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CAMP BESTIVAL Shropshire 2024 – The Big Review!

September 1, 2024 by Anna Hyams

THURSDAY

After weeks of nice sunshine, OF COURSE it is widdling it down the day we’re heading out to Camp Bestival Shropshire. Regardless, we are determined to have an excellent time and head into Weston Park with glee to collect our wristbands.

After wrangling two very excited children, four adults, ten tonnes of snackage, a crate of fancy dress and a partridge in a pear-tree into our home for the weekend – a fancy shmancy bell-tent – we are all knackered and hungry. The arena calls us, with it’s beautiful silk flags waving in the wind (the rain has thankfully subsided). We make our way over to The Feast Collective, find a long bench to house everyone, and go about selecting some delicious dinners to fuel our tanks. Plant-based tacos, chicken katsu bowls, steak frites, smoothies and cocktails served in pineapples… you name it, you can find it at Bestival.

After dinner, a walk around the site is in order and I can definitely say that more attention to layout and decoration has been taken this year. There seems to be something fun to look at everywhere you turn, and things seem to flow more easily than in last year’s set-up. The new Navigation Town, tacked onto the back of Caravanserai and the bandstand, looks absolutely beautiful, and I love the new stamp-able passport initiative for the kids.

We spend the rest of the evening playing in smoke bubbles at the Bubble shop, and buying a Cheshire cat tail at the Tail shop, from a lady dressed as a disco lemur. 10/10 Bestival evening of weirdness, but we defect to camp to get some much-needed sleep before the big weekend.

FRIDAY

A morning of pancakes and delight at the fact that the rain has gone, is followed by donning our brightest funnest clothing and heading out to see what’s up. There’s already a huge queue for the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, heaps of people already queuing up for water sports like paddle-boarding and wild swimming, and lovely morning Yoga going on at Slow Motion. You couldn’t pay me to take a dip in the ice-bath though, I’m just not that person.

We talk a walk through the woods, which have been significantly developed since last year – now housing the Scouts and woodland activities such as fabric weaving between trees, bug catching and even mini-archery. We have a go at toasting s’mores on the open fire, crack-out the dressing up box on the woodland stage for a quick soliloquy, and have a good old crash around in the Orchestra of Objects. I particularly liked the teaspoon and tea-pot glockenspiel.

On the main stage, Hacker T Dog & Katie Thistleton from CBBC are getting rowdy in the crowd and blasting interesting versions of the theme tunes from Paw Patrol and Fireman Sam, which is obviously going down a storm with the small beings (and the Dads). During the explosive Braniac show, we pop over to pick up our Kids Pass food packs – at a mere £40 for the entire weekend, I genuinely Believe this is the best initiative a UK festival has ever come up with.

So first up, we show our QR codes to pick up the pack itself, which consists of a Camp Bestival printed drawstring bag (which is a really nice quality souvenir in itself) and a printed water bottle, as well as our sheet of vouchers. The vouchers consist of; 1 lunch, 1 snack, 1 dinner and 1 sweet treat per day. In the next tent over, we go to pick up the lunch items for day one – hand in our token and are offered a choice between a sandwich, a wrap and a pot of pasta. These are full-size meal-deal type offerings, which are then supplemented with a fruit snack bar, a squeezable yoghurt, a box of fruit juice and then two pieces of actual fruit (which you can go back and get more of at any time of day, unlimited. Filling up the water bottle with filtered tap water is also a nice touch, it tastes better than the other water points on site.

I realise I am waxing lyrical about a food scheme here, but I can’t tell you how much stress it took off our shoulders for the weekend. We didn’t have to think about whether the kids would like their lunches – it’s all kid-friendly options, we didn’t worry about getting nutrients into them thanks to the fruit, we could carry the snacks around all day instead of being blindsided by “I’m hungry” every two minutes. The main meals were redeemable at heaps of outlets around the site (personal pizza, kids tacos, hotdogs and chips, even ramen bowls!) and ours chose exclusively ice-cream as their daily sweet treat, of course.

So after our picnic lunch, we took a squiz at all the other entertainments on offer across this area, including skate ramp lessons, a giant game of football and roller disco. Everywhere we wandered had stamp stations for the Navigation passports, so we spent a good deal of time trying to get those done as well.

Rick Parfitt Jr. covers pop bangers from U2 to The Black Eyed Peas, but Say She She really bring the party, with their funky disco sounds. All three of them are not only mesmerisingly beautiful, but incredible vocalists – if you have the chance, they are a must-see.

McFly are my stand-out band of the weekend, coming in with so much energy and joy you can’t help but get up and dance with them. A huge crowd is going absolutely bonkers for ‘Where Did All The Guitars Go’, Tom is jumping around the stage, we get a cover of Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ mixed with the ‘YMCA’… what’s not to love? Kids on shoulders are rocking out to ‘All About You’ and ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’ like it’s the early noughties all over again, and I’m here for it.

After Orbital’s Phil Hartnoll gave his first performance at the CBeebies Bedtime Story Tent (reading Doggy Dance Off), its time for the sonic sounds of gorgeous ambient rave from their decks in the Big Top. Spiraling soft lighting provides a backdrop to their dance party antics, and I can’t stress this enough – if you don’t like ‘Chime’, there’s something wrong with you. Go see a Doctor.

Rick Astley closes the main stage for Friday night, looking truly debonair in a coral coloured suit and his inimitable coiffured hair he struts out to a deafening cheer from the crowd. Honestly he looks like he’s just stepped right off the Hairspray musical stage into Weston Park.

A rousing carousel of his own hits and a few covers ensues, peppered with jokes and anecdotes about his time as a performer. “I’m 58, my knees are shot, my ankles are shot… Not really, I’m fit as a fiddle, drink me in! I don’t really dance as much anymore, I just stand here looking gorgeous. Camp Bestival, do you want to dance with me?” laughs Rick, as he salsas his way across the stage.

“There are people here young people, people whose mums and dads weren’t even born when these Songs were out” he giggles before dropping into 1988’s ‘Hold Me In Your Arms’. After thanking everyone in the entire festival; “…massive thank you to the staff and crew, the security, Brownies over there, Hot Dogs… Chunky Chips, let’s hear it for the Chunky Chips!” and a rendition of AC/DC’s ‘Highway To Hell’ which he plays on the drums, our anticipation is finally satiated with the reverse-rickroll, the one we’ve been waiting for – ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. It’s a delight to see and hear this in person to be honest, iconic and nostalgic. I bought a t-shirt with it on too because I want to rickroll everyone in my daily life, forever.

The night is still young, so we take a stroll around to the truly beautiful Caravanserai, my spiritual home. Everyone is dancing or crammed into tiny caravans drinking fun cocktails, children are sleeping in trollies or dancing in bubble trails, Bestival at night is the most magical and hard to explain experience, the whimsy and carefree vibe is unmatched. Alas, the small ones will wake with the sun regardless of my wish to live in the night, so we mosey back to camp for bed.

SATURDAY

A morning of Soft Play (for the under 5’s) gives us the gift of post-breakfast energy burn, followed by a couple of goes on EarthBot’s slides, and then seeing Bluey (for real life!) in the CBeebies tent, complete with take-away colouring pages which proved very useful for downtime later on.

Mr. Maker has everyone drawing shapes in the sky with their fingers, and roaring along to his very questionable rendition of Old McDonald (no, Tigers are not traditionally farm-animals, unless you’re Joe Exotic I guess). Morning of the Misters continues with Mr. Tumble who is playing to an absolutely enormous crowd of shrieking children, but we are having a picnic lunch off to the side.

Having hastily chosen our movie only a couple of weeks ago and scrambled to put together outfits, we, the cast of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, scamper over to LoveBot to enter the Fancy Dress Competition. This year’s fancy dress theme of ‘Time & Space’ of course meant that there were about 5 Delorean/Marty McFly teams in attendance, The Flintstones were pretty amazing too, but my vote would absolutely have gone to the Dune-themed family who had turned their festival trolley into the coolest disco sandworm ever. Unfortunately we came second, and the competition went on so long that the kids’ patience had run as dry as Arakis, but we all got rosettes so were pretty pleased with ourselves regardless.

In an effort to appease a tiny gromp, we take to the Carousel for some old-timey action and witness one child screaming (not with joy) their way around the at least 4 minute long ride. Not one to be offput by this, ours thoroughly enjoys herself and then asks to go on the Helter Skelter as well. Seeking a little shade and a sit down, we pop round to Josie’s Post Office, which is set up with colouring and craft tables – a perfect break, especially with the relaxing sounds of Joe Fleming at Caravanserai in the background.

On the main stage, The Amy Winehouse Band are giving us all the hits in the sunshine – though it is bringing back memories for me, of seeing Amy Winehouse at Bestival in 2008, a few years before her death. At that show, she rocked up 80 minutes late and stumbled her way badly through what was left of the set – getting absolutely slated for it in the press. She might not be here today, but it feels like I’m hearing what it should have been like – bittersweet.

Hak Baker brings us a soulful set full of feel-good songs “I see a lot of smiles that’s good, I need that today”, before Gok Wan (who does his own intro “He’s six foot and gorgeous, iiiiiit’s GOK WAN!”) brings his bouncy fun DJ set to the arena. We defect early in search of food, today’s choices include pie, roasted duck fries, and pasta Bolognese with garlic bread.

The Darkness kindly ask if we, the parents would like a censored set from them “…the next song has quite a few expletives, do you want the dirty or clean version? I can swap some of the words, one beginning with C becomes coconut, which has three syllables rather than the original word… so, dirty or clean?” to which everyone obviously screams “Dirty”. It’s an absolute firecracker of a show, with Justin’s undefeatable rock-and-roll frontman sensibilities and the bands’ undeniable energy. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but it’s hard to deny they have star quality and the songs are unquestionably singable – especially when accompanied by Justin doing a headstand on the drum riser and clapping along with, er, his feet.

Eardrum bursting ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ is the anthem of the evening, every Dad in the arena is rocking out – and, asking an entire crowd of kids to yell Motherfxker is just funny, I don’t care who you are.

Jake Shears (of Scissor Sisters fame) dances across the stage with wild abandon in a blue velour tracksuit, accompanied by drag queen Snow White Trash on the saxophone, for a super fun set. It’s an absolute party on stage, and we too are capering about to the classics ‘Take Your Mama’ and ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’.

In the Big Top, Junior Jungle fresh off the back of hosting the Fancy Dress comp, have kids up on stage with them, throwing an absolutely insane house party, followed by Besti in-house antics from veterans The Cuban Brothers. “This song is about bastards… it’s about the Tory party” Miguelito minces no words and the tent erupts in laughter, before we are treated to their heady mix of hip hop, soul and funk along with some breakdancing and a lot of lewd discourse. I sadly have to love and leave them to run to tonight’s headline act.

Paloma Faith hits the main stage in a cacophony of red, looking like she’d skinned Elmo for fashion, every bit the starlet we expect. ‘Bad Woman’ is “…dedicated to all the girls in the audience. No more ‘boys will be boys’, boys need to act right so we have space to be naughty. I sing this every night to my little girl to remind her to take up space”.

After fighting with her furry red coat and accidentally pulling off one of her grinch-coded gloves, Paloma jokes “I just find drunk people a bit boring” about song ‘Stone Cold Sober’ while she pauses to remove some of her glove from her gob “I’ve got fur in my mouth”.

Telling us “The new album is about my breakup with my kids dad… and about feeling better but guilty and ashamed and bad. So I wrote this song and had a word with myself a bit, for people who will relate to this song – this is for all the single parents out there.” Paloma brings us a little of the new alongside the old. ‘Only Love Can Hurt Like This’ is gorgeously sensual, and cements the Hackney pop Princess’ position at the top of the Camp Bestival bill.

SUNDAY

Sunday morning feels restful, even here. There’s a lazy quality to the sunshine today as we head over to Woodland Tribe, listening to the Indian Drummers and relishing the slight breeze alongside the waters edge at the Park Pool.

There’s a bit of a queue for Woodland tribe, but once in, the kids are completely fascinated by the chance to hammer nails into bits of wood, paint anything they want to, and just generally being allowed to do things they normally wouldn’t. A sprawling wooden hodge-podge between two Tardis-like doors, kids everywhere are engaged in the very serious business of BUILDING. Building what is anyone’s guess at this point, but I do like that someone has chosen to spend their time making a suspicious looking wooden cat.

Elsewhere in Spinney Hollow Craft Village there is basket weaving and sword making, around the corner from Art Town, Textile World and African Drumming. There’s not enough time in the weekend to get to all the activities on offer here, and to be fair quite a few of them are aimed at older children than ours, but you’ll never be bored.

With the sun up and getting hotter, I wish I’d brought my swimmies with me – but I have things to do and don’t fancy a dip in the old undercrackers. Maybe next time! Instead we head over to Navigation Town to catch an amazing aerial hoop artist, and then a hat juggling performance, with a cheeky mojito in hand from the cocktail bar next door. These are truly the moments I cherish here, sitting in the sunshine watching something that puts the unmistakable expression of sheer awe on tiny faces.

Each performer even had their own stamp for the kids to collect in their passports following the show, which is such a lovely touch. We hang out a little to join in with Nick the Piano Man doing a singalong, and then some Open Mic sign-ups, where a tiny girl called Lotta belted out Taylor Swift’s ‘Our Song’ with the confidence of a main stage artist.

We also watched a contact-juggler doing crystal ball tricks that even the Goblin King would have been proud of, before making our way over to the main stage for Ellie Sax. Dressed head to toe in shiny metallic sparkles, Ellie gives us classic club tunes with a side of saxophone, that you just didn’t know you needed but absolutely do. I LOVE this set, it is such a highlight – and Ellie running down the front barrier high-fiving kids is exactly the kind of wholesome star-struck experience you want them to have. We dance the kids down to the front on our shoulders and have a good old boogie. Ellie finishes up with Klingande’s Jubel, in the sunshine – perfect.

Craig Charles gives a funky, chilled DJ set – “This is how we roll… we play funk and we play soul” and I enjoy his Come Together/Crazy In Love mashup, but it does feel like a bit of a comedown after the raucous Ellie Sax. Level 42 are another outlier if you ask me, they’re good don’t get me wrong, but it’s a thin crowd down at the front, and we take the opportunity to get food and have a sit down.

Sara Cox is plagued by sound issues at the beginning of her set, but spins classics such as ‘Like A Prayer’ with stage dancers who are doing the most, followed by Britney’s ‘Baby One More Time’ and LMFAO’s ‘Sexy and I know It’. It is possibly some of the worst mixing of all time but she’s very fun and everyone loves her so, that’s that.

Luckily Faithless are up next, this time as a full band supporting Sister Bliss’s epic DJ skills, and it is clear from the gargantuan riser filled with an array of different decks, that she means business. No time is wasted in getting to the big guns, ‘Salva Mea’ and ‘Insomnia’ hit as hard as ever and are made even more robust with the addition of the big band accompaniment. Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ given the Faithless treatment is one of my absolute favourites, but seeing Maxi Jazz in the matrix (well, on screens) is going to bring a tear to any old clubber’s eye.

“Camp Bestival, WE COME 1” shouts Bliss “Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey… if you make enough noise, we might have one more for you!” before dropping Dido’s ‘Thank You’ mixed up with some heavy drum and bass to end, replete with lasers and huge smoke bursts. It’s a stellar show, but what comes next is somewhat unexpected. There are no fireworks, there is no ending. No Rob da Bank and Josie coming on stage to say goodbye to everyone and thank them for coming – something that has been done at every Bestival and Camp Bestival forever.

The waiting crowd showed me that my disappointment was mirrored. We saw the fireworks of Dorset a few weeks ago, if this isn’t the kicker feeling of least-favourite-child, I don’t know what is. I felt in my bones that something was untoward – and to be proved completely right, a few days following the festival it was announced that Camp Bestival Shropshire would be “Taking a break next year”.

Whatever the reason, the way this one ended does not fill me with hope for a return. Though the push since has been “Come to Dorset instead”, it just isn’t that simple. We are a five hour journey from Dorset, our friends would be almost 8 hours away with young children in the car (and that’s without factoring the extra cost of travel). Shropshire was so perfectly primed for catching all those outside the Southern circle and I’m truly gutted to have to tell my kid that it just doesn’t exist next year, as after 3 – she’s already as much a Bestival native as I am.

I don’t want to end this review on a sour note though, because we’ve once again had an absolutely incredible time at this little festival. Camp Bestival is a lesson in love, in families taking time out to focus on each other. In parents being able to give their kids magic, in kids being able to see their parents be silly and free. The dancing, singing, hugging, the unmetered joy – something so rare, but so abundant here.

I am crossing everything for 2026, because in this ridiculous world, we all need to be more Bestival.

Common People Southampton 2017 – Reviewed!

November 8, 2018June 2, 2017 by Anna Hyams

Common People might be the littlest sister of UK behemoth Bestival, but it certainly packs it’s own unique punch. Held on Southampton Common (with a twin over in Oxford now too) it’s a two day hedonistic escape without the sleeping-on-a-rollmat or not-showering-for-four-days element, and as such, is an altogether pleasant affair.

Saturday sees the likes of Elvana (Elvis fronted Nirvana) doing, well… exactly what it says on the tin I suppose, and Loyle Carner whipping a tshirt around the stage and rapping hits from his debut album, to a sun-drenched and almost feverish front row made almost exclusively of ladies. Over on the Uncommon stage, local lads Fever are whipping up a storm with their classic punky rock vibes to a packed tent.

The arena itself is decorated with a well-known Josie Da Bank feel to it, silk flags flutter in the breeze and there are fairy lights, lanterns and rainbow streamers everywhere, but it’s the heart installation which simply reads ‘Manchester’ which stands out the most. After such a terrible event, it’s affirming to know that people will still make their way to a festival like this, but the increased police presence was very noticeable.

Despite the somewhat sobering feeling of walking past armed police to enter the festival, the atmosphere is free spirited and fun. The Kids area is packed with people attempting circus skills, hula hooping, bubble blowing and getting their faces painted. Hidden away in a magical little copse, it really does have that hazy secret summer feel to it, and the Jam Jar Bar is serving up delicious treats for the bigger kids. Did someone say Rhubarb Martini?

Over in The People’s Front Room, which is dressed up as a shabby-chic front room in case you were wondering… people are grooving along to funky sounds, but it’s pretty tightly packed so we’re off to check out the food options, which never disappoint at CP. Back in the dark old days of UK festivals your best hope was paying over the odds for some soggy chips and a distinctly grey looking burger, but at Common People your culinary compass can spin all around the world. From Paella to Macaroni Cheese, to thali boxes or soft shell crab burgers, there is nothing common about this menu. We can particularly recommend the brie, pear and walnut from The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Co. which was pretty flippin decadent.

Back at the main stage there are rows upon rows of screaming, glitter-bedazzled girls greeting a very dapper looking Tom Odell who is playing a roaring set from behind his giant centre-stage piano. Calling out “Southampton! Closest I’ll get to a home gig this season, back home, back in the badlands” Tom is returned with a chorus of “Marry me Tom!” from a group of young ladies who look like they might faint at any moment. One particular hardcore Odell fan has actually travelled with her father and sister from Brazil to see him here, now that is commitment!

Next up is Sister Bliss playing a Faithless DJ set in the deep evening sunshine which naturally has everyone up and dancing. ‘We Come 1’ is so heavy it rattles the panels of the helter skelter and Bliss looks right at home here in her sequinned bomber jacket.

Over to Pete Tong and The Heritage Orchestra to bang out some Ibiza classics and honestly, it is overwhelmingly amazing. Conductor Jules Buckley stands, arms spread wide in front of three tiers of orchestra and Pete Tong perched amongst the rafters at an LED lit mixing desk and they begin. It’s a strange sensation knowing these classics to be, to put it bluntly, somewhat simple musically speaking – but hearing them performed by the orchestra just brings them to a whole new level. Massive hits such as Fatboy Slim’s ‘Right Here, Right Now’ and Faithless’ ‘We Come 1’ get the full orchestral treatment but bathed in lasers and smoke. It’s strangely satisfying and retains the intensity of the original tracks. Pete also pays tribute to Manchester noting that it’s ‘on our minds’ before introducing Ella Eyre to sing ‘Good Life’ and Rudimental’s ‘Waiting All Night’ which are insanely good. Finishing up with Becky Hill on ‘You Got The Love’ has the whole crowd singing along and Pete Tong quips “We can’t pretend to go off and come back on again, there are too many of us!” as they close the show. With a mass surge out of the gates and into the town, day one of Common People is over and it’s been a blinder.

Sunday on Southampton Common seems a lot quieter, there are a smattering of people milling around for the first bands but it’s pretty sparse, at a guess some people went very hard last night and are nursing some pretty epic hangovers today.

The Novatones who come out strong and belt around the stage with their classic punk rock sound and jumping antics, it’s a great set and a shame so few people were out to see it. The Black Kat Boppers make short work of getting everyone who has made it in, up and dancing some sort of hybrid swing-come-dad-moves.

to being ‘stuck in traffic’ Nadia Rose appears to have all but missed her slot and Calum Lintott, who has just finished a set on the Uncommon Stage is hauled in to fill the time. He looks nervous as hell at first, forgets to plug in his guitar… “That’s a good start isn’t it! I did not expect to be doing this today” and waves awkwardly at his family out in the arena, but he pulls off a frankly fantastic second set anyway. Even the security guards are clapping along by the end and Calum seems pretty stoked about getting to play the main stage, ‘English Daisy’ and ‘Baby I’m Insane’ are going straight on the playlist.

Whilst Signals are mid set-up and sound check, Nadia Rose finally makes it to the main stage – albeit shoe-horned into the side with the DJ booth, accompanied by a large posse. Rocking a red bomber, with matching trainers and visible pants, as well as her signature space bun hairstyle – she is every bit the rapper celebrity the young front row have come to see. Busting out ‘Skwod’ and ‘Boom’ she has boundless energy and is absolutely fierce in her delivery, but it was maybe a little unnecessary of her to complain that “I’ve got a short set today, because I was put on late, but whatever” when it doesn’t seem like anyone was really at fault for that.

A brief but substantial downpour sees herds of people diving into bars and tents for shelter, which Amy MacDonald finds highly amusing “It seems a lot of people are scared of a little bit of rain… that’s a drizzle in Glasgow… southern softies eh?”. Standing in front of a broadway-esque red ruched curtain, the Scottish musician plays a storming set highlighted by recent hit ‘This is the Life’ but the rowdy contingent of Common People are squished side by side into the rainbow-ribboned Uncontained Stage area for Fat Man Scoop. Stalwart of the school disco, Fatman Scoop is of course playing an absolute cheese-fest of hits. Rocking lounge shorts and pool slides he leaves the decks to dance with three stunned kids who’ve been pulled from the crowd for DMX’s ‘Party Up’ but decides to get them to cover their eyes for his brief bout of topless shimmying. Good call Scoop, good call. ‘Be Faithful’ is exactly as obnoxiously loud and fun as you’d imagine, and with the appearance of Goldie, it’s just what we needed to get out of the grim weather funk.

Over on the main stage the House Gospel Choir are giving huge club hits in their distinctive style, notably a cover of Robin S’ ‘Show Me Love’, to a massive crowd. Up next British Sea Power aren’t garnering the same sort of response due to their softer, melodic sounds, but the front few rows seem to be die-hard fans who are absolutely loving them and their strange selection of stage-foliage.

Natives are shredding the Uncommon Stage with loads of people dancing and jumping around in the tent, and the bouncy castle has been dried and re-opened to hordes of terrifyingly fearless children. With a single experimental bounce and what thankfully was a minor collision with a manically grinning cannonball of a small girl, it’s time to escape to safety. Off to a less violent affair, lashings of glitter makeup from Dust & Dance and obligatory hair braiding, before heading over to see Wild Beasts. Flanked by flashing panel lights and a giant backdrop from their latest album ‘Boy King’ they have a distinct electronic rock sound that is definitely piquing some interest in the now quieter arena. I think they’re going to be the hot playlist add following the weekend, but I’m not sure they’re quite what everyone was waiting for.

Groove Armada pick it back up with a solid set of classic dance music, and I know it’s specifically listed as a DJ set but they really are holed up at the back of the stage behind a giant table. Why can’t DJ’s be at the forefront and engage with the crowd in any way other than that wistful sort of pointing into the sky reminiscent of Steve Zissou? Anyway… as they continue through the set the crowd builds and gets increasingly rowdy, during a remix of Breach’s ‘Let’s Jack’ security are rushed into the main stage pit to hold the barriers as people push against them whilst dancing.

After a couple of choice cocktails at The Day of the Dead Bar it’s down to Sean Paul to close out Common People 2017. Swaggering onstage in a dusty trenchcoat and a pair of sunglasses, Sean Paul looks every bit the nonchalant celebrity, but as ‘Get Busy’ begins it’s clear he is here to move and shake that thing as much as the crowd is. Flanked by two extremely energetic dancers, Sean Paul makes his way through a plethora of his classic hits such as ‘Baby Boy’, but it’s his version of Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’ that we are both wincing at, and simultaneously loving. It also then mixes into Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’ and honestly It’s hard to assign one feeling to something like that. To explain, he changes the words… a lot. Enough to have no idea what’s going on except for the tune.

Calling out “We’re bringing you music from around the world tonight… we’ve got music from Jamaica, we’ve been to Australia with Sia… the UK with Ed Sheeran… who wants to go to Trinidad and Tobago with me?” we can’t help but think he’s playing the metaphor because his driver (easily spotted by being the only one at the back of the crowd sporting a full suit and tie) is looking horrified at the idea of driving anywhere other than home after this.

The crowd is getting considerably louder and wilder as the show goes on, and during ‘Temperature’ two girls are hauled over the barrier by security for having a scrap over which one can get closer to Sean Paul. It’s 50-50 on the funny/baffling ratio. Ending with a chant of “Say no no no, we ain’t going home” is fun until it’s actually time to go home and return to the real world, but at least there’s a bank holiday tomorrow to recover. Oh Common People you have once again been superb, with your eclectic mix of music, beautiful décor and incredible extra-entertainment options you are really anything but common, and you know it. Roll on 2017, and if you can’t wait that long for your fix, there’s always the larger scale Camp Bestival and Bestival to continue those CP feels.

Isle of Wight Festival 2016 Review

November 8, 2018June 15, 2016 by Sharron Wheeler-Davies

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!

Isle of Wight Festival announce the Big Top lineup for 2016

November 18, 2018April 11, 2016 by Summer Festival Guide

The Isle Of Wight Festival today announces seven new acts for the festival’s prestigious Big Top stage, who will all perform over the weekend of 9-12th June at Seaclose Park.

Joining the already incredible line up, including headliners Stereophonics, Faithless, The Who and Queen + Adam Lambert, are Australian indie-pop sibling trio Germein Sisters, multi-instrumentalist Simon Townshend, atmospheric rock ‘n’ rollers Bang Bang Romeo, tuneful and cheeky cover band The Lounge Kittens, powerful rockers The Carnabys, indie-punk heroes The Novatones and the BBC Radio 2 A-listed Kerri Watt.

Having spent their childhood jamming together on their family’s bushland property in the Adelaide Hills, Georgia, Ella and Clara Germein decided to combine their individual skills and form

Germein Sisters. The band have toured Australia, New Zealand, China, Germany and London, and their irresistible charm and flawless harmonies have been compared to the likes of The Corrs, Haim and Coldplay.

Hailing from a family of incredible musicians and regarded as The Who’s “secret weapon” as part of their live band on their 2012/2013 Who’s Quadrophenia and More Tour,

Simon Townshend has released 8 acclaimed solo albums and one with the band Casbah Club, all released through his own US label Stir Music. Simon will be taking to the Big Top stage over the weekend performing tracks from his upcoming albums ‘Denial’ and ‘Looking Out Looking In’.

Labeled as “a harder edged Fleetwood Mac”, Bang Bang Romeo will be bringing their dark, atmospheric rock ‘n’ roll to the Big Top stage. Their sound draws on influences from the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Mamas and Papas and The Doors, and recent single ‘Johannesburg’ landed on the Radio X playlist.

The Lounge Kittens shot to fame in 2014 with their viral internet video for their cover of ‘Rollin’ by Limp Bizkit. From Sean Paul to Slipknot, the band’s covers have been wowing fans in the UK and in Europe having just returned from touring with the bad boys of heavy metal Steel Panther. Their tuneful and cheeky style will certainly give a sparkle to the Big Top stage!

They started out playing Rolling Stones and Kings of Leon covers in pubs, more recently, The Carnabys have been on a world tour and supported numerous big names. They’ve opened for the likes of Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Kings of Leon and Lenny Kravitz, and their raw, powerful high-octane rock action is sure to bring a burst of energy to the festival over the weekend.

South Coast four piece The Novatones are an indie-punk band fuelled on a love/hate relationship with all things British. Since forming in 2012, their loyal fan-base grows bigger each year and with a debut album out in the Summer, it’s only due to grow.

Born and raised in Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, Kerri Watt was a music fan from an early age, singing and playing piano at school and competing in regional dance shows by the age of 8. The path has only been upwards since then with her most successful single to date ‘Long Way Home’ which won huge support from BBC Radio 2, climbing onto the station’s A List.

LCD Soundsystem, Slaves, Faithless and more for Ibiza Rocks 2016

November 18, 2018March 15, 2016 by Summer Festival Guide

Last summer Ibiza Rocks celebrated 10 phenomenal years of being the home of live music in Ibiza and the ground-breaking brand are back with another blistering line up including the hugely anticipated return of LCD Soundsystem who will headline the coveted birthday slot for this Ibiza exclusive. Mercury prize nomineesSlaves will kick things off at the opening party on 15th June before an incredible array of open-air starlit summer shows follow from a mix of music’s finest including dance music pioneers Faithless, Grammy Award winner Jess Glynne, festival giants Kaiser Chiefs, BBC Sound Of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice Award winnerJack Garratt, electronic music troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem and multi-platinum selling rapper Tinie Tempah.

Slaves were part of the standout show of the summer last year when they supported The Libertines for Ibiza Rocks sold-out 10th Birthday show. Following the success of their critically acclaimed debut ‘Are You Satisfied?’ and widely regarded as one of the most exciting live acts on the scene right now, the garage-punk duo will proudly return as headliners in their own right.

Slaves said: “Last year it was madness and one of the best experiences we’ve had as a band so far. We’re fans of The Libertines so that was an honour and we had non stop fun. Ibiza being associated with clubbers makes it all the more special when you’re playing really loud rock to everybody. We can’t wait to get back to Ibiza Rocks. What a crowd.”

Staying true to Rocks longstanding reputation for championing the very best new talent, next up in June is BBC Sound of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice award winner Jack Garratt. Already part of the family, Jack captivated the crowd during his intimate set at the Ibiza Rocks Christmas party last year and now he will bring his multi-instrumental live show to the world-famous Ibiza Rocks main stage for the very first time, supported by supreme new talent, electronic-soul duo HONNE.

Jack Garratt said: "I've already packed my tie-dye vests, speedos and enough UV body paint to paint the town LIT.”

Three times Grammy award winners LCD Soundsystem play a very proud part in Ibiza Rocks’ history. When the band played the Music Box at Manumission’s 10th Birthday in 2004, it proved so inspirational that it cemented the belief that live music had a home on the White Isle and in 2005 Ibiza Rocks was born. The headline shows LCD Soundsystem subsequently played at Ibiza Rocks Bar (2007) and Ibiza Rocks Hotel (2010) stand out as another two of the most significant Rocks events of all time. Just months after their last Rocks gig James Murphy announced one final farewell, sold-out show at the iconic Madison Square Gardens, making the memories of the Ibiza shows all the more poignant. It’s now time to celebrate the bands hotly anticipated comeback and their choice to return to Ibiza Rocks for one of only a handful of live shows anywhere in the world this summer. Almost exclusively headlining major festivals such as Coachella and Primavera, LCD Soundsystem will bring the fans much closer to the music with this long-awaited gig back ‘home’ in the intimate poolside setting of Ibiza Rocks Hotel for Part 1 of Rocks’ Birthday celebrations in July.

Super-producer Diplo and his electronic dance troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem will keep the party vibes in full flow with their eclectic soundsystem mix of house, dancehall and electro. Having first played the Rocks stage In 2012, Major Lazer have gone on to become one of the most in demand acts in the world and achieved the biggest hit of last year with ‘Lean On’ – the most streamed single of all time, achieving over 540 million streams and 1.21 billion youtube views. Fresh from playing a historic concert in Cuba to over 500,000 people, Major Lazer will bring the same electric energy to the world- famous Rocks stage in July to conclude Rocks birthday celebrations.

One of the biggest female artists in the world right now and no stranger to Ibiza, Grammy award winner Jess Glynne first played Ibiza Rocks in 2014 supporting Rudimental and will now return as a No.1 album selling, chart-topping solo star for her own headline show in July.

Ibiza Rocks will proudly welcome back a band that were pivotal to shaping the success of Ibiza Rocks when it launched over 10 years ago. Kaiser Chiefs played one of the first ever shows in 2005 before the gigs moved to the 500 capacity Ibiza Rocks Bar (Bar M) in 2007 and the band featured on a truly memorable summer line up that included Arctic Monkeys, LCD Soundsystem, Mark Ronson and Kasabian. The Leeds lads will return for their 5th headline show in August and clearly can’t wait to celebrate one of summer’s most special gigs once again.

Kasier Chiefs said: “A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, we played Ibiza Rocks for the first time, in the backroom of club Manumission. It gets better and better every time, so here we go with the 5th installment. See you by the pool!”

Tine Tempah loves Ibiza and Ibiza loves him. A firm fan favourite with a high-energy, captivating live show, Tinie will be Balearic bound once more to wow the crowds with new material and huge hits including his UK No.1 single ‘Not Letting Go’ wihich features fellow Rocks artist Jess Glynne.

With over 15 million record sales under their belt, pioneering dance outfit Faithless were one of the first acts to play Ibiza Rocks in 2005 and reunited last summer to celebrate their 20th anniversary, performing as part of Radio 1’s ’20 Years in Ibiza’ weekend at Ibiza Rocks Hotel. It is with huge excitement that Ibiza Rocks welcomes the band back for a full headline Ibiza Rocks show in August.

The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists, best breakthrough talent and cutting edge DJs. Summer 2015 will see the celebration of Ibiza Rocks 11th Birthday during the 14 weeklong season of spectacular outdoor gigs.

Shane Murray, Brand Director, Ibiza Rocks Group said: “This year is hugely exciting for us at Ibiza Rocks as we embark on our second decade on the island. LCD Soundsystem debuted for us way back in 2004 for a show that was pivotal in inspiring our live music revolution in Ibiza. It felt special – upstart promoters and a maverick producer challenging the way things were. They return as one of the world’s biggest bands and we couldn’t be prouder. With Faithless and Major Lazer Soundsystem joining us we’ve got three global festival headliners at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel this year and that’s because there simply isn’t another gig atmosphere like it for artists and fans alike. Then we have new talents like Slaves, Jack Garratt and Jess Glynne who we’ve brought up through the ranks from support slots to headliners and firm favourites like Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs who consistently put on a brilliant live show. There’s more to come and we can’t wait.”

Ibiza Rocks 2016 line up so far:

15/06 OPENING PARTY WITH SLAVES
29/06 JACK GARRATT | HONNE
06/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 1) WITH LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
13/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 2) WITH MAJOR LAZER SOUNDSYSTEM
20/07 JESS GLYNNE
27/07 TINIE TEMPAH
03/08 KAISER CHIEFS
31/08 FAITHLESS

Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 15th June – 14th September 2016
We Are Rockstars every Friday from 3rd June – 16th September 2016
Craig David’s TS5 Pool Party every Sunday – 17th July – 4th September 2016

Calvin Harris, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and loads more added to T in the Park 2016

June 10, 2020February 25, 2016 by Summer Festival Guide

The 2016 festival takes place at Strathallan Castle over 8^th – 10^th July. Joining the bill – which already features previously announced headliners The Stone Roses, plusDisclosure, Courteeners and The 1975 – today are:

FRIDAY 8^TH JULY: The Stone Roses, Disclosure, Courteeners, Jamie xx, James Morrison, Frightened Rabbit, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Bear’s Den, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Krept & Konan, The Coral, The Temperance Movement, Oh Wonder

SATURDAY 9^TH JULY: Calvin Harris, Bastille, The 1975, The Last Shadow Puppets, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Jess Glynne, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, Tinie Tempah, Tom Odell, Stiff Little Fingers, Shed Seven, Disciples, Rat Boy, Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys

SUNDAY 10^TH JULY: Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem, Faithless, Major Lazer, James Bay, Jake Bugg, Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, Craig David’s TS5, Maximo Park, John Grant, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats, FIDLAR, Blossoms

Tickets for T in the Park 2016 are on sale now from www.tinthepark.com and remain at the same price for a fourth year running. T in the Park’s new homeStrathallan Castle is centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, approximately one hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lying on an estate sprawling a massive 1000 acres, surrounded by beautiful woodland, the site has expanded for 2016 with the Main Arena now a quarter bigger in size and the campsite increasing by a larger amount.

The acts announced today join Friday headliners and Manchester icons The Stone Roses, electronic music duo Disclosure, guitar pop four-piece The 1975 and indie favourites Courteeners on the bill.

Organisers are also delighted to announce that Calvin Harris will make a return to T in the Park to headline the Main Stage on Saturday night at Strathallan Castle.

One of the world’s biggest rock bands, the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers will return to T in the Park for the first time in a decade to bring the festival to an epic close when they headline the Sunday night. The California rockers will treat fans to hits from their iconic back catalogue, as well as new material, with a new album reportedly due out early summer. The band have only played T in the Park once before when they headlined the Main Stage in 2006, and their return is sure to be a huge moment for fans.

Red Hot Chili Peppers said: “Can’t believe it’s 10 years since we last played T in the Park. It seems fitting to mark the 10^th anniversary of that performance with a return visit.”

Bastille have made an indelibly huge mark since the release of their 2013 debut album Bad Blood, which entered the UK charts at number one, stayed in the top twenty for 2 years and went double platinum in the UK. The band’s infectious hits likePompeii, Things We Lost in the Fire and Of the Night always prompt epic crowd singalongs at T in the Park, and with their hotly anticipated second album due out this summer, they’ll be treating the crowd to new material as well as their much loved anthems.

Singer Dan Smith said: “We've had great times at T in the Park over the last few years, both while playing our sets to the ever-brilliant crowds and also getting to wander round and watch loads of other bands that we love. We can't wait to head back this summer with all the new songs we've been working on.”

LCD Soundsystem will return as Sunday night headliners of the BBC Radio 1 Stage.

After a six-year hiatus, The Last Shadow Puppets supergroup line-up featuring Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner and solo artist Miles Kane are back with a new album and big sound. The band released their new single Bad Habits this year along with the exciting news of the forthcoming new album Everything You’ve Come to Expect. The band is set to make their T in the Park debut as TLSP this July. Creating massive sounding anthems, The Last Shadow Puppets’ energetic live set and catchy rock ‘n’ roll sound was made for festivals.

Hits like Insomnia, Salva Mea, We Come One, Mass Destruction as well as 7 albums released and over 15 million records sold, put Faithless on the global map for 20 years. In 2011, Faithless released their most recent album The Dance and over the next year sold 600,000 records and played to 2 million people. After a sell-out arena show in Glasgow’s SSE Hydro last November, Faithless will make a welcome return to Scotland this summer.

Fresh from taking home the BRIT Award for British Breakthrough Act last night, Welsh four piece Catfish and the Bottlemen will return to T in the Park. Their melodic, anthemic, guitar fuelled garage rock songs fizz with lust, hope and anger. Their debut album The Balcony – packed with storming anthems – reached the top 10 and won them a legion of adoring fans.

Major Lazer – aka Grammy-nominated producer Diplo and fellow DJ/producers Jillionaire and Walshy Fire – released their third album Peace is the Mission in June last year. Featuring the smash hits Light It Up (feat. Nyla) and Lean On (featuring DJ Snake and Danish electropop star MØ), the album combines EDM, Jamaican dancehall, hip-hop and pop. They’re sure to bring a real party vibe to Strathallan Castle.

As the sonic and rhythmic heartbeat of pop trio The xx, Jamie xx released his solo record In Colour last year. The record showcases the special skill-set that has turned Jamie into one of the major DJ draws at the sophisticated end of the global nightlife spectrum, and which has made him in demand as a producer/remixer for the likes of Drake and Adele.

Jess Glynne lent her richly evocative vocals to Clean Bandit’s no.1 classical-dance smash Rather Be and Route 94’s house-flavoured My Love before emerging as a solo artist in her own right. Her mix of hip hop, soul and a sprinkling of pop has seen her score a no.1 album with I Cry When I Laugh, as well as top the chart with singles Hold My Hand and Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself.

After winning the BRITS Critics’ Choice Award in 2015, James Bay has become one of the biggest breakthrough artists on the planet. His debut album, Chaos and The Calm, entered the UK charts at no.1 in last March and reached platinum status in the UK. He was nominated for 3 awards at this year’s Grammys, had 4 prestigious nominations at last night’s 2016 BRITs ceremony – and took home the award for Best Male Solo Artist – he also scored both the ‘Best New Act’ gong at the 2015 Q Awards and the ‘Breakthrough Act’ award at the GQ Awards. He’s sold a huge 2 million albums worldwide, and was responsible for one of the biggest mass singalongs at last year’s T in the Park with Hold Back the River.

After more than 10 years, four albums, platinum record sales, a volley of top ten singles and 3 BRIT Awards, Kaiser Chiefs returned with Education, Education, Education & War in 2014. Regalvanaised, recharged, and inspired by a new sense of freedom and musical possibility, the band are an incredible live act.

Last week Frightened Rabbit caused quite a stir when they released the glorious first song off their long awaited new album Painting Of A Panic Attack. Adored by fans for their incisive, compelling lyrics, and achingly beautiful, dense melodies, they are one of Scotland’s finest bands and big T in the Park favourites.

The band said: “We are extremely pleased to announce that we will be playing at this year's T in the Park. It's always an honour to be there, and to be back in the King Tut's tent will be fan-f*cking-tastic. See you down the front for The Stone Roses.”

Travis are huge favourites with the T in the Park crowd, and when they make their Strathallan Castle debut this summer they’ll have played all three of the festival’s sites, having played the very first festival at Strathclyde Country Park in 1994, the first year at Balado in 1997 and then many times since. Their last appearance was an epic set in the King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent at T in the Park’s 20^th year celebrations in 2013, and they are sure to receive a hero’s welcome in July.

Tinie Tempah is one of the UK’s most innovative and in-demand artists. Following the massive success of his first two albums Disc-Overy and Demonstration, he shows no sign of slowing down. Last June he topped the UK single charts for a sixth time withNot Letting Go featuring fellow T in the Park 2016 artist Jess Glynne, and at the end of last year he released the mixtape Junk Food – a collection of underground hip hop and grime tracks and featuring appearances from Wretch 32, Stormzy, Giggs, JME and more.

Jake Bugg’s incredible ascent began in 2012 when his self-titled debut album entered the UK charts at number one (aged 18, making him the youngest British male artist ever to do so), before going on to sell double platinum and be shortlisted for the UK Mercury Music Prize. Success only accelerated Bugg’s creative momentum, releasing a follow-up twelve months later, 2013’s richly textured Shangri La. His third album is expected later this year.

Chichester-born musician Tom Odell caught the songwriting bug early penning original material since the age of 13. With a loyal fanbase and drawing attractive comparisons to the late Jeff Buckley with his man and piano set-up, Odell's material has veered from strikingly stripped-back troubadour tales to songs that are more work-in-progress than finished product. Set to make his first T appearance since his set on the King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent stage in 2013, fans will be treated to his romantic sing-along style.

Craig David will bring the sound of Miami to Strathallan with TS5. Craig David’s TS5 started out as an exclusive pre-party hosted by Craig at his Miami penthouse homeTower Suite 5 in 2013, and since then it’s grown from house party, to radio show to sell out live concert. He’s now one of 2016’s most in demand acts, and with his sets combining massive old skool anthems with current chart topping house hits, he’s sure to make quite an impression as he makes his long-awaited T in the Park debut.

James Morrison first came to prominence in 2006 as a 21 year old, with his hugely successful debut album Undiscovered which debuted at #1 in the UK album charts, following the success of his smash hit single You Give Me Something. After selling millions of records around the world, he took a break in 2011 before returning last year with a renewed vigour and a new album Higher Than Here.

James said: “I’ve played T in the Park only a few times but it's always wicked, the crowds are amazing with massive energy! Last time I sang a lot harder because of it and this time is going to be no different. I’m ready to give back the same. Can’t wait, see you soon T in the Park!”

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls’ brand of passionate folk/punk, honest songwriting, catchy melodies and punk passion have earned them a loyal fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as at T in the Park with the singer-songwriter receiving a rapturous reception when he last played in 2013.

Frank said: “I'm very excited to be making my fourth trip to T in the Park; it's been a few years since I was north of the border for a festival, so this should be a special one.”

Internationally acclaimed Mexican acoustic rock guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela will bring their unique instrumental blend of metal, jazz and world music to Strathallan Castle. Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero have been playing together for more than fifteen years. First as young thrash metal fans in their native Mexico City, then as innocents abroad and street musicians in Dublin, Ireland at the turn of the millennium, and finally as the globe-straddling, film-scoring, record-breaking artists they are today. Known for exhilarating live shows, Rodrigo y Gabriela have won the hearts of music lovers from the haciendas of Cuba to the Hollywood Bowl and festival fields of Europe.

Britpop heroes Shed Seven achieved great success in the mid-late 90s, releasing four albums and 14 Top 40 singles, before reuniting in 2007 for a greatest hits reunion tour. The band played T in the Park’s second outing back in 1995 at Strathclyde Country Park. They return for their eighth T in the Park in 2016 to make their Strathallan Castle debut, when they’ll become one of the few bands to have played the festival at all three of its sites.

The band said: “The Sheds are excited to be back at T in the Park for what will be another great weekend of fun and games. This is the first time for us at the new site which adds a different approach to the festival. Quite literally, we'll be using the A823.”

Newcastle angular pop quintet Maxïmo Park craft smart, sharply catchy, new wave-inspired songs. After making a big impression in 2000s with albums such as A Certain Trigger, they resurfaced in 2012 with The National Health, followed by 2014's more intimate, electronic-driven Too Much Information.

The band said: “As one of the bands who played the last ever T in the Park at Kinross, we're keen to sample the new site and see if the unbeatable atmosphere can be matched! The Scottish crowds have always been good to us.”

The worlds’ finest and only purveyors of cinematic hip-hop, rock ‘n’ roll, blues-jazz and latino soul vibes, Fun Lovin’ Criminals burst onto the music scene in 1996, gate-crashing the euphoric Britpop party with some unexpectedly unique swag and the generational classic album Come Find Yourself. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this modern classic, Huey Morgan, Brian ‘Fast’ Leiser and Frank Benbini will be playing tunes from the record at T in the Park.

Huey and Fast said: "T in the Park is one of our favourite festivals to perform at. The crowd are always up for a party and the organisers have really got their sh*t together, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone! "

London hip hop/grime duo Krept & Konan made a big impression when they won Best UK Newcomer at the 2013 MOBO Awards despite not having a record deal. Since then, they’ve released their debut album The Long Way Home, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 2, with lead single Freak of the Week entering the UK top ten.

John Grant’s journey has been a spectacular one – from winning awards, Top 20 chart positions, and collaborating with Sinead O’Connor, Goldfrapp, Elton John and Hercules & Love Affair. His third album – Grey Tickles, Black Pressure – is a veritable tour de force that further refines and entwines his two principal strands of musical DNA, the sumptuous tempered ballad and the taut, fizzing electronic pop song.

Mersey rockers The Coral also make a return to T in the Park. With a rich, spirited sound that draws from a variety of influences like Motown, Merseybeat, psychedelia, country, and dub, the group release their new album Distance Inbetween next month.

Putting a modern stamp on hard rock and blues, The Temperence Movement have crafted an intoxicating live set and released two studio albums since coming together in 2013. Landing a heroic support slot with rock giants The Rolling Stones, The Temperance Movement released their second album this year going on to celebrate the release with a sold-out show at Glasgow’s Barrowlands. With a live set packed full of rock ‘n’ roll licks, The Temperance Movement will make a welcomed return to T in the Park this summer, since their debut appearance in 2014.

Rat Boy’s homegrown raps paint a lyrical dissertation of suburban Britain. He is firmly within the storytelling lineage of Britain’s great lyricists who represent some of his greatest influences: Ian Dury, The Clash, Squeeze, Blur and The Streets. His mash-ups of hip-hop and indie topped with his half-rapped, half-hollered Essex vocals are causing quite a stir, and he’ll make his T in the Park debut this summer.

Full of confidence and determination, Stockport five-piece Blossoms landed in the BBC’s Sound of 2016 list and made the cut on the Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 shortlist, plus MTV Brand New for 2016 and iTunes/Apple Music New Artists 2016, capturing the hearts of the nation with their catchy indie-pop sound. The band’s euphoric indie sound is crafted and polished to a stadium level, making the band an exciting addition to the 2016 T in the Park bill.

Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce some of the world’s greatest artists for T in the Park today. Red Hot Chili Peppers are quite simply one of the biggest rock acts of our time, and their long-awaited return to the festival after 10 years is going to be pretty special. We’re also thrilled to welcome back a real T in the Park favourite – Calvin Harris – as our Saturday night headliner. Calvin headlined the Main Stage in 2014 and was introduced on stage by Will Smith, and for many in our audience that moment is up there as one of the most unique and special in T in the Park history.

“We’re also really thrilled to have LCD Soundsystem headline the BBC Radio 1 Stage – their reunion is one of the most hotly anticipated in recent years, and their appearance is a big coup for us.

“Artists from across the globe tell us year in, year out that T in the Park is one of their favourite festivals to play because of the unbeatable welcome they receive from the crowd, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to our audience for the massive part they play in making this festival special. We've been working hard on getting everything ready for the fans’ arrival in July and have made some changes to the site, with the Main Arena now a quarter bigger in size and the campsite increasing by a larger amount. We hope you are all as excited about the line-up as we are, and we can’t wait to see you all this summer.”

Faithless and Stereophonics to headline Isle of Wight Festival 2016

November 18, 2018November 30, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

Giving the festival a massive injection of memorable anthems and electrifying electronica, the two British favourites will ensure a spectacular start to what is the first festival of the summer, ahead of a full weekend of live music and entertainment.

Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones said: “I love playing the Isle Of Wight Festival. I got to steer the boat over last time. Captain of the ship and honked the horn! Only the captain gets to honk the horn. This will be our third time at the festival…. I'll leave my white suit at home this time though!”

Faithless said: "We cant wait to return to play such an iconic festival for the second time. We were proud to be part of its relaunch in 2005 and it's an absolute pleasure to be invited back.”

Festival promoter John Giddings said: “We are delighted to welcome Stereophonics and Faithless back to The Isle of Wight Festival to co-headline the Friday night. Stereophonics continue to prove they are still on top with a new No. 1 album and they are absolutely brilliant live. Likewise Faithless, who are currently celebrating their 20^th year, have had hit after hit, and I know the crowds at the festival are going to go crazy when they bring their live set up to the Friday night. Looking forward to catching their sets!”

Without doubt one of the UK’s best bands, Stereophonics recently scored another No. 1 album with their latest release ‘Keep The Village Alive’. Their achievements over the past two decades are many; six No. 1 albums, 26 Top 40 singles, including the No. 1 hit ‘Dakota’, and wide acclaim for their live performance which has seen them become a firm festival favourite. Armed with new hits C’est La Vie, I Wanna Get Lost With You, Song For The Summer and classic songs such as ‘Local Boy in the Photograph’, ‘The Bartender and the Thief’, ‘Have a Nice Day’, ‘Dakota’ and more Friday night will be a fantastic evening.

British electronic dance icons Faithless created club classics such as ‘God is a DJ’, ‘Insomnia’ and ‘We Come 1’ and have sold over 15 million records worldwide. To celebrate their 20th anniversary the band created a special remix album ‘Faithless 2.0.’ featuring remixes from some of the biggest DJs today including Avicii, Tiesto, Eric Prdyz and Armin Van Buuren paying tribute to their enduring legacy.

McBusted to headline Lytham Festival

November 18, 2018April 3, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

Pop punk supergroup McBusted are today confirmed as the Saturday main stage headliner for Lytham Festival, taking place 2^nd – 9^th August across Lytham. Additionally, Rae Morris, Rebecca Ferguson, Scouting For Girls and Tenors Of Rock are to headline an all-new stage, the Pavilion, set to host gigs every night in the festival’s biggest year to date.

Saturday 8^th August sees Lytham Festival welcome McBusted, a pop punk supergroup of stadium proportions. An amalgamation of Busted and McFly, the group have supported One Direction and consistently sold out areas in their own right since coming together in 2013. The swoon-inducing group featuring James Bourne, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, former Strictly constant Harry Judd, and ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ winners Dougie Poynter and Matt Wills, inspire more than just a scream or two with tracks such as ‘Air Guitar’. Tickets for the McBusted event will go on sale 9am Tuesday 7th April.

Ahead of her show Rae Morris comments:

“My nana lives in Lytham so I spent a lot of time there as a child. It has a very dear place in my heart and the music events are always very special. I'm so happy to be involved.”

Tuesday 4^th August is to feature another soulstress in the form of X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson. The critically-acclaimed singer provides a touch of jazz for the festival as she performs tracks from her record ‘Lady Sings The Blues’, a tribute album to Billie Holiday released in the year that would have seen her 100^th Birthday.

Also to crown the Pavilion stage during Lytham Festival are pop-rock trio Scouting For Girls on Wednesday 5^th August. The triple-BRIT Award winning group known for hits such as the number one single ‘This Aint A Love Song’ will offer the perfect ‘feel good’ vibe at the festival. Five powerful male vocalists otherwise known as Tenors Of Rock will take to the stage on Monday 3^rd; expect a high-octane performance of classics with a unique twist such as ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ and ‘God Gave Rock And Roll To You’.

Lytham Festival Director Peter Taylor comments:

“This latest announcement is very exciting for Lytham Festival, it’s the result of a lot of hard work and planning that is being channelled into the event’s development. Lytham Festival still has elements on the Proms as is evident in the A-list headliner we’ve added, McBusted. This night at Lytham Green will be soundtracked by hits people know and love and there will be a big party atmosphere.

However, in Lytham Festival’s new form we have more locations and a wider breadth of artists, the result is yet more opportunities to see even more great music. Plus it can only be a good thing that one of these amazing talents, Rae Morris, is one of Lancashire’s very own. We’re proud to be bringing her and the other stars to one of Lytham’s landmark venues.”

Furthermore, the Pavilion stage will host after-party events for those wishing to carry on celebrating once the main stage, better know as The Proms Arena, comes to a close. Trance music pioneer Chicane will keep the dance floor filled on Thursday 6th August as the official after party for Faithless. Blackpool club night and 80s aficionados ‘Adam and Eve’ will take charge of proceedings on Friday 7th, the perfect follow on from Lytham Festival’s ‘80s VS 90s’ themed show earlier that evening.

Last but by no means least 2015 sees Lytham Festival introduce camping for the very first time. Festival goers wishing to pitch up their tents can do so at Lytham Farm for just £10 per person for Wednesday until Monday. Campsite access is free for those holding a full weekend ticket.

As previously announced, this year sees Lytham Proms become Lytham Festival. The event will span a whole week from 2nd until 9th August, including an eclectic mix of music, literary and comedy suitable for all ages and tastes hosted in venues around the local area.

Other artists appearing over on the Proms Arena this summer will see an ‘80s vs 90s’ themed evening of nostalgia on Friday 7th August starring Billy Ocean, Vengaboyz, Sinitta, East 17, Chesney Hawkes, Jimmy Sommerville and 5ive. The much loved proms-style evening will once again close the event on Sunday 9th in an evening titled ‘Songs from Stage and Screen’. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestrawill expertly back performances from a number of very special performers including Elaine Paige, Marti Pellow, Jonathan Antoine and Laura Wright.

Faithless to headline Lytham Festival

November 18, 2018March 11, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

As part of the evolution from Lytham Proms into Lytham Festival the event is welcoming broader genres to the proceedings, and there are fewer more qualified to bring dance music to the plate than Faithless. Vocalist Maxi Jazz and multi instrumentalists Sister Bliss and Rollo are founding members of the group who have enjoyed huge success in the UK and beyond. Top ten singles and dance floor anthems are found throughout Faithless’ back catalog such as the tracks ‘Insomnia’, ‘God is a DJ’ and ‘We Come 1’. Faithless recorded six gold and platinum selling albums during their glittering career and picked up the Best Dance Act award at 2007’s UK Festival Awards. In 2011 the band announced a hiatus but four years later the news of their return has been heralded as one of this summer’s hottest tickets. Faithless will appear at Lytham Festival as headliners of the Lytham Green stage on Thursday 6th August.

Ahead of their Lytham Festival appearance Sister Bliss said:

"We look forward to playing our only date in Lancashire this summer and to celebrating our 20 years together as a band with as many of you as possible."

Commenting on the booking Lytham Festival Director Peter Taylor adds:

“Dance music is increasingly gathering its own rich history and we’re very happy to be part of celebrating that fact with the ‘Faithless 20’ show. Raving days may be a thing of the past for some but the surroundings of Lytham Festival and the Green stage are the perfect place for people to revisit the classic tunes that Faithless are so well known for. We’re also excited that with the addition of dance music the festival can open its doors to a more diverse group of music fans this summer.”

Faithless headline SW4 2015 with Eric Prydz and more!

June 24, 2020February 19, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

And with two main stages set to welcome your favourite headline DJs and live electronic acts, our lineup will hit the three figure mark for the first time, as we welcome over one hundred artists to the Capital.

The message here is simple; Twelve years in and South West Four continues to push the envelope. As we move into a new era in the development of the event we’re in no mood to hold back. SW4 2015 will be our most ambitious instalment to date and look to top last year’s weekend which was widely regarded as our best ever, resulting in us winning the coveted 'Best British Festival' award at the DJ Magazine awards. This is South West Four 2015…

YOUR SW4 2014 SATURDAY HEADLINER IS…

FAITHLESS

[EXCLUSIVE HOMECOMING PERFORMANCE]

"This summer we play South London's SW4, the only festival date in the city where it all began for us. It'll be a very special homecoming show, see you there!" Sister Bliss

It’s not every day that one of the world’s greatest electronic live acts decides to reunite in celebration of their 20th Anniversary. However the recent news that the legendary Faithless will come together one more time has sent shockwaves through the music industry and been met with a rapturous response. The fact that this will take place at South West Four makes this, without question, the most anticipated booking in our history. Thousands of fans from all over the world will make the pilgrimage to Clapham Common to witness this exclusive homecoming performance, set to be one of the highlights of the British summer. With an unparalleled back catalogue spread across seven albums (two of which went #1), numerous top 10 singles such as ‘Insomnia’, ‘God is a DJ’ and ‘We Come One’, as well as over fifteen million records sold worldwide, it’s no wonder why Faithless are considered dance music royalty. With a headline slot at South West Four on Saturday 29th August beckoning, Faithless are back to prove precisely why. Special ain’t the word…

ERIC PRYDZ, LUCIANO, DUBFIRE: LIVE HYBRID, BAKERMAT, FRITZ KALKBRENNER + MORE ALSO ANNOUNCED

Many artists have become synonymous with South West Four over the years. However one act more than any other stands tall as ‘Mr SW4’. That man is Eric Prydz. From naming one of his finest productions after the festival, to delivering performances that are consistently regarded amongst the weekend’s greatest highlights, Eric is the SW4 favourite. Returning this August for the sixth time in seven years, his main stage set alongside Faithless will again illustrate his pedigree, as will his new artist album which is set to take the airwaves by storm this summer. We cannot wait…

As one of the most influential and ground breaking DJs of all time, Luciano makes his long awaited SW4 debut this summer. A storming 2014 witnessed the Swiss-Chilean maestro return to his brilliant best with an outstanding residency at Amnesia, resulting in him being crowned ‘Best Tech House DJ’ at the Ibiza DJ Awards. The past twelve months has also seen Luciano return to the studio to produce the 100th release on his seminal Cadenza Records, whilst this year has started just as frantically. Representing his first London performance in over two years, Luciano’s inaugural SW4 appearance promises to be one of the standout highlights of the entire weekend.

Dubfire is another long term favourite amongst the SW4 faithful who has chosen our event for the London debut of his new live show titled dubfire: live HYBRID. In what is his most ambitious achievement to date, the techno titan weaves together 2D and 3D animation with live audio and lighting, resulting in show that will blow the minds of all those in attendance.

As one of the biggest rising stars of the past year, Bakermat debuts at SW4 2015 in a UK festival exclusive. Having hosted his own stage at Tomorrowland over the past two years and headlined Brixton Academy last September, Bakermat will bring his melodic take on house music and preview tracks from his new album 'Another Man.'

Fritz Kalkbrenner also brings his beautifully crafted sound to SW4 in a UK festival exclusive. Having sold out his upcoming Electric Brixton event a month in advance, Fritz has been busy touring Europe in support of his superb third studio album ‘Ways Over Water.’ His blend of heart-warming harmonies and soulful beats will work beautifully on our hallowed turf, as Fritz’s sound simmers in the sunshine.

Having been on our radar for several years now, we are delighted to welcome the killer grooves of Hot Since 82 to SW4 for the first time. With a career trajectory that has been nothing short of incredible during that time including four ‘Essential New Tunes’, two ‘Essential Mixes’ and a Mixmag cover, he shows no signs of slowing down. SW4 will be his biggest London show to date. Do not miss it.

Recent years has seen Saved Records label boss Nic Fanciulli consolidate his position as one of the UK’s finest DJs, whilst his imprint celebrated its 100th release in 2014. With a hugely successful residency alongside Joris Voorn taking Ibiza by storm last summer, Nic will bring the sound of the White Isle to Clapham Common and make SW4 2015 his stand-out performance of the year.

Hot on the heels of his UK #1 track ‘I Wanna Feel’, SecondCity made his SW4 debut last summer. We have been working hard to bring him back ever since. 2015 has seen SecondCity establish himself further as one of the most talked about newcomers in electronic music. Be sure to keep an eye on this one as he’ll be even hotter property come August…

A national icon and cultural phenomenon in South Africa, Black Coffee takes time out from performing in stadiums in his home country for a rare UK performance. Make sure you check out Black Coffee’s unique afro-house sound on the Common and see for yourself why the meteoric rise of this SW4 debutant is fully justified.

With an outstanding upcoming release schedule and a hugely successful quarterly residency at The Gallery at Ministry of Sound, now is the right time for Anjunabeat’s first label showcase at a London festival. The finest names from Above & Beyond’s owned and A&R'ed imprint will be showcased, as the labels fans make a welcome return to Clapham Common