The Cuban Brothers

Common People announce Uncommon Stage line-ups

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Continuing our mission to connect like-minded party people on common land, the Common People team are very pleased to announce the line-ups for our Uncommon Stage. Flexing his all-encompassing musical muscles Rob da Bank has joined forces with legendary, longstanding music publication Nightshift in Oxford and acclaimed venue The Joiners in Southampton, to bring you the cream of the up-and-coming music scene, featuring some of the most exciting new and underground bands, this coming May Bank Holiday at South Park and Southampton Common. 

Common People curator Rob da Bank says: “The beating heart of all our festival adventures is getting people to discover new music and uncover new bands. Our curators, Ricky from The Joiners in Southampton and Ronan from the seminal Nightshift magazine, are experts in these matters, so please be upstanding and make much noise for The Uncommon Stage.”

 

Nightshift’s Ronan Munro says: “It’s fantastic that so many local acts are getting the opportunity to play at Common People, with the opportunity to play to a whole new audience, and it’s great that we get the chance to show the variety of music that comes out of Oxfordshire – from hot jazz, reggae, hip hop and blues to doom metal, electronica, punk and even pirate pop. I’ve always tried to make musicians proud to come from Oxfordshire, and Oxfordshire be proud of its musicians and this weekend is proof that Oxfordshire is home to a wealth of music talent”.

The Joiners’ Ricky Bates says: “We at the Joiners are utterly thrilled to be directly presenting the Uncommon Stage this year with some of our favourite touring acts of old and new in one space! Plus, we have some amazing home grown local talent throughout the day covering everything from ska to metalcore to indie rock n’ roll across the weekend, it’s going to be the most righteous fun weekend, don’t stay in! See you down the front”.  

Saturday in South Park, Oxford will see the Uncommon Stage shake to the sounds of local seven-piece vintage r ‘n’ b and hot jazz outfit Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band, east Oxford’s roots-inspired Zaia, the glistening pop hooks of Neverlnd, Chipping Norton’s Esther Joy Lane, the doomladen Undersmile, and Cowley’s Cameron A.G. who recently scored a Hottest Record in the World Right Now on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. There will also be rum-soaked fun from Peerless Pirates, gothic blues pop sounds from Death of the Maiden and looped vibes from mind-blowing cellist Duotone. 

Sunday’s super-fresh action will see Oxford-based, pan-European gypsy-ska-punks The Balkan Wanderers heading up a coruscating line-up that will include local electronic types Maiians, electro rockabilly blues from Vienna Ditto, Witney’s Little Brother Eli, Oxford-based beats cooperative Inner Peace Collective, Chipping Norton sibling duo Cassels, purveyors of porch folk with attitude The August List, Cowley’s Young Women’s Music Project and the experimental, ethereal sounds of Oxford via Stockholm’s Julia Meijer.

On Southampton Common, Saturday’s dazzling new sounds will come courtesy of much admired Cambridge five-piece Lonely the Brave and experimental Brightonians Tall Ships, with sets from singer-songwriter Sean Mcgowan, stadium-ready post rockers New Desert Blues and BBC 6 Music-supported Bel Esprit, all of whom hail from Southampton. There will also be live music from the Isle of Wight’s math-pop four-piece Signals and the home turf triumvirate of Our Hollow, Our Home, Elixir and Vicki Musselwhite, with the first of our soon to be announced I Want to Play at Common People winners also making an appearance. 

Sunday will see NME-championed Palma Violets topping a bill that will include garage rockers Pretty Vicious, Portsmouth’s Kassassin Street, and a cavalcade of local heroes including Science of Eight Limbs, The Rising, Bigtopp, These Septic Stars and Cassava, with two more I Want to Play at Common People winners completing the line-up.

Showcasing the very best in ambitious new music, don’t miss discovering your new favourite band at Common People’s temple of innovative sound, The Uncommon Stage.

Bestival unveils new music for the future…

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Predicting something very special as we charge inexorably towards The Future, the Bestival crew are set to whet your appetite with a hearty helping of amazing bands and DJs that will be joining The Cure Major Lazer, Diplo, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Skepta, Wolf Alice and many more at Robin Hill this coming September.

Rob da Bank says: “I love booking Bestival. It’s proper ‘kid in a sweetshop’ time when I look at all the acts out there and try to curate a line-up that makes sense across many genres… which is how I think Bestivalites like it. It’s not just booked for you, it’s for me too, so I cannot wait for a weekend encompassing Kano, Goldie, Mura Masa, Evian Christ and Reggie and Bollie. If you fancy it too, I’ll see you on the ferry!”

Upping the grime ante, renaissance man Kano will be joining us to showcase his skills with some super-sick bars. His recent Fire in the Booth for Charlie Sloth was a total masterclass that set the standard for the young pretenders, making his appearance at Bestival truly unmissable.

We’ll also have future perfect live performances from much vaunted Seattle duo Odesza, the lush and sultry Snakehips, wunderkind producer Mura Masa, London collective WSTRN, superfly freestyler Lady Leshurr, BBC Sound of 2016 nominee Billie Marten, Brits Critics' Choice nominee Frances, soul-funk-jazz-pop fusionist Izzy Bizu. and X Factor’s real superstars Reggie & Bollie.   

Also taking to the stage will be the inimitable Los Hermanos Cubanos, The Cuban Brothers, the sublimely intimate This Is The Kit, South African folkster Jeremy Loops and our old mates the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band. 

Stepping up to the platters that matter to keep you dancing all night long expect DJ sets from beat juggling behemoth DJ Yoda, Metalheadz legend Goldie, Southampton’s finest deck destroyer James Zabiela, sonic adventurers Mount Kimbie, and Ellesmere Port’s boldest export Evian Christ. 

There will also be sets from Radio 1’s Heidi, bass marauders Oneman b2b My Nu Leng, on the fly edit merchants Melé & Monki’s NRG Flash, architect of grime and recent Bestival FM guest Artwork, and Honey Soundsystem, Applescal, Poté and Venum Sound.

And, adding a soupçon of off the wall behaviour, we will have Bestival antics from spandex-clad force of nature Mr Motivator, crack of dawn ravers Morning Gloryville, and Circus Raj.

Common People 2015 Full Review

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Bank holiday weekend in Southampton, all the cool kids are down at the beach right? Wrong. This weekend there’s a new festival on the scene brought to you by the wonderful wizards behind Bestival and Camp Bestival and it’s called Common People. Held on the beautiful Southampton Common smack bang in the middle of town, it’s easy to get to and find places to stay, family friendly and with an eclectic line-up sure to please each and every person in your squad.

Saturday sees the likes of George The Poet energising the main stage whilst the rolling thunder of The Portsmouth Batala band is going strong in the foodie area, and people are soaking up the sunshine and sipping pitchers of cocktails on the grass. Around the corner from the Uncommon stage hides the exciting kids area, featuring a tiny chair-carousel, a massive inflatable slide and a whole host of activities from crafts to stilt walking. A group of dads are also haphazardly trying to one-up each other with their hula-hooping skills.

Over on the main stage The South Sea Alternative Choir are looking decidedly mod but are banging out some classic covers from the likes of The Beatles and Blur. The VIP area is awash with sunbathing bodies on the woven canopy beds and the arena is starting to fill up for the masked Ninja DJ, Jaguar Skills. Jag’s set starts out loud and heavy, mixing in his musical influences and pop culture references, The Prodigy’s ‘Omen’ makes an appearance, as does the festival’s (already much played) namesake tune ‘Common People’ from Pulp. Black Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man’ gets a round of applause from the Dad contingent, and everyone loves a bit of Faithless ‘Insomnia’. It’s a powerful set, if a little weird to witness in the daytime, instead of a dark grimy warehouse. 

DJ Yoda is up next, a Bestival stalwart who usually has an incredible AV show, which was advertised but doesn’t seem to have materialised. Nonetheless, Yoda’s mixes are seamless and the guy just looks permanently happy. From Macklemore to The Sugar Hill Gang, Chic to the Sesame Street theme, DJ Yoda just knows how to deliver a great set.

Following Yoda comes De La Soul, who spend the first few minutes of their show joking with the crowd and calling “Can all the photographers, all the journalists down here, just put their cameras down for a second and put one hand up in the air… and get down” as well as teasing the VIP area saying “VIP? We don’t do that bullshit”. Their no-nonsense style brings out the gangsta in the crowd, and there are random gang signs being thrown up all over. 

Around 8pm appears to be dinner time in the south, as the queues stretch out in front of each food outlet, but the offerings are better than your average city festival. No dodgy burgers or disappointing noodles to be had here – it’s gourmet grilled cheese for us (brie, pear and walnut) from a little independent trader, washed down with a cocktail from the Day of the Dead Cocktail Bus.

Big Top headliners Waze & Odyssey are going off and the stripy tent is bouncing as the sun goes down. The Main stage welcomes firm festival favourite and long time Rob-da-Bank pal Norman Cook, also known as the epic Fatboy Slim. Bringing out a choir to intro ‘Eat Sleep Rave Repeat’ is a touch of genius and something completely special, even to those who have had the pleasure of seeing a Fatboy Slim show before. With his creepy white mask torn off, and signature Hawaiian shirt out and proud, Norm hypes up the packed arena with a host of hits and mixes at ear-bleeding levels, and everyone loves it. There’s something pretty exciting about seeing parents and teens raving alongside each other, covered in neon paint and totally lost in the music together. Giant inflatable balls are thrown out for ‘Right Here, Right Now’ and the crowd is going absolutely mental. Finishing up with lasers and another choral rendition of ‘Praise You’, it’s clear that Fatboy Slim has made Common People his own, and to top it off a barrage of fireworks breaks out as the sitewide exodus into town begins.

 

 

Read our Fatboy Slim review here

Sunday starts out a little cooler and there are decidedly less people in early, though judging by the state of some of last night’s revellers, that may be down to hangover recovery in nearby hotels and homes. Over on The Uncommon Stage a decent crowd has gathered for young bid-winners The Costellos who thank everyone for coming out to see them, before diving headlong into a fun and energetic set.

People are dancing on benches and drinking cocktails out of hollowed out watermelons over at the Day of The Dead bus, whilst the West End Kids put on a great main stage show. It’s a pretty clever and creative idea for the early slot at a festival actually, something that is lively and entertaining but can be sat and watched, it’s a wonder more festivals haven’t yet tried it. DJ Craig Charles wants everyone to know that his alter egos from Red Dwarf, Coronation Street, Takeshi’s Castle and Robot Wars are ‘not him’, and that he’s just a DJ who loves to play funk and soul. Despite a bit of a mishap repeating ‘Uptown Funk’ at the beginning, it’s a set that dragged the masses from their bums to the front for a good old boogie.

Following on comes the unstoppable and lewd force of The Cuban Brothers. For those who’ve never seen them before, it is a life-lesson in exactly what the watershed exists for. The cheeky chaps bounce around the stage break dancing and throwing shapes like there’s no tomorrow, with a couple of big jumps and lifts from One-Erection and Kengo-San, some head-spinning and of course an almost-nude run around the gangway by Miguel. Archerio in a lycra fringed onesie is an image which could haunt a child, but luckily his moves are memorable and there are more than a few kids worryingly trying to imitate his twerking. Miguel carries a kids-only chant for “Kenny… the bastard” before making up his own little ditty about touching husbands’ wives whilst they go to the bar… #miguelitomumtouch. Yelling “I’ve had five punnets of nose-whisky” to explain why he can’t run for Mayor of Southampton, Miguel drops into ‘Mike for President’ and the crowd is loving it.

Next up, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis are joined onstage by enough equipment to power the London Philharmonic, which they swap and change frequently. They do a good job and play some truly beautiful music, but in terms of atmosphere, it is a bit of a comedown after the wild abandon of The Cubans. Hot band of the moment, neo-punk rockers Slaves strut onstage and launch into an aural assault of drums and riffs that would be right at home with Vyvyan and Rick from The Young Ones. Gurning like bosses they get everyone amped up, but it might be a bit more of a style over substance situation. At least ‘Cheer Up London’ is an anthem for those who’ve travelled down from the city.

Stand out performance of the day goes to BBC Sound of 2015 winners Years and Years. The unassuming electro-popsters take to their first ever festival main stage and completely blow everyone away with their mix of soulful style of house beats and beautiful vocals. ‘Titus’ and ‘Eyes Shut’ have the (extremely young and female) front row screaming at the highest pitch, and when lead singer Olly really gets into it and winds down to the stage – the mood is electric. New single ‘Shine’ is a surefire hit, and their already fan-favourites ‘Real’ and ‘Kings’ are standalone incredible. 

Band of Skulls bring a rock and roll edge to the proceedings with ‘Hoochie Coochie’ and tell the crowd “We’re so proud to be here for the first Common People, thanks to Rob for inviting us, we hope this goes on for a very long time”. ‘Sweet Sour’ is raw and brilliant, but ‘The Devil Takes Care of His Own’ is the standout song of their set.

Up next Clean Bandit clearly have a following as a slight delay sees people chanting for them to come on, and ‘Come Over’ gets a warm welcome as we say goodbye to the last snippet of sun-sun-sun-sunshine for today. Jess Glynne collaboration ‘Rather Be’ is the final song of an amazing set, and seems like a perfect sentiment for a Sunday afternoon of revelry, especially considering it’s a bank holiday tomorrow. 

As a black curtain is raised over the main stage, it’s time for the final act of the first ever Common People. The ever bonkers Grace Jones is a breath of fabulousness that comes from years of not giving a single eff what anyone thinks of her. Striding on in an ensemble that can only be attributed to the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes, and high heels, Jones proves that she is the ultimate performer, gadding about the two layer stage and winding with an extremely buff male pole dancer. Hits ‘La Vie En Rose’ and ‘Pull up to the Bumper’ go down well, but it’s her combination of ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ and her mad hula-hooping skills that set the night alight. Grace Jones has been there, done it, got the tshirt and discarded it for a thong. As the fireworks explode over the Common, it’s clear that Rob-da-Bank and crew are onto another winner. With Bestival, Camp Bestival and Bestival Toronto all still to come this year, Southampton has had the first tasty smackerel of this summers’ winning formula, and it is spectacular.

Read our review of Grace Jones here

 

 

The Horrors and more added to Standon Calling 2015 lineup

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Today the festival invites even more names to the party including pioneering shoegazers The Horrors. With four acclaimed albums under their belts, the UK band are set to take festival-goers on a journey into blissful psychedelia with their unique sound when they take to the main stage this August. 

In keeping with the birthday celebrations, Will & The People will no doubt have Standon Calling revellers in the party spirit with their raucous mix of reggae, ska and rock. The self-funded Brighton four-piece have become somewhat of a phenomena after selling out headline tours in Europe, playing four continents and releasing three albums. Renowned for their high energy live shows, The Cuban Brothersjoin in on the celebrations over the weekend for plenty of musical numbers, breakdancing and tongue in cheek hilarity.

This year Standon Calling's own famous nightclub, The Cowshed, will be taken over each night by a different host for three very different parties. Outrageous polysexual club crew Sink The Pink invite all to lose their inhibitions with their brand new dirty disco party Savage, Bondax bring the sounds of the summer with woozy R&B-tinged house and Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge haul their massive record collections into The Cowshed to present the legendary jazz, funk and dance sounds of the original Dingwalls Sunday Sessions, established in 1987.

Perched on the lawn next to the festival's own swimming pool is The Last Dance Saloon, where BBC Introducing are set to champion new music with upcoming local acts, while independent record labelsLoose Music and Bella Union will be showcasing their own talent across the weekend. Acts for The Last Dance Saloon to be announced very soon.

Other highlights from today's additions include one of Q Magazine's “ten DJs to see before you die” DJ Yoda, Swedish/Gambian songstress Seinabo Sey and Scottish synth poppers Prides, who closed last year's Commonwealth Games.

Alongside the music, Standon Calling has revealed a myriad of activities and entertainment on offer across the site in keeping with its new theme 'A Town of Two Faces'. Inspired by the Wild West with a twist, one can brave a visit to Dr. Leech’s Wellness Center & Funeral Parlour to take A Beginners Class in Taxidermy and learn how to survive a standoff with a rattlesnake, get up close and personal with animals from the West at Wild Wyatt's Traveling Menagerie, or try their hand at Death Drawing with Art Macabre. Festival-goers can gather in The Town Square and get their dancing shoes on at The Dance Off’s Hillbilly Hoedown or take centre stage with the ever-popular Rockaoke. At The Church Fate join Legs Akimbo who will be delivering the kind of service you won't want to miss. Plus, fresh from their smash-hit V&A show, boundary-pushing art collective The Treatment Rooms return to Standon to offer revellers the chance to mosaic their own tombstone and take The Ride of Your Life in the Voodoo Taxi Wagon. The wonderful Salon London will also return to The Last Dance Saloon to host a selection of inspiring and surprising interactive talks and classes on the subject of Dark Matters and Bright Ideas.

Huge lineup announced for The Big Feastival 2015

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On the music bill, The Big Feastival welcomes Groove Armada (DJ Set), to headline the main stage on Friday 28. Fresh from winning Best British Female at the BRIT Awards last week, iconic songstress Paloma Faith will bring the weekend to a close on Sunday 30 August.  With the Saturday Special Guest Headliners still to be revealed, this year’s festival is set to be the best yet.

Also on the bill and making her debut at The Big Feastival this year is popstar Ella Eyre, the voice of massive hit singles “Waiting All Night” and “Gravity”. Legendary hip-hop star and DJ, Grandmaster Flash will also make his first Feastival appearance alongside festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, much-loved DJ Norman Jay MBE and beat boxers Duke, all announced to perform across the weekend.

Groove Armada said: "The second most important thing for us when we're planning a gig, with the first being music, is where we're gonna have dinner. So on that basis this show is properly gonna go off, gourmet Groove armada style."

Saturday’s headline performance, the full line-up of music acts, satellite stages and brand new music workshops will be revealed soon.

Known for bringing sensational culinary talent to the stage, The Big Feastival has announced the initial programme of chefs set to join Jamie Oliver this year. Two Star Michelin masters Raymond Blanc, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Nathan Outlaw will all grace The AEG Big Kitchen, alongside critically acclaimed rising star James Lowe and the inspirational Monica Galetti.  The irrepressibleGennaro Contaldo makes a welcome return as everyone’s favourite Great British Bake-Off finalist Richard Burr gets set to make his debut.   

Brand new to The Big Feastival for 2015 is the Healthy Living Zone, dedicated to the art of healthy eating and wellbeing. Health food pioneers Deliciously Ella, Livia’s Kitchen (Olivia Wallenberg), Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley will head up a specially curated programme of events. Festival-goers will be invited to recharge their batteries with fresh festival fare from the Health Hub, serving everything from freshly pressed juices to sushi.  The Kitchen Counter will feature talks and tutorials while The Action Station will re-energise even the sleepiest of heads.

To feed the foodies, the ever-popular Street Food Alley returns to the festival with the best of British street food.  Visitors are invited to sip, sample and shopThe Producers Markets, cook up a storm in The AEG Cooking Club and get behind the grill with the all new Weber Grill Academy On Tour.   We are delighted to have the Birra Moretti Experience providing that ever needed drop of refreshment, and with pop up dining experiences still to be announced, there will be something on the menu for everyone.

The Big Feastival boasts an enviable line-up of children’s entertainment across the weekend including Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Little Dudes’ Den, The Big Top, The Village Green Games and the iconic Vintage Fairground.  The full programme of fun and games and this year’s Very Special Guests will be announced soon!   

Jamie Oliver – 

"I can't quite believe we're headed for our fourth year at Alex James' farm – Feastival just keeps getting better every year. It's already got an incredible line up for music fans and foodies, and I know that we'll only add to it over the next few weeks. As usual, I can't wait!"

Alex James – 

I’m excited to have everyone back to the farm. Three days of great music and delicious food, plus plenty of fun for the kids, it’s the perfect bank holiday weekend. And this year is set to be the best yet.”

Fatboy Slim and Clean Bandit lead lineup for new festival Common People

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A man that can effortlessly start a party and get it bouncing before he’s even dropped the second tune, Fatboy Slim is the master, a true king amongst men, and one of our favourite DJs ever. From the likes of Everybody Needs a 303 and Gangster Trippin’ to recent top ten smash Eat Sleep Rave Repeat, Norman Cook has soundtracked some of the greatest moments of our lives, we’re massively proud to have him onboard for the launch of our brand new show, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Southampton Common on Saturday 23rd May as Common People’s first ever headliner!

Commenting on his headline slot, and quoting a classic tune in an exclusive video just for us,Fatboy Slim said: “Living in the love of the common people, smiles from the heart of a family man. Momma’s gonna buy you a dream to cling to, Fatboy’s gonna love you just as much as he can. And he can. Join me on Southampton Common with the Bestival family, 23rd May.”

Warming the cockles for the big event on the Isle of Wight this September, Common People will also have live sets on Saturday 23rd May from daisy age hip-hop legends De La Soul, sick beatmeister Jaguar Skills, and Sound of 2015 hot tip George the Poet, plus Plastic Mermaids, our Battle of the Bands winner, Funky Little Choir, and Lycra-clad enigma Mr Motivator.

Sunday 24th May capers will feature a very special guest indeed who will be announced very soon, plus live action from pop behemoth Clean Bandit, who will be showcasing their inimitable brand of classical riffs with a healthy dose of baroque pop nous for all the Common People. With their chart topping smash Rather Be racking up over a million sales, making it the third biggest selling tune of 2014, and their debut album New Eyes reaching the top three, Clean Bandit are a proper big deal and we couldn’t be happier that they’re joining us.

We’ll also have hometown riffers Band of Skulls, who said of their Common People appearance “We are extremely happy and proud to be playing Common People festival. We grew up here in Southampton and the common has played a big part in our lives. Hometown shows are always great, this will be extra special. See you in May”.

And there will be even more Sunday joy with authentic rock n rollers Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, incendiary two-piece Slaves, cut & paste master DJ Yoda, funky breakdance geniuses The Cuban Brothers, 6 Music funk aficionado Craig Charles and West End Kids.

Bestival’s creative team will be flexing visionary moves, taking the spirit of Bestival to the heart of Southampton, transforming the common into a world of wonder. Amongst the hysteria you will find plenty of mind-boggling Common People antics including the woven magic of Yarn Bombing, legendary Mr Motivator Workouts, and psychedelic 19th century salon, The People's Front Room.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to have a small libation with an array of stunning bars, including the vintage vibes of the Day of the Dead Margarita Lounge Bar featuring cabaret, rock n roll, alternative, world and gypsy music, fantastically exotic concoctions from Josie da Bank’s super chic Jam Jar Bar and lavish behaviour at the VIP Hospitality Bar. A huge selection of delicious treats from cocktails and craft beers to lip-smacking afternoon teas and a tantalising selection of the finest Streetfood vendors around will delight the most adventurous of souls and keep you all coming back for more.

A whole host of fantastical fun, daytime diversions, amusements and good times will entertain one and all including, Bigtopmania Circus, Lost & Found, Tree House Theatre, Big Foot the Clown Show, The Fez Heads, Big Bears Big Balloon Disco, Big Bubble Bash, Trapeze lessons, Circus Skills, Crazy Inflatable bundle madness, Face Painting, Toddlers Play Area, Craft tents, Welly Wanging, Morris Dancing, Hoedowns, and Brass Bands.

Much like at sister festivals Bestival and Camp Bestival, The Big Top at Common People will play host to some of the most exciting underground electronic music the world has to offer. Saturday will see Junk at the controls with sets from Dusky, Huxley, Dense & Pika, Leon Vynehall, Luca Pilato and Jordan McKinlay. Switch takes over on Sunday with Chicago house legend Derrick Carter taking pride of place, with sets from Rob da Bank, Friend Within, Toyboy & Robin, and Muddywellies. We’ll also have Southampton’s illustriousJoiners adding to the mix in our new bands tent, and plenty more to boot.

Festibelly 2014 Review

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The New Forest was brought to life by Festibelly. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of the South, the breath taking scenery dotted with wildlife makes for a pleasant journey to Lymington. Taking place from the 11th to the 12th of July, this small-scale festival really does cater for all.

On arrival, the short queuing time and onsite camping made for a quick and easy start to the weekend. Once the tent was pitched, I explored the array of stalls. Festibelly offers something for everyone, with children’s entertainment including games and crafts. While the kids were occupied, adults could enjoy the music only a few meters away. However, this festival isn’t just for families, it caters for all ages.

The vibe was chilled on Friday, with musical highlights from Laurel, Amber Run and Lewis Floyd Henry. The atmosphere picked up as Skinny Lister took to the stage, with upbeat sing along songs that got the whole crowd involved. The Cuban Brothers headlined Friday night and had the whole crowd captivated with their dancing and humor. I didn’t know what to expect when watching them, but they defiantly entertained!

Saturday welcomed in more festival goers, with the crowds drawing in to watch Jus Now and DJ David Rodigan. Entertainment was also on offer at the Massive In China and Terrapin Station tents through out the day, with a variety of comedy, music and dance workshops to participate in. Although slightly limited in choice, the food on offer was delicious with produce being sourced or grown locally. Delicious Orange Rooms cocktails were also available to buy from their teepee.

 

The main stage showcased FEMME and Mausi, who brought the pop vibes to the festival with dance beats blasting out in the sun. Hudson Taylor was the perfect end to such a family friendly festival in a beautiful location. I’d highly recommended this festival to anyone!

Photos by Mickey Cole

Cuban Brothers to headline Friday at Festibelly 2014

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Topping the bill on Friday are The Cuban Brothers. Born of the loins of seventies Havana, nurtured on a diet of soulful, sexy tunes and inspired by Cuban historical fact and mythology their fresh approach to live entertainment whips up a frenzy at every gig. Their legendary performance combines music, riotous comedy, and sensational dancing.

Reggae DJ icon David Rodigan is joined on the dub themed Saturday afternoon by Bristol collective Jus Now and ‘Belly favourites Reggae Roast.
 
The weekend will see performances by the hotly tipped Femme and Mighty Oaks and welcomes back raucous folk troubadours Skinny Lister, electronic-soul trio Dems and beatbox champion Reeps One. Other names to watch out for include Amber Run,Mausi, Wild Smiles, Ginger & The Ghost, Laurel, The Death Of Pop and Lexy & The Kill. The crème de la crème of untapped south coast talent, who featured over Festibelly’s series of ‘Local’ shows during April and May, include The Plastic Dots,The Golden Age, Luke Ferre, Damn Beats and Princess Slayer.
 
Closing the festival main stage on Saturday night, Hudson Taylor follow in the steps of Festibelly’s previous breakthrough acts including Bastille, Willie Moon, Ghostpoet, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs to name but a few. This promises to be one of the last chances to catch this band in an intimate festival setting.
 
Following the main stage both nights, the Silent Disco will see Kengo (The Cuban Brothers), Late Night Tales DJs, Cat Lovers DJs and winners of Amazing Radio’sDJ competition playing ‘til early morning.
 
Now in its sixth year, Festibelly has established itself as one of the UK’s most charming, intimate and grassroots festivals. A handful of lovingly crafted venues will play host to new and emerging musical talent alongside a kaleidoscope of theatre, comedy, fine food and interactive nonsense galore.
 
2014 sees the addition of a brand new bar stocked with fine festival tipples, from craft ales to decadent cocktails. A new dining experience will be offered for those wanting to get off their feet and indulge in an extravagant three course feast, prepared and hosted by some of our favourite New Forest foodie institutions, alongside culinary masterclasses and belly-rumbling bake offs. The Owlery, a space dedicated to wee Festi-critters, returns bigger and better in 2014 ensuring the future festi-goers are well looked after throughout the weekend.
 
On top of the festival’s two days and nights, Sunday morning will see the festival spring back to life for a final few hours before the journey home. A welcome distraction from that sore head will come in the form of a Great British Brunch, a New Forest farmers market, kids fancy dress finale, and most importantly the chance to put your feet up with a paper.
 
“One of the summer’s more intimate festivals and also one of the more luxurious” The Guardian
"The vibe is cheery, chilled and you should rarely lose your mates/tent/marbles – unless you want to” Clash
“Chilled day, party night time – another wonderful weekend” The Independent
“Fantastic fun in the forest” Time Out
“Wondrously eclectic; but all curated with a certain youthful coolness” Breaking More Waves

Bastille and Chase & Status to headline Boardmasters 2014

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Bastille and Chase & Status have been confirmed to headline Boardmasters 2014, the UK’s biggest surf and music festival, which will take place on the stunning Cornish coastline from Wednesday 6 August to Sunday 10 August. Ben Pearce, Dan Croll, Palma Violets, Bipolar Sunshine, George Ezra + plus many more have also been confirmed to play across the weekend at the Watergate Bay site, with a whole host of acts still to be announced including the third headliner.

Bastille

Andrew Topham, Festival Director, says: “We are delighted to announce these first acts, making it Boardmasters biggest music line up to date and still more to come!”

This year’s 4 times BRIT Award nominated band Bastille quickly become one of the biggest bands in the UK since they broke onto the music scene last year with their debut album ‘Bad Blood’. To date the album has clocked up over a quarter of a million sales in the UK alone, becoming the biggest selling debut album of the year so far and still remains in the UK top 10. The band’s single ‘Pompeii’ has become one of the stand out tracks of the year with over half a million sales to date. 

Electro duo Chase & Status released their Gold selling debut album ‘More Than A Lot’ in 2008. Since then they have gone on to collaborate with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, White Lies, Cee-Lo Green and Plan B. Their most recent album ‘Brand New Machine’ stormed the UK charts reaching the no.2 spot in October 2013. Renowned for their electrifying live shows the Drum & Bass maestros are sure to give an explosive performance. 

Also confirmed to play across the weekend at Watergate Bay are Ben Pearce, Palma Violets, Reel Big Fish, George Ezra, Dan Croll, Bipolar Sunshine, The Cuban Brothers, Raleigh Ritchie, Coves, Kidnap Kid, My Nu Leng, Tcts, Billon, Big Deal, Lyger, Emily & The Woods, Dj EZ, Roska, Toyboy & Robin, Monki, The Golden Boy, Eton Messy Presents: Friend Within, Blonde, Isaac Tichauer, Bodhi and Eton Messy Dj Set.

Established in 1981, Boardmasters is a 5-day event situated in two legendary locations in Cornwall. Boardmasters opens on Wednesday 6 August at Fistral Beach, the UK’s surfing mecca and will host the festival’s surf, BMX and skate competitions in addition to the ‘Beach Sessions’ gigs. The festival continues down at Watergate Bay, arguably the most picturesque festival site in the UK with beautiful, uninterrupted views of the ocean for a weekend of explosive live music. The festival has grown year on year with 2013 seeing over 150,000 visitors. 

For 2014, Boardmasters continues its residence at renowned surf hot spot, Fistral Beach, hosting five-days of thrilling surfing. From Wednesday 6 August to Sunday 10 August a record number of fans, friends and family is expected to watch the competition unfold. Surf categories will include Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Longboard, Pro Junior, Under 16’s and the Air Show. The festival is embracing even more home grown talent than ever before. 2014 is already looking likely to be a record year.