Heading to Kendal Calling for the second time, I pack my bags with excitement and made my way to the beautiful Lake District to attend one of the best smaller festivals the UK has to offer. There really is something special about the place, the stunning views, forests and ancient woodlands surround you with a warm atmosphere filled with revelers that keep the spirits of the festival alive.
For those that gained early entry into the festival, Thursday night took us back to the 80’s with a raucous start from the Happy Mondays, by leading straight into Hallelujah. Whilst the band may be more famous for their laddish charm and stage antics, Bez owned the stage by shaking his maracas and danced in his unique way that kept the audience chanting for more, a perfect act to hype up a crowd that waited for Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand. Proving why they keep going from strength to strength, these guys filled the site with an electric crowd that sang along to all the hits including Do You Want To, Take Me Out and No You Girls.
Friday marked the beginning of the festivals first full day, with the likes of Kate Nash, DMA’s, Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and headliners Stereophonics on the bill. Kate Nash entertained in her colourful one piece, standing side by side with her female twin bassist and guitarist, conveniently dressed in their matching Kate Nash T-Shirts.
Making their debut at Kendal were Australian band DMA’s. Taking us back to the 90’s with an indie influence and the attitude of Liam Gallagher, lead singer Tommy remained static and lack luster, yet still managed to command the crowd. Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and the Stereophonics all took to the main stage on Friday night, however a bland and aged Stereophonics were unimpressive, and like many others, I headed off after the first song and made my way straight to the Calling Out stage to support South Londoner Hip Hop artist Loyle Carner. There’s no surprises this guy has been nominated for a Mercury Prize, charismatic and humble, and not afraid to shout out his love for his mum, this 22 year old will have no problem gaining a huge fan base. Carner proved why he is destined to be one of the UK’s biggest Hip Hop artists and the crowd sealed their support by singing a long to favourites Ain’t Nothing Changed and NO CD.
Saturday provided an electic line up, with a great selection of up and coming bands playing the Calling Out stage including crowd favourites Honeyblood, Field Music and Shame, whilstthe mainstage lineuptook us down memory lanewith rockers Reverend and the Makers, Feeder, Editors, Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds and Manic Street Preachers all showing us why they reserve a slot on the main stage.
For the Beach Boys fans out there, Brian Wilson delivered classic after classic hits including California Girls, Surfin’ USA and Good Vibrations. At 75 years old and fragile looking, Brian proved why his legacy of work will never be forgotten. Both Editors and Manic Street Preachers ignited the crowds with an equally energetic performance from both sides, with Manics kicking off their set with Motorcycle Emptiness and Editors front man Tom Smith baring a resemblance for Michael Stipe with his opener to Cold.
Drawing to a close with a spectacular fireworks display as Tinie Tempah closed the main stage, Sunday night proved to be a success. Lethal Bizzle pumped up the crowd with an equally impressive mosh pit to match. The fans continued to show their support by lighting up flares and smoke bombs for non conforming Slaves, who electrified the crowd. Seasick Steve returned to the festivalfor a captivatingperformanceand Frank Turner& The Sleeping Souls performed an impressive 19 song set list. With a muddy 25,000 revellers enjoying the vast array of music, arts, markets and cinema, Kendal Calling has something for everyone. Main stage aside, Kendal Calling has so much more to offer, compact in size you can get lost in the woodlands or head to Chai Wallah to listen to some cutting edge music. Whatever your preference, Kendal Calling is a must go to festival for all.
Over our fourteen-year history, our huge main stage has set the tone for what we try to create across the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Whether it’s stadium headliners or future stars, we always put forth exciting and breath-taking talent that sets the standard across the whole festival! The summer of 2017 will see us take things to the next level as we present the most accomplished main stage line up we have ever assembled!
Returning to once again host the SW4 Saturday main stage for the second consecutive year will be none other than TOGETHER. The club night, responsible for ground breaking residencies at clubbing temples Amnesia Ibiza and Ministry of Sound, leads the way when it comes to combining the very best in bass and house acts and after last summer’s main stage mayhem we couldn’t think of a better collective to host proceedings again this year!
With all this exciting news dropping, all we can say is…TAKE. ME. TO. SW4.
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FULL LINE UP FOR TOGETHER MAIN STAGE ANNOUNCED
PENDULUM LIVE TINIE TEMPAH SIGMA LIVE WILKINSON LIVE DUKE DUMONT MISTAJAM JAX JONES LOW STEPPA VS SONNY FODERA TOM ZANETTI & KO.KANE NAATIONS LIVE + VERY SPECIAL GUEST: MARSHMELLO
FULL LINE UP FOR THE TOGETHER MAIN STAGE
PENDULUM (LIVE)
A jaw dropping live act, with an unparalleled reputation to destroy the world’s greatest festivals and stadiums on the big occasion, SW4 is proud to present the return of Pendulum to the capital for one night only, in their first performance in London in over half a decade. Scheduled to close our mammoth main stage on Saturday 26th August, this is no doubt the bands biggest London show to date – supported by colossal production and mind-blowing visuals conceived for a heart thumping end to Day One.
AN EXCLUSIVE LONDON SUMMER PERFORMANCE: TINIE TEMPAH
In the space of seven years, Tinie Tempah has become a global phenomenon and one of the most recognizable voices in music. Known for his seven number one hits, nine major awards and an accolade of sold out world tours, there is no doubt that Tinie is considered one of the most popular and dominant artists on the planet. Whether it be selling out London’s 02 Arena or stadium’s in Rio, the appetite for this star is truly insatiable. Come August Bank Holiday Saturday, Tinie will step on stage and showcase tracks from his brand new album ‘Youth’, which is tipped by many to be one of the albums of the year, as well as all the hits with which he has made his name. Hailing from South London, it’s only fitting for this sensation to return to his roots and take centre stage and put on a performance that will rank as one of the highlights of his hugely successful career!
DEBUT LONDON FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE & VERY SPECIAL GUEST: MARSHMELLO
A thunderous London debut in February saw Marshmello sell out the legendary Ministry of Sound in record time and is now back in the capital for his biggest ever show. No artist has ever exploded onto the electronic music scene in such a short space of time like this American phenomenon has. The past year has seen Marshmello amass an unstoppable army of fans, bulldozing through arena tours in the U.S and bookings at the most prestigious and high-profile events across Europe. His performance on SW4 Saturday will be his first EVER London festival performance and with the American seldom stepping foot in this country, it’s an ultra-rare opportunity for the Mello gang to see their man in action! Set to perform before our headliners Pendulum, he is sure to put on a display that will keep chins wagging for years to come!
SIGMA (LIVE)
From their humble beginnings performing in back rooms to headlining festivals and playing at the most respected venues worldwide, Sigma have truly reached the top of their game. The last couple of years have witnessed the duo produce back-to-back number one singles, pick up a BRIT award and embark on a sellout UK tour. With millions of fans globally waiting for their next hit single, the pair have the world in the palm of their hands. We cannot wait to welcome one of the most dominant and prolific acts in dance music right now to play a full live show at our fourteenth installment of SW4.
WILKINSON (LIVE)
After blasting to fame in 2012 with sensational track ‘Afterglow’, this home grown talent has crafted releases now considered amongst the best of contemporary dance music. His exhilarating LIVE shows have seen Wilkinson wow festivals from UK to the USA. Plus with the hype for new album ‘Hypnotic’ beginning to swell and a UK Tour selling out weeks in advance (including a sold out show at Camden’s esteemed venue ‘The Roundhouse’), we can’t wait for Wilkinson to kill it at SW4!
DUKE DUMONT
As one of the most exciting and prolific artists of the last decade, British-Born, American based DJ Duke Dumont has been responsible for some of the most popular house tracks in recent times. His energy and unique productions such as ‘I Got You’ and ‘Need You’ have made Duke stand out in a fiercely competitive scene and he continues to deliver year after year. Stand out appearances at the world famous Amnesia in Ibiza and a sell out American tour means this man is one of the most in demand DJs on the planet.
MISTAJAM
Tastemaker, DJ, broadcaster and producer are amongst the qualities MistaJam is known for. Jam has become THE voice of breaking brand new music and artists in the last decade and things are certainly continuing in that fashion. The London-man has become a household name and has been responsible for pushing all genres of music in this country from grime to house to hip hop via his outstanding BBC Radio 1 show. We cannot wait to welcome the SW4 regular back to the Common so he can do what he does best; rock the crowd!
JAX JONES
Jax Jones’ warp-speed surge to prominence came about in 2014 when he co-wrote and co-produced the multi-platinum award winning worldwide hit titled ’I Got You’ with Duke Dumont. Fast-forward three years and Jax has released his most successful track to date with ‘You Don’t Know Me’, having already sold 1.5 million copies and reaching platinum status in various countries! Easily one of 2017’s most popular artists, he is set to embark on a sold out UK tour including a show at one of the capital’s leading venues, XOYO! We can’t wait for him to make his main stage debut on Bank Holiday Saturday
LOW STEPPA VS SONNY FODERA
Australian Sonny Fodera’s distinguishable groovy house sound makes him stand out from the rest. A stellar year has seen him embark on a thirty-date tour spanning the UK, United States and Australia with the demand for the young producer not letting up. The same can be said about Low Steppa, the prolific UK producer has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months with notable performances at the world famous Amnesia and Ministry of Sound. Both of these exciting acts will be making their SW4 debut as they come together for a highly anticipated back-to-back performance!
TOM ZANETTI & KO.KANE
The heat around Tom Zanetti & KO. Kane has been hard to ignore and their special guest appearance at London’s Ministry of Sound in January confirmed the hype. Blessed with undeniable energy and the gift of the gab, this duo has terrorized clubs up and down the U.K in blistering fashion. Recently signing their Sleepin’ is Cheatin’ album to the illustrious Ministry of Sound label, there is only one way for this act, and that is to the top! Don’t miss out their SW4 debut as they get set to put on a show stopping performance!
NAATIONS (LIVE)
Tipped as one of the most exciting live acts to come out of dance music and recently coming off the back of supporting Galantis at Brixton Academy, Naations are starting to turn some heads. With their following ever-growing, we are looking forward to showcasing this exciting new act as they make their debut at South West Four!
With the 2016 edition of Kendal Calling another complete sell-out and having once again won Best Medium Festival at the UK Festival Awards, the first acts have been announced for the fan favourite festival. Headlining this year are Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, Franz Ferdinand, Brian Wilson and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.
With a career spanning three decades, multiple number one albums and having headlined the biggest festivals in the country, Stereophonics are undoubtedly one of the UK’s biggest and most enduring rock acts. They’ll be making their Kendal Calling debut this summer for one of their trademark, anthemic headline sets full of sing-along moments.
Richard Jones from Stereophonics comments:
“We’ve been fortunate to headline and play at some amazing festivals over the years and it’s an honour to play at Kendal Calling this summer a first for us in the Lake District. See you there!”
Formed in 1986, Manic Street Preachers have spent the last 30 years making some of the most vital and politically charged, yet no less anthemic, music to ever come out of the UK. The revolutionary spirit of the band has garnered them a legion of fans the world over and with songs like ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ and ‘A Design For Life’ in their arsenal it’s no wonder. Their headline set in the fields is not to be missed.
Commenting on their appearance, Manic Street Preachers say:
"We are genuinely thrilled to be headlining Kendal Calling, a festival we have always wanted to play in a truly inspiring setting.”
Topping the main stage for those heading to the festival on the Thursday are Scottish indie legends Franz Ferdinand. From breakthrough ‘Take Me Out’ through to their most recent release as FFS with fellow oddball heroes Sparks, the band have remained one of the most innovative guitar bands of a generation. They’ll be providing what is sure to be a hit laden set at Kendal Calling 2017.
The word legend is thrown around far too easily but when you’re the man responsible for all time classic songs like ‘God Only Knows’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ its more than justified. Due to phenomenal public demand in the UK, Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson returns one last time to present ‘Pet Sounds’ in its entirety plus his greatest hits with Special Guests Al Jardin and Blondie Chaplin.
No stranger to the fields having played a rip roaring headlining set at the festival in 2014, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls will be returning to co-headline in 2017. Forever on the road all across the world and a prolific songwriter, his relatable, impassioned music has garnered him legions of fans in the UK and beyond. Kendal Calling is proud to have him back this year.
With multiple Brit Awards, arena tours and festival headline slots under his belt as well as having more UK number ones than any other rapper on the planet, Tinie Tempah is surely one of the country’s brightest talents. With undisputed bangers like ‘Frisky’ and ‘Pass Out’ in his arsenal, he is more than qualified to top the bill at this year’s Kendal Calling.
Joining the headliners are troubadour Jake Bugg, Scottish soul-bearers Frightened Rabbit, true original Seasick Steve, British indie heroes Editors, punk rockers Slaves, indie melody-weavers Circa Waves, anthemic alt-rockers Nothing But Thieves, grime don Lethal Bizzle, riot grrrl Kate Nash, rising stars The Hunna, man of the moment Loyle Carner and veteran Merseyside psych rockers The Coral.
Frightened Rabbit comment on their return:
“We are really pleased to be returning to Kendal Calling this year. Last time was easily the muddiest yet one of the best festivals we've had the privilege of playing”
Elsewhere Field Music, Fickle Friends, Honeyblood, Palace, Little Comets, Blaenavon, Shame, The Pale White, Eat Fast, Bad Sounds, Soshe, Reverend And The Makers, Freak, Man & The Echo, Bossy Love, White, The Shimmer Band, Fews, Ardyn, Dead! and Kendal favourites The Lancashire Hot Pots are set for the fields.
Once again the dance-orientated Glow Stage will be hosting a huge lineup for those wishing to party through the weekend. Chart topping UK rapper Example returns to the festival to headline the stage alongside house DJ Tom Zanetti, Butterz members Royal-T, DJ Q and Flava D together as TQD, bass duo My Nu Leng, Mike Skinner and DJ sets from London soul collective Jungle and British electronica masters Faithless. Gotsome, Holy Goof, Barely Legal, Mollie Collins, Star.One and Swindle also join the party with more names still to come.
The eclectic festival lineup will also be bolstered by Mercury Prize nominees The Comet Is Coming, Smash Hi-Fi, Broken Brass Ensemble, K.O.G. & The Zongo Brigade, Holly Holdener, Yumi & The Weather, Honeyfeet, Harleighblu, Sola Rosa, Lost Colours and Ezra Collective.
Additionally, mariachi Morrissey covers band Mexrissey, London African Gospel Choir performing Graceland and Beatlemania: Celebrating 50 Years Of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band make this year’s lineup one of the most varied and exciting that the festival has ever hosted.
Kendal Calling founder Andy Smith comments:
“Drastic times call for drastic measures and to that end we’ve gone the whole nine yards! We're excited to be welcoming no less than 6 headliners to the fields this year, including Brian Wilson’s last appearance on these shores as he performs Pet Sounds in full. See you in the fields!”
Set in the incredible setting of the Lake District’s Lowther Deer Park, this innovative, fan-focused, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and visitors will also enjoy 4 days of arts installations, comedy, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is surely the most beautiful festival site in the UK.
Having once again won ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the UK Festival Awards, Kendal Calling has firmly established itself as one of the undisputed highlights of the increasingly busy summer calendar. Tickets always sell out for the festival well in advance and with 60% sold for this year before a single act was announced, fans are urged to get their tickets now to avoid disappointment. See you in the fields!
Full Lineup To Date:
Stereophonics
Manic Street Preachers
Franz Ferdinand
Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Tinie Tempah
Editors
Jake Bugg
Seasick Steve
Slaves
Circa Waves
Example
Nothing But Thieves
Lethal Bizzle
Frightened Rabbit
The Coral
Loyle Carner
The Hunna
Kate Nash
Palace
Little Comets
Fickle Friends
Honeyblood
Reverend And The Makers
Shame
Pale White
The Lancashire Hotpots
Blaenavon
Man & The Echo
Eat Fast
Soshe
White
Bossy Love
The Shimmer Band
FREAK
Bad Sounds
Ardyn
Fews
Jungle (DJ)
TQD
Tom Zanetti
My Nu Leng
Mike Skinner
Gotsome
Holy Goof
Barely Legal
Mollie Collins
Star.One
Swindle
The Comet is Coming
Smash Hi-Fi
Broken Brass Ensemble
K.O.G & The Zongo Bride
Holly Holdener
Yumi & The Weather
HoneyFeet
HarleighBlu
Sola Rosa
Ezra Collective
Lost Colours
Mexrissey
London African Gospel Choir sings Graceland
Beatlemania celebrating 50 years of SGT Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
T IN THE PARK kicked off on the Friday with an absolute belter. The sun was shining, The Stone Roses were headlining and un characteristically there wasn’t a mud puddle in sight – of course that didn’t last. Of course it wouldn’t be T without its trademark mud and after dodging it on the Friday the patchy rain hit hard throughout the next couple of days – festival goers brushed it off as nothing and cracked on. Situated at Strathallan Castle close to Perth, it was the festivals second attempt in its new location and 26th year overall. The festival bill was a strong one, a splutter of genres merging together throughout the three days. Blending together the new, the old and the loved by all, every age group was covered with a stella line up.
With other headlining performances coming from Calvin Harris & Red Hot Chilli Peppers plus support acts including Major Lazer, LCD SoundSystem, Disclosure, Chase & Status, The 1975 and more, it was bound to be a good weekend of music.
The Stone Roses hit the main stage on the Friday. The bands merch floated around the festival site like nothing else and as the day progressed it began to get difficult to be difficult to spot anyone NOT in a signature bowl hat. The bands ‘second coming’ was surely seen as the whole weekends highlight. Performances by the Manchester group aren’t quite as sparse as they have been in the past with their reform back in 2011, but its impossible to ignore the effect the bands presence has on its crowds. The Stone Roses were bred for the festival set up – it is surely the definitive way to see the cult band. The band played a full set of tracks from their self titled debut album, favourites from the much under-rated second album ‘Second coming’ alongside a few new tracks including the new single ‘All for one’. The crowd followed every word of every song sung by Ian Brown, tambourine in hand, who finished the act by waving on the Scottish flag to applaud a fan base at T that he has become very accustomed to.
Disclosure opened up for The Stone Roses – a difficult transition however they easily held their own and as soon as the opening track ‘White noise’ was belted out, they had the audience in the palm of their hands. Disclosure are always capable of surprising people wherever they sit on the bill and if this set was anything to go by their headline act at Reading/Leeds festival could prove to be something huge.
Elsewhere on Friday, festival favourite whereever she goes, Annie Mac packed out the Radio 1 Dance stage with a typical fun and bouncing set. In contrast Rodrigo y Gabriela performed at the same time in the King Tuts Tent with a smaller crowd who enjoyed the spanish infused heavy guitar riff style of music they are most famous for.
Huge crowds swamped over to the main stage to watch Calvin Harris headline the Saturday. Quite the regular at T, Calvin is just behind Biffy Clyro for most appearances at the Scottish festival. Quite the transformation from the geeky looking artist of 2007 to the huge international DJ and producer that he is today. Its been a undeniably huge rise from the Scot who is now considered to be the face of modern dance music. He played a typically impressive set, reminding everyone just how many huge tracks he has notched up under his belt. Track after track of number one hits alongside new song Hype which included an appearance of fan favourite Dizzee Rascal.
Saturday's lineup also showcases Bastille, Jess Glynne, Tinie Tempah, Kaiser Chiefs and more. With health issues in the past year, Jess Glynne is one that I was very much looking forward to seeing. Her amazing soulful and powerful voice fills the main stage with hits like 'Dont Be So Hard on Yourself', 'Not Letting Go' & 'Right Here'. She sounds just as good live as she does on the radio, its a great performance to head into the evening. Prior to Jess Glynne, Tinie Tempah fresh off his new album knows how to get a crowd going. His music is perfect for the festival atmosphere and having seen him numerous times before, I know exactly what to expect. Hits like 'Mamacita', 'Pass Out', 'Written in the Stars' have the crowd singing throughout the entire performance.
Over on the Radio 1 stage, The 1975 close out the day as the rain dies down and the sun sets over Strathallan Castle. There is nothing fancy about this performance, just a great selection of tunes which have a die hard crowd singing along to almost every track they belt out whist competing with the echoes of Calvin Harris on the main stage. This isnt an energetic performance by all means, but its worthy of the headlining spot for this stage.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers topped off a superb weekend with a headline act reminiscent of their last 2006 headline appearance. Even strangely leaving hits, Californication and Dani California off the set list didn’t make for a disappointing show. The Chilli’s in full form played a huge set filled with crowd pleasers, new singles, Chad Smith solos and the occasional handstand back onto stage from Flea. The strong set was played with swagger from frontman Anthony Kiedis backed up by plenty of energy and gratitude towards the crowd from the rest of the band.
One of the most unfortunate festival appearances would have come from LCD Soundsystem who barley drew a crowd to the Radio 1 stage. Major Lazer however drew a huge crowd to the Radio 1 stage with their mix of dubstep, reggae and house music. With Diplo flying all over the stage mic in hand hyping the crowd up at every opportunity, its an entertaining set bringing all sorts of dance moves and hands in the air reactions. Comeback king of 2016 is surely Craig David, armed with a DJ Booth and mic in hand, this is a talented performance as he single handedly mixes the music and sings. Singing over tunes like Justin Bieber's 'Love Yourself' and mixing it with his skillful rapping, his set ensures the crowd is bouncing for the entirety.
Its fair to say that this years T in the Park was a marked improvement on last year. Most of the issues that were encountered have been resolved and the event is well oiled engine that ran smooth over the entire weekend. Regardless of the wet weather and the muddy grounds, the performances across the weekend leave us feeling satsified & happy. We look forward to another year at the castle in 2017!
Today Fusion Festival and 107.6 Capital FM Liverpool announced a stellar line-up of pop royalty to perform at Fusion Festival, Otterspool Promenade on the 3rd & 4th September.
Serial chart-topper Jason Derulo will headline Day One, along with Tinie Tempah, Labrinth, Craig David, Sigala, Fleur East and Krept & Konan. On Sunday the 4th of September an exclusive festival headline 90-minute performance from Olly Murs will bring the two day event to a close. Also performing on Sunday are Busted, The Vamps, Nathan Sykes, Lawson, Ella Henderson and Jamie Lawson.
The massive line-up was revealed this morning exclusively on the 107.6 Capital FM Liverpool Breakfast Show with Adam, Gemma and Imogen. There are many more acts still to be announced – listeners should keep it Capital to find out who else is going to be added to the stellar line-up.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 8th April via www.thefusionfestival.co.ukand Fusion’s official ticketing partner StubHub on www.stubhub.co.uk. StubHub will also serve as Fusion’s official Ticket Marketplace.
In an exclusive headline festival performance, Olly Murs and his band will close the show on Sunday night with a breathtaking 90 minute show featuring all his classic hits from ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ through to his recent hits ‘Wrapped Up’ and ‘Kiss me”. The six time BRIT Award nominated artist was catapulted into the limelight when he stole the hearts of the nation with his cheeky charms on the X Factor 2009. Murs can now boast 3 Number One albums and a sensational live show that sells out arenas all across the country.
Olly Murs says: “This is going to get crazy, Fusion Festival! I cannot wait to get out on that stage and get everybody moving. It’s going to be a send off to remember, you better be there!”
Jason Derulo has brought us mega-hits ‘Talk Dirty’, ‘Ridin Solo’ and ‘Whatcha Say’ and the massive number 1 single ‘Want to Want me”. The American singer, songwriter and dancer has sold over 50 million singles, with three singles going platinum in the UK. He is now hitting Liverpool’s Otterspool Promenade for Fusion Festival 2016 with all of the hits to headline the first night of the biggest pop event of the summer.
Derulo says: “I’m honoured to be headlining Fusion Festival 2016, it’s a great line up and I can’t wait to get out there to perform in Liverpool with Fusion Festival & Capital FM – it’s going to be amazing!”
Fusion Festival is teaming up with Liverpool’s number one hit music station, 107.6 Capital FM, continuing its long-term partnership with Global Radio to bring music fans the most exciting festival line up of the summer on the banks of the River Mersey.
Now in its 4th year, Fusion has grown into one of the UK’s most popular music festivals. The move to Liverpool coincides with the city being declared a UNESCO City of Music due to music’s place at the heart of Liverpool’s contemporary culture, education and the economy. Liverpool has a rich music heritage and the team at Fusion Festival are excited to become a part of that.
Damien Sanders, Event Director of Fusion Festival said “It’s great to reveal such an incredible line up with a few more surprises still to come. We have such a strong list of performers again this year and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Olly Murs 90 minute headline spectacular on the Sunday night, it will be a great way to wrap up the weekend and introduce Fusion to Liverpool.”
Graham Sarath, commercial director of Capital Liverpool, said: “It’s great for 107.6 Capital FM to be able to launch in Liverpool with such a huge local event and help bring it to the city of Liverpool – Fusion Festival will be fantastic for music fans and for the city. We know that for lots of listeners, Fusion will be one of the highlights of the Summer and we’re delighted to be a part of that.”
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool said “We take great pride in the events we hold here in Liverpool. Each year we strive to offer something new and exciting, not only for our own residents but for those visiting the City too. That is why I am delighted to welcome such a distinguished music festival to Liverpool.”
Fusion are offering a massive 50% discount on a limited amount of General Admission and Gold Circle tickets to local residents of L17, L18 and L19. To redeem this offer residents need to visit tickets.thefusionfestival.co.uk/residentsand enter discount code RESIDENTS along with a valid L17, L18 or L19 billing address on checkout. Please note this is limited to 4 tickets per address.
Essex’s ultimate dance, pop and urban music party, BSTK, today confirms chart-topper Tinie Tempah, drum & bass producer Netsky and Brit dubstep duo Delta Heavy as the latest additions to the line-up spanning the weekend of 8th-10th July. Also heading to fields of Morris Farm this summer are a host of local talents who’ll rock the Treehouse stage, including Jordan Gray who appeared on this year’s The Voice. As previously announced BSTK’s line-up also features Annie Mac, Mark Ronson, Katy B and many more. Weekend tickets priced at only £89 are available now from BSTK.co.uk.
The second of BSTK’s mainstage headliners is now confirmed as Tinie Tempah, the rapper known and loved for hits including the UK number one singles ‘Pass Out’, ‘Written In The Stars’ and ‘Not Letting Go’. With MOBO, Brit and Ivor Novello awards under his belt the singer, songwriter and record producer (not to mention record and fashion label founder) will be a highlight for many ravers in the BSTK fields come July. Also joining the bill will be Netsky, offering up punters a set of his energetic ‘liquid funk’ sounds. Dubbed ‘drum & bass superstars’ by DJ Mag, the RAM Records’ duo Delta Heavy head to BSTK armed with tracks from their album Paradise Lost released only days ago.
Elsewhere at the festival sights are set to a host of local talent primed to take over BSTK’s Treehouse stage. Covering everything from trip-hop to prog via electro will be Jordan Gray (Tall Dark Friend), Arcaves, Grizzly Bears, Crème de Chèvre, Asylums, Mullally, Drama Lamas, Mandeville, Scarlet Echo, Lemoncurd kid, Emma Lauran, Cassia and Rob Jones.
Last summer Ibiza Rocks celebrated 10 phenomenal years of being the home of live music in Ibiza and the ground-breaking brand are back with another blistering line up including the hugely anticipated return of LCD Soundsystem who will headline the coveted birthday slot for this Ibiza exclusive. Mercury prize nomineesSlaves will kick things off at the opening party on 15th June before an incredible array of open-air starlit summer shows follow from a mix of music’s finest including dance music pioneers Faithless, Grammy Award winner Jess Glynne, festival giants Kaiser Chiefs, BBC Sound Of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice Award winnerJack Garratt, electronic music troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem and multi-platinum selling rapper Tinie Tempah.
Slaves were part of the standout show of the summer last year when they supported The Libertines for Ibiza Rocks sold-out 10th Birthday show. Following the success of their critically acclaimed debut ‘Are You Satisfied?’ and widely regarded as one of the most exciting live acts on the scene right now, the garage-punk duo will proudly return as headliners in their own right.
Slaves said: “Last year it was madness and one of the best experiences we’ve had as a band so far. We’re fans of The Libertines so that was an honour and we had non stop fun. Ibiza being associated with clubbers makes it all the more special when you’re playing really loud rock to everybody. We can’t wait to get back to Ibiza Rocks. What a crowd.”
Staying true to Rocks longstanding reputation for championing the very best new talent, next up in June is BBC Sound of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice award winner Jack Garratt. Already part of the family, Jack captivated the crowd during his intimate set at the Ibiza Rocks Christmas party last year and now he will bring his multi-instrumental live show to the world-famous Ibiza Rocks main stage for the very first time, supported by supreme new talent, electronic-soul duo HONNE.
Jack Garratt said:"I've already packed my tie-dye vests, speedos and enough UV body paint to paint the town LIT.”
Three times Grammy award winners LCD Soundsystem play a very proud part in Ibiza Rocks’ history. When the band played the Music Box at Manumission’s 10th Birthday in 2004, it proved so inspirational that it cemented the belief that live music had a home on the White Isle and in 2005 Ibiza Rocks was born. The headline shows LCD Soundsystem subsequently played at Ibiza Rocks Bar (2007) and Ibiza Rocks Hotel (2010) stand out as another two of the most significant Rocks events of all time. Just months after their last Rocks gig James Murphy announced one final farewell, sold-out show at the iconic Madison Square Gardens, making the memories of the Ibiza shows all the more poignant. It’s now time to celebrate the bands hotly anticipated comeback and their choice to return to Ibiza Rocks for one of only a handful of live shows anywhere in the world this summer. Almost exclusively headlining major festivals such as Coachella and Primavera, LCD Soundsystem will bring the fans much closer to the music with this long-awaited gig back ‘home’ in the intimate poolside setting of Ibiza Rocks Hotel for Part 1 of Rocks’ Birthday celebrations in July.
Super-producer Diplo and his electronic dance troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem will keep the party vibes in full flow with their eclectic soundsystem mix of house, dancehall and electro. Having first played the Rocks stage In 2012, Major Lazer have gone on to become one of the most in demand acts in the world and achieved the biggest hit of last year with ‘Lean On’ – the most streamed single of all time, achieving over 540 million streams and 1.21 billion youtube views. Fresh from playing a historic concert in Cuba to over 500,000 people, Major Lazer will bring the same electric energy to the world- famous Rocks stage in July to conclude Rocks birthday celebrations.
One of the biggest female artists in the world right now and no stranger to Ibiza, Grammy award winner Jess Glynne first played Ibiza Rocks in 2014 supporting Rudimental and will now return as a No.1 album selling, chart-topping solo star for her own headline show in July.
Ibiza Rocks will proudly welcome back a band that were pivotal to shaping the success of Ibiza Rocks when it launched over 10 years ago. Kaiser Chiefs played one of the first ever shows in 2005 before the gigs moved to the 500 capacity Ibiza Rocks Bar (Bar M) in 2007 and the band featured on a truly memorable summer line up that included Arctic Monkeys, LCD Soundsystem, Mark Ronson and Kasabian. The Leeds lads will return for their 5th headline show in August and clearly can’t wait to celebrate one of summer’s most special gigs once again.
Kasier Chiefs said:“A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, we played Ibiza Rocks for the first time, in the backroom of club Manumission. It gets better and better every time, so here we go with the 5th installment. See you by the pool!”
Tine Tempah loves Ibiza and Ibiza loves him. A firm fan favourite with a high-energy, captivating live show, Tinie will be Balearic bound once more to wow the crowds with new material and huge hits including his UK No.1 single ‘Not Letting Go’ wihich features fellow Rocks artist Jess Glynne.
With over 15 million record sales under their belt, pioneering dance outfit Faithless were one of the first acts to play Ibiza Rocks in 2005 and reunited last summer to celebrate their 20th anniversary, performing as part of Radio 1’s ’20 Years in Ibiza’ weekend at Ibiza Rocks Hotel. It is with huge excitement that Ibiza Rocks welcomes the band back for a full headline Ibiza Rocks show in August.
The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists, best breakthrough talent and cutting edge DJs. Summer 2015 will see the celebration of Ibiza Rocks 11th Birthday during the 14 weeklong season of spectacular outdoor gigs.
Shane Murray, Brand Director, Ibiza Rocks Group said:“This year is hugely exciting for us at Ibiza Rocks as we embark on our second decade on the island. LCD Soundsystem debuted for us way back in 2004 for a show that was pivotal in inspiring our live music revolution in Ibiza. It felt special – upstart promoters and a maverick producer challenging the way things were. They return as one of the world’s biggest bands and we couldn’t be prouder. With Faithless and Major Lazer Soundsystem joining us we’ve got three global festival headliners at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel this year and that’s because there simply isn’t another gig atmosphere like it for artists and fans alike. Then we have new talents like Slaves, Jack Garratt and Jess Glynne who we’ve brought up through the ranks from support slots to headliners and firm favourites like Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs who consistently put on a brilliant live show. There’s more to come and we can’t wait.”
Ibiza Rocks 2016 line up so far:
15/06 OPENING PARTY WITH SLAVES 29/06 JACK GARRATT | HONNE 06/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 1) WITH LCD SOUNDSYSTEM 13/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 2) WITH MAJOR LAZER SOUNDSYSTEM 20/07 JESS GLYNNE 27/07 TINIE TEMPAH 03/08 KAISER CHIEFS 31/08 FAITHLESS
Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 15th June – 14th September 2016 We Are Rockstars every Friday from 3rd June – 16th September 2016 Craig David’s TS5 Pool Party every Sunday – 17th July – 4th September 2016
V Festival 2016, sponsored by Virgin Media, will be graced by global chart royalty this summer as Justin Bieber and Rihanna dominate the headline slots across the legendary festival weekend. Our 21st birthday celebrations will take place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire on 20 and 21 August 2016.
Performing exclusively at his only UK festival this summer, Bieber, who also shares his age with us, will treat you guys to his debut V Festival performance and a sneak peak of his upcoming tour, ‘Purpose’. After smashing UK chart records by simultaneously holding the number one, two and three spot in the UK single charts, the Grammy winner is expected to pull the V Festival crowds in their thousands.
To cement the line-up with true superstar status, Rihanna is will round off the headline bill with another electric performance as she returns to V Festival after five years. The Bajan singer will be bringing the hotly anticipated and unmissable ‘Anti World Tour’ to her only UK festival of the summer.
Adding to V Festival 2016’s international superstar line-up and will be Australian superstar songstress, Sia, and superstar DJ, David Guetta – who are both UK festival exclusives for V Festival 2016. Sia, who is word famous for her own critically acclaimed material, has also written for some of the world’s biggest artists including Beyoncé, Britney Spears and even penned headliner Rihanna’s hit ‘Diamonds’. Global DJ phenomenon David Guetta is one of the most successful artist DJ’s in UK chart history and is well-known for his energetic live shows, bringing the full-on party atmosphere and enthralling sold-out crowds across the world – this set will be unmissable.
Also performing on the Virgin Media stage are British indie rock favourites Bastille, the world’s biggest girl group Little Mix, Grammy winner Jess Glynne and party starter, John Newman.
In another V Festival debut, BBC Radio 1 will host a new stage on Friday night across both Chelmsford and Staffordshire sites. Adding to this incredible new set up, the BBC Radio 1 Summer of Dance stage will bring its all new Summer of Dance line-up, guaranteed to add chart-topping dance anthems, the hottest artists, and newest releases into the mix. Further details including the line up will be announced during Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show on Friday 4th March.
As well as international chart-toppers, a host of homegrown British talent will also feature on the star-studded bill. Legendary V Festival favourites,Faithless return for their seventh time, while BRIT Award winners Kaiser Chiefs will bring the hits. Further British talent includes BBC Sound of 2015 winners Years and Years, singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, UK Garage legend Craig David with his TS5 set, The Voice UK and X Factor star Rita Ora, two-time Brit winner Tinie Tempah and festival favourites Example and Katy B.
Halsey will grace the festival as well as Troye Sivan, who with a unique acting, blogging and musical background under his belt, is sure to deliver an unmissable set. Bringing the rock ‘n’ roll will be BRIT Award winners Travis, singer-songwriter James Morrison and Joe Jonas’ pop rock band,DNCE. Grammy winner Foxes, X Factor star Fleur East and legendary British-Canadian girl band All Saints will each add a pop flavour to the weekend. Soul II Soul will bring the good vibes, while ‘Fester Skank’ smash artist, Lethal Bizzle, DJ EZ, Sigma (DJ set), Flight Facilities, and Big Sean will bring the pounding beats and furious flow to a phenomenal V Festival 2016 line up.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 26th February at 9.30am. Please only book through our official outlets LISTED HERE. Purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.
The full line-up includes: Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Sia, David Guetta, Faithless, Kaiser Chiefs, Years & Years, Jake Bugg, Bastille, Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah, Jess Glynne, Little Mix, Craig David’s TS5, Katy B, Halsey, Example, Troye Sivan, DJ EZ, James Morrison, Travis, John Newman, Foxes, DNCE, Sigma (DJ set), All Saints, Fleur East, Soul II Soul, Big Sean, Flight Facilities, and Lethal Bizzle with more acts still to be announced.
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.
Victorious Festival is a name I keep hearing around the south coast. It’s only in its 4th year but the line up sees headliners including; Ray Davies, The Flaming Lips, Tinie Tempah and Basement Jaxx. With 5 stages of music to enjoy from the biggest names in music to local bands from Portsmouth, it’s really a weekend not to miss.
Victorious Festival have kept ticket prices extremely low being just £30 a day so why not come and see over 150 acts play. As well as music, at Victorious families can enjoy entertainment from The Blue Reef Aquarium, Southsea Castle, The D-Day Museum, Peppa Pig, the circus, fairground rides, climbing walls and archery, all free of charge to ticket holders.
The festival has even been shortlisted for ‘Best Independent Festival’ at this year’s AIM Awards, I’m definitely going to check it out this year, I’ll see you there!
For more information, full line-up details and to buy tickets go to
