Madness

Henley Festival announce 2020 lineup

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MADNESS

JAMES BLUNT

SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR

SARA COX PRESENTS JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH 80S

DISCO CLASSICAL WITH

KATHY SLEDGE OF SISTER SLEDGE

CLASSIC FM PRESENTS CLASSICAL SALUTE

FEATURING THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY STEPHEN BELL

PRESENTED BY MYLEENE KLASS

COMEDY

MATT FORDE | ANUVAB PAL | MILTON JONES | AL MURRAY | CHRIS STOKES

SIMON EVANS | SHAPPI KHORSANDI | OLGA KOCH | KEN CHENG

EDWARD ASKHAM-SPENCER | ADA CAMPE | KIRSTY NEWTON

TOM HOUGHTON | SOPHIE DUKER | RORY BREMNER | JUSTIN MOORHOUSE JONNY AWSUM | LOST VOICE GUY | CRAIG HILL | MARK SIMMONS

ROBERT WHITE | WITT ‘N CAMP

 

JAZZ & SWING

THE BONESHAKER BAND | MOSCOW DRUG CLUB | JAZZ DYNAMOS

NATTY CONGEROO & THE FLAMES OF RHYTHM | GROOVE UNDER THE SEA

AUREUM SAXOPHONE QUARTET | THE HAWKMEN

 

WORLD & FOLK

JULU & HEG | MARTIN HARLEY SOLO

HENRY WEBSTER & ELLIOTT MORRIS | NICOLA & JIM

CHARLOTTE CAMPBELL | THE GASLIGHT TROUBADOURS | MAX PASHM

PAPRIKA | THRILL COLLINS | NAMVULA

 

BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING BERKSHIRE

RALEGH LONG | DARSHAAN | ROZ FIRTH

 OLLY CHAMBERLAIN | TABI GAZELE

 

VISUAL ARTS

PUNCHBOWL GALLERY| CRISTO DESIGN | HANOI ART HOUSE

FRED GORDAN | GALLERY ATTACHÉ

 Henley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous festival, and winner of Headline Performance of the Year in 2016 returns to its spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames from 8th to 12th July 2020.

As the UK’s only black-tie festival, Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award-winning comedy, critically acclaimed artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music. Many festival goers arrive by boat, as the green lawns of the festival are transformed into a Great Gatsby vision, as black tie clad revellers spill across the festival site, champagne in hand, while fireworks explode overhead.

Established 38 years ago as a classical music charity event, Henley Festival continues to run as a non-profit organisation, supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level.

THE FLOATING STAGE HEADLINERS 2020

Seminal British pop band Madness will open Henley festival 2020 on Wednesday night. One of the top 20 selling UK groups of all time, Madness have seven top ten albums, 22 top 20 hits and over six million album sales to their name.  Having celebrated 40 years in the music industry in 2019, Madness will perform much loved classics including ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘It Must Be Love’ alongside new songs from their first album in five years ‘The Bullingdon Boys.’ A British group like no other, formed in the heyday of punk, Madness are true originals who mix ska and reggae rhythms with social comment and music hall humour. Their appeal endures to this day, Madness’ latter-day concerts having become fun-packed celebrations of one of the best-loved songbooks in British pop.

On Thursday night, Henley Festival is delighted to welcome the multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter James Blunt to headline the Floating Stage. A household name across the UK and beyond, Blunt rose to fame in 2004 with the release of his debut album Back to Bedlam, achieving worldwide acclaim with the hit singles ‘You’re Beautiful’ and ‘Goodbye My Lover’. Back to Bedlam went on to become the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK, with over 11 million copies sold worldwide. Blunt has received numerous awards, including two Brit Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards, as well as receiving five Grammy Award nominations. He has continued to achieve huge commercial success with his following releases, the latest being his new album Once Upon a Mind.

The Henley festival audience are in for a treat on Friday night, as singer-songwriter sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor takes to the floating stage. The queen of ‘sophisticated pop’, Ellis-Bextor released her double-platinum selling debut album Read My Lips in 2001, which reached number two in the UK Albums Chart and produced hit singles including ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ and ‘Take Me Home’. The album also experienced international success, selling more than 2 million copies worldwide and winning the Edison Award for ‘Best Dance Album’ in 2003. Ellis-Bextor continued to achieve great commercial success with her following releases. In 2014, her fifth studio album Wanderlust became her highest charting album since Read My Lips, peaking at number 4 in the UK. Bringing a vibrant mixture of mainstream pop, disco, nu-disco and 1980s electronic sounds to Henley, Ellis Bextor’s headline show is bound to have the whole festival dancing the night away!

Friday night’s performance by Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the floating stage will be followed by Sara Cox presents: Just Can’t Get Enough 80s.Dance the night away to classic tunes from the TV and radio broadcast legend! Join Sara Cox for all the hits from the best decade, delivered with a stunning stage set and amazing visuals. Huge anthems for monumental crowd participation moments making epic memories to take home. If you’ve got fond memories of legwarmers and spandex, ‘Just Can’t Get Enough 80s’ is a new show set to send you into a retro frenzy!

Lovers of disco are in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat on Saturday night, as a collection of the world’s most iconic dancefloor hits are reimagined, reinvented and brought to the floating stage by Disco Classical, with legendary Special Guest Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge. Formed in 1971, Sister Sledge achieved international success at the height of the disco era. The year 1979 saw the release of their breakthrough album We Are Family, which peaked at number three on the US Album Chart and included the top ten singles ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ and ‘We Are Family’, the latter earning a Grammy Award nomination. Alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra – who opened Glastonbury 2017 – a live band, guest singers and renowned crowd-pleaser DJ Mark Armstrong, Disco Classical and Sister Sledge will create one of the most memorable and uplifting live music experiences around, filled with captivating light displays and glittering disco balls; it’s the perfect party show!

On Sunday 12th July, classical superstar Myleene Klass will present Classic FM’s Classical Salute, an evening of classical and military music performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell.

Classical Salute celebrates the power and glory of one of our finest orchestras and the theatre of the military around the world. During the evening, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by a string of military musicians including Ceremonial Trumpeters for Verdi’s Grand March from Aida, a band of Military Drummers for Ravel’s Bolero as well as uniformed pipers for Highland Cathedral by Roever. The orchestra will also be joined by internationally acclaimed soloists for performances of popular greats including Rule Britannia, Bizet’s Carmen and a rousing performance of Goodwins 633 Squadron. There will also be music by Gershwin, Strauss and many others, and the evening will end with triumphant fireworks exploding over the river on the final night of the festival.

A STELLAR COMEDY LINE-UP

The 2020 comedy line up at Henley is set to be bigger and better than ever, with the likes of Al Murray, Milton Jones, Shappi Khorsandi and Rory Bremner among the stellar 20 comedians performing at this year’s festival. One of Britain’s favourite comedians, Al Murray’s hard-edged social and political satire is sure to have the audience in fits of laughter. In 2003, Murray was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, and in 2007 he was voted the 16th greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups.

Milton Jones will be bringing his hilariously clever one-liners to Henley’s comedy line up, involving puns delivered in a uniquely deadpan and purposely neurotic style. Jones has had various shows on BBC Radio 4 and is a recurring guest panellist on Mock the Week. Along with the likes of comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi and Scottish impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner, his hilarious show is certainly not to be missed. In addition, runner-up on series 12 of Britain’s Got Talent, Robert White, and the first stand-up comedian in Britain to use a communication aid in his routines, Lost Voice Guy, will also be keeping audiences thoroughly entertained, alongside a whole host of up-and-coming comics.

JAZZ AT HENLEY FESTIVAL

Henley Festival’s very own Jazz Club in the stunning Spiegel Tent offers dining and live jazz music before and after the main headline act. With their thrilling three-part harmonies, mercurial percussion, virtuoso violin and soaring sax and clarinet, The Boneshaker Band will create an inimitable and unmissable opening to the Jazz Club on Wednesday night. On the following night, Moscow Drug Club will bring their intoxicating & intimate musical experience – where elements of Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, French Musette and Storytelling meet – to Henley’s Jazz Club. Friday night will see London’s own Jazz Dynamos transform and reinvent well-known songs from Peggy Lee, Dolly Parton and Madonna with a mix of jazz, bossa, samba, and contemporary pop music – occasionally all at the same time!

On Saturday night, internationally acclaimed Swing band Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm will bring the party to the Jazz Club with their high-energy, immersive live performance. Led by the legendary showman Natty Congeroo, the Flames’ repertoire is a combination of tight original numbers and explosive interpretations of classic Hot Jazz, Swing, Rhythm ’n’ Blues and Gospel. Closing the Jazz Club on Sunday, Austrian ensemble Aureum Saxophone Quartet will showcase the richness and infinite array of sounds that are possible on the saxophone; your ears will be amazed! In addition, electrifying live outfit The Hawkmen will bring a taste of rhythm ‘n’ blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll – brought together in a uniquely classic, rootsy, hybrid blend – to Henley.

WORLD & FOLK MUSIC IN THE BEDOUIN TENT

Enter the Bedouin Tent for a taste of world music and home-grown British folk at their best. World music highlights include Paprika, the UK’s leading Balkan band, who create fiery melodies and foot-tapping rhythms that fuse Eastern European, Balkan, Gypsy and Classical music in a whirlwind performance of frenzied virtuosity. Max Pashm will also bring his infamous live show experience to Henley, featuring uplifting percussion, vocals and keyboards along with his general showmanship and sense of humour on stage. Fusing the folk and urban traditions of her Zambian homeland and her Scottish roots with London’s eclectic music scene, Namvula’s uplifting, emotive songs will transport the Henley audience into different worlds, while staying firmly rooted in African soil.

The Bedouin Tent will also be presenting up-and-coming names in folk music, including Julu & Heg, who have taken the scene by storm with their evocative, harmony-rich songs. Award-winning fiddle player Henry Webster is also among the latest generation of folk musicians bringing a fresh perspective to the tradition. Teaming up with singer-songwriter and guitarist Elliott Morris, this special performance is not one to be missed. In addition, folk duo Nicola & Jim will present the amazing spectacle of Nicola’s simultaneous fiddle playing and clog dancing alongside the driving sounds of Jim’s piano and accordion. Having recorded and performed with international stars including Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and Laura Marling, British slide guitarist and songwriter Martin Harley will also showcase his incredible artistry and intimate, gritty style to the Henley audience, and with three albums and numerous gigs across Europe already under her belt, Charlotte Campbell will be bringing her charming London street performances to the Bedouin Tent stage.

BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING BERKSHIRE

BBC Music Introducing was created in 2007 to support unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians. Henley Festival is hugely excited to be working with BBC Music Introducing discovering breaking acts from the region, all of whom have featured across the BBC network before.

This year Henley Festival will be hosting new local producer talent in addition to emerging bands and songwriters. Elton John and Lauren Laverne approved multi-instrumentalist Ralegh Long brings his Nick Drake-like sombre lyricism to Henley on Wednesday night followed by the London based and Reading bred electronic composer Darshaan on Thursday. On Friday Henley audience gets to enjoy the intricate folk of Roz Firth and on Saturday the singer-songwriter Olly Chamberlain will grace the stage at Pure Heaven before hitting major UK festivals in Reading and Leeds. Nigerian-Australian Tabi Gazele’s hypnotic melodies and joyful yet thought-provoking lyrics have drawn her comparisons to Emeli Sande. Her first performance at Henley Festival follows over 2 million combined streams of two  track features (Devil On My Shoulder and Soul Glo with Lee Fields) on multi-platinum Australian hip-hop group Bliss n Eso’s 6th Studio Album ‘Off The Grid.’

VISUAL ARTS

Henley Festival is one of the very few festivals in the UK to showcase artworks from some of the UK’s most talented artists, photographers and galleries. Focusing largely on local talent this year, Henley Festival is delighted to play host to a string of up and coming makers and craftsmen, including artisanal jewellers of Studio 35 and Cristo Design’s striking wooden furniture. The festival will also welcome back Tommy Burr’s urban art that repurposes mundane materials like traffic signs into vibrant pieces of art. The festival will also collaborate with the internationally recognised Bishopsland Educational Trust for the first time, celebrating the craftmanship of the recent jewellery graduates.

 

FOODIE FESTIVAL

Michelin starred chef Angela Hartnett MBE will be returning to Henley Festival 2020 to run Europe’s biggest field restaurant, creating a bespoke menu exclusively for Henley, at the Riverside Restaurant. Angela Hartnett’s astonishingly creative, flawlessly executed dishes focus on purity of flavour and reverence for ingredients. A festival for food lovers, Henley caters for all tastes offering a huge number of restaurants and pop ups from street food to fine dining. Restaurant’s popping up at the festival will include Garden Bistro by Jimmy Garcia, Green Box, Oink, BBQ Club, Hotel Chocolat, Jessecco Prosecco, Black Cab Coffee Company and many more.

 

FAMILY SUNDAY

Sunday sees the festival transformed into an enchanting playground for families and children of all ages, with a whole host of dazzling activities, performances and concerts.

Headlining the stage on Family Sunday is award-winning children’s presenter and double MOBO winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown performing with the spellbinding Henley Symphony Orchestra. From glitter face painting, eccentric comedy and theatre shows to interactive performance art, Family Sunday is a whole day dedicated to nurturing adventurous, curious and creative little minds.

For kids who love our furry friends, globe-trotting theatre troupe Creature Feature will roam the grounds as hugely lifelike and interactive gorillas for the day, for kids who love music there will be jazz and funk fuelled storytelling taking them on a magical adventure under the sea from Groove Baby whose latest show ran at London’s Southbank Centre, and for kids that love to have a giggle, hilariously silly comedy-duo Mad Etiquette will be performing one of their critically acclaimed skits.

With a programme packed full of wildly imaginative activities, Family Sunday at Henley Festival promises a truly entertaining day out for all the family.

Lineup announced for Isle of Wight Festival 2019

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Following last year’s momentous 50th anniversary celebrations, The Isle of Wight Festival today announces the first artists for the 2019 event, which kicks off the British festival season on  13th – 16th June.

The incredible Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds headline the opening night of The Isle of Wight Festival 2019, returning to the Festival for the first time since 2012. Chart-topping British singer-songwriter George Ezra will headline the Main Stage on Saturday 15th June, in what will be his first major UK festival headline performance, a huge milestone following an incredible few years for the 7-time BRIT-nominated artist. Special guest Fatboy Slim, making his Isle of Wight Festival debut, will keep the party going as he plays until the early hours following George’s performance. Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro bring their passionate and rousing live show to the Main Stage on Sunday 16th June, closing the 2019 Festival in what is sure to be an epic headline performance. Also joining the line-up for this year’s event are: Anne-Marie, Bastille, Courteeners, Dean Lewis, DMA’S, Freya Ridings, Gerry Cinnamon, IDLES, James, Jax Jones, Jess Glynne, KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, Madness, Miles Kane, Mystery Jets, Richard Ashcroft, Rick Astley, Sam Fender, Sigala, Sigrid, The Coral, Tom Walker and Wild Front, with Hacienda Classical returning for a second year following last year’s incredible debut in The Big Top. Tickets for the 2019 event are on sale Friday 25th January at 9am.

House of Common – The Meaning of Madness

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The last bank holiday Monday of the year is known for many things: appalling weather, interspersed with glimpses of sun, a desperation to get the last drops of summer and a powerful desire to forget about work tomorrow and enjoy music for what it is.

 

Madness Fan - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

For me, this weekend has alway been significant for the Notting Hill Carnival. For years I would spend my bank holiday Sunday and Monday wandering around the street of West London, taking in the sweets sights, smells and sounds of the caribbean. Today was different. Today I found myself heading down to the leafy and spacious surrounds of Clapham Common for the Madness headlined ‘House of Common’.

 

This appealed to me, for even if I was missing out on my jerk chicken, goat curry and cans of Red Stripe, I would be getting, for the first time, to see a band that has always been one of my guilty pleasures. You see I spent my time at school “smashing up the woodwork tools” while humming along to the catchy notes of ska and new wave that these veterans of the 70s and 80s proudly blared out. Madness was to be supported by a variety of reggae, ska, hip-hop and grime acts.

 

Lee 'Scratch' Perry - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Four years ago they helped open the London Olympics. They brought the mellow tones of 'our house' to

the assembled audience of the entire world amidst a vision of a welcoming city.

 

Four years later and the messages of that night continue to hold true. London is still the global capital that is was and music is still what makes us great, but things have changed. Do we still have the heady optimism of 2012 or has it been replaced by something a little darker and realistic? I hoped that perhaps seeing this band that has stuck to the same routine would be comforting, delivering that nostalgic quality that in our dark and dangerous world is ever more appealing.

 

So what is Madness? Is it just a nostalgic throwback to a simpler time when the multi ethnic tones of a gang of guys from Camden Town, or is it something deeper?  A reminder that the Britain we live in is no longer the one they played to, but rather one shaped by that very era. Well I was set to find out, but there were other artists to take in too.

 

First up, Toots and the Maytals delivered classic reggae to a crowd elevated by the hot sun shining down. The juxtaposition between the setting and the music was noticeable, with the latter closer to Kingston-upon-Thames than Jamaica. There was the weird vibe of a  quietness of a crowd unsure of how act. Fans of reggae everywhere, but few willing to let loose. Camera phones and tattoos were on show, but this felt more like a cultural exchange than a happy marriage between audience and artists.

 

Toots & The Maytalls - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Before I had a chance to ponder this further, we were dashing to the second stage to take in Ms Dynamite.

From the lofty climes of Archway, this world famous singer and entertainer was one of the highlights of the supporting acts – whose names were so small below ‘Madness’ on the billing, that corrective eyewear was needed to read clearly. She blasted off with her eponymous track followed up with an increasingly heavy set bringing in a blend of the urban rhythms of hip-hop, grime and UK garage.  A crowd of all ages and personalities were going crazy for the heavy beats.

 

Ms Dynamite - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Next on the stage was Mike Skinner & Murkage. The temperature was rising and this was an indisputably London sound. Echoes of Streets fame, were mixed enthusiastically with a more a more edgy feel. As balloons were punched back between the stage and crowd, everyone was jumping in sweaty unison. We ducked out for chilled cans of cider, and bumped into a very friendly Ms Dynamite backstage.

 

David Rodigan was the final act before Madness on the main stage. ‘Girl I want to Make You Sweat’ was the first track, with the audience now feeling the love and singing in unison. The Marley classics continued with ‘The Sun is Shining’ appropriately dropped on the crowd as the sun finally went down. Good vibrations were in play and the atmosphere couldn't fit middle class suburbia any better as Rodigan exclaimed that all were welcome "if you love the original sound of Jamaica", this was the intro to Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Wonderful World Beautiful People’ that gave way in seconds to ‘You Can Get it if you Really Want’. The performance was fast food reggae. Loud, plentiful, very quick and really very satisfying. Delivered song by song like reggae reggae sauce in pill form, it gives people from all over the country a taste of something exotic.

 

David Rodigan MBE - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Walking out of back-stage we were knocked into by a guy in a West ham shirt screaming "I want to see mike Skinner now"! Only seconds later we heard that at the last moment the Madness team had decided they wanted no photographers (or cider drinking writers) in the enclosure for their headline set. Somewhat shocked and disappointed we were in an Uber not long later.

 

Tomorrow is a workday and real life resumes. Until then, the laid back rhythms of London Town and its proud Caribbean heritage offer a real escape from the humdrum of life in this very same city. So in truth, I can’t tell you the meaning of madness but I can say that ‘House of Common’ was a fairly good place to get away from it.    

 

Photos © Ed Jacobs, words by Adam Michael Jenner

www.edjacobsphotography.co.uk

Instagram: @EdJacobsPhotography

Y Not Festival 2016 Review

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After receiving the award for 'Best Medium Sized Festival' of 2015, Y Not Festival stopped at nothing to raise the bar this year. Returning to the festival for the second year in a row, I had high hopes that it was going to phenomenal, with headline acts this year including Editors, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Madness along with many more huge acts covering every angle of music. Once again situated in the beautiful fields of the Peak District, the festival itself has grown a huge proportion in comparison to last year. With thousands more people attending the sold out festival, it can only mean the food's greater, the crowds are better and the energy is bigger. The arena itself has transformed, keeping the traditions of the Y Not sign, the Helter Skelter and the Saturday paint fight, we now had the addition of a few new stages including Arnie's in association with 'British and Irish modern music institute' and The Neon Coconut featuring acts Craig Charles and Mike Skinner.

On Friday there was an already huge excitement for the day's lineup. We had the main stage feature the forever returning Lancashire Hotpots who never fail to put a smile on the crowd's faces. Not only were the acts gaining a crowd but the events surrounding the arena, away from the music, were just as popular. An indoor cinema which across the weekend show cased popular classics such as The Goonies, Star Wars IV – VI and Ghost Busters proved to draw a huge crowd throughout the entire weekend. The first act which is got the chance to see as well as photograph was Everything Everything who took to the main stage. Having been a fan of their music for a few years now, as well as catching them at Leeds Festival last year, I was expecting them to be as awesome as ever. Kicking it off with the song ‘Blast Doors’ from their 2015 album, ‘Get to Heaven’, Everything Everything picked up the energy of the crowd almost as fast as Mr Motivator.

 

 

Later on the main stage we saw an outstanding performance from The Cribs. With resemblances to The Sex Pistols and the Smiths, the Yorkshire trio played some of their biggest tunes from ‘Men’s Needs’ to ‘Different Angle’. On the Giant Squid stage we had YAK who have been becoming increasingly popular with the younger crowds over the last year, playing across the UK. This stage is notorious for having the heavier rock and alternative bands. DJ Fresh headlined the second stage Friday night, but it was safe to say he was definitely placed in the wrong slot on the bill. His crowd was without a doubt the biggest of the night, filling and bursting out of the small tent, with many spectators saying he could have easily headlined main stage at the festival. It is reasons like this that you can see how big Y Not has become even within a year. The festival will grow and grow, as all I could hear throughout the weekend was how incredibly the atmosphere was. Headlining the main stage Friday night were the Editors a band which I was not too familiar with. Walking into the pit and seeing their industrial sized props and elaborate stage setup could only mean that these guys were pulling out all the stops. The crowd was a big as that of DJ Fresh with the intense build up of energy as the minutes drew closer to the Editor’s appearance. Opening their set with ‘Sugar’ the energy transgressed from the instruments directly into the crowd. With fire blasting from the stage and a wall of sparks cascading down from the roof of the stage, the band was a spectacular start to the weekend of strong headliners.

 

 

Waking up on Saturday the energy of the festival was low. The sun was shining but after a fantastic first night at Y Not, the crowds were definitely in the need to recover. That’s why, year after year, the first act on the main stage was Mr Motivator. GMTV star Derek Evans knows how to wake everyone up with his classic 90s spandex and crazy wake up moves. For a man of 63, he has the energy and the motivation of a man more than half his age.
With the tradition of the paint fight, the performances from acts Blood Youth, and HECK, Saturday was off to a crazy start. After seeing HECK a few times over the last year, they have never failed to surprise the crowd, as well as the security. Matt Reynolds pulled out all the stops, as much as he could, since his leg injury from 2000 Trees Festival. Jonny therefore took this into his own hands and went as crazy as he could for the both of them. Some of the best acts of the weekend appeared on the main stage on Saturday, including Eliza and the Bear and Catfish and the Bottlemen.

 

 

 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds were the headliners for the night. After seeing a lot of    impressionable ‘Gallagher style’ haircuts throughout the day, I was sure that he was going to draw one of the biggest crowd’s of the weekend. The majority of his set included songs from Oasis including ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Half the World Away’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’. As impressed as the crowd were, even Noel Gallagher himself was proud of the crowd saying on his Instagram @themightyi ‘If you were in that crowd last night at Y-Not then I salute you!! One of the best We've ever played for’.
 

 

 

The final day of the festival brought us a lot of cold windy weather but that did nothing to stop the crowd’s high spirits. With performances from DJ Yoda, SIKTH, Blossoms, The Hives and Madness, the final day of the festival had some of the most diverse range of music going. The Hives were undoubtably one of my favourite acts of the festival. They could have easily been up there with Madness and Editors to headline the festival. Their crowd was also one of the roughest I’ve seen on main stage all weekend, as no one can beat the crowds for HECK, they’re simply too rough. After being in the photo pit for less than a minute for The Hives I was already drenched in beer and bruised from crowd surfers. They opened with ‘Come On!’ and finished with ‘Tick Tick Boom’.

Madness were personally not as strong as The Hives from a younger generation’s perspective. Yes, they encouraged a huge crowd by playing classic such as ‘Our House’, ‘House of Fun’ and ‘Baggy Trousers’, however it was definitely from a slightly older generation who preferred Madness over The Hives. Still Madness were a throwback which grew a heartwarming atmosphere amongst the crowd. Covering songs such as ‘Highway to Hell’ by AC/DC, they encouraged the rocker loving youths in the crowd to join in on the fun.

 

 

Overall it is clear that Y Not festival has increased and grown to an ever improving festival. Taking considerations from the public, they have made this year as popular as the last. I hope I can watch as this festival continues to rise. If anyone has yet to visit the Peak District to take part in Y Not then I can be sure to you that it ill be worth it. A family safe festival full with music of all genres. I look forward to 2017.

 

Boomtown District lineups for 2016

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We have the lineup's announced for the following area's at this years Boomtown!

  • Chinatown
  • Sector 6
  • Psychedelic
  • Barrio Loco
  • Wild West
  • Mayfair
  • Old Town
  • DSTRKT 5

Chinatown

BoomTown’s seventh district announcement enters ChinaTown, the festival’s centre of technology and trade. Have your senses stimulated from all angles, with intense aromas, neon lights and detailed shop facades creating a vibe of mystery, mayhem and music.

Full ChinaTown Line-Up:

Madness, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Mad Caddies, Asian Dub Foundation, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Neville Staple Band, The Slackers, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Chainska Brassika

Leftover Crack, Senser, Street Dogs, Big D and the Kids Table, Jaya The Cat,

Talco, Inner Terrestrials, Culture Shock, Sonic Boom Six, The King Blues, Mischief Brew, Banane Metalik, The Peacocks, The Brains, The Filaments, New Town Kings, Chewing On Tinfoil, Wonk Unit, The Bar Stool Preachers, Vanilla Pod, Faintest Idea, Firepit Collective, Smokey Bastard, Ruby Throat, Dogshite, In Evil Hour, Casual Nausea, Rags Rudi, Intercity Crazy Train, Skaciety, Last Gang In Town Soundsystem

Ska Vengers, Will & The People, The Riffs, Spred The Dubs, By The Rivers, Buster Shuffle, Caravãna Sun, Goldmaster Allstars, The JB Conspiracy, Land Of The Giants, Bombskare, Magnus Major, China Shop Bull, Wombo Orchestra, Cut Capers, Mad Apple Circus, The Meow Meows, Counting Coins, Smiley & The Underclass, The Majestic (Ska Set), Count Skylarkin', Karl Phillips and the NGF Rejects, The Stiff Joints, The Activators, Cartoon Violence, Millie Manders, THE TiPS, Dizney Rascal, Last Edition

Days N Daze, The Lagan, Ratbag, Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One, The Roughneck Riot, Matilda’s Scoundrels, Cistem Failure, 2 Peas in a Pod, Hello Mabel, Ed Ache, Joe Yorke, Mercurius Rising, EFA Supertramp

Sector 6

Every revolution needs an HQ, and BoomTown Chapter 8’s uprising will be bubbling away in the brand new Sector 6! Located in the heart of the district is a power station commandeered by masked revolutionaries, leading their charge to a bass-heavy spectrum of garage, grime, bassline and dubstep.

Full Sector 6 Line-Up:

AC Slater, Barely Legal, Boom Sound Takeover: Big.Bad.Soundsystem / Fleck / Gardna / Jinx in Dub / Kreed / Parly B, Chris Lorenzo, Deadbeat UK, Deep Medi Takeover: Mala / Gorgon Sound / Commodo / Gantz / Rider Shafique / Sun of Selah, Diemantle, DJ Die, DJ Zinc, Foundation: Sticky b2b Scott Garcia & Lady Chann, GotSome, Hybrid Theory, Juma MC, Kry Wolf, Madam X, Melé, MJ Cole, Ms. Dynamite, Newham Generals, Om Unit, So Solid Crew: Lisa Maffia / Romeo / Mega / Asher D, Special Request (XL Recordings), Truth, Wonka-Vision, Zed Bias Soundsystem & MC Trigga

Psychedelic Stage

BoomTown’s fifth line-up announcement for Chapter 8 takes a trip into its Psychedelic world. Supported by three of the UK’s top Psy promoters, IllumiNaughty, Tribe of Frog and Elixir of Life, its three stages are spread across the city and unite crews, artists and party people from all over the international Psychedelic Trance, Progressive Techno and Hi-Tech community.  

Full Psychedelic Line-Up:

Hallucinogen / Hilight Tribe / Neelix / Shpongle – Simon Posford DJ set / GMS / Skazi / 1200 Micrograms / Orb Sound System / Ozric Tentacles /

JOOF / Alok / GAUDI / Dino Psaras / Tsuyoshi Suzuki / Hypnocoustics / Parasense / Hedflux / Monk3ylogic / Dirty Saffi / Nick Sentience / Liquid Ross / Driss / Nigel Shiva Valley / Tortured Brain / Logica / DJ Moon / Mack / Nikki S / Shakti / ThallOm / Lemon Tree

Brainiac / K.i.M / Sinerider / M-Theory / Illegal Machines / Illegal Sensations / Filterheads / Neuroplasm / Big Scary Monsters / Ben Coda / Continem / CIMI / Divination / Occular / AudioFire / James West / Aardvark / Subliminal

System/ Spinney Lainey / Svess /Xymox / Pieman/ Geo/ Psychosonic / Dr G

Loose Connection / Apollyon / Skyhighatrist / Act One / Refried Dreams / Cheryl Catawumpas / Krosis/Final Form / N.Vader / Life Path 9 / Allycat / Cybernetic Ghost / Stalic Overdose / F'da F'da

Barrio Loco

BoomTown’s Chapter 8 line-up announcement schedule reaches the festival’s Latin quarter, Barrio Loco. A neighbourhood that rarely sleeps, its revolutionary spirit and carnival atmosphere run deep through its streets! The infamous Bassline Circus brings their 360° outdoor show 'Athletes of the Night', and in addition to the district’s bass-heavy hub Poco Loco an all-new stage plays host to a bill of house and techno trailblazers.

Full Barrio Loco Line-up:

Alfresco Disco, Billy Kenny, B.Traits, Dead Players, Derrick Carter, Derrick May, Devvo, DJ Craze, DJ Format & Abdominal, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon, DRS (Live), Flux DJs, Foreign Beggars, Friend Within, Gardna, Jackmaster, Jenna & the G's, JFB, Jman, Jus Now, Levelz, Mouse Outfit, Mr Woodnote & Lil Rhys, Nightmares On Wax, Octave One (Live), Pharaohe Monch – Live Band, Red Eye HiFi with Kathika, Fox, Shadow Child, Shapes DJs, Skream, Sparkz & Kiva, Reeps One – Live AV Show, Submotion Orchestra, Swindle (Live), White Bully (Live), Will Clarke

Wild West District

Yeehaa! BoomTown’s Chapter 8 district announcements reach the Wild West, a raucous ex-prospecting settlement populated by cowboys, showgirls, bounty hunters and bandits, and ruled by the no-nonsense Sheriff. Away from the district’s dusty trails and ramshackle saloons, three main stages dosey-doe day and night to a rootin’ tootin’ line-up of Folk, Bluegrass, Ska and World music.

Full Wild West Line-up

Imelda May, Afro Celt Sound System, Ojos de Brujo, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Seth Lakeman, Lau, Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Steve N Seagulls, Larry & His Flask, Shooglenifty, Raghu Dixit, Dhol Foundation, Beans On Toast, Mokoomba, The Brother Moves On, Afriquoi, Ferocious Dog, Skinny Lister, The Turbans, 3 Daft Monkeys, Fitty Gomash, Pronghorn,

The Boot Hill All Stars, Johnny Cage & Voodoo Groove, Skimmity Hitchers, Gaz Brookfield & Ben Wain, Sam Green and The Midnight Heist, The Hot Sprockets, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Seven Little Sisters, The White City Shakers, Severed Limb, Screamin Miss Jackson & The Slap ya Mamma Big Band, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Showhawk Duo, Cat Ratchers, Dead Plants, JC's Hopeless Sinners, Trailer Trash Orchestra, The Back Wood Redeemers, Wessex Pistols, Buffalo Skinners, Captain Cactus & The Screaming Harlots, Gin Bowlers, Dana Immanuel & The Stolen Band, Curst Sons, Dusk at Dawns, Dead Plants, The Inbredz, The Scribes, Afro Cluster, Junior Bill & The Scallies, The Future Dub Project, Crinkle Cuts, Euphony, The Piratones, Pachango, Iguanas, Key Lime Pi, Josephine & The Artizans, Eat The Evidence, Vegetable Collective, Feel Good Culture, Easy Stride Band, MoCara, The Barefoot Bandit, Zegema Beach, King Solomon Band, Lily Mi, Sam Evans Band, Henge, The Maitree Express, Feelgood Experiment, Selby And The Dharma Blitz, Fast Decline, Echo Town, Primo Nelson

Mayfair District

Fresh off the back of BoomTown’s first major headliner release and OldTown district announcement, the festival has unleashed the full bill for its Mayfair district; a playground for the upper echelons of BoomTown society, where bankers, socialites, aristocrats and secret societies rub shoulders. The well-heeled theatrical high-jinx of Mayfair plays out whilst housing the biggest electro-swing and vintage remix line up in the world.

Full Mayfair Line-up

Parov Stelar, Molotov Jukebox, The Correspondents (Live Band), Smokey Joe & The Kid feat. Mystro, Electric Swing Circus, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, The Carny Villains, The Sweet Life Society, Big Swing Sound feat. Hypeman Sage, Eugene The Cat, Sound Nomaden, Swingbot, Savages y Suefo, Pep’s Show Boys & Sebastian Röser ft. Rosantique, DJ Chris Tofu, Renegade Brass Band, Brass Funkeys, Temple Funk Collective, LLareggub Brass Band, The Zen Hussies, Gypsies Of Bohemia, Unexpected Guests feat. Professor Elemental, Jenova Collective, DJ Louie Prima, Chicken Brothers, Madame Electrifie, CatJam, The Church, Daytoner, Little Violet, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam 6, Wombo Orchestra, Barbarella's Bang Bang, Manieres des Bohemiens, Mr Tea & The Minions, Swingers, Immigrant Swing, Rum Buffalo, World's Tallest DJ, The Rumpsteppers, BMVT, Jass B'Stards, Madame Barducci and The Goudzy Guitar, The Imperial Works, Antelope, Chameleon Mime, DJ Eliazar, Swing Dance Classes

Old Town District

Following BoomTown’s massive first major line-up release, the festival kicks off five weeks of artist announcements for the nine districts that make up the weird, wild and wonderful fabric of the city. First up it’s the ancient pirate port of OldTown, the festival’s longest standing district that plays host to The Jolly Dodger, a 90-ft pirate ship and the OldTown main stage.

Full OldTown Line-up

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

DSTRK 5 Lineup

Full DSTRKT 5 Line-Up:

Towering over D5 is the incredible nine-storey Bang Hai Palace, a flame-throwing heavy bass mecca and the city’s most striking skyline spectacle.

RAM Records Showcase: Calyx & Teebee / Audio / Teddy Killerz, Roni Size & Krust present Full Cycle, Dub Phizix, Calibre, Critical Sound: Mefjus / Ivy Lab / Kasra / Emperor / Enei / Sam Binga / Foreign Concept, My Nu Leng, TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D), DJ Hype & Hazard present 20 Years of Playaz, Born On Road (Aries, Kelvin 373, Stivs, Gold Dubs), Taiki & Nulight, MCs: DRS, Dynamite MC, Strategy, 2Shy, Skibadee, LX One, Carasel, Dread MC Angerfist, Dr Peacock, Guigoo, Radium, Vandal, Counterstrike, Cause4Concern, Cooh, Machine Code, The Outside Agency, Pattern J, The Speed Freak, Pisko, Djipe, PRSPCT Takeover: Fragz / Dolphin / Sinister Souls, Therapy Sessions Takeover: Hallucinator / Fortitude / Robyn Chaos, Block Dodger, Al Twisted, Mandidextrous, Dataklysm, DJ Michael Barrymore, Irritant Sounds, Subliminal Audio, DNA, Requiem Soundsystem

The Upbeats, Koan Sound, Stanton Warriors, Krafty Kuts, Altern8, Plump DJs, A.Skillz, The Heatwave, The Nextmen, Chimpo, Mella Dee, Slipmatt, Inspected Records: Billain / Culprate / Monuman (Emperor) / Sorrow / Inspector Dubplate, Shades of Rhythm, The Squire of Gothos, Itchy & Skratchy DJs

IGORRR, Bong-Ra, Ruby My Dear, 0=0, B Key, Smyla, Ghost, Dr. Bastardo, Pants and Socks, Dave Skywalker, Jungle Syndicate, Amen-Tal

Headliners announced for Kendal Calling 2016

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Having sold out their 10th birthday edition a whopping 19 weeks in advance last year, Kendal Calling returns to the beautiful Lake District in 2016 with huge headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Rudimental, Madness and The Charlatans.           

One of Manchester’s finest musical sons Noel Gallagher will be bringing a catalogue of festival-ready anthems to the fields with his High Flying Birds. Exactly 20 years to the week since Oasis’s seminal Knebworth and Loch Lomand shows, Noel will take to the stage at Kendal Calling for what is sure to be one of the festivals defining moments. Expect cuts from his two hugely acclaimed solo records plus some old favourites as a genuine musical icon graces the Lake District with his mighty anthems.

Chart-topping drum and bass crossover kings Rudimental’s high octane, party sets have cemented their reputation as one of the best live acts around.  Last year’s sophomore album ‘We The Generation’ featuring huge collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Dizzee Rascal whilst debut album ‘Home’ catapulted the band into the mainstream and captured the hearts of the nation’s youth.

Celebrating 40 years since their formation, London legends Madness are the ultimate sing along band and their hit laden set is sure to include the likes of ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘One Step Beyond’ and ‘Our House’.  Suggs, Carl and the Madness boys know how to work the crowd and these consummate showmen’s career spanning set will be a summer festival highlight.

A year on from their triumphant return with landmark album ‘Modern Nature’ and five years on from the founding of singer Tim Burgess’ festival favourite Tim Peaks Diner, The Charlatans return to Kendal Calling as special guest Thursday headliners. Expect hits galore as these North West heroes grace the stage and Tim pops up over the weekend to deliver dj sets and the finest cherry pie and coffee at Tim Peaks Diner.

Tim Burgess, Charlatans singer and founder of Tim Peaks Diner comments:

"As ever, I'm really looking forward to Kendal Calling. The sixth year in a row for me, the second time The Charlatans will have headlined and this year is the fifth year for Tim Peaks. It's going to be an extra special four days. See you there!"

Joining the headliners are indie rock sensation Catfish and the Bottlemen, quirky indie quartet Everything Everything, gritty three piece Band Of Skulls, power pop iconsAsh, incendiary Swedish rock and rollers The Hives, bombastic classic rockers The Darkness, enduring New Yorkers We Are Scientists, BBC Sound Of stars Blossoms, riotous punk upstart Ratboy, Merseyside slacker champs Hooton Tennis Club, the smoky blues of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, fresh faced garage punkers Pretty Vicious and filling the now customary hip hop legends slot the mighty Sugarhill Gang and many more. 

Over on the dance stage will be none other than returning man of the moment Craig David’s TS5, living legend David Rodigan MBE and Radio 1 and XOYO resident Toddla T.

Full Lineup To Date:

Noel Gallagher / Rudimental / Madness / The Charlatans

Catfish & Bottlemen / Ash / Everything Everything / Band of Skulls / The Hives / We are Scientists / The Darkness / Blossoms / Ratboy / Craig David’s TS5 / Sugarhill Gang / Toddla T / David Rodigan MBE / Pretty Vicious / Hooton Tennis Club / Sundara Karma / Rag 'n' Bone / Lightning Seeds / Age of Glass / Alice Gasson / Auction For The Promise Club / Beds in Parks / Blueprint Blue / BMX Bandits / Bridges / Britpoporama Indie Disco / Buffalo Brothers / Camp Stag / Colour / Dave Rybka / Ded Rabbit / Documenta / Dorey The Wise / Dust Junkys / Fours / Gideon Conn / Grumbling Fur / Hatcham Social / Haus / Henge / Horsebeach / IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE / Kelvin / Kid Kapichi / Kismet Ryding / Liberty Ship / Marsicans / Modern Minds / Molotov Jukebox / New York Tourists / Omit Sleep / Plastic Mermaids / Publik Sektor / Puppet Rebellion / Riot Jazz Brass Band / Rosie Lowe / Shunya / Signals / Stay Beautiful Bowie Disco / Teen Canteen / The Bear Around Your Neck / The Big Moon / The Crookes / The Floodgates / The Galivantes / The Hidden Revolution / The Lottery Winners / The Mexanines / The Soul Rays / The Templebys / Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs / Thomas Turgoose (DJ set) / Tim Book Two with Tim Burgess / Too Many T’s / Too Much Love / Turrentine Jones / Viola Beach / Where Fires Are

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Madness to headline Y Not 2016

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Winner of ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the recent Festival Awards, Y Not today reveals the legendary Noel Gallagher appearing, as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, as the first headliner for 2016’s event taking place 29th – 31st July in Derbyshire. Also topping the bill are 2 Tone heroes Madness whilst elsewhere on the line-up indie favourites Catfish And The Bottlemen, The Hives, The Cribs and many more will be taking to the stage.
 
After its 10th anniversary, sell out success and bagging ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the Festival Awards in 2015, Y Not had a tough act to follow. However, pulling out all the stops Y Not shows its worth once again with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds as grand headliners of the 2016 festival.  Gallagher is very rightly held in high regard as one of the greats of British performing and songwriting. In more recent years as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, the band have scored two number one albums, the later ‘Chasing Yesterday’ crowned as ‘Best Album’ by the 2015 Q Awards, whilst also bagging nominations for NME and BRIT Awards. This set will without doubt be a highlight of Y Not 2016.

Also topping the bill this summer will be great British pop band Madness. Camden Town’s finest head to the Peak District armed with 2 Tone guitars, keys, brass and sax sure to have festival-goers up on their feet and dancing. With 11 studio albums under their belts it’s hard to predict what may feature in a set list but it’d be a safe bet that hits such as ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’ and ‘It Must Me Love’ may very well feature.
 
Elsewhere on the line up are Catfish And The Bottlemen, the four piece have shot to success since their 2014 debut album ‘The Balcony’, the same year in which they scooped the BBC Introducing Award at the first BBC Music Awards. Next to step up to the mic will be garage rock Swedes The Hives, best known for their suave dress sense and the punk howls of hit record ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’. The Cribs, once dubbed ‘the biggest cult band in the UK’ by Q Magazine, make a welcome return to Y Not following an appearing at 2013’s festival. Further additions come in the form of Mercury Prize nominees Everything Everything and Liverpool’s indie rock outfit Circa Waves.
 
Taste maker’s favourite Rat Boy, teen punks Pretty Vicious, folk band Ferocious Dog and emo upstarts Moose Blood add further weight to Y Not’s first announcement.
 
Last but by no means least Y Not welcomes hardcore trio Gnarwolves, Sheffield’s The Sherlocks, the anthemic Sundara Karma plus The Magic Gang, Louis Berry, Cassels, New Desert Blues, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and The Decoy.

Madness, Damien Marley, Fat Freddys Drop and more added to Boomtown 2016 lineup

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BoomTown Fair has announced the first batch of headline artists for Chapter 8 of the fully immersive, genre-spanning festival. The headliners include three acts who have been at the top of the BoomTown wish list since day one and represent the musical foundations of the trailblazing independent festival: UK ska powerhouse MADNESS, reggae royalty DAMIAN ‘JR GONG’ MARLEY and New Zealand 7-piece dub specialistsFAT FREDDY’S DROP.

Over the 11-14th August, 50,000 citizens will descend on the Matterley Estate, Winchester amid a theatrical narrative of revolution, across nine individually themed city districts with a soundtrack covering all bases of the musical spectrum. Joining Madness in the Town Centre, prepare forFun Lovin’ Criminals’ block-rocking fusion of hip-hop, funk and punk, British electronic luminaries Leftfield and festival outlaws the Levellersdelivering their political brand of folk-rock. Back by popular demand are 2-tone ska heroes Bad Manners and California ska-punk legends Mad Caddies, keeping energy levels high alongside 10-piece French ska rockers Babylon Circus, Austrian electro-swing pioneer Parov Stelar and the superhuman mouth-driven music of Beardyman.

The Lion’s Den has cemented its reputation as the UK’s biggest reggae stage, and its Chapter 8 lineup features a suitably all-star cast of reggae, dub and dancehall VIPs. Entering the Den alongside Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and Fat Freddy’s Drop is another of BoomTown’s most requested acts and one of the first ladies of dancehall; welcomed back to the festival with arms wide open, Tanya Stephens. Straight out of Jamaica, we proudly host prominent reggae artists and committed Rastafarian vocalists Junior Kelly and Tarrus Riley, plus Inner Circle andMorgan Heritage, iconic bands whose sounds resonate as strongly in 2016 as they have throughout their extensive careers.

Now firmly settled in its new location, The Old Mines stage will be showcasing the best in folk, world and roots music, headed up by the unique rockabilly-blues sounds of Irish vocalist Imelda May, UK folk favourite and 2005 Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman and one of the most respected world fusion bands on the planet, Afro Celt Soundsystem. Reunited nine-piece Catalan collective Ojos de Brujo are guaranteed to turn the Mines inside out with their hip-hop tinged take on flamenco, and off the back of a number of sold out shows across the UK and Europe, US group Nahko And Medicine For The People bring their alchemy of folk, reggae and hip-hop. 

BoomTown’s Latin district Barrio Loco will be in full-on carnival mode as ever, with the Poco Loco stage rocking to the sounds of New York hip-hop giant Pharaoh Monche and British genre-benders Foreign Beggars, back after smashing the BoomTown Winter Gathering to bits. The all-new Mi Casa stage caters for the house and techno heads, welcoming Detroit pioneers Derrick May and Octave One (live) and UK DJs du jourJackmaster, Skream and Shadow Child.

With the towering Bang Hai Palace on its frontline, DSTRKT 5 will blow minds even further in 2016. Causing mayhem on the Bang Hai stage are takeovers from some of the biggest brands in drum and bass; Critical Music and Ram Records, plus Full Cycle celebrating 20 years in the game with Roni Size and DJ Krust reuniting on the decks. More drum and bass legends feature in the form of DJ Hype b2b DJ Hazard, withCalyx and Teebee bringing their brain-melting six deck show.  Representing the cream of the bass music crop on Bang Hai is Bristol boys-done-good My Nu Leng & Dread MC, and garage super-group TQD (Royal T, DJ Q and Flava D).

Elsewhere in DSTRKT 5, three brand new stages will be firing out signals from across the electronic music continuum. The dystopian android vibes of the Robotica stage will be soundtracked by supersonic beats and bass from Koan Sound and Nightmares on Wax, while the revolution HQ stage Sector 6, hosts innovators from both sides of the pond; DJ Craze and Derrick Carter fly in from the USA, and So Solid Crew,Newham Generals and a Deep Medi takeover fly the flag for UK homegrown sounds. Those craving harder and faster BPMs will find sanctuary in Muuti’s Scrapyard, where the likes of Angerfist, Dr. Peacock and Radium will unleash hardcore rave carnage.

After the huge success of the Psychedelic Forest in Chapter 7, the area returns with a lineup of scene-leading artists, with the likes of Gaudi,Neelix, Shpongle, Skazi and Hallucinogen showcasing the finest in psychedelic trance, techno, breakbeat and ambient.

Elbow headline OnBlackheath 2015

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Following a hugely successful inaugural year, OnBlackheath festival is back and promises to be bigger and better with the announcement of platinum selling five piece Elbow and pop icons Madness as this year’s headline acts. OnBlackheath, inpartnership with John Lewis, will return to one of London’s most beautiful open spaces on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2015. Tickets on sale 9am Friday 20 February and available via www.onblackheath.com 

Music complimented by food, OnBlackheath offers festivalgoers a memorable experience on the historic green space of London’s Blackheath Common SE3. OnBlackheath will also feature an array of exciting attractions including a Chef’s Club Immersive Dining Experience, Food Demonstration Stage, a whole host of entertainment dedicated to kids and the family, urban arts experience area, interactive sreet entertainment and much much more.

Saturday's headliner will be BRIT and Mercury winning Elbow, a band that, over six studio albums, have established themselves as one of the most important acts the UK has ever produced. With their current album 'The Take Off and Landing of Everything' entering the UK charts at Number One and a well deserved reputation for incredible live performances this headline set is sure to be unforgettable.

Madness will be hitting the main stage on Sunday for their only London date this year. In the last 5 years the band have released two of their most critically acclaimed albums ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’ and ‘Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da’. At the end of 2014 they embarked on a hugely successful arena tour, including a date at London’s O2 Arena.

Madness commented: “We thought we’d left no stone unturned in London: Palaces, parks, stadiums… and now the kind people of Blackheath are letting us play there. Lets hope we don’t cause an earthquake south of the river.”

Manic Street Preachers will arrive on Blackheath following the release of one of the most critically acclaimed albums of their career (Futurology) and the reissue of their 1994 masterpiece The Holy Bible which was also played in full at some of the most feverishly received gigs the band have ever played. They are unarguably one of the UK's most treasured rock & roll bands.

Also heading to the main stage on Saturday will critically acclaimed Anna Calvi with many more artists still to be announced. Whilst leading independent label Heavenly Recordings will be back to curate the second stage Heavenly & Friends.

Sunday will see the likes of American R&B star and food lover Kelis and British soul singer Laura Mvula take to the main stage. National radio DJ Gilles Peterson will be making a return and will be bringing an array of live music and DJ sets to hisWorldwide Stage.

The Meantime Sessions Stage has also been announced and makes a welcome addition to the bill with artists including The Rude Vandals plus Chris Holland All Stars.

Example, Basement Jaxx and more lead Rockness 2013 lineup announcement

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RockNess 2013 launches today with an announcement of quality and depth, and in keeping with the eclectic signature synonymous with the festival, a tantalising flavour of 2013’s hottest rising stars.

First up, with a knack for dispensing ridiculously catchy chart toppers, EXAMPLE’s live shows, complete Examplewith full band, are back-to-back, energy packed affairs. Drawing on a four album strong catalogue, including multiple number one successes, it’ll be a hits-a-thon come June with the likes of ‘Kickstarts,‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’, ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ and ’Stay Awake’.  EXAMPLE’s brand of dance-rap, flavoured with input from the likes of Benga, Calvin, Skream, Zane Lowe and Blur’s Graham Coxon, will be the RockNess soundtrack impossible not to bounce to with reckless abandon.

Few live acts shout “party” more than chief shindig instigators BASEMENT JAXX, and we are delighted to announce the ringleaders are back and heading to Dores this June. Last time the unstoppable duo and their merry band of singers, dancers and MCs landed at Dores, the brilliantly wild, main stage pandemonium never moved below fourth gear. Now the JAXX experience is returning, and with new material recently being teased across airwaves, igniting strong rumours of a new album, it’ll soon be party time again.

Having now attained national treasure status, MADNESS bring their inimitable nutty magic to The Highlands. ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’, ‘It Must Be Love’… in now signature RockNess style, this promises to be the festival’s mass sing-along moment of 2013.

Predicted to “help usher in a new era for guitar music” with a sound described as “fantastic, exhilarating and exciting”, THE VACCINES are fast track sealing their status as rock ‘n’ roll icons. Debut demo “If You Wanna” exploded as Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’ in 2010, and an instant sell out UK tour played to rapturous media acclaim, and audiences including Alex Kapranos, Marcus Mumford and members of White Lies and The Maccabees.  Second album ‘Come of Age’ rocketed straight into number one in September 2012, certifying gold status less than 3 weeks after release, and this summer, in what will be an electrifying assault, THE VACCINES will play RockNess.

Bombay Bicycle ClubWinners of the Best New Band award at 2010’s NME Awards, and Ivor Novello-nominated for second album ‘Flaws’ in 2011, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB have arrived proper style with third album ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, a lesson in how to work a groove to glorious genre slicing effect. Witness the remarkable evolution this June,

Extolling the finest virtues of a modern day troubadour, singer songwriter BEN HOWARD is one of the brightest talents to emerge in recent times. The lush musicianship of debut album ‘Every Kingdom’ oozes quality, earning him a Mercury Prize nomination in 2012, and recent follow up EP ‘The Burgh Island’ continues his ascent. Relentless gigging has honed BEN HOWARD’s live shows like few others. Soulful, emotive and one of many unmissables set for RockNess 2013.

Since bagging the BRIT Awards’ Critics Choice in 2010, ELLIE GOULDING has shape shifted from the sparkly pop of debut album ‘Lights’ to the more bombastic but equally magical follow up of ‘Halycon’, released late 2012. Live, her sound, and especially her voice – folky, primal, soaring when it needs to – stands GOULDING apart as an original. Pop music in sublime effect.

THE MACCABEES posses the kind of heroic force that heavy touring has beefed them up for. Gutsy and honest, the band’s latest album ‘Given to the Wild’ was Mercury nominated in 2012. Check them out and see why for yourself.

Next up, RockNess is absolutely delighted to announce the stunning sound of JESSIE WARE will be gracing Dores.  Since emerging on to the scene in 2010, the London songstress has been laying impressive foundations with a sound that oozes soulful quality, reminiscent of the 80’s most seductive divas.  Guest production duties assumed by the likes of Julio Bashmore, SBTRKT and Joker edge her gorgeous sound on the credibility stakes too. JESSIE WARE.  Here, now, and utterly authentic.

Jessie Ware

CAMERA OBSCURA epitomise the spirit of indie. Coming on to the scene around the same time as the likes of Belle & Sebastian (debut album ‘Biggest Bluest Hi Fi’ was produced by Stuart Murdoch), the Glaswegian band’s output has never strayed far from their intoxicating brand of golden pop, building up a loyal cult following in the process.

Last but by no means least, as one of the original torchbearers to break through for the nu folk / acoustic movement of the noughties, NEWTON FAUKLNER’s distinct sound was prophetically ahead of its time.  Since then the dreadlocked one has refused the temptation to kowtow to any fleeting trends, sticking to what he does best – essentially tight, rhythmic guitars, nimble finger picking, uncommon tunings and inventive chord changes. NEWTON FAULKNER is not just an artist but an entertainer definitely worth checking out live.

With heaps more exciting announcements and arena details coming soon, including line ups for the mighty SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM and SOMA RECORDS, the countdown has officially commenced!

Speaking about this year’s launch announcement, Festival Director Jim King said ”I'm delighted to announce the first names we're bringing to the party at Loch Ness this summer. We've been working hard behind the scenes to bring you an eclectic line up of the highest calibre acts for which RockNess is synonymous. To top it all, we’ve reduced the price of our Weekend Camping tickets by £20 so you can join us at RockNess for less than most other major UK festivals at an amazing value price of £139. We’ve introduced a new Inverness Discount ticket, which is inclusive of all fees to support local businesses in Inverness if you buy over the counter; more details can be found on our website.

If you haven't joined us at RockNess before, I promise you it is the best way to kickstart your summer, a completely electric atmosphere, partying in what is probably the most beautiful festival site in the world. If you have been to RockNess before then as always I’d like to thank you for your continued support in making it the best festival in Scotland.  We've got many more bands and DJ's still to announce, plus another very special headliner, so stay tuned…!”

Want to see how much fun RockNess really is? Check out the video from last year!  

http://vimeo.com/54136241