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish & the Bottlemen, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, Ella Henderson, Modest Mouse, James Bay, Years & Years, Peace, Everything Everything, Admiral Fallow, Marmozets, Saint Raymond