A Great British downpour lashed over festival goers as ponchos and true grit became standard for the first day of Sundown Festival.
“It's raining so hard my fingers are wrinkly,” bewailed one glitter-sodden music fan who said it looked like she had sat in the bath for an hour.
Yes. The rain was bad.
But remarkably the ground stayed mostly mud-free and the musical maelstrom kept the crowd in good spirits as three stages blasted out a mix of urban, pop and dance.
Kicking off proceedings on the main stage were Cambridge rapper Big Heath and Norfolk neo soul artist Mullally who stepped in at the last minute to replace Emmi.
Skipping on to the stage afterwards was a total style switch with trio MO who DJ Mistajam has described as the only girl group you need worry about.
They were followed by the earthy, jazz infused voice of Espa, then Kiko Bunn, who brought a good times, deep dance reggae sunshine vibe to the day.
Next up the ever youthful Ms Dynamite, whose energy shone as strongly as when she first topped the charts in 2003 ,with her hit single signature tune which heard the crowd sing in unison – Miss Dynamite-ee-ee!
Becky Hill stood out for her effortless performance show-casing her mind blowingly powerful voice, especially during Wilkinson's anthem Afterglow.
She is a truly likable artist with a great energy and simplicity of style.
Kano showed why his fifth album Made In The Manor has become a high seller with an edgy performance that ripped up the crowd followed by the unmistakable grin and good times set of tunes from original UK rapper Dizzee Rascal.
Jess Glynne stormed the stage with a set that engrossed the sodden masses encompassing her five number one UK singles and showing why she is a rising star on the other side of the pond as well as in the UK where she is preparing for a 10 date arena tour in the Autumn.
Duo Chase and Status closed the night with a show stopper of lights and kicking drum n bass as part of their summer of festival headlining while also producing their much anticipated third album.
By Sunday ,the Norfolk Showground venue, filled with 40,000 fans, had transformed thanks to some of the last of this summer's rays rolling through the clouds.
BB Diamond broke the musical ice on main stage with an easy set of dance tunes followed by an absolute whirlwind of energy that is Imani Williams.
This 16 year old is going places with her passion, unmistakable voice and style.
Signed to Sigala's label it is clear to see why he has snapped her up with her timed to perfection dance moves and big voice.
Next up was rapper Yungen who is among a new wave of rap/grime acts sweeping the British music scene.
He was followed by girl trio Stooshe whose high energy was a big hit with fans.
Anne Marie brought her big vocals to the stage where she compellingly lost herself in the moment and was enthralling to watch.
DJ Sigala followed with a big impact live set embracing a Caribbean theme with a guest slot by Imani followed by Krept & Konan who powered in, packing a mighty grime punch with lyrics that screamed pure London boy genius.
A turn around style switch followed, thanks to X factor contestant Fleur East who was a massive hit with the crowd. Think Beyonce and Tina Turner, blend them up and you get some kind of idea of her style, and panache. She was a joy to photograph with a star quality performance.
Next up was Years and Years – watching singer Olly Alexander is like seeing somebody emotionally throw their entire life and a handful of glitter into every word. Riveting.
Closing the festival was American star Jason Derulo who left the crowd in no doubt about why he is such a hugely successful global act.
This man can sing, he can dance and with a big beaming smile his performance was incredible to watch – not least when he picked out a girl from the screaming crowd and brought her up to dance on stage
A great performer with slick backing dancers and musicians to boot.
Over in the red and blue tents weekend highlights were David Rodiggan, who smashes it every time he takes to the stage, Jaguar Skills and his Asian babe dancers, Dimension, Red Light, Goldie and Wilkinson with thanks to stage hosting by Ministry of Sound, Defected In The House, UKF and the drum n bass arena.
Laurence Bagnall, one of the festival organsiers said: “This has been one of the biggest Sundowns yet.
“The weather failed to dampen the good vibes, the sun came out for some of the biggest acts and with no incidents to report the festival would like to thank everybody for their ongoing support.”
These superstar DJ’s are known for their eclectic blend of genre defying styles and are one of the most potent forces on the dance scene. Famed for their incendiary DJ sets, this irrepressible duo will be armed to the teeth with a plethora of dance floor anthems and underground classics.
Chase & Status have earned international recognition through their monumental album ‘No More Idols’ which crashed into the charts in 2011, amassing over 300,000 sales and spawning a stream of chart topping singles including collaborations with Plan B, Tempa T, Maverick Sabre and Dizzee Rascal to name but a few.
Supporting Chase & Status in the Supercharged Arena will be the much lauded Knife Party and Zane Lowe, back by popular demand at Shakedown for a second year after a jaw dropping set at the inaugural event. Local boy and Drum & Bass heavyweight DJ Friction will also perform alongside pioneering producer and godfather of UK Bass, Shy
FX. Multi award winning Ms Dynamite and will also join the succession of artists on stage alongside rapidly emerging production duo The Prototypes.
Headlining the main stage is the UK’s ultimate showman Dizzee Rascal. Armed with an arsenal of hits, Dizzee is arguably the best live act in the country right now; an artist at the top of his game and his set will be a defining Shakedown moment. Professor Green will
take to the stage at Stanmer Park performing all the hits from his albums, Alive Till I’m Dead and ‘At Your Convenience’ whilst girl about town and queen of the underground Katy B showcases her mix of dub step, funky, house, garage and r n’ b to mesmerising effect.
Hotly tipped Stooshe are embracing mainstream success with their brash, bolshy and infectiously catchy brand of urban pop whilst Clement Marfo and The Frontline provide an endless supply of gargantuan pop hooks and sweet neo-soul vocals.
Hed Kandi, the most stylish name in house music have been confirmed to host the VIP Arena with a spectacular production and a host of DJ’s including Freemasons, Seamus Haji and Phil Faversham.
Shakedown Festival 2012 brings the most exciting names in contemporary music to Brighton for one last festival outing. With such an indepth line up of talent, Shakedown is the perfect end to an incredible summer of festival fun.
TICKETS £40 + bf
http://www.shakedown.co.uk/tickets
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/
http://www.seetickets.com/
http://hmv.com/
http://www.viewbrighton.co.uk/
http://www.brightondome.org/
VIP TICKETS £75 + bf
Available now from the Hed Kandi bar on West Street, Brighton and http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F004787ACD2AF57
We’re very excited indeed to announce that recent UK singles chart toppers Rudimental will be making their Bestival debut this September. Hailing from London’s east end, the four-piece are going to be smashing out the certified drum and bass bangers for the mainstage crowd, including ‘Feel The Love’ which has propelled them into the heart of the big league. Prepare to bounce when the beats drops.
Fresh from her recent trip to Los Angeles, where she’s been writing and recording songs for her forthcoming third album, Kate Nash who has caused a stir with her latest offering, ‘Underestimate The Girl’, a no-holds-barred dive into punk spirit will also be making her way across the Solent to join us once again.
dan le sac, whose much anticipated debut solo album ‘Space Between The Words’ is set to be released imminently, will be making a very welcome Bestival solo appearance to showcase his musical psyche, embracing everything from electro-pop to psychedelia, all accompanied by an impressive array of vocal talent. Also revelling in his solo ambitions dan le sac’s regular sparring partner Scroobius Pip will offer up a slice of his acclaimed ‘Distraction Pieces’ long-player that has seen him smash his punk, rock and hip-hop influences into a pleasing new whole.
Plus there will be sleek modern action with soulful vocals and garage stylings from criminally young sibling duo Disclosure. Supporting the release of their eponymous debut album that’s due to drop the week they play Bestival, Stooshe will be cranking up the in your face R&B factor. Clement Marfo & The Frontline will add gargantuan pop hooks, sweet neo-soul vocals and a rush of energised rock dynamics to their grime and hip-hop core. And Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey AKA Summer Camp are set to demonstrate their 80s inspired synthpop sunshine, delivering what can only be described as bliss drenched moments of pure pop joy.
A perennial Bestival favourite, The Correspondents will be mixing up the heady flavours of dance music, all sensationally seasoned with frenetic frontman Mr Bruce’s unique vocals. But wait! If you can’t hold on until September to experience The Correspondents, then you’re in for a treat as we have a brilliant free track from them for your delectation that you can download here.
And that’s not all, as there’s lots more live action with critically acclaimed, Americana tinged pop from multi-instrumentalist James McCartney, melodic guitar based behaviour from Meteor-winning Irish rockers The Coronas, off beam folk from Beans on Toast, dark melodies from the very hotly-tipped Brightonian quartet Two Jackals, warm, inviting, melodic vintage synth-driven loveliness from Lucky Elephant, Californian Psych-pop from Sleepy Sun and four-headed multi-instrumental mayhem from Gush.
An undisputed legend of reggae, we’re over the moon that on Friday evening Bollywood will play host to David Rodigan MBE Presents Ram Jam. With sets from the master himself and Shy FX & Stamina MC, Top Cat feat Sir Coxsone Outernational, B Traits, The Nextmen & MC Wrec, General Levy and Congo Natty in what is destined to be a heavyweight session featuring the best of classic and brand new music spanning the worlds of reggae, dub, D&B and dubstep.
David is also very pleased to announce the addition of his Ram Jam Chicken Shack at this year’s festival, located near the Bollywood tent, selling the very best in Caribbean food with a twist!
Says David Rodigan MBE – “Delighted to be returning to Bestival, but this year with my own Ram Jam tent and special guests. Plus we’re bringing our Ram Jam Chicken Shack, so its music for your mind and food for your soul, Rodigan style and fashion! Time to bring the signal!”
We’re ecstatic to be able to unveil the full line-up for Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends , as he takes over Bollywood on Sunday night with glitchy electro dubstep from Zomboy, part rap, part punk, part rave-up rawness from Murkage, who will be playing live, bass heavy brilliance from three times DMC champion DJ Cable and electro and house bangers aplenty from DJ@War.
Says Jaguar Skills – “Ninja’s…everybody knows I love playing Bestival…and this year is set to become my favourite year ever. Rob da Bank and his team have kindly given me full control of the line-up on the Sunday for the Bollywood tent. So join me, Murkage (Live), Zomboy, DJ Cable and DJ@War’ as we bring an aural assault of every tempo to your eardrums. HoooOOOO!”
And, charged with keeping the dancelfoors bouncing day and night at Robin Hill, we have even more superfly selectors coming to the party including the expansive breaks, dub and glitch sounds of San Francisco’s Bassnectar, grime, house and soul styles from Alexander Nut, reggae greats played correctly by the incomparable DJ Derek, sing-along sickness from the Hip Hop Karaoke crew, hip shaking house from The Good Guys, fist pumping goodness from Soft Rocks who will be taking things beyond the guiltiest of pleasures and atmospheric techno from Ben Hoo. Plus there will be Continental Drifts’ main man Chris Tofu, UK Bass action courtesy of Low Fro, legendarily eclecticism from Michael Cook, non-stop party flavours from Bestival heroes Sombrero Sound System and crazy funsters Dick and Dom will be dropping their ‘Rip It Up’ DJ set. No, really! We also advise you to keep an eye out for the Police Rave Unit dropping classic cuts across a spectrum of dance music, whilst keeping it legal on the mic!
Finally, we’re very pleased indeed to be able to announce that controversial author and public speaker, David Icke will be conducting one of his world-famous talks in the Ambient Forest. Notorious for his contentious views and conspiracy theories, his vast array of hypothesis and philosophies aren’t always as outlandish as you might think and we heartily recommend keeping an open mind and checking out what he’s got to say.
Tickets are selling like hotcakes, so if you want to guarantee yourself a slice of the greatest show on earth you need to get your skates on! And do keep on checking in at www.bestival.net, and our Facebook page and Rob da Bank’s Twitter for loads more info and cool stuff!
All The Acts Announced So far:
Live Performances From: Stevie Wonder / Florence + The Machine / New Order / Sigur Rós / The Xx / Friendly Fires / Nero / 2manydjs – Live / Soulwax / Justice Live / Two Door Cinema Club / Hot Chip / Miike Snow / Bat For Lashes / Emeli Sandé / Orbital / Frank Ocean / SBTRKT / Warpaint / De La Soul / Roots Manuva / Major Lazer / Sister Sledge / Gary Numan / The Horrors / Spiritualized / Death In Vegas / Doom / Ben Howard / Michael Kiwanuka / Sub Focus / Azealia Banks / Alabama Shakes / Dan Le Sac / Scroobius Pip / Saunderson Feat. Inner City Live / Gallows / Kate Nash / Rizzle Kicks / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feat Al Mckay / Buraka Som Sistema / Sage Francis / Grimes / Bellowhead / Django Django / Little Dragon / Gold Panda / Adam Ant & The Good, The Mad And The Lovely Posse / The Cuban Brothers / Top Cat Featuring Sir Coxsone Outernational / Chairlift / Disclosure / John Foxx And The Maths / Summer Camp / Iceage / Ren Harvieu / John Talabot / Lianne La Havas / Delilah / Alunageorge / First Aid Kit / Gesaffelstein / The Correspondents / Daughter / Zulu Winter / Ane Brun / Friends / King Khan And The Shrines / The Japanese Popstars / Chas & Dave / Dub Pistols / Kindness / Factory Floor / Charli XCX / Errors / Lucy Rose / Skepta / Sunless 97 / Sleepy Sun / Congo Natty / King Krule / Toy / Dirty Beaches / Drums Of Death /Jessie Ware / Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard / General Levy / Lucky Elephant / Slagsmålsklubben/ Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / Field Music / Jinja Safari / Kawa Circus / B.Dolan's Church Of Love & Ruin / James Mccartney / The Coronas / 02:54 Porcelain Raft / Milagres / Three Bonzos And A Piano / Prince Fatty / Liz Green / Forest Swords / Willis Earl Beal / Murkage / Alt-J / The Staves / Jake Bugg / Skinny Lister / Josh Kumra / Ryan Keen / Stay+ / Jamie N Commons / Nina Nesbitt / Bigkids / Gabrielle Aplin / Kwes / Gush / Diagrams / Fiction / Turbowolf /Mary Epworth / Wet Nuns / The Other Tribe / Beans On Toast / Misty's Big Adventure / This Is The Kit / Stealing Sheep / Clock Opera / Young British Artists / Patterns / Ghost Outfit / L.A. Salami / To Kill A King / Dingus Khan / Crowns / Killaflaw / Barker & The Red Clay Halo / Parma Violets / Gorgeous George / Subgiant /Heath:Ward /Laurel Collective / Ahab /Gecko /Model Society / Tom Williams And The Boat / Daytona Lights / Two Jackals / Biederbeck / Valentine Gray / Charley Macaulay / Sky Sphere / Blackhouse Crow / The Lovely Eggs / St Spirit / Charming / Alonestar / Shepherds / Cherishport / Seán Mcgowan / A Way Of Life / This Way Up / The Widowmaker/
DJs Sets From Rob da Bank and Friends: Annie Mac Presents / Four Tet B2B Caribou / The 2 Bears / David Rodigan MBE Presents Ram Jam / Jamie xx / Skream And Benga Feat Sgt Pokes And Youngman / Dirtybird Showcase Feat. Claude Vonstroke, Justin Martin & Eats Everything / François K / Brodinski / Moodymann / Gilles Peterson / Redlight / DJ Yoda / DJ Derek / Bassnectar / Maya Jane Coles / Scuba / Kavinsky / Julio Bashmore / LTJ Bukem / / Shy FX And Stamina Mc / Plastician / Matador / Greg Wilson / Doctor P / The Nextmen / Hip Hop Karaoke / MC Wrec / Pearson Sound / Adamski / Borgore / Flux Pavilion / Max Cooper / Gemini / Krystal Klear / Pangaea / Reggae Roast / Billy Daniel Bunter / Pariah / Trolley Snatcha / Krafty Kuts / Warm & Electric Minds / Scratch Perverts / Koan Sound / Camo & Krooked / Giles Smith & James Priestley (Secretsundaze) / Mosca / Numbers Showcase: Oneman B2B Jackmaster, Deadboy, Spencer, Redinho / B Traits / Ben Ufo / PBR Streetgang / Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends / Drums Of Death / Blawan / Frank Tope / Leo Zero / Dismantle / Gutterslut / Melé / Girl Unit / Zomboy / The Good Guys / Luv*Jam / Dr Alex Paterson / Chris Coco / Pete Gooding / Phil Mison / Mark Jones / Duff Disco / Sonnyji Presents Bang Bhang / Danny Whitehead / Mixmaster Morris / Police Rave Unit / Sombrero Sound System / Rev Milo Speedwagon / Graeme Fisher (Balearic) / DJ Cable / Foamo / Shepdog / The Shellac Collective /Flying White Dots / DJ Charge / Pathaan / Mojo Filter / Fear Of Theydon / Tythe / Sink The Pink / George B / Kaf-Tan / Soft Rocks / Michael Cook / Chris Tofu / Ben Hoo / DJ@War / Low-Fro
Mr Motivator
Brainfeeder Presents Thundercat, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Lapalux, Jeremiah Jae, DJ Kutmah
This year, the event’s gates will be opened to ‘Weekenders’ on Friday 31 August to pitch tents ahead of the Main Stage festivities and enjoy a pre-event party with an exclusive, intimate set by renowned DJ, Jaguar Skills, later that night in the Warehouse
‘Weekenders’ will then be able to join the masses for the star-studded line-up on the Main Stage and Stage 2 on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September, before being treated to further exclusive after-show parties in the Warehouse, performed by B Traits and Breakage on the Saturday night, and RATPACK on the Sunday night
Jaguar Skills’ identity is one of the best kept secrets in clubland – opting to wear a ninja-mask at every performance – but his stock and profile have risen dramatically over the past 10 years. Revered for having entirely produced and edited a mix-CD on two mini-disk Walkmen back in 2002, Jag Skills went on to a residency at Jade Jagger’s Jezebel nights at Pacha in Ibiza and quickly progressed to DJ other Jezebel events across the globe. He now has a 10-minute mix slot on Trevor Nelson’s Saturday evening BBC Radio 1 show, having been a part of Radio 1’s ‘In New DJs We Trust’.
B Traits and Breakage are hard to categorise with a specific definition of their sound, both busting genres wide-open, with B Traits clearly influenced by old school rave, Jungle, hip hop, 90s house and UK Funky, with her recent UK Chart Single, Fever, also featuring garage vocals by Elisabeth Troy, whereas Breakage is a drum and bass/dubstep producer and DJ, evidently inspired by the original 90s Jungle Sound, Reggae and Dancehall. Both are highly respected on the club scene and both will be performing for ‘Weekenders’ only, on the Saturday night of the Sundown Festival
RATPACK are DJ Lipmaster Mark & MC Evenson Allen who joined forces back in 1985 at the birth of the warehouse/rave scene and are still standing strong 25 years later. Having worked together, with Mark doing beats over Evenson's sets, they quickly moved into the Acid House craze in 1989 which saw the Pack take a new direction
First by running their own local warehouse parties and then, when a DJ didn't turn up for his set Mark got on the decks and Evenson started to hype the crowd by singing and MCing – something which was a Taboo in those days- they unknowingly became the UK Rave Scene's first DJ/MC team, a combination which has taken them all over the World to tear up many a Dance Floor, bringing a collection of styles including House, Break-beat, Drum&Bass and Dub-step
With Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Stan, Stooshe, Katy B, Zane Lowe, Ms Dynamite, Sub Focus, Dot Rotten, Labrinth and headliners Chase & Status Live rocking the Main Stage over the two-day festival and with Stage 2 playing host to the likes of Feed Me Live, Radio 1/1Xtra’s Mista Jam, Funtcase, Zinc, Wilkinson and 16 Bit, presented by UKF on Saturday 1 September, it has now been announced that dance brand KISS will present headliner David Rodigan MBE, Sway Live, EZ, Shortee Blitz, MJ Cole and Charlie Hedges on Stage 2 for the Sunday night
Sundown Festival spokesman, Dion Clements comments: “For this year’s Sundown Festival we wanted to add extra incentive for people to come to Norfolk, spend the whole weekend and enjoy the full package of music on offer. I think we’ve over-achieved in that goal, with the After-Show Warehouse parties being more than just an incentive; they are events in their own rights. Jag Skills performs at almost every major festival in the UK, and now tours the global circuit… he’s club royalty! We’re also honoured to have B Traits, Breakage and RATPACK performing sets on subsequent nights. I would expect Weekenders to be prepared for very little sleep and some hardcore partying over the three days”
With Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Stan, Stooshe, Katy B, Zane Lowe, Ms Dynamite, Sub Focus, Dot Rotten, Labrinth and headliners Chase & Status Live rocking the Main Stage over the two-day festival and with Stage 2 playing host to the likes of Feed Me Live, Radio 1/1Xtra’s Mista Jam, Funtcase, Zinc, Wilkinson and 16 Bit, presented by UKF on Saturday 1 September, it has now been announced that dance brand KISS will present headliner David Rodigan MBE, Sway Live, EZ, Shortee Blitz, MJ Cole and Charlie Hedges on Stage 2 for the Sunday night
Sundown Festival spokesman, Dion Clements comments: “As we had previously announced, this year’s second stage, or Stage 2, is going to be much more dance led than last year. The Saturday night, as we know, will have a strong emphasis on Bass music, and now we’re able to announce that the Sunday night will focus on a mix of House, Garage and Reggae, with some of the biggest club DJs mixing it up under the KISS brand. Bringing the likes of David Rodigan MBE, EZ and MJ Cole to Norfolk just pushed the boundaries of the festival, and its appeal, even further“
It was also recently announced that the global NEXT Model Management will be sending scouts to the festival to search for ‘new faces’
The festival will take place at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September.
Taking to two of our three stages in Myrtle Park from 31st August to 2nd September, they’ll be joining: Nero,DJ Fresh, The Pigeon Detectives, Hard-Fi, The Charlatans,Maverick Sabre, Delilah, Kids in Glass Houses, Katzenjammer, The Idiot B*stard Band, StooShe, Yes Sir Boss, Miles & Erica, SkinnyLister, Citizens, King Charles,The Chevin, Sadie and the Hotheads, Ellen and the Escapades and The Lancashire Hot Pots.
Razorlight secured their headine status shortly after the release of debut album Up all night in 2004. Since then Johnny Borrell’s band continue to make an impact on the indie rock scene with their brilliant pop songs, exceptional live performances and confident swagger. Expect Razorlight to tear the place up with a stream of massive hit singles including America, In the morning, Golden Touch and many more that are guaranteed to get the Bingley Music Live audience fired up.
Next up, we have one of the world’s truly great performers, Detroit’s finest diva and Motown legend Martha Reeves. A sensational vocalist with undeniable star quality, Martha continues to delight audiences with an incredible back catalogue consisting of some of the 60’s most enduring hits including Nowhere to Run, Jimmy Mack and Dancing in the Street. Her live appearances during 2010 earned her two nominations for the UK Festival Awards, as ‘Best Headliner’ and ‘Feel Good Act of the Summer’. Come to this year’s Bingley Music Live and catch some of that feel good vibe for yourself.
Recently reunited after a 6 year break, Liverpool’s Space are set to make a triumphant return to the stage at BML. Bringing their unique brand of darkly humorous pop to the proceedings you can expect all your favourite 90’s hits such as Female of the Species,Neighbourhood, Avenging Angels and The Ballad of Tom Jones as well as new material from their new album Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab. Brilliantly bizarre!
For those looking for a much rock-ier tip there’s the Sheffield based Black Spiders. Their debut album Sons of the North released in 2011 received plaudits across the board, with Rock Sound Magazine proclaiming “their apocalyptic… axe assault is awe-inspiring.” They’re busy thrilling audiences across the UK and mainland Europe and have up coming gigs at Sweden Rock festival, Download as well as BML. One of their tour highlights so far was being selected to open for Ozzy Osbourne. We look forward to some serious moshpit action.
New kid on the block, Jake Bugg, has had an already impressive musical adventure since his appearance at Glastonbury last year at the tender age of 17. A confident singer-songwriter, Jake recently featured on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ performing his new singleLightening Bolt. We highly recommend you check out Jake’s distinctive voice and mature lyrical content.
Also confirmed for the Raise the Roof stage we have We Were Evergreen. This Parisian, alternative folk-tinged, indie-electro-pop trio are currently creating a huge buzz in the UKwith The Evening Standard hailing them as “the rarest of things: a band with something new and brilliant to offer.” Listen out for new single, Baby Blue, which is due for release on 4 June.
Rita Ora, Newton Faulkner, Wretch 32, Gossip, Beverley Knight, Childish Gambino, Sub Focus, The Feeling, Stooshe, Cover Drive, The Rifles and Angel all confirmed to appear over the festival weekend.
Additionally, fans who weren’t lucky enough to snap up general admission tickets the first time around are being given another chance to head to the festival, with additional tickets to both Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Stafford going on sale at 9am on Friday 27th April.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.vfestival.com for all ticket options available, including coach and ticket packages available through the Big Green Coach company and V Style for those looking for a luxury festival experience. V organisers once again stress that fans should only purchase tickets through official outlets listed on the V Festival website and that purchasing from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.
Ahead of his appearance at V Festival, Wretch 32 says, "I'm buzzing to be back at V Festival again this year. Last year was big, and I'll be looking to top it this year by performing my new tracks to the V crowd. I will also be looking to get a little meet with Nicki Minaj…if I'm lucky!"
BeverleyKnight comments, "It has been a while so I am chuffed to be back on stage at V this year. I have spent the last few years enjoying all the action as a punter. This year it's time to do what I do best – and that's rocking a crowd!”
The Stooshe girls comment, "Really looking forward to V Festival this year. We attended last year so to be performing this year is amazing! The line up iswicked and it feels great to be a part of it. So excited!”
Taking place across the weekend of the 18th and 19th August, music fanswill be treated to an exciting line up of legends old and new with the StoneRoses, The Killers, Nicki Minaj, Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran also on the bill.
These latest additions come as V Festival also reveals which artists will be performing on which day and location over the festival weekend.
V FESTIVAL 2012
Saturday 18th August, Hylands Park, Chelmsford Sunday 19th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire
Saturday 18th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire Sunday 19th August, Hylands Park, Chelmsford
The Parlotones,Dog is Dead, Blood Red Shoes, Ren Harvieu, Mull Historical Society, Stooshe, Here We Go Magic, The Minutes and Lonsdale Boys Club joining summer’s most finely tuned festival bill.
T in the Park secures the biggest bands from across the globe whilst consistently promoting the best new and breakthrough talent and providing the ultimate platform for all to appear as part of the festival. This year is no exception with an array of 'ones to watch' in 2012 set to wow the 85,000 strong crowd per day over the weekend of 6th – 8th July.
Hip-hop trio, Hilltop Hoods are one of Australia’s leading live acts and the most significant hip-hop group to ever emerge from this territory. Six studio albums in (including three No.1’s), the band’s sound has been embraced far beyond hip hop’s underground and their fearless and innovative ethos has guaranteed their place at the top of the Australian music industry and now beyond.
New York indie-pop band Fun. achieved massive success when their hit single We Are Young (featuring Janelle Monáe) hit the top of U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first rock/alternative song to do so since Coldplay's Viva la Vida. Their acclaimed second album Some Nights is crammed with catchy pop gems with a hip-hop twist, and is produced by legendary Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bhasker (Beyoncé, Kanye West).
West London indie-pop singer-songwriter King Charles became the first ever Brit to win Nashville’s International Songwriting Competition in 2010 after wowing a prestigious judging panel including Tom Waits, Jeff Beck and Kings of Leon. Having supported Mumford & Sons on their sold-out US tour, his hotly anticipated debut album Lovebloodis set for release next month, and he is fast emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting young lyricists.
South Africa’s multi-platinum selling The Parlotones are musical heroes at home and are set to make their mark on the rest of the world with their fresh and stylish take on African doo-wop and folk. They wowed the crowds with a sensational performance at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert, sharing a bill with the likes of The Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys. Their album A World Next Door To Yours is South Africa’s biggest selling rock album of this decade, and the band are set to release their latest record Journey Through the Shadows next month.
The Nottingham art-pop five-piece Dog Is Dead have been tipped for big things. Following widespread acclaim for their recent gigs, which have included touring with Bombay Bicycle Club, the band earned a new following when they performed in the final episode of Skins Series 5. Harmonious indie-pop with jazz and disco influences, their hotly anticipated debut album is scheduled for release this autumn.
Blood Red Shoes are back with their third album In Time to Voices, an edgy, hook-laden record which has seen the band enter into ambitious new territory and is being hailed as their most mature and thrilling release to date. The Brighton punk-rock duo made their T in the Park debut in 2008 and are sure to receive a warm welcome back.
Ren Harvieu’s stunning voice evokes some of the great divas of bygone years. Discovered after posting a song on Myspace, her cool contemporary take on vintage blues sound and old-fashioned swing has caught the attention of industry tastemakers, and she was named in the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll.
Hailed by Rolling Stone for his “tuneful and plaintive pop gems”, Mull Historical Society, aka Colin MacIntyre, made a big impact when his single Barcode Bypass was crowned “Debut Single of the Year” by NME. Now firmly established as a major British song-writing force, Mull Historical Society is back in 2012 with a new album City Awakenings, and ready to showcase their sparkling, whimsical new tunes to the T in the Park crowd.
London ladies Stooshe have stormed onto the music scene and into the charts this year with smash hit single Love Me, featuring US rapper Travie McCoy. Nominated in the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll, there’s sure to be many more hits to come from their forthcoming debut album Swings and Roundabouts.
As well as the talent, New York four-piece Here We Go Magic have quite the tale to tell. During a particularly difficult show last year they spotted two men in the front row who, in their words, were ‘dancing around like maniacs’. These two ‘maniacs’ turned out to be none other than Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and legendary producer Nigel Godrich, resulting in Godrich’s decision to produce the band’s third album, A Different Ship – the band’s most remarkable and captivating album yet.
Dublin trio The Minutes’ debut album Marcata is packed with raucous anthems, melding primal garage rock ‘n’ roll with elements of blues and gospel. Renowned for their exuberant energy, it’s sure to be a high octane set at T in the Park, as they wow the crowd with their sing-along tunes.
Featuring reggae club promoter Charlie, New Zealand export Topher, and DJ Loz, together the Lonsdale Boys Club deliver a new wave of beat-driven guitar greatness. With nods to Gorillaz, Outkast and old school disco, they’ll bring the funk to the festival fans at T in the Park.
There’s a lot to see at T in the Park this summer and fans can expect to discover some hidden gems amongst the well-known music maestros. With 3 amazing days (Fri 6th-Sun 8th July) filled with the best live talent, the Slam Tent open for Friday night fun for the very first time, and the opportunity for fans to start their T in the Park journey by checking into the campsite on the Thursday, T in the Park 2012 is all set up to be the ultimate festival four-day weekend, on a massive scale.
Last year’s event was a huge success and the event organisers are building on their promise to deliver another outstanding line up of contemporary musical talent.
Professor Green will perform before Dizzee Rascal in Stanmer Park. His debut album, ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’ crashed into the charts and went double-Gold, spawning four hit singles with ‘I Need You Tonight’, ‘Just Be Good To Green’, ‘Monster’ and 'Jungle' amassing over 500,000 sales. His second album ‘At Your Inconvenience’ produced the number 1 single ‘Read All About It’ and the size of his army of Facebook friends – 1.5 million – tells it like it is; Professor Green is a genuine super star!
Girl about town and queen of the underground Katy B enjoyed huge success with her debut album ‘On A Mission’. The Brit Award winner combines dub step, funky, house, garage and r n’ b to mesmerising effect and the London songstress has teamed up with uber producer Mark Ronson to record a track for the
Olympics. The much anticipated second album is due out this summer and her set is sure to be a Shakedown highlight.
Stooshe raise eyebrows, turn heads and set tongues wagging wherever they perform and their brash, bolshy and infectiously catchy brand of urban pop marks them out as the ultimate modern pop band.
South London MC Clement Marfo and his genre-splitting band The Frontline are a fusion of grime and hip hop with an endless supply of gargantuan pop hooks and sweet neo-soul vocals. Their music is based around positivity and inspiration, the sound of an aspirational youth and they are tipped for big things in 2012
These acts will support the irrepressible Dizzee Rascal who headlines the main stage. The ultimate showman, Dizzee Rascal ensures rapturous responses from audiences and arrives with a sack load of number 1 hits including ‘Dance Wiv Me’, ‘Bonkers’, ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’.
"Been a while since I last played in Brighton”, said Dizzee. “Looking forward to Shakedown, it's gonna be massive this year!" Shakedown promoter Steve Jones comments, "Pro Green and Katy B are the perfect way to build up to Dizzee on the main stage and I cannot wait to see them getting thousands of people worked up into a frenzy. Once you see who we have playing in the dance tent you are going to be blown away."
The line up for the dance stage will be revealed shortly and Brighton will be jumping to the beats, bass and electronic rhythms of the most cutting edge musical artists at the last festival of the summer.
Union are hosting the main stage and will also be playing to get the crowd warmed up in the afternoon and Shakedown will also be showcasing one up and coming band and DJ on the main stage, who will be decided through a huge competition over the summer months.
