foxes

Isle of Wight Festival 2015 Review

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The Isle of Wight festival has returned for its annual event bringing artist and music lovers together to celebrate 45 years since Jimi Hendrix performed his last ever UK performance in 1970. Where they estimated over 600,000 people turned up to experience his music in the flesh, In celebration of the man himself they have taken the opportunity to name the main stage ‘Electric Church’ This referring to how Jimi Hendrix himself described his music, as though music itself is a religion, away to express, influence and bring positivity to audiences all around the world, through his guitar and vocals. 

45 Years later music is adapting, changing and influencing their audiences, and today i am in Seaclose Park, Newport in the Isle of Wight,  The festival begins, here’s to threes days of music, dancing, paint fighting and food.

FRIDAY 12th JUNE 2015. IOW OFFICIALLY BEGINS

So it is Finally here I am arriving at the Isle of Wight festival 2015.  Gear at the ready, Tent… check, Portable toilet… Check, Clothes… Check and myself… Double check. The crowds are gathering and the atmosphere is captivating, The fashion of the season is floral, and the young female hipster’s seem to favour the hotpant welly combination, this was thriving through the sea of people, they might find that they will be regretting that later. When the monsoon type weather hits the isle of wight. Although this has not dampened their spirits but motivated them to create a buzzing atmosphere and supporting the artists of the festival, with what i would consider rain dancing, glasses of cider and laughter. Myself on the other hand thought after being in the rain for an hour, that is was more sensible to listen to the artists from my tent, in the dry. 

When walking around the event, which you do a lot of you see a variety of people from all walks of life, getting involved in the festival spirit, getting creative with the airbrush tattooing to dancing in the rain to 90’s pop sensations, communities sitting around being social with each other getting involved with the discussion of the moment. Getting the feeling of what the isle of wight festival is about, Families, music and people appreciating and creating that memorable year at the Isle of Wight festival. 

Through out the evening there were bands performing on the ‘Electric Church’ stage. The line up included The Struts, Kodaline, Counting Crows, You me at six, The Black Keys and the prodigy. Even though there was heavy rain Festival goers still went out and supported the bands, The Black Keys alone sounded amazing, you could hear them from the camp site and even hear the audience cheering along with them, you could imagine the audience was their in the rain, rain macs on and arms in the air enjoy the sensational Black Keys and not caring that the rain was lashing down. The headliner of the night The Prodigy I was informed was outstanding, they didn’t falter under the weather conditions, the crowd went wild, raved, danced and enjoyed the electronic music from the 90’s and now. Some people only lasted half of the set but most stayed for the whole gig enjoying the captivating performance from their fellow English brothers. 

Even though the weather was horrendous it was a great way to start the Isle of Wight Festival 2015.  Now the sun should shine the clouds be visible and the weekend should improve for the upcoming bands of 2015.

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival by Sara Lincoln

 

SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2015-IOW: DAY TWO 

After the torrential weather from the  previous night, The people at the Isle of Wight Festival were ready and waiting for the music sensations to start tickling their ear drums, no matter how much rain that came down,  it did not dampen their spirits, it just egged them on and made them want more. I can tell you, that day the small stalls around the festival made some money from Welly Purchases and Clothes alone before the food even came in to play. Lucky enough I woke up to slight clouds and a tent that was still standing, I feel this is a proud moment i would like to share with you guys, I Sharron put a tent together and it survived a storm and a half, and i survived sleeping through it, which i am grateful for as there are some outstanding acts that the Isle of Wight festival Goers are going to experience today.

Today was the Day Blur was performing on the 'Electric Stage', Their first ever performance at the Isle of wight festival, For me it was bag of mixed emotions. Damon Albarn the lead singer of Blur had previously lost his voice to illness before the gig, but this did not stop the man from performing with power, passion and giving 110% to his fans. They Did an hour and fifty minutes. Their first section was a mixture of their new album, which i felt didn’t get the crowd moving as much, and i found that it was to much new and not enough of the classics, which finally came towards the middle of the set, when they started playing songs such as Parklife which had guest star Phil Daniels performing with the guys,  this got the crowd jumping around, the atmosphere changed and people started moving and getting involved with the music, they followed this up with Coffee and TV, Girls and Boys, Song 2 and the classic Tender. For me the classic win over all, it got people moving and ended the night with a bang. 

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival by Sara Lincoln

Previously to Blur we had the one and only Pharell Williams who first performed at the Isle of Wight festival back in 2008 with his band N.E.R.D, Tonight he gave a performance of old and new songs which included his special Guest his band member from N.E.R.D, They performed classics such as Lapdance and She likes to move, which they welcomed fans from the audience to dance on stage with them, a highlight of the night was the women who danced with the band to the song she likes to move. She bought entertainment to the Isle of Wight festival and the audience cheered her on as her performance bought laughter and fun to the event. He took a moment to celebrate Jimi Hendrix 45 years through an instrumental of the song one love, which the audience in turn put one finger in the air to celebrate a legend that stood on the Isle of Wight stage 45 years ago. He then went on to play renditions of songs that he performed with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and many more.  He ended the set with the all time Minon favourite song ‘Happy’ He bought to the stage, the children that the Isle of Wight festival where raising awareness and donations for. To join him and to perform and dance on stage to get the crowd clapping along to the song. 

Between Blur and Pharell Williams we had the sensational DJ Shortee Blitz, Getting the atmosphere and audience ready for the next big act Blur, he played songs from the 80’s and 90’s to get people on their feet, the last two songs were from the legendary Queen, We are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. This got everyone going and ready for the rest of the night, the crowd was singing and the Isle of Wight was in full song. It was a stunning moment to bring on the one and only Blur. 

Through out the day we had performances from bands such as, Ward Thomas, Nothing But Thieves, Jess Glynne, James Bay, Jessie Ware, Kool and the Gang and Dj Shortee Blitz. James Bay created an electric acoustic feel to the festival, He bought his soul and spirit to his music creating a mind blowing set that inspired people and relaxed them, whilst they singing along to the lyrics from hold back the river from his number 1 album and songs such as Let it go and if you ever want to be in love. He was followed by the astonishing Jessie Ware our London goddess, she bought her wonderful voice and performed her electro-pop music, whilst enchanting the audience with songs known as champagne kisses, wildest moments, Say you love me, running and kind of.. sometimes.. maybe which she considered to be her flirtatious song. Jessie ware gave an exceptional performance one of my favourites from this years Isle of Wight festival. 

Over on the 'Big Top' stage we had band such as Twin Wild, New City Kings, La Femme, The Shires, Foxes, Stiff Little Fingers and Paul Oakenfold. Foxes performed on this stage creating a strong and fun atmosphere for their audience, people where coming from other venues such as the Colourena, where they had live Djs performing around the clock with classics from the 70’s 80’s and 90’s they provided Paint fighting with music for people to go and let their hair down in between acts and to burn off those calories added from all the food venders on site. It was a fun way to meet, mingle and to dance your socks off before going to rock out to your favourite artist on stage. 

SUNDAY 14th JUNE 2015 IOW: DAY THREE

Sunday was the lead up to the headliners Fleetwood Mac and Paolo Nutini, through out the day you witnessed more and more people arriving to get a good spot at the main stage known as the ’Electric Stage’ for the evenings events to unfold.  The line up through out the day consisted of The Rainband, Suzanne Vega, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, The Courteeners, and First aid Kit.  Suzanne Vega performed with her Guitarist classics such as Left of centre, known for the Pretty in Pink soundtrack in the 1980’s. 

In the ‘BIG TOP’ stage we had the band Coasts performing songs such as Modern Love and new hits from their upcoming Debut album also known as ‘coasts’ a new number 1 in the mix called Tonight, this Bristol band got the audience jumping around, whilst pulling people in from all around the Isle of Wight festival to enjoy this fresh new sound created by this 5 piece band from the UK.  They where followed up with The View,  Lightening Seeds and the one and only Ash.  

Ash who performed songs such as Burn baby burn and Shining Light, bringing their music to their fans, the audience were bursting at the seems, the 'BIG TOP' stage was packed and people were gathering to watch this captivating performance, Although I only got to witness the first 15 minutes of this i can tell you these guys where rocking this crowd, and keeping the standard of the Isle of Wight festival which was created over the past two days going. 

Even though there was rumours of Fleetwood Mac possibly cancelling the show due to illness and two previous cancellations on their current tour which they have already done 90 shows since last year, they turned up and Gave a performance of a lifetime, Fleetwood Mac Arrived with such grace and presence. The field was full, the Fans where waiting and the night was about to begin, the act that everyone was waiting to see was here, over 50,000 fans filled the Isle of Wight creating an nostalgic atmosphere with the sun setting in the background, creating a perfect evening for an outdoor gig. 

They had previously been warmed up by the ever popular Paolo Nutini, His soulful, gruff voice wowed the audience with such power and grace, he topped this of with his dynamic stage presence it created the perfect show to watch and to get the crowed moving to songs such as Better Man, Jenny don’t be hasty and a beautiful rendition of New Shoes. A stunning performance by an amazing Artist, Thumbs up! 

Fleetwood Mac opened the show with the song The Chains creating the atmosphere for the evening, and not disappointing with their renditions of classics such as, Go your own way, Rhiannon, Gypsy and who can forget Landslide which Stevie Nicks dedicated to her friend and fellow Artist David Grohl, Who has recently broken his leg whilst touring. This  song was written and performed originally in 1974, 41 years prior to Isle of Wight 2015, this did not disappoint but left the audience in ore.  They provided a spectacular end to an amazing weekend with the song ‘Don’t Stop’. Whilst performing, Fireworks where provided the perfect end with the perfect song, the crowd danced, they sang and they didn’t want the night to end wanting more from the legendary Fleetwood Mac who had performed for an outstanding 2 hours, getting better and better with each song, and their individual solos showing us what the music industry is all about.

Once Fleetwood Mac had ended, people departed the ‘Electric Stage’ and went on to other events within the Isle of Wight Festival, In the ‘BIG TOP’ stage The Charlatans where closing down the last gig to be performed on the ‘BiG TOP’ for the Isle of Wight 2015, the fans filled the tent and crowded around the edges to see these guys perform, people still buzzing and enjoying their last night at the Isle of Wight Festival, taking in the music, the atmosphere and their fellow music lovers around them. Joining in with the music and capturing these moments through images and tweets via social medias such as Twitter and Facebook. Truly showing what the Festival season is about, Music, Artists, Fans getting together under one Social weekend to celebrate 45 Years of music inspired by those who performed at the Isle of wight 2015 and those who helped to create the Isle of Wight Festival since 1968. 

Artists known as: Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Joni Mitchell, Supertramp, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Chicago, Procol Harum, The Rolling Stones, The Who, David Bowie, Muse, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Kasabian, Amy Winehouse, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Coldplay, The Sex Pistols, The Police, Blondie etc. 

Thank you guys for a wonderful weekend and an oustanding festival…till next year. 

Sundown Festival 2014 Review

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Now in its fourth year, Sundown festival has played host to many of the biggest names in music, and this year was no exception. Returning as headliners for the second time, Chase & Status closed the Saturday night, while Ellie Goulding closed the festival on Sunday.

FRIDAY

But all the fun actually begun on Friday night. After waiting nearly 2 hours in the queue for my friends to get their wristbands, we eventually made it to the campsite, with aching bodies from carrying everything for so long.

We weren’t going to let that stop us though, as the Big Top opening party proved to be one of the highlights of Sundown. New to 2014, the action kicked off at 5pm, but after a few drinking games, we joined the growing crowd of energetic teenage ravers a few hours later. Commercial house tracks and big room EDM bass drops were the soundtrack to the party, consisting of ‘Backstreet’s Back’ being mixed into Martin Garrix ‘Tremor’ – certainly not something you hear every day, a dubious Nirvana remix and some old classics in ‘You’ve Got The Love’. It all made for a great night, with an impressive laser light show shining up the packed tent.

We also checked out some of the stools selling funky sunglasses, hipster shirts, bum-bags galore and the festivals best-seller, judging from all the lads wearing them, – black printed bandanna’s.

SATURDAY

The morning after, the campsite looked like a bomb had hit it – especially the far from sanitary toilets located at the bottom of the campsite. But that’s all to be expected, in fairness there was the option to pay an extra £25 to get some brilliantly titled and much cleaner VIPee toilets for the weekend if you wished.

Entering Sundown’s main site just in time to see Disclosure and Tinie Tempah collaborator Sasha Keable perform on the main stage, it was a nice ease back into the party spirit to cure our near-hangovers. Sasha Keable’s sound is mainly synth led electronica with an impressive vocal laid over the top of each track. Performing tracks from her debut ‘Lemongrass and Limeleaves’ E.P, ‘Living Without You’ showcases her powerful vocal range and ‘Sweetest Talk’ takes influence from Jessie Ware’s soulful R&B sound. ‘Careless Over You’ creates the first sing-a-long moment with Sasha’s voice climbing over the rolling drum and synth beats. It’s the collaborations with Zinc and Disclosure which get the biggest cheers and sing-alongs. ‘Only For Tonight’ pumps up the party atmosphere with air-horn sounds just in time for set closer ‘Voices’, with the crowd jumping and singing back every word. Already signed to Tinie Tempah’s Disturbing London label, a few more releases and Sasha Keable will soon be a household name.

Also on Tinie’s label are All About She, who perform next. The London based UK garage three-piece are made up of record producers James Tadgell and Jon Clare and singer Vanya Taylor. It’s Vanya who grabs everyone’s attention though, with a similar stylish appearance and voice to Estelle, she wastes no time in showing off her vocals. ‘I Can’t Wait’ is a highlight, while new feel good track ‘Beyond Heaven’ hears Vanya work the crowd singing “Sundown you take me there” before asking “where are all the lovers at, put your hands in the air.” ‘Like That’ sees Vanya dedicate the track to a birthday girl on the front row before the trio end their set with the song everyone’s been waiting for. ‘Higher (Free)’ still sounds as fresh as when it was released last November and reached the top 20 in the UK. Sung a capella for the first chorus, it’s given an emotive re-work before the garage beats kick in which return ‘Higher’ to its original club-ready state.

Before Foxes takes to the stage, there is an unwilling yet entertaining twerk off to Nicki Minaj’s new single ‘Anaconda’ between Kiss FM DJ’s Michael and Tania, who introduce each act and deserve praise for building the hype effortlessly. Foxes bounces onstage, looking ever the pop star, in a dress and massive sunglasses. Aside from the music, Louisa is loved by, females who want to be her, and males who want to be with her. The whole set is a highlight. Performing the main singles from her debut album ‘Glorious’, including ‘Youth’, ‘Let Go For Tonight’ and ‘Holding On To Heaven’, each song receives mass sing-a-longs with fans arms waving in the air. She’s not bothered by the worsening weather either, which she has experienced the worst of after a storm engulfed her set at Nottingham’s Splendour festival in July. Instead she shouts to the crowd, “fuck the rain”, and they oblige, continuing to jump with her. ‘Clarity’, her massive Grammy award winning collaboration with Zedd goes down a treat and proves one of the weekend’s biggest sing-a-longs.

Meanwhile, over at the Big Top tent, house music lovers are being treated to the best in the business, with the whole day hosted by Defected Records! Earlier in the day Copyright and Cristoph have bass heavy sets before Food music label boss Shadow Child. But it was Second City and Mark Kinchen who provided the best sets of the day. Second City aka 27-year-old producer Rowan Harrington took the crowd on a journey of commercial to more underground house hits including a remix of Breach’s ‘Jack’ (who would play the same stage later), his collaboration with Route 94 ‘Freak’ and his own track ‘I Enter’, but sadly his brilliant new collaboration with Ali Love ‘What Can I Do’ doesn’t get played. Ending with his recent number one piano-house smash ‘I Wanna Feel’, everyone’s hands wave while their lungs are given a full workout much to Harrington’s happiness.

Later, Marc Kinchen, whose set is swapped with Sam Devine’s, draws a massive crowd to the tent. Opening with a dub of ‘My Head Is a Jungle’ before recent single ‘Always’, MK is joined by four less than covered dancers waving fans in front of their face, creating the Ibiza atmosphere, when in reality we’re inside a sweaty tent.

Chase and Status, who headlined Sundown festival back in 2011 returned to close proceedings on Saturday night. And what a show it was. An intense laser light show, a number of unexpected special guests and some insanely heavy drum & bass, dubstep and everything in between made it the show-stealer of the weekend. Performing tracks from all three of their albums and some older material, it was a career spanning set with each track sending the crowd absolutely crazy. I’ve actually never seen more mosh pits throughout a set. And it just gets even more out of control when Tempa T pounces onstage to rap his part in ‘Hypest Hype.’ Later, British singer Jacob Banks is welcomed onstage to provide his soulful sing-a-long vocals to ‘Alive’. Moko appears large as life in the background video appearing to jump out of the screen during ‘Count On Me’, similarly with Plan B seeming to smash the screen during ‘End Credits’ and ‘Pieces’. Set closer ‘Smash TV’ from the duo’s 2008 debut album ‘More Than Alot’ made for the perfect end to their genre defying set!

SUNDAY

Sunday hosted a far more pop orientated line up on the main stage while well respected drum & bass label Ram Records took over the Big Top. On the main stage, three-piece M.O, who are receiving regular plays on Radio One from the likes of Mistajam, are bringing the 90’s girl band back! They’ve toured with Little Mix and recently signed with Universal in the US – and it’s not hard to understand why. Arriving just in time to catch the last two songs of their set, the first is an impressive cover of Beyonce’s ‘Drunk in Love’, made completely their own. The second is new single ‘Dance On My Own’ with a garage beat which samples Sweet Female Attitudes ‘Flowers’ – one of the biggest UK garage hits from the 90’s.

Ex-The Voice contestant, Becky Hill, bounces onstage in a white crop top and sparkling Aztec skirt, making the most of the British sunshine. She described her sound recently as “leftfield, alternative, cool pop” and that seems fitting. Two Inch Punch-produced opener ‘Caution to the Wind’ is the perfect solo introduction to the world for Becky who I have been a fan of ever since she appeared on The Voice. Since then, she has achieved two number one singles in the form of drum & bass Wilkinson collaboration ‘Afterglow’ and recent house hit with Oliver Heldens ‘Gecko (Overdrive)’ – both of which receive mass sing-a-longs during her set. You can’t help but love how down to earth she is, there are no airs and graces as she admits “my onstage chat is rubbish” after she cracks a joke about the sun being up for Sundown. She later tells the crowd “I’ve got a bottle of vodka in my room so I’m going to the RAM tent to rave it up” – she comes across as a typical partying teenager. Becky’s rise to the top has been stratospheric but she’s still the same loveable singer, as she tells the crowd, “I was recently working in LA and I got a call from my manager and he said, ‘Becky you’re number one”. She proves that she’s a real pop-star in the making during her next disco infused single, the MNEK-produced ‘Losing’ which she says is out in a few weeks. It’s safe to say that she gave the best live vocal performance of the weekend and I’ve already bought tickets to see her again!

Looking like Annie Mac and sounding similar to Katy B, Jess Glynne is the next rising female vocalist to perform. With two backing singers, a drummer, guitarist and keyboardist, Jess performs a set full of catchy pop hits in waiting. She asks the crowd, “did you enjoy my fellow husky, Becky?” much to the crowd’s applause. Jess gets straight into her recent number one with Route 94 in ‘My Love’ before it’s mixed into her second worldwide number one with Clean Bandit ‘Rather Be’, with both attracting mass sing-a-longs and smiling faces. “This is the last festival for us, so let’s go out with a bang”, exclaims Jess. Gorgon City-produced Set closer ‘Right Here’ which reached the top-ten saw the crowd swaying their arms and dancing along to the house beat.

John Newman appears like a young Elvis with slicked back hair and perfected dance routines from the start of his penultimate set of the weekend. Backed by a seven piece band made up including three female singers. The longtime Rudimental collaborator performs the majority of his debut number one album ‘Tribute’, taking the ever-growing crowd on a journey of soulful pop. Each track comes complete with John showcasing his beyond impressive footwork throughout set opener ‘All For You’, ‘Try’, and ‘Cheating’. It’s obvious that he’s a real showman with plenty of onstage confidence, treating the gig like a real show, saying “welcome to this evening’s entertainment”. During ‘Losing Sleep’ he throws himself and the mic around the stage before he pauses the song to shame a member of the crowd. “This guy’s trying to start a fight during my set. We’re not here to start a fight, we’re here to enjoy the music. Let’s put our middle finger up to him” – and everybody does. Back to proceedings and John gushes about his girlfriend, asking, “Did anyone see Ella Eyre earlier? That’s my other half” – of course everybody cheers. Later, John thanks the crowd for getting him where he is now, “We’ve done 38 festivals this season. It all started for me with Rudimental and it’s taught us that we’re ‘Not Givin In’”. The Rudimental collaboration sees John and the backing vocalists sing their heart out with John running along the front row of the audience to the lucky fans delight. Set closer, and number one single, ‘Love Me Again’, sees him fall to his knees at the end. John’s energy and showmanship far exceeded my expectations and I’d definitely recommend anyone to go and see him.

Ending the weekend was Ellie Goulding, who barraged through tracks from both albums ‘Lights’ and ‘Halycon’. Songs like ‘Figure 8’ and recent single ‘Goodness Gracious’ showcase Ellie’s unique breathy vocals. ‘Starry Eyed’ is dedicated to all of Ellie’s fans who have been with her from the beginning. Madeon-produced track ‘Stay Awake’ pushes Ellie’s vocal range to its highest and most impressive point. After a quick costume change, Ellie performs a chilled electronic cover of Alt J’s ‘Tesselate’ before switching to James Blake’s ‘Life Round Here’ – two breathtaking, somewhat haunting renditions. Picking up the guitar for an acoustic version of ‘Guns and Horses’, Ellie shows off her unmistakable vocal capabilities. Laughing she says, “It’s about the time where I like to do some voluntary movements which some people may call dancing” before pop hit ‘Anything Can Happen’. Teasing the crowd she jumps down to run across the front like John Newman did during ‘I Need Your Love’. Then comes the sad news, “This is my last show for quite a while and I’m not sure when I’m going to be back on tour”, Ellie genuinely seems upset but powers on through ‘Lights’ which sees everyone light up their camera phones, creating a special memory for everyone there. Finishing with ‘Burn’, Ellie signs off hinting at a return for the following year.

Ellie certainly won’t be the only one coming back to Sundown festival if this year’s brilliant event is anything to go by!

T in the Park 2014 – Friday Review

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There’s very few things I expected to happen in my lifetime; meet the queen, find the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and for Scotland to be so hot my eyelashes are even sweating (they pay be pity tears for my poor ginger skin). If only the free tap water was free factor 50 and we would all be sorted, unfortunately the only thing someone has thrown my way is a cup of warm pee.

A woman who won’t need to worry about looking like a juicy, home grown tomato by the end of the day is Foxes. The dark haired, golden skinned beauty graced the main stage with her soft voice teamed with a bubbly, flirtatious stage presence made for an enjoyable watch. Going from one extreme to the other I then found myself in front of possibly the three fiercest women I have ever seen. Haim are made up of three sisters from LA with enough attitudes to put any old Rock and Roll band to shame. They’re absolutely and utterly off their rocket. The energy they put in to their live performance means that if you’re going to see them live, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.

Imagine Dragons aren’t a band I would have paid money to see but after watching them today I’m willing to admit I’m an idiot. Every member is a completely different character, all full of confidence and grabbing your attention, with that much stage presence there’s always something to watch whether it be Daniel’s envy worthy hair, his golden guitar or lead singer Dan Reynolds strong strides across the stage. They played King Tut’s Wah Wah tent last year and this year, rightly so, were promoted to the main stage.

So since Rihanna deleted her Instagram, we’ve all been creeping on Ellie Goulding’s right? (If you’re answer is no, you’re doing Instagram wrong). Seeing her a few years ago, she was a quirky wee blonde; she has now taken on a completely different stage persona on and is now an uncompromising sex symbol, this teamed with her angelic voice makes her an unstoppable force.

Now I’m not going to lie to you, I did do a skip, a hop and an unintentional slip on the way to Ed Sheeran. My excitement was not without reason. Alone on the stage with nothing but a guitar and a loop pedal this man managed to get the crowd pumped up more than all other acts put together. Playing a few new songs from his breathtaking new album “X” Ed is one of the most genuine talents in the music industry today and with quick witted banter with the crowd in between songs this man could also possibly be one of the most likable guys in music.

I ended off the night with Steve Angello and if my sun burn wasn’t keeping me warm, his flame cannons definitely did. Proving he doesn’t need fellow Swedish House Mafia DJ’s he had the sun stroked crowd going crazy.

If you’ve not already got a ticket there are still some left on Ticketmaster http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/packages/t_in_the_park_2014.html. Acts for Saturday include Twin Atlantic, Rudimental, Pharrell Williams, John Newman, Elbow, The 1975 and Calvin Harris. Sunday you have Disclosure, Tine Tempah, Sam Smith, Example, Passenger, London Grammer and Bastille to look forward to. Come and join in the fun (remember your sun cream!).

 

A bucklet load of artists added to T in the Park lineup

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The Summer Festival Guide is excited to bring you the latest lineup news for Scotland's T in the Park.  A bucklet load of artist have been added that will join headliners Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris and Arctic Monkeys.

The Charlatans, DJ Fresh & Messy MC, Reverend & The Makers, The Magic Numbers, Twenty One Pilots, Foxes, Wolf Alice, Drenge, Circa Waves, Josh Record, Royal Blood, Chloe Howl and Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Plus a host of cutting edge EDM and drum ‘n’ bass acts will bring the big club atmosphere straight to the heart of the Scottish countryside when they perform in the Slam Tent, including Joris Voorn, Robert Hood, Duke Dumont, Pretty Lights, Skream, Kerri Chandler, Tale of Us, Guy Gerber, Jackmaster, Alex Smoke, Factory Floor, Mark Henning and Clouds.
 
The Charlatans have been an inspirational force in British rock for more than two decades now. They remain as exciting and relevant now as when they first broke through to the immortal strains of The Only One I Know in 1990. The Manchester legends played the 2nd T in the Park back in 1995 and have been firm favourites with festival fans throughout the festival’s history. They’re sure to receive a warm welcome back when they take to the T in the Park stage for the first time since 2008.
 
 
Rising from London’s underground electronic scene in the mid-1990s, DJ Fresh is one of the most influential figures on the UK drum 'n' bass scene today, with 2 million record sales, two no.1 singles and a further two top 5 singles to his name. His single Louder became the first dubstep single to reach the top of the UK singles chart, before he returned to the no.1 spot with 2012’s Hot Right Nowfeaturing Rita Ora. His third record Nextlevelism featured collaborations with Dizzee Rascal and Juliette Lewis, with a fourth studio album set for release this year. His T in the Park performance will see him team up with the legendary Messy MC.
 
Reverend & The Makers were at the forefront of the resurgent Sheffield indie-rock scene in 2005/2006, smashing into the top ten with their debut single Heavyweight Champion of the World. The band’s appearances as part of the bill for Oasis’ now legendary final shows at Wembley Stadium bolstered their growing fanbase. They returned early this year with the release of their fourth albumThirtyTwo, much to the excitement of their loyal fans.
 
The Magic Numbers, known for their unique harmonies, melodic hooks, song writing craftsmanship and timeless sound, return to T in the Park having last played the festival 8 years ago. To date, the band have released three successful albums, including their Mercury Prize nominated 2005 self-titled debut, with many of their singles gracing the top 20 charts, resulting in over a million album sales worldwide.
Having self-released two albums in 2009 and 2011, Twenty One Pilots quickly attracted serious label attention. Known for their irrepressible on-stage energy, the duo have built an avid international following, with their debut studio album Vessel showcasing their distinctive fusion of piano-driven indie-rocktronica. They’ll make their T in the Park debut this summer. 
Foxes’ soaring pop melodies are anchored by an edgy melancholia, as showcased on hit single Youthand on her Grammy-winning collaboration with Zedd, Clarity, which was the soundtrack of the summer in America last year, reaching the Billboard Top Ten.
Some of the most hotly tipped breakthrough acts of the year are also gearing up to play T in the Park for the first time this summer. Wolf Alice have won plaudits from the likes of BBC Radio 1, NMEand The Guardian after they released their debut EP Blush at the end of 2013. Drenge – aka brothers Rory and Eoin Loveless – will bring their raw grunge-inspired blues pop sound to the festival for the first time. Also appearing are Liverpool indie-pop four-piece Circa Waves who recently went down a storm at the NME Awards Tour 2014 –and Brighton blues rock duo Royal Blood, who were championed on the BBC’s Sound of 2014 list, and who have been invited to open for T in the Park headliners’ Arctic Monkeys when they play their Finsbury Park shows this year.
 
Since they walked away with the top prize on UK primetime TV talent show, When Will I Be Famous in 2007, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers have fast become a global phenomenon, with their cover of Avicii’sWake Me Up surpassing 1 million YouTube views, and taking their signature 'Bagrock' sound to the masses. The band said:  “In 2004 we performed one song at T in the Park as special guests of The Darkness. For the past 10 years we have been working towards our ultimate ambition of coming back to T in our own right. There are just not enough words to describe how thrilled and honoured we are at being asked to play the Main Stage in 2014.  Bringing our special brand of 'Bagrock' to this world famous festival with a home crowd – it just doesn't get any better!”
 
Founding member of the legendary group Underground Resistance with ‘Mad’ Mike Banks & Jeff Mills,Robert Hood’s seminal works on Jeff Mill's Axis and his very own M-Plant imprint paved the way for a wave of stripped-down dance floor minimalism. He brings his influential minimal Detroit techno to the Slam line-up.
 
2014 looks set to be huge for the unstoppable Duke Dumont, who is currently sitting at the top of the charts with his irrepressible summer anthem I Got U feat Jax Jones. The British DJ and producer’s breakthrough hit, 2013’s Need U (100%) feat. A*M*E also reached no.1 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
 
Pretty Lights will bring his sample-based electro hip hop soul to the Slam Tent. His epic soundscapes have a vintage vibe – instead of sampling existing recordings, he has worked with everyone from the Harlem Gospel Choir to members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Treme Brass Band to create a unique sound. Already confirmed to headline Chicago’s Spring Awakening Festival and play at Sonar in Barcelona, Pretty Lights will bring the party atmosphere to Balado this July.
 
Kerri 'Kaoz' Chandler is a house legend – his fusions of heady bass-lines, synthesizers, and catchy choruses are sure to go down a storm at T in the Park. Also joining the Slam bill is Glasgow’s Alex Smoke, who blurs the boundaries between electronica, techno, classical and hip hop, melding European minimalism, pop structures and emotional strings to create a moody blend of melancholic electronica.
 
T in the Park 2014 – artists announced so far
 
FRIDAY 11th JULY: Biffy Clyro, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, Pixies, Steve Angello, Alesso, Haim, You Me At Six, Manic Street Preachers, Chvrches, DJ Fresh & Messy MC, The Magic Numbers, Maximo Park, Foxes, The Rifles, Len Faki, Pan-Pot, Drenge, Pretty Lights, Jackmaster, Josh Record, Wolf Alice, Clouds, Factory Floors, Alex Smoke.
 
SATURDAY 12th JULY: Calvin Harris, Paolo Nutini, Pharrell Williams, Elbow, Rudimental, Ben Howard, James, Bombay Bicycle Club, Twin Atlantic, The 1975, The Charlatans, John Newman, Embrace, Katy B, The Human League, Nina Nesbitt, The Stranglers, Joris Voorn, Dave Clarke, Duke Dumont, Robert Hood, Carl Craig, Clean Bandit, We Are Scientists, Ella Eyre, George Ezra, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Twenty One Pilots, Circa Waves, Skream, Chloe Howl, Guy Gerber, Magda.
 
SUNDAY 13th JULY: Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg, Disclosure, Bastille, Example, Tinie Tempah, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, London Grammar, Tame Impala, Kodaline, Above & Beyond, Sam Smith, Passenger, Sven Vath, Metronomy, Newton Faulkner, Chance the Rapper, Slam, Reverend & The Makers, The Twilight Sad, Inspiral Carpets, Julio Bashmore, Kerri Chandler, Royal Blood, Levon Vincent, Tale Of Us, George Fitzgerald, Mark Henning, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and many, many more acts to be announced (line-up subject to change).

Ella Eyre & Foxes join Norfolk’s Sundown lineup

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Secret Garden Party expands its lineup for 2014

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Having 14 music stages, the award-winning Secret Garden Party now incredibly in its 12th year, offers a kaleidoscopic pick ‘n’ mix of music – from indie to dance, folk to reggae, party good- times to down-and-dirty rhythm ‘n’ blues – whatever the genre there’s a tick-list for all. Celebrate the diversity of our current musical culture, hear the stars of tomorrow and dance ‘til dawn, all in a beautiful lakeside location. Time to experience a lost weekend somewhere in Cambridgeshire…

The Secret Garden Party is pleased to announce a further line up of artists for 2014. New additions are as follows and more to be announced shortly:-

FOXES – MAYA JANE COLES

SUB FOCUS DJ SET + ID – MØ – KWABS

ROSIE LOWE – WOLF ALICE – YEARS AND YEARS – GORGON CITY

DENAI MOORE – BIPOLAR SUNSHINE – THE AMAZING SNAKEHEADS – KYLA LA GRANGE –  LE GALAXIE – TELEMAN –  SUPERFOOD –  MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND – DAVID RODIGAN – TUNNG –  ZERVAS & PEPPER – JACK GARRATT -MY NU LENG –KINDNAP KID – TOURIST –  ULTERIOR MOTIVE –  WOZ – THE MISPERS – MAUSI – PETE MOLINARI – FICKLE FRIENDS – BIG BOY BLOATER –  DVWLX – COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS – BEECH – MARCUS BONFANTI – IMPERIAL LEISURE –  THEY SAY JUMP – TANTZ – DANNI NICHOLLS -PLANETMAN & THE INTERNATIONALZ  MY DARLING CLEMENTINE – GECKO – UZIMON – GHOULS – ALISON & THE EARTHQUAKES – JOHN CRAMPTON – THE DAMN JAMMAGE – DELANEY – BLUES BUSINESS

They will be joining, as previously announced:

LITTLE DRAGON – FAT FREDDY'S DROP

 CLEAN BANDIT

MARTHA REEVES AND THE VANDELLAS – DEAP VALLY – MORCHEEBA – JAGWAR MA – 

MAX RAABE AND PALAST ORCHESTRA – FAT WHITE FAMILY – DUB PISTOLS – SOUTHERN – CHAMPS – HONEYBLOOD – THE CORRESPONDENTS – BAT AND BALL – MT

As ever, we will still be holding back a bundle of secret performances to serve you at unexpected moments. Who can forget some of last year's;  'Latch' being performed live on the Pagoda last summer, Jarvis joining 2manydjs in the Black Cat bar or Disclosure on the Drop? So keep your ears pricked for any rustles in the hedgerow as the rumours could well be true!

Bathing Under The Stars

Everyone at a busy action-packed party weekend requires those valued moments of reflection and relaxation and this summer the Secret Garden Party is offering even more luxurious ways to spend that essential down time. Here is early news on how to pamper yourself…

Join Bathing under the Stars for an affordable & unforgettable hot tub & sauna experience. Spend two blissful hours recharging your party feet and soothing your soul. Enjoy some R&R alone or round up some friends (private group bookings available for 6-8 people) and enjoy the delights of these beautiful wood fired hot tubs and dry Finnish saunas – complete with refreshing cold showers (hot showers also available). The area comes with its very own private bar (free water & hot tub service included) and deck chairs so you truly can kick back and relax in style.

Soul Fire Restaurant Presents "Trattoria al Giardino"

For 2014, The Soul Fire Restaurant brings you fine dining with an Italian twist.  Stone baked oven pizzas made in our own clay oven, antipasti to die for, and as for the gelato…?  Bellissimo!  Sourcing artisan products from Italy whose provenance we know and trust, we'll be using only the finest quality ingredients to create a truly gastronomic experience. Think long wooden tables, warm candlelight, proper cutlery, crockery, and of course glassware – it's all the luxury you'd expect from Soul Fire – with a vibe that can only be found in the Garden.  We'll have an incredible handpicked wine list, so whether it's a crisp Soave or a full-bodied Chianti, grab some bruschetta and enjoy the view over the lake.  

Of course, Soul Fire wouldn't be complete without the now legendary brunches.  Known for the finest Eggs Benedict, Florentines and Royales, as well delicious healthy options, you'll also get killer Bloody Mary's and of course the signature Elderflower Champagne.

Tables for evening bookings are now available for 2 to 30 people. 

J Cole, 2 Chainz, Knife Party and more added to Wireless Festival

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With the already announced headliners, Kanye West, Bruno Mars and Drake at this years dual located Wireless Festival, we can now let you know about even more incredible acts that will join them.

J. Cole, 2 Chainz, Knife Party, B.o.B, Bleachers, Giorgio Moroder, Foxes, A Great Big World, Joel Compass, Vic Mensa, Raleigh Ritchie, Kwabs, Jess Glynne, Becky Hill, G-Eazy, YG, Sage The Gemini and Dominique Young Unique have been announced this morning and will be performing in London's Finsbury Park and Birmingham's Perry Park this July.

Already previously announced were OutKast, Pharrell Williams, Rudimental, Basement Jaxx, Ellie Goulding, Wiz Khalifa, John Newman, Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks, Pretty Lights, Chance The Rapper, Ella Eyre, Angel Haze, Salt-N-Pepa, Clean Bandit, Earl Sweatshirt, A$AP Ferg and Neon Jungle.

Keep an eye on the Summer Festival Guide for more Wireless Festivals news!