The countdown is on to Sundown Festival 2016 in what is becoming renowned as the music happening to see out the last rays of the summer season.
With a third stage added at the Norwich venue for this year, there are more acts, more music and more choice.
An easy vibe, friendly crowd and variety are key in this urban, dance, pop and drum n bass mix and this year is no exception.
Warming up on Friday night is the big top campers party with Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard, best known for presenting his show Dance Anthems, which kicks off proceedings with stomping tunes until the small hours.
The festival proper begins on Saturday with a headliner classic of Chase & Status after main players including chart topper Jess Glynne, UK rapper Kano, British rap favourite Dizzee Rascal, future pop sensation Becky Hill and respected British rapper and politically motivated icon Ms Dynamite,
The Defected in the House stage includes Sonny Fodera, Sam Divine and DISKT while over in the UKF stage are mash up legend Jaguar Skills, reggae DJ pioneer David Rodigan, My Nu Leng and MC Dread.
Sunday fires off in all directions in the musical maelstrom that is Sundown with a main stage headliner of Jason Derulo. He takes to the stage after acts including Years and Years, grime duo Krept and Kronan, breakthorugh X factor star Fleur East and Sigala Live.
Over at the second tent the stage is set today by global dance brand Ministry of Sound with headliner Amine Edge and Dance, Redlight, Blonde and Low Steppa among the acts.
The third tent on Sunday becomes the drum n bass arena with crowd pleaser Wilkinson, Friction, the ever popular Goldie, Warning favourite Hazard, Dimension, Dillinja and Culture Shock.
Alongside it all throw in some fairground rides, stalls and a crowd that never feels overwhelmingly large making it both a perfect season closer for die hard festival fans or the ideal place for teenagers to cut their teeth in a safe and manageable sized festival world.
Either way, enjoy. The line up is randomly eclectic – but is sure to keep those dancing feet happy all weekend.
TICKETS: Sundown Festival 2016 is from Friday September 2 to Sunday 4. Tickets start at £46.75 for a day pass up to £121 for a weekend pass with camping at the Norfolk Showground venue.
Taking from all corners of pop, urban and dance music, Sundown Festival returns in 2016 with its biggest lineup yet. With huge names already announced including headliners Chase & Status and Jason Derulo, pop superstars Jess Glynne and Fleur East and grime godfathers Dizzee Rascal and Kano, even more names are joining the party!
Since toppling Bieber off of the top spot in the Official UK Top 40 Singles Chart with his smash hit ‘Easy Love’, Norwich’s own Sigala has become one of the country’s most in demand DJs and producers. His current single, the Nile Rogers and John Newman collaboration ‘Give Me Your Love’, is a summery slice of tropical house and his set on the main stage is not to be missed. Also joining the main stage lineup are purveyor of sun-soaked, infectious reggae Kiko Bun, BRIT nominees Stooshe and chart-topping pop starlet Becky Hill.
With Sundown teaming up with Defected, Ministry Of Sound, UKF and Drum & Bass Arena this year to bring two dance-dedicated tents to the festival full of some of the biggest names in house, dnb, garage and more, those looking to party the weekend away need look no further. Joining the Defected In The House stage is Italian house master Crookers and over in the Drum & Bass Arena, Ram Records’ Culture Shock joins the already stacked lineup.
Expanding in 2016 to three stages for the first time, Sundown Festival is the essential closing party of the summer festival season for revelers looking for one last dance in the sun.
With headliners Chase & Status and Jason Derulo already announced alongside a supporting cast including the arena conquering Years & Years, pop princess Jess Glynne, UK rap stars Krept & Konan and grime don Kano already announced, Sundown Festival is announcing even more names for its biggest year yet.
Joining the huge main stage lineup is one singer who is no stranger to big crowds. Having paid her dues on the road as a singer for Sundown favourites Rudimental, Anne Marie is going it alone and is taking the pop world by storm. Switching from heartfelt ballads to party bangers seamlessly its no wonder she topped MTV’s prestigious Brand New list. She’ll be joined by none other than undisputed legend of UK R&B and rap, Ms Dynamite who since bursting onto the charts in 2002 with hits like ‘Dy-na-mi-tee’ has carved a career that younger artists would kill for.
Having expanded to three stages this year, the second and third stages will be hosted by some of the biggest brands in the dance and club worlds with Defected, UKF, Ministry Of Sound and Drum & Bass Arena all hosting their own huge lineups at the festival. Joining the party are grime ‘Golden Boy’ Elf Kid, house master Lee Walker, pioneering DJ and producer Matt ‘Jam’ Lamont, Audio Rehab boss Mark Radford, bass duo Diskord and an amazing Dillinja set.
Everyone packing their tent and making a weekend of it will be treated to a very special opening party on the Friday night from one of the most high profile DJs in the country today, Radio 1’s Danny Howard.
With the festival going from strength to strength, tickets are going fast for the best closing party of the festival season! Returning to Norwich for the fourth year running, Sundown Festival is the definitive closing party of the festival season. What better excuse for one more dance in the sun at the end of a busy summer?
Sundown is proud to reveal that Chase & Status will be headlining the Saturday main stage. These chart topping electronic superstars are one of the most incendiary live acts around and their three studio albums have received huge critical acclaim. With a new album on the way including the new Slaves featuring single ‘ Control’, this act are about to go stratospheric and their performance is sure to be one of the defining festival moments of the summer. Do not miss it!
Last year was one of the biggest years in UK urban music’s history and 2016 is set to be no different. Sundown is excited to welcome one of Grime’s undisputed godfathers Kano to the festival main stage alongside breakout UK hip-hop duo and chart superstars Krept and Konan.
This year Sundown is partnering with some of the finest brands in dance music with Defected, UKF, Ministry Of Sound and Drum & Bass Arena all hosting their own huge lineups at the festival. Joining the party are British DJ duo and rising stars Blonde, garage god Artful Dodger, drum and bass pioneer Goldie, genre-smashing DJ and Snatch! Records boss Riva Starr and breakbeat legend DJ Zinc as well as Butterz favourite Flava D and dnb star Dimension.
Promising to be the biggest year in the festival’s history, tickets are expected to sell fast for the best closing party of the festival season! Sundown Festival returns to Norfolk Showground in Norwich for a fourth year with an enormous line-up of the biggest and best names in contemporary music. With the huge already-announced lineup featuring headliner Jason Derulo alongside Years & Years, Jess Glynne, Dizzee Rascal and many more, Sundown brings together everything that is vital in music right now for a weekend of unparalleled music from all corners of pop, urban and dance.
Sundown Festival returns to Norfolk Showground in Norwich for a fourth year with a huge line-up of the biggest and best names in contemporary music. Delivering a mix of the most sought after names from all corners of the pop, urban and dance music landscape, Sundown brings together everything that is vital in music right now for an amazing live music experience. This year the festival expands even further adding a third stage and collaborating with some of the most revered brands in underground music.
In five years Jason Derulo has risen to one of the best-selling, radio-dominating pop and urban artists of the day, selling over 50 million singles worldwide and racking up over two billion views on YouTube and one billion plays on Spotify. Headlining on the Sunday, fans can expect a huge show featuring the likes of ‘Talk Dirty’, ‘Wiggle’, ‘Trumpets’, ‘Whatcha Say’ and many more. With one huge headliner still to be announced this promises to be the biggest year for Sundown yet.
With five UK number 1 singles to her name including her collaboration with Clean Bandit on huge Grammy Award winning hit ‘Rather Be’, Jess Glynne is one of the UK’s brightest stars. She will undoubtedly have the Sundown crowd singing along to a hit laden set whilst London hip hop and grime hero Dizzee Rascal will bring his signature party sound to the Showground.
Years & Years were the big crossover success story of 2015 and their up- tempo brand of synth-pop spawned huge chart hits such as ‘King’ and ‘Desire’ and in Olly Alexander the band have a genuine, bona-fide pop star. Also performing will be Fleur Eastwho has become a household name since competing on X-Factor and released one of the biggest tracks of 2015 in ‘Sax’.
A world famous name in house music Defected Records will host the second stage on the Saturday with renowned party startersSam Devine, Sonny Fodera and DJ S.K.T. Get ready to raise those hands and party as one of the world’s most loved house music parties keeps the Sundown masses dancing all night long.
Undeniable masters of bass UKF are the Hosts for Stage 3 and proudly present a dual headline show featuring Jaguar Skillsshowcasing why he is the ultimate DJ ninja and the legendary David Rodigan MBE bringing the sound of dancehall and reggae to the East Coast. Fast rising Black Butter up and comers My NuLeng will keep it deep and on point.
Dance music royalty Ministry Of Sound will be presenting the second stage on the Sunday with heavy bass courtesy of French production duo AmineEdge and DANCE, genre blurring Bristolian and Lobster Boy head honcho Redlight and serious bass head Low Steppa all taking to the decks.
The legendary Drum and Bass Arena celebrate a huge 20 years in the game this year and will host chart topper Wilkinsonwhose anthem ‘Afterglow’ was an instant classic, Radio 1’s d&b don and Shogun Audio boss Friction and the classic jungle sounds of DJ Hazard.
Sundown Festival returned this weekend for three days of pop, drum and bass and house music, offering, as one girl gushed on the first night, "great value and a great line up." Kicking off with an exclusive 'campers only' opening party from 5pm hosted by SubSoul, house music belted out of the Big Top tent throughout the evening. With one-hour sets from upcoming producers including Après – who has just graduated from university, DJ S.K.T who reached the top ten of the charts with 'Take Me Away', Friend Within (of Renegade Master fame), GotSome and Icarus, who closed the night with a grimier, bassier vibe. But it was Toyboy & Robin's set, from start to finish – with a perfect opening of Bicep's 'Just' mixed into Format:B's Ibiza smash 'Chunky' and ending with their own massive hit 'Jaded' – which gained the biggest reaction. With the music switched off dead on 11pm, the hundreds if not thousands of revellers were able to catch a good night’s sleep in preparation for nearly 20 hours of live music.
Photo courtesy of Sundown Festival
SATURDAY
After filling up on a Sainsbury's big breakfast – the handy thing about Norfolk Showground is that there's a McDonald's, Costa and Sainsbury's within a short five minute walk – SFG made their way to the main arena for the first time, after mingling with Kiss FM breakfast presenters Rikki and Melvin and Facebook famous Jack Jones.
Following a last minute cancellation from Jess Glynne due to recent vocal surgery, Becky Hill – who gave a standout performance last year – was left to foot the bill, a task she took on with ease; her new collaboration All My Love, produced by Watermat and Tai showing off her seemingly endless vocal range to the booming house beat. Once the growing crowd realise how many of this year's chart hits she's put her voice too; Wilkinson's 'Afterglow', Oliver Heldens and 'Gecko (Overdrive)' to name just two more, everyone's lungs are given a real workout as she makes way for Karen Harding.
Similarly a go-to-vocalist for house producers, the glamorous singer shines brightest throughout her top-ten track 'Say Something' and new Blonde-collab 'Feel Good (It's Alright)' – the latter with a strong and catchy enough hook and chorus to top the charts when it's released. "Up next we've got the man that gave us the tunes Pow and Oi" proclaims Rickie and Melvin of Kiss FM fame as they ensure the crowd are suitably hyped up before introducing each act over the weekend. And the phrase 'hyped up' barely describes the atmosphere when Lethal Bizzle arrived onstage … gliding accords on a Segway no less. Sporting one of his own 'DENCH' t-shirts, the likes of Rari Workout and Flashing Lights descend into his request of numerous circles of mosh pits. "This is the last festival I'm doing this year. Let's make it the best one" he beckons, launching into The Drop and Fester Skank.
Contrastingly, MNEK, backed by two powerful female vocalists take things down a more smooth R&B/pop route during Take You To A Place and Ready For Your Love. Meanwhile in the Big Top it's a Defected Records take over. Returning for their second year, label boss Simon Dunmore, leading lady Sam Devine (cue crowd surfer) and relatively new Low Steppa keep the thousands of house lovers satisfied as they bring Ibiza vibes to Norwich. But, expectedly, the biggest draws come from Gorgon City and then Hannah Wants – the latter who's had a whirlwind year, with a Mixmag cover shoot and story last month.
Leading the evening's talent is Sigma, arguably the breakout drum & bass act of the year. Performing tracks from their soon-to-be-released album Life, Labrinth-collab Higher, which sees girls on shoulders and a building d'n'b edit of Rhianna's Diamonds as well as Lighters with its Chase & Status-like beat, keep the crowd's energy up.
Although, the highlight comes from Ella Henderson's appearance as she belts out Glitterball, faultlessly, along with all the girls – and guys – in the audience, proving herself as one of The X Factor's finest exports.
With flares in hand, it was down to London collective and Sundown first-timers Rudimental to headline. Flanked by live instrumentalists and numerous guest vocalists including Will Heard and Anne Marie who feature heavily on second album We The Generation, the hits everyone knows prove memorable, and the newer as-yet-unheard songs fares nearly as well. With ten members onstage, Right Here, Never Gonna Let You Go and Waiting All Night, the latter dedicated to a passed friend, certify their headlining credentials with ease; the drum & bass + live instruments set up clearly a well honed success.
Photo by Kath Sansom
SUNDAY
Following a failed attempt to get into the DJ EZ after-party on Saturday night, everyone was left clueless as to why, until a member of the merchandise team told SFG the following morning that, allegedly, police were called to shut down the warehouse event due to mass over capacity. Catching Zak Abel, whom SFG later caught up to chat with, the young Londoner's performance was a case of great voice, potentially massive songs, minimal crowd – most likely down to his post-lunchtime set time. Running From Myself and the Kaytranada-produced Say Something, from his brilliant new seven-track EP, One Hand on the Future, are given soul-filled, emotive outings and deserve to gather a lot of attention in the very near future; as does his somewhat brave cover of Daniel Bedingfield's Gotta Get Thru This…
"This young girl actually went to school with Zayn Malik. I would love to have her kisses for breakfast" says Melvin (Kiss FM) as he welcomes Melissa Steel. With slick black hair and vibrant trousers, she bounces onstage, along with two impressive backing dancer. The crowd are quick to pick up on all the tracks she's provided vocals to this year; from the reggae vibes of Drunk and Incapable to her top-ten pop breakthrough Kisses for Breakfast. Ending with Kove's D&B hit The Way That We Are and an acepella version of Blonde-collab I Loved You, Melissa's a pop star to keep an eye on; especially with her new single You Love Me (featuring Wretch 32 – who performs next) coming out this week.
Sporting a new, almost unrecognisable head of hair, Wretch 32 tells the story of Blackout with humble intent; "I started out having to in to the shop to get electric", he says, adding that there is a "hope for life for everyone". A heartfelt version of Six Words stays in the audience's heads, as does Don't Go. Trekking over to the RAM Records stage, it's a drum and bass lovers paradise; Culture Shock, DC Breaks, Mind Vortex, Sub Focus and label head honcho Andy C each rattling out energetic heart racing beats throughout the day. Back at the sunny main stage, Maverick Sabre, who it seems has been away for years now, is asking the question, "can you be my Sundown choir?" The reason? An impeccable cover of Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody, led by his, as ever, individualistic vocal style. Airing his new single Come Fly Away, the soulful lyrics are bound to score him a hit, and just as he reveals to SFG later during an interview that a new album is imminent as well as a UK tour, he's set for a big return.
Headlining on Sunday evening, Tinie Tempah, whom performing at his last festival of the summer ("lets make it the best one" he shouts) ran through his biggest hits; Pass Out, Frisky and Miami 2 "Norwich", the collabs; RIP, Not Letting Go and Tsunami; and new single "which i've not performed anywhere else" Turn Up The Music – which is bound to go to number one with a Katy B feature and a cheeky, infectious house sample of KDA's track, Rumble – it was a crowd-pleasing set for sure, and one that left everyone with smiles on their faces before leaving to go back to school/college/work.
Photo courtesy of Sundown Festival
For SFG and friends though, it was Nero's live set which smashed it most. From the intense ground rattling opening bass right to the trio bowing at the end, it was easily the best hour of the weekend, possibly the year in terms of this festival season (closely behind seeing Faithless at Balaton Sound). Having wanted to see Nero for countless years now, it was refreshing for the anticipation to be fulfilled. Alana Watson, who would stalk the stage in a lace dress ensemble, appearing and disappearing between songs, provided transfixing, almost haunting vocals, to Guilt, Me and You, Innocence and Satisfy among others, while the guys took charge of the drops and beats – all aided by an insane light show onstage. With a new album imminent, Nero's grip on dance music will soon re-tighten.
Following on from the roaring success of 2014, Sundown Festival is back for 2015 with another larger than life lineup! Hosting only the biggest and best in pop, dance and urban acts including headliners Rudimental and Tinie Tempah alongside the likes of Ella Henderson, Labrinth, Lethal Bizzle and Nero, Sundown is the perfect way to close the festival season with one last party in the sunshine.
Have you ever dreamed of playing your favourite festival? Now artists have the opportunity to become the star as Sundown are offering an opening slot on the main stage for an upcoming act to showcase their talent alongside the incredible festival lineup.
Superstars in the making are invited to upload a 15 second video of themselves to Instagram making sure you tag @sundownuk and using the hashtag #iamsundown2015. All clips will be watched with the standout performers being asked to submit a three-minute YouTube or Vimeo entry and put to the vote on Sundown’s social media channels to see who is crowned festival opener!
Last year’s winner Oliver Daldry went on to perform at The Great Escape, Latitude, Wireless and Somersault festivals, received support from XFM, BBC Introducing and even got invited to film a session for Burberry!
Sundown say:
“We’re looking for real talent, unique voices and incredible style – get ‘gramming and show us what you’re made of!”
The competition open is OPEN NOW, details are here: http://www.sundownfestival.co.uk/news/perform-at-sundown-2015
More huge names have been added to Sundown Festival 2015, with Lethal Bizzle, Raleigh Ritchie, Shadow Child and a host of others joining an already huge line-up for the biggest pop party taking over Norwich this summer. With just months to go until the event, they join a mammoth line-up including Rudimental, Nero (live), Tinie Tempah and more.
One of Grime’s pioneering figures, Lethal Bizzle is no rookie to the festival circuit, and after nearly a decade in the spotlight he knows how to get a crowd moving. With hits including ‘Rari Workout’, ‘POW!’ and his groove-worthy new single ‘Fester Skank’, the dench instructor himself promises to provide an unforgettable set on the main stage on Saturday 5th September.
Bringing sultry R&B with a gritty hip-hop edge, Raleigh Richie has also been added to the line-up, set to make a main stage appearance on Sunday 6th September, playing before the likes of Labrinth, Maverick Sabre, Wretch 32 and more of the world’s hottest pop, dance and urban acts.
Elsewhere across the festival, acclaimed producers Shadow Child and Low Steppa join the incredible Defected stage line-up on Saturday, while DC Breaks and Culture Shock have been added to the undeniably massive Andy C Presents RAM takeover on Sunday.
Campers arriving on site Friday 4th September will also be delighted to hear that dance tastemakers SubSoul will be hosting a huge campers-only opening party to fully kick off the weekend for those staying on site from the first day. The likes of Friend Within, DJ SKT, Gotsome, Toyboy & Robin, Apres & Icarus all look set to get the party started in style, starting off what promises to be a phenomenal weekend.
MNEK, Melissa Steel and a host of others have been announced to join the likes of Rudimental, Sigma (Live), Nero (Live), Jess Glynne and Tinie Tempah, adding to an all-star lineup of new and established talent for the highly anticipated Norfolk Event.
Production mastermind and a leader in his field, MNEK has truly staked his claim in modern pop music over the last few years. Working with world-beating acts including Madonna, Clean Bandit and a wealth of others including his chart smashing collaboration ‘Ready For Your Love’ with Gorgon City he has simultaneously built himself an exciting solo career. With a barrage of bangers already under his belt and his phenomenal vocals taken to another level in a live context, his set on the main stage on Saturday is sure to be stunning. Looking to the Sunday, after the success of her top 5 track, ‘Blonde’, breakthrough British pop and reggae sensation Melissa Steel will also be taking to the main stage.
Over on the second stage the party continues as Defected records boss Simon Dunmore and resident DJ Sam Divine take to the decks on Saturday whilst Ram will be hosting a jungle set from the legendary Zinc and recent chart addition Rene La Vice on Sunday.
Sundown has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting festivals in the UK with a reputation for bringing the very best in contemporary electronic, urban and pop music to the East Coast. Confirmed to headline on Sunday is multi BRIT and MOBO award winner and UK number 1 artist Tinie Tempah. A firm Sundown favourite, Tinie is back by popular demand to headline the Sunday whilst Saturday’s bill will be topped by Rudimental, one of the best live acts in the country and the breakthrough act of 2014!
Nero are leaders in electronic music who have a massive year ahead of them whilst Labrinth will bring his huge live show to this year’s festival. Also confirmed is bona fide hip-hop star Wretch 32 and soul and R&B from Maverick Sabre.
Legendary UK record label Defected will bring the very best house music to the masses with chart smashers Gorgon City, undisputed dance queen of 2014 Hannah Wants and rising star Sonny Fodera all taking to the decks for a euphoric house music party.
Ella Henderson will be performing tracks from her Number 1 album ‘Chapter One’ while drum and bass royalty Sigma, Clean Bandit collaborator Jess Glynne and afro beat trailblazer Fuse ODG all contribute to a weekend of musical mayhem.
Andy C Presents the Ram stage on Sunday playing host to electronic production wizard Sub Focus and the multi-genre DJ’ing of the amazing Jaguar Skills.
Campers get even more with an exclusive Saturday night after party with none other than garage superstar DJ EZ on the decks keeping the vibes going until 1am!
