All Points East’s announcements continue with a special celebration of one of the most innovative, influential and groundbreaking pioneers in musical history.
Kraftwerk will celebrate 50 years since their debut release at East London’s Victoria Park on May 29, a UK exclusive and another unmissable show after Tame Impala were announced as the first headliner for May 23.
The multi-media project Kraftwerk was started in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in Düsseldorf, Germany. They set up their legendary electronic Kling Klang Studio where they composed produced and recorded all their Kraftwerk concept albums.
Since the late 60s they have been closely connected with the Düsseldorf Contemporary Art Scene and after an early experimental phase, Kraftwerk achieved international recognition in 1975 with their first concept album Autobahn.
With their futuristic music and technical innovations Kraftwerk created the soundtrack for the digital age of the 21st century. Over five decades their compositions, using new studio techniques, pristine melodies and synthetic voices, computer sounds and robotic rhythms, have had a global influence across an entire range of music genres and musicians. From electro to hip hop, house to techno, synth pop to industrial and ambient to EDM, it is hard to ignore just how much impact Kraftwerk’s music has had.
The man-machine Kraftwerk will present their legendary live show from the main East Stage combining digital surround sound with breathtaking 3-D animations and robotics. And in true All Points East style, a stellar bill of acts will accompany them on the day in Iggy Pop, Johnny Marr, The Orb, Chromatics, Anna Calvi, Kim Gordon, Grandmaster Flash, Jehnny Beth and John Maus with more to be announced.
Also joining: IGGY POP, JOHNNY MARR, THE ORB, CHROMATICS, ANNA CALVI, KIM GORDON, GRANDMASTER FLASH, JEHNNY BETH, JOHN MAUS
Off the back of last year’s sell out event, winter snow sports and music festival,Snowboxx announces it’s first wave of stellar acts for its 4th week long annual event in its brand new home mountain home of Avoriaz from 12th– 19th March 2016.
With its move to the snowy peaks of Avoriaz, France for 2016, Snowboxx is now nestled in the largest connected ski area in the world with 650km’s of pistes and the best snowparks in Europe and features its very own festival village which includes a massive main stage, après area, ice bars, tasty food vendors, festival attractions and some of the best snow brands in the Alps.
Snowboxx will be the ultimate festival epicenter and is accessible by skis, snowboard or foot to the heart of Avoriaz. There are also more venues and standout features on this years program which reflect the new expanded capacity, making this the most ambitious Snowboxx event to date.
As ever, Snowboxx has a varied and creative line up in store for 2016. The team today announce just a few big names for the first wave of acts; hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash, former front man of The Streets; Mike Skinner, Grime’s man of the hour Stormzy, chart smashing Drum & Bass duo Sigma, and a show stopping live set from Blonde all form the beginnings of this year’s huge line up.
Snowboxx’s even has it’s very own nightclub; XX, which this year brings Radio One’s Monki, who will be hosting her infamous night with Monki & Friends.
With many more exciting acts, stages, terraces and brand partners to be announced soon, Snowboxx 2016 promises an electrifying mix of live acts and DJ’s.
Taking over the French resort of Avoriaz for an entire week 12th -19th March, the festival is a hive of activity and as ever, Snowboxx is about more than just the music, there is a full schedule of unique off slope festival activities on the program, from human bowling to pro snowball arenas, Snowboxx has really thought outside the box to bring endless immersive content such as the Karaoke Cabins and Stash Park BBQ amongst many other things. With more features to be yet announced, guests can expect surprises around every corner of the resort and a truly unforgettable experience.
This year, to add to the already jam packed program, Snowboxx are teaming up with French festival Rock The Pistes who bring a full week of live mountain top music to areas across the Port Du Soleil region. Stages are dotted across the mountain range making everywhere a party on the festival piste.
Snowboxx is a great opportunity for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to experience the fantastic tree lined pistes and variety of runs that the Port Du Soleil region is famed for. Whilst festivalgoers take to the mountains to enjoy the region’s famous pistes, first-timers can get lessons on the bunny sloped or simply enjoy the activities in the festival epicenter.
Thousands flocked to Finsbury Park this weekend for popular festival – Wireless. Each year the festivals line up is spectacular, Summer Festival Guide headed over to check things out. With over 40 acts on both Saturday and Sunday; including Ciara, Jessie J, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, Avicci and Kendrick Lamar, Wireless was sure to be a festival not to be forgotten.
With the sun beating down on Finsbury Park Saturday's sold-out show, started to fill out almost immediately. As the crowd flooded through the gates of Finsbury Park, they were greeted by a high-spirited Conor Maynard who kicked started Saturday on the main stage, whilst KStewart and Ady Sulieman took to the other two stages.
Raleigh Ritchie and Tinashe later took to the main stage and both performed equally good sets. Raleigh got the crowd jumping around and seemed to genuinely enjoy it just as much as they were enjoying him. Tinashe performed a great up beat set from her latest album Aquarius. Summer Festival Guide caught up with Raleigh Ritchie back stage where he told us about his love for performing, festivals and Game of Thrones.
Indiana took to the Pepsi Max Arena where she slowed things down a bit and performed a very mellow set. Fans swayed as the singer performed tracks from her latest album – ‘No Romeo’ and she drew in the crowd however the singer sped things up a bit towards the end of her set and the crowd loved it.
Whilst waiting for Mary J Blige crowds flocked to numerous food vans to refuel. Ranging from Chinese to Mexican, Vegan to Steak Grills and Lebanese to Caribbean food the crowd were definitely spoilt for choice. Mary J Blige dived straight in to her set list starting with her hit song ‘Just Fine’. The crowd immediately jumped to their feet and started dancing. Mary J had the crowd dancing for the whole 45 minutes of her set. With a great set list and her high-spirit Mary J had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hands.
Gorgon City and Childish Gambino later took to the main stage. Whilst Stormzy took to the RE: WIRED stage. Gorgon City's up beat set had the crowd dancing with range of hits including 'Stronger', 'Rather Be' & 'Real Love'.
The mult-talented Childish Gambino ran out onto the main stage next and it wasn't long before he was shirtless and belting out 'Crawl', 'Worldstar' and more from his back cataloge of albums.
Stormzy had a huge crowd for his highly anticipated set performing his latest tracks to a very appreciative crowd who sung their hearts out word for word.
As the crowd waited for Kendrick Lamar yet again they headed for the food vans and the bars to refuel and rehydrate. Kendrick took to the stage performing many tracks both old and new including 'Backstreet Freestyle', 'Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe' and 'Swimming Pools (Drank). The crowd loved Kendrick and Kendrick loved the crowd. Avicii wowed crowds when he later took to the stage and saw what had been an amazing day off with an equally amazing set and a spectacular light and firework display.
Sunday afternoon saw Wretch 32 kick start the day off on the main stage with an impressive performance. Also kicking off the day around the park was Samm Henshaw on the Re: WIRED stage and Kiko Bun in the Pepsi Max Arena. Summer Festival Guide caught up with Samm Henshaw backstage and he was just as happy and full of energy off stage as he was on.
Charlie XCX, August Alsina and Clean Bandit were the main stage line up for the afternoon. Whilst Arrested Development, Ciara, Pusha T and Rae Sremmurd took to the Pepsi Max Arena. Leaving Damage, Jacob Plant, Tove Stryke, Jaden & Willow Smith, Elliphant and Shakka to entertain those at the RE: WIRED stage.
Charli XCX with her trademark Sucker heart prop and full band on stage rocked the crowd with her hits 'Sucker', 'Breaking Up', 'I Love It'. Full of energy and with the sun pelting down on Finsbury Park, Charli had the crowd singing with her throughout her entire set!
Ciara was off to a rocky start with her mic being switched off for the first 15 minutes of her set. However that did not stop the crowd from singing along to the popular singer's songs and enjoying the show Ciara provided. Jaden and Willow left the crowd slightly befuddled with a rather unusual performance. However the crowd soon perked up when willow performed popular hit 'Whip my Hair' and Jaden shared a new track with the Wireless crowd. The sibling duo were full of energy and provided a good performance, aiding each other throughout.
As night began to fall, crowds were left disheartened when the festival organisers shamefully admitted that Nicki Minaj was running late due to travel complications and that they had lost touch with the award winning female rapper. It was later announced that Nicki and David Guetta had mutually agreed to share the set time which crowd's responded to with boos.
When David Guetta took to the stage half an hour after the announcement crowds went wild as he started his set. The light show Guetta provided was spectacular and he managed to win back the crowd with popular tracks, smoke, confetti and fireworks. David Guetta continued for a further 40 minutes before Nicki Minaj finally made her entrance and crowds seemed to have forgiven the female rapper within an instance.
Nicki continued to work the crowd and performed popular songs including 'Truffle Butter', 'Only', 'Moment for Life' and 'Anaconda'. Adoring fans sang and danced the night away enjoying the all-round amazing show Nicki delivered. Nicki Minaj was the perfect act to round off the Wireless weekend she left the crowd on a positive high and closed the show with a tremendously great performance.
Tickets for Kendal Calling’s 10th birthday celebrations are almost sold out and promoters are urging anyone wishing to attend to purchase tickets asap to avoid disappointment. Less than 1000 tickets are available! The festival has consistently sold out well in advance but this year is set to break all records as demand for the 4 day spectacular has reached unprecedented levels.
Hip Hop legend, Grandmaster Flash is confirmed as a special guest, bringing his pioneering sound to the Lake District masses. Widely credited with creating the cut and mix style that grew out of the Bronx block parties, Grandmaster Flash was the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame. He joins Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, James and hundreds of other acts at one of the UK’s finest festivals.
Marking 10 years of unforgettable memories and breath-taking moments, Kendal Calling celebrates its 10th birthday spectacular in the stunning Lake District, This innovative, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and festival lovers will also enjoy 4 days of artsinstallations,gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is widely regarded to be the most beautiful festival site in the UK.
On the music bill, The Big Feastival welcomes Groove Armada (DJ Set), to headline the main stage on Friday 28. Fresh from winning Best British Female at the BRIT Awards last week, iconic songstress Paloma Faith will bring the weekend to a close on Sunday 30 August. With the Saturday Special Guest Headliners still to be revealed, this year’s festival is set to be the best yet.
Also on the bill and making her debut at The Big Feastival this year is popstar Ella Eyre, the voice of massive hit singles “Waiting All Night” and “Gravity”. Legendary hip-hop star and DJ, Grandmaster Flash will also make his first Feastival appearance alongside festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, much-loved DJ Norman Jay MBE and beat boxers Duke, all announced to perform across the weekend.
Groove Armada said: "The second most important thing for us when we're planning a gig, with the first being music, is where we're gonna have dinner. So on that basis this show is properly gonna go off, gourmet Groove armada style."
Saturday’s headline performance, the full line-up of music acts, satellite stages and brand new music workshops will be revealed soon.
Known for bringing sensational culinary talent to the stage, The Big Feastival has announced the initial programme of chefs set to join Jamie Oliver this year. Two Star Michelin masters Raymond Blanc, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Nathan Outlaw will all grace The AEG Big Kitchen, alongside critically acclaimed rising star James Lowe and the inspirational Monica Galetti. The irrepressibleGennaro Contaldo makes a welcome return as everyone’s favourite Great British Bake-Off finalist Richard Burr gets set to make his debut.
Brand new to The Big Feastival for 2015 is the Healthy Living Zone, dedicated to the art of healthy eating and wellbeing. Health food pioneers Deliciously Ella, Livia’s Kitchen (Olivia Wallenberg), Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley will head up a specially curated programme of events. Festival-goers will be invited to recharge their batteries with fresh festival fare from the Health Hub, serving everything from freshly pressed juices to sushi. The Kitchen Counter will feature talks and tutorials while The Action Station will re-energise even the sleepiest of heads.
To feed the foodies, the ever-popular Street Food Alley returns to the festival with the best of British street food. Visitors are invited to sip, sample and shopThe Producers Markets, cook up a storm in The AEG Cooking Club and get behind the grill with the all new Weber Grill Academy On Tour. We are delighted to have the Birra Moretti Experience providing that ever needed drop of refreshment, and with pop up dining experiences still to be announced, there will be something on the menu for everyone.
TheBig Feastival boasts an enviable line-up of children’s entertainment across the weekend including Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park,Little Dudes’ Den, The Big Top, The Village Green Games and the iconic Vintage Fairground. The full programme of fun and games and this year’s Very Special Guests will be announced soon!
Jamie Oliver –
"I can't quite believe we're headed for our fourth year at Alex James' farm – Feastival just keeps getting better every year. It's already got an incredible line up for music fans and foodies, and I know that we'll only add to it over the next few weeks. As usual, I can't wait!"
Alex James –
I’m excited to have everyone back to the farm. Three days of great music and delicious food, plus plenty of fun for the kids, it’s the perfect bank holiday weekend. And this year is set to be the best yet.”
Blissfields are proud to unveil the first wave of musical guests for 2015. The bill includes The Horrors, John Grant, Simian Mobile Disco (Live), Glass Animals, Public Service Broadcasting, Grandmaster Flash, Ibibio Sound Machine, The Correspondents, Songhoy Blues, Novelist, and Melé. Many more acts also confirmed, with a second wave still to be announced.
From a singularity in 2001, Blissfields has reached out into the cosmos inviting sold-outs crowds to its small but perfectly formed, 5,000 capacity, tree-lined mini wilderness in the Hampshire countryside. Music at Blissfields runs until around 4am each day, crafted to take its audience from clear afternoons of discovery and frivolity, through lofty main stage sets, into the heady wee small hours of the Blisscotheque and Hidden Hedge.
Eight years after The Horrors first appeared on the cover of NME, their fourth studio album Luminous marked them as one of the country’s leading, most consistent guitar acts. From their defiant early days of gothic garage-punk, they join Blissfields now as an internationally acclaimed headline act, with a truly unique sound and stage show, bringing a sense of the unreal to proceedings.
Following a string of sold out shows, including The Royal Festival Hall in London,John Grant will also bring his raw, emotional and frank take on music to Blissfields for the first time. Grant’s music has been met with universal critical acclaim, with his latest solo album, Pale Green Ghosts, garnering five star reviews and the accolade of ‘Album Of The Year’ by Rough Trade. His honest portrayal of life’s struggles have connected with listeners and even lead to Grant partaking in side projects, such as 2014 Blissfields alumni Hercules and Love Affair’s latest record.
Simian Mobile Disco will see in a late night LIVE slot on the main stage this year, their formidable set possibly including some of the remixes which bear their name – from the likes of Muse and Nine Inch Nails, to Bjork. Outside of the band, SMD’s James Ford has produced such records as Klaxon’s Mercury Prize-winning Myths Of The Near Future, Florence And The Machine’s Ceremonials, Arctic Monkeys last four ground-breaking records, and 2014’s gargantuan Jessie Ware album Tough Love.
In such a short space of time, Oxford’s Glass Animals have accosted the ear of St Vincent and Radiohead, landed a top-20 album release in Australia for their debut offering Zeba, and decorated some of the biggest stages in London including James Lavelle (UNKLE)’s curated Meltdown. Their hyper-intelligent take on guitar music has undoubtedly positioned them as one of the most sought after live acts of 2015.
Blissfields are pleased to welcome back Public Service Broadcasting. The duo’s original mix of electronica and indie with vocals hijacked from public information films has pioneered a new breed of dance-punk. Their stage show, complete with blinking TV sets, live strings and vintage suits, will beautifully join eras and attitudes together, fittingly into the festival’s 2015 “Somewhere In Time” theme suspiciously well.
Elsewhere and Bona fide DJ pioneer Grandmaster Flash will be serving his lessons in the lost art of hip-hop and turntable technique, bringing some legacy to the beats in 2015, while Eton Messy return in the slot previously occupied by the likes of Snakehips, Bondax, Alunageorge.
After seeing Eclair Fifi and Monki tear the festival apart in 2014, the Blisscotheque is once again looking at the brightest young stars, this year securing Novelist andMelé to headline the stage. Novelist has been riding high on a wave of success since being nominated for the BBC Sound of 2015 and will take the Friday slot with his own inimitable grimy sound whilst the Annie Mac endorsed Melé will close the stage on Saturday.
With a long history of welcoming emerging talent, from Bastille in 2012, Sam Smith in 2013, and Years & Years in 2014, attention will once again be on the festival to highlight the best in new music. Palace, Flo Morrissey, Gengahr, Loyle Carner, Kiko Bun, Alex Adair, Ekkah and Songhoy Blues are just some of the names already twitching the curtain of the internet in that respect.
Of course it wouldn’t be Blissfields without festival favourites Dub Pistols, returning this year to the main stage. Along with The Correspondents, who headline the Thursday night of the event, Ibibio Sound Machine and Hidden Hedge headliners Missill, they form a hazy heart of the festival – a mix of world influences and cross-genre infusions for the times when it’s okay to be lost in a field in England.
THE HORRORS / JOHN GRANT SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO GLASS ANIMALS / PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING GRANDMASTER FLASH / IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE SONGHOY BLUES / MELÉ / THE CORRESPONDENTS NOVELIST / MISSILL / COSMO SHELDRAKE / GENGAHR LOYLE CARNER / KIKO BUN / WE HAVE BAND / DUB PISTOLS ALEX ADAIR / ETON MESSY / SUBGIANT / THE MISPERS FLO MORRISSEY / PALACE / SPRING KING / EKKAH / MATTHEW AND ME ANDY COMLEY / BIG CHILD MAN CHILD / BITR8 / BLACK FEATHER / CHOLOMBIAN DAN MUNRO / DEADPROUD / ECHOTAPE / ESPAI / FABLE / FLOELLA GRACE GYPSY DISCO / HEADSESSIONS SOUNDSYSTEM / JOHNNY BOXCARS / JOLTA JOSH SAVAGE / K1R3Y / LIONFACE / MARY MISS FAIRY / MILLY UPTON / MINI DA MINX MORGAN HISLOP / NOVATONES / ONE STEP TOO LATE / ØNLY / PACHANGO POPOBAWA / RATZI / SCIENCE OF 8 LIMBS SHUDDERVISION PRESENTS DIGITS MCPHEE & GUESTS SOUL & FIRE / THE KINGS PARADE / THE SUBGIANT SOUNDSYSTEM THIS CITY LIMITS / TRANSEND / WINTERHOURS
Love Saves The Day are delighted to announce their line-up for 2015. Taking center stage as Saturday's headliner will be the soulful South Londoner and 'Wildest Moments' singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. Tale Of Us, the Berlin-based musical duo who are currently re-writing the rule-book for deeply moving, emotional electronic music will also be present, whilst Fabric resident Craig Richards takes over the Futureboogie stage, alongside Brighton deep house producer Leon Vynehall, the exceptional German duo Âme, and Maxxi Soundsytem, known for his classic house vocals and catchy grooves.
Other names on the bill for Saturday include London duo Gorgon City, fresh off the back of recent hits 'Ready For Your Love' and 'Here For You', plus Hannah Wants, a lady who has taken to the forefront of the hard-hitting bass house scene, with recent hit 'Rhymes' alongside Chris Lorenzo. Also joining the Wide Eyes stage will be Tourist, the producer who made waves with his remake of HAIM's 'The Wire' and Bristol based house and bass production duo GotSome.
Love Saves The Day also welcomes ManMakeMusic label owner George Fitzgerald to the Second Stage, alongside the hugely popular Newcastle-based Patrick Topping. Elsewhere festival goers will be able to catch Bristol's very own Julio Bashmore, 'Heart On Fire' singer Indiana and Crazy P, an electronic group renowned for using slinky underground disco, deep electronic throbs, shimmering pop moments. Bristol based club night-turned-label Just Jack will also be hosting their very own stage on Saturday, showcasing Dyed Soundroom, Soundstream, K15 and recent signings Will Martin and John Barera.
Other names on Saturday's bill include: Artwork, Bodhi, Christophe, Disciples, Felix Dickinson, Kidnap Kid, Lapsley, Matt 'Jam' Lamont, Rae Morris, Session Victim, Shanti Celeste, Sly One, Tayo, TCTS, Vaults, Waifs & Strays, Work It and Woz.
Sunday 24th May…
Day two of the Festival welcomes New York rapper, singer and songwriter Azealia Banks, who catapulted to fame following her universally popular 2012 hit '212'. Also gracing Sunday's main stage will be American recording artist and one of the pioneers of hip-hop DJing, cutting, and mixing Grandmaster Flash, as well as the gorgeous R&B vocals and chilly, metallic production of Kelela.
The CRACK Stage will host an impressive array of dance music heavyweights including the diversely eclectic Four Tet, Phantasy label owner and BBC's Radio 6 Mix Resident Erol Alkanand renowned vinyl specialist Floating Points. Daniel Avery will also bring his mind-bending, psychedelic sounds to the stage, alongside the extremely talented Ghost Culture.
Rapper and grime artist Skepta will be present on day two of the festival, alongside drum & bass and jungle legend Shy FX. Bristolian Redlight will bring his mixture of house, breakbeats and dubstep to the Trap stage, also joined by the multi-award winning garage DJ EZ and the Black Butter crew's My Nu Leng.
Other names on Sunday's bill include: Babyhead, Barely Legal, Champion, Dark Sky, Dazee, Dismantle, Dr. Meaker, Hodge, Joker, Jus Now, Kiko Bun, Klose One, Loyle Carner, New York Transit Authority, Newham Generals, Pinch, Rat King, Stormzy, Typesun and Wiley.
Since the initial announcement back in February that DREAMSCAPE would be reuniting for its 25th birthday celebrations, the fans have been on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the full line up and main stage acts.
ESP Promotions supremo Jim Tang has not disappointed the fans with a main stage boasting world famous acts and ravers favourites such as: Grandmaster Flash, Goldie, Shades of Rhythm, Stanton Warriors, Baby D, Alison Limerick and SL2 and Clarkee.
"Since finding out that we had The National Bowl back in mid February it has been all systems go! Not only will this be the best dance music event this year in the UK, it will have been delivered in the shortest time in history I should think!" Laughs Jim Tang. We were inundated by DJ's and Soundsystems all wanting to play at The Reunion and have over 200 performers now. We have been holding out on the main stage announcements until we knew for certain that we had the right line up to send our Old Skool fans mental on August 16th."
And the announcement has not disappointed. Since the news was leaked today the fans have been going nuts and ticket sales have seen a distinct upturn. This was certainly the news everyone has been waiting for.
"Bringing together the very best in the UK Dance Music Scene such as Whizz Kid, Accelerated Culture, Sidewinder, Dreamscape and Ultra Vegas with Datatransmission under the ESP Promotions umbrella has paid off big time. To say we are looking forward to the event in August is somewhat of an understatement." says Jim.
Jim Tang's brand ESP Promotions has been at the very core of the British underground rave scene since day one.
"ESP Promotions were always the pioneers of the scene and we are resetting the standard of the UK Dance Scene once again with Dreamscape, The Reunion. We know that this is just the start of things to come. Those of us that were there the first time around have never forgotten just how fantastic those days were and how legendary the raves were. This will be a nostalgia trip for the Old Skool and a new experience unlike any they have ever known for the younger generation."
"I am delighted that we have managed to put together a lineup of such relevant, brilliant and legendary headliners that will just make everyone’s day perfect. This will be one summer that we will never forget." Concludes Jim.
Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Public Enemy have seen over 20 years in the music business including hits such as ‘Don’t Believe The Hype’ and ‘Fight The Power’. Members Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Khari Wynn, DJ Lord and Professor Griff will bring the beats of Long Island, New York to Hertfordshire for Standon Calling this summer. A similarly pioneering figure of hip-hop and fellow member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame also confirmed for the festival is Grandmaster Flash. Internationally acclaimed live dance act Shapeshifters are set to take to the stage, they may be a long way from their New Zealand home but are sure to receive a rapturous welcome.
East India Youth aka William Doyle counts Brian Eno amongst his fans, and now Standon Calling is in for a treat with his heady mix of Krautrock and ambient electronic sounds. Further hip-hop will be on offer courtesy of Young Fathers, their alternative take on the genre has received support from the likes of BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, NME and Drowned In Sound. A twin sister musical duo hailing from both Australia and Sweden, Say Lou Lou achieved a place of the BBC Sound of 2014 poll and are now the perfect ‘dream pop’ addition to the festival’s line-up.
Elsewhere Standon Calling has bagged alternative-pop courtesy of Eliza & The Bear and duoThumpers. Indie from Norwegians Team Me, plus rock n’ roll from Domino records signing The Bohicas completes the additions for the second announcement.
The sixth annual Camp Bestival came to a close this weekend, and married with ideal weather, a fantastic array of food stalls, and a friendly vibe, the musical line-up far exceeded expectations.
The action kicked off on the Castle Stage on Friday with the Jaipur Brass Band playing their infectious traditional Indian music among a splash of colour, followed by the impressive Kate Bush imitator Fake Bush.
The main stage action really picked up with a string of top performances; The Correspondents, Camp Bestival favourites, whipped the crowds up with their zany mix of hip-hop, drum 'n' bass and funk; The Farm took the whole field back to 1990 with a set including 'Stepping Stone' and the anthemic 'All Together Now'; and Irish rock royalty Ash played a fantastic career spanning set of hits including the wide-eyed innocence of early breakthrough 'Girl From Mars', 'Shining Light' and the all-out stomper 'Orpheus'.
Getting out of the welcome sun, we headed to the Big Top, and caught Max Romeo, late replacement for Toots & The Maytals, mid set. A raucous crowd lapped up the Reggae legends set, and the roof nearly came off for 'I Chase The Devil'.
Staying in the Big Top, London Grammar, the first of the weekend's true up-and-coming new bands, took to the stage, and the three-piece's beautiful and moody set was one of the highlights of the festival. Hannah Reid's vocals reminiscent of Florence Welch, and a musical undercurrent with hints of The XX and Massive Attack, their impending album is now a must buy.
Veering away from music for a while we stayed to watch John Cooper Clarke, and while the legendary Punk Rock Poet was in fine form, his set was slow to begin, blighted by a bleed of sound from the Bollywood Dance Tent – a disturbance which blighted many of the acts in the Big Top. Friday's headliner was guitar icon Richard Hawley, fresh from having headlined Bridport's Electric Palace the night previous. We went back to the main stage with muted expectations, and it made what followed even more special. Hawley's languid and soulful vocals, and sublime guitar, made for a low energy but fully engaging set, with 'Tonight The Streets Are Ours' a real festival moment.
On the way back to the tents we stopped off for a late night treat in the form of the dark and humorous Filthy Boy, the young group show a sound and style beyond their teenage years, and single 'Waiting on the Doorstep' was a particular stand-out.
Saturday, as usually is the case, had the strongest line-up. The day began with kids' hero Mr Tumble delighting the packed main stage field, followed by the Horrible Histories show. Using the kids entertainment as an excuse to explore the other entertainment and food on offer, we took in some of the extreme sports in the Freesports Park; walked through the Dingly Dell; cleared our heads with fresh coconut water; and proceeded to eat brunch at the incredible Young British Foodies. The tent was a popular stop for meals at any time of day, offering everything from smoothies and waffles, to sushi and venison burgers.
Saturday's musical offerings kicked off with american songstress Lissie, whose bluesy LA rock was the perfect accompaniment to the rapidly rising sun. Next up was one of the sets of the weekend. Gabrielle Aplin, who last year played the bandstand stage at Camp Bestival to around 100 people, has jumped into the public eye following a Christmas advert hit, and subsequent number 2 album. The 20-year-olds main stage set included a breath-taking cover of 'The Power of Love', as well as hit singles 'Panic Cord', 'Home' and brilliant cover of the Fleetwood Mac favourite 'Go Your Own Way'.
Camp Bestival favourites The Cuban Brothers were next up, mixing hilarious quips from frontman Miguelito with high energy latin-flavoured party funk. The rapidly growing Castle Stage crowd were at once laughing hysterically and dancing madly! Spinning his wheels of steel, Grandmaster Flash took the generation-bridging crowds hip-hop, jazz, rock and more. The church silence allowed for a break from the searing heat, and on the way back to the tent from Grandmaster Flash, I managed to catch the last few songs from country blues newcomer Valerie June. The Tennessee native performed some of the fantastic roots-inspired tracks from her brilliant debut album 'Pushin' Against a Stone'.
Returning to the main stage, Camp Bestival's 'special guest' Mark Owen mixed songs from this new album 'The Art of Doing Nothing' with Take That classics, including what has become his signature tune 'Shine'. Surely a highlight for many of the mums in the field! Heading to the Big Top for the last time on Saturday, Clean Bandit produced a set of set of unique dance music, incorporating huge club beats with classical string parts. The Cambridge quartet had the crowd eating up every track, and seem destined for big things.
Closing off the main stage on Saturday, Kid Creole & The Coconuts return to the Camp Bestival stage for a 30s and 40s inspired party set, channelling the spirit of Cab Calloway, and leading into main headliner Levellers. The festival favourites produced a set of high-energy folk-rock, with 'Beautiful Day' a soundtrack anthem for a sun-drenched Saturday.
The Castle Stage kicked off with cider swilling old boys The Wurzels, and was followed by the shanty-singing Skinny Lister, who joined the crowd in a drink and a good dance. Sunday afternoon really got going and went back to the 80s with Nik Kershaw, playing hits including 'The Riddle', 'I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me', and 'I Am The One and Only', the hit Kershaw wrote for Chesney Hawkes. Heaven 17 followed Kershaw, performing a rapturously received set kicking off with '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang' and also featuring 'Penthouse and Pavement', and huge hit 'Temptation'.
Camp Bestival favourites Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip return for their first performance for three years in the Big Top next. Their unique combination of Pip's spoken word/rap/poetry and Le Sac's bass and beats went down a storm, although the set was slightly marred by the Bollywood bass once more. Before closing act Labrinth, we stayed after Dan Le Sac v Scroobius Pip for comedy headliner Alan Davies, and support from Ian Stone. Stone's near-the-knuckle repertoire was well received, and Davies' hilarious parental anecdotes were the perfect material for 'family-friendly' Camp Bestival.
The finale for the 2013 event began on the Castle Stage with Labrinth, – Sunday's musical headliner – who delivered a surprisingly good set featuring singles 'Earthquake', 'Beneath You're Beautiful' and a cover of Tinie Tempah's 'Pass Out' (a track Labrinth collaborated on). The Castle Field was at full capacity at this point, awaiting the always popular firework spectacular, and the show didn't disappoint. Son Et Lumiere's show, projecting a wonderful animation based on the festival's 'Around The World' theme, was brilliantly interspersed with a pyro display to match any other.
