London’s celebrated music festival Uber One presents All Points East is excited to welcome the revered artist and inimitable live performer Loyle Carner, coming to Victoria Park on Saturday 17 August. Loyle co-curated the East, West and North Stages, and will be joined by an incredible supporting line-up revealed today: including André 3000, Lianne La Havas, Flying Lotus, Cymande, Glass Beams, berlioz (DJ set), Nubya Garcia, Songer, Lola Young, MRCY, Dana and Alden and Bricknasty.
These huge names are in addition to previously announced special guests Nas, Ezra Collective, Sainté, Joe James, ENNY and Navy Blue.
Best known as one half of the hip-hop duo OutKast, alongside rapper Big Boi, the legendary André 3000 is widely recognised for his unique and innovative approach to music, incorporating various genres into OutKast’s sound, including hip-hop, funk, soul, and jazz. André 3000 gained fame in the 1990s as OutKast released a series of critically acclaimed albums, such as ATLiens and Aquemini. The duo came into prominence with their 2003 double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which featured the global hit single ‘Hey Ya!’ and showcased André’s versatility, blending elements of R&B, funk, and pop.
Last year, André 3000 shook the musical world with the release of New Blue Sun. His first solo debut album and first musical release in nearly two decades saw André 3000 switch out the singing and rapping he was known for with Outkast, to defy expectations with experimental flute playing. Co-produced with percussionist Carlos Niño, it also featured contributions from keyboardist Surya Botofasina and guitarist Nate Mercereau. Many of those featured on the record joined André for a run of US shows earlier this year, marking his first tour outside of Outkast – and we are extremely excited that he’s now bringing this show to the UK.
All Points East will be his first UK show in a decade and the first place to hear the brilliant and critically-acclaimed instrumental album. Of the new surprise record, Pitchfork said “The rapper and now flautist’s debut solo album is an 87-minute devotional to new age, ambient jazz, and spiritual discovery. It’s beautiful, demanding, and among the most fascinating artistic left turns in recent memory.”
English singer/songwriter and guitarist Lianne La Havas arrived in the early 2010s with a mostly acoustic and hushed hybrid of alternative folk and soul. Influenced by the likes of Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone, she found success with the release of her debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough?, which reached No. 5 in the UK and earned her a nomination for the BBC Sound of 2012 poll. She has continued to refine her increasingly distinctive style with Blood (2015), a No. 2 UK hit nominated for a Grammy, and her third LP, Lianne La Havas (2020).
Steve Ellison, known to the world as Flying Lotus, is a Grammy-nominated musician, filmmaker, and founder of the Brainfeeder label. A sonic and visual storyteller, we’ve heard and seen the sights and sounds of the worlds he’s built over the course of six genre-redefining studio albums, a collection of surreal music videos, and through his own film projects like the experimental horror comedy anthology Kuso. In a revitalised LA music scene that saw hip-hop, jazz, a burgeoning beat culture, and electronic music co-mingling, Flying Lotus was at the centre of it all – he lent his talents to transplants too, collaborating with and influencing friends and fellow iconoclasts including Mac Miller and Donald Glover, all the while bringing the sounds of the LA scene from the fringes to the mainstream.
Described as “spiritual…versatile…smooth, sweet and very different”, no-one has yet to sum up the unique sound of Cymande in one simple word or phrase. Nyah-Rock, Afro-Rock, even Calypso Rock have been used to categorise their music, but Cymande is just simply Cymande. Formed over 40 years ago by Steve Scipio and Patrick Patterson, the band was made up of nine self-taught Caribbean born, London based musicians. Cymande, who continue to reach new audiences and are being embraced by yet another breed of fan, are currently working on new music to be released later in 2024 – let’s hope All Points East gets a first listen!
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Glass Beams have attracted attention not only for their swirling riffs – a mix of hypnotic Western psychedelia and the style and instrumentation of Indian music – but for their striking on-stage personas as well, hidden behind gold-plated masks. It wasn’t until shortly before the release of the group’s second EP, 2024’s Mahal, that the band’s leader chose to make his identity known: songwriter/guitarist Rajan Silva. As the founding member, Silva formed a trio with two as-yet unidentified musicians to form Glass Beams.
This special Saturday in Victoria Park will also see a DJ set from the mysterious berlioz, plus a performance from one of the progenitors of 21st century British jazz, Nubya Garcia. Also on the bill is Songer, Lola Young, MRCY, Dana and Alden, and Bricknasty.
Loyle Carner has graced massive festival shows and venues across the UK and beyond in 2023, with the Wembley OVO Arena in London a career standout. This was followed by a string of packed out festival appearances over the summer, including a headline slot at Glastonbury’s West Holts stage, Primavera Sound and most recently, the legendary Royal Albert Hall. All Points East follows a string of rapidly sold-out shows across the capital, and will be a continuation and evolution of his esteemed live performance legacy. With multiple Mercury and Brits nominations, NME Awards and appearances in global brand campaigns, Carner has had an undoubtedly meteoric rise to the top, culminating with his critically lauded 2022 album hugo charting at No. 3 in the UK album chart.
Known for immensely engaging live performances and collaborations with other notable acts, Carner played a significant role in the UK rap scene’s growth and evolution. His impact on music, his dedication to important causes and his continued contributions to the industry have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential figure in British music. With over 790 million global streams – 338 million from the UK – over 657,000 album sales, more than 40 million YouTube views and over 800,000 social media followers, Loyle Carner continues to stake his claim as one of the most accomplished British rappers in history. The All Points East performance is his only London live date for 2024 and is going to be his biggest yet.
Each year, All Points East delivers an epic line up of world class headliners, exceptionally curated supporting line ups and big exclusives. 2024 will be no different – with headliners Kaytranada (Friday 16 August), Loyle Carner (Saturday 17 August), Mitski (Sunday 18 August), LCD Soundsystem (Friday 23 August), APE presents Field Day (Saturday 24 August) and The Postal Service / Death Cab For Cutie (Sunday 25 August). All Points East’s free community midweek entertainment, In the NBHD, is back for 2024. Including an outdoor cinema, live music, sports and wellbeing, kids and family activities, and much more – full details to come soon!
Rising from the same South London streets which saw the very first LeeFest take place in the back-garden of founder Lee Denny, Lianne La Havas stands as an untouchable enigma, leading the new wave of British soul with her delicate tales of heartbreak and triumph. Recent album “Blood” has seen Lianne take her sound around the world, touching the lives of many and culminating in huge landmark shows including sold-out nights at Brixton Academy and the illustrious Royal Albert Hall. Acclaimed, revered and loved in equal measure, the Mercury Prize and Grammy Award-nominated wordsmith will be headlining an extremely special Saturday night at LeeFest Presents: The Neverland in a celebration not to be missed.
Talking exclusively about her headlining appearance, Lianne La Havas says:
“I am over the moon to not only be playing but headlining at LeeFest this year. It is a beautiful part of the country and I nearly share a name with the festival! Looking forward to having a sing song with everyone!”
Creatively in-sync and intuitively unique, fluent wordsmith Ghostpoet will be bringing an ethereal sermon on modern life to The Neverland from across his critically acclaimed catalogue. Scooping multiple Mercury Prize nominations and an unmistakable ability to pinpoint the highs and falls of society around us, his captivating performance is one destined to leave its mark on The Neverland this year.
Electronic soul crooner Shura has been a new music favourite for over 2 years, releasing track after track of sublime, glistening pop and building anticipation for her debut studio effort “Nothing’s Real”. Due for release this year, expect a mesmerising showcase from the Liverpudlian pop saviour. Equally as acclaimed is British hip-hop legend Roots Manuva whose gritty tales of modern Britain have remained an essential part of UK Hip-Hop for over 20 years. Back with the BBC 6 Music-approved “Bleeds”, his performance is set to be a revolutionary experience.
Kaleidoscopic dance gurus The 2 Bears will be bringing the sunshine to Mermaids Lagoon with an extremely special set of “rave-garage” for a party event not to be missed as the tropical soundsystem comes to The Neverland. Pulsating genre-morphing thrives with underground favourites Submotion Orchestra as their cocktail of jazz, electronica, dubstep and soul transport The Neverland into another realm.
Speaking about their anticipated appearance within Mermaids Lagoon, The 2 Bears said:
“And so we pack our boat with heavy bangers and sail in to the mystic to visit mermaids lagoon. Not a bears natural habitat but I'm sure we'll make the best of it. Hopefully Cher, Christina Ricci and Bob Hoskyns will be inside the rave x”
One of the most admired and vital artists of recent times, North London’s poetic mastermind Little Simz has drawn vast plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic with her brutally honest tales of city life. Independent spirited and recently named in Forbes influential “30 Under 30” list, witness a cultural definer when Little Simz stops into The Neverland for an unmissable live performance. Making waves around the globe, Spring King’s infectious ramshackle rock made headlines when summer anthem ‘City” became the first track played on Apple’s Beats 1 radio station. Full throttle and unrelenting, catch the next big UK rock sesantions at LeeFest Presents: The Neverland.
On joining the lineup, Spring King frontman Tarek Musa said:
“A lot of our good friends and bands we love have played LeeFest, such as Stealing Sheep, Mystery Jets, All We Are and The Magic Gang! Pumped to be playing this year! Always dig a festival with a comedy stage, I’m a huge stand-up comedy fan.
See ya soon LeeFest <3”
Continuing the LeeFest reputation for discovering and embracing the best in cutting-edge new music, a range of rising and hotly tipped names join this year’s incredible lineup. The raw rhymes of Loyle Carner is sure to be an extremely spiritual moment at The Neverland, showcasing why BBC, NME, Channel 4 and MTV all pinpointed him as a future icon. Rough and ready pop-soul quartet Clean Cut Kid will continue their unrelenting ascent to arenas with a captivating set at The Neverland, whilst indietronic duo Formation, dream-gazers The Big Moon and the retro-futurist masters MIAMIGO will all bring unrivalled showcases.
MIAMIGO commented:
“We’ve heard great things about LeeFest, so stoked to be included in the line-up for this year’s event. Honoured to be sharing the stage with such amazing artists. Bring on the sun!”
Godfathers of Garage DJ Luck And MC Neat will be spinning their unmatched catalogue of classics to the Neverland masses, whilst riffs and rock will reign supreme with pulsating sets from Fort Hope, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Queen Kwong and Nai Harvest to truly shake up the unprecedented weekend. With riotous punk GIRLI, Big Deal, bedroom-pop slider Oscar and many more on the lineup, The Neverland is set to be the only destination needed for your next favourite act.
Arguably sitting with one of the best musical lineups of the summer, LeeFest Presents: The Neverland also is pleased to announce a vast array of activities for festival-goers to indulge and experience throughout the weekend. From Glitter Wrestling and Drag Queens, to Comedy, Paint Fights, Spoken Word and Theatre, the inhabitants of The Neverland are set for an immersive and unparalleled weekend of culture and partying.
Unleashing the careers of international icons such as Bastille, London Grammar and Years & Years before anyone else, 2016 marks 10 years since the original LeeFest kicked off in the back garden of founder Lee Denny.The Neverland represents the next chapter in their unparalleled story, standing as the culmination of the dreams of thousands in the snowballing LeeFest community. Separated into three distinct realms, it promises a fantastical immersive adventure across the weekend, with Mermaids Lagoon and its neon-soaked opulence and glamour, the dark and dystopic fury of Skulls Ridge and the no nonsense blissfields of The Neverwoods. Combined, it provides a magical panoptic Kingdom full of unabashed creativity, diverse personalities and serious partying with an unparalleled lineup of music, performance and creativity.
With a Friday Night Headliner still to be announced, alongside a diverse range of dance titans and extremely special unannounced secret shows, The Neverland is set to be the defining independent festival of the summer.
Escaping the confines of the real world, the Neverland’s kingdom of infinite wonder awaits, allowing all of us an opportunity to escape and pursue our dream to never grow old.
This year taking place from July 1st – 3rd, the festival has lined-up a star-studded selection of names to perform across the weekend includingthe iconic Grace Jones, six-time Grammy-winning songwriter Burt Bacharach, million-selling Dutch sensation Caro Emerald, the UK’s foremost neo-soul singer Lianne La Havas (‘One of the most stunning voices of her generation’ The Sun), pioneering DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, and the charismatic, multi-award-winning Kelis.
Burt Bacharach:
"I'm thrilled to be returning to the UK this summer and performing at the Love Supreme Festival. I've heard great things about the festival and I'm looking forward to sharing my music in this beautiful setting with the stunning backdrop of Glynde Place."
The festival once again affirms its jazz credentials with shows from a cross section of the very best talent on offer from across the genre including Kamasi Washington, Melody Gardot, Cecile McLorin Salvant, The Stanley Clarke Band, Ibrahim Maalouf and the newly formed supergroup Scofield, Mehldau, Guiliana. The group, a UK exclusive for Love Supreme, features jazz stars John Scofield, Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana (drummer on David Bowie’s Blackstar).
Hailed as “the jazz answer to Glastonbury” (The Telegraph *****), Love Supreme 2016 will also shine a light on the diverse array of homegrown talent the UK has to offer including the likes of rising star multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, described by Quincy Jones as “one of my favourite young artists on the planet – absolutely mind-blowing”, hotly-tipped Blue Note trio GoGo Penguin, Average White Band, acclaimed vocalists Liane Carroll and Anthony Strong, Beats and Pieces Big Band, The Correspondents, Amy Winehouse collaborator Femi Temowo with Engines Orchestra, Native Dancer, Partikel’s String Theory Quartet, Trope, the genre-bending Swindle, and MOBO Award-winning duo Binker & Moses.
With more artists to be announced in due course, the Love Supreme Jazz Festival will present over 50 performances across the weekend. The full line-up to date is as follows:
The sensational Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) returns for its fourth outing celebrating the city's musical pedigree, diversity and heritage on a global scale. Taking place from Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th July 2016, LIMF explores the theme of 'ReDefinition' with five commissioned projects and performances that are and have redefined music and popular culture. These include a curated live show by BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson called 'From The Soul'; a celebration of Liverpool's counter-culture over the last 40 years with '76-16: From Eric's To Evol'; and 'House Nation' where renowned Liverpool-based DJ and Producer Yousef will explore what defines house music in four international cities.
LIMF Summer Jam returns with a three-day FREE outdoor music celebration featuring its best line-up to date including Sigma, The Wombats, Lianne La Havas, Kwabs, Netsky, Ms Dynamite, Maverick Sabre, a very special Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Friday evening performance and much more. The recent national award winning LIMF Academy stage will return to showcase tomorrow's stars, which alongside the 'its Liverpool' stage which showcases past, present and future homegrown talents, provides another reason why Liverpool has received the prestigious UNESCO City Of Music status in 2016. For the latest LIMF programme and to buy tickets for the LIMF Presents series please visit the LIMF website with more to be announced soon.
Liverpool is recognised as a UNESCO City of Music in 2016, shining a spotlight on the city's pioneering approach to its ever-evolving music culture. Combining this with the city's rich music heritage, Liverpool International Music Festival has become the current voice of this global music city with an experimental but accessible programme for all.
LIMF 2016 is made up of LIMF Presents, LIMF Academy and Europe's largest free music event, LIMF Summer Jam. Last year it attracted around 160,000 music lovers, cementing Liverpool's reputation as a must-visit destination, with this year’s earlier July date ensuring it will be the perfect start to the summer celebrations.
LIMF SUMMER JAM: Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th July – Sefton Park – FREE LIMF Summer Jam has fast become the leading family festival of its kind, completely free to enjoy and welcoming to all. Taking place at Sefton Park it will mark the start of the summer and the culmination of a spectacular series of events as part of Liverpool International Music Festival. Friday's opening night will be see the spectacular Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform a set which includes 'Music City: Reimagined', which will showcase many of the defining songs that came from the city of Liverpool and impacted the world.
Chart topping dance duo Sigma, responsible for hits such as 'Nobody To Love' and 'Changing' are confirmed to headline on Saturday evening, with Liverpool's very own quirk-pop legends The Wombatsheadlining the following day. Singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas will bring her own inimitable mellow groove to the proceedings whilst Belgian drum 'n' bass pioneer Netsky will have the Sefton Park revellers dancing to his contagious beats. Bringing an urban vibe to the LIMF Summer Jam bill will be trailblazersKwabs, Ms Dynamite and Maverick Sabre, with RnB up and comer Shakka and BBC 1Xtra's 'Hot For 2016' nominee Samm Henshaw also lined up to play. Local heroes John Power and Dave McCabe and the Ramifications will be performing, as well as Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band and China Crisis.
LIMF Summer Jam’s monumental music offering will be available for all to see for free, making it one of Europe’s biggest free outdoor events and an unmissable date in the diary for all.
LIMF Presents…'ReDefintion' The LIMF Presents series is a showcase of artists, music and projects that have and are redefining music and culture. The commissions projects and performances will taking place during LIMF 2016 and include:
From the Soul (LIVE) – Thursday 21st July – 1900 – 22.00 – Music Room – Royal Philharmonic Hall – £26.40 (incl. booking fee) Curated by 6 Music’s Gilles Peterson, LIMF explores the redefining sounds of British soul music over the past 30 years. The event will feature a special house band collaborating with some of the most important names in British Soul. The live event will be followed by an exclusive DJ led after party hosted and featuring sets by Gilles Peterson and Thris Tian (Boiler Room / NTS), which will bring 3 decades of Soul to the dance floor. Line up to be announced soon.
From the Soul (After Party) – Thursday 21st July – 2200 – 0100 – Buyers Club – Early Bird £13.20 (incl. booking fee), £19.80 thereafter. Line up to be announced soon.
House Nation in association with Circus – Friday 22nd July – 1700 – 0000 – Sefton Park Palm House – £26.40 (inc. booking fee) House music is truly a global phenomenon. In key cities around the world various dynamic producers are trailblazing a more progressive sound – redefining what you consider House Music to be. LIMF travels to three international music cities with Liverpool-based DJ and Producer Yousef as he immerses himself in those different scenes – returning home to make four records that reflect the sounds of those different cities and his hometown of Liverpool. The process will be documented, with both the music and shorts being released. The project will culminate in a special live show, in association with CIRCUS, at LIMF 2016. Line up to be announced soon.
House Nation (After Party) – Friday 22nd July – 0100 – 0400 – 24 Kitchen Street – Early Bird £13.20 (incl. booking fee), £19.80 thereafter Line up to be announced soon.
76-16: From Eric's To Evol (a celebration of Liverpool music's counter-culture) – Saturday 23rd July – 1930 – 2300 – Liverpool Guild of Students – Early Bird till 1st March £19.80 (inc. booking fee), £26.40 thereafter For the last 40 years the punk-indie attitude has been prevalent in Liverpool and has led to the creation of some of the most influential cultural movements the city has ever seen. These are movements that have connected not just with the people of Liverpool but with the world. LIMF showcases those key venues, artists and scenes. This is the inter-generational story of Liverpool’s underground music scene and how it has redefined itself in terms of music, fashion and popular culture over 40 years! Line up to be announced soon.
Music City: Reimagined – Friday 22nd July – 18.30 – 21.30 – Sefton Park – FREE In 2015 LIMF focused on the influencing sounds that entered this City, this year LIMF showcases the defining songs that came from our city and impacted the world. The evening will see Liverpool’s no1 playlist performed by the spectacular Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Roots, Rock, Reggae – Saturday 23rd August – 15.00 – 15.30 – Sefton Park – FREE It has been over 50 years since Millie Small reached number 1 in the UK with "My Boy Lollipop", and introduced Reggae to the British mainstream. Subsequently that first generation of settlers and their offspring carved out their own brand of reggae here in the UK and redefined the global image of the genre as a whole. From the birth of Lovers Rock, to the driving sound of roots reggae and the interpretation of vocal reggae, the British reggae sound added a considerable amount to the music scene. This project would see award winning BBC Radio DJ Seani B (himself a Grammy nominated Reggae producer) curate a collaboration between a host of British reggae artists. Line up to be announced soon.
As the early bird catches the proverbial worm, so to do the first campers snag the best spots. A stream of gear laden guys and gals is making its way into the campsites from all directions and the sun is luckily, shining. Nighttime on Thursday sees the early opening of a few areas, The Wishing Tree is available for tiny raves, the Grassy Hill’s Caravanserai is jumping, and Underworld take an absolutely rammed headline slot in The Big Top. It’s a bit of a shame there’s no longer a big screen on the outside of the tent, as it’s frankly impossible to fit everyone in, but those outside are still dancing their legs off to the likes of ‘Born Slippy’ regardless.
Friday
Friday’s Gabrielle Aplin brings beautiful summer vibes to the main stage dressed in a spangly gold sequined jumpsuit, whilst The Cuban Brothers’ Miguel rocks his “Elvis in Marrakech” kaftan and afro combo as Archerio, Kengo and One Erection wow the crowds with headspins, backflips and flares galore. Having had the entire crowd sing Happy 70th Birthday to Bestival veteran, and former drug baron Howard “Mr. Nice” Marks who dons a golden kaftan on stage, Miguel implores everyone to “Increase the peace with a collective unconscious”.
Up on the big hill, the Slow Motion area is a serene place to take a break, with the bandstand gone, a new stage – Kaleidoscope – peeks out from the bottom corner, covered in silver sunrays. Grab yourself a fresh corn-on-the-cob, a pint of Bestivale and maybe take part in some Yoga. Massages, tea and cake from the Women’s Institute or making friends with fluffy llamas is also on the menu here, and if you venture inside Oberon’s Observatory you’ll find a tiny cinema and a pretty awesome lookout across the festival. Though there are notably less children year upon year, the kids area is still going strong with games and activities, across the way from lectures and comedy in the Bestiversity tent. There truly is something for everyone here.
A sun drenched crowd is relaxing at the main stage listening to the powerful voice of the incredibly talented Lianne La Havas, who is dressed in a show-stopping green ball gown and is tantalizing everyone with news of her upcoming UK tour in December for new album ‘Blood’. Followed up by the complete juxtaposition of Charlie XCX who spends her entire set swearing and making crude gestures. Luckily her songs are catchy enough to make up for it, and everyone seems to be enjoying ‘I don’t Care (I Love It)’ and ‘Boom Clap’ whilst she jumps around with a giant inflatable guitar, in her platform sneakers.
90’s Hip Hop super-group Jurassic 5 bring the entertainment with a massive turntable, portable turntable/mixer guitar contraptions and their distinctive brand of swagger, but it’s Duran Duran who are the stand out surprise of the night. The younger age set at this festival might not think they know more than ‘Rio’ but the hits keep rolling, and they put on an absolutely epic show which has everyone joining in with both classic hits and brand new album tracks.
If you’re not feeling so fresh this morning, a quick trip to the lavish Elle Beauty Cupboard in partnership with Rimmel will have you all dolled up with a makeover or a manicure, as well as a goodybag full of makeup and you can get your brain back on track with a stop at the Science tent, where you can pick up a pair of psychedelic solar glasses for watching the fireworks too. New this year is the giant Lovebot, and a new-look Inflatable Church for all your wedding-disco wishes.
Over on the main stage, Dodgy rock “Good Enough” and IOW locals Level 42 (with a cameo from Cubano’s One Erection breakdancing) play to a relaxed crowd. Little Dragon wears some sort of golden bin-bag with red evening gloves for a set of weird and wonderful sounds, and over in the Magic Meadow the parade is a swarm of bright silks and mysterious creatures. Colourful birds, adorable little strawberries and lotus flowers dance past, as a squid rides a giant turtle followed by a Battala band. Only at Bestival…
Secret act cheesy hip hop legends House of Pain are actually great and anthem 'Jump Around' is spectacularly taken to heart by Bestivalites who are doing their best to jump up, jump up and get down. Kate Tempest gathers a big crowd for her main stage foray, in previous years she’s usually a walk through the woods to the amphitheatre for her spoken word sets. With obvious excitement she quips “Jeremy Corbyn has been elected… this is the summer of change, the summer of love!” and a keen eye can spot Rob da Bank clapping in appreciation from the side of the stage.
In the deep dark of the night forest, the amphitheatre comes alive and tonight The Story Beast (comedian John Henry Falle) is MCing Films in the Forest. Award winning short ‘Jonah’ is beautifully made and captivates the audience but ‘Festevil’ is the one that’s really going to stick with you – what could be better than a slasher short about a couple getting murdered in a tent at a festival by pig-masked psychopaths? “Are you all suitably shitted up? That could happen to you tonight!” says Falle. Cheers Story Beast… no really thanks so much. Just as well he follows it up with a rousing rendition of the theme from Dune (join in, all the words are… THE THEME FROM DUNE) and Tom Hyatt brings beautiful acoustic flavours to the stage with his songs about love. We hot-foot it when the next movie ‘Behind the Candelabra’ comes on, but not quite quick enough to escape seeing Matt Damon fellate Michael Douglas.
Annie Mac is ripping it up on the main stage with glowing palm trees to match the glowing umbrellas and fairy lights of the neon night parade, and The Chemical Brothers’ headline slot is a laser loaded, big beat heavy, electrifying show with a slew of hits from opener ‘Hey Boy Hey girl’ to ‘Block Rockin Beats’ and ‘Galvanize’.
The night is young and the weather is sort of holding, so it’s off to Future Islands in the Big Top to see enigmatic frontman Samuel T. Herring dance like he’s been tasered and growl like he’s in a metal band. Completely bonkers but light, fun synthpop. The Port is packed with ravers and fire-dancers spit flames from atop the giant boat. Arial hoop dancers swing hypnotically from a crane above, everything is just on the edge of surreal and it’s brilliant. For a little less bass, Caravanseri’s little love-in is dancing along to violin folk-rockers Keltrix, cosying up in retro caravans or drinking mojitos in the carousel.
Sunday
Despite an overnight soaking, the campsite awakens to a clear and sometimes sunny morning (hurrah!) and there’s a dawning realisation that there’s only one day left of hedonistic adventures. DJ Yoda’s unmistakable beats reverberate across the arena to a massive crowd, and there are major queues outside the packed Amphitheatre for the genius Shitfaced Shakespeare. The drunken cast member simply can’t be arsed with what’s going on and keeps having existential epiphanies like “News is new… news!”. Throughout the forest people are hiding out, watching red squirrels or exploring round the lake, or searching out the secretive Blind Tiger stage.
Jungle Brothers get everyone chanting “We at Bestival baby” as indeed we are and Boy Better know keep up with the distinctly hip hop flavor to this year’s main stage lineup. It’s not as though those who aren’t into it have nothing else to do though, Pig’s Big Ballroom is a house of energetic folk and feelgoodery and the close-by Invaders of the Future stage is showcasing a plethora of great rock bands.
Over on the Kaleidoscope stage, Coco and the Butterfields are absolutely smashing it, gathering a bigger and rowdier crowd as they play, one of the very best things about Bestival is happening upon something or someone amazing that you’ve never heard of, and finding this banjo-led upbeat band is just one of those moments. Elsewhere the Oxfam tent is selling sparkly wares and as the weather is looking decidedly unsafe, wellies. The Llamas at Llama Karma are happily munching their way through Robin Hill’s luscious grass and wearing some very fetching rainbow neckerchiefs, the Solace tent is providing tea and cake to burnt out hippies and there are bare bottoms basking in the wood-fired hot tubs overlooking the enormous site.
A rare musical treat in the form of The Jacksons has the entire arena boogying, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s not just a classic hit parade – these guys are every bit as good as they always were. Polished entertainers with cracking vocals, for the likes of ‘Blame it on the Boogie’, ‘Rock With You’ and ‘ABC’. Jermaine has a noticeable tear in his eye when the crowd joins in for ‘I’ll Be There’ as a montage of their younger selves play on split video screens. Over in the Big Top, Todd Terje is providing summery soft electro-house to a busy tent, which makes a change from the heavier Port acts.
Final headliner Missy Elliott is every bit as showy as you could imagine. Plenty of bling, an army of backing dancers and MC’s hyping up the crowd the whole way through. Hits ‘Get Ur Freak On’ and ‘Work It’ are absolutely huge.
As Missy makes her way off stage, ticker tape explosions coincide with the start of the fireworks display, which is magically timed so that red heart-shaped fireworks burst to the chorus of “Love Is In The Air” to the oohs and aaahs of the crowd. The floral fire arrangement of the Commune is glittering away and everyone is hugging each other, it truly is the Summer of Love. Though the night isn’t over, the rain starts coming in hard and a lot of people are heading back to the campsites with the threat of early ferries and late hangovers in the morning. Skrillex is bouncing around at The Port with a few thousand pals, the Carnivale ship is still rocking tunes and the drag queens of Sink the Pink at The Grand Palace of Entertainment are still werking it hard.
This year’s Bestival has been home to some eighty thousand neo-hippies for the Summer of Love ’15 and it’s pretty hard to say goodbye to this beautiful, weird and wonderful land knowing full well that responsibility and the adult world is waiting beyond these borders. You can be sure we’ll be first on the early bird ticket bandwagon at the end of the month, and the countdown clock will be immediately set for Bestival 2016. Massive thanks to Rob da Bank and the Bestival crew for another incredible weekend, we can’t wait to see what’s next…
Latitude today announces the line-up for their 10th Edition which takes place Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th July 2015 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk.
Ten years ago Latitude Festival creator Melvin Benn set out to rewrite the festival rulebook, showing that music lovers could also be culture lovers, by creating the UK’s first multi arts boutique festival set out to challenge the festival status quo
First to headline Latitude’s Obelisk Arenaon Friday night is a band close to Latitude’s heart; Mercury Prize-winning art-rockers alt-J. Having delivered outstanding sets on smaller Latitude stages over the years, 2015’s triumphant return promises to be a special moment for all who have witnessed their incredible Latitude journey. With a recent sold out arena tour and two critically acclaimed albums, the Leeds trio will no doubt give the Latitude audience a stunning set.
Portishead will give a rare UK appearance as they top the bill on Saturday. Emerging in 1994 with landmark album Dummy, Portishead have remained adventurous and uncompromising throughout their 20-year career. Compelling, provoking and moving; this will be an unmissable performance.
Closing Latitude this year is an outfit fronted by one of Britain’s most loved musical figures; Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Song-writing pioneer and out-spoken cultural icon, Gallagher’s relevance has never faltered and Latitude is delighted to welcome him and his latest band to their 10th anniversary Edition. Performing tracks from the recent critically acclaimed album Chasing Yesterday (which Gallagher produced as well as wrote), plus plenty of classic sing-along Oasis tracks, this will be a closing show to be remembered.
Quotes from headliners:
"We are hugely excited to return to Latitude for the third time. Playing there has always been so memorable. Latitude has always supported us, and to go from playing the smaller stages to this means it will be a night of celebration."
alt-J
“I've been to Latitude before as a festival goer and really enjoyed it I think the effort they put into their whole programming – music, comedy and film – is what makes it a great festival to be part of. And I'm really looking forward to it.” Geoff Barrow from Portishead
“I love the vibe at Latitude and the location. Good forward thinking programming as well, I played a couple of years ago in the cinema tent with a silent film project I was doing and it was a really good experience…looking forward to this one very much.” Adrian Utley from Portishead
“Well not only have I never played at Latitude before, but I’ve never even been there, ever. So yes, I’m really looking forward to headlining the Festival on July 19th” Noel Gallagher
Other special appearances on the Obelisk Arena will include a selection of some of today’s most exciting and respected British artists; we start off by welcoming Nicky Wire back to Latitude ten years down the line with the legendary Manic Street Preachers who will be performing a selection of loved tracks from their varied and extraordinary career, Canadian electronica-maestro Caribou, electronic auteur James Blake will return for a third time, and both soul sensation Lianne La Havas and folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling for a second and all with new albums to share. Festival favourites, Wild Beasts return to share their latest critically acclaimed album with us and we also welcome the soulful Mancunian JP Cooper to Henham Park for the first time.
Gracing us from all corners of the globe are four time Grammy award nominee Nigerian musician Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, transfixing Swedish singer-songwriter and Latitude favourite José González, American soul singer Benjamin Brooker, blues veteran Seasick Steve, and soul veteran Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens will be bringing us her Daptone released gospel music.
This year the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will host even more exciting musical treats including headline sets from three accomplished British acts; top of the bill on Friday is pioneering sonic technician Jon Hopkins, platinum selling rock band The Vaccines will headline on Saturday, and a festival exclusive show from SBTRKT who will close the stage on Sunday night with his soulful and textured take on electronic music preceded by the highly acclaimed live show from La Roux.
Other acts set to play on the coveted BBC Radio 6 Music Stage include; Catfish And The Bottlemen who have risen up through the Latitude stages, all-female punk rockers Savages, acclaimed alternative pop group Django Django, London-based pseudonymous musical duo Public Service Broadcasting and Americana four piece The Districts. With forty albums under his belt King Creosote is back to perform songs from an extensive career and has previously graced both the Poetry Arena and iArena at Latitude, also announced today is American musician and legend The Thurston Moore Band and two-piece grunge band Drenge.
Esteemed artist Mark Kozelek brings Sun Kil Moon to Latitude, also announced are Years & Years with their eccentric blend of R&B and 90’s house, and Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers returning for round three, South London’s Kwabs, alternative rock group Wolf Alice, and BBC Sound Poller SOAK is also on the bill as well as exclusive performances from Toro Y Moi and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Announced acts for the i Arena include one of electronic music’s most renowned talents, Warp Records cult artist Clark who headlines Saturday. Joining the festival to headline Sunday are London based musical duo Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell otherwise known as The 2 Bears. Also announced; the unique and the distinctive Adult Jazz, hot new talent Jack Garratt, multi-instrumentalist DM Stith, blues rock experimentalist Duke Garwood hugely talented singer songwriter Shura, the incredibly refreshing indie rockers Gengahr, Texan gospel and soul songster Leon Bridges and folk-pop star Marika Hackman. .
Joining the eclectic line-up are; Icelandic ambient techno duo Kiasmos, hotly-tipped twin sister musical duo Ibeyi, post-punk indie rock band The Twilight Sad, captivating singer Nadine Shah, soul powerhouse Curtis Harding, Norwegian singer songwriter Susanne Sundfør and the brilliant, all-female Swedish pop-quartet Dolores Haze outrageous King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard who specialise in psychedelic tunes!
The People's Ear will present a line-up essential to create a heat to warm the ears from 11pm-3am every night on the iArena. Acts include self-taught musical craftsmen Ben UFO, three of the most innovative names in electronic music – untouchable London wordsmiths The Four Owls, Grammy nominated funk master Werkha (Live) and his live band, musician, three-piece DJ EZ, producer Monki and Alexander Nut and tropical bass heroes The Busy Twist. Expect and believe!
In an exclusive festival appearance at Latitude, Gareth Malone will this year be putting together a unique choir of Latitude festival goers. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to apply to be part of this 100-strong group who will rehearse at several points over the weekend, culminating in a Main Stage lunchtime performance on Sunday 19th July. In addition, Gareth and his Voices choir will be performing on the Waterfront Stage on Saturday 18th July.’
COMEDY AT LATITUDE
Over the last ten years Latitude’s comedy line-up has set the bar for summer festivals, offering the Latitude audience a unique opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the business all over the same weekend. It’s also the first chance to see the acts destined to make waves in Edinburgh later in the summer.
Headlining this special 10th Edition year will be national treasure Alan Davies, the longstanding QI panellist is well-known for his glorious insight into worldviews. Growing up in the ‘70s, losing his mother as a little boy, the vagaries of Facebook, sex toys and being a father are just some of the subjects he tackles.
Festival organisers are hugely excited to announce Jason Manford to headline the Comedy Arena. Renowned for his hilarious observations and loveable, friendly delivery, Jason has been a firm favourite with comedy fans of all ages since his first solo stand-up show earned him huge critical acclaim. The Perrier nominated comic won Chortle Breakthrough Act in 2006, Latitude’s inaugural year, and has risen to become one of the UK’s favourite TV comics.
2013 British Comedy Award Best Male Comic nominee, and Live At The Apollo star, Jon Richardson is one of the UK's brightest and immensely likeable stand up heroes. Back with a brand new stand-up routine to delight audiences, Time Out call him ‘Sublimely brilliant, stunning…He is a comic right on the verge of greatness. If you haven’t seen him yet, get your finger out and sort it!
Off the back of his hugely successful Channel 4 TV show ‘Catastrophe’ Rob Delaney brings his performance to the Suffolk setting. Voted the funniest man on Twitter, Latitude welcomes Rob’s hilarious but sometimes dark anecdotes and tales to the festival for the first time.
Australian comedian and television presenter Adam Hills best known for hosting The Last Leg on Channel 4 will bring his combination of positive uplifting comedy and rampant spontaneity to the Comedy Arena.
Another award-winning comic performing at the festival this year is Jack Dee. Best known for his sarcasm and deadpan humour, he takes a break from being everyone’s favourite grumpster to lend a helping hand to Latitude Festival goers with his side splittingly funny show Help Desk where he will be joined by a panel of star comedians from the festival line up to offer expert advice on the Latitude audience’s problems.
Perrier Award winning Irish comedian David O’Doherty will bring his stand-up routine to the festival this summer. Also on the bill is; Latitude’s resident prankster Josh Widdicombe, Canadian super comic Katherine Ryan, one of many stand out female comics programmed for the festival this year. With a formidable reputation on the live circuit and high profile TV appearances to her name, Katherine will pull out all the stops this summer.
This year’s festival will host; self-proclaimed “spit and sawdust” performer Shappi Khorsandi, Best Show nominee at the Edinburgh Fosters Comedy Awards in 2014 Sara Pascoe, brilliant Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss, top of the 2015 tipster list Dane Baptiste, lyrical anti-lad, Liam Williams, the hugely popular Holly Walsh, the effortlessly talented Joe Lycett, fantastic bombastic star of the hit show ‘What Would Beyonce Do’s Luisa Omelian, ventriloquist Nina Conti with her popular puppet characters and Viral Tap star Matt Richardson who all join the 10th Edition celebrations.
WATERFRONT STAGE
Following from his sold out Barbican shows, we are hugely excited to announce that piano virtuoso Chilly Gonzales will be performing his new album Chambers on the Waterfront Stage with the Kaiser Quartett. Switching gears from his 2013 collaborations with Grammy winners Daft Punk and Drake, Gonzales’ Latitude show will be an entertaining and intimate experience orchestrated especially with Hamburg’s Kaiser Quartett displaying his inimitable touch. This will be a stunning highlight of the festival and it is not to be missed.
Since 2008 Sadler’s Wells has presented a special programme of dance at Latitude Festival to audiences in excess of 40,000 people across the years. This summer the theatre returns for an eighth consecutive year, presenting a diverse programme on the outdoor Waterfront Stage that will appeal to audiences of all ages and that reflects the theatre’s reputation for presenting world class dance in all its forms. Full line-up to be announced.
POETRY ARENA
At the heart of Latitude the Poetry Arena showcases the very best stand up and beat poets, alongside laureates and literary legends. Headlining this year’s Poetry Arena will be the former laureate and award winning poet Simon Armitage CBE who is described by Poetry Review as “the front man of his generation”.
Tim Key, star and creator of Radio 4’s Late Night Poetry Programme Tim Key is as a poet, actor, comic and film star, appearing as Alan Partridge’s sidekick in Mid-Morning Matters and Alpha Papa. A brilliant poet and Edinburgh Perrier Award winner we are delighted he will be joining us in the Poetry Arena this year.
Children’s favourite and recently appointed professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths and presenter of Word of Mouth on Radio 4 Michael Rosen joins the celebrations. Last year Michael packed the Poetry Arena to the rafters. Number one poet of the parents, Michael was the subject of a recent viral campaign to hire him as Education Minister.
Punk Rock legend, performance poet and Latitude favourite the inimitable DoctorJohn Cooper Clarke is expected to bring a new collection of poetry. A seminal influence on punk the voice of Manchester and beat poets everywhere, expect a ferociously funny performance and make sure you get a seat early.
Smashing into the Poetry Arena to read his latest poems will be BBC Three’s ‘Uncle’ writer and star Nick Helm, his hilarious stand up style has been described as ‘brash and bullish’.
FILM & MUSIC STAGE
The first name announced for the Film & Music Stage is Brit Award nominated George the Poet. A poet for the people, George mixes social and political comment with humour to demonstrate his passion for poetry as a powerful tool to educate the masses. George delivers an unforgettable live performance, which consists of a hypnotic blend of poetry and rap.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
The Kids Arena keeps children entertained all day and into the night with everything from pond dipping & astronomy to pizza making and night-time disco and fire-show. There’s something for everyone! Use traditional tools or pan for gold, explore the woods or ID animal bones!…investigate a crime scene or head to the Kids Theatre for shows, music, drama classes and puppetry. There are giant crafts from building with architects to shaping willow, working with clay, knitting, felting or getting busy with a million stickers! Amazing activities come from a range of trusted names, from Macmillan’s Children’s Books to the Zoological Society of London,Suffolk Wildlife Trust to the Woodcraft Folk and many more.
The Inbetweeners’ Teen Area is a hidden woodland wonderland-offering teenagers a packed weekend. Chose music, media, fashion and technology workshops, including; a live stage, new DJ Academy and chill-out area with Culture Works East and Access to Music. Or join our friends from Greenpeace; tackle wildlife, bush-craft and survival skills or get physical with climbing nets and a zip wire suspended high in the trees – a real walk on the wild side!
SPECIAL ADDITIONS
Other Voices will bring a little bit of musical magic from its spiritual home on the Wild Atlantic Way in the West of Ireland to Suffolk for this year’s Latitude Festival. Now in its fourteenth year, Other Voices has previously accepted invitations from Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, Wilton’s Music Hall in London and The Glassworks in Derry-Londonderry during their Festival of Culture in 2013.
This year Latitude welcomes, Solas, a new spa area providing an oasis of calm by day and meticulous merriment by night. Meaning ‘light’ in Irish, Solas invites festival goers to learn the art of chilling out. Take refuge in the specially designed holistic area where expert therapists will soothe the mind and body with massages, yoga, treatments and workshops to ease and appease, while indulgence meets decadence in bubbling hot-tubs and seaweed baths. Dotted throughout the zone will be a hand-picked selection of installations; unwind under a canopy of reflective art and light and expand your mind as you investigate the sonic robotics of Indonesian inspired Gamelatron.
As darkness unfolds, Solas will become an intimate tableau of late-night party corners. A piano bar sunk into the forest floor will entertain and ignite, while the ElectroShack spins a dizzying array of upbeat earworms. Jump on the furniture and make yourself at home at My Club House, peer across the festival grounds from the secret Hilltop Hideaway, or shed your 21st century cool and embrace the sunshine kitsch at Body Holiday.
Sky Arts returns for the 10th celebrations to bring fans highlights from the Latitude weekend. Two 120minute jam packed shows of performances, interviews and highpoints will be televised the weekend after the festival.
The final of Sky Arts Guitar Star, a major new competition to search for a world-class guitarist, will film the winning player performing on Latitude’s Obelisk Arena. For more information visit: http://www.sky.com/tv/show/guitar
This year for the first time ever Latitude will be partnering with ActionAid a leading international development charity who support women and children living in extreme poverty. They work to help empower women and children to fight for their own rights and to create lasting change.
By day, the new ActionAid tent will be home to creative craft workshops, games and festival fun activities and by night the tent will transform into a late-night party venue with DJ’s playing until the early hours. Look out for signings and guest DJ sets from some of the festival acts too.
With support from Festival Republic and Firebrand merchandise, ActionAid will also be teaming up with one of the 2015 Latitude acts to create a limited Edition festival item which will be available to buy exclusively at the festival. All proceeds will go towards supporting ActionAid’s work to change lives for good.
Latitude is synonymous with the perfect festival experience, and this year organisers are going one step further with Latitude’s Charity Concierge. Imagine someone going to the bar for you…putting up your tent….even holding your place in the queue for the Comedy Stage or Theatre tent. Latitude’s team of 100 enthusiastic volunteers will be offering these services throughout the arena and in some campsites, to raise money for the Kenyan Orphan Project. And Festival Republic will match fund every penny. The team are aiming to raise £50,000 so lie back in the sunshine and let someone else do the leg work!
Currently showing just about everyone exactly how it’s done, we’re delighted to announce long-time Besti-friend, Charli XCX, is coming back to Robin Hill to blow apart our Summer of Love! Also making a triumphant Bestival return is purveyor of blissed out balladry, Lianne La Havas, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce Neneh Cherry is coming to Bestival, playing alongside London duo RocketNumberNine, with whom she released the album MeYouWeYou in 2013.
We’ll also have the gravelly tones of Ella Eyre, experimental singer-songwriter Andreya Triana, BBC Radio 1 raver B.Traits, and BBC 1Xtra’s ever-eclectic Monki, the stunningly brilliant SOAK, Manchester synth ace Lonelady, fuzzy Scottish duo Honeyblood, interactive audio-visual genius Kate Simko& London Electronic Orchestra, and California-based lo-fi duo Girlpool. Plus we’ll have music fromMoxie, Josey Rebelle, DJ Barely Legal, Ekkah, Jagaara, Throwing Shade, Laura Moody and Graceland.
And, lest we forget, we also have a star-studded array of previously announced acts including Roisin Murphy, Little Dragon, Kate Tempest, Snap!, Annie Mac, Lily Allen Presents Funlord, Hannah Wants, Lapsley, Shura and Rae Morris, amongst a veritable love-in of amazing joy that includes The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Duran Duran, Tame Impala, The Jacksons and many, many more.
If there is an artist who embodies the Lovebox spirit like no other, then Kelis is surely top of the list. Well, Sunday just got even more exciting with the return of Kelis to Lovebox in a UK festival exclusive! The Harlem-bred 90's vocalist brings her euphoric dance, spacey electro pop and R&B beats to the main stage and we cannot wait. Pitch perfect Lianne La Havas is the extraordinary, old-school vibrato sensation, and the name on everybodies lips. London girl Lianne's melodic performances present creativity and soul through all her vocals inspired by the likes of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. We are pround to announce Lianne will be gracing the main stage at Lovebox Sunday.
The Fly Presents
UK's most popular new music magazine is presenting the ultimate intimate session of music discovery at Saturday's Lovebox. Big night for the forward thinking music lovers that will catch Ghostpoet, Splashh, Big Deal, Rainy Milo, Bipolar Sunshine, Josef Salvat, Owlle and Roscious exclusively performing live in their very own Fly arena.
Performance, Sound, Style, Lights & Set Design
Lovebox brings you London's most prolific production of performance, sound, style, lights and set design. You can expect the spectacular and the surprising, and we will be revealing some of the plans in the run up to the festival. Such as…: 25 tonnes of 6 meter bamboo now on it's way from China ready to create a stunning residence for the Red Bull Music Academy at Lovebox; The Flaming Tornado "Burning Man's most impressive art installation"; Jose Cuervo's Margarita Garden, 'making a VIP out of everyone'; The legendary lovebox maypole returns 8 year's after the main stage at Victoria Park's first ever Lovebox taking place on the soon to be announced Terrazo arena; Lords of Lighting harnessing 4 million volts of raw electricity into a mystical flow of oscillating chaos; ….plus MUCH more to be announced, making Lovebox the most unique festival experience in town!
Lovebox Jukebox #31
DJ/producer duo Force of Nature, hailing from Tokyo Japan, are scheduled to play at Harvey's Discoteque (in association with Sarcastic) A tent curated by Harvey for Sunday at this years Lovebox Festival. F.O.N have put together a mix for the latest Lovebox Jukebox. Check it out this deep summertime housey mix exclusively for your listening pleasure courtesy of Force of Nature & Lovebox.
Crack Presents
Underground music and art must-have bible Crack magazine, present a massively diverse and seriously edgy collection of acts on Sunday's buzzing field. Featuring Jon Hopkins, Charli XCX, Fear Of Men, Chlöe Howl, Idles, Moko and The Portillo Moment. The collection of live electro to dream funk synths will be the perfect discovery for the creative heads looking for electronic tinged festival action.
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.
Highlights of the 2013 programme include Van Morrison, who will return to Cheltenham to play classic songs from his award-winning back catalogue alongside material from his Blue Note debutBorn to Sing: No Plan B; Madeleine Peyroux will introduce her new album The Blue Room, which sees the genre-blending songstress rework landmark musical gems from legendary artists Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and Leonard Cohen; exclusively for the festival, Noisettes – described as “the best live band in Britain” by The Guardian last year – will perform a stripped back session of sleek soulful pop-songs inspired by jazz and blues greats; universally acclaimed singer Gregory Porter is the festival’s Artist in Residence and will be performing tracks from both his Grammy-nominated debut Water and latest album Be Good; and shows from stars of tomorrow Laura Mvula and Lianne La Havas will demonstrate why the future of British music is brighter than ever
BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night will once again broadcast live from the festival and this year will honour the legendary Georgie Fame at 70. Fame will perform with The Guy Barker Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra and will be joined by special guests Alan Price, Zoot Money and Madeline Bell for a truly unique birthday celebration.
Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and his superb quintet will present music from Grammy-nominated album Spirit Fiction; seven-time Grammy Award-winning vibraphonist Gary Burton will present his latest group comprised of guitar protégée Julian Lage, bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Antonio Sanchez; trumpeter Dave Douglas will be bringing his quintet and guest vocalist Heather Masseto perform material from his album Be Still ; whilst Mike Stern, Dave Weckl and Tom Kennedywill all be on stage together as part of the Mike Stern and Bill Evans Band
Mercury Music award nominees Roller Trio will feature in a double bill with Polar Bear, and Seb Rochford of Polar Bear will also be appearing with Sons of Kemet, a post-jazz ensemble that features saxist/clarinettist Shabaka Hutchings, tuba virtuoso Oren Marshall and the stunning double-drum team of Tom Skinner and Rochford. The Edition Records Quartet, an exciting new Anglo-Norwegian collaboration that features Dave Stapleton, Neil Yates, Marius Neset and Daniel Herskedal will showcase music from their hotly-tipped debut album, whilst revered composer and band leader Mike Gibbs and his stellar 12-piece ensemble led by keyboardist Hans Koller are also set to entertain the Cheltenham crowds.
Following the huge success of 2012, the Festival will once again take place in Montpellier Gardens in the heart of Cheltenham. The tented festival village will feature a 1300 seat Big Top, which will play host to some of the Festival's biggest names, and the 630 seat Jazz Arena will welcome both established acts and emerging artists. In addition, concerts will also take place in the beautiful Parabola Arts Centre, just minutes from the main festival site. The site in Montpellier Gardens will also be the place to soak up an outstanding festival atmosphere, with free outdoor music, a selection of food and drink stalls, fun family activities and a host of talks and workshops which explore the music industry, it's the perfect place to spend the Bank Holiday weekend.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2013 runs from 1-6 May and will take place at Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham.
