THE BIG
FESTIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAY
THE BIG
FESTIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAY FROM PAGE 28
Editor-in-chief: David O’Coy Editor: Kerry O’Coy kerry@fusedmagazine.com | @kerryfused Writers: Lyle Bignon, Gemma Corden, Jamila Dworkin, Sally Watson-Jones, Marie Krispin, Kerry O’Coy, Stepahnie Potter, Kate Pritchard, Danann Swanton. Front Cover: Courtesy of Bestival Content Image: Courtesy of Cocoon Festival
ADVERTISING The Culture Guide is monthly/bi-monthly and Adverts cost just £220 for a page. To book call 0121 442 6663 today for early bird offers or email kerry@ fusedmagazine.com. Full rates can be found at areacultureguide.co.uk.
AREA Culture Guide tel: 0121 442 6663 www.areacultureguide.co.uk www.fusedmagazine.com @areaguide / @fusedmagazine Facebook.com/fusedpublications This guide is produced by Fused Media DISCLAIMER Reproduction of all editorial/images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission. We cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from any material supplied. While we aim to make sure all listings are correct we can not be held responsible for any incorrect entries. Readers should check venues before arrival. Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily the publishers. This is a Fused Publication © Fused 2015 © Area Culture Guide 2015.
03
ART
LOVE IS ENOUGH
The Failure of Sir Gawaine. By Sir Edward Burne-Jones, William Morris, John Henry Dearle. Wool, silk, mohair and camel hair weft on cotton warp, 1895 – 1896. Courtesy: Birmingham Museums Trust.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Until 6 September Open daily 10am-5pm, Friday 10.30am-5pm Adult £7, Concession £6, Child (3-15 years) £3, Child (under 3) FREE, Family £17 birminghammuseums.org.uk Rarely-seen works by William Morris and Andy Warhol from public and private collections across the UK and the USA have been brought together by TurnerPrize winning artist Jeremy Deller who turns curator for the ‘Love is Enough’ exhibition at BM&G. Six extremely rare and fragile historic tapestries illustrating the story of the search for the Holy Grail are being put on display in Birmingham for the first time in seven years. 04
Knights of the Round Table Summoned to the Quest by the Strange Damsel. 1898 – 1899. As previous.
The tapestries, acquired for Birmingham’s collection between 1907 and 1980, were designed by William Morris, Edward BurneJones and John Henry Dearle and are the only versions from the Holy Grail series in any public collection. The Summons, The Arming and Departure, The Failure of Sir Gawaine, The Ship, The Attainment and Verdure are the most complete surviving representation of the series, which is widely regarded as one of the outstanding achievements of the British Arts & Crafts movement. Morris and Burne-Jones chose the story of the quest for the tapestry series, based on the ‘Le Morte d’Arthur’ (The Death of Arthur) by Thomas Malory, one of their favourite books. Burne-Jones had found a copy in a bookshop in New Street, Birmingham, in 1855. He couldn’t afford it at the time, so Morris bought
it for him. The Holy Grail tapestry series was the culmination of Morris and Burne-Jones’s long standing friendship and collaboration, and of Morris’ desire to revive the art of tapestry weaving in England. Works by Andy Warhol include drawings and screenprints from Tate, and an infamous print of a Campbell’s Soup can, on loan from Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Rare archival material from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh will also feature – including a signed photograph of Shirley Temple posted to a 13-year-old Andy from the actress in 1941. Unique to this exhibition will be Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s hugely popular unfinished portrait ‘La Donna Della Finestra’ (1881) thought to be based on a likeness of Jane Morris. 05
ART
IMAGINING A UNIVERSITY
Fifty years of the University of Warwick Art Collection Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre Until 20 June warwickartscentre.co.uk In the scope of its fiftieth anniversary, the University of Warwick celebrates not just the history of the educational institution but also the anniversary of its broad art collection. Imagining a University examines the development of the collection over the past fifty years, featuring artists such as Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Terry Frost and many more. Venue for the exhibition is the universities’ own Mead Gallery. The collection is organised chronologically, starting with the modernist utopia in the early 1970’s, when abstract colourfield paintings were used as flags, representing the new egalitarian generation of students. With the opening of the Mead Gallery in the 1980’s, the University of Warwick enhanced the meaning of public art in the context of a University. The opening of the Gallery provided a facility for cataloguing and curating the universities’ collection and an impetus for acquisition. In the 1990’s, the university approached a more conceptual movement, which was managed by the Contemporary Art Society and supported by the Art Council England Lottery. They expanded their collection by a large amount of new artworks such as the painting Everything by Ian Davenport, which references the meaning of the aforementioned colourfield paintings. The art collection emphasises the great meaning of art for the university of Warwick. It fulfils the purpose of learning and researching, creates a campus identity and initiates a platform for creativity and discussion. MK 06
Image: Simon Patterson, Cosmic Wallpaper, 2002, digital wallpaper
ART
TREVOR APPLESON mac 2 May – 5 July macbirmingham.co.uk
This brand new exhibition from Appleson explores the urban tribes of Birmingham, looking specifically at youth culture around the city, with photographs taken outside pubs and clubs, organisations and informal spaces over the span of a year. Interwoven with the photo portraits Appleson is so well known for are personal objects and social media archives collected from his subjects as a way of examining self-representation, a counterpoint to the tradition of portraiture. The installation reflects the cultural diversity of the city as well as its status as the youngest city in Europe – over half the population are under 35 and 29% are under 25. Appleson’s work has previously taken him to Mexico City, Cape Town and Kibbutz Hatzerim in Israel, where he sets up makeshift travelling studios on street corners, beaches and public spaces. This new work was commissioned by mac Birmingham and the Library of Birmingham, and selected works will be acquired by the Library after the exhibition is over, providing a permanent snapshot of this moment in the city’s history. The exhibition incorporates a symposium on The Cult of the Photographer and Culture of Social Media, Saturday 20 June from 11am until 4pm. Entry into the exhibition is free. SWJ
07
ART
MY ROUTE EXHIBITION TRAIL
On and around Stratford Road, B-ham 13 June - 10 July Photographer Vanley Burke and sound artist Brian Duffy have come together to tell the history of Stratford Road in Birmingham. The My Route exhibition trail will look at the people who have contributed to the rich history of Stratford Road as well as the story of immigration in Birmingham over the decades and how it has changed and influenced the community of the road. The exhibition will feature large scale images of Stratford Road and its residents taken by Burke which have been combined with sound installations by Duffy who is currently best known for his work with the Modified Toy Orchestra. The photographs will be placed on buildings along a three mile length of Stratford Road while the accompanying sound installations will be placed at street level and together will paint a picture of what it’s like to live and work on this culturally diverse artery to the city. The exhibition is curated by Tasawar Bashir and is the result of an 18 month heritage project led by Sampad and supported by the National Lottery Fund. Bashir has worked with Sampad to select images and sounds to give an insight into life on Stratford Road from the 1940’s to the present day. SP
08
ART
PAVEL BÜCHLER
(HONEST) WORK 13 May – 12 July Ikon Gallery ikon-gallery.org Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm, Free entry Ikon presents the most comprehensive UK exhibition to date by Pavel Büchler. Involving a wide range of media one of the central pieces is a large installation of loudspeakers (pictured) based on a 1920s design by Marconi. The work proclaims a quotation from Kafka’s The Castle, mediated through a first-generation text-tospeech computer programme: “You are not from the Castle, you are not from the village, you aren’t anything. Or rather, unfortunately, you are something, a stranger, a man who isn’t wanted and is in everybody’s way ...” Broadcast through the antique sound system, the words recall street propaganda announcements as they insist that integration is impossible, that the stranger will always remain on the outside. Büchler is particularly interested in the resonances that result from the location of this work in different contexts, and it will be especially pertinent in Birmingham, a city made remarkable through immigration and cultural diversity. Image: Pavel Büchler. The Castle. Installation view from DOX, Prague, 2010.
010
BIRMINGHAM’S LITERARY SPACES Birmingham-based writer Danann Swanton recently released her debut novel Out on the Piste. While it is set on the ski slopes of the Alps it was written here in the city so we asked Danann to guide us through the literary spaces that give her inspiration... I moved to Birmingham as a child and was quickly exposed to Birmingham’s artistic scene. Our city has created so much talent; from writers and actors to artists and musicians one cannot fail to be in awe. Who could have guessed that Tolkien took his inspiration for his famous Lord of the Rings from parts of our city? Birmingham continues to grow and with it, so does its talented artistic scene, with more independent artists and venues appearing across the region. If you are a fellow lover of literature, sometimes need a place to seek inspiration, or if you wish to immerse yourself in a literary world, there are a few places for you to go. 012
MAC macbirmingham.co.uk I have always loved everything Midlands Art Centre (mac) at Cannon Hill Park has to offer. It is a love that started as a child and has continued well into adulthood. Whether you are interested in spoken word performances, comedy, theatre, art, music, dance or independent films, mac has something for everyone. Showcasing contemporary work the venue will always expose you to new, exciting and different experiences. Recently, I saw an exhibition by Koestler Trust, the UK’s best-known prison arts charity. The trust awards, exhibits and sells artwork by offenders, secure patients and detainees. mac encourages people from all backgrounds, cultures and ages to celebrate their creativity and as a result, shows us a different world from the one we are used to. Through its various shows and initiatives, mac provides us with new experiences to learn from, encourages us to be more informed and inspires us to be more creative in our own endeavours. DIGBETH / THE CUSTARD FACTORY Digbeth continues to be an area that supports Birmingham’s creative scene. I saw spoken word poet, Hollie McNish (holliepoetry. com) at the Rainbow Warehouse
where she was supported by local spoken word group, Beatfreeks (beatfreeks.com). It was a night of poetry, brilliance and new challenging ideas which created much debate. The Custard Factory has also celebrated alternative ideas and art forms. The venue hosted Out on the Piste’s book launch so has been a particularly special place for me ever since. LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM libraryofbirmingham.com While it might seem like an obvious choice, the Library of Birmingham (pictured) - and Birmingham’s central library before that - never fails to inspire. There is something about being surrounded by so many writers in one place that fills me with awe and wonder. With the new Library of Birmingham I can’t help but be excited when I climb the escalators only to be surrounded by a sea of bookshelves. I think, embarrassingly, it reminds me of the library scene from Beauty and the Beast; it was a room I was envious of as a child and now, as an adult, would love to replicate it in my own home (when I win the lottery. Note to self – start playing the lottery). The Library of Birmingham is the closest I think I will ever get to mimicking the scene; so, if I ever want to be filled with literary-wonderment, it is off the Library of Birmingham I go.
CITY BOOK STORES Any bookshop within the city will grasp my attention and I am regularly found perusing the bookshelves at Waterstones (New Street and Corporation Street) in the city centre. Any charity shop is guaranteed to have some good books and I love searching through the shelves to see what books are on offer. I am one for writing the date that I have purchased a new book alongside my name in the inside of the new, crisp front cover. I love flicking in between the pages of old books to see what additional messages have been added to novels, what history the book may have had before finding its way into my hands. EDGBASTON RESERVOIR birmingham.gov.uk/reservoir Edgbaston’s reservoir is an impressive literary location. A brisk walk in the area takes you close to Perrott’s Folly and the tower at Edgbaston Waterworks, both of which are believed to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s Two Towers of Gondor. Whether you are a Tolkien fan or not, being so close to such literary history cannot fail to impress thanks to the landmarks being immortalised in such famous literature. Birmingham is a culturally vibrant city and is seeped in literary heritage. As its art scene continues to grow, I hope you will enjoy its ever-changing story. Danann’s first novel, Out on the Piste, is about a young girl who leaves home for the first time do embark upon a new world of ski resorts, skiing and jagerbombs. Read this tale of love, lust and hangovers for only £9.50. Available directly from the author at danannswanton.co.uk, your local bookshop or Amazon. Follow on twitter: @DanannSwanton | @OutonthePiste
www.thebigartshow.co.uk At the West Midland Showground Shrewsbury, Shropshire
3-5 July 2015 A showcase of the best British art and craft Over 120 Exhibiting Artists Film and animation, Demonstrations Photography, Adult & Children’s workshops Performing artists Live music
Open: 10am-5pm Admission: On the day - £6.50 FREE for U16s! In advance - £5.00 online at: www.thebigartshow/buy-tickets
Mainly Undercover & No charge for parking
MUSIC
LOW CUT CONNIE
Formed in 2010 by Adam Weiner (New York, USA) and Daniel Finnemore (Birmingham, UK) Low Cut Connie have been carrying the torch for good old party rock & roll and sleaze with their legendary live shows that will make you wanna’ dance, drink, scream and make out with the guy/girl next to you all at the same time. Their third album ‘Hi Honey’ came out at the end of April and was produced by the renowned Thomas Brenneck (Amy Winehouse, Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, Alabama Shakes) and features guest stars Merrill Garbus (Tune-Yards), Dean Ween, Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound), and members of the Dap Kings and The Budos Band. We caught up with Adam and Dan after there storming appearance at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas where they conquered the crowd with their righteous rock & roll! 016
How did it all start for Low Cut Connie as a band? Dan: I was with Steve Copter (singer of Birmingham band Black Mekon) in New York and on our last night we went to the Lakeside Lounge where Adam was performing [as Ladyfingers] just by chance. I loved the show and we exchanged details and that’s how we became friends and the rest has just gone on from there. Adam: They said: “If you ever want to come to Birmingham to do a show let us know”. I said: “I’m gonna take you up on that, I hope you’re telling the truth” and I did. That was 2006 or 2007 and over the next few years we just kept doing little things together; a little duo tour or I would play piano for him, he would play drums for me. With both of us on a level of a lack of success that ran very parallel I asked Dan if he would like to pool our lack of success into something that was pure; just fun. Stop trying to do anything with a career in the music business and just have fun. How does it work with writing songs for Low Cut Connie when you’re either side of the Atlantic? Adam: I write a bunch of songs, Dan writes a bunch of songs and then we get together very briefly and I put a little salt and pepper on his, he’ll put a little salt and pepper on mine and that’s it. Dan: If I’ve learnt one thing, you can
over-think it you know? You can overpractise. For me, I would rather see someone play badly from the heart. There are so many musicians out there that are really talented but I’d rather have someone that can’t play as good but is true to themselves and that process has helped this band because we don’t spend too much time over-thinking it. Adam: We get together, we rehearse a day, maybe two and then we’re ready. Dan: And the thing that helps is touring, because at the end of the tour any new song we started on that tour sounds great. Adam: We have a very small but passionate fanbase. We show up at a town and there’ll be a little crew that know every word of every song. They’ll wait to see us and everybody marvels; “I don’t understand why you guys aren’t huge”. Other bands say, “You’re better than us”, we’re like a band’s band. But that’s in the US. We got blessed and cursed right out of the box with so much critical praise that it was the kiss of death in certain places. We were in Rolling Stone magazine and featured in a very big way before we’d even played 20 shows. We kind of skipped steps and then the little guys didn’t know what to do with that. How are you going to get JoSchmo.com blog to be very passionate about you when Rolling Stone already scooped you? Dan: There’s a misconception that we’re bigger than we are in some 017
territories but you can’t control that sh*t. It is what it is, just be thankful for what you’ve got. Tell us about the new album. Dan: We made the record a while ago. We had the good fortune to work with Mr. Tommy Brenneck, who discovered, produced and writes for Charles Bradley, played guitar for Amy Winehouse and turned down Bruno Mars produce us. We had a chance to work in his Dunham Studios in Brooklyn and made an album that has a little bit more to it than our previous work in some respects. It’s still us but we had elements of that Daptone Records sound with more soulful stuff 018
going on. We’re really proud of it. I think people who are already our fans will see what we are and get what they got from the other two records but hopefully we’ll get a few more fans from the different things we’ve done with the sounds. Adam: Everyone who’s heard it really likes it. I was afraid we were going to lose some of our fans that like the boogie and sleaze that we got labelled with from the first record but I think we’ve kept one foot in the gutter as Dan would say. I do think musically we’ve upped our game a little bit. Dan: With this record certain aspects of our musicality and the song-writing process felt very new because we had Brenneck’s hand guiding us and the songs were like an open book. I wouldn’t do the next album the same way, not because I didn’t like it but because we’re always looking to try something different. Our live set recently has become musically more punky and ferocious and that’s what I’d like to take into the next record. Adam: I think we showed ourselves we could do it and I am proud of every song on this album. From a song-writing perspective I think we trimmed the fat off it. There’s a song on the album called “Danny’s Outta Money”. Is that all written from personal experience? Dan: Definitely. I used to live with Adam in New York sleeping on his couch. Adam: My wife and I lived in a one
bedroom apartment and Dan was on our couch for a year on-and-off. It was a tough year for us personally and the band. With the first record we were riding a wave but I was running the whole band out of my bedroom, doing the website and shipping everything and so on. Then with the second record, ‘Call Me Sylvia’ which people really loved it was very sobering because we plateaued. It didn’t mushroom cloud the way we wanted it too. Dan: It was really hard to get a deal even though we’d been in Rolling Stone and we’d had all this press and all this love. Adam: We got the string-along from seven labels. We came very close to signing with Warner and the legendary Seymour Stein, who signed the Ramones, the Talking Heads and Madonna. An unbelievable guy; a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, one of those fucking guys. He saw us live and absolutely flipped out over the show but he signed a band that were all 19 or 20 years old and very handsome kids. It took us months to find out but we were told:P “You guys are just a little bit too old for us”. It was bruising, but then out of that we had already finished this record and we said, “F*ck it, we’re just going to do this ourselves”. And I’m glad that we did. Hi Honey is out now and available from lowcutconnie.com and amazon.
019
MUSIC
GOD DAMN
The Sunflower Lounge 16 May birminghampromoters.com As hard-working bands go, God Damn deserve a goddamn medal. Super industrious, with a ton of live shows in pubs, living rooms, festivals and record stores under their belt, the Wolverhampton sludge metallers have had just enough time to grab fresh pants before heading back out on the road following a gruelling UK, European and US tour. Armed with a killer set and buoyed by the support of label One Little Indian, the band headline a run of dates after previously opening for the likes of Eagulls, Funeral For A Friend, Pulled Apart By Horses, Therapy, Turbowolf and The Wytches. It’s taken the boys a few years to turn out their full-length debut Vultures, but hell, it was worth the wait. Rammed full of herculean riffs, splintering percussion and ear-splitting vocals punctuated with moments of tender clarity, the album is a monument to the power of the guitar and drums combo. That this wall of sound is produced by a duo – Thom Edward and Ash Weaver – makes God Damn all the more astonishing. Live, they are explosive. This Midlands date will be hot, loud and heavy with the added bonus of exceptional Brummie noise-rockers Elephantine supporting. Unmissable. LB 020
021
HEART & SOUL The Irish Centre, Digbeth 20 June, 8pm £6
Fans of soul take note: June will see the ever-popular Heart & Soul return to Digbeth’s Irish Centre for an all-out summer special. After losing his son Ethan, aged three, following a corrective operation for TGA (transposition of the great arteries) in 2009, South Birmingham Scooter Club’s Andrew Marshall set up the event in the hope of making money for UK based charity, Heart Research UK. Having already raised nearly £100,000 for the charity and Birmingham Children’s Hospital so far all proceeds from the upcoming event will contribute towards piloting Heart Research UK’s rehabilitation project for children who have undergone open-heart surgery. The event offers a range of vinyl-spun soul, Motown, northern soul, mod and ska from special guests Glyn Preece and Tony Reynolds, alongside the likes of locally renowned DJs PID (host of Brum Beat) and Testify’s Vic Mullen and Adam Heath (pictured). Though previous events have been known to sell out, tickets remain just £6 on the door. There will also be a raffle, drawn on the night, for the chance to win a Vespa PX125 scooter with 12 months tax and MOT. JD 022
THEATRE
BE FESTIVAL 2015 Birmingham Repertory Theatre 23 - 27 June befestival.org
Turning the notion of conventional theatre upside down and blurring the boundary between audience and artist BE Festival opens its doors to 20 of Europe’s most daring, innovative and experimental theatre, dance and circus groups this June. The week long festival take place across the Rep’s various stages and back-stage areas and offers a unique programme of European theatre, dance, comedy, circus, music, visual and performing arts. Running day and night there are a wide variety of activities and shows for everyone.
024
One of the festival’s many quirks include their now infamous interval dinner events; The REP’s main stage makes way for a pop-up restaurant and audience members, actors and staff are invited to enjoy a meal together under the spotlights during the interval. Evening entertainment also includes international live music, DJs and a bar; the perfect place to relax on the loungers and sofas, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the shows. During the day there are visual arts installations, workshops and talks all exploring the theme of democracy and participation giving audiences the opportunity to chat with actors, artists and academics. A free outdoor performance, Collage, by trampolining forces of nature, Bot Project (Spain), will take place on Centenary Square on 24 June at 6pm.
025
Spectacular Theatre Spectacular Theatre TheREP REP AtAt The 16 May 14 -1416-May
30 May 15 -1530-May
Selina Thompson Selina Thompson presentspresents
Birmingham Repertory Birmingham Repertory Theatre Theatre CompanyCompany and and West Yorkshire Playhouse West Yorkshire Playhouse present present
CHEWING RISE AND FALL CHEWING THETHE FATFAT THETHE RISE AND FALL By Selina Thompson By Selina Thompson OF LITTLE VOICE OF LITTLE VOICE her own SelinaSelina invitesinvites you toyou her to own Jim Cartwright By JimByCartwright of a midnight versionversion of a midnight feast, feast, Little Voice Little Voice privately sings along privately sings along featuring discussions of life-long featuring discussions of life-long her musical heroines‌ and her to her to musical heroines‌ and her with raucous weightweight issuesissues with raucous is transformed. in public, world world is transformed. But in But public, laughter. A hilarious and extremely laughter. A hilarious and extremely she crumbles - will shefind ever find she crumbles - will she ever openatlook how liveour with our open look howatwe livewe with hervoice? own voice? A hilarious her own A hilarious and and bodies. bodies. heart-warming play, featuring heart-warming play, featuring Vicky Vicky Entwistle, Chris Gascoyne Entwistle, Chris Gascoyne and and Sullivan. NancyNancy Sullivan.
Facebook.com/birminghamrep @birminghamrep @therepbirmingham Facebook.com/birminghamrep @birminghamrep @therepbirmingham
Office 0121 4455 BoxBox Office 0121 236236 4455
birmingham-rep.co.uk birmingham-rep.co.uk REP Season Ad 140x190mm.indd 1 REP Season Ad 140x190mm.indd 1
A A l
c th a
L
,
23 May 19 -1923-May
- 6 June 4 - 64 June
and Belgrade TamashaTamasha and Belgrade Theatre,Theatre, CoventryCoventry present present
The Freedom The Freedom Theatre,Theatre, PalestinePalestine presentspresents
BLOOD BLOOD
By Emteaz By Emteaz HussainHussain
SIEGE THETHE SIEGE
The Freedom By TheByFreedom TheatreTheatre
A modern-day Romeo and Juliet.April 2002, April 2002, Bethlehem. A group A modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Bethlehem. A group A fresh, funnycompelling and compelling of armed mensanctuary seek sanctuary in A fresh, funny and new new of armed men seek in loveabout story about two teenagersthe Church the Church of Nativity the Israeli love story two teenagers of Nativity as theas Israeli a Midlands’ Pakistani army closes army closes The lasts siege lasts from afrom Midlands’ Pakistani in. Thein.siege community, the lengths to whichfor 29for 29 The days.world-renowned The world-renowned community, the lengths to which days. their families go tothem keep them theatretheatre company from Jenin their families will gowill to keep company from Jenin apartthe and thepeople risks people Refugee is onfirst theirtour first tour apart and risks take takeRefugee CampCamp is on their for love. the UK. for love. of the of UK.
FOR FULL SEASON LISTINGS FOR FULL SEASON LISTINGS VISIT BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK VISIT BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK England 295910 Charity No.223660 RegisteredRegistered in Englandin295910 Charity No.223660
16/04/2015 16/04/2015 12:00 12:00
THE BIG
FESTIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAY
HOW TO ENTER Over the next 30+ pages we are giving away tickets to this year’s hottest festivals. To enter you’ll need to head over to our sister website www.fusedmagazine.com where you will find the festivals listed alongside deadlines and details on how to enter each competition. Festival entry is only available to people over the age of 18. You’ll need to LIKE our Facebook page at facebook. com/fusedpublications and follow us on Twitter @ Fusedmagazine. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the festival start via email or phone call. Please note that travel is NOT include (apart from T in the Park) in the prize either within or outside of the UK.
OUTBREAK WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
22-24 May There is only one place to be this May Bank Holiday weekend, and that is Outbreak Festival in the beautifully natural landscapes of Raceway Fields & Forest at Donington Park in Leicestershire. After announcing the first of more than 200 headline artists from the worlds of house, techno, bass, garage, d&b and everything in between earlier in the year, this optional camping festival now serves up a second and third wave of amazing acts to complete the picture. Artists announced include Armin Van Helden, Katy B, French trio Apollonia, UK chart toppers Gorgon City, Hot Creations hero Jamie Jones, Sven Vath, Amine Edge & DANCE, Panoramabar’s Cassy, DC10 pin-ups Matthias Tanzmann and Davide Squillace, Preditah, Redlight, Shadow Child, Shy FX, Subb-An, Yousef, wAFF and plenty more besides.
GLASTONBUDGET WIN 2 X VIP TICKETS
22-24 May The world’s greatest tribute festival, Glastonbudget is back in the heart of Leicester for its 10 year anniversary and they are offering you and a friend the chance to win VIP tickets for the whole weekend! Wymeswold in Leicester will be transformed with legendary tribute acts from across the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, taking you on a musical journey across the best eras in music. There will be over 30 award winning tribute acts and 100 independent artists performing across seven stages and you will be able to see all of this from the VIP area!
LECHLADE WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
22-24 May The beautiful Cotswolds town of Lechlade on Thames plays host to its fifth 3 day family-friendly music festival at the end of May. From rock to reggae, folk to funk, pop to punk and everything in between, there’s something for everyone including free family activities, real ales, fabulous food and burlesque. Headlining are rock legends Status Quo, ‘Sprit in the Sky’ popsters Doctor and the Medics and renowned tribute bands Whole Lotta Led and Bon Giovi. Added to the mix of over 60 bands on 3 stages, this is fantastic weekend of live music.
HAPPY DAYS WIN A PAIR OF ONE DAY TICKETS
23 May (Ska day) Happy Days Festival will be bringing the Madchester favourites Happy Mondays who will be performing cult classics Step On, Kinky Afro Afro, Hallelujah and 24 Hour Party People to their Surrey event. Also appearing, will be mod rock revival band From The Jam (featuring Bruce Foxton), who’ll be performing Jam hits such as; Beat Surrender, Town Called Malice, Butterfly Collector, Eton Rifles, Going Underground, and That’s Entertainment. To get the summer party stomping, original rude boy Neville Staple & Band will be on hand to perform tracks including; Ghost Town, A Message To You, Gangsters, Our Lips Are Sealed and more. Other artists on Ska Saturday include The Selecter, The Beat and Scarlett’s Roses.
COMMON PEOPLE WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
23-24 May Common People is a brand new twoday metropolitan adventure, set in the leafy, green surrounds of Southampton Common. Put together with love by the acclaimed Bestival family, there will be lashings of magic, mayhem and merriment. Headline sets come from Fatboy Slim and Grace Jones and music from De La Soul, Jaguar Skills, DJ Yoda, George the Poet, Plastic Mermaids, Funky Little Choir, and Mr Motivator on Saturday. Clean Bandit, Band of Skulls, Years & Years, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Slaves, The Cuban Brothers, Craig Charles and West End Kids all appear on Sunday. Common People is where the summer party starts. 030
LOVE SAVES THE DAY WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
23-24 May Love Saves The Day will see over 300 acts perform (including Jessie Ware, Azealia Banks, Four Tet) across six stages to 30,000 people. Weekend tickets are already sold out, and day tickets, which are still available for Saturday and Sunday are expected to sell-out in a matter of weeks. As the festival moves to a bigger, better site in Eastville Park, Love Saves The Day is pulling out all the stops with a line-up that will put it firmly on the map as one of the UK’s most exciting music festivals.
LOST VILLAGE FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
23-24 May One of the UK’s most influential ambassadors of new music, and Queen of Radio 1’s specialist DJ collective, Annie Mac has been announced as an additional headline DJ for Lost Village festival, which makes its debut this May in Lincolnshire. Lost Village festival has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting new festivals to emerge in recent times. Taking place amongst an abandoned woodland village, this dynamic musical adventure encompasses house, disco, techno and indie, resonating from within areas such as The Chapel, Forgotten Cabin, The Ruins and the Lost Village Basecamp. Just as excitement for the weekend-long party hits fever pitch Jaymo & Andy George and the Lost Village team pull more surprises out of the bag, unveiling Annie Mac as the Sunday headliner in The Ruins. As the First Lady of Radio 1’s specialist music team, Annie is a relentless ambassador for new music, which is never more noticeable than during her passionate live DJ sets. Annie will close The Ruins stage on the Sunday of Lost Village, following live performances from Fickle Friends, Arkon Fly and more. 031
SLAM DUNK WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS FOR WOLVERHAMPTON
25 May Slam Dunk Festival, now in its tenth year is a full 3 day touring festival. The festival will have the same acts and number of stages (seven) including outdoor stages as the at each of the sites. The festival, which takes place over the May bank holiday weekend at 3 sites in Leeds, Hatfield and Wolverhampton (Wulfrun Hall, Civic Hall, Civic Bar & Outdoor Stages) sees You Me At Six, Taking Back Sunday and Reel Big Fish taking to the stage.
RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL 2015 WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
29-30 May Leading event organisers in Glasgow, Electric Frog & Pressure are back for the third year with the Riverside Festival 2015 (pictured). Acts Sven Väth, Len Faki, Siriusmodeselektor, Julio Bashmore, Carl Craig, plus many more are set to delight 8,000 fans over two days to kick off this year’s festival season.
BERLIN FESTIVAL WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS
29-31 May Berlin Festival celebrates the German capital’s diverse and eclectic culture through music and arts programming. Bringing together creativity and partyhard attitudes, the festival is a melting pot of Europe’s best dance music and innovative art installations. It’s a 48 hour party in Berlin without the notoriously strict door policies. Festival goers can also explore the Arts Village which provides up-and-coming artists with the chance to show off their work while the Art Market gives them the opportunity to purchase handcrafted and affordable artwork. Playing the 10th anniversary are top international acts Underworld, James Blake, Seth Troxler, Carl Craig, Robert Hood, Rudimental and Ten Walls alongside key players from Berlin’s club scene including Richie Hawtin, Fritz Kalkbrenner, Dixon and Tale Of Us. 032
CAMDEN ROCKS WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS
30 May Camden Rocks sees over two-hundred exciting rock bands take over every venue in Camden for the day, allowing a wealth of new talent to rub shoulders with established acts like Skindred, New Model Army, Trail Of Dead and Funeral For A Friend. It all happens May 30th, don’t miss your chance to go!
LEMONFEST WIN 1 of 2 x PAIR OF TICKETS 30 May The 1 day festival spectacular (with camping) is fastbecoming one of the UK’s premiere boutique music festivals with a reputation for line-ups that punch well above its weight. World-conquering UK indie rock outfit The Subways are a proud booking for the main stage, along with the inimitable DJ Yoda who will skilfully cut & paste through his new ‘Breakfast of Champions’ live show. Multiple award winning outfit, Dub Pistols and Beans on Toast polish-off a stirling top-billing.
033
WE ARE FSTVL WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS
30-31 May Winning Best New Festival and Best Medium Sized Festival in its first and second years, the third installment of Upminster’s We Are FSTVL is shaping up to be their best yet. With over 120 artists performing across 12 stages, We Are FSTVL provides a definitive cross section of the current climate of electronic music across a variety of different styles. With a headlining cast of Carl Cox, Steve Angello, Knife Party, Steve Aoki and Sven Vath, We Are FSTVL’s 2015 line up also includes Loco Dice, Masters at Work, Jamie Jones and many more. In addition, there are stages curated by Hannah Wants, MK and famed brands Defected, Paradise and Hospitality, making We Are FSTVL 2015 an unmissable event for the calendar of any dance music aficionado.
GRILLSTOCK BBQ FESTIVAL WIN A PAIR OF *PIT CREW TICKETS
30-31 May
034
Bringing meat, mayhem and music to the city, headlined by legendary New York DJ Grandmaster Flash as well as purveyors of sexy music, riotous comedy, and sensational dancing the Cuban Bros. Grillstock favourite, the inimitable Levi Roots will also be on hand, delivering some lunchtime reggae and soul whilst indie rock band, The Heavy headline the Sunday in Albert Square, Manchester. Festival goers can expect a smouldering hot US style low ‘n’ slow BBQ competition, chilli-pepper and hot-dog eating competitions, the Weber BBQ Academy, imported craft beer in a New York Dive Bar, bourbon dens and village of BBQ traders serving up pit-smoked meaty treats and Grillstock’s very own Pale Ale, which was created especially for BBQ. *With Pit Crew Tickets you’ll get access to the Friday night Firestarter party as they kick off the weekend, access all festival, 4 beers, 2 meals of smoky BBQ goodness and a £15 merch voucher to stock up on rockabilly swag.
FOREST LIVE WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
June/July Forest Live takes place June to July every summer. An eclectic mix of acts perform in seven spectacular forest locations across the country. The independent programme is organised by the Forestry Commission to bring the country’s forests to new audiences. Income generated from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife. Over Forest Live’s 14 year history, over one million music fans have attended the concerts and money raised has contributed to a wide range of projects, from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors. With everything required for a great night out, including full catering and bar facilities, the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere. Forest Live in the Midlands takes place in Cannock Chase Forest, nr Rugeley, Staffs and this year’s participating acts are Paloma Faith (10 July); Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters (11 July); Tom Odell with special guest Rae Morris (12 July). (We have a pair of ticket to win to see Robert Plant and a pair of tickets to win to see Tom Odell.) 035
RUMBELLION WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS + FREE DRINKS TOKENS + MERCH
5-7 June Hidden under a canopy of sunshine and starlit skies in an idyllic, country setting just outside London; Rumbellion Festival will fuel your raucous soul with a steady supply of Caribbean rum, and a line up of funk, soul, ska, house and techno. Debuting this summer to celebrate Green Yurts fifth birthday, bring your party-spirit only and march to the beat of the Rumbellion where your every need, from luxurious glamping through to contemporary cocktails and ethically sourced food, are catered for over the weekend. With an eclectic line up of emerging artists and DJs feeding your ears, a range of supreme rum cocktails on tap, and a dedicated glamping area of handmade, boutique yurts; Rumbellion brings a slice of hedonistic heaven to everyone looking for something more memorable in a festival. Rum-lovers, revolutionaries and party goers-alike, don your best party attire and join the Rumbellion.
LUNAR FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
5-7 June Lunar Festival (pictured) returns for its second year this summer as one of the UK’s most enchanting odysseys, set in a beautiful region of verdant countryside only 20 minutes away from Birmingham. There’s a dreamy mix of escapism and discovery, an eccentric blend of vibrant sounds and colour sound-tracked by a cast of live artists and DJs picked purely for their dedication to their craft. Lunar is 036
musically diverse with something for all the family, which includes arts, crafts, activities and games and delicious artisan food and drink from across the region, plus a range of camping and accommodation options.
BOOM BAP WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
5-7 June This summer, Boom Bap hip hop festival returns to the sprawling fields of Suffolk to unleash an international rap line-up like no other. With headline appearances from Odd Future’s Earl Sweatshirt, grime legend Skepta and underground all-stars Ratking - as well as a rare UK hip hop homecoming performance by Foreign Beggars - tickets are already low in reserve. We’re giving you a chance to win a pair to the weekender, to party alongside 2,000 other lucky revellers.
BORN & BRED WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
6 June Celebrated London promoters Found are raising their game this year, hosting five major festivals throughout the summer. In Haggerston Park, Shoreditch, Found Presents: Born & Bred a day which will celebrate the best of UK bass culture with leading figures from across the bass spectrum, headlined by the godfather of grime, Wiley. Following a recent rejuvenation thanks to his critically acclaimed ‘Snakes and Ladders’ album and a welcome return to prominence for the genre, Wiley’s appearance at Born & Bred is looking to be a ride through the career of one
of London’s cultural icons. With the likes of Goldie, Zinc and Digital Mystikz also set to play across four stages, this is a very special line up celebrating a very special area of British culture.
PARKLIFE WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
6-7 June Having announced an incredible line-up for their hotly anticipated 2015 edition - including Disclosure, Rudimental, Skrillex, Ben Howard, Nas, George Ezra, Fatboy Slim, Grace Jones, Wu-Tang Clan, Caribou, Metronomy, Mark Ronson and Jessie Ware - Parklife festival are giving one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of weekend tickets. Taking place at Manchester’s Heaton Park, Parklife is curated by the same set of promoters behind Manchester’s game-changing series The Warehouse Project, who have adapted the festival year on year to make it one of the UK’s most significant music events. Now in its fifth year, its no surprise that 10,000 pre-registration tickets sold out in just an hour with Saturday and weekend tickets now completely sold out - with the festival on course to deliver their best year to date. 037
AMSTERDAM OPEN AIR WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
6-7 June With the four previous successful editions still fresh in our minds, Amsterdam Open Air returns to recreational park Gaasperpark for its fifth anniversary. The best of Amsterdam’s nightlife melts seamlessly into a musical, culinary and cultural adventure. The weekend holds true to the tradition of previous editions and unites the new and established faces of today and tomorrow. This year, FORMAT, GirlsLoveDJs, Straf_Werk, MTV, Weiter and Yours Truly provide content to the stages. Together, these parties offer a dynamic mix of house, techhouse, deephouse, techno, eclectic, hip-hop and disco.
ACCESS ALL EIRIAS WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
7 June Access All Eirias, featuring pop sensations The Vamps and Foxes, is staged at Eirias Stadium in Colwyn Bay. The artists’ figures are impressive! The Vamps have racked up 15 million online hits, five Top 10 singles with; Can We Dance, Wild Heart, Last Night, Somebody To You and Cecilia. They have two sold out arena tours under their belt and their debut album Meet The Vamps won a Gold disc and reached Number 2 in the charts. One of the most talked about artists of 2015, Foxes, aka 22-year-old singer and songwriter Louisa Rose Allen, made the Billboard Top 10 in the US and won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording for Clarity, in a collaboration with Zedd. Foxes supported Pharrell Williams on last year’s European Tour, and performed on Rudimental’s Number 1 selling album, even featuring in an episode of Doctor Who. 038
SUPERSONIC WIN 1 X PAIR OF FRIDAY & SATURDAY PASSES + GOODIE BAG
11-14 June Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, The Pop Group and Six Organs Of Admittance are just a few of the names bringing the boundary-pushing, sonic explorations to Birmingham’s Custard Factory this Summer. It’s not all about music though; workshops, stalls and a host of installations include the partnering with Moog Sound Lab to offer a temporary residency presenting a unique opportunity for artists to explore, experiment and create with analog soundscaping, synthesis and effects. Audience participation is encouraged in a new commission by Circumstance titled A Folded Path - a pedestrian speaker symphony acts as a soundtrack for a city and is carried through the streets by a participating audience which will be experienced by everyone it passes. Comprising of 30 custom-built, location sensitive portable loudspeakers, each plays a different element of the music. The speakers are highly directional, so the movement of the people within the group changes the acoustic relationship between them with the audience becoming the orchestra. Sonic sounds aplenty to challenge and delight the ears. 039
LIVE AT CHELSEA
FOUND FESTIVAL
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
WIN VIP TICKETS
12 June & 14 June
13 June
Win a pair tickets to see Rufus Wainwright on June 12th and Alison Moyet on June 14th at the first ever Live At Chelsea concert series at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. This is the first open-air concert series set within the historic home of the Chelsea Pensioners. The shows themselves will take place in a fully seated auditorium in the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s central courtyard. The Hospital was founded by King Charles II in 1682 and is home to the Chelsea Pensioners, 300 ex-Army servicemen and women. Damien Rice is also set to perform at the Live At Chelsea Concert Series on June 13th. A portion of the ticket sale proceeds will go towards funding the care of the Chelsea Pensioners, as well as the ongoing maintenance of the Grade I listed site.
As part of their summer festival series, London events promoters Found will be presenting flagship FOUND Festival for the third year running. Taking place at the beautiful new, South London location of Brockwell Park, Found Festival 2015 will expand across six arenas showcasing leading figures in house and techno from across the UK, Europe and USA. Returning with a new venue and a new look, the music programming has remained firmly rooted in deep, groove-laden rhythms, with Israel techno powerhouse and recent Diddy collaborator Guy Gerber headlining proceedings. Stages will be hosted by a number of pivotal figures within underground music such as Nick Curly, George Fitzgerald, popular London events brand Feelings and NTS Radio. With an after party line up still to be announced, Found Festival is shaping up to be one of the coolest summer events in the country this year.
LONG DIVISION WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
BL9 WEEKENDER
12-14 June
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
Returning for a fifth year the Long Division Festival takes place at multiple venues across the city of Wakefield. The three-day multivenue music and culture festival features Future Of The Left, Ash, Pulled Apart By Horses, Fat White Family and British Sea Power. Attendees can also watch a live album by The Ainsley Band being made at Unity Works on the 040Sunday.
13-14 June The beautiful game will make way for a unique musical treat this June as the inaugural BL9 Weekender kicks off at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane ground. With headliners Happy Mondays and Razorlight, the festival will bring music and entertainment to the heart of the local community. Staged over the weekend of 13th-14th June, the main stage will be packed with fabulous live
music including Coolio’s only UK appearance in 2015, and a family-friendly Sunday line-up including Diversity and James Arthur.
BEAT-HERDER WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
17-19 June This year, Northern England’s most cherished festival, Beat-Herder in Lancashire, will celebrate their milestone tenth birthday in style; providing a three-day 12,000 capacity bonanza while remaining staunchly independent, free from all corporate sponsorship or branding. The festival houses all manner of surprises, such as a swimming pool in the woods, all of which are hand-built from scratch. Acts taking part in this landmark celebration come from all musical persuasions, from the legendary Sugarhill Gang to electronic maestro Mr Scruff; rave legends Basement Jaxx to the inimitable Martha Reeves and festival favourites The Dub Pistols.
THE GARDEN FESTIVAL, CROATIA WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
1-8 July The Garden Festival (pictured) celebrates its tenth and final season this summer in Croatia. What begun in 2006 has bloomed into an enchanting odyssey and become one of the world’s most revered electronic music events, a sublime blend of holiday and festival under the sizzling sun and star-lit skies. Originally founding and since inspiring the now thriving Croatian festival scene, The Garden Festival unites adventure seekers from all over the world to its slice of paradise on the Adriatic coastline. An idyllic site, boat parties, secret island parties, the stunning fully open air club Barbarella’s, club, Main Stage, Beach Bar and much more create a truly magical experience. This is the last ever Garden Festival, the event which started the whole Croatian movement, is all set for a spectacular finale. 041
BLISSFIELDS WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
2-4 July Blissfields celebrate their fifteenth year with a “somewhere in time” theme with guests The Horrors, John Grant, Simian Mobile Disco, Ghostpoet, Grandmaster Flash, and Public Service Broadcasting. Explore a four-dimensional world featuring brand new and bespoke installations, plunge yourself into interactive festival scenery, bathe under the stars, join themed games and get a clear perception of humanity; where we’ve been, where we’re going, the pitfalls, the possibilities, the perils and the promise.
LOVE SUPREME WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
3-5 July The third annual Love Supreme Jazz Festival (pictured), will take place again at Glynde Place, in East Sussex. Latest additions are Neneh Cherry, Vintage Trouble, and Lisa Stansfield who will join headliners Chaka Khan and Van Morrison. In total expect over 50 acts on four stages showcasing international legends and cutting-edge artists as well as DJs, a fairground, classic album playbacks and glamping.
This year Billy Bragg, Larkin Poe and Chastity Brown are just a few of the names joining the hoedown and in a special nod to the fiftieth anniversary of the 1965 Newport Festival when Dylan went electric, there will be a screening of The Other Side of the Mirror, the film documenting the controversial performance when Bob plugged in and the audience tuned out. And if that’s not tempting enough a Gospel Brunch will raise the rafters in the Barn and bring things to a close on the Sunday.
WIRELESS WIN 2 X VIP WEEKEND TICKETS
3-5 July This year, New Look Wireless Festival is returning to Finsbury Park, London celebrating its 10th birthday. The weekend bill includes an incredible line-up, featuring headliners Drake, Avicii, Kendrick Lamar, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj, alongside A$AP Rocky, Mary J. Blige, Major Lazer, Charlie XCX and a special performance by Jaden and Willow Smith, this is set to be one of the biggest festivals of the summer!
BILBAO BBK LIVE FESTIVAL WIN A PAIR OF 3 DAY TICKETS (NO CAMPING)
9-11 July MAVERICK FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
3-5 July This three day festival presents an array of World class musical talent across five stages indoors and out and celebrates all things Americana, Roots and Alt-Country. 042
Bilbao BBK Live festival are giving one lucky reader a pair of 3 day tickets to Bilbao BBK Live Festival. Boasting an incredible line-up that includes Muse, Mumford & Sons, Alt-J, Disclosure, Future Islands and more, this summer Bilbao BBK Live festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a bang.
Make the most of this experience! The site’s proximity to the city and beach and the late start of bands will leave you enough time to enjoy a weekend break in Bilbao; a surprisingly modern city famous for its architecture, museums and gastronomy; just a stone’s throw away from some of the best waves in Europe!
2000TREES WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
9-11 July Created by a group of friends in 2007, 2000trees was borne out of frustration with the ever increasing corporate sponsorship and ‘musical merry-go-round’ nature of the larger mainstream British festivals. Disillusioned by extortionate ticket prices and overpriced food and drink, this band of festival veterans vowed to take matters into their own hands and in true DIY style set about developing the perfect antidote. This year sees amongst others Future of the Left, Alkaline Trio, The Subways and Deaf Havana bringing the noise; no wonder it is often cited as the best place to discover your new favourite band.
TECH FEST WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
9-13 July UK Tech Fest is the world’s only outdoor festival dedicated solely to progressive and technical music. Following the huge success of the sell-out event in 2012, UK TECHFEST went outdoors in 2013, packing about 1000 people into The Plough events field in Peterborough, and in 2014 moved to the even larger Newark Showground. Returning to Newark in 2015, TECH-FEST 2015 is set to be even bigger with more bands, bigger names and even more activities. In addition to the music, food, drink and general festival goodness, once again there will be music workshops, Q&As and demonstrations with some of the top artists, as well as instrument and gear manufacturer stalls from the event sponsors Zilla Cabs, North Custom Drums and Double Slit Guitars. Onsite camping will have showers and 24 hour food catering for a wide range of diets and tastes as well as a bar with a great selection of craft beers and ales, suitably complementing the calibre of the music. 043
AMERICANA 2015
INTERNATIONAL
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
9-13 July Celebrating it’s 35th year Americana International 2015 will include all the usual genres of cool Anglo-American music from the 1940’s,Country, RnR, Cajun, Rockabilly, Hillbilly, RnB and 60 /70’s. It also has free jive and line dance classes, a fashion show, beauty parlour, real ale and cider bars, trade stands, food, craft fair, Kidz Zone with free to participate activities: face painting, street entertainers, mad cap games, authentic Westerners encampment, Wyatt Earp Western Shoot Out, car displays & awards, custom bike show, Miss Americana, burlesque shows, a tattooist and so much more. The Heartbeat of the USA in the UK!
AN EVENING AT THE RACES PRESENT MADNESS WIN 1 OF 2 X PAIRS OF TICKETS
10 July The Jockey Club Live presents ‘An Evening At The Races’ is proud to welcome Madness to Epsom Downs Racecourse as a part of their Grandslam Madness tour. Having previously played on prestigious stages such as on top of Buckingham Palace for the Queens Diamond Jubilee concert and at 2012’s London Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, Madness’ live show is a perfect fit for the Epsom Downs Grandstands. The night will start with seven flat races before Madness take to the stage after the racing. It promises to be a great night out. 044
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL
10-12 July
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
Cornbury Music Festival showcases another cornucopia of delights in the rolling hills of the Great Tew Estate. Legendary Welsh soul man Sir Tom Jones makes his Cornbury Music Festival debut, joined by Supertramp founder, singer-songwriter Roger Hodgson, great British rockers Razorlight and The Fratellis, rockney-heros Chas & Dave and the ever pop-tastic Blue. A variety of genres are well represented over the summer weekend – American Roots Rock sisters Larkin Poe lead the charge, along with exceptional Welsh alt-folkers Paper Aeroplanes. Old and new country stars Hank Wangford, The Shires and Ward Thomas showcase the best of Nashville; Joanne Shaw-Taylor and perennial James Hunter sing the blues, whilst Martha Reeves & the Vandellas will have everyone dancing in the street.
10-12 July
CORNBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL
One of The Midland’s most vibrant summer events (pictured) will be returning for the sixth consecutive year. Set in the beautiful landscape of Moseley’s private park in Birmingham the festival brings an eclectic weekend of music with a whole host of international and local artists. This year’s line-up includes Gregory Porter, Sugarhull Gang, Roy Ayers, Craig Charles, The Pharcyde and many more.
NEW FOREST SPECTRUM WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
COCOON IN THE PARK
10-12 July
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
The first ever music festival exclusively for people with a learning disability and autism, alongside their families and carers, is coming to the heart of the New Forest this Summer. The festival will host two stages, a dance tent and a sensory area, as well a number of other activities including a circus school, swing dance classes, a zip wire and a large camp site. What’s more carers and children go free and the whole festival is 100% wheelchair friendly.
11 July The 7th Year of Cocoon In The Park featuring Sven Väth, Carl Cox, Ricardo Villalobos, Dixon, Enzo Siragusa and Seb Zito. On stage Enzo Siragusa returns after a terrific performance in 2014, however this time back to back with fellow Fuse member Seb Zito. Special Guest, Dixon will make his Cocoon In The Park debut. Then, one after the other 3 of the biggest names ever to grace the decks; for the first time the festival welcomes the giant talent and sublime skills of Carl Cox; the genius that is Ricardo Villalobos who is on fire this year, and back for more; closing the show as ever the heroic indestructible Sven Väth. 3 Legends, One Stage - and one big surprise.
045
046
BROWNSTOCK FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
10-12 July The independent boutique festival run by the Brown family takes place on their farm in Chelmsford, Essex. The festival started as an extended family party giving it a rustic uniqueness. This year The Darkness, Lethal Bizzle, Basement Jaxx and Example are just some of the names joining in the fun.
LARMER TREE FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
14-19 July Larmer Tree Festival, the original boutique festival, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year so promises to be an extra special year, with the launch of a new late night venue and a couple of other surprises up their sleeves. Set in stunning gardens on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, the festival boasts a perfectly formed line-up of music, comedy, roaming street theatre, unique art installations and a well thought out kids area and ‘secret garden’ relaxation lawn. Headliners this year include Tom Jones, Bill Bailey, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Levellers, Bellowhead, Jimmy Cliff and Femi Kuti, with more acts and the full comedy line-up to be announced.
BENICASSIM WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
16-19 July Benicassim is much more than just a music festival; Benicassim is festi-holiday! Weekend festival tickets include 8 days free camping. You can wile away the hours during the day, sunbathing under the Spanish sun, and once the sun begins to set you can dance the night away to some of the world’s top bands and DJ’s – what more could you need? The line up this year is stellar as always, artists Blur, Portishead and Noel Gallagher will perform the soundtrack of your summer and acts A-Track, The Prodigy and Mark Ronson will have you dancing until dawn. And that’s just a small sample… there are many more acts and DJ’s for you to enjoy at the 4 day festival. For over two decades Benicassim Festival has been a firm favorite for European festival goers and 2015 promises to be the best year so far. You won’t want to miss it! 047
LATITUDE WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
16-19 July Latitude isn’t just about music but a full spectrum of art including film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry and literature all coming together for a fun-filled, cultural adventure by the sea. Its exclusive cultural programme is housed across ten separate arts arenas and this year features music from Alt-J, Portishead and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds along with comedy from Jason Manford, Jack Dee, Adam Hills. The Poetry Arena will see the likes of Simon Armitage and John Cooper Clarke.
TRUCK FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
17-18 July Truck Festival is the godfather of the small festival scene and this year’s event promises to be one of the best. Great headliners include The Charlatans, Slaves and Peter Hook and the Light alongside other brilliant bands such as The Wytches, Ghostpoet and Darwin Deez. The festival has been described as a village fete meets Woodstock for it’s refreshing cutting-edge musical policy and zero sponsorship and corporate agenda.
CURIOUS ARTS FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
17-19 July This year’s family friendly Curious Arts Festival boasts a glittering array of authors including Lynn Barber, David Nicholls, Esther Freud and Jojo 048
Moyes, a stellar line up of guitar greats - front men from Dire Straits (John Illsley), Roxy Music (Phil Manzanera) and Razorlight (Gus Robertson) plus George the Poet – and comedy legends Mark Watson, David Baddiel, Simon Evans and Lucy Porter. Not to mention writing and art workshops, bedtime stories and author readings for kids.
WICKERMAN FESTIVAL 2015 WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
24-25 July Boldly mixing established, emerging and retro artists with top DJs playing until 5am, the Wickerman Festival (pictured) is one of Scotland’s leading independent music festivals. Hosted on a working farm, in the picturesque Dumfries and Galloway region of Scotland, it attracts music lovers from all over the UK. Its 9 stages present an eclectic and often surprising mix of leading artists as well as alternative acts and up and coming talent. From dance and electronica, to rock, indie, reggae and punk, Wickerman prides itself on catering for every music taste. This year’s hotly anticipated line-up is topped with the Waterboys and Tom Odell who will headline the main Summerisle Stage. Example, DJ Wire, Lulu, Squeeze, John Cooper Clarke, Jimmy Cliff and Neneh Cherry will also be playing, with more to be announced in the coming month. Now in its fourteenth year, the twoday Festival will come to its legendary climax with the Saturday night lighting of the Wickerman, followed by a promise to keep the Wickerman party stoked into the wee small hours.
NOZSTOCK WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
24-26 July Entering its 17th year this summer, Nozstock is a family-run and home-made festival on a beautiful working farm set in the truly stunning heart of the Herefordshire countryside. The father and daughter combination of Noz and Ella have curated one of the country’s most charming and beguiling festivals for families of all ages, surrounded by verdant rolling hills and imbued with a true sensation of escapism. Independent and just a little bit left of centre, Nozstock brims with diversity, creativity and excitement. Reassuringly welcoming, it has evolved from 50 friends gathered at the inaugural event and flourished into an intimate musical odyssey joining the dots between pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, house and a whole lot more, now firmly established as one of the country’s leading boutique festivals. The theme for 2015 is scifi inspired.
WOMAD WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
24-26 July WOMAD is the world’s premiere celebration of international music, arts, dance, culture and food. After a record-breaking year in 2014, which saw the festival sell out completely, 2015 promises to be even bigger. Hundreds of top class musicians, performers and artists from dozens of countries will bring a scintillating array of entertainment to 7 stages in the lush and leafy surroundings of Charlton Park in Wiltshire. From the mouth-watering Taste the World stage to the thumping SanFran Disco Bar, via an extensive range of workshops and one of the largest children’s activity areas at any UK festival, WOMAD is a thrilling adventure for the whole family. 049
TRAMLINES WIN ONE OF 2 X PAIRS OF WEEKEND TICKETS
24-26 July Tramlines festival returns for a seventh year at various venues and open spaces across Sheffield. Tramlines gives festival-goers a chance to see established artists alongside up and coming acts across four outdoor stages and over 70 venues. The unique festival includes stages, venues and themed trails that will take you to every corner of the city and features WuTang Clan, The Charlatans and Basement Jaxx who will be joined by Erol Alkan, Ghostpoet, Buzzcocks, Sugarhill Gang and Martha Reeves.
CAMP BESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
30 July – 2 August The UK’s official Best Family Festival, Camp Bestival, are putting Mother Nature front and centre for 2015, as Camp Bestival Goes Wild at Lulworth Castle, Dorset. With live music including Underworld, Clean Bandit, Kaiser Chiefs, Professor Green, Wretch 32, Soul II Soul, Ella Henderson, and performances from Mr Tumble, The Cat in the Hat, Dick and Dom and many more, plus Wild Adventures with Steve Backshall, Michaela Strachan, and Bill Oddie, and a host of wild activities and woodland adventures from Bushcraft to the National Trust’s 50 things meadow and beyond, Camp Bestival is a wild adventure for kids of all ages! 050
FARMFESTIVAL
CROPREDY CONVENTION
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
WIN A FAMILY PACK OF TICKETS COMPRISING A PAIR OF ADULT THREE-DAY TICKETS, UP TO THREE UNDER 12 CHILD TICKETS AND CAMPING. A SECOND PRIZE OF A PAIR OF ADULT SATURDAY ONLY TICKETS.
31 July - 1 August Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Somerset, close to trendy Bruton Town, Farmfest has organically grown over 10 years into a must for fans of the alternative boutique festival scene. With a knack for spot-on new-music bookings, this year they have confirmed All We Are, Lonelady, Stealing Sheep, Duologue, to play alongside more established headliners Sherwood & Pinch, Portico, Submotion Orchestra and Lamb!
51ST STATE WIN 2 X VIP TICKETS
8 August Continuing an epic string of London festival announcements, promoters Found unveil the fourth event in their summer festival series. Found Presents: 51st State will take place in the historic grounds of 14th century Trent Park. Celebrating the roots of house, the festival will pull together the threads of this hugely influential sound, exploring garage, disco, soul, dub, dancehall and beyond. Led by pioneers from Chicago, New York and further afield, the 51st State programme is truly transatlantic, joining the dots between the US, the UK and the Caribbean, with sets from Masters At Work, DJ Sneak, Todd Terry, Derrick Carter, Dimitri From Paris, Norman Jay MBE, Robert Owens,Horse Meat Disco many more...
13-15 August The annual festival of folk and rock music held on the edge of the village of Cropredy, and run by Fairport Convention is a wonderfully friendly festival with great ales and no sellout out to rampant commercialism Fairport Convention will make two appearances both opening the festival and closing the show as is traditional. Other headliners are Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell and Level 42.
ARCTANGENT WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
20-22 August The award winning ArcTanGent is the world’s ultimate music festival for connoisseurs of Math-rock, Post-rock, Noise-rock, Alt-rock and everything in between. Capacity is strictly limited to 5,000. ATG is held just 10 miles south of Bristol and only 2 hours from London. You’ll get 3 nights camping, over 70 bands across 4 stages, a silent disco and some of the best food and drink money can buy. ArcTanGent, the best weekend of your summer guaranteed! Bands this year include The Dillinger Escape Plan, Deafheaven, 65daysofstatic, The Fall of Troy, Deerhoof, Joan of Arc, Maybeshewill and many more. 051
LOWLANDS FESTIVAL, NETHERLANDS WIN A PAIR OF 3 DAY TICKETS (INCLUDING CAMPING)
21-23 August Boasting an incredible line-up that includes the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Interpol, Tame Impala, Jose Gonzalez, Major Lazer and Caribou, Lowlands is a central part of the European summer calendar and one of the biggest and longest standing European festivals. Lowlands takes place in Biddinghuizen, the heart of the Netherlands, an hour from Amsterdam, and although music is at the heart of the festival, the event offers around 250 acts throughout the three days, including a comprehensive programme of good quality theatre, film, visual arts, literature and stand-up comedy. An experience not to be missed!
DIMENSIONS FESTIVAL, CROATIA WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
27–30 August Dimensions festival returns to Croatia for its fourth year to showcase the world’s best underground electronic music in the beautiful location of an abandoned 19th century fort right by the stunning Adriatic coastline, and the opening concert in a 2000-year old amphitheatre. With Croatia now regarded as one of the world’s best destinations for music and travel, Dimensions has evolved into one of Europe’s best loved festivals, creating a truly unique experience in Fort Punta Christo and attracting music lovers, thrill-seekers and adventurous types from all over the world for the best in techno, house and electronica. Close to the stunning city of Pula, Dimensions is a true bastion to electronic music culture in what is arguably one of the world’s most stunning locations. Boat and beach parties day and night and a variety of settings across the Punta Christo fort offer a unique experience sound-tracked by brilliant live and DJ talent. A wide range of accommodation options can be found on site in the region, from camping to apartments.
CREAMFIELDS WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
28-30 August The UK’s No.1 dance festival is back this August Bank Holiday weekend taking over the Cheshire countryside for 3 days of music. Attracting a record breaking crowd of 70,000 people and selling out in record time in 2014, this year’s festival looks set to eclipse it. Building on their winning formula they have delivered the biggest electronic line up you’ll see this year with an array of exclusive performances to boot. 4 Friday headliners, 2 colossal outdoor stages, a 14,000 capacity mega arena never before seen at Creamfields, 22 arenas across the weekend including Cream, Size, All Gone Pete Tong, Mistajam Presents Speakerbox, Pryda, Revealed, Goodgreef and Tidy, as well as introducing 7 new arena hosts including Rebel Sound, Paradise, MK Area 10, Fatboy Slim Presents Smile High Club, Armada, ANTS, Nation and Pepsi Max.
FUSION FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
28-30 August Fusion Festival with Vimto is back with an even bigger pop line-up for 2015! None other than Justin Bieber, Rudimental and McBusted will headline the 3 day festival. Already confirmed for the staggering Saturday night line up are: Rudimental, Labrinth, Clean Bandit, Ella Henderson,
Sigma and Becky Hill. Then to the Sunday finale: McBusted, The Vamps, Jess Glynne, Gorgon City, Conor Maynard and Union J. Fusion Festival with Vimto descends on Birmingham’s Cofton Park for a full weekend of non-stop pop this August in support of youth charity The Prince’s Trust in association with Capital FM.
SW4 WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
29-30 August Returning to Clapham Common South West Four (pictured) 2015 will bring a lineup featuring the most respected names in electronic music. With an unparalleled back catalogue and over fifteen million records sold worldwide, it’s no wonder why Faithless are considered dance music royalty. Their return to the live stage at SW4 is set to be the stuff of festival legend, with Fatboy Slim bringing his new ‘Smile High Club’ show to the festival alongside the group. Sunday welcomes a true American dance music superstar in Skrillex to the main stage in what is a UK Festival exclusive. His high-intensity live set will be complimented by Basement Jaxx bringing the good vibes with a full live show at mid-afternoon on the Sunday, ensuring that smiles are held high into the festival’s last hours. This impressive headlining billing is supported by a huge cast of over 100 DJs of all genres playing the event – from Hannah Wants and Solomun vs Ame to Maya Jane Coles and Andy C. 053
TWINWOOD FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL NO.6
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
29-31 August
3-6 September
After its huge success last year, the UK’s largest vintage music and dance extravaganza, Twinwood Festival will return to Twinwood Arena in Clapham, Bedfordshire this summer. It will be the event’s 14th year and it’s set to be the biggest yet, with countless attractions for festival goers who visit from all over the world. To help set the scene, Twinwood Festival Village will also be filled with over 100 vintage traders selling fabulous fashions and collectables, plus there will be flying displays, classic vehicles and museums to feast your eyes on. There will even be a choice of hair and beauty salons to make sure you look the part!
A festival like no other, Festival No.6 takes place in the stunning fairytale village of Portmeirion (location of 60s TV series, The Prisoner). The carefully curated and eclectic line-up includes Grace Jones, Belle & Sebastian, Young Fathers, Kate Tempest, Rae Morris, Shura, Stornoway, The Bohicas and many more. With a diverse range of arts and cultural activities, the village will also come alive with talks at the Piazza, cinema screenings, secret parties, interactive theatre, a food area featuring Michelin starred-chefs and much more.
Y NOT WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
31 July - 2 Aug This year Y Not is set for another epic event, with Snoop Dogg, Primal Scream & Basement Jaxx headlining. Other big names include Ocean Colour Scene, Johnny Marr, We Are Scientists, Augustines and many, many more. Found in the heart of the Peak District, the multi-award-winning Y Not embodies the Derbyshire Dales from its whirling torsos to its beat-tapping fingertips. There’s ales, ciders and all-round chilledout vibe and inevitably the odd prank or quirkiness finds its way through - sometimes it’s just about the laugh. 054
OUTLOOK FESTIVAL, CROATIA WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
3-6 September Outlook joins the dots between musical legends right through to the next generation of up and coming talent; reaching its 8th year in 2015, some of the finest live acts and DJs in the world descending upon a 19th century fort for five days and nights of amazing bass music culture in Croatia. For the festival’s opening concert, Outlook takes over a stunning 2000-year old amphitheatre in Pula, set in Croatia’s northern region of Istria. The iconic Outlook sets the agenda with a world-class array of performers in a collection of truly spectacular locations, set in and around an abandoned fort. Choose from a dungeon, a courtyard, a moat, a boat, the beach or the festival’s main stage set on a harbour, all forming a breath-taking experience. Many festival goers choose to explore the local region too before or after the festival, with lots of adventure to be found in every direction.
ONE LOVE WIN 2 X PAIRS OF TICKETS
4-6 September One Love Festival are back with a great line up for 2015 set in a new location at Popham Airport in Coxford Down, Winchester, Hampshire. The lush green fields provide more space for UK’s only Dub and Reggae Music camping festival over one weekend and brings together culture and roots music. UK’s love for reggae is growing stronger so the organizers have found it necessary to expand to a larger location which includes more space for this ever growing audience. With a loyal and dedicated fan base, Early Bird Sale tickets are selling out fast. The One Love Festival encourages peace, love and unity that was championed by the great Bob Marley. With these messages in mind, they aim to surpass our European Reggae counterparts and hold the largest Reggae festival right here in the UK!
BESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
10-13 September This year Bestival (pictured) is going back to its roots, celebrating their original muses; music, freedom, peace, love and euphoria, Bestival’s Summer of Love is all about the love of the party. There will be music from the mighty Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Duran Duran, Annie Mac, Rudimental, Skrillex, Mark Ronson and so many more. Plus an eye-popping array of amazing destinations and unbelievable attractions, both old and new, spread across 25 stages, with revolutionary soundsystems, 24-hour free haircuts, zombie love-ins and total mind-altering escapism, Bestival’s Summer of Love will be non-stop, out-ofthis-world entertainment. 055
THE SOCIAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
12 September The brainchild of UK DJ, producer and label owner Nic Fanciulli, Boutique day festival The Social returns to the beautiful country surroundings of Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent to showcase a selection of the world’s best house and techno DJs. After sell out first and second years, their third installment is looking to be the biggest yet – with a who’s who line up of modern house and techno filling the bill. One of the artists responsible for bringing deep house and techno to the forefront of underground culture, Jamie Jones will be making his first appearance at The Social this year, with Scottish party-starter and DJ Mag’s #1 DJ Jackmaster also making his debut at Mote Park. Returning stars Seth Troxler and Joris Voorn will also play, with the likes of Marco Carola, underground legend Richie Hawtin, Nic Fanciulli and many more completing the line up.
LOLLAPALOOZA BERLIN WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
12-13 September New to Europe this year, Lollapalooza Berlin will offer an exciting opportunity for fans of the legendary American / South American events to experience the best of the festival in a new location this side of the pond. With a diverse line up of alternative-pop/rock, Indie, EDM and HipHop, the festival will give fans a unique chance to immerse themselves in the culturally rich German capital whilst enjoying music from a selection of world renowned bands and musicians. The festival will be located in the heart of Berlin at the famous Tempelhof Airport, a well-known location for music lovers which is inkeeping with the Lollapalooza tradition of festival locations in urban sites and features amongst others The Libertines, Sam Smith, Belle and Sebastian, Fat Boy Slim, Bastille and Run The Jewels. 056
WIN VIP TICKETS
LIVERPOOL PSYCH FEST
13 September
WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
Representing an ideology that traversed the boundaries of convention and defined a new generation of sonic revolutionaries, British rave culture is now recognised as one of the most iconic movements in recent cultural history. Following a colossal sold-out debut last year, United Festival returns to Finsbury Park to close the summer for the second year running. Celebrating over 25 years of British rave culture, United have enlisted leading instigators of a movement that resonated across the globe to shape the face of modern-day club culture. Eight stages of music will feature sets from over one-hundred-and-fifty acts including DJ Hype, 808 State, Lisa Lashes, The Ratpack, Force & Style, Fabio & Grooverider, DJ Hazard, Randall & DJ Storm, Slipmatt, Kenny Ken & Jumpin Jack Frost, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Pied Piper, Robert Owens, Marshall Jefferson, Graeme Park, Mark EG, Andy Farley, Baby D and many, many more...
25 - 26 September
UNITED FESTIVAL
The Liverpool International Festival Of Psychedelia offers a swathe of artists operating at the cutting edge of today’s global psychedelic renaissance, alongside visual art, film, performance and mind expanding visual delights. Spiritualized, Factory Floor and Hookworms will be amongst those playing live and Brian Jonestown Massacre trailblazer Anton Newcombe will be the festival’s first Artist In Residence. Looks set to be an amazing Weekend.
LOOE MUSIC FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
18-20 September It’s the last of the summer festivals in a dramatic, magical location. Visit for the day or stay all weekend and when you’re done dancing holes in the sand, you can stroll back to your holiday cottage, hotel, B&B, caravan or grab a shuttle bus to the local campsites. For three days in September the little town of Looe in South East Cornwall gets hit with big music, manic entertainment and a smattering of culture for good measure. The festival pops up from nowhere to transform the beach and the streets, giving locals and visitors from all over the world a chance to mingle and enjoy the show. Everywhere is the venue, everybody’s welcome to the party. Joining in the fun this year are Johny Marr, The Proclaimers, Buzzcocks and Red Hot Chilli Pipers. 057
THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
11-14 June isleofwightfestival.com The Isle of Wight Festival takes place at Seaclose Park and this year’s line up includes Fleetwood Mac, Blur, The Prodigy, The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini, Jessie Ware, James Bay, Billy Idol, You Me At Six and many more! The festival, now in its 14th year, is one of the crown jewels of the British summer calendar, with a unique festival experience for music fans of all ages to enjoy. The festival offers 12 stages of live music over the weekend - including Main Stage headliners, acoustic sets, DJ performances and up-andcoming talent - alongside a huge variety of additional entertainment and activities such as the Bohemian Woods, Intoxicated Tea Rooms and Hipshaker, to escape from everyday life for that one weekend in June. Summer starts at the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, all the biggest names in music, one unmissable weekend: Be There. For details on how to enter the competition see page 61.
058
WIN T IN THE PARK TICKETS! WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
10-12 July tinthepark.com This summer, T in the Park takes residency in the beautiful grounds of Strathallan Castle, the festival’s new home, from 10th-12th July, and the stellar line-up features some of the world’s biggest artists and breakthrough talent. Headliners Kasabian, Avicii, The Libertines and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds plus David Guetta, The Prodigy and Stereophonics will be joined by Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs, The Vaccines, Palma Violets, Wolf Alice and more. Don’t miss out, get tickets now from www.tinthepark.com. Thanks to festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager we have a pair of weekend camping tickets plus return travel with Citylink to give away! To enter the competition see page 61. For the facts about alcohol drinkaware.co.uk. Over 18s only.
059
SILVERSTONE CLASSIC
WIN TICKETS FOR THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CLASSIC MOTOR RACING FESTIVAL
24-26 July silverstoneclassic.com This summer’s extra-special 25th anniversary Silverstone Classic (24-26 July) is going to be the most spectacular yet with a host of dazzling Silver Jubilee celebrations and we are giving away five pairs of access all areas ‘Silver Sunday’ tickets – each prize worth more than £100. The glittering annual extravaganza is already established as the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival but the sheer scale of this not-to-be-missed event is hard to grasp. The vast Silverstone estate is crammed with mouth-watering attractions, eye-catching displays, car clubs, shops, vintage funfairs, street car shoot-outs, aviation and so much more fabulous family entertainment. At the heart of the best-ever mammoth three-day event is the outstanding on-track action with epic races bringing together some of the finest historic classes in Europe. A record number of 100+ motor clubs will be displaying in excess of 10,000 classic cars on the in-field area – many also providing sparkling track parades to mark their own motoring milestones. Tickets (which must be purchased in advance) not only provide free access to all the race paddocks and displays but also free seating in trackside grandstands plus free admission to the Classic’s renowned live music concerts. In celebration of this year’s Silver Jubilee, rock legends Status Quo are headlining on Saturday evening with chart-topper Paul Young topping Friday night’s bill. To enter the competition see page 61.
060
READING & LEEDS WIN 1 X PAIR OF TICKETS
28–30 August Reading & Leeds Festivals are back with an incredible bill headlined by Mumford & Sons, Metallica and The Libertines. Leading the charge are indie rock heroes and all round band of the moment alt-J. Last seen headlining the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage at the Festival, the band’s sophomore album ‘This Is All Yours’ has established them as one of Britain’s brightest and biggest bands, who will deservedly step up to an evening set on the Main Stage in 2015. Gus Unger-Hamilton says: “We’re really over the moon to be returning to Reading & Leeds. It’ll be our third time playing, and we always have the best time.” Joining alt-J on the Main Stage on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds, Palma Violets will be treating revelers to cuts from their upcoming ‘Danger In The Club’. Their garage rock clatter is sure to get the crowd going, whilst Drenge graduate to Main Stage status with their extremely loud brand of grunge. Fusing dubstep and rock to create a sound that is entirely their own, London’s Modestep step up to the plate on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, joined on the bill by raucous LA skate punks FIDLAR and Japanese metal idol stars Babymetal, who will be opening the stage. Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds will see the return of Festival favourites The Gaslight Anthem, whose signature heartfelt punk rock is sure to provide one of the afternoon’s biggest singalongs. Lead by the iconic Laura Jane Grace the passionate, dynamic punk of Against Me! will cause a similar stir whilst British hardcore titans Feed The Rhino will be providing a suitably noisy start to the day. See page 61 on how to enter the competition.
061
THE BIG
FESTIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAY
HOW TO ENTER To enter any of the competitions you’ll need to head over to our sister website www.fusedmagazine.com where you will find the festivals listed alongside deadlines and details on how to enter. You’ll need to LIKE our Facebook page at facebook. com/fusedpublications and follow us on Twitter @ Fusedmagazine. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the festival start via email or phone call. Please note that travel is NOT include (apart from T in the Park) in the prize either within or outside of the UK. Festival entry is only available to people over the age of 18.
062
063
FOOD&DRINK
TASTE & LIQUOR’S GLOBAL FOOD FESTIVAL
Essex House, Kent Street, Southside, Birmingham tasteandliquor.com | @tasteandliquor Launch Saturday 30 May from 12-6pm and every Saturday thereafter | For table bookings call: 07968 260276 Free entry Celebrating the multiculturalism of the street food scene new weekly pop-up event Taste & Liquor presents a tantalising selection of mouth-watering treats with the launch of the city’s first global food festival & popUp street market at a brand new space in Southside. Dedicated to showcasing the very best and most creative globally inspired street food from the Midlands the event will give visitors the chance to sample gourmet bites from a selection of street food vendors, while local restaurants will be brining the best of their menus to the venue with pop-up stalls. Manga Singh of Taste and Liquor says; “Combining our love for global music with our love for global food gives the public a great way to try lots of different world flavours and sounds without having to leave Birmingham”. The team have hunted high-and-low to introduce new and exiting flavours to its weekly menu. Presenting street food pioneers of the future, dishes on offer will promote a number of delicious sweet and savoury flavours from around the world. With an aim to introduce new and exciting dishes from Spain, Japan, Italy, Jamaica, India, Turkey, Thailand and Portugal new traders will take up weekly residency in the outdoor space. Alongside the food offerings there will be a number of unique events including a Book Swap Shop where you can swap your old books for new, or book a seat at their Cinema Hub, where film classics like Back To The Future, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Pretty In Pink and The Breakfast Club will be screened. 064
065
FOOD&DRINK
BLACK COUNTRY PUBS blackcountrypub.com
066
As an awkward teenager, I used to dread and relish Thursday lunchtime. Every week, I’d stand at the school gates hoping no one would spot me clamber into the tomato-red Lada car with three pensioners. Not the coolest ride I admit, but each week those three pensioners would spirit me away to The Stump in Sedgley for a pint and a cob (minus the pint for me!). My grandparents helped spark an early love of the Black Country boozer and www.blackcountrypub.com shares my journey across this wonderful region, pub-by-pub, pint-bypint. It’s a tough job but this wench is up for it. So, where do we start? Here are five favourites.
The one where I learnt the ropes THE BEACON HOTEL, BILSTON STREET, SEDGLEY, DUDLEY It’s perhaps no coincidence that my grandparents lived by The Beacon Hotel, where, finally of drinking age, I fine-tuned my real ale consumption skills. This Grade II listed boozer has a central bar with ‘snob screens’ and a nationally important, historic interior. It’s also home to The Sarah Hughes Brewery and Dark Ruby Mild which I hold responsible for many a hangover as a young wench. The one that made me buy the house THE UNICORN, BRIDGNORTH ROAD, WOLLASTON, STOURBRIDGE Last year, after a house viewing, I nipped into The Unicorn; a ‘proper boozer’, that isn’t trying too hard. It’s traditional, full of lively conversation, friendly bar staff, the odd dog and a consistently good pint of Bathams. When I realised that the lovely beer garden had a back gate opposite said house, I made the offer. The one that is my new crush THE SWAN (PICTURED), BRETTEL LANE, AMBLECOTE, STOURBRIDGE On a rainy evening amble from The Starving Rascal to The Maverick on Brettel Lane, I suggested a pitstop in The Swan. From the moment I saw the vintage chintz wallpaper and armchairs, it was love at first sight. This boozer seems stuck in the past, in a good way. It feels like a real
neighbourhood pub and I definitely want to be in their gang. The one where I take the tourists (and the one that’s a cheat) THE CROOKED HOUSE, OFF THE HIMLEY ROAD, HIMLEY, SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE On the borders (the road leading to it is in the Black Country, but the isolated pub is just within South Staffordshire) lies a boozer that makes you feel drunk before you’ve even taken a sip. Its wonky appearance is a result of 19th century mining subsidence, with one side approximately 4ft lower than the other. Originally built as a farmhouse in 1765, it’s worth a visit to see the optical illusions which include glasses slowly sliding across tables and marbles appearing to roll uphill. The one I hope will never change THE OLD SWAN, HALESOWEN ROAD, NETHERTON, DUDLEY Another Grade II listed boozer with a historic interior; mostly unaltered since Victorian times. Among the distinctive features are an enamel ceiling, old stove, weighing machine, and original back bar and counter. If yow am in the area the pub is known only as ‘Ma Pardoes’ named after Doris Clare Pardoe who owned it until her death in 1984, at 85-years-old. It is also home to the Olde Swan Brewery, producing one of my favourites, the amusingly named Bumble Hole Bitter. KP 067
FASHION&SHOPPING
HIPPY DELUXE It happened folks. Seventies fashion is officially in vogue. Again. And this time it’s inescapable. Whether you like it or not our summer will be spent lounging in buttery suede flares and frolicking in floaty peasant dresses, with some tasselled numbers and crushed velvet thrown in to seal the deal. No longer is retro a dirty word with the fash pack. If you’re already lusting after those elusive perfect bell-bottoms there’s no need to rely on the high street. Now’s the time to try your luck in one of the many vintage treasure havens the Midlands has to offer. As seasoned second hand addicts, we (begrudgingly) divulge our top picks to cut down on your valuable traipsing time. THE BEST CHARITY SHOPS FOR FINDING QUALITY VINTAGE: SUE RYDER - BIRMINGHAM 143 High Street, Kings Heath, B14 6DG & 53-57 High Street, Harborne, B17 9NS The dedicated vintage and retro ranges here may be comparatively small considering the vast size most Sue Ryder shops tend to command but, my - the quality is up there with the best vintage outlets. And, as a result of their size, these two reliable Birmingham branches are luxuriously spacious with an open layout that is just perfect for chorefree rummaging. Great for graphic print dresses and accessories. Never a wasted trip.
068
OXFAM - WORCESTER 21 Mealcheapen Street, Worcester, WR1 2DQ This shop is all about the drama. Low, imposing ceiling complete with tudor beams. Creaky, wobbly floor. Poor lighting. Mad air conditioning. Ah yes, the conditions for an amazing find are just right. There’s a genuinely exciting buzz here, especially if 1970s C&A is your thing. Lots of flouncy blouses. Their accessories aren’t bad either. Excellent hunting ground.
THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY - BIRMINGHAM 168-70 Stratford Road, Shirely, B90 3BQ This place can be a bit hit and miss, but when it gets it right, this shop is all about the coats. Luxurious suedes, flared A-lines, boxy furs and the kind of belted trenches that haunt your dreams brilliant. Good for boots too.
IF IT’S A PURE VINTAGE HIT YOU’RE AFTER, HERE ARE OUR PICKS OF THE BEST BOUTIQUES IN THE REGION.
TOP BANANA TOO 8 York Road, Kings Heath, B14 7RZ This Birmingham stalwart is never disappointing. Crisply organised by era and colour, your retail therapy here is often educational. Even if you don’t end up finding something from their collection of mostly USA ladies vintage, you’ll probably end up bonding with the friendly owner and leave knowing more about the mechanics of the vintage industry than you ever thought you’d need. Excellent for fur coats. And make sure you rifle through the sale rail. Men folk, there’s another shop just for you a few doors down.
PETTICOAT VINTAGE 11 King Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ST Extensive and easy to navigate, there is no tat in sight in this lovely family joint. There’s a noteworthy collection of badges and costume jewellery that brings me running regularly. Capes, crochet, knitwear - this place has it all, including a great men’s range.
VIOLET ROSE VINTAGE EMPORIUM 10a Saint John’s Hill, Shrewsbury, SY1 1JD Grown up chic prevails in this very boutique-y shop. Bright, classy place (think bleached wood flooring) with quirky mannequins dressed in crochet, bold prints and wide-rimmed hats. Elegance and care abound here - there is an obvious respect and passion for vintage clothing. We instantly fell in love with a knitted crop top on entering, so effective is their clear and clever merchandising.
DECADES VINTAGE BOUTIQUE 22 Saint John Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PB This slightly ramshackle place is perfect for those who love a good rummage. With the rails and rails of goodies you could easily quench your thirst for double denim, disco jumpsuits and folksy knits all in one go here. There is an extensive shoe collection (if bright courts are your thing) and sensational hats. The fun presentation gives the whole place a welcoming feel (lots of retro china, etc). GC
FASHION&SHOPPING PepeJeans.com £95 PepeJeans.com £33
laportegna.com £200
Sophie Anderson £258 matchesfashion.com wildandwolf.com £14.95
Alexander McQueen £108 sunglasses-shop.co.uk havaianas-store.com-en £34 Marshall Major II £100
PepeJeans.com £80
truffleshuffle.com £17.99
rottenroach.com £20
070
dropdead.co £30
Penfield £4.50
nixon.com £29
waven.co.uk £68
rockportuk.com £90 uk.skullcandy.com £39.99
dropdead.co £30
Penfield £70 annabeljames.co.uk £72.90
Our favourite items this month: Festival Accessories
Nick Cave ‘The Sick Bag Song’ LTD Edition £750 thesickbagsong.com
071
VENUE DIRECTORY ART VENUES BARBER INSTITUTE Univeristy of Birmingham Edgbaston, B15 2TS barber.org.uk
MAC Cannon Hill Park macarts.co.uk @mac_birmingham
BM&G Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH bmag.org.uk | @BM_AG
WARWICK ARTS CENTRE University of Warwick Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL warwickartscentre.co.uk
EASTSIDE PROJECTS 86 Heath Mill Lane, B9 4AR eastsideprojects.org | @eprjcts
WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Lichfield St, WV1 1DU wolverhamptonart.org.uk @WolvArtGallery
GRAND UNION Fazeley Street, B5 5RS grand-union.org.uk | @grandunionltd
THEATRE VENUES
THE HERBERT Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP 024 7683 2386 theherbert.org IKON GALLERY Oozells Square, B1 2HS ikon-gallery.co.uk | @ikongallery NEW ART GALLERY WALSALL Gallery Square, Walsall, WS2 8LG thenewartgallerywalsall. org.uk | @NewArtGallery 072
AE HARRIS 110 Northwood Street Birmingham, B3 1SZ aeharrisvenue.co.uk BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME Hurst Street 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome. com BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2EP 0121 236 4455 birmingham-rep.co.uk
RSC Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB rsc.org.uk OTHER VENUES BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY P350 Lecture Theatre, Parkside Building, 5 Cardigan Street, B4 7BD. bcu.ac.uk HARE & HOUNDS 106 High Street, B14 7JZ hareandhoundskingsheath. co.uk LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM Broad St, B1 2EP libraryofbirmingham.com MILLENNIUM POINT Curzon Street, B4 7XG BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL Victoria Square thsh.co.uk WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC & WULFRUN HALLS North Street, WV1 1RD wolvescivic.co.uk