Happy Mondays

Kendal Calling 2017

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Heading to Kendal Calling for the second time, I pack my bags with excitement and made my way to the beautiful Lake District to attend one of the best smaller festivals the UK has to offer. There really is something special about the place, the stunning views, forests and ancient woodlands surround you with a warm atmosphere filled with revelers that keep the spirits of the festival alive.

For those that gained early entry into the festival, Thursday night took us back to the 80’s with a raucous start from the Happy Mondays, by leading straight into Hallelujah. Whilst the band may be more famous for their laddish charm and stage antics, Bez owned the stage by shaking his maracas and danced in his unique way that kept the audience chanting for more, a perfect act to hype up a crowd that waited for Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand. Proving why they keep going from strength to strength, these guys filled the site with an electric crowd that sang along to all the hits including Do You Want To, Take Me Out and No You Girls.    

Friday marked the beginning of the festivals first full day, with the likes of Kate Nash, DMA’s, Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and headliners Stereophonics on the bill. Kate Nash entertained in her colourful one piece, standing side by side with her female twin bassist and guitarist, conveniently dressed in their matching Kate Nash T-Shirts.

Making their debut at Kendal were Australian band DMA’s. Taking us back to the 90’s with an indie influence and the attitude of Liam Gallagher, lead singer Tommy remained static and lack luster, yet still managed to command the crowd. Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and the Stereophonics all took to the main stage on Friday night, however a bland and aged Stereophonics were unimpressive, and like many others, I headed off after the first song and made my way straight to the Calling Out stage to support South Londoner Hip Hop artist Loyle Carner. There’s no surprises this guy has been nominated for a Mercury Prize, charismatic and humble, and not afraid to shout out his love for his mum, this 22 year old will have no problem gaining a huge fan base.  Carner proved why he is destined to be one of the UK’s biggest Hip Hop artists and the crowd sealed their support by singing a long to favourites Ain’t Nothing Changed and NO CD.

Saturday provided an electic line up, with a great selection of up and coming bands playing the Calling Out stage including crowd favourites Honeyblood, Field Music and Shame, whilst the main stage lineup took us down memory lane with rockers Reverend and the Makers, Feeder, Editors, Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds and Manic Street Preachers all showing us why they reserve a slot on the main stage.

For the Beach Boys fans out there, Brian Wilson delivered classic after classic hits including California Girls, Surfin’ USA and Good Vibrations.  At 75 years old and fragile looking, Brian proved why his legacy of work will never be forgotten. Both Editors and Manic Street Preachers ignited the crowds with an equally energetic performance from both sides, with Manics kicking off their set with Motorcycle Emptiness and Editors front man Tom Smith baring a resemblance for Michael Stipe with his opener to Cold.

Drawing to a close with a spectacular fireworks display as Tinie Tempah closed the main stage, Sunday night proved to be a success. Lethal Bizzle pumped up the crowd with an equally impressive mosh pit to match. The fans continued to show their support by lighting up flares and smoke bombs for non conforming Slaves, who electrified the crowd. Seasick Steve returned to the festival for a captivating performance and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls performed an impressive 19 song set list. With a muddy 25,000 revellers enjoying the vast array of music, arts, markets and cinema, Kendal Calling has something for everyone.  Main stage aside, Kendal Calling has so much more to offer, compact in size you can get lost in the woodlands or head to Chai Wallah to listen to some cutting edge music. Whatever your preference, Kendal Calling is a must go to festival for all.

More photos here

Photos and review by Olivia Frayman 

Suede and Frank Turner to headline Kendal Calling

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Set in the stunning surroundings of UK's Lake District, Kendal Calling return for 2014 with a bang!  The first lineup announcement features headliners Suede and Frank Turner.

Joining the headliners will be hip hop legends De La Soul, Miles Kane, Happy Mondays, 2manyDjs, Andy C, Radio One's Zane Lowe, Bondax, Goldie, Razorlight, Clean Bandit and many more.

2014’s first headliner Suede are one of the most revered British bands of the last 25 years with Brett Anderson and co racking up a host of much lauded indie singles and albums. After a hiatus the band returned in 2010 and released the critically and commercially acclaimed album ‘Bloodsports’ in 2013.  This is a band once again riding on the crest of wave and the first headliner to be announced with more due to follow imminently.
 
Frank Turner’s anthemic folk-punk has seen him rise to become one of the country’s biggest musical artists of the last few years, accruing a large and devoted following and placing him firmly at the forefront of the new guitar renaissance in the UK.  His five albums have given him an enviable body of work and Frank Turner is undoubtedly one of the most powerful live performers around. Frank has a real love affair with Kendal Calling having played twice before and has risen through the ranks to secure a well-deserved and much requested headline slot with his band The Sleeping Souls.
 
The much anticipated Hip Hop Legends slot this year goes to hip hop pioneers De La Soul. This slot is as much a part of Kendal Calling folklore as the fancy dress theme and the Real Ale tent and after last year’s blistering performance by Public Enemy the From The Fields team are delighted to have secured a more laid back performance from the daisy age, ‘3 Feet High and Rising’ legends who celebrate 25 years in the game in 2014.
 
Miles Kane is a man noted as much for his sharp suits and dress sense as his angular music and lyrics and this most modern of pop stars will make the short journey from Liverpool to the lakes.
 
Happy Mondays are Madchester royalty and in frontman Shaun Ryder possess and unlikely national treasure.  Their set will be a hugely anticipated affair as fans gather to hear seminal baggy anthems such as ‘Step On’, ‘Kinky Afro’, ‘Hallelujah’ and a host more as the Mondays baggy swagger engulfs the Lake District.
 
The Glow Tent is a haven for lovers of the very best in electronic music and the line-up for 2014 is the best yet.  David and Stephen Dewaele are famous worldwide as both Soulwax and2manydjs who's album "As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt. 1" completely revolutionized the dance music landscape in the early 2000s, for its imaginative mixture of artist and genres from all eras. 2manydj’s are widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative acts on the planet and their mash up mayhem will have Kendal Calling in raptures.
 
Other confirmed acts include RAM Records founder and drum & bass don Andy C, Radio 1’s new music head honcho Zane Lowe, electro duo and local heroes Bondax with and all-star cast of b2b sessions, Metalheadz royalty Goldie, MJ Cole and a host of other swashbuckling turntable evangelists.
Zane Lowe
 
Other confirmations include Razorlight with their arsenal of alternative anthems, Brits Critics Choice winner and keyboard pounding singer songwriter Tom Odell and recent number 1 singles acts and electronic collective Clean Bandit who are one of the most exciting breakthrough acts in the UK right now.  Newton Faulkner’s unique, percussive guitar playing and emotive songs are sure to provide one of the weekend’s biggest sing-alongs while Gorgon City get ready for your love and bring their booty shaking bass to the Lakes.
 
Other exciting acts confirmed to perform include indie stalwarts Athlete, breakthrough indie rockers Breton, Rudimental collaborator Ella Eyre, undefinable musical guru and champion tea drinker Mr Scruff.  Many more acts have been confirmed to play with hundreds more set to join them in August in arguably the most beautiful festival site in the UK. 
 
This year’s fancy dress theme is Kendal Calling Goes Beyond The Stars as the festival once again becomes a mecca for culture vultures and party people.
 
NEW for 2014 for Thursday night revellers, Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club take over featuring a hand picked line up by Craig himself. Thursday will feature Chai Wallah’s and the Real Ale festival will be open for pre festival shenanigans!

Isle of Wight 2013 adds Jake Bugg, The Script and more

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Jake Bugg, The Script, Bloc Party, Paloma Faith, The Maccabees, Ellie Goulding, Happy Mondays, Fun, Bonnie Raitt, Imperial Teen, The Farm, Blondie and Republica, will now be appearing, plus more to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are selling fast for what will be an unforgettable experience, head to www.isleofwightfestival.com to get yours NOW!

Jake Bugg

Jake Bugg is the most exciting new singer songwriter in the UK and will be making his debut appearance on the Isle of Wight Festival’s Main Stage on Friday 14th June.  Also joining the Main Stage bill on Sunday 16th June will be one of the biggest & best-loved bands, The Script, who return with their meticulously-crafted, meaningful songs.

The Isle of Wight Festival Main Stage has seen many epic performances and 2013 will be no different, with the addition of Bloc Party, a band that has shaped the sound of modern British guitar music and will be appearing on Saturday 15th June. Returning for the second time will be Festival favourite Paloma Faith, who will be captivating the crowd on Sunday 16th June. Next up, South Londoners, The Maccabees will also be performing their well crafted yet off-kilter alt-pop songs ahead of Bloc Party on Saturday 15th June.

Paloma Faith says: “So excited to return to one of my favourite music festivals this year and hope the sun shines as beautifully as it did when I last played.”

Taking the Big Top by storm, Ellie Goulding comes to the Island on Friday 14th June following a special, campers only headline performance from iconic Manchester band, the Happy Mondays on Thursday 13th June.  Over on The Garden Stage, band of the moment Fun, make their Festival debut on Friday 14th June.  If that wasn't enough, American singer Bonnie Raitt will be performing on the Main Stage on Saturday 15th June, while one-of-a-kind symphonic pop quartet Imperial Teen take on The Garden Stage on Sunday 16th June.

For a second-to-non party atmosphere, the Isle of Wight Festival’s Big Top is the place to be. After reforming in 2011, legendary Liverpool band, The Farm are gearing up for an unforgettable campers only evening on Thursday 13th June. What’s more, one of music’s most acclaimed groups, Blondie, will be headlining on Sunday 16th June. Fans will also be treated to a performance by techno-pop punk rock Republica under the roof of the Big Top on Sunday.

Blondie says: “Oh the Isle of Wight Festival is one of the best and most famous Festivals in the world.  Can't wait to play it again this coming summer, 2013.  Blondie plays Isle of Wight, 2013, YEAH!”

John Giddings, the Festival’s promoter, says: “We are proud to present some of the best new music around, together with artists who helped scope the face of modern music- it’s a stunning combination so far.”

Happy Mondays to headline Camp Bestival

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We’ve already got an incredibly jam-packed show of wondrous goodness in store at this year’s Camp Bestival, including the mighty Hot Chip headlining Friday night and some serious Saturday Night Fever action with a triple whammy of superfunk from the Earth Wind & Fire Experience featuring Al McKay, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers and Kool & the Gang, so get yourself ready for some brilliant news, as we unveil our ace Sunday night headliners! Plus there’s even more festi-holiday marvels to be had on the Jurassic coast at the end of July, including more live acts and DJs and the hugely popular East Lulworth Literary Institute which, as ever, is brimming with highbrow high jinks!

Rob da Bank says: “I'm amazed this band are coming to Camp Bestival. The Happy Mondays are one of those iconic British outfits that perfectly capture all that's best about our musical make up…indie, dance, rave, pop and Shaun Ryder’s lyrical wit. I grew up dancing like a rubbish Bez to the Mondays and fully intend to indulge in some creaky freaky dancing some the Sunday night of Camp B..Hope you'll join me.”

Happy Mondays

Featuring their original and definitive line-up, back together for the first time in 19 years, we are overcome with loose-limbed euphoria to be able to announce that legendary Madchester trailblazers Happy Mondays will be headlining Sunday night at Camp Bestival. So you can expect to hear classics like Step On, Kinky Afro, Hallelujah, 24 Hour Party People and more to keep you freaky dancin’ to the very last in the shadow of Lulworth Castle. All we can say is yippee-ippee-ey-ey-ay-yey-yey! 

The Happy Mondays’ Sean Ryder said: "Me and the band are mega excited to be playing at Camp Bestival. We have heard the crowd are amazing, and we will definitely put on a great show."

Loved by the nation for their infectious smash Staying Out For The Summer and with a critically acclaimed new album endearing them to our hearts once more Dodgy will be providing the perfect summer sing-along.

There’s plenty more musical action coming your way too, with rocksteady rudeboy Little Roy whose Battle for Seattle album covering classic Nirvana tracks in his own inimitable style has seen him enjoying huge critical acclaim. Plus there will be live sets from bass explorer Redlight, Wretch 32 collaborator Josh Kumra, up and coming singer songwriter Ryan Keen and LA hipster-hippie Jenny O.

Ensuring that those delicious disco vibes last across the entire weekend we’ve got a host of amazing DJs to announce including the irresistible and all-conquering 2 Bears, whose recent Be Strong album has been getting almost everybody everywhere pretty hot and bothered. Anyone who saw his mammoth set at camp Bestival will be overjoyed to hear that the incomparable Mr Scruff will be manning the decks for another epic session of madcap mayhem. Plus there’s the extremely welcome return of reggae stalwart DJ Derek, cutting edge joy from Maya Jane Coles, blistering bassline salvos fromGemini, beat alchemy from Luv*Jam and underground action from Dave Hornby the man behind Bournemouth’s renowned Shake.

We’re also over the moon to be able to announce that the delightfully mischievous Dick and Dom will be making a much requested return visit to Lulworth Castle. Anyone who saw them wow the Castle stage crowds at last year’s show will be in no doubt that they’re in for an absolute treat of riotous fun and we can’t wait to see them again.

We’ve been swotting hard to bring you an A* programme for our East Lulworth Literary Institute. Nestled at the bottom of the Kids Field, this is an oasis of grown-up calm, where you can while away the hours indulging in a vast array of mind treats! 

We’ve got our first selection of candidates for our exclusive ‘How To’ series, where much loved folk share inspirational musings on hot topics. We are honoured to be joined by the truly inspirational Camila Batmanghelidgh, who is the founder of the Kids Company charity and a veritable spokesperson for the care and wellbeing of young people. Camila will be interviewed on How to Change Lives. And what’s more, previously mentioned daft double act Dick and Dom will be taking the hot seat to share their wealth of silly experience in How to Dick and Dom About.

Scroobius Pip is shaking things up this year in his Satin Lizard Lounge spoken word line up. He’s confirmed guest hosting sets from two of London’s best spoken word nights in the form of Chris Redmond (Tongue Fu) and Joshua Idehen(Poejazzi)! Pip, Chris and Josh will be presenting the likes of John Berkavitch, Jodi Ann Bickley, John Osborne, Alex Gynther and John Sinclair who will be sharing the finest selection of their latest word craft.

As always, we are also going to be graced with the presence of more than a few hot authors reading from their latest books! Channel 4 favourites the Fabulous Baker Brothers; musician turned author Joe Stretch; Radio 1 agony uncle Matt Whyman;  Richard Milward, laureate of teen sex, drugs and rock'n'roll; Ben Crystal, actor and Shakespeare demystifier; Little Nye creator Lerryn Korda; fantasy favourite David Gatward, and book reviewer Stuart Evers. Phew! 

And there’s even more to come! So keep an eye out to find out who else will be interviewed in our ‘How To’ sessions, even more authors, as well as news on our RSA debates, the Tate and some other surprises…

And don’t forget there’s 100s of free things for kids to do, comedy, art, glorious food galore and fun around every corner, so make sure you check www.campbestival.net and our Facebook and Twitter for all the up to the minute news about our fifth Camp Bestival!