kanye west
does he belong at Glasto?
what we want to see
banned at festivals
film, theatre, games it’s not all about the music
Hello and welcome to the last print issue of The Edge this year! This is our special Festivals Edition, designed to give you the lowdown on all of the best festivals in the summer months, so you can plan how to spend your months of freedom before the return to university, or embark on adult life. We’ve put together a guide which looks at festivals from all over the country - from Boardmasters in Devon to the Edinburgh Fringe. We’ve also got previews of a variety of different types of festivals, which hopefully means that there is something for everyone in the pages of this special issue. If you’re into the music then we have previews of Isle of Wight and Bestival, or if you’re looking for something a bit more niche you can look at our preview of Camden Rocks. The magazine also features a preview of E3, the three day Electronic Entertainment Expo, which promises to feature teasers of upcoming games from all of the gaming giants (p16). If theatre or comedy is more your cup of tea you can take a look at our picks for some of the best acts at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. If you like the idea of watching a film under the stars we have previews of both local (Union Films) and London (Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House) screenings for you to take a look at, or if you’re a horror fan then make sure you take a look at our preview of the FrightFest (p15).
Contents 01 Welcome 02 Up and Coming Bands 03 Eight Fun Facts about the Isle of Wight Festival 04 The Edge’s Pick of European Festivals 05 Somersault Festival 06 Boardmasters 07 Bestival 08 Blissfields 09 Boomtown Fair 10 Overrated Festivals: Where to Avoid in 2015 11 Kanye West - Deserved Headliner or Overpriced Idiot with a God Complex? 12 Camden Rocks 13 BFI London Film Festival 14 Edinburgh Fringe 15 Film4 FrightFest 16 E3 17 Items We Want Banned At Festivals 19 Union Films Outdoor Screening 20 Film4 Summer Screen 21 Editors’ Picks
Also included in the pages are the festivals that the 2014-2015 Edge Editorial Team are most looking forward to, as well as an article looking at the most overrated festivals in the UK. Whether Kanye West is a suitable headliner for Glastonbury was an issue which divided the team, so two writers present both views on page 11. Our writers also took the time to come up with their dream list of things that should be banned from festivals - tweet us (@theedgesusu) and let us know if there is anything you think we missed. This has been a fantastic year for The Edge, and I want to thank my team for all of their hard work. I hope you have a great summer - remember to keep up with the website for all of our reviews of the festivals featured here. Rebecca James Edge Editor
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UP AND COMING BANDS TO CATCH AT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVALS WILL HODGETTS & SIAN BLEWITT
THE COSTELLOS
Local rock ‘n’ rollers The Costellos promised that they’d be moving on to bigger and better things this year, beyond the usual local gigs at The Joiners and Lennon’s. Well the booking team at Common People and Isle of Wight Festival have helped to deliver that promise. Expect upbeat, catchy, feel good tracks, similar to what you’d hear from the likes of Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, combined with funky (and perhaps questionable) haircuts.
YOUNG KATO
Young Kato recently released their debut album Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow and have just finished up their biggest UK tour to date. They’ve grabbed a spot on the lineups at Ibiza Rocks and Kendal Calling, as well as headline spots at smaller, local festivals such as 110 Above Festival. They are sure to go down a storm, with anthemic tracks like ‘Drink, Dance, Play’ guaranteed to get a festival crowd going.
SHAMIR
“Yes, yes I’m the best, fuck what you heard, anything less is obviously absurd,” - one modest line in the first verse of Las Vegas-born Shamir’s track ‘On The Regular’. The 20year old funk, techno and hip-hop star was signed to XL Recordings last year, joining the likes of Adele, The Prodigy and Vampire Weekend, and created a bit of a buzz with his debut EP Northtown. He’ll be playing some of Europe’s largest festivals, including Øya Festival in Norway and Flow Festival in Finland.
LA PREIST
LA Preist is a project from electronic musician Sam Dust, previously of Late of the Pier. Dust channels Prince and Aphex Twin collectively to create a funky love affair that’s inspiring dance moves all over the nation. The return single ‘Onio’ is a perfect uplifter that embodies a disruptive pop spirit with a catchy hook that you just can’t shake.
PALACE
Palace embody a rich and sultry sound that feels like the sun beating down on the back of your neck in mid-July. Their music flows impressively well to create an ethereal and rich sound perfect for the festival vibe. Although the foursome only embarked together musically in 2012, they have quickly produced a beautiful set of demo tracks that have received much critical acclaim. They have a Jeff Buckley feel to them which is unmissable this festival season.
SOAK
At only 18 years old, SOAK (pictured) has already been compared to the likes of Laura Marling and Cat Power. Her hauntingly beautiful vocals tell stories of family, friends and adolescence and have clearly captured the attention of many. In 2014 she became the first signing to CHVRCHES’ singles label, releasing the beautiful ‘Blud’ and touring with the likes of George Ezra and Tegan & Sara. That same year, SOAK penned an album deal with Rough Trade Records and aired the beautiful ‘B a noBody’. The year to come looks bright for SOAK, and she’s definitely one to catch before she’s playing a main stage. THE EDGE
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EIGHT FUN FACTS ABOUT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL SIAN BLEWITT
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he Isle of Wight Festival is the first major festival in the UK summer calendar every year, but the festival’s heritage reaches back over 45 years! This year, the festival will begin on the 12th of June and continues over a four-day weekend. Being so close to Southampton, the Isle of Wight Festival is an easy and fantastic option to add to your summer calendar. The Edge has picked out some fun facts to get you in the mood... 1
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The Isle of Wight Festival began with a series of festivals between 1968 and 1970 to match America’s Woodstock.
In 1970, around 600,000 people (see below) flooded the island, the majority of whom were ticketless. Shortly after, the Isle of Wight Act was passed by Parliament to restrict the number of people attending future festivals. 1970 proved to be the final year of the festival until its return in 2002.
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There was no Isle of Wight Festival between 1970 and 2002. John Giddings eventually re-launched it and still curates it today.
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Since 2002, The Isle of Wight Festival stages have hosted The Rolling Stones, The Who, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Amy Winehouse, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Coldplay, and The Sex Pistols.
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The original festival ticket price was £1.25... if you booked in advance. The price of a ticket is currently about £160, without camping. In 1969, an ambitious festival promoter Ray Foulk pestered Bob Dylan to headline the event, but Dylan declined the offer. However, Foulk persisted; he flew all the way to New York with a colour film of the island. The pictures worked, and Dylan agreed to perform.
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The main stage takes 46 people, five days to build, (and three days to dismantle!). 44,000 pints of lager and cider are delivered 8 each year, and bar staff sell 12 pints every 35 seconds.
THE EDGE’S PICK OF EUROPEAN FESTIVALS SIAN BLEWITT
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f you love festivals but you are looking for a change of scenery, Europe hosts some of the most exciting festivals in the world. Here’s our three favourite European festivals, happening this summer.
BBK BILBAO
WHERE/WHEN: 9th-11th July in Bilbao, Spain. BEST FOR: THE LINE OF BEST FIT has deemed BBK “a festival of many quirks”. The festival is set in a mountain park in a climate of sunshine, (which apparently makes getting tent pegs in the ground rather difficult). A strong line-up is always promised and the whole weekend embodies a fuss-free vibe. LINE-UP: Mumford and Sons, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Muse, Disclosure, Counting Crows, Alt-J, Catfish and the Bottlemen. TICKET: Three-day ticket (no camping) from £96. TRAVEL: Flights about £100 from London via Easyjet on skyscanner.com. PINT: Apparently a bottle of Cava is cheaper than a bag of crisps would be in the UK, and the spirit measures are extremely generous.
PRIMAVERA
WHERE/WHEN: 28th-30th May, Parc del Forum, Barcelona, Spain. BEST FOR: Very warm weather (if you’re into that).
The festival is also set on the Iberian coastline so boasts beautiful sea views. LINE-UP: The Strokes, The Replacements, Underworld, The Black Keys, Damien Rice. TICKET: €185 for a weekend ticket (that’s 136.45). TRAVEL: There is no camping. Hotels are about €49 a night, and hostels are about €36. Flights during May are about £75 from London on skycanner.com via Ryanair.
BEST KEPT SECRET
WHERE/WHEN: 19th-21st June in Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands. BEST FOR: Beautiful scenery, with the festival’s centrepiece being a giant lake that backs onto Beekse Bergen Safari Park… You can look at giraffes and watch The War on Drugs at the same time! The festival is also incredibly organised and tidy, and makes a conscious effort to look after patrons, by providing free toiletries etc. LINE-UP: The Libertines, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Alt-J, A$AP Rocky, Royal Blood, Death Cab for Cutie. TICKET: A weekend ticket is €147,50 (roughly £109.) TRAVEL: By far the easiest way to get there is through Planet Festival’s UK coach travel service. Only £99 per person for a return coach & ferry travel, leaving from London Victoria Coach Station. PINT: 0.3L beer or any soft drink costs 1.5 tokens or €3 (That’s about £2.22 for a beer…).
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SOMERSAULT FESTIVAL CASTLE HILL, DEVON 23RD - 27TH JULY ANNABELLE ASKER
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t is correct that smaller festivals are the only festivals worth attending in 2015; lower ticket prices, smaller crowds, and unspoilt festival destinations set them apart from the stuffy, drug-fuelled likes of tweenage Reading and Leeds. Somersault Festival is taking an altogether refreshing and relaxed view on the British festival. Promising ‘a new kind of summer experience’, Somersault encompasses music, adventure, craft, culture, food, and the great outdoors, making the most of its beautiful setting in Castle Hill in Northern Devon. The line-up is what immediately caught my eye. For a steal of £125 for three magical days, you can see the wholly British likes of introspective folk crooner Laura Marling, indie icons Bombay Bicycle Club, and the wonderfully humble Passenger. Also included in the musical offerings are numerous well known faces, and some you should most definitely catch over the weekend: electronic folk geniuses Crystal Fighters; Mumford and Sons’ friends Bear’s Den; South African superstar Jeremy Loops; The Edge’s favourite Rae Morris; the insanely talented folk lyricist Lucy Rose; Nottingham-based five-piece Amber Run, and the self-defined crunch-pop duo Honeyblood. If the music doesn’t do it for you, then the endless entertainment, exhilarating outdoor activities, and various foodie delights should be enough to tempt you down to the Devonshire countryside. For those seeking ocean adventures, surfing, coastal rafting, coasteering, paddle boarding, and swimming are all available activities
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throughout the festival. Back on dry land, activities include mountain biking, power kiting, falconry, rock climbing and so so much more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite you can completely forget about the festival food you have been exposed to before, as Somersault festival will be welcome you to long table feasts from Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’, River Cottage, The Ethicurean and Valentine Warner. One side of festivals that are never considered is their effect on the environment, from the over-exuberant lighting of every act, to the endless litter and swampish campsites. Somersault takes a fresh perspective. Their nominated charity this year is Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), which is an organisation attempting to keep our beaches and oceans safe and enjoyable for all. Last year, the charity coordinated off-site surf expeditions and curating an onsite programme of activity; featuring an art installation made of refuse and a range of acoustic sessions in their tent. Overall, Somersault Festival promises to be a weekend of sun, sea, music, relaxation (and no doubt a few alcoholic beverages). So make yourself happy, and keep your bank a little fuller this summer. DAY TICKET FROM £75.00 LONG WEEKEND TICKETS FROM £125.00 WWW.SOMERSAULTFESTIVAL.COM
BOARDMASTERS WATERGATE BAY, CORNWALL 5TH - 9TH AUGUST MEGAN DOWNING
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n the heart of Cornwall’s surfing hotspot, Boardmasters returns for its 10th year. Newquay’s Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach will play host to the annual surfing and music festival, starting on 5th August and running until 9th August. The small festival has grown each year with headliners such as Dizzee Rascal and Ed Sheeran taking to the stage in recent years. This year sees a legendary line up of talent: from household names to breakthrough artists, Boardmasters has it all. Across the five stages there are three full days of live music for festival-goers to enjoy. With Boardmasters, it’s not all about the music: the festival is known for its extreme sports roots with surfing, skating and BMXing on the cards - be sure to head down to Fistral Beach to take part, or simply spectate with a cocktail from the beach bar. Friday sees Faithless taking the top spot as they will be headlining the Main Stage. Joining them on the first full day of the festival will be Welsh rockers, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Nick Mulvey and to fuel your Game Of Thrones obsession, Raleigh Ritchie (also known as his real name Jacob Anderson, or more commonly known as Grey Worm in the hit TV show) will be there to showcase his other talents. Also performing on the Friday of the festival will be Libertines legend Carl Barat and the Jackals, the filthy hooligans Fat White Family and breakthrough bands such as Circa Waves and TOY - be sure to check them out, they’ll be headlining before you know it.
Kicking off the weekend, there is a whole host of great acts for your eyes and ears on the Saturday of the festival. Headlining the Main Stage are Rudimental, here to bring you chart bangers such as ‘Waiting All Night’ and ‘Feel The Love’ - we wonder if they’ll bring along some of their famous friends. Festival veterans De La Soul will also be performing along with Duke Dumont, Everything Everything and Seasick Steve taking to the stage. And if that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, the hottest names on the scene will be joining them in the form of MNEK, Drenge, Rae Morris, Prides and Rhodes. Now that is a super Saturday line up. To finish your time at Boardmasters, Sunday’s line up will help you go out with a bang. Headlining the Main Stage are Bastille, after jetsetting around the globe with debut album Bad Blood they’ll be returning to play hits such as ‘Pompeii’ for the crowds in Newquay. Joining them are Arrested Development, ‘Rather Be’ superstars Clean Bandit and rock gods The Darkness. It doesn’t stop there: dance legends Groove Armada will also be performing as well as Skream and Sunset Sons. If I haven’t managed to convince you to get yourself down to Boardmasters this summer, then head to their website for more details and information about tickets: BOARDMASTERS.CO.UK
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ISLE OF WIGHT 10TH - 13TH SEPTEMBER AMY WOOTEN
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estival excitement is beginning to bubble in an attempt to distract ourselves from the bog of assignments and exams. Although not until the end of the summer, Rob da Bank’s Bestival with the theme of ‘Summer of Love’ gives us a lot to look forward to. Here is what I am most excited about at this year’s Bestival. Bestival is one of the festivals that promotes as much non-music fun as it does its everenticing line-up, but there will be some gems taking to the stage throughout the weekend. What initially sparked me about the line-up (aside from the amazing idea of seeing Duran Duran perform ‘Hungry Like The Wolf ’) is the presence of this year’s Mercury Prize nominees and winners. The vibrant soul of nominees Jungle, FKA Twigs’ trip-hop, and the poetic raps of Kate Tempest are sprinkled over the weekend. Winners, Young Fathers will be there too - following the success of White Men Are Black Men Too that won them the Mercury title earlier this year. Tame Impala are impossible not to look forward to. Their new album, Currents, will be in full swing by the time Bestival takes place, and I can only imagine the festival to be the perfect setting for their intricate psychedelic sound. The lovely Rae Morris, who features on The Edge’s List of 2015, also sends sparks of
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excitement flying. The line-up is swelling with some of the biggest DJs, many of whom have recently staged events here in Southamptonand will additionally shine at the first ever Common People Festival. With such an eclectic line-up, also transcending to a packed weekend of dance acts in the mysterious Temple of Love. Music aside, there are not many places that promise the opportunity to get your haircut for free at 4am, with Bestival’s 24-hour free haircutting service. I might not need to get a haircut, but it definitely feels like an opportunity that should be snapped up. I cannot knit, but there is something alluring about the idea of rave knitting, which is among the myriad of strange activities to be enjoyed at Bestival, including: euphoric fitness, musical bingo and wild music runs. Bestival is renowned for being big on fancy dress, and with 2015 theme of ‘Summer of Love’ I am very much looking forward to seeing the outfits that come along with it- especially after seeing the glitz and glamour that went with last year’s ‘Desert Island Disco’ theme. I also really like that you can’t be a part-timer at Bestival, with only full weekend tickets on offer- it is all or nothing for this one. WEEKEND TICKETS COST £195 2015.BESTIVAL.NET
BLISSFIELDS 3RD - 4TH JULY LAURA COX
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ow in its fifteenth year, Blissfields Festival is back and it’s bigger than ever. This year the festival will take place at Vicarage Farm in the Hampshire countryside. The much-loved festival combines family friendly events with unmissable acts and an array of activities for all festival-goers to join in with.
THE MUSIC
Artists who have performed at Blissfields in its fifteen-year history include Grammy and Brit award-winning singer Sam Smith, folk favourites Mumford and Sons and singer songwriter Laura Marling. This year, the festival welcomes indie rock band The Horrors, who released their album Luminous in 2014, as its Friday headliners. They’ll be joined by American singer-songwriter John Grant, who will headline the Saturday of the festival. His latest album Pale Green Ghost received a host of five-star reviews and was named ‘Album of the Year’ by Rough Trade. Grant’s performance will be followed by a live set from electronic music duo Simian Mobile Disco. Mercury prize nominee Ghostpoet makes his Blissfields debut this year, following the release of his critically acclaimed LP Shedding Skin. With the recent announcement of the second wave of acts, it was confirmed that Karen Harding, the singer of UK Top Ten single ‘Say Something’ will be performing. She will be joined by Rhodes, who has recently toured with Sam Smith. If you’re a Blissfields regular, you’re sure to be familiar with the energetic performances from Blissfields favourites Dub Pistols, who will be returning to the Main Stage this year. A performance from the band is certain to get the whole crowd dancing in no time!They’ll be joined
by another firm Blissfields favourite, folk poet Beans on Toast, who performed at the festival on The Larch stage last year.
THE STAGES
In addition to the Main Stage, Blissfields boasts a range of additional stages and performance areas. These include The Den, a stage covered by a big top-style tent and which hosts music until the early hours on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival. This is the place to be on the Thursday of the festival, with performances from the best of the local music scene. The Hidden Hedge, the ultimate party in a forest, also returns to the festival this year. It’s sure to be decorated impressively this year to fit the festival’s theme of ‘Somewhere in Time’. Following its debut in 2014, the Back of the Bus area returns to the festival this year and will welcome a series of DJs who’ll play tracks from the afternoon through to the early hours. The famous Blisscotheque, which the festival organisers rightly call ‘a much loved institution’, also returns for 2015 and will be welcoming party goers. Cocktails are served from the bus, which also boasts an impressive sound system along with mirror balls and flashing lights.
THE THEME
Following last year’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ theme, the festival organisers have confirmed that the theme for this year’s event is ‘Somewhere in Time.’ Although it’s not compulsory, many Blissfields attendees enjoy dressing up to fit the theme each year, and this year is sure to be no exception!
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BOOMTOWN FAIR WINCHESTER 13TH - 16TH AUGUST FREDDIE STEVENS
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t’s difficult to describe the diversity and individuality of BoomTown. At its eco-friendly heart, it revels in freedom and transcends divides with a celebration of expression and unity. Despite this sweet and cutesy mantra it is nonetheless bizarre, raucous and surreal, like a rave down the rabbit hole or through the looking glass, all glowsticks and Jabberwockys. Taking place in our neighbourly Winchester, the Matterly Estate’s dreamy labyrinth makes for a particularly intrepid weekend of discovery and fantasy. BoomTown is split into nine totally individual districts across the three areas of the festival (thankfully there’s no dystopian Panem business going on - just fancy dress themes and eclectic music). 22 main stages and hundreds of acts tick every musical fancy you could possibly have and if not, the Glastonbury-scale scenery and alternative entertainment will tide you over. Barrio Loco is the ruling fiesta district for this seventh chapter in BoomTown’s short history. Here you will find house, drum and bass and garage. You’ll have help from the likes of DJ EZ, Paleman and Toddla T to fiesta until dawn. ChinaTown will be infused with ska and punk from the likes of Less than Jake and Streetlight manifesto to tempt you into the orient. Mayfair Avenue revives the roaring twenties with all its swanky decadent glory. Caravan Palace and Deluxe provide the electro swing from all and sundry in the Ballroom and Roller disco, putting a neon spin on a Gatsby classic. Whistlers Green offers a welcome change of pace with its crossroads of activities, serene relaxation and creativity. The Healing Place features a healing garden, daily
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morning yoga classes with a range of therapies including acupuncture, osteopathy, deep tissue massage and thai massage. OldTown is where you’ll find pirates, because what’s fancy dress without pirates? Swashbuckling buccaneers can take in the Jolly Dodger Pirate Ship and the Invisible Circus Pirate Show. TrenchTown hosts the best in dub, reggae, dancehall and jungle across three venues: The Lion’s Den, Hidden Woods and Tangle Roots, boasting the likes of Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley and Soju. The Wild West sees thigh-slappin’, straw-chewin’ cowboys and buxom wenches ride off into the sunset to the sounds of folk, bluegrass and hillbilly. DSTRKT 5 (clearly from the SBTRKT school of spelling) boasts the nine-story BangHai Palace, smoke-filled alleyways and a red light district vibe. Drum ‘n’ Bass, jungle and garage are the soundtracks for the debauched late night haven with live sets from Squarepusher, Noisa and Spor. To keep BoomTown free of litter, tickets involve ‘ecobonds’, a ten-pound deposit. To get your money back festival attendees will be given a ‘boomtown eco bag’. Organisers ask everyone to fill this bag with all their rubbish and hand it back into one of the drop off points for recycling, and have their £10 deposit returned. How lovely! You’re encouraged to camp inside your favourite district and embrace its unique theme. Alternatively there’s Boomtique Village and Deluxe that offers hot showers, hot tubs and cabins and all number of luxury amenities. It’s unique, eccentric and unforgettable and it’s only round the corner!
GLASTONBURY
The £300 weekend of mud, blood, and grime is perhaps the most legendary of all festivals, and no doubt will continue to be until the field it is held in is nothing more than a trash-filled crater in the ground. Almost every year it seems to rain, leaving the inebriated festival-goers dirty as well as dishevelled and greasy. The food is expensive and lacking in most forms of nourishment. The tickets are overpriced, near impossible to sell on, and will keep you up for many nights trying to get your sweaty hands on a pair. The target market audience appears to be anyone that can walk (and afford to remortgage their home to cover the costs of the weekend). Overall, yes. I am slightly bitter about never having attended Glastonbury. But my bitterness dies quickly as the rain starts pouring and your purse starts emptying, while I’m sat at home with most likely beautiful weather. ANNABELLE ASKER
CAPITAL SUMMERTIME BALL
Perhaps the most elite one-day festival of them all, Wembley Arena will play host to around 60,000 school children, and 30,000 disgruntled adults on 6th June. My first and last experience of Capital Radio’s capitalist venture was front row at the Jingle Bell Ball. I don’t think my ears have worked the same since One Direction were announced as next onstage. The high-pitched screams of hormone-fuelled 12 year olds is something your local GP would not recommend to anyone with a heart condition. The line-up of this year’s nursery session includes Pitbull, Ariana Grande, and (you guessed it) One Direction, minus Zayn Malik. GetMeIn ticket prices range from a reasonable £59 per ticket, to a staggering £3,000+, proving that parents will spend just about anything to maintain an emotional connection with their newly rebellious teenagers. ANNABELLE ASKER
READING & LEEDS
The tweenage, drug-fuelled weekender that is Reading, and most likely Leeds, is perhaps the place where many innocent childhoods have gone to die. Over the years, and over my attendance to the three-day massacre, I have watched the slow decline of humanity. Year on year, I notice the people around me become younger and younger, and more and more aggressively inebriated. The price of the ticket covers a guaranteed loss of your dignity, a excrement stained tent your mum forces you to leave behind, being crushed at the front of the Main Stage, and missing the bands you most wanted to see because you didn’t want to splash out the tenner for the lanyard and programme. Overall, Reading Festival holds a spot in the hearts of all young adults, and perhaps not for all positive reasons. ANNABELLE ASKER
BESTIVAL
Bestival began as a psychedelic fun fest with world famous headliners such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder. It’s enigmatic marketing made it the Mecca for all those who had grown tired of the piss stained adolescents who dominated Reading and Leeds, and wanted to move onto something a bit more mature. Unfortunately, all those adolescents have now grown up and govern Bestival too. Bestival’s sparkly social media appearance now acts as a front for a cold and rainy weekend spent fighting off that strange dude called Alan who reckons he loves you and keeps trying to chew your ear. SIAN BLEWITT
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KANYE WEST: DESERVED HEADLINER OR OVERPRICED IDIOT WITH A GOD COMPLEX?
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anye West is an easy target. Never shying away from the spotlight or applying the filter that should come somewhere between brain and mouth, he has found as much media notoriety as he has critical acclaim. Kanye’s talents speak for themselves, each of his six solo albums having gone at least 1x platinum. Along the way he has picked up over 100 industry awards, including 21 Grammys. Constantly evolving his style, there is no definitive Kanye West sound, from the soulful The College Dropout to 2013’s industrial Yeezus, via the bombastic hippop of Graduation and heavily autotuned melancholy of 808s and Heartbreak. Kanye is nothing if not a performer. Throughout his career, his stage show has been nothing short of incredible, and he is known to give his all at every performance. Every show is meticulously designed from extensive choreography and costumes to elaborate stage designs and sets. By anyone’s standard, his set will be more of a spectacle than the other headliners, and probably more varied than that of The Who, a band who haven’t released any new material since their previous headline slot in 2007, or The Foo Fighters, who have carved a career out of releasing essentially the same album every three years. Playing the pantomime villain has never proved such an obstruction in the past: both Oasis and U2 have headlined without controversy, whilst the Gallagher brothers and Bono respectively have loud mouths and the ego to rival that of Kanye. So, why then, is there such a fuss about this particular act? No musician will ever cater to the tastes of every single punter, but fortunately the festival has a hugely diverse line-up to satisfy the needs of any festival-goer for the two hours Kanye is on the main stage. EVAN SMITHSON
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t’s a well known fact that Glastonbury has hosted some legendary acts over its time, ranging from The Smiths, The Who and David Bowie, to Blur, Rolling Stones, and Radiohead. Acts of almost mythological status have graced its main stage, The Pyramid Stage, which is rumoured to capacitate 90,000 (the same number as Wembley Stadium). For me personally, Kanye West does not fit the bill. Yet. Yes, the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce have blown the hypotheical roof off the Pyramid Stage, but they have earned their place through flawless popularity. I don’t think I have heard a bad word against the power couple, and with a petition supported by over 130,000 people to cancel Kanye West, isn’t it about what the people want? Glastonbury is perhaps the most overpriced and overrated festival in the land, meaning if I were to dole out £300 odd for a ticket to the holy muddy fields I do expect to see an act of godly status, not one that wishes he was. Regardless of his poor attitude, his marriage to a soulsucking potrait of the world’s imperfections, and his strange attempt to break the fashion scene, his music is decent and perhaps more powerful than given credit. I respect him as an artist, but I would rather have someone arrive on stage confident in their crowd than one who is concious of the fact he isn’t exactly welcome. Bring on a rock band and give the people what they paid for. Capitalism and all that. ANNABELLE ASKER
CAMDEN ROCKS LONDON 30TH MAY ELINOR DAY
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amden has long been London’s true musical hub and it’s seen the launch of many distinguished musical careers. Bands from Led Zeppelin to My Chemical Romance have all trodden the sticky boards of Camden’s iconic venues and the area remains a thriving hive of musical creativity to this day. It’s in this spirit that the Camden Rocks festival was created. The idea of it is simple: 200 bands spread across 20 venues, all of them on Camden High Street for ease of wandering. The festival is unique amongst all day festivals for its massive variety of acts and warm congenial atmosphere, and 2015’s Camden Rocks promises to be the most explosive one yet.
Headliners for this year’s rock extravaganza include Welsh legends Skindred and Funeral For a Friend and British rock icon Ginger Wildheart. The bill also features a selection of upcoming British rock and metal heroes including Southampton’s own Creeper and Bristolian ‘new grave’ pioneers AshestoAngels. Other acts thoroughly worth catching on the line up include Glamour of the Kill, Buffalo Summer, Jettblack, and Star Scream. For those who have the stamina for more partying after the main even has finished, the fine people of Camden Rocks will be running not one, but two after-parties, both of which will be serving cheap drinks and playing great rock and metal music until 3am.
WHAT NOT TO MISS CREEPER
An easy band-name to confuse with green exploding characters from Minecraft, Creeper hail from Southampton. The five-piece have toured with the likes of Bury Tomorrow and Funeral For A Friend. The boys put on a fearsome live show, and are top of the list to catch at both Camden Rocks and Download Festival this year.
ASHESTOANGELS
Anyone who’s ever seen Ashestoangels live will know it’s almost impossible to accurately describe the chaos and sweat-soaked energy of their shows, but suffice to say their show at the Camden Rocks promises to be a properly lunatic affair. Their fantastic old-school goth punk will blow your mind, so prepare for an amazing show.
STAR SCREAM
Described as a ‘band for the imagination’, this three-piece are the sound of tomorrow. They seamlessly combine a contemporary rock sound with a hint of electornica, providing the audience with a musical explosion in their ear drums. Star Scream are ones to watch on the festival scene.
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BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 7TH - 18TH OCTOBER GEORGE SEABROOK
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015 marks the 59th year of the BFI London Film Festival. As ever, its central location will be the cinemas of Leicester Square - however, it will also take in movie houses all across London. Given its growing popularity over recent years, you should definitely be excited about the LFF in 2015. Firstly, it’s a great chance for people to enjoy new films in an open and active fashion. Sure, there will be journalists flooding carpets for the big screenings, but there will also be hundreds of smaller ones getting a good shot at large and receptive audiences. Some have been British indie hits (like last year’s ‘71 by Yann Demange). Gala screenings like for 12 Years A Slave the year before, which was its European première, give the UK Film Press the opportunity to see hotly-tipped films which eschew the indie label (or are in fact big studio productions), and often go on to be award season darlings. Then, as with all film festivals, there are the competition screenings. The Thrill category last year, in association with Empire Magazine, featured screenings of Kill Me Three Times, a new Simon Pegg film which does not have a UK release
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date yet. The festival also holds more than endless feature screenings. There are Q&As and short films, talks and workshops, led by filmmakers themselves. These may not get the largest audiences, not in comparison to the première screenings which will take place this year. Yet they represent the BFI’s commitment to doing more than simply showcasing films. They want to celebrate it. And it’s clearly a commitment that is paying off: in 2014, the festival had its largest ever audience of 163,000 people. Unfortunately, at the moment we can only guess as to what the BFI have in store for attendees this year. The films on show, not to mention the gala screenings are unlikely to be revealed until August or September. However, it is possibly a safe bet that both Crimson Peak, the new horror by Guillermo del Toro and Spectre, the latest James Bond film, will be making appearances. Both have UK release dates that month, after all. We may even get a peek at High-Rise, the latest Ben Wheatley film. Although anything bigger will be unlikely - sorry, Star Wars fans.
EDINBURGH FRINGE 7TH - 31ST AUGUST CAITLIN HOBBS
T
he largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs this year from 7th to 31st August, boasting over 3,000 shows to choose from across the city. The choice can be overwhelming if you’ve no idea where to start - and seeing around eight shows a day at an average of £9 a pop soon adds up, so there’s no room for bad decisions (especially expensive ones!) Here’s some recommendations to kick-start your plans.
SH*T-FACED SHAKESPEARE
MAGNIFICENT BASTARD PRODUCTIONS UNDERBELLY, GEORGE SQUARE Magnificent Bastard bring their notoriously funny take on the Bard back to the purple depths of the Underbelly this year. Playing to some of the largest audiences at the Fringe, the team from MB put on a traditional Shakespeare play each night, but with a twist - one of their cast members is blind drunk. The beauty of this is that anything can happen... but usually it ends in the drunk actor embarrassing themselves, giving away the plot too early and generally de-railing the play.
BLIND MIRTH
BLIND MIRTH IMPROV COMEDY PARADISE IN THE VAULT St. Andrews’ improv troupe might be lesserknown than names like the Cambridge Footlights, but they’re just as funny - I went back twice last year. Through some wildly original improvisational games, Blind Mirth prove that they are a well-oiled joke machine. Never missing the mark, the troupe will undoubtedly soon be one of the biggest student names at the Fringe.
MAFIA?/WESTERN?
SLEEPING TREES PLEASANCE COURTYARD Having previously torn apart The Odyssey and Treasure Island, the impossibly funny Sleeping Trees return to the Fringe this year with their take on gangster and cowboy films. Joined for the first time by the Physics House Band, this year’s show guarantees to be just as ridiculous as their previous efforts. Don’t miss the Sleeping Trees and their facecontorting, multi-roling, storytelling genius.
STRAWBERRIES IN JANUARY / DOGFIGHT / THE CRAFT OF THE COOPER
GONE ROGUE PRODUCTIONS C NOVA / C TOO / C CUBED Our own Theatre Group and Showstoppers are returning to the Fringe with more shows than ever before. Catch Strawberries in January, a quirky Canadian rom-com; Dogfight, a folk-rock musical that tells the story of a band of 1960s marines, and The Craft of the Cooper, an original musical set in the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike of 1968 at C Venues - three shows with all with something different to offer, showcasing some of our best home-grown talent.
UNCANNED LAUGHTER / GUNS ABLAZE
COMEDY SOCIETY SPORTSTERS BAR Southampton Comedy Society are setting their Jesters and Outtakes loose on the Fringe this year with a duo of shows that promise two things: they’re funny, and they’re free. Both hand-selected teams, the Jesters’ sketch debut went down a storm in the Annex Theatre, while the Outtakes’ improv show will bring fresh laughs to the Fringe every evening.
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T
earing its way back onto the screens of Vue’s flagship Leicester Square cinema in London for its sixteenth year, Film4 FrightFest returns in 2015, promising to pack an even bigger punch than ever before. Dragging itself out over five days of blood-soaked, terror-themed fun, the fan-favourite horror film festival will occupy even more screens than previous years when it lands from the 27th to the 31st August. Offering up a varied program of terrifying treats, ranging from big name UK premieres, to smaller, more fan-focussed and trashy titles, FrightFest remains very much the go-to festival for horror film geeks in all their forms. Originally envisioned by a quartet of cinema devotees in producer Paul McEvoy, distributor Ian Rattray, journalist Alan Jones and PR leader Greg Day, FrightFest has grown from its humble origins in 2000 at the Prince Charles Cinema to a huge, multi-screen, multi-city event. Although London remains the festival’s cultural hub, a second branch has since sprouted off in Glasgow, offering up an even wider range of ghastly delights, although it is still very much the nation’s capital that remains horror’s home.
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Following swiftly on the heels of last year’s fiercely packed program that saw early previews of critically-acclaimed hits such as Adam Wingard’s The Guest, as well as Aussie shocker The Babadook, 2015 promises to be another year to watch out for. Although the full program is still yet to be announced (it will supposedly land online 3rd July), early rumours are hinting towards a return from festival favourite Eli Roth, whether that be with his recent Sundance sweeper Knock Knock or one of his many, many other projects, whilst more hopeful fans may well be turning their sights towards a possible early premiere for Guillermo del Toro’s latest, Crimson Peak, a whole two months ahead of its general release. One can always dream. Ultimately though, no matter the slate, the festival always proves to be a fun-fuelled hub for the darkly weird and wonderful side of film. One of the widest showcases of alternative genre film in the UK, and boasting regular appearances from cinematic legends such as George A. Romero and Tobe Hooper, Film4 FrightFest is every true horror fan’s heaven, promising the very dark heart of cinema served up exactly the way we like it: extra bloody.
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ell, it’s that time of year again. From 16th18th June, E3 will be taking place at the LA Convention Center. The expo is essentially the biggest event on the gaming calendar, as every developer gets a chance to hype up what they’ve been working on, make announcements and show-off gameplay footage. Industry titans Sony, Ubisoft, EA, Nintendo and Microsoft traditionally hold their own showcases at the event as well. So as you can imagine, it’s a pretty big deal. One of the biggest talking points of this year is that Bethesda Softworks have announced that they too will be having a panel at the event. The Elder Scrolls developers don’t release titles anywhere near as regularly as EA or Ubisoft, so either they have a lot to show us, or they are announcing something which they have plenty of confidence in. Either way it’s exciting, and has sparked lots of conjecture. The most speculated theory is that they may finally have something Fallout 4 related to reveal but this is one of those things that’s suggested every year, with no luck so far. It’s more than likely however, that they will devote some of the time to their upcoming Doom reboot. With Microsoft, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that we’re going to see some gameplay footage for Halo 5: Guardians, which, whether you like it or not, is the
Xbox One’s ace in the hole at the moment. A Gears of War 4 teaser may likewise be on the cards and there’s also reputedly some stuff in the works from developer Rare, an announcement which has prompted all kinds of discussion. From Sony, expect a final push on the Uncharted 4 front, probably in the form of some gameplay footage, teasing one of the series’ signature set pieces. Sony have also insisted that people will get to see more of Project Morpheus, their VR headset peripheral. One of the biggest draws though, is the elusive Kingdom Hearts 3, which may well make an appearance. As for Nintendo, the as-of-yet untitled Legend of Zelda project is more or less guaranteed to pop up in some way, shape or form, along with perhaps a vague idea of a release date. Elsewhere fan favourite Star Fox (for the Wii U) will naturally get some focus, along with perhaps some updates on Super Smash Bros DLC. Additionally, look out for Black Ops 3, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain and Rock Band 4. Hopefully all of these sequels and reboots will be accompanied by some brand new and enticing IPs as well.
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T N A W E W S ITEM S L A V I T S E F T BANNED A F s, banning selfie stick lla and Lollapalooza he s ac on in Co op als d tiv ice fes vo American ins (as she ollowing on from banning Katie Hopk k, at uc Tr wh al, red tiv ide fes ns d se team co and indie Oxford ba ly with”), The Edge gree wholehearted isa “d al tiv fes e th at .. th s festivities. from this summer’ they’d like banned
INAPPROPRIA TE
MOSH PITS
CHRIS EVANS
Like all things, mos hpits have a time an d a place. No matt you’d rather be over er how much at the main stage se eing so-and-so than dragged along to se being e a local singer-son gwriter at the intro it is by no means an ducing stage, invitation to vent yo ur dissatisfaction by rile up the crowd to trying to keep yourself enter tained. Taking it up ‘liven up’ a crowd on yourself to that you don’t deem exciting enough is disrespectful to pe just downright ople that are genuin ely trying to enjoy Don’t get me wron the music. g, the sight of a sw irling circle pit to th Shikari never fails e sound of Enter to impress, but a bu nch of guys shovin about in the silent g each other disco… not so muc h.
IPADS
USZNA
MARTYNA POSL
so s at music festivals is pictures/record video . nd tre the rt sta Using tablets to take dared to impressive someone to be d un bo is ert ridiculous, it is almost nc co your iPad during the Needles to say, using people around you. as so annoying for the cumbersome as well
ACOUSTIC GUIT A
HANNAH MYL
REA
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We get it, this one time your Mum to ld you that you’re ba George Ezra and sh sically the next ould definitely be pla ying on the Pyram I speak for everybod id Stage; but y when I say we do n’t need your slurre ‘Wonderwall’ at fou d version of r in the morning wh ilst we’re trying to music to the profe sleep. Leave the ssionals, and leave the guitar at home.
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FLAGS ARSON-JONES
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BRIDIE PE
NATIVE AM ER
ICAN STYL E HEADDRES SES MARTYNA POSLU
“Isn’t that so co ol that we don’ significance of SZNA t seem to care these things?! about the cultu ” seems to co indie/hipster/ ral me across the whatever-is-n minds of all th on-mainstrea music festival e m-these-days s wearing war people attend bonnets. You’ Native Americ ing re not impres an headdresse sing anyone. Su s are magnific little thing ca re, ent as hell bu lled decency pr t shouldn’t th event you from is profaning item s of spiritual importance?
LADLESVESON
ill s; the first w music festival you and at ’ ds ‘la of forms ce for e across two the experien on You will com e band, ruin it you see both ur e vo os fa th e ur ar yo d e n lik co to se ho d e preten whilst th eir tents, w up your leg, inking by th h probably piss from the music arena dr nder in whic be d n and r a weeke fo s u ou yo If ym e. your way to on syn ternativ ic festival’ is and claim to be al believe ‘mus er girls who do us a favour ov d, e el is fi yn a og in is y it m to lin t cu ge as you your m k and prove weekend. want to drin eryone else’s ev in ru to 00 £2 d not spen
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UNION FILMS
OUTDOOR SCREENING 5TH JUNE REBECCA JAMES
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nion Films is undoubtedly one of the best things about SUSU, and every summer at the end of exams they give every student the chance to experience film in a new way with an outdoor screening under the stars. A great way to end the year, attending a Union Films outdoor screening should be on everyone’s bucket list. This year Union Films are screening one of the stand-out animated films of the year: Big Hero Six. Telling the story of the relationship between prodigy Hiro Hamada and the loveable inflatable robot, as they team up with friends to create a group of heroes.
2. Thermos of hot drink: Along the same lines as the above, a thermos of tea or coffee is perfect for when you’re part-way through watching the film, and it will help keep you warm as the night gets colder.
Watching a film on a big screen with surround sound is a fantastic experience, and we have some hints and tips to make sure you get the most out of it:
4. Make sure you get there early: Union Films outdoor screenings are incredibly popular, so make sure to get there early so that you get a seat in the middle of the area. You don’t want to be the ones squeezed into the back at the last minute.
1. Bring extra layers/blankets: While hopefully it will still be wonderfully warm through the evening, once the sun sets you’ll start feeling the chill. Make sure you bring an extra layer so you don’t find yourself shivering violently through the last act of the film like I did the first time I attended a UF outdoor screening. Watching the ending of Iron Man 3 just wasn’t quite the same with my knees tucked up under my jumper.
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3. Something to sit on: After a little while grass doesn’t feel so soft - its probably prudent to bring something like a yoga mat or picnic blanket to share. Some people even brought deck chairs, but I wouldn’t advise that if you want to sit in the middle - you’ll only irritate the people behind you!
Union Films’ outdoor screening of Big Hero Six will take place on the grass between the Interchange and the Red Brick outside Building 42, is free, and is scheduled to start at 8pm.
FILM4 SUMMER SCREEN SOMERSET HOUSE 6TH - 19TH AUGUST VIRGINIE ROBE
This year’s programme of the highly anticipated Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House includes interesting and mouthwatering premieres mixed with a wide range of classic films. Amongst the premiere films shown from 6th-19th of August, are Gemma Bovery, directed by Anne Fontaine (Coco Before Chanel), staring Gemma Arterton and Fabrice Luchini, and also The Man from U.N.C.L.E, directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes films), whose screening was sold-out a few days after the tickets went on sale. Other films have already proven really popular, the double bill on 15th August, True Romance and The Warrior, is also full. However, you can still grab tickets for Withnail and I and An American Werewolf in London on the 8th. Other outdoors screenings include Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, Werner Herzog’s Aguirre, Wrath of God, Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs, and more. New to this year, Summer Screen Spotlight serves as a showcase for exceptional new film-making from
around the world and acts as a very compelling addition to the programme of film classics. It is a chance to see something different and make a discovery; the Spotlight for 2015 falls on the big-hearted and beautifully observed The Second Mother, a family drama with a deep seam of winning humour that won over both Sundance and the Berlinale earlier on this year. The festival also sees the return of the Best of 10 Public Vote feature. This year, you will be able to pick which musical you would like to see in the courtyard of the Somerset House. The list is already online, and you can vote between films that range from Singing in the Rain to West Side Story and Bugsy Malone. Last but not least, the festival also curates Behind the Screen, a programme of talks, workshops and family events with special gets and industry insiders, details will be announced in June. You will also be able to see the Summer Screen Prints exhibition returning to Sommerset House, featuring some of the best names within the graphic arts world. Limitededition art prints will be on sell for £50 each.
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EDITORS’ PICKS The Edge Committee are a pretty eclectic bunch - here are the festivals we’re all looking forward to.
REBECCA JAMES - EDITOR
LEWIS TAPLIN - NEWS EDITOR
A literary festival which is Europe’s biggest crime writing event, which runs over four days in June, and has been running for 13 years now. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Panel on ‘Forensics in Crime Literature’, Eddie Izzard, and Lee Child.
I’m particularly excited for V this year because its lineup is ordinarily saturated with conventional pop artists, but this year sees more of an eclectic variety, including alternative and electronic, plus a very impressive comedy tent. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Shappi Khorsandi, CHVRCHES, and Marina and the Diamonds.
THEAKSTONE OLD PECULIAR CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
CAITLIN HOBBS - DEPUTY EDITOR
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world and is well worth the journey for any fan of theatre or comedy. Boasting hundreds of shows across the gorgeous city, the festival runs all through the month of August. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Sleeping Trees present: Mafia?/Western?, The RH Experience present: Stuck!, and Blind Mirth. .
NATALIE FORDHAM - CULTURE EDITOR
ISLE OF WIGHT
It has a relaxed atmosphere but always provides amazing big name acts that range from classic to current. Bonus is, it’s only a ferry (or a hover craft) away. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Black Keys, Imelda May, and The Prodigy.
JOE GIBSON - CULTURE EXECUTIVE
E3
Last year was a huge event, as it marked the first conference since the release of the PS4 and XBOX One. This year promises to be even bigger as the two gaming giants seek to gain a stronghold in the ever growing gaming sector. Watch out for Sony in particular, who will likely try to please gamers disappointed in the delay to Uncharted 4: A Thief ’s End.
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V FESTIVAL
ANNABELLE ASKER - LIVE EDITOR
SOMERSAULT FESTIVAL
Somersault Festival encapsulates everything that is good about summer. The idyllic Devonshire location, the stellar line-up of musical acts (headliners include Laura Marling, and Passenger), the quality food served up by the likes of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, and the range of physical activities. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Lucy Rose, Jeremy Loops, and Bombay Bicycle Club.
SIAN BLEWITT - FEATURES EDITOR
BEST KEPT SECRET
Set in a safari park (complete with roaming giraffes and giant lakes) Best Kept Secret is Europe’s most diverse festival. The festival focuses 100% on music and provides an endless array of genres to choose from, such as A$AP ROCKY and Alt-J. Tickets and travel come in at about €200 altogether, so you won’t be breaking the bank either. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Death Cab for Cutie, The Libertines, and Gengahr.
HANNAH MYRLEA - RECORDS EDITOR
TRUCK
The indie music festival is back in the rural Oxfordshire countryside, and is better than ever. The perfect alternative to Reading & Leeds if you want something on a smaller scale, Truck never dissapoints. This year there’s an even stronger line-up, including the
new Truck x Switch Presents line-up (including the legendary Shy FX), added glamping, a paint fight, and they’ve even added Katie Hopkins and selfie sticks to their ‘prohibited items’ list. What could be better? MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Jaws, Rae Morris and Honeyblood.
EVAN SMITHSON - RECORDS EXECUTIVE
FIELD DAY
Field Day manages to maintain a self-confessed ‘village mentality’ despite its central London location. The boutique festival has an eclectic line-up focussing heavily on electronic music and hip-hop on Saturday, and everything the guitar has to offer on Sunday. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Hudson Mohawke, tUnEyArDs, and Viet Cong.
VIRGINIE ROBE - FILM EDITOR
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
Having celebrated its 68th anniversary this year, the Cannes Festival remains the most influential film festival in the world, offering the biggest market place for the film industry. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Mon Roi (Maïwenn), Irrational Man (Woody Allen), Carol (Todd Haynes).
BEN ROBINS - FILM EXECUTIVE
FRIGHTFEST
Lovingly dubbed the “Woodstock of Gore” by cinematic legend Guillermo del Toro, FrightFest is every true horror fan’s heaven. An entire weekend of terrifying treats ranging from mainstream premieres to deluded trash and everything in between; the dedication of the festival’s many followers is what makes this one so special. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: No programme has been confirmed yet, but expect something from the likes of Eli Roth or maybe even a sneak preview of del Toro’s Crimson Peak.
EMILY MITCHELL - ONLINE MANAGER
FARR FESTIVAL
Farr Festival is a boutique festival held in the countryside outside of London. I am excited because it’s a small festival which I much prefer to bigger festivals as its much more intimate and enjoyable. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Erol Alkan, Midland, and Romare.
HENNA PATEL - HEAD OF PUBLICITY
GLASTONBURY
Boasting a huge range of artists and acts from Kanye West to Stephen Hawking, Glastonbury caters for all and will always deliver due to its diversity. Expect an overwhelming, surreal and muddy few days. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Florence + the Machine, Kanye West and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
ALEX MEEHAN - HEAD OF EVENTS
ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL
Taking place just a ferry’s ride from the docks, the Isle of Wight Festival boasts an absolutely cracking line-up this year. With Brit-pop titans Blur, Blues duo The Black Keys, electronic wizards The Prodigy and 70’s rock legends Fleetwood Mac taking to the main stage. Sporting a typically vintage-style theme, the Isle of Wight Festival will be taking place over the weekend of 11th-14th June. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Fleetwood Mac.
JENNY SIMPSON - HEAD OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CALLING FESTIVAL
Calling Festival is an awesome little rock festival set in a Victorian park in South London. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Ryan Adams and Wolf Alice.
JOE BUCKINGHAM - HEAD OF DESIGN
UDDERBELLY
Not-so-subtly hidden inside an enormous upside-down cow in London’s south bank, the Udderbelly plays host to wide range of comedy catering to all ages and tastes, from TV big-shots to fringe favourites... and Lee Nelson. But hey, you can’t have it all. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The Noise Next Door’s Comedy Lock-In, Austentations: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel.
MEGAN DOWNING - EDITOR IN CHIEF
BESTIVAL
Now in its 11th year, Bestival is one of the biggest festivals in the calendar and this year is sure to be one of the best yet with its ‘Summer of Love’ theme. With it being in September it’s the perfect opportunity for one final blow out before heading back to uni. MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Jungle, Mark Ronson, and Muse.
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