Isle Of Wight

The Chemical Brothers: Bestival 2015 Review

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Saturday night headliners The Chemical Brothers, have been long on the wish list for Best-goers having waited for their main stage return since 2007. With Bestival being the last hurrah of the UK festival season, early dark skies provide a perfect backdrop for the onslaught of blinding green lasers of opening number and iconic late 90’s track ‘Hey Boy Hey Girl’. Despite the lack of the famed saucy skeletons on the big screens, it’s a strong start for the dance duo and the arena is jumping.

The show is heavy with trippy images of clowns and dancers, strobe lighting and colour to make up for the fact that you are essentially watching two guys push some buttons and bob along to a future beat in their headphones, but it honestly looks like they are having a damn good time as they drop ‘GO’ alongside a visual of a glittery roller-dancer gliding about on screen. Standard as it might now be for a festival or arena tour, there is something exciting about smashing giant inflatable balls around the place when you’re swimming in the depths of the front barrier crowd, long live the gimmick!

Two huge red and blue animatronic robots walk on stage shooting happy ravers with their laser eyes, and a giant inside-out disco ball refracts spotlights into a million starry specks as the Chemicals close out with hits ‘Block Rockin’ Beats', ‘Push The Button’ and ‘Galvanize’. With a final flourish and an on-screen tribute to their sadly missed music producer Stuart Jammer James, who had also worked with a plethora of Bestival favourites such as New Order, Hot Chip and Grace Jones, the set is over. The Chemical Brothers were well worth the wait, and as the sweaty masses leave the arena for other areas with wide grins plastered on their faces, it’s clear they were a great headline pick.

Photos by Rob Ball, see the full set here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/summerfestivalguide/albums/72157658440759892

Bestival Announces Shy FX Sound System Line-up‏

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We’re very excited indeed to reveal the line-up for legendary beat supremo Shy FX’s Party on the Moon Bollywood takeover.

Bringing the action to a close on Sunday 13th September, the latest in our Bestival’s Summer of Love Bollywood takeover series, the Party on the Moon will see dancefloor lunacy provided by the Digital Soundboy don and Original Nuttah himself, Shy FX going back to back with some very special guests, who we can guarantee will send you into orbit, with microphone control courtesy of MC Stamina. 

There will also be sublime moves on the ones and twos from chart-conquering musical polymath Mark Ronson, multi-platinum recording artist Craig David presenting his much admired TS5, the Leonine be-locked Lion Babe and Chloe Martini taking on Sinead Harnett. 

From old skool tear-ups to thoroughly modern floor-spankers, Shy FX’s Party on the Moon is a sure-fire celestial end to our Summer of Love that’s not to be missed.

 

A brand new area for Bestival 2015 – CARNIVALE!

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Bestival’s Summer of Love is all about going back to our roots. It’s about remembering all the things that got us super-excited about our amazing festival life in the first place, and one of our true loves that’s floated our boat since day dot is off-the-wall carnival action. So we’re massively thrilled to be able to announce a brilliant, brand new attraction for 2015 – Carnivale!

Our king of the carnival, Rob da Bank says: “We all know Besti-goers love a good party and any excuse to dress up, so gradually over the years we’ve been building our carnival activity up, till this year things have just gone off the scale with a fantastic Arts Council grant enabling us to put on our biggest carnival ever, and to have a mega pirate ship base for everything carnival to operate from. Combine that with our annual Saturday afternoon parade, and brand new illuminated night parades, soundtracked by yours truly, then things are going to go well and truly crazy for carnival this year!”

Produced by Kirsty Henderson in collaboration with Bestival and one of Europe’s leading and most original carnival groups, Shademakers, Carnivale is situated smack bang in the wonderland that is the Wishing Tree Field. Featuring a huge pirate ship stage with a cast of oddball performers and dancers providing mind-bending entertainment all weekend long, prepare to be bowled over by all manner of amusements, from morning shakedowns and eye-catching exploits, to our Carnival Day Parade and our incredible Night Parades. Plus, there’s an inviting workshop tent where you can get involved in the madness, learning mysterious carnival arts and making your own costumes. An enchanted hive of the unanticipated, Shademakers menagerie of wild and wonderful creations will scamper through the crowds, as Commedia Dell’Arte inspired pirates romp from the rigging, and acrobatic monkeys scale the heights, all as carnival music from around the world, sea shanties and drums fill the air.

Visit the Carnivale’s rhubarb and custard big top, and experience the Galleon Gallery, join in with the creative workshops, make a mask, flag, lantern or withy sculpture, or have your face painted as a cherub or glittery devil! Watch or take part in the many dance and musical workshops… Have you danced to tikitak, played the spoons or a kazoo? There will also be a History of Carnival exhibition where you can kick back and watch some stunning film footage of carnivals from around the world and discover the history of the truly fantastic costumes on display – come and be inspired to join the Carnival!

Whatever you do, don’t miss this year’s Day Parade with more sparkle, more music and more energetically colourful performances than ever before thanks to some of the UK’s top carnival companies. A collaboration across several art forms, the gates to the Carnivale will burst open and the fields of Bestival will be filled with one big summer of love explosion and the joy of the carnival featuring Spandy Andy, Sink the Pink, Mr Wilson's Second Liners, Mariachi El Pinche Grin Go, Shademakers, Area 51, Cirque Bijou, Emergency Exit Arts, Batala Portsmouth, Kinetika Bloco, Mandinga Arts, Preston Carnival, Brouhaha, New Carnival Company, VIP Puppets, Artemis, Quture, CTD Dance Company, Rainbow Connections, Utopia Mas, The Love Float (a collaboration between Shademakers and the IOW Police Volunteer Cadet Force) and The Parlour Make Up, all rocking along to an amazing soundtrack designed especially for the occasion by the man himself, Rob da Bank.

Each night as the sun sets over Bestival, our carnival revellers will come out to play in nocturnal disguise for our glorious Night Parades commissioned by Bestival in association with Roundhouse, Gideon Reeling and Shademakers. Cast your eyes to the horizon and watch as illuminated dancers appear, spreading their glorious wings, marvel as ethereal beings float past your eyes, radiating joy into the Bestival twilight. Heading for the hills of Slow Motion, they’ll gather together there to perform their Rituals of Love, in a spellbindingly wondrous display replete with a jaw-dropping fire finale that will enrapture anyone lucky enough to witness it.

Witness the Spirits of the Summer of Love, here to spread their message of freedom and joy, and to capture you in their playful web, as they dance their way through the festival. And keep an eye out in the Ambient Forest for the spirits as the wonderful Gideon Reeling and The Roundhouse team up to sprinkle magic and a bucket-load of love throughout the thickets, clad in the glorious flamboyant creations of Shademakers Carnival Costumiers.

 

Bestival announces Sunday headliner: MISSY ELLIOT!

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SUNDAY NIGHT HEADLINER REVEALED

MISSY ELLIOTT

GETS HER ISLAND FREAK ON

(EUROPEAN FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE)

www.Bestival.net / Facebook  / Twitter / Instagram /  Tumblr

#Bestival15 / #SummerofLove 

She’s the best around with the crazy style and her music makes us lose control, so we’re unutterably excited to announce that the incredible Missy Elliott will be headlining Sunday night at our Summer of Love in a European festival exclusive. One of the greatest artists of all time, and a true musical innovator, we couldn’t be more ecstatic that she’s coming to Robin Hill for her first UK show in nine years, and what is destined to be one of the most epic Bestival finales of all time. Ever.

Commenting on her headline appearance, Missy Elliott said: “I'm very excited to be performing at Bestival this year! I can't wait to see all my fans I haven't seen in some time… new ones and my day one fans! We are gonna have a blast together! Bring your dancing outfits and kicks!”

Bestival b-boy Rob da Bank says: “So, putting the final pieces together for the world’s most intricate jigsaw puzzle that is Bestival, I’m mighty proud to announce our Sunday headliner Missy Elliott. Needing no introduction Missy is the epitome of hip-hop royalty, the first lady of party-starting club bangers and a downright legend. I cannot wait to watch the most successful female rap artist ever to Work It at Bestival 2015!”

Hailing from Portsmouth (calm down Pompey crew, not that one) in Virginia, Missy Elliott is one of music’s most successful MCs, songwriters, and producers. She’s racked up five Grammy awards, one double platinum and four platinum albums, and over 166 awards from VMAs to MOBOs and beyond, but more importantly she drops bombs. With tight beats and sick flows, Missy is a one-woman hit machine, who has had pop music’s greats including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé queueing up to work with her.

Her production innovation has had a huge impact on music globally, firing out guilt edged monsters by the truckload from The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Hot Boyz and Get Ur Freak On to Work It, Pass The Dutch and Lose Control the stamp of her influence can be heard loud and clear to this day. Her surprise guest appearance at this year’s Super Bowl was mind-shatteringly amazing and blew us all completely away, proving that she’s just as vital right now as she ever has been, and you know she really is gonna work it for the final Bestival main stage set of the year. Joining Underworld, Duran Duran and the Chemical Brothers to complete 2015s set of headliners, Missy’s not just big in the game she’s unparalleled, and we really couldn’t be more ridiculously overjoyed that she’s coming to Bestival. So don’t you dare go home early, this is gonna be legendary.

Bestival announces Invaders of the Future stage lineup

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The very lifeblood of Bestival is new music. A passion that runs deep within the entire Bestival team, our head honcho Rob da Bank’s knack for spotting the most exciting new bands known to humanity is legendary, and has seen Bestival history littered with debut, or very early, festival appearances by some of what are now the world’s biggest acts. These days cunningly entitled the Invaders of the Future Stage, our new music mecca is where you need to be this September 10-13 at Robin Hill, if you want to see the next big thing before they become stadium-filling mega-stars.

A very modern Rob da Bank says: “OK, so this has to be my favourite stage at Bestival. It’s the beating heart of what Bestival is about – breaking new talent and exposing the undercard. It takes me about six months to book, on and off, wondering who the next wave of breaking bands are going to be, and trying to get the right mix of electronic, folk, soul and indie, dub and grime… and already I can see loads of these acts being on much bigger stages next year. Everyone from Ed Sheeran and Alt-J to Kate Tempest have played early gigs on this stage. So, from the wildly different sounds of Ratboy and Lion Babe, to The Skints, Clarence Clarity and the Island’s very own Plastic Mermaids, I promise you, this is the sound of the future”.

 

 

Currently causing a stir for those in the know there will be music from West London’s forward thinking alt. rockers All This Noise, our BBC Introducing twin Bearcubs, quirky funkers Boxed In, Ventnor duo Champs, singer-songwriter Clarence Clarity, Leeds five-piece Eagulls, folky grunger Eaves, gothabillys Eighteen Nightmares at the Lux, funk-inspired twosome Ekkah and sibling double act Formation.

We’ll also have punk rockers Girlpool, Norwich’s own Graceland, Glasgow pair Honeyblood, future-soulsters Honne, North London sisterly trio Jagaara, Manchester folky JJ Hodari, synth classicists Kate Simko & London Electronic Orchestra, rude boy Kiko Bun, BRIT school alumni Kimberly Anne and erstwhile Late of the Pier dude LA Priest.

Don’t miss out on fiery electro-ravers LIA:Life Imitates Art, singing cellist Laura Moody, Pharrell Williams collaborators Lion Babe, beat slayer Mura Musa, the woozy, bluesy Palace, Isle of Wight sons Plastic Mermaids, and Polar Maps, NYCs Ratboy, soulful popsters Real Lies, the super-seductive Secaina Hudson and intricately melodic people Shelter Point.

And be sure to catch those down-to-Mars girls Skinny Girl Diet, Bridie Monds-Watson AKA SOAK, Grime MC Stormzy, ambitious rockers The Bohicas, reggae-ska-dub-punk-hip-hoppers The Skints, indie troubadours The Slow Show, alt. popster Thomston, stratospheric-folk five-piece To Kill A King, Irish pop-rockers Walking on Cars and south coast psyche-surfers Wild Smiles. Giving a leg-up to the stars of tomorrow, the Invaders of the Future stage is where you might just discover your new favourite band.

Bestival’s Temple Island Lineup Announced and DJ Competition!

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A beacon of bacchanalia in a wonderland of ludicrously good times, our very own church of dance, Temple Island, is set to return with a litany of big guns to add even more passion to Bestival’s Summer of Love. Curated by The Physical Network and now a firm Bestival fixture among over 25 stages, revolutionary soundsystems and psychedelic woodland-based adventures, Temple Island will be taking all-out partying to epic proportions this September 10-13 at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.

THE TEMPLE OF LOVE

TEMPLE ISLAND RETURNS FOR DANCEFLOOR LOVE-INS

THURSDAY:

MADLIB / JUICEBOX PRESENTS: JONAS RATHSMAN, EJECA, SG LEWIS, JOE HERTZ & JUICEBOX DJs / 99 SOULS

FRIDAY:

PHILIP GEORGE / DISCIPLES / TCTS / SHADOW CHILD / ALEX ADAIR / WORLD OF RAVE & MUSIC MONDAYS PRESENTS: ALTERN-8, LIQUID, RAT PACK, BABY D, KAOTIC CHEMISTRY, SLIPMATT, BILLY BUNTER, UNCLE DUGS / IDIOT SAVANT

SATURDAY:

HUDSON MOHAWKE / DC BREAKS / ZINC / NOVELIST / SHERWOOD & PINCH / KLOSE ONE / KURUPT FM / FONO / BARELY LEGAL / JOSEY REBELLE

SUNDAY:

B.TRAITS / PARANOID LONDON / MOXIE HYPERCOLOUR PRESENTS: DENSE & PIKA, LUKE VIBERT, TOM DEMAC, DMX KREW, 2 BAD MICE, A SAGITTARIUN, CEDRIC MAISON / DAVID DABIEH

PLUS:

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR TEMPLE ISLAND DJ COMPETITION

AND:

DANIEL AVERY, HEIDI AND TOM TRAGO COME ABOARD THE PORT

A beacon of bacchanalia in a wonderland of ludicrously good times, our very own church of dance, Temple Island, is set to return with a litany of big guns to add even more passion to Bestival’s Summer of Love. Curated by The Physical Network and now a firm Bestival fixture among over 25 stages, revolutionary soundsystems and psychedelic woodland-based adventures, Temple Island will be taking all-out partying to epic proportions this September 10-13 at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.

Bestival’s principal dancer Rob da Bank says: “Bestival people! Man, I am so excited about the centre of our rave universe, Temple Island, and its line-up for 2015. Last year Temple Island, with its tiered stadium party vibe, was non-stop from Thursday till Sunday night, and one of my favourite places to hang out and get lost in my little pockets of downtime!

“This year I’m confident we’ve pulled some mega guests out the bag, from the mighty Hudson Mohawke to the incredible Madlib kicking it off on Thursday, chart botherers Disciples, Philip George and Alex Adair, plus our hardcore Friday night extravaganza, some vintage sounds from Sherwood & Pinch, and new blood Kurupt FM and B Traits, to name but a few. In fact, I can’t see a duff act within 100 decibels of that stage. Tops off, whistles out and get ready to rave… Temple Island-style…”

Temple Island curator and director of The Physical Network, Liam Negus-Fancey says: “This is Temple Island’s third year at Bestival, and this year we’ll be back where we were in 2014, continuing to build on the massive success of the stage. As always our line-up is focused on what the ambassadors want. And this year, Robby and I, and all of Bestival’s ambassadors will be selecting an up-and-coming DJ to join our amazing line-up. So please sign up for this once in a lifetime chance”

Getting it on from the get-go, Thursday will see hip-hop hero Madlib dropping the knowledge, and, transplanted from their Notting Hill Arts Club home, Juicebox presents underground house genius Jonas Rathsman, Ejeca, SG Lewis, Joe Hertz & Juicebox DJs, plus we’ll have a set from firing house duo 99 Souls to boot!

Friday‘s dancefloor spanking action comes from Philip George, producer of chart-smashing hit Wish You Were Mine, with sets from bass explorers Disciples, plus TCTS, Shadow Child and Alex Adair. There might just be a whiff of the old vaporub in the air, too, as World of Rave & Music Mondays Presents: Altern-8, Liquid, Rat Pack, Baby D, Kaotic Chemistry, Slipmatt, Billy Bunter and Uncle Dugs. And we’ll have escapism through live melody, courtesy of Idiot Savant.

Genre-swerving production powerhouse and seasoned floor destroyer Hudson Mohawke heads up Saturday’s DJ business, with sets from drum n bassers DC Breaks and legendary beats purveyor Zinc, who will be performing a very special ‘Trust Me I Was There’ set. Plus there will be appearances from Novelist, Sherwood & Pinch, Klose One, Kurupt FM, Fono Barely Legal and Josey Rebelle.

Rinsing every last drop of love the weekend has to give, Sunday will see Digital Soundboy’s leading lady B.Traits taking things higher with help from Paranoid London, and Moxie. While Hypercolour presents: Dense & Pika, Luke Vibert, Tom Demac, DMX Krew, 2 Bad Mice, A Sagittariun, & Cedric Maison, plus we’ll have house & garage action from David Dabieh.

We’re also giving one up-and-coming DJ the chance to play on one of Bestival’s busiest stages with our momentous Temple Island DJ Competition! All you need to do to win a coveted slot on the stage is upload your finest floor-filling DJ mix (no more than 30 mins) to your Soundcloud/Mixcloud/YouTube channel and submit the link along with your name, age and location at http://bit.ly/BTIDJcomp. Bestival curator Rob da Bank and The Physical Network’s Liam Negus-Fancey will select their favourite 10 mixes, and then our Bestival Ambassadors will vote for the winning mix! An unmissable epicentre of saturnalia, Temple Island will transport you to new and euphoric dimensions of love for the party. Don’t miss it.

And, speaking of parties, we’re delighted to be able to announce that we have three new names to add to The Port’s insane line-up. All part of Annie Mac Presents’ historic Masters & Makers back to back sessions, we’re super-excited that techno genius Daniel Avery will be going up against his Phantasy label boss Erol Alkan, and Radio 1 resident Heidi will take on dancefloor destroyer Tom Trago, guaranteeing next level hands in the air action at our land-locked labour of love.

Blur to headline Saturday at Isle of Wight Festival 2015

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The Isle of Wight Festival are very excited to finally reveal that, following next month’s release of their new album ‘The Magic Whip’, Blur are confirmed to headline the Saturday night! The news broke exclusively on Absolute Radio this morning, with Dean Chant from Bognor announcing the final headliner act live on the Breakfast Show after winning an Isle of Wight Festival competition.

Blur will join Fleetwood Mac, The Prodigy, The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini, Jessie Ware, James Bay, Billy Idol, Paul Oakenfold, The Charlatans and many more acts for the first festival of the summer, taking place on 11-14 June at Seaclose Park. 

‘The Magic Whip’ is blur’s first album as a four piece in 16 years and three new tracks from the record,  ‘Go Out, ‘There Are Too Many Of Us’ and ‘Lonesome Street’, have been sent to fans ahead of the album’s release on 27th April on Parlophone. Tickets for The Isle of Wight Festival are available now from www.isleofwightfestival.com. 

Graham Coxon said: 

“These summer shows are going to be quite different to the gigs we did a few years back. We're excited to play the new record live and we'll have some surprises in store for the fans too.”

Alex James said:

“The British summer is just not complete without a trip to a festival. We’ve never played Isle of Wight Festival before so we’re really looking forward to this one. And we get to take our tour bus on a boat.”

Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings added: 

“I’m a huge fan of blur and have always wanted to bring them to the Isle of Wight Festival so I’m really pleased we’ve finally done it! I know they’re going to blow the crowd away on the Saturday night – see you down the front!”

V-Dub Island Festival Review 2014

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V-Dub Island Festival – The Summer of Love, took place last week, running from 14th-18th August, at East Afton Farm, the former site of the legendary Isle Of Wight Festival that started in 1970.

Now in its fourth year the festival is still cutting its teeth on the circuit but growing in popularity each year particularly with VW lovers.  Previously held at the County Showground,  the new site with its views over the Solent to the New Forest and Lemington Spa, as well as panoramic views of the Island and coast line are worth the trip alone. But if like us, you like a bit of nostalgia, partying on the famous site where the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, The Who and The Doors all played together really made it that little bit more special.

V-Dub Island is unique for many reasons not least it community spirit amongst its organisers and supporters. It is an affordable and family friendly festival, where even dogs are welcome and life on the road is celebrated by Volkswagen enthusiasts, travelling from all over the country and abroad. Campervans, beetles and VWs of all shapes and sizes filled the site creating a beautiful scene from the surrounding hills, with thousands in attendance who come to show, view and even sell their beloved motors.

This year the campsite opened the week prior to the festival, allowing families to camp out under the stars for a few extra nights at ‘Carry on Camping’. And yes there were showers, and even a very helpful shuttle service taking you across the Island to play tourist or just to grab some essentials for just £1 as well as music in campsite café/bar each night.

Created by VW enthusiast for VW enthusiasts, the festival is first and foremost a VW show but it still boasts a great line up of music. Three stages played host to hundreds of bands and artists,  including highlights from  Rob Da Bank, and the Dub Pistols, The Skatonics, Jess White, Save the Dinosaurs and tribute bands Wight Floyd and the Jimmi Hendrix Tribute to name a but a few.

Other entertainment came in the form of Cabaret performances by Painless Parties, fun fair attractions, a giant water slide with extra bubbles and even a best dressed pet competition.  Our personal favourite was the Sheep Dog (Pictured). And that’s just for the big kids, the organisers make sure it is as family friendly as possible with magic shows, swings, story time, Bushcraft and Lego tents and a beach, known as Fantasy Island in the middle of the arena for all to enjoy.

Thursday saw the main arena open up to hundreds of Festival goers checking out the trade stands and entertainment while Friday saw hundreds more arriving in an array of colourful campers just in time for the Soap Box Derby trails, a terrific traditional event for all the family.

Saturday played tribute to sites famous beginning with a Summer of Love 1970s fancy dress theme, as well as the annual drive out and run to the surf where hundreds of camper vans, Beetles and VW Transporters drive in convoy to Colwell bay, famous for its views and surf. We spotted headline act Rob Da Bank in his camper amongst the crowds joining in the fun ahead of his Sunday night set, which saw the main stage area rammed with people of all ages dancing the night away.

We loved this cute family focused festival, it’s totally chilled out, and you can do as much or as little as you like and still soak up the atmosphere from the camp site or take part in in adventure activities on the Island minutes away. Can’t we live in a field filled with beautiful Campervans and beautiful people forever?

Pictures 1-14 by Rob Schaverien Photography copywright images.

Check out the latest Isle of Wight Festival 2014 lineup addtions

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On Saturday 14th June, designer Wayne Hemingway along with his son Jack, present Land of 1,000 Dances. Inspired by Wilson Picket’s classic R&B hit  ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ Hemingway and Son will transform the Isle of Wight Festival Cabaret Tent into an uplifting party where visitors can learn iconic dances from the late 50s onwards.

From The Pony, to the Mash Potato, The Twist, The Alligator, The Watusi and Jerk, festivalgoers can practice their moves under the guidance of specialist dance teachers, all to the soundtrack of amedley of the UKs top vinyl spinning disc-jocks. The afternoon session begins with unashamed dancing to pop hits that you just shouldn't love; Walk Like An Egyptian, perfect The Birdie Dance and get down on your backside to Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head. Picking up the pace during the day, with a series of more serious but no less fun dance sessions going through the decades of dance from R & B through NorthernSoul, funk, rare groove, The CabaretTent is the place to be on Saturday 14th June!  With expert tutors on hand to keep the floor moving and teach those new to the genres how to jive or do a northern soul spin, the evening culminates in a fully blown Disco workout as we enter the Jackin’ Zone. That’s not all, as there will be a chance for the lovers to get close as we conclude the night with three slow numbers before lights up at 2am.

Wayne Hemingway said “From Keb Darge to Acid Jazz’s Eddie Piller, we have assembled some of the best vinyl  DJ’s Britain has ever produced and a team of dance teachers that may even get those of us with two left feet off our backsides . Polish yer dancing shoes and yer best togs. After your dance lessons we might allow you an hour or so to rehydrate  then its boogie time ‘til the wee hours to the best dance music from the late 50’s R&B through northern soul, funk, disco, boogie and onto some house.”

What’s more, Tim Burgess of influential British band The Charlatans will be back with Tim Peaks to curate the Friday & Saturday line up in Hey Joe Rock Bar &Shisha Lounge. Expect the best new bands, some of Tim's old friends, damn fine coffee and more amazing cakes and pies than you can shake a stick at. There are also some very special guests, DJ sets from the likes of Clint Boon and the Howling Rhythm DJs, alongside book readings and some brilliant new bands. Plus, John Peel show favourites BOB will be playing their first gig in nearly two decades and topping off the each night will be special DJ set from Tim and fellow Charlatan, Mark Collins.

Tim Burgess said: "Tim Peaks is back again after an amazing debut last year. We've got some of our favourite new bands and some old friends stopping by – last year Suzanne Vega popped in for two unannounced shows so keep your eye on the tweets and head over for a coffee some time".

Hailing from the Isle of Wight, founder and front man of critically acclaimed band The Bees, Aaron Fletcher will present The Bee's Inspired' in The Bohemian Woods on Friday 13th June. This showcase of talent kicks off with an afrobeat session from the 16-piece Fellowship Of Groove, followed by the raw, heavy rock-n-roll beats of OrganRecords. What’s more, check out local surfer boys Plastic Mermaids, the DJ arm of Heavenly Recordings, The Heavenly Jukebox and Aaron himself, who fills the final hour with Schizodelic Sound dropping stone cold classics and fool proof festival pleasers.

Aaron Fletcher said: “I’m stoked to be able to put this together for The Bohemian Woods.  'The Bee's Inspired' is going to be a really special night; I can’t believe the line up for this. It’s everything for me that I love for a great party in the woods”.

Festival Organiser John Giddings said: “We are excited to be working with the gang at Hemingway Design, to bring you the Land of 1,000 Dances, featuring the best of Northern Soul to the Isle of Wight Festival. Not only are they style icons; they will bring somethingreally different for everyone to enjoy. We welcome the return to Tim Burgesswho will create two bespoke line-ups over the weekend, expect an eclectic mix of music! Plus, Aaron Fletcher from The Bees who will be in The Bohemian Woods curating an extra special line up on Friday 13th June. These are set to be some of the highlights of an unforgettable weekend.”

The Festival bill is already packed full of epic appearances this year and just got even bigger. Just added to the line up is Leeroy Thornhill of The Prodigy who will be taking to the decks on Thursday 12th June for a headline DJ set in the brand newHey Joe, Rock Bar & Shisha Lounge. What’s more, The Hoosiers take the headline slot at Life’s a Beach on Saturday 14th June.

The Stone Roses to headline Isle of Wight Festival 2013

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This will be the band’s only UK festival appearance in 2013. Don’t miss out on your chance to see this genre-defining band, at next year’s legendary Festival. Tickets for what will be an unbelievable experience go on sale on Wednesday 28th November from www.isleofwightfestival.com. Vodafone customers will have an exclusive 48-hour presale from today.

2012 saw the eagerly anticipated return of The Stone Roses, one of the most critically acclaimed acts of all time. The phenomenal four-piece re-arrived in spectacular style and with a summer of sold out shows, the Manchester band mesmerised one million fans across Europe and Asia. Now, the classic line-up of Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani (aka Gary Mounfield) and Reni (aka Alan Wren) will bring their epic live performance to the Isle of Wight Festival for the very first time.

Stone Roses

John Giddings, the Festival’s promoter, says: “When you talk about the soundtrack of our lives, The Stone Roses are embedded in it. I am so proud to get them to our island- they will kick the weekend off with a bang.”

With more exciting Isle of Wight Festival 2013 announcements to come, make sure to keep up to date with all the latest news at www.isleofwightfestival.com.

2013 will see a spectrum of acts playing across three stages, guaranteeing yet another year of unforgettable appearances. Alongside the Main Stage, check out stunning acoustic and intimate performances on The Garden Stage and with many more great artists in the Big Top, the Isle of Wight Festival has something for everyone.

The Isle of Wight Festival is known for being one of the hottest dates on the cultural calendar, famed for being a truly remarkable weekend of eclectic music & celebration. As the first major music event of the summer, it gives festivalgoers a line up to love. From the moment the gates open, each area of the Festival comes alive, whether it’s partying on the real beach or tearing it up in the silent disco. There’s plenty of action on offer, including a bevy of bars, stalls and interactive areas. Set in the stunning backdrop of Seaclose Park, this is a weekend packed full of punches.

Last year Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Jessie J and many more, wowed the crowds. For the ultimate summer experience, look no further than the Isle Of Wight Festival 2013 where the biggest artists, the best atmosphere and the most stylish people come together to create an amazing weekend. So, if you haven’t been before then come and check it out and if you have, then welcome back…