We are very pleased to announce the return of Camp Bestival, back in the spacious grounds of Lulworth Castle from Thursday 29th July to Sunday 1st August. Scored by the very best music acts around and bursting with blockbuster action don’t miss out on Camp Bestival 2021 because we mean it when we say ACTION.
Featuring a cast and crew that reads like the greatest soundtrack ever made, expect movie music magic from the likes of Fatboy Slim who remains our weapon of choice to top the bill on Saturday night following a set from special guests Friendly Fires. We’ll say hello to the nightclub sounds of Groove Armada and we’ll most certainly have heaven on our minds when Becky Hill takes to the stage heading a glittering Friday night Castle Stage triumvirate that also includes a tasty turn from Kelis and Sophie Ellis-Bextor featuring daring doyens of the dance, Sink The Pink.
Winner of ‘Best Family Festival’ at the UK Festival Awards 2019, we’ve got family entertainment galore in the fresh coastal air with a host of CB faves including risqué tearaways Dick and Dom, outrageous live scientists Brainiac Live, and Cbeebies legends Mr Tumble, Mister Maker & Rebecca Keatley, Andy & The Odd Socks and Sam & Mark. And we have singalong joy with the BRIT School, and performing arts amusements from Stagecoach, plus Art, Science, Dance & Circus Workshops, and kiddie friendly techno-colour courtesy of Big Fish Little Fish, and Junior Jungle.
You’ll see stars all weekend long right across the capacious castle grounds with music from Level 42, Max & Harvey, Georgia, The Selecter, Sara Cox, Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems, The Sugarhill Gang – Furious 5 ft Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio, Vengaboys, Heather Small, The Sherlocks and Louise Redknapp. Our cinema scope will catch the sights and sounds of David Rodigan, Reef, Space, Tim Burgess, Biig Piig, Mae Muller, Self Esteem, DJ YODA PRES. FILMSTOCK, The Cuban Brothers, Norman Jay MBE and Cheryl Hole. And we have scene-stealing sets from Craig Charles, Gengahr, Jaguar Skills, Dub Pistols, S Club 2, The Wurzels, LTJ Bukem, Krafty Kuts, Klaus Blatter, R.A.E, Tamzene, Fleetmac Wood, Hungry Heart, Purple Rave – A Prince Tribute, Bowie Disco and many more.
Our movie-themed weekend won’t be short on the talkies with comedy and spoken word appearances from Trigger Happy TV’s Dom Joly, award winning author Irvine Welsh, and snooker great and leftfield music authority Steve Davis and his DJ partner Kavus Torabi. Plus, there’s more verbalising and vaudeville across the weekend from the likes of Scummy Mummies, Man Vs. Baby, TheDadLab and Wacaday mainstay Timmy Mallett!
No Camp Bestival would be complete without lashings of bonhomie and fabulous fare. So, expect food and drink fun that caters to all tastes including The New Foodies hosted by Fred Sirieix, live fire demos, traders tutored by The Black Farmer’s Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, Neil Rankin, DJ BBQ, Fizz Bar and Mother Earth’s Open Kitchen.
If contemplative vibes are more your focus, then head to Slow Motion to enjoy the delights of yoga, breathwork including an appearance from Richie ‘the breath guy’ Bostock, meditation, sound healing, ayurvedic workshops, and a sleep retreat. Or set your pulses racing with Fit Camp including wild runs, HIIT & family boxing, and a holistic triathlon.
With a cast of long-term faves already in place, Camp Bestival also has some superstars in the making with thePalace our teen area, Stargazy Presents ‘Keep It Cosmic’, a blend of music & mixology, the Giggle Box our new comedy venue, Cirque Bijou’s High Wire Spectacular and, of course, the Full Moon Cinema, all brand new for 2021.
And following its smash-hit debut performance Wild Tribe gets star billing with a host of earthy and earthly activities including the Big Build, Water Slides & Ziplines With Woodland Tribe, Spinney Hollow Craft Village, Mossy Crow, Bushcraft, Bivouac & Fire Building, Interactive Theatre and Calm Spaces.
As ever, there are a multitude of options for camping out at Camp Bestival. Featuring the very finest in outdoor living, check out all the expansive options that range from our roomy General Camping fields, through the generous plots of Camping Plus and Backstage Camping right up to the none-more luxurious Boutique options, Campervans, Caravans and beyond.
The Parklife Weekender announce they are teaming up with Desperados to unveil yet more additions to their already dominating line-up. The Desperados Detonate Arena will welcome indie/electronic three piece Friendly Fires and BBC Radio 1 regular Mistajam to Manchester for the two day celebration, who appear alongside some of the most acclaimed names in electronic music from underground talent T.Williams, Shadow Child, The 2 Bears and Friend Within, to homegrown heroes Krystal Klear, Krysko and Rich Reason. The Parklife Weekender will take place on Heaton Park, Manchester, 7-8th June. More information can be found here.
Jack Savidge of Friendly Fires, co-founder of the 'Deep S**t' record label alongside Parklife headliner Edwin from Foals, heads up the Saturday night celebrations alongside Rinse.FM regularT.Williams and The 2 Bears, who will bring the perfect summer atmosphere to Heaton Park with their unique blend of tropical house, dub and hip hop. Huxley, one of the hottest stars in house and techno thanks to his releases on 20:20 Vision and Hypercolour, will no doubt play one of his characteristically high energy sets alongside local Manchester stalwarts Krystal Klear, and The Warehouse Project residents Krysko & Greg Lord. Huxley has also been revealed as one of the special guest acts for the official Parklife Weekender after parties, and will appear at Gorilla for the 'Bass Face & Awaken Presents' party alongside T.Williams. Tickets for all after parties can be found here.
Sunday will belong to acclaimed BBC Radio 1 DJ Mistajam who, as founder of the 'Speakerbox' event series, has become one of the most talked about names in dance music. Sharing the stage will be Dirtybird family member Shadow Child, who has crafted a name for himself with his jacking house sound. Recent Disclosure collaborator Friend Within will play his Parklife debut, whilst Secondcity, who has seen releases on the infamous Defected Records, will make The Desperados Detonate Arena one of the highlights of the entire weekend.
The Parklife Weekender, brainchild of the colossal Manchester promoters The Warehouse Project, will take place on Heaton Park June 7-8th. Over the weekend the festival, which sold out in less than 6 weeks, will welcome Snoop Dogg, Bastille, Bonobo and SBTRKT to Manchester as the event continues to keep the illustrious musical heritage of Manchester alive.
With a host of the biggest and best live artists and DJs that spans the electronic music spectrum, the line-up reads like a who’s who of stadium stars, up and coming UK talent, world-beating DJ’s and industry insiders’ tips alongside some of the most exciting promoters out there.
FRIDAY 27th JULY
Storming the Main Stage on Friday is chart-topping, Brit superstar, Tinie Tempah, bringing a typically energy-fuelled and explosive all-new live show to kick-start proceedings. A firm favourite with the Global crowds, he’ll be supported by one of the most sought-after DJs and producers in the world, Afrojack, and the man with one of the most unique voices in the business, Maverick Sabre (Live). Grime MC Dot Rotten and Micky Slim ft Majestic are also in support.
International phenomenon, Armin van Buuren brings A State of Trance, the most popular trance radio show in the world, to GlobalGathering this summer to host an exclusive arena on Friday night. A festival first, the show will be broadcast LIVE to millions of listeners worldwide – with GlobalGathering once again providing the freshest festival experience to the dance music masses. AVB also welcomes Markus Schulz, Aly & Fila, W&W and more.
Also on Friday night, the UKF Bass Culture arena brings the biggest bass bangers to the largest indoor arena on site. Under the atmospheric cover of canvas, man of the moment Skrillex returns to GlobalGathering following a breakthrough set that was a highlight of the 2011 festival, taking to the stage with his almighty pioneering live show the spaceship that recently wowed the crowds at Coachella and The Grammys. Knife Party, Zane Lowe, Jaguar Skills, Feed Me and more will continue keep the basslines pumping throughout the arena, and be joined by a very special guest performance from Andy C with his new live show Alive.
Friday at Global also features the first ever Visionquest as well as, Rinse, Electric and House arenas featuring the likes of Magnetic Man, Annie Mac , Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero and Art Department.,
SATURDAY 28th JULY
Back by popular demand following an unbelievable headline set in the Metropolis Arena at 2011’s festival, pioneering bass kings Chase & Status (Live) headline Saturday’s Main Stage. Joining them will be samba-tastic indie-ravers Friendly Fires (Live), plus chart-topping producer Labrinth (Live) as well as DJ Fresh Presents Fresh/Live, The Japanese Popstars and Major Look.
Saturday sees the return of the Metropolis arena teaming up with drum & bass label Digital Soundboy in 2012 to bring the best of the UK underground scene to the fore. Nero (Live) are joined by GlobalGathering favourites Sub Focus (Live), Modestep, Flux Pavilion and many more DJs and MCs, who’ll ensure the drops just keep on coming.
For the full line-up and info on who’ll be playing Godskitchen, Global, Hospitality, House,Toolroom Knights and Ec-lectricity Arenas on Saturday, go to: globalgathering.com/2012/line-up
VIP
Building on the success of last year’s revamped site and epic new areas, GlobalGathering is pleased to announce that the VIP ticket offering at this year’s festival is set to take the experience to a whole new level.
Providing guests with access to the ultimate clubber’s playground and a completely new audiovisual festival experience is the best VIP area GlobalGathering has ever seen. 2012 sees the introduction of a plane crash site theme, ensuring the sanctuary that is the VIP Fields and the party hub, the VIP Woods, perfectly compliment Long Marston Airfield’s aeronautical heritage.
Next to the VIP campsite and entered through a tunnel of windsocks, the VIP Fields are a place to relax, recharge, socialise and enjoy the delicious range of food and drink on offer throughout the weekend. With a Global Impact plane crash theme, the Fields will be dominated by the cockpit of a plane and feature chill-out areas including seating booths created out of graffiti covered cargo boxes, cargo net nests, specially adapted tyres and the Global Reclaim suitcase tunnel.
Tucked away between the VIP Fields and the main festival action are the more intimate VIP Woods. The Global Airways Hangar will dominate GlobalGathering’s very own enchanted forest, which truly comes alive at night. An incredible two story structure styled as a retro airplane hangar, the ground level will host a nightclub where VIP DJ’s and surprise guests will ensure it’s the hottest, most exclusive spot on site. Upstairs, the VIP Pilot’s Lounge will host a chillout area whilst outside, The Good Life zone will be filled with hammocks for revellers who prefer their R&R under fairy lit tries.
The VIP Woods will also invite guests to explore the secret pathways that take them to hidden gems including The Enchanted Garden, an oversized tropical oasis and the Mad Aviator’s Tea Party, featuring a long dining table doused in colourful lighting and seating area (magic teapots not included).
These new acts join an explosive bill of artists that includes Grimes, Sigur Rós, Franz Ferdinand, Orbital, Little Dragon, Friendly Fires, The Killers, Metronomy, SBTRKT and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. The who's who of indie and electronic music will take to the stage at Berlin’s historic Tempelhof Airport on September 7th and 8th 2012.
Now one of the most talked about artists of his generation following the release of his crotically acclaimed album 'Space Is Only Noise', New York-based musician Nicolas Jaar will conquer the stage at Berlin Festival with one of his acclaimed live performances challenging the genre boundaries of electronic music.
The hugely talented Stockholm-based three-piece, Miike Snow will also perform at Berlin Festival. Whether they’re working with Madonna, Kylie or Britney, it’s hard to disagree that Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg make very addictive music and they're certainly no stranger to the indie crowds. We can't wait to see them whip the crowd at Tempelhof into a dancing frenzie with tracks from their sophomore album Happy To You.
The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble will be the first act to play at Berlin Festival this year. TheBerlin-based trio will play a matinee show with a techno orchestra in tow before performing a live set at Club Xberg the same night.
Next up, Crocodiles. Massive guitar sounds the forte of the San Diego-based combo, formed by various punk band members which certainly explains the heavy noise pop influences.
Great melodies crash with ecstatic feelings when the boys from When Saints Go Machine lure the crowd with sophisticated electro pop and „avant-garde dance“. The band from Copenhagen will perform at Club Xberg.
And finally, as part of the current wave retro trend, the Brooklyn-based duo Light Asylum is one of the hottest newcomers around. With singer Shannon Funchess' unique voice and edgy synth sounds, the band will surely mesmerize the crowd on 8th September.
All confirmed acts so far…
Friday, 7th September
Berlin Festival @ Tempelhof Airport
Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble * Clock Opera * Daughter * Friends * Frittenbude * Grimes * The Killers * Miike Snow * Michael Kiwanuka * Nicolas Jaar * Little Dragon * Major Lazer * Kate Nash * Of Monsters And Men * Orbital * Sigur Rós * Tocotronic * We Have Band and more
Club Xberg @ Arena Berlin
Brandt Brauer Frick * Crookers * Dada Life * Dumme Jungs * Etnik * Metronomy * When Saints Go Machine and more
Saturday, 8th September
Berlin Festival @ Tempelhof Airport
Bonaparte * Jamie N Commons * Cro * Crocodiles * Django Django * First Aid Kit * Franz Ferdinand * Friendly Fires * iamamiwhoami * I Heart Sharks * Junip * Paul Kalkbrenner * Kraftklub * Morning Parade * SBTRKT (live) * Sizarr * WhoMadeWho and more
Club Xberg @ Arena Berlin
Junior Boys * Light Asylum * The Magician * Modeselektor live * Slagsmalsklubben * Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and more
Rob da Bank says: “The first time I met Flo she was whirling around like a spinning top to a Paul Simon track at a party I was DJing at. I hadn't even heard her open her mouth but she had this alluring vibe already. Once I heard her scratchy demo I was sold and when she did her first radio session for me at Radio 1 I couldn’t believe this flame-haired eccentric young lady had such a stunning voice. Her shows for us at Bestival and Camp Bestival over the last few years have always been highlights for many and I’m glad we can finally seal the deal with a headline show on the Friday of Bestival and with The xx on before her this promises to go down in the Best of Bestival yearbook!”
A longstanding Bestival buddy, Florence Welch and her trusty Machine have wowed Bestivalites across the years. From her mesmerising performance in the Club Dada tent to a handful of those in the know, to her all-conquering main stage set in 2009, her epic vocals, quirky melodies and self-contained musical world have created some utterly jaw-dropping moments that will live long in Bestival lore. Her second album ‘Ceremonials’, released at the end of last year, has cemented her reputation as one of the biggest stars on the planet and gained her accolades by the bucket-load, so we really are honoured to have her back with us again!
Florence Welch says: “This year we are headlining the one and only Bestival on the main stage on the Friday night after the amazing The xx, we hope we'll find you there in the wilderness with us! Lots of love, Florence + The Machine.”
To celebrate the fact that Florence + the Machine will be headlining on Friday night, they have put together a spectacular video message for us rejoicing in our Wildlife theme, which you can check out on our website, www.bestival.net!
Never ones to do things by halves, we’re also over the moon to announce that Swedish indie-pop doyens Miike Snow will be getting on the ferry across the Solent to join us at Bestival. Lauded for their eponymous debut album that brought them to worldwide attention, the band’s recent sophomore outing, ‘Happy To You’, has upped the infectious factor, as they effortlessly cross genres with their uniquely orchatronic sound. Their live show is a theatrical joy and one not to be missed and we can’t wait to see them!
The band told us: “We of Miike Snow are very happy to be playing Bestival this year, on the fantastical Isle Of Wight. We are looking forward to making sure everyone has a delightful time, and visiting Shanklin Chine. See you all very soon.”
Don’t forget about the recently announced Bestival Blocos either and our, frankly, off the hook carnival-esque Wildlife parade. More info on that can be found here.
We will be announcing our Friday night headliner on Monday 21st May, so keep your eyes peeled for the details and in the meantime make sure you keep on checking in at www.bestival.net, and our Facebook page and Twitter for all the latest behaviour.
All The Acts Announced So far:
Live Performances From: Stevie Wonder / Florence + The Machine / New Order / The xx / Sigur Rós / Friendly Fires / Nero / 2manydjs – Live / Soulwax / Justice / Two Door Cinema Club / Hot Chip / Miike Snow / Bat For Lashes / Emeli Sandé / Orbital / Frank Ocean / SBTRKT / Warpaint / De La Soul / Roots Manuva / Major Lazer / Sister Sledge / Gary Numan / The Horrors / Spiritualized / Death In Vegas / Doom / Ben Howard / Michael Kiwanuka / Sub Focus / Azealia Banks / Alabama Shakes / Kevin Saunderson Feat. Inner City Live / John Foxx And The Maths / Gallows / Rizzle Kicks / Buraka Som Sistema / Sage Francis / Grimes / Bellowhead / Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feat Al Mckay / Django Django / Little Dragon / Gold Panda / Adam Ant & The Good, The Mad And The Lovely Posse / The Cuban Brothers / Top Cat Featuring Sir Coxsone Outernational / Chairlift / Iceage / Ren Harvieu / John Talabot / Lianne La Havas / Delilah / First Aid Kit / Gesaffelstein / Daughter / Zulu Winter / Ane Brun / Friends / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / King Khan And The Shrines / The Japanese Popstars / Chas & Dave / Dub Pistols / Factory Floor / Charli XCX / Errors / Lucy Rose / Skepta / Alunageorge / Sunless 97 / Congo Natty / King Krule / Toy / Kindness / Dirty Beaches / Drums Of Death / Jessie Ware / Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard / General Levy / Slagsmålsklubben / Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / Field Music / Jinja Safari / Kawa Circus / B.Dolan's Church Of Love & Ruin / 02:54 / Evian Christ / Frankie Rose / Porcelain Raft / Milagres / Three Bonzos & A Piano / Prince Fatty / Liz Green / Trailer Trash Tracys / Forest Swords / Willis Earl Beal / Murkage / Alt-J / The Staves / Skinny Lister / Josh Kumra / Ryan Keen / Stay+ / Jamie N Commons / Nina Nesbitt / Bigkids / Gabrielle Aplin / Kwes / Diagrams / Fiction / Turbowolf / Mary Epworth / Wet Nuns / Misty's Big Adventure / This Is The Kit / Stealing Sheep / Clock Opera / Young British Artists / Patterns / Ghost Outfit / L.A. Salami / To Kill A King / Dingus Khan / Crowns / Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo / Parma Violets / Gorgeous George / Subgiant / Heath:Ward / Laurel Collective /Jake Bugg /Ahab / Gecko / Model Society / Tom Williams And The Boat / The Other Tribe / Daytona Lights / Biederbeck / Valentine Gray / Charley Macaulay / Sky Sphere / Blackhouse Crow / The Lovely Eggs / St Spirit / Charming / Alonestar / Shepherds / Cherishport / Seán Mcgowan / A Way Of Life / This Way Up / The Widowmaker
DJs Sets From Rob da Bank and Friends: Annie Mac Presents / Skream & Benga / Four Tet B2B Caribou / The 2 Bears / David Rodigan MBE Presents Ram Jam / Jamie xx / Dirtybird Showcase Feat. Claude Vonstroke, Justin Martin & Eats Everything / François K / Moodymann / Gilles Peterson / Redlight / DJ Yoda / Maya Jane Coles / Brodinski / Scuba / Kavinsky / Julio Bashmore / LTJ Bukem /Shy FX / Plastician / Matador / Greg Wilson / Adamski / Doctor P / The Nextmen / MC Wrec / Pearson Sound / Borgore / Flux Pavilion / Mark Jones (BTTP) / Max Cooper / Gemini / Krystal Klear / Pangaea / Reggae Roast / Billy Daniel Bunter / Pariah / Trolley Snatcha / Krafty Kuts / Warm & Electric Minds / Scratch Perverts / Koan Sound / Camo & Krooked / Giles Smith & James Priestley (Secretsundaze) / Mosca / Numbers Showcase: Oneman B2B Jackmaster, Deadboy, Spencer, Redinho / B Traits / Dismantle / Killaflaw / Gutterslut / Ben UFO / Melé / PBR Streetgang / Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends / Drums Of Death / Blawan / Frank Tope / Leo Zero / Evian Christ / Girl Unit / Zomboy / Luv*Jam / Dr Alex Paterson / Chris Coco / Pete Gooding / Phil Mison / Duff Disco / Sonnyji Presents Bang Bhang / Danny Whitehead / Mixmaster Morris / Rev Milo Speedwagon / Graeme Fisher (Balearic) / DJ Cable / Foamo / Shepdog / The Shellac Collective / Flying White Dots / DJ Charge / Hip Hop Karaoke / DJ@War / Pathaan / Mojo Filter / Fear Of Theydon / Tythe / Sink The Pink / George B / Kaf-Tan / Ben Hoo
Mr Motivator
Brainfeeder Presents Thundercat, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Lapalux, Jeremiah Jae, DJ Kutmah
First up, and for their only scheduled performance in Germany this year, Icelandic band Sigur Rós will showcase new songs from their eighth studio album, set for release later this year. Also making an exclusive appearance at Berlin Festival is British act Franz Ferdinand, who first appeared on screen in the early Noughties with hits like “Take Me Out” and “This Fire”. The band are back with their fourth studio album in 2012 and will be performing many of their new tracks at Berlin Festival. German favourite Paul Kalkbrenner is also set to get the crowd at Tempelhof Airport ready for take off. His shows are always an instant sell out and his 2011 album Icke Wieder is a true chart-stormer. which is guaranteed to be a party starter. Another act ready to whip the ardent crowd into a dancing frenzy is Britain's legendary techno duo Orbital. Following their 2008 reunion, the in-demand duo have been touring and working on some brand new material which they are ready to unleash at Berlin Festival.
And the names just keep on coming with confirmed performances from Friendly Fires, Metronomy, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, SBTRKT and German DJ duo Modeselektor who will celebrate their Berlin Festival debut at Club Xberg this year. Italian DJ duo Crookers and acts Cro, Daughter, Dumme Jungs, First Aid Kit, Frittenbude, Jamie N Commons, Kraftklub, Little Dragon, Major Lazer, Morning Parade and Slagmalsklubben are also confirmed to perform. Further highlights will be announced soon. Get ready…it’s going to be BIG!
Festival-goers purchasing a Berlin Festival 2-day ticket will be in for a treat this year. With 10,000+ headphones, the Silent Arena Aftershowparty will give ticket holders the chance to continue partying after the final main stage gig from midnight till 4am at Tempelhof Airport. It’s going to be the biggest ever Silent Disco! The DJ line-up will be announced soon. The Art Village will also make a welcome return to Tempelhof Airport, boasting over 60 national and international artists. Urban art, murals, performances, sculptures and more will all be on show plus an art bazaar, bars, booths, and the Design & Record Label Market as well as the art prize and a costume competition will complete the Art Village. And new for this year is the addition of accommodation at the festival site. We’ll have more info on this soon…
All confirmed acts so far Berlin Festival @ Tempelhof
Airport Bonaparte * Cro * Daughter * First Aid Kit * Franz Ferdinand * Friendly Fires * Frittenbude * Jamie N Commons * Junip * Paul Kalkbrenner * Kraftklub * Little Dragon * Major Lazer * Morning Parade * Orbital * SBTRKT (live) * Sigur Rós * Tocotronic * WhoMadeWho Club Xberg @ Arena Berlin Crookers * Digitalism * Dumme Jungs * Metronomy * Modeselektor live * Slagmalsklubben * Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
Tickets Berlin Festival
2-day ticket: EUR 74 + booking fees valid for 7th + 8th September including Berlin Festival and Silent Disco Aftershow party @ Tempelhof Airport Doors/stage time (Fri + Sat): 12.30pm Silent Aftershow Party: midnight-4am
Kombiticket: EUR 89 + booking fees valid for 7th + 8th September including Berlin Festival @ Flughafen Tempelhof and Club Xberg @ Arena Berlin as well as shuttle service to Club Xberg. Doors/stage time Berlin Festival (Fri + Sat): 12.30pm Doors/stage time Club Xberg (Fri + Sat): 11pm
FRIENDLY FIRES * DAVE CLARKE * THE DRUMS * JACQUES LU CONT * THE RAPTURE * ANNIE MAC * MYLO * ZANE LOWE * KNIFE PARTY * KASSIDY * ADMIRAL FALLOW * MYSTERY JETS * JAKWOB * CLAUDE VON STROKE * ANIMAL FARM * JAPANESE POPSTARS * LITTLE COMETS * LUCY ROSE * PORTER ROBINSON * BASTILLE * TO KILL A KING * THE DRAYMIN
SPECIAL GUESTS THE VIEW
PLUS FIRST COMEDY ANNOUNCEMENT TIM MINCHIN
Fresh from winning ‘BEST SMALL FESTIVAL’ for the second consecutive year at this week’s star studded NME Awards, and hot on the heels of MUMFORD & SONS, DEADMAU5, BIFFY CLYRO, ED SHEERAN, JUSTICE plus many more already having been announced, the good times keep on rolling as RockNess today confirm the latest names for the award winning line up.
First up and with tunes that say ‘party’ in a way this year’s RockNess audience will find hard to resist, FRIENDLY FIRES bring together a sound coated in melody with nods to nu- and old rave, the right measure of poppy brevity and slick vocals by disco dancing frontman Ed MacFarlane. Like a bringing together of all the great parts of an indie disco in one place, expect the perfect Loch-side soundtrack.
Joining the RockNess bill as special guests, THE VIEW are one of the most exciting young rock bands of their generation. A debut album that blasted straight into number one, multi million sales and two excellent follow up albums, massive radio and media coverage, Mercury Music Prize nominations…and a level of notoriety that only adds to their authentic bona fide star status. With a hugely anticipated fourth album set for release this summer – rumoured to be their finest yet and recorded in Nashvile with Angelo Petraglia (Kings of Leon) and Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys) – Loch Ness is officially on standby as THE VIEW prepare to unleash their electrifying sound to a guaranteed rapturous response.
TIM MINCHIN is a comedy rock superstar whose sell out live performances are a juggernaut of potent, grandiose showmanship. As one of the most commanding figures on the global comedy circuit, Minchin’s unique signature of intellectually provocative wit set against a sweeping musical backdrop, led by the barefoot balladeer on his grand piano, is irresistible. Expect a suitably huge affair at Dores as RockNess continues to offer outstanding comedy across the weekend.
Known as The Baron Of Techno, a moniker given to him by the late great John Peel, DAVE CLARKE is a bonafide veteran of electro and the first headliner announced for this year’s much anticipated SOMA RECORDS proposition at RockNess. With peerless sets that straddle tracks from the dawn of house through to gothic punk, the man in black’s gritty rock n roll anarchist energy is second to none. Revered by techno connoisseurs the world over for his sonic integrity, as Clarke says, “I may be established but I’ll never be establishment”.
Glistening tunes and insanely catchy riffs have made New York indie rockers THE DRUMS one of the most brilliant breakthrough bands of recent times, largely due to excellent second album Portamento. Fronted by Jonathan Pierce, and with a sound of carefully constructed gems that draw influence from a gamut of artists most notably The Smiths, 2012 promises to see the band’s career trajectory continue.
JACQUES LU CONT (aka Les Rythmes Digitales, Man With Guitar, Thin White Duke, Pour Homme, Zoot Woman, Paper Faces…and Stuart Price) is a three-time Grammy-winning electronic maestro who counts New Order, Madonna, Missy Elliot, Scissor Sisters and The Killers as fans who have enlisted his sublime production expertise. He is also one of the most respected names in electro, devoid of pretension but never failing to deliver killer beats. LU CONT’s contribution to the Fabriclive series is widely regarded as one of the finest ever, and awesome new track ‘Church’ – the first we’ve heard in a long time – marks a stunning return to form.
THE RAPTURE were forerunners of the early 2000s post-punk revival, mixing influences from acid house, disco, electronic and punk rock. A stream of excellent releases and high profile tours followed – most notably as the support for Daft Punk’s wildly successful North American assault. Now, after a five year hiatus, the New York trio are back and in rude health. Recent fourth album In the Grace of Your Love sees the band underpin their art-rock credentials but still with ample funky slabs of synth to keep the RockNess crowd dancing.
Always guaranteed to deliver the very best parties, RockNess is delighted to welcome BBC Radio 1’s ANNIE MAC and ZANE LOWE back to Dores. As two of the nation’s foremost exponents of cutting edge new music – Annie with her magnificent ‘official start to the weekend’ Friday night dance show and Zane with his fast paced nightly unleashing of the freshest new sounds – both are sure to be given a rousing welcome when they hit up the festival.
It is with huge excitement that RockNess can announce the appearance this June of an artist who will without any doubt be one of the festival’s highlights, MYLO. In a very special treat, MYLO will, for one night only, be bringing his famed EPP party to The Highlands. With a host of guest DJ friends to be revealed, expect a full scale hip wiggling, nu disco inferno mixed up with trademark genius throwbacks from the beat loving electro wizard.
KNIFE PARTY – the side project of Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillem – has been touring and tearing up dancefloors in clubs across the world for the last year playing remixes of Swedish House Mafia, Nero, Porter Robinson as well as a load of their own heavy hitting material with Skrillex and Mistajam. Recently released EP No Modern Talking is a smash, brimming with energy-packed madness and the wackiest beats you’re likely to hear. RockNess kids get ready!
Also confirmed are Glasgow rockers KASSIDY. The guitar wielding, four piece’s joyous harmonies draw on a range of influences most notably Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Grateful Dead, and their part folk, part hippie sensibility, captured to gorgeous effect on debut album Hope St unashamedly spans evocative and rousing Americana in equal measure.
Scotland’s ADMIRAL FALLOW know what they’re doing. Songs that are heartfelt, honest and as pure as the Scottish snow, harmonies that can’t help but raise a smile, melodies that blossom into glorious anthemic hooks, debut album Boots Met My Face, recorded at Glasgow’s famed Chem 19 studio with Paul Savage (former Delgados drummer) is probably the best example of orchestral indie folk-pop as you’re likely to hear. Magnificent.
Inheritors of Britpop and exponents of what could be loosely termed British guitar indie, London’s MYSTERY JETS are that…and so much more. Their inventiveness and output of ideas means they operate on a plateau far above most of the competition, with their most obvious peers being Super Furry Animals and British Sea Power. Three albums in, culminating in the triumphant third Serotonin, and a much anticipated fourth due for an April 2012 release, RockNess awaits their Highland arrival with fervour.
Minimalist and menacingly reggaetronic, JAKWOB transcends the genres of dubstep, electro, ghetto-tech and breakbeat and is one of the hottest new producers and DJs around. Aged 22, he is already one of the go-to guys in remixing – Lana Del Rey, Little Boots, Empire of the Sun, Frankmusik, Lily Allen, Coco Sumner, Temper Trap and Ellie Goulding have all received the JAKWOB magic. However it is for his forthcoming album that expectations are high. Using his multi instrumentalist skills (he plays nine), and collaborating with writing and vocal partner Rocky, a sound rich with variety and inspired by flavours from his life so far is anticipated.
On the party trip CLAUDE VON STROKE is a name synonymous with good times, and is announced as the second SOMA RECORDS act for 2012. Expect genre busting grooves, wonky beats and gear changing brilliance from this San Francisco-based maestro as he asserts control of the sensory extravaganza that is the ARCADIA AFTERBURNER.
ANIMAL FARM are four friends Darren Quail, Chris Lamb, Charlie Turtle and Ronin Vallelly. Influenced by early Detroit and Chicago techno, the boys have spent the last seven years perfecting their sound as residents at one of the planet’s most revered clubs, the SUB CLUB. The boys have brought many of their electronic heroes to Glasgow including Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Regis, Sandwell District, Ryan Elliott, Marcel Fengler and Mark Henning to name a few…plus a host Glasgow’s young talent including Harvey McKay, Gary Beck, BCR Boys, Mr. Copy and Simon Stokes. ANIMAL FARM also broadcast weekly on the city’s lead student radio station, Sub City.
Championed by Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens amongst many others, LITTLE COMETS are an indie-pop troupe to behold. Hailing from the North East of England, marvellous debut album In Search of Elusive Little Comets was a joyful collection of some of the catchiest tunes of 2011 and shining follow up EP Worry should see this excellent young band move into well deserved regular playlist territory.
Hailed by VOGUE as one of indie’s breakthrough stars of 2012, LUCY ROSE is an English singer songwriter whose full capacity, live performances are fast commanding a proper sense of occasion. Likened to Joni Mitchell and tipped as an English Suzanne Vega, ROSE, who has contributed vocals on Bombay Bicycle Club’s two most recent albums, exudes a quiet determination with a clutch of deceptively sweet songs that make her appearance at RockNess well worth the effort to check out.
Often called a prodigy of the electro genre, PORTER ROBINSON is a 19 year old producer who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the international electronic music scene, captivating audiences with his ability to skilfully blend genres into his own unique sound that's complex yet catchy, and classic yet cutting edge. He’s performed with Deadmau5, Moby, Afrojack and A-Trak. Check him out at RockNess to see why.
By all rights, BASTILLE should have a record deal and chart success such is the beautiful potency of their material. Festival slots at Isle of Wight, Glastonbury, Glade and Great Escape aside, the four piece from London have been marching on and growing their fanbase. Through this steady promotion, and the recent release of a thoroughly decent EP containing notable gems Icarus and Flaws.it now finally looks like BASTILLE’s moment could be arriving.
With a one off single released on the Communion label of Ben Mumford of RockNess headliners MUMFORD & SONS, and a well received EP My Crooked Saint, rousing folk rockers TO KILL A KING are an exciting new five piece whose poetic lyrics and gritty music has them as ‘ones to watch’ this year.
Taking place from 14th – 18th June in Pembrey Country Park the four-day extravaganza will welcome the mighty Chase and Status, who will be performing live on Friday, grime maestro Dizzee Rascal who will be topping Saturday's bill and Friendly Fires, who will raise the roof on Sunday, closing what is without doubt the most exciting festival line-up of the summer. With tickets priced from just £109, Beach Break Live will be buzzing with festival goers enjoying the epic line-up and four fun-filled days in the sun which will see everything from Roller Disco's to The Celtic Games.
After Beach Break Live gave Chase and Status their first ever headline show in 2010, the duo have risen to global stardom pioneering drum and bass in the UK singles chart and bringing the genre to the forefront of the music industry. They will be joined by multi-talented producer and artist in his own right Labrinth, who shot to fame in 2011 with his numerous collaborations and hugely successful singles 'Let The Sun Shine' and 'Earthquake'. BRITs Critics Choice-nominated Maverick Sabrewill stun the crowds with his beautiful voice while hotly tipped London bandClement Marfo & The Frontline will be skanking down in their uniquely urban style. The coveted Delilah will no doubt be performing her single 'GO' which has received huge critical acclaim and resonated with fans across the UK. Dubstep chart toppers Nero will bring hits such as 'Me And You' and 'Promises' to the Beach Break Live Dance Stage.
As with Chase & Status, Beach Break Live is hugely excited to be welcoming the return of another festival favourite, BRITs awards winner Dizzee Rascal who will headline The Dell Main Stage on Saturday. Having stuck with Beach Break through the infamous 2009 site move to perform his first ever headline festival show, Dizzee returns as the notorious icon of the UK grime and urban scene to blow the minds of 20,000 festival goers in Wales. Festival goers will be going 'Bonkers' for everything Beach Break this year, from Zorbing down the 8-mile beach to horseriding through the waves, this festival offers everything fun in one place.
DJ Fresh, who has just reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart, will be showcasing his new live tour, which includes a full band and a tonne of technology as a back drop to his hard hitting bass lines. Since 2010 Wretch 32 has been steadily rising up the charts thanks to breakthrough singles from his hugely successful album 'Black and White'. 2012 is set to continue that trend, if not garner even more success for the grime MC when he performs at this year's Beach Break Live 2012. Embarking on UK tours this February, Beach Break is delighted to be welcoming both Manchester indie rockers The Whip and lyrical genius Ghostpoet to the festival for the first time while the newly appointed BBC Radio 1 contingent Benga [live] and Skream will be offering up the kind of cutting edge drum 'n' bass that has seen them become two of the most talked about DJs and producers in the business.
The infamous Ghetto Blaster stage is returning yet again to Beach Break Live, true to form artists will be keeping festival goers up into the small hours with a mash up of unique dubstep from Toddla T, Rinse FM's very own Oneman and Glasgows champian DJ and Numbers label founder, Jackmaster, will be spinning the decks with a frenzy of electronic bass and beats. Blawan will also be joining the boys on the Ghetto Blaster stage, hotly tipped producer of 2011 will no doubt be bringing even more to the dance table in 2012. Festival circuit pros DJ Parker, DJ Cheebaand DJ Moneyshot will be spinning the decks in Chai Wallah whilst rising talentsMystery, SDM, MTD and Dutty Dan will also be performing around the site. Propaganda will be starting the post main stage party in the ActionAid tent every night, with some secret DJ sets to top it off!
With the highly anticipated second album from Friendly Fires tantalisingly close to being released, there's little doubt that the St. Albans trio will be a festival highlight for many a Beach Breaker in 2012 when the boys close proceedings on the Dell Main Stage on Sunday. They will be joined by Beach Break regular and rapidly rising singer songwriter Ben Howard while Merlin's Forest is set for the ultimate drum 'n' bass takeover when the one-and-only Hospitality unleash their collective on Sunday. High Contrast, Netsky, Camo & Krooked, Danny Byrd and more will take to the decks for what promises to be a unforgettable show.
The most iconic names in dubstep, hip-hop, drum & bass, house, techno and indie will team up with some of the capital’s most cherished club nights to deliver a 3 day weekender poised for the musical history books.
London’s biggest dance floor opens early on Friday with Hot Chip, Magnetic Man,Sub Focus Live, and Crystal Castles throwing down the gauntlet alongside a selection of arena hosts that include the return of East London's unstoppable, genre-defining radio station, Rinse 106.8FM¸ and all for a recession busting price of less than £30.
Little time to breathe, as Saturday rolls out an all-encompassing sonic mash up of hipper than thou rockers Friendly Fires, Brit Awards Critic’s Choice Winner Emeli Sandé, Swedish electro hipsters Little Dragon while New York City’s finest are represented in the form of Harlem’s hottest lyricist, Azealia Banks, and back by very popular demand Kelis, whilst the now traditional “Lovebox Legends” slot will be filled by the great Bobby Womack.
The main stages are set against the bone shaking soundscape of drum & bass' number one club night and record label, Hospital Records, plus house and techno institution Warm and international mad-hatters Crosstown Rebels who will be throwing a notorious Rebel Rave .
On Sunday things hot up considerably as Lovebox’s incredibly successful polysexual “Out and Out Fierce” party takes over proceedings with hi-energy disco and electro sounds dominating the site. Holly Johnson takes to the main stage to deliver a “greatest hits” set spanning his days with Frankie Goes to Hollywood through to his solo career. Described by the NME as “the most influential dance act in the world right now” Azari & iii return to Lovebox after their sensational performance last year and there is a debut performance from BBC Sound of 2012 nominee’s Niki & The Dove as well as performances from The Rapture and Patrick Wolf on the Sunday Superstore Live stage hosted by East London’s favourite venue Dalston Superstore.
"By amazing grace I have survived to perform at Lovebox 2012…My first London stage appearance in the 21st Century… Hollylujah!" – Holly Johnson
Meanwhile the many arenas across the site will be working clubbers into a state of submission led by DJ Hell who will be serving up a final flourish of closing party euphoria on a birthday to remember.
As the after parties across town roll on into Monday, organisers will consider their job done, knowing that Hackney will be left with a lasting legacy of love for 2012.
BESTIVAL’S SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER REVEALED New Order
LIVE: Friendly Fires Death In Vegas / Django Django / Daughter / Drums of Death / Zulu Winter
PLUS: Brainfeeder presents Thundercat / The Gaslamp Killer / Teebs / Lapalux / Jeremiah Jae / DJ Kutmah
DJs: Doctor P / Pearson Sound / Borgore / Flux Pavilion / Max Cooper / Gemini / Pangaea / Pariah / Billy Daniel Bunter / Trolley Snatcha / Blawan / KOAN Sound / Warm & Electric Minds
AND: Amphitheatre Stage: Max and Ivan are Holmes and Watson / The Unexpected / Four Screws Loose / About a Bench / Soundbites / Lizard Lounge with Scroobius Pip / Roundhouse Poetry Collective / RSA talks
Around the Woods: David Lynch Foundation Meditation and Yoga / Gideon Reeling's Theatrical Wanderings
The excitement never stops at Bestival HQ! Following our first line-up announcement, which included the amazing Sigur Rós, The xx, Two Door Cinema Club, Justice, Hot Chip, 2manydjs, Annie Mac Presents and loads more, plus the acts that have been announced on Twitter in the last week, we’re beside ourselves with joy to be able to let you know just who our fantastic Saturday night headliner is and we’ve got even more tasty treats to boot!
Rob da Bank says: “So I've got Blue Monday blaring out of the Bestival HQ office speakers as we unveil our iconic Saturday night headliner New Order. It doesn't get better than that… but it does! True Faith, Bizarre Love Triangle, Fine Time, Regret – so many amazing records i grew up listening to and still listen to now and they still sound immense, pioneering, legendary. See you down the front!”
One of the UKs most enduring bands, we are truly delighted that our Saturday night headliner will be New Order! Since the band’s reformation in August last year, with Gillian Gilbert back among their ranks, interest in the band has been at fever pitch so it’s an absolute coup that they’re coming to Robin Hill to play a headline set at Bestival! With an armoury of anthems stretching back three decades, New Order live is an essential experience and one that we can’t wait to share with you all!
Not only have we got such a glorious headliner for you but we also have live appearances from Friendly Fires who will be unleashing their trademark live spectacular in their own inimitably vibrant and widescreen way, psychedelic electro-rockersDeath in Vegas, super-hot eclectic art-pop quartet Django Django, the brooding and brilliant Daughter, rave horn aficionado Drums of Death and the anthemic indie-dance of Zulu Winter.
We’re extremely excited to be welcoming superfly LA beats stable Brainfeeder who will be presenting leftfield loops fromThundercat, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Lapalux, Jeremiah Jae and DJ Kutmah. Plus we’ve got plenty more DJs to keep your feet moving long into the night, including a sweet shop smash and grab with Doctor P, breakdown madness fromPearson Sound, Israeli Dubstepper Borgore and one-man orchestra Flux Pavilion. Plus there will be stark techno fromMax Cooper, bass chaos from Gemini, slow burning jams from Krystal Klear, organic electro from Pangaea, soulful sinewave action from Pariah, upfront rave action from Billy Daniel Bunter, woofer-worrying mayhem from Trolley Snatcha, drum magic from Blawan, Zen riddims from KOAN Sound and the twin bliss of Warm & Electric Minds.
We’ve delved even deeper into the Ambient Forest this year and are very excited to be presenting a brand new performance stage: the Amphitheatre. Nestled under a canopy of trees, this beautiful spot will be home to a host of eclectic treats, from live film scores, to comedy sketch shows, to theatre and poetry.
In the daytime we’ll be showcasing a vast array of the very best spoken word maestros in Scroobius Pip’s Lizard Loungesessions. We’ve also got some seriously funny sketch groups unleashing their hilarity for our chortling pleasure. In Max and Ivan are Holmes and Watson, history’s greatest detective tackles Chicago’s mobster underworld in this thrilling escapade! Next up are The Unexpected, the creators of the hugely popular YouTube sensation ‘Gap Yah’. And then there’s Four Screws Loose: officially the tallest (not to mention the sexiest) sketch comedy group on the circuit!
In the theatrical offerings, we have the delightful Owdyado Theatre, presenting ‘About A Bench’, a funny, surreal and playful show of ten stories taking place on a park bench. Then newcomers Soundbites will be bringing some of the most hotly tipped theatre makers and musicians face to face to create new short plays that feature live music on stage. Kinda like a live music video. But better. And for mind expanding musings, don’t miss our series of talks from the mighty RSA, who will be presenting ideas and thoughts from some of the leading enlightened thinkers of our time.
As night falls, we’ll be turning to the silver screen. In a first for Bestival, we’ll be teaming up leading DJs and musicians with a handpicked selection of your favourite films, to offer some brilliantly unique live score cinematic collaborations. Rob da Bankwill be leading the way with an unmissable rescoring of the 1930s King Kong!
And that’s not all that’s going on in the Ambient Forest. Back by popular demand, you can start your day in a secluded clearing in the woods, with a very special meditation or yoga session, presented by leading experts, the David Lynch Foundation. And if you are wandering around after dark, look out for the extraordinarily talented interactive theatre company Gideon Reeling, who’ll be popping up along the trails when you least expect it! Already firm favourites at Camp Bestival, prepare to be enchanted, surprised, enlightened and bewildered by your assortment of encounters with this fabulous gang.
If you like the sound of the Ambient forest then you might just like The Wild Copse, since we’ve announced it, tickets have been selling like the proverbial hot cakes, so if you fancy a bit of a luxury Bestival experience, you’re going to have to get in there quick. More info about the Wild Copse can be found here: http://2012.bestival.net/info/camping/the-wild-copse
