Jessie J, Ne-Yo, JLS, The Wanted, McFly, The Saturdays and James Arthur are among the first names to be confirmed for this summer’s brand new Fusion Festival, in support of The Prince’s Trust and in association with Capital FM.
Joining them are Union J, Wiley, Amelia Lily, Wretch 32, Conor Maynard with many more to be announced. Birmingham’s iconic Cofton Park will play host to the ultimate summer pop party with 60,000 people and some of the biggest acts from both sides of the pond coming together for a huge weekend of pop at its very best.
Chart topper Jessie J will headline Saturday night’s poptastic proceedings alongside platinum-selling boy band JLS and “It’s All About You” crooners McFly. British rapper Wiley, Union J and songstress Amelia Lily will also be taking to the stage as part of an incredible mix of artists to play the festival.
Sunday will see American R&B god Ne-Yo bring the noise to Cofton Park, where he’ll be joined by chart heartthrobs The Wanted and uber glam The Saturdays, fresh from gaining their first UK Number One with “What About Us”. Wretch 32, Conor Maynard and this year’s X Factor winner James Arthur are also on the bill, with many more acts to be announced across the weekend.
Expect spectacular live performances, massive chart smash hits plus all the fun of the festival fair with a full fairground and many other interactive events.
Fusion Festival is proud to support The Prince’s Trust, with £5 from each ticket sale donated to the charity to help change young lives across the UK. The Prince’s Trust is a youth charity that helps vulnerable young people to turn their lives around.
The current line-up for the Fusion Festival was announced on the Capital Breakfast Show with Dan and Katy this morning at 8.15am. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Programme Controller at Capital FM, Paul Gerrard, said "This is going to be the biggest event Birmingham has seen in years. The whole team here at Capital can't wait to see some of the world's biggest stars rock up to Brum, it's going to be an incredible summer and Capital will be right there for every moment."
Festival spokesman, Mike Owen of Go Big said “We felt the time was right for a brand new music festival for the UK’s 2nd city and we are so excited to be working with such a fantastic organisation as The Prince’s Trust and with Birmingham’s Number One hit music station, Capital FM. We’ve got a brilliant line-up this year and this is only the beginning for Fusion Festival.”
Paul Brown, Director of youth charity The Prince’s Trust said: “We’re delighted that this stellar line-up of acts will be helping to support the work of The Prince’s Trust. Every year we work with thousands of disadvantaged young people to get their lives on track. Thanks to Fusion Festival, we will be able to ensure that more young people look forward to a brighter future.”
AN EXCLUSIVE NIGHT WITH BEYONCE HER ONLY EUROPEAN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE OF 2013 PLUS AMERICAN ROCKERS KINGS OF LEON HEADLINING
STEREOPHONICS, THE SCRIPT, EMELI SANDÉ, CALVIN HARRIS, BEADY EYE, JESSIE J, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, THE VACCINES, BASEMENT JAXX, OLLY MURS PALOMA FAITH, RITA ORA, THE COURTEENERS, FUN., LABRINTH, ELLIE GOULDING, KENDRICK LAMAR, JESSIE WARE, RUDIMENTAL, JAMES ARTHUR, LITTLE MIX AND MANY MORE ALSO CONFIRMED
TICKETS ON SALE AT 9AM FRIDAY 1 MARCH
This will be her one and only European festival appearance this year. Multi-million album selling American rockers Kings Of Leon are also confirmed as headliners. V Festival takes place across the weekend of August 17 & 18 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.
Tickets go on sale Friday March 1 at 9am, available at www.VFestival.com
V Festival, prides itself on the quality of artists that perform each year, more incredible acts announced today for 2013 are Stereophonics, The Script, Emeli Sandé, Calvin Harris, Beady Eye, Jessie J, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, James, Rita Ora, The Courteeners, Jason Mraz, FUN., Labrinth, Ellie Goulding, Kendrick Lamar, Of Monsters And Men, Maverick Sabre, Travis, DJ Fresh/LIVE, Jessie Ware, Maximo Park, Lianne La Havas, Rudimental, James Arthur, Scouting For Girls, Deacon Blue, Little Mix, Ocean Colour Scene, The Fratellis, Gabrielle Aplin and Laura Mvula. Many more acts will be announced in the coming weeks across the stages at the two festival sites.
V Festival is now in its 18th year and is renowned for bringing the very best in popular music together for one epic summer weekend. Last year saw electric sets from headliners The Stone Roses and The Killers with other show stopping performances from the likes of David Guetta and Ed Sheeran. V Festival has an unrivalled music pedigree, previous headliners have included groundbreaking performances from Coldplay, Radiohead, Oasis, Eminem, Foo Fighters and The Arctic Monkeys. V Festival is now established as the biggest festival in the UK with over 170,000 fans attending across the two sites and was the first festival to establish rotating acts across two sites.
2013 once again sees a wide spectrum of acts playing across the stages, guaranteeing yet another year of unforgettable appearances. The popular Glee Club Comedy Tent will also makes a return this year, with side-splitting performers to be announced in the coming weeks. With many more great artists to be announced, there is something for everyone at V Festival.
V Festival is one of the hottest dates on the UK cultural calendar. From the moment the gates open each area of the festival comes alive and a truly remarkable weekend of music and enjoyment ensues. V Style camping is set to return this year giving festival fans the chance to get the best of both worlds. They can dance the days away with their favourite artists and then chill out in luxury in ready built Pod Pads, Cloud Yurts, Hearthworks Tipis and pop-up hotel rooms.
Festival Directors Bob Angus, Simon Moran and Dennis Desmond commented: We’ve worked hard to bring fans an exciting and diverse line-up, securing Beyonce for an exclusive European Festival appearance and Kings of Leon as headliners is a great achievement. These acts along with one of the strongest bills in V Festival's 18 year history is something we are very proud of. We have a reputation for bringing fans the best world class acts and breakthrough artists, 2013 is set to be another sensational year.”
With many more exciting V Festival announcements to come be sure to keep up to date with all the latest news at www.vfestival.com
Tickets go on sale on Friday 1 March at 9am fans should visit www.vfestival.com, for official outlets details. V Festival organisers stress to fans that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.
VIP upgrades are available and include:
A relaxed and spacious environment offering a wider choice of exclusive food and drink outlets not available in the main festival arena.
Cash bar with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Post-festival late bar with DJs on Saturday & Sunday nights.
Rita Ora rocketed to fame in 2012 with more #1 singles in the UK Singles Chart than any other artist last year, with singles Hot Right Now, How We Do (Party) and R.I.P from her debut album Ora all hitting the top spot.
Rita joins the already confirmed and previously announced line-up of main stage headliners Jessie J and Example, along with JLS and DJ Fresh, with Rinse and Hospitality hosting Stage 2
Sundown Festival spokesperson, Dion Clements comments: “Being able to announce we’ve added the amazing Rita Ora to the line-up at Sundown Festival 2013, along with Jessie J, Example, JLS and DJ Fresh having already been announced, is just awesome! Rita’s another big artist who brings a real buzz with her”
Whether it rains or not, I am expecting the Scottish crowd to be out in full force, having been to T in the Park before I am more than familiar with the enthusiastic atmosphere consistent through all weather conditions! I'm almost as excited to see the festival goers that choose to slide face down through the mud as I am to see the numerous artists confirmed over the three days.
Having looked through the line-up I hope to see (as long as stage times don't clash) Snow Patrol, Florence and the Machine, Professor Green, The Blackout and Tinie Tempah on the Friday. On the Saturday I'll hope to catch The Stone Roses, David Guetta, Jessie J, Enter Shikari, Rizzle Kicks, and Fake Blood. On the Sunday, Kasabian, Nicki Minaj, Swedish House Mafia, Chase and Status, Skrillex, Twin Atlantic, Rita Ora and The Subways!
Taking place on 6, 7, 8 July, the festival features the biggest and best names in music today including superstar headliners deadmau5, Drake and Rihanna alongside other sensational acts such as Nicki Minaj, Jessie J, Example, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Labrinth and Professor Green. The bandstand line up has now been unveiled giving audiences the chance to see the new breed of upcoming stars, hand-picked from the rich array of original talent in the Capital and beyond. This year’s Barclaycard Wireless Festival is set to be the biggest and bestyet, 65,000 tickets for Saturday 7 (Headlined by Drake) and Sunday 8 (headlined by Rihanna) sold out a month in advance of the festival. Tickets for Friday July 6, headlined by deadmau5 are still available but selling fast.
Set times have also just been announced on the website so you can start to planyour schedule. You can also download the free Barclaycard Wireless Festival 2012 app, available now on iPhone and later this week on Android and Blackberry. You’ll have access to the latest line-up, interactive map, event information and social updates from backstage.
As well as enjoying the most enviable of line-ups, festival goers can explore all the exciting attractions on site and this year Barclaycard will enhance the festival experience with the Barclaycard PayBand. The PayBand allows you to buy things quickly (with just a tap of your PayBand at any of the vendors on site), escape the crowds in the Unwind Perk Park with its viewing platform, luxurytoilets and free festival goodies, and get in quickly through the Barclaycard fast track lanes! If you have not registered for one already and you’re a Barclaycard customer, then head to the Barclaycard Unwind Perk Park on-site and get one. www.barclaycardpayband.com
Full Barclaycard Wireless Festival line up as follows:
FRIDAY 6 JULY
MAIN STAGE: Deadmau5, Afrojack, The Roots, Maverick Sabre, Metric
Saturday and Sunday are now completely sold out for this years Wireless Festival, and if you haven't got your ticket yet but want to catch a piece of Wireless, you can still get day tickets for Friday to see deadmau5, Aforjack and more!
After pulling out in 2010 due to unforseen circumstances, Drake returns to London to headline Wireless Festival in 2012. Joining Drake on the main stage will be US rapper Nicki Minaj, Example, Wiz Khalifa, Professor Green, Tulisa and Rita Ora. Over in the Pepsi Max Stage, Nero will headline along with The Weekend, Labrinth, Deliah, D'banj, Hilltop Hoods, Clement Marfo & The Frontline.
Rihanna returns to London to headline Sunday night after a massive sell out tour in the UK last year. Joining Rhi-Rhi on the main stage is Jessie J, J Cole, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Pitbull and Cher Llyod.
The Summer Festival Guide will be on hand to bring you all the action from Saturday, we will be keeping you up to date on the performances through the day, who we have seen in the press area's, and will hopefully catch a few acts to interview through the day!
July 7, headlined by international superstar Drake, and Sunday July 8, headlined by global sensationRihanna have now sold out! Incredible demand has led to 65,000 tickets being snapped up for each day, well over a month in advance of the festival. Three day tickets and two day tickets have also sold out, tickets for Friday July 6, headlined by Deadmau5 are still available but selling fast.
Acts joining Deadmau5 on Friday 6 July include The Roots, Maverick Sabre, Santigold and Afrojack whilst Saturday’s line-up headlined by Drake includes Nicki Minaj, Example, Wiz Khalifa, Rita Ora and Professor Green.Rihanna will be joined by Jessie J, J Cole, Rizzle Kicks, andPitbull amongst others on Sunday July 8.
Without doubt this year’s Barclaycard Wireless Festival will be the biggest and best yet!
Full line up so far as follows:
Friday 6 July Deadmau5
The Roots Maverick Sabre Metric Knife Party Feed Me Santigold Modestep Jaguar Skills Zeds Dead Childish Gambino Ms Dynamite Gemini Araabmuzik Zedd Plus special guest – Afrojack
Saturday 7 July Drake Nicki Minaj Example Wiz Khalifa The Weekend Professor Green Labrinth Tulisa Rita Ora Chiddy Bang D’banj Hilltop Hoods Clement Marfo and the Frontline Dot Rotten Angel EJ Sneakbo Lady Leshurr Koan Sound AlunaGeorge Josh Osho Bakery Boys Plus Special Guest – Nero
Sunday 8 July Rihanna Jessie J J Cole Rizzle Kicks Labrinth Pitbull Cher Lloyd Kaskade Madeon A$AP Rocky Lloyd Flux Pavilion Delilah Stooshe Far East Movement Theophilus London Doctor P Kreayshawn L Marshall Monsta Steve Papa Edwards Skyline Plus special guest – Calvin Harris
Barclaycard Wireless will be Rihanna’s only UK performance of 2012, and with these hot UK artists joining the bill it is certain to be a sensational day in the capital.
Jessie J will bring her unique ghetto-pop swagger to Hyde Park for her Barclaycard Wireless debut. In less than a year, the singer, songwriter and self acclaimed show pony has become a bonafide UK superstar. She topped the BBC Sound of 2011 poll, was announced the winner of the Critics Choice Awards at the 2011 Brits and her debut single ‘Do It Like A Dude” was awarded Best Song at the 2011 MOBO Awards. With her outrageous flair and undeniable coolness, Jessie will no doubt put on an explosive set.
Calvin Harris will hit Hyde Park with his big, bold and colourful electro dance pop. He boasts an incredible CV with over seven Top 10 singles, including two number one’s, and over 1.5 million tracks and 500,000 albums sales in the UK. His recent collaboration with Barclaycard Wireless headliner and Barbardian superstar Rihanna propelled him into the charts once again, with the song hitting number one in the UK and on the Billboard Hot 100.
Labrinth, the East London singer/ songwriter and highly sought after producer made his Barclaycard Wireless debut last year and is sure to give a dazzling performance in 2012. He made his debut appearance on the UK chart in March 2010 when his collaboration with Tinie Tempah “Pass Out” reached number one, since then he’s gone from strength to strength. His first solo single “Let The Sun Shine” reached number three last year and second single “Earthquake” hit number two upon its release in October, it has remained in the top ten ever since.
Barclaycard Wireless is a dazzling open-air live music experience in the heart of bustling London. It offers a chance to experience the excitement of watching the best in popular music right on your doorstep; with many more acts and details still to be unveiled, Barclaycard Wireless 2012 is certain to be the biggest and best event on the summer’s musical calendar.
Following the statement released by Jessie J regarding forthcoming Festival performance cancellations, including T in the Park, Festival Director Geoff Ellis comments:‘I am gutted. She was someone I was really looking forward to seeing and I’m sure a lot of T in the Parkers were too. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to welcome her next year.’
Due to a serious injury, having broken her foot in two places Jessie J has had to undergo emergency surgery. As a result of this, under strict orders from her doctor she will not be able to perform for a number of weeks so she can heal and recuperate properly. She is extremely upset and has sent a message to all her fans.
“Sorry doesn’t feel enough to say, I am devastated for my fans that I know have been waiting to see me and working hard for tickets. I was so excited about the summer and I’m as upset as you all are. But unfortunately these things happen. I have to remain positive and I promise I will make it up later in the year.”
Crowning the Deer Park Stage on Friday night are The Chemical Brothers, a duo who can easily lay claim to the title of dance music royalty. Tracks cited as classics by fans and peers alike such as Hey Boy, Hey Girl, Block Rockin’ Beats and Galvanize are a regular fixture in clubs from the UK to Ibiza and beyond. They have proved their amazing abilities as a live act through many performances at Brixton Academy and festivals worldwide. The Chemical Brothers are bringing their Further Tour to The Big Chill, currently receiving rave reviews for its beats, visuals and light show which are blowing away fans and critics across the globe.
Saturday night’s Deer Park Stage headliner will be the boundary pushing hip-hop superstar Kanye West. The multi-platinum rapper and producer has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and has collaborated with a list of artists that reads like a true “Who’s Who” of popular music over the past decade including Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson to name but a few. Kanye West’s performance at The Big Chill in 2011 is a UK festival exclusive; fans need look no further for the only place to catch this interstellar set featuring tracks such as Stronger, Gold Digger and Love Lockdown.
From the bars and pubs of Dublin to five consecutive sell out shows at London’s 10,000 capacity venue, Shepherd’s Bush Empire in November, Rodrigo y Gabriela’s rise to success has been meteoric. Despite meeting whilst playing in thrash metal bands the duo are now renowned for their folk and Latin style, played to a virtuoso level on acoustic guitars. The pair have scored number one albums both in Ireland and in the US, topping the American Billboard’s World Music Charts for 10 weeks, consequently they performed for US President Barack Obama at The White House. Rodrigo y Gabriela’s set at The Big Chill is yet another UK festival exclusive continuing the festival’s history of diverse and globe-spanning programming.
Also appearing on the Deer Park Stage on Friday will be Neneh Cherry, the BRIT Award-winning Buffalo Stance star’s performance will be her first UK festival appearance since Glastonbury 1997. Critically acclaimed indie band and Mercury Music Prize nominees Wild Beasts will appear as well as experimental indie from Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. Alt-rock outfit Electrelane will break their three year hiatus in an exciting return to the stage and Mahala Raï Banda complete Friday’s line-up as confirmed so far with gypsy-inspired Balkan sounds.
Saturday welcomes Soulwax side project and duo famed for their bootlegs and visuals, 2manyDJs, to bring the Deer Park Stage to a triumphant close. Armed with an Olympic standard set of vocal chords Jessie J has stormed the charts recently with her slick pop tracks now destined to play out for The Big Chill. Currently receiving rave reviews and gracing magazine covers Metronomy bring their quirky electro-indie-pop to the table while Janelle Monáe offers up an energetic performance of futuristic funk-pop sure to electrify the Deer Park. Electronic influences collide in the form of the Basque-influenced group Crystal Fighters and The Knocks prove their status as one of the ‘20 hottest producers in the world right now’ according to NME.
We are joined by a legend on Sunday as Robert Plant and The Band of Joy take to the Deer Park Stage. Named after Plant’s first band, The Band Of Joy’s blend of folk, blues and rock comes with true musical pedigree. Creating ethereal art-rock at The Big Chill will be taste-maker favourites Warpaint. Of celebrated lineage is Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, eldest son of afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and renowned saxophonist, band leader and world music icon brings with him rich international flavours. MBE and The Big Chill regular Norman Jay makes a welcome return in 2011, also performing are British reggae originals Steel Pulse. The Deer Park’s bounty as confirmed so far is completed by the improvisational About Group featuring Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip.
Headlining The Revellers’ Stage on Friday will be MOBO award winning rapper, Chipmunk who although only 20 years of age has scored an impressive five top 10 singles and a number two album with his debut I am Chipmunk. Following Chipmunk’s set is one of London’s most prominent DJs in the grime and dubstep scenes; Plastician. The soulful Californian solo artist Aloe Blacc also joins the line-up as well as New York DJ Andy Butler’s glittering disco collective Hercules and Love Affair. Another veteran of The Big Chill joins us in 2011 in the form of reggae and roots legend Horace Andy, not only has Andy performed several times at the festival but also audiences will know his voice well form his several guest appearances on Massive Attack albums. New Zealand’s leading hip-hop soul artist, originally part of all-girl crew Sheelahroc, Ladi6 is making waves now as a solo perfomer and also joins The Big Chill’s line-up. Slicing indie with electro and pop Fenech-Soler take to the Revellers’ Stage, as will Cubic Zirconia completing the line-up so for Friday.
Saturday at The Revellers’ Stage sees chart-topper Calvin Harris headline with a set of his infectious electropop featuring tracks such as number one smash I’m Not Alone. Blending pop with electro and rap Example, otherwise known as Elliot Cleave, has also enjoyed much chart success recently with his breakthrough second album Won’t Go Quietly and is sure to get The Big Chill crowd dancing this year. With over 10 million YouTube views for videos such as their risqué take on Ke$ha’s Tik Tok, comedy/music trio The Midnight Beast appear at The Big Chill alongside fellow Revellers’ Stage performers. Also stepping up to the mic will be Katy B, who has previously tackled vocal duties on tracks by dubstep heavyweights Magnetic Man and since gone on to carve her own path to stardom with the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Katy On A Mission. Completing Saturday’s line-up so far are leading grime MC Devlin and classical/techno cross over trio The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble who have assembled an increased ten-piece live band for The Big Chill set.
Bringing some sonic time travel to The Revellers’ Stage on Sunday will be Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings reviving the funk and soul sounds of the 60s and 70s, Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro, the DJ, musician and producer also brings soul and funk sounds to 2011’s line-up. Known as the father of Ethiojazz, Mulatu Astatke and his backing band for this special show The Black Jesus Experience offer up The Big Chill some international flavour. With a BBC Sound of 2011 poll nomination under his belt The Revellers’ Stage welcomes the soulful solo artist and Burial-produced Jamie Woon, and Chase & Status guest vocalist Liam Bailey.
The People’s Ear Stage headliner for Friday will be Californian producer and laptop musician Flying Lotus (Live), similarly electronic will be a set from rising Mancunion DJ xxxy and head of the Hotflush imprint and instrumental dupstep DJ in his own right Scuba. Leeds-based Afrobeat/jazz nine-piece Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, multi-talented Trumpeter Matthew Halsall Remixed, and psychedelic/soul trio The Stepkids will also appear. Further additions come in the form of Ghostpoet, the MC whose mellow and broody beats are fast becoming a favourite of the taste-makers and New Zealand hip-hop outfit Electric Wire Hustle.
Saturday offers Buraka Som Sistema as a headliner for what will surely be a body-shaking set of their techno beats and African kuduro sounds. Favourite of both funky and grime scenes producer Lil Silva heads to The Big Chill this year as will dubstep band Gentleman’s Dub Club. The People’s Ear Stage also offers the combo performance of jungle producer Congo Natty and Tenor Fly (full live show) and sultry, soulful sounds from Bonobo-produced songstress Andreya Triana. Saturday’s line-up as confirmed so far is completed with bass driven jazz and dub from Leeds-based seven-piece Submotion Orchestra and Afro-futurism courtesy of Spoek Mathambo.
Acclaimed electronic music artist Four Tet tops the bill for Sunday on The People’s Ear Stage joined by rising star of the DJ and remixing world Jamie xx. The Big Chill’s final day also boasts original dub, ska and of course reggae from East Park Reggae Collective and Lily Allen and Graham Coxon producer Prince Fatty presenting Prince Fatty Soundsystem.
Mark Pritchard and Tom Middleton have produced everything from industrial techno to electro-funk under numerous aliases but it is their ambient and house sounds produced under the moniker Global Communication (DJ set) for which they are best known. Along with Luke Vibert, Jimmy Edgar and DJ Food these names are the first confirmations for Friday’s Starburst line-up.
Announced for Saturday’s Starburst are performers Kissy Sell Out Symphony of Light, Moda club promoters and up and coming radio DJs Jaymo & Andy George and a set by Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show following on from 2010’s popular live broadcast on BBC 6 Music from the site. Also featuring on the line-up will be Starz In Their Eyes singer/MC Just Jack (DJ Set) and Future Boogie DJs.
Sunday, aboard Starburst loses no steam with a headliner set from Mr. Scruff, a regular face at The Big Chill, famed for his marathon length sets and love of tea. Starburst also welcomes Parisian drum ‘n’ bass five-piece Dirtyphonics, the icon of rocksteady DJ Derek and the eclectic Fantastic Mr Fox.
Big Chill Radio is back, bigger and better than ever before! Big Chill Radio has been the beating heart of The Big Chill for over 10 years now, broadcasting great music, interviews, rocking DJs, live sessions, festival information and even the odd weather report, as well as covertly operating as a secret spot for late-night parties. In a massive step forward, this year Big Chill Radio will break out of its humble studio into its own fully-developed stage with live sessions during the day and DJs by night. Come down to the new Big Chill Radio Stage and feel the raw power of FM stereo! You can tune into all the wireless fun 24 hours a day on 87.7FM from the all-new, even earlier starting time of Wednesday, all the way through to the emotional goodbyes on Monday, and whatever you do – don’t forget your radio! More information can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Mixcloud, as well as on www.bigchill.net//festival Twitter: @bigchillradio // Mixcloud: www.mixcloud.com/bigchillradio. Full details of The Big Chill Radio Stage will be announced soon.
New for 2011 Tom Middleton will programme his own stage, as a performer who has graced the decks at each and every year of The Big Chill so far and booked debut festival performances from Mylo and Hot Chip, there is no man better for this job. New for 2011 will be a stage produced in collaboration with the American Glenn Max whose past work has included Meltdown Director and Ether, The White Rabbit Lounge will be an exploration of the sights and sounds known as ‘psychedelic’. Combining live band and DJ sets with projections and talks from expert speakers, The White Rabbit Lounge will be as much a place for reclining amongst the cushions and bean bags as it is a place to freak out to mind expanding performances. The lineup for The White Rabbit Lounge is TBA so stay tuned for further updates.
The Big Chill has always involved much more than music, and 2011 will see entertainment such as cabaret, comedy, film and the celebrated Big Chill Arts Trail return. As a destination for those who like to ‘kick back’ the Body & Soul area will increase this year offering more chance than ever before to truly ‘Chill’ through holistic and therapeutic pursuits and a new ambient stage. 2011 will be more family friendly than ever as the first festival-within-a-festival appears in the form of The Little Chill, with many activities on offer from local groups such as Colwall Primary School’s Friends of Colwall and Ledbury Scout Group. Combining the kids’ area, midnight movies programmed especially for children to wind down and a little something for the parents too, The Little Chill ensures festival goers of all ages will be catered for, open to family ticket holders exclusively and linked directly to family camping for ease and enjoyment. With many original audience members and performers from The Big Chill’s past now attending with their own families Tom Middleton will be hosting DJ Dads, special sessions taking place in The Little Chill for friends and family young and old. The parental disc jockeys performing will be announced shortly.
“I am very pleased to unveil the first announcement for The Big Chill, ushering in the festival’s impressive 17th year. Having been at the forefront as a ‘boutique’ event we have put together a programme that reflects The Big Chill’s heritage whilst offering up new and exciting developments for our audiences old and new alike. To be able to offer such well respected and diverse performances, from our headliners to our international artists and breakthrough names is a true pleasure and we are thrilled to be able to evolve the musical content of the festival. What’s more, we are very lucky this summer as two of our headline acts are UK festival exclusives which is brilliant. In turn, The Big Chill 2011 will welcome the return of some key elements that have defined the festival over its 17 years including a much enhanced The Big Chill Radio, which will see it having its own stage, and Tom Middleton who, having played at every Big Chill since the very beginning is more involved in the festival than ever this year curating his own stage. Of course The Big Chill extends to much more than our musical line-up and festival goers will once again be able to enjoy the Art Trail in full and we are extremely pleased to be working with the local community to radically expand aspects such as our family and children’s entertainment through the creation of The Little Chill; a festival within in its own right. 2011 is a celebration of all that The Big Chill has been throughout its history and a bold step forward to what will be a very bright future. We look forward to seeing you there.” Melvin Benn, Festival Republic
