MULTI-VENUE city centre festivals have become more popular of recent and the bite-size Bushstock Festival held in Shepherd's Bush, in the heart of the capital, proved to be no exception. The sixth annual Bushstock Fest, organised by Communion Music, was all hit and no miss with a winning line-up of artists, new and those already established, who are championed by the label. 

Previous artists to have played the festival include the likes of Ben Howard, Nick Mulvey, James Bay, Hozier and Daughter to name a few. This year headliners included Bear's Den, Dan Croll and Palace and nobody was left disappointed. 

As the action kicked off in St Stephen's Church with Harry Foxx, a secret set was announced at the nearby Albertine Wine Bar. What makes Bushstock so unique and enjoyable is that all of the venues are so close, making it easier to rush from one artist's set to another. Luke Sital-Singh was the first secret set of the day and the venue reached capacity in no time, leaving many fans out on the street without a chance to catch his performance. 

Over the road at Defector's Weld, Brighton babes MarthaGunn took to the stage with their moving tunes. Tracks such as 'Heaven' hang gloriously in the air and receive a rapturous applause from the packed out crowd, quickly filling another venue to capacity. One crowd member is overheard saying their set made him feel "a bit weepy". 

At The Courtyard Stage Gillbanks keep punters entertained with subtle layers of zipping guitars and a dreamy dose of drums. The atmosphere of the intimate outdoor venue is buzzing with anticipation in the air and the majority of audience members are clad in trendy denim jackets. North London lad, Tom Prior showcases a setlist packed with soulful, catchy numbers a short while later whilst converting new fans by the second. It's pretty heart-warming stuff. 

An hour or so later the gravitational pull of The Big Moon draws fans in. The band are both mesmerising and commanding and it's clear this year belongs to them from the off. The four-piece all-girl group revel in their hit-packed set, which features effortless indie anthems such as: 'Eureka Moment', 'The Road' and the much-loved rework of Madonna's 'Beautiful Stranger' that bursts with playfulness. 

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day belongs to The Big Moon through and through. They're certainly one of the most exciting guitar bands around at the moment and their next step is set to be incredible. They've found their stride and they're sticking to it and playing intimate venues like The Courtyard at Bushstock will soon become a thing of the past for The Big Moon. They are more than destined for bigger stages. 

Bushstock 2016 was truly a success, providing an opportunity to get up close and personal with the artists who will triumph in the future. We're already looking forward to next year's Bushstock, long shall it continue. 

Words Lauren Wade

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Read More »

LONDON'S Bushstock Festival has been known to boast impressive line-ups in the past and this year is no exception. The one-day festival, which is located in Hammersmith, returns with yet another bill bursting at the seams with talent. The multi-venue festival hosted by Communion Presents promises to deliver the best up and coming sounds around and there's no doubt you'll find your new favourite band lurking around. 

Previous years have featured artists such as George Ezra, Hozier, Daughter and Jack Garratt gracing the bill, however there's a fresh bunch of bands to tickle your fancy this year; you'll certainly be hitting the repeat button on them soon enough.

The Big Moon

This London four-piece are practically on every festival billing this summer and there's no stopping their inevitable rise. Expect huge hook-filled anthems with their infamous Madonna cover thrown in for good measure. Their fun-packed sets never fail to live up to the hype and they're in good stead for the remainder of 2016. 

VANT

As the brainchild of frontman, Mattie Vant, VANT have been around for a while and their live show brims with bangers from the offbeat. They've gained themselves a huge following on the alternative scene and things are getting more exciting for the band by the day. The quartet blend distinctly political themes with angsty beats and raw vocals that go down a treat. 

Pleasure Beach 

Belfast dream-pop bunch, Pleasure Beach are hitting all the right notes and will continue to do so when they drop their eagerly-anticipated set at the festival. The five-piece have been compared to the likes of Circa Waves and The XX previously and they make a sound comprised of upbeat, jangly guitars and soft-edged vocals. Pleasure Beach provide the perfect soundtrack for your Bushstock experience. 

Flyte

Flyte are a London four-piece who make sounds similar to many much loved bands of the past - think The Kinks and Talking Heads. Having previously toured with bands such as Bombay Bicycle Club and Hinds, they've had plenty of opportunities to pick up tips on how to make bangers fit for a festival environment and they've done exactly that on their track 'Please Eloise'. Watch out for their brand of anthemic pop rock at Bushstock this year. 





Bushstock 2016 takes place in Shepherd's Bush, London on 18th June. For more information and tickets, please visit www.bushstock.co.uk 

Words Lauren Wade

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Read More »

Latitude Festival located in the picturesque Suffolk countryside is always a summer highlight. This year the festival is back with a glittering array of artists for you to knock back a cider or two to and be consistently wowed by. Here's our round-up of who we think you should definitely be sure to catch over the course of the weekend. Thank us later. 

The festival has been running since 2005 and has continued to expand year after year. As one of the biggest and most popular festivals in the UK, the unique festival full of charm returns for another year boasting a stellar line-up with headliners The Maccabees, The National and New Order in tow. These three bands offer something for everyone and music fans will not be disappointed. Expect an attraction of edgy students in New Order's case, whilst The Maccabees will draw in quite the alternative crowd. 

The Maccabees' fourth studio album 'Marks To Prove It' was a spectacular return to form for the band, superbly followed by an extensive UK tour that reinforced why we fell in love with the Brighton-based quintet in the first place. Expect all the hits from fan favourite 'Toothpaste Kisses' to newer bangers such as 'Something Like Happiness' and the crowd pleaser that is 'Pelican'. 

The Lake Stage may be one of the smaller stages at the festival but the line-up is packed with exciting new artists that are ready to make some big noise. Dubbed 'stars of the future' Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens' favourites, Clean Cut Kid will take to the stage for a headline performance on Sunday evening. The Liverpool four-piece have racked up an impressive amount of gigging around the country recently and their rise is unstoppable. Think catchy beats blended with massive choruses and you're halfway there. Be sure to catch their set at the fest as Clean Cut Kid are a band who never disappoint - bonus points as they're undoubtedly one of the genuinely nicest bands around too. 

The Big Moon are a sassy girl band who command your attention with their hook-filled tracks that will have you hitting repeat in seconds. Get down the front for them for sure. Fellow Brighton babes, Fickle Friends are an electro-indie quintet who will provide your summer soundtrack with their shimmery indie gems and are always a treat to catch live. 

Head over to the DIY Alcove Stage to catch The Magic Gang in action with their music that has been described as 'very direct, very sexy, and very good' which is probably the most accurate description of the four-piece who make anthemic bangers ready to induce a mosh and/or sing-a-long session at any given moment. Check them out, they're seriously good. 

If music's not really your thing and you've been brought along by a friend or your partner, then fear not! There's a wide selection of comedy, theatre, dance, poetry, cabaret, film and so much more to please even the pickiest of people so you're in for a treat no matter what your particular tastes may be. 

Latitude Festival will run from 14-17th July. Tickets are available to buy now. For more info, please go to www.latitudefestival.com

Words Lauren Wade

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Read More »

Are you a festival junkie looking to get your last fix before the summer fizzles out? Look no further than Bestival. Held on the Isle of Wight, the music festival is now in it's tenth year and celebrations are to follow this September throughout the duration of the event. Fusing music with creative arts in a remote country setting, this festival is like no other. With a theme based around the HMS Belfast, fields will be turned into an underwater paradise. Expect fishy fancy dress, pirates, sailors and wacky watery adventures.

 

Festival waters will be infected by headliners such as Elton John and his band, Snoop Dogg and Fat Boy Slim. Whilst, rock fans may not be catered for on the main stage, there's plenty of action on smaller stages coming from the likes of Sheffield based blues duo Drenge, who made waves after the release of their self-titled debut album recently. The 1975 have been tipped by almost everybody in 2013 so far, but don't just take their word for it go and check them out for yourselves, when they bring their hook laden sound to the festival.

 

Bringing solo material and hits of former band The Smiths to the table, NME's current 'Godlike Genius' Johnny Marr is worth a watch if you fancy a taste of guitar driven music with fantastic beats, equally measurable vocals and cracking on stage banter. There are instances when you might want to slow the pace briefly; Tom Odell's the guy for you. The singer/songwriter from Chichester is hardly a young Bob Dylan but he has some woozy harmonies that will definitely cause a delight.

 

One of the biggest draws at the festival, Bombay Bicycle Club will do their best to set their mood to a shimmering pace, in one final attempt to convince us that it's really summer (even if the sun's not shining). Meanwhile, a young and wildly talented four-piece rhythm and blues band from Cavan, Ireland - The Strypes will get hearts beating faster with their slick sound. Finally, Performance poet John Cooper Clarke puts on a hell of a live show, and in the late 70s the 'punk poet' became the voice of a generation and crowds gathered to witness the revolution. Experience it once more, as the poet by trade is welcomed to the festival to deliver a hell-raising live set. Jump aboard shipmates and prepare for Bestival to reach a new level of cool.

 

 

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Read More »

Blending the creative talents of Sean Keogh and Patrick Hughes, A Lovely War is the product of their efforts, a newly formed Liverpool-based duo sculpting psych swirls ready to blow the music industry wide open. Their EP Ezra is an early taste of what's to come from this promising pair, and if Liverpool keeps throwing up raw talent in the vein of A Lovely War - NME might finally shift their omnipotent focus away from the B-Town scene to the northern bunch.

 

Acting as a snapshot of where they're currently at, Baby, Don't Be So Defensive serves as an emotional plea to a lover, and there's plenty of talk about what happened last night and 'where to go from hear' which raises lingering questions but we can let it slide for now. Beneath their light-hearted frills, there's a moody intensity flickering away with no likelihood of burning out anytime soon.

Whilst they may appear indebted to Vampire Weekend, particularly in places such as on hilariously ironic title-track Ezra, they can be forgiven as they fuse their 'borrowed goods' with aspects of reggae. An interesting move that sees a divide visualise between them and the rest of their fellow Merseyside music makers.

Final offering, Maxine, We're Alive! feels fit to soundtrack a Mario Bros Adventure, incorporating touches of a playful nature. It's rich, layered jangly twangs are the secret weapon to this EP and it becomes evident on this departing number why it was saved for the end. A Lovely War are destined for stages beyond their reckoning, a slot on Glastonbury's BBC Introducing Stage and an opportunity to show that they can hold their own playing further afield, rather than cutting their teeth on the Liverpool gig circuit is just what they need. Keep an eye out for this duo as they aren't set to disappoint anytime soon.

 



https://www.facebook.com/alovelywar/

https://twitter.com/Alovelywar

http://soundcloud.com/alovelywar

 

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

 

 

Read More »

Four days, four mega headliners, sun, sea and sand - if the mud and unpredictable weather of a British festival doesn't tickle your fancies, then Benicassim is the one for you. Located on the east coast of Spain, between Barcelona and Valencia you can catch the hottest of headliners whipping the crowds into a frenzy. Plus, if you need a break from the music the beach is literally next door.

This year's festival sees Queens of The Stone Age topping the bill on Thursday (18), whilst other headliners include: Beady Eye (19), Arctic Monkeys (20) and The Killers (21). Currently holding the crown for Best Overseas Festival (UK Festival Awards) it's not hard to see why, with scorching temperatures, a world class line up and sun kissed location.

With so much to see and do throughout the duration of the event, Rock Revolver has handpicked an assortment of acts you'd be a fool to miss. In addition, if the headliners aren't your cup of tea, or you fancy a break from the magnitude and scale of their performances - the following artists might be more of your thing.

Expect a hazy feel to take over when Kettering's psych revivalists Temples take on the Pringles Fibclub Stage on Thursday. Flower power riffs and a resurgence of psychedelic pop will ensure the masses experience feel-good moments aplenty during their eagerly anticipated set. On Friday, the Pringles Fibclub Stage also plays host to Birmingham's Swim Deep, ahead of the August release of their debut album Where The Heaven Are We. Prepare yourself for an excess of indie magic and glittering vibes.

Headlining the Trident Senses stage on Friday night, is ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Catch his set if you're looking for an alternative to Beady Eye or if you fancy seeing a few of The Smiths hits played out almost in their former glory. The one to push your way down the front for on Saturday night, is the one and only Miles Kane. Taking to the stage shortly before his pals Arctic Monkeys, the Wirral riddler promises a storming and energetic set brimming with old hits and new wonders. Warning - it will turn into a sweaty affair.

On the final day of the festival, head over to the Pringles Fibclub Stage as baroque pop revivalist Jacco Gardner will deliver his tunes to the masses. Also, the electropop scots CHVRCHES are appearing on the same stage later in the evening.

Hopefully, this guide gives you an indication as to who to watch if you're going to the festival. Fear not, if you don't possess a ticket there's always live streaming.

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow on Twitter

Read More »

 

Having returned from Glastonbury Festival, after their exhilarating live set on the BBC Introducing Stage on Friday (28 June), Wirral's very own The Sundowners are once again tickling the fancies of fans with their latest track Don't Come Knockin. The five-piece band of siblings and friends are often compared to Fleetwood Mac, with this offering there are faint echoes of that sound, although what we should be talking about is the breathless clatter and far out riffs they have emblazoned.

 

The white hot tune commands you to dance until you get stitches in your stomach, the feminine Liverpudlian lilt works in their favour and not once does it pause for breath. Pulsing with intensity and retro vibes, that takes a lot to master, The Sundowners border on authenticity and know which direction will inevitably lead them to success. With great tunes and great haircuts, you'd be a fool not to keep a watchful eye on this band.
 

 
 

https://www.facebook.com/sundownersUK

http://twitter.com/TheSundownersUK

https://soundcloud.com/thesundowners

http://www.youtube.com/user/SundownersUk

 

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and Twitter

 

 



 

Read More »

With festival season in full swing and Glasto done and dusted for another year, Southwold's Henham Park is set to deliver their eighth year of folksy frolicking. Providing an alternative to the usual festival staples, the Suffolk site sees Bloc Party, Kraftwerk and Foals take to the stage, delivering headline sets that are not to be missed. Clashes in set times means festival goers will have to be selective, when choosing who to watch. Fear not, Rock Revolver's definitive guide to Latitude 2013 is here to assist you in making these decisions, whether you're heading down to the festival or watching from the comfort of your home - there really is something for everyone.

 

Commencing on the 19th July, the three day festival opens in style with Theme Park on the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage. The London five piece will throw into the mix anthemic, ethereal indie as they plough through hits from their self-titled debut album (released in February this year). Heading over to the Obelisk Arena, which is set on top of a hill overlooking the whole site, the criminally underrated I Am Kloot will be picking tracks from their vast back catalogue to perform. Despite being overlooked in the past due to their lack of mainstream commercial success, their set at this year's festival will diminish any doubt that still lingers.

 

Remaining in the Obelisk Arena on Saturday, crowds will witness Rock Revolver favourite Jessie Ware brew a soulful serenity and throwback 90s vibes, with tunes such as Running, 110% and Wildest Moments. Following Ware, New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs are set to tear it up and thrill with new material. Whilst, BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will play host to North London's Daughter and their strikingly intimate and captivating live show, before Alt-J headline the same stage later on that night.

 

Taking it down a notch, the final day of the festival features a special afternoon performance from Bobby Womack - the critically acclaimed and one of the most influential soul singers of all time. Off the back of their recent album success, Disclosure bring their sound to the masses on Sunday night on the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage before Beach House deliver a headline set (on the same stage).

 

As with many festivals, the fun and festivities are not limited to just these two stages. Across the weekend you can catch other artists such as Temples, Chvrches, Stealing Sheep, Drenge, Friends, Hookworms and Wave Machines on the i Arena stage, which is nestled under a canopy of trees in the Latitude woods. If that's not your cup of tea, The Lake Stage showcases the talent of tomorrow in an atmospheric and shimmering setting. This year you can catch sets from Swim Deep, The 1975, Wolf Alice, Port Isla, Jagwar Ma and Coves. Plus, tucked away at the near the banks of the lake, be there to witness another Rock Revolver favourite Catfish and the Bottlemen on The Alcove Stage.

 

If you need a bit of a break from the music, there is still plenty to satisfy your appetite with throughout your stay at Latitude. If you're a Bowie fan you're in for a treat this weekend; be sure not to miss Bowiefest in association with the ICA presents Bowie 1973, bringing together a wealth of talent, talks, appearances and more from those closely related to the star. If your taste buds still crave Bowie, then be sure to check out Ultimate Bowie.

 

If poetry and spoken word is your thing, it's worth coming to the festival for this stage alone. The spoken word extravaganza features the current poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, local hero Luke Wright, stand-up poet Tim Clare and Peterborough-based spoken word double act Dead Poets. Finally, the Graduate fashion show presented by Bip Ling, Jamie Laing and Storm Models promises to be a veritable feast of fashion antics.

 

Hopefully, this will wet your appetite for Latitude 2013 and serve as a guide of what's worth checking out if you are made to choose. Likewise with most festivals, there are always those gems waiting to be discovered, so get out there and catch some new music (and old favourites).

 

 

 

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and Twitter

Read More »

The most anticipated music event of the festival season is rapidly approaching, and this year, the line up boasts an impressive array of artists. With a little something for everyone, when the gates open in ten days - Worthy Farm is bound to be the epicentre of explosion. Here is Rock Revolver's definitive guide to the artists you need to check out if you're going to the festival, or simply streaming it online.

 

 

Announced as this year's headliners, Arctic Monkeys, The Rolling Stones and Mumford & Sons are set to tear it up on the Pyramid Stage. Following the debut of new tracks Do I Wanna Know? in Ventura, California and Mad Sounds at Hultsfred Festival in Sweden recently, Sheffield rock royalty, Arctic Monkeys, are ones not to be missed. Considering their performance at the Olympic Opening Ceremony last summer, and the fact that the band have got their fifth album scheduled for release in September, missing their headline set would make you a fool.

 

Offering another opportunity to catch those icons, The Rolling Stones, play the hits live (factoring a few rarities into the mix), make sure you witness the Pyramid Stage play host to the band on Saturday night, especially since last year's shows at the 02 had staggering ticket prices, leaving fans forking out hundreds. Initially, Sunday night headliners and everyone's favourite nu-folk group Mumford & Sons caused a bit of a stir when announced to close the Festival. However, you can't deny the band have worked hard to get to the top in recent years. Second album, Babel, released last September proved the folk rock four piece have got the goods and now all they have to do is display it to the masses.

 

Throughout the weekend, you can also catch excellent artists on the Pyramid Stage throughout the day, stretching into evening, such as: The Vaccines with their wailing guitars, and fast paced punchy anthems. 2012's biggest breakthrough, Jake Bugg with ballads to his youth and musical ability beyond his tender years. California's most chilled exports Haim. Saturday night sees indie folk star Ben Howard deposit a mellow set of acoustic anthems, whilst on the Sunday, New York rockers Vampire Weekend take to the stage.

 

Hitting up the Other Stage, across the weekend you can catch Northern Irish indie rock trio Two Door Cinema Club, tearing it up with their shimmering tunes and spewing riffs. Tame Impala, the psychedelic Aussies are not to be missed with their tripped out tracks, whilst the majority of their back catalogue sounds like they overdoes on flower power riffs and paisley vibes.

 

Playing host to under the radar rockers and those set to be massive in years to come, The Park Stage is packed with little gems you need to get in your life. Lambeth's own Palma Violets, backed by NME, take control on Friday night, crafting sets as impressive as their sudden rise to fame in the latter half of 2012. Tame Impala's female counterpart Melody's Echo Chamber play on Saturday afternoon; prepare yourself for the French vocalist's dreampop formula and acid soaked songs.

 

Saving the best for last, the John Peel stage is steeped in artists, serving as evidence that it really isn't all about the Pyramid Stage headliners. Aiming to lead the rock revolution (and mod of the moment), is Liverpool's Miles Kane. After releasing critically acclaimed second album, Don't Forget Who You Are, at the start of June; if you miss Miles' set you really are missing out, as he plays the crowd like no other. If we were to depict his live shows in percentages, it would go a little something like this - 50% puppy dog excitement and 50% rock swagger.

 

 

 

 

Pioneers of the B-Town scene, Peace and Swim Deep, are also set to appear on the John Peel stage on Friday afternoon, whilst Saturday sees sets from The Smiths' iconic guitarist Johnny Marr, and Ireland's teenage 60s revivalists The Strypes. Continuing the party throughout Sunday are, French wizards Phoenix, who are set to headline the stage and bring with them that much needed dose of wickedly warped electronics and dance-until-you-get-stitches-in-your-stomach sizzles.

 

Whilst this is just a preview of the thousands of acts at the festival,  there are many more appearing across the weekend and hopefully this guide will serve you well, in deciding who to catch a glimpse of and who to miss. With the weather set to hit a record high in the history of Glastonbury, you're bound to have an excellent weekend regardless of which artists you watch. 

 

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and Twitter

Read More »

Illinois based flower punk band The Orwells may only be young, (at eighteen years of age) but they sure know a thing or two about making quality music. Signed to Autumn Tone Records, the American five piece have gigged with high profile bands such as Palma Violets, and more recently they were pleasing crowds at Brighton's The Great Escape Festival. Connected by the same musical tissue, The Orwells capture punk's finer moments and forge a musical identity of their own.
 

Produced by Dave Sitek, the band treat us to three minutes of assertive riffs on Other Voices. With frantic drumming and an accelerating pace, The Orwells exert a sound beyond their years, transporting listeners back to the noughties when The Strokes were in their prime. Mallrats, is another rough and ready number with raw garage vocals scattered throughout the track. Little has been said about the band's influences, but with mega tunes like these it wouldn't be a surprise if The Rolling Stones and The Stooges turned out to be the ones.

 

Final track, Head continues in the same vein we've been travelling down. With a sense of menace here, and pulsing guitar lines there, The Orwells have crafted a scratchy riffed racket that will linger in listeners minds. The band describe themselves as sounding "real raunchy and shit", whilst raunchy they are, shit they are most definitely not.

 

https://www.facebook.com/theorwellsband

http://www.TheoRWells.com

https://soundcloud.com/the-orwells

https://twitter.com/TheOrwells

 

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook

Read More »

Sheffield rockers Arctic Monkeys have been confirmed as the third and final headliners to join this year's Benicassim bill.

 

The band have joined the likes of The Killers and Queens Of The Stone Age as headliners, whilst other artists such as Jake Bugg, Palma Violets, Swim Deep, Echo Lake and Splashh have been added to the impressive Spanish festival line-up.

 

The festival is to take place on July 18-21, however early bird tickets are now sold out. Normal tickets are now on sale at £145 (the selling price until March 30 or when tickets have sold out) after this the ticket price will increase. VIP tickets are also on sale at £325. Eight free days of camping is included within weekend and VIP tickets.

 

So if you fancy a weekend of the best live music and a beach holiday in one, Benicassim is the one for you (besides you'll avoid the rain and mud of a British festival - what's not to like?).

 

 

 Like Rock Revolver on Facebook

 

Read More »

Day 2 of the festival saw the likes of Rihanna, Florence + The Machine, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Plan B, Professor Green, Chase & Status, Magnetic Man, Lana Del Rey, Enter Shikari, Sub Focus, Ben Howard, Bombay Bicycle Club, Azealia Banks, Maverick Sabre and more perform across all six stages. Special guest Dizzee Rascal was unveiled, sandwiched between Rihanna and Flo.

Nu-folk star Ben Howard delivered an impressive set on the INMWT (In New Music We Trust) stage to the crowds. His debut album Every Kingdom has been success; this was reflected in the buzz which ran through the crowds response.

Florence & Lana Del Rey also delivered notable performances respectively.

Headliner Rihanna showcased many of her well known tracks, to the strong crowd of 50,000 in London's east end, before hitting the nightclubs afterwards.

 

Read More »

Festivals...regardless of whether you love or hate the concept of thousands of people in a muddy field, the season has returned.The weather may not be quite up for it this year, but it will get better (hopefully). Without mainstream giant Glastonbury to outshine the rest, this year smaller festivals are to be given the chance to shine. Here's my guide to what's on, where and who's headlining.

1. Festival International De Benicassim July 12-15

The hottest European festival returns for another year in the Spanish sunshine. Located in Valencia, this festival is more than just a festival - it's a holiday. With three stages, four days and 100+ artists you're never short of something to do. The festival is situated right on the coast too, so once the music's over you can hit the beach to cool off. Alternatively if you're more of a city stroller, than local delights such as Barcelona and Madrid are only a couple of hours away. A four day ticket will set you back £155, however it's worth it to see the likes of Bob Dylan, The Stone Roses, New Order, Florence + The Machine, At The Drive In, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, The Horrors, Miles Kane, The Vaccines, The Maccabees, Howler, Spector, Crystal Castles and many more.

2. Reading & Leeds Festival August 24-26

Let's face it; Reading & Leeds is the festival that we will all be watching this year. Without Glasto this is the festival the focus has altered to. We'll see performances from The Cure, Kasabian, Foo Fighters, Paramore, Florence + The Machine, The Black Keys, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs, You Me At Six, Enter Shikari, The Shins, The Maccabees, Foster The People, Graham Coxon, Passion Pit, Spector, Friends, Two Door Cinema Club, The Cribs, Dry The River, The Horrors, Tribes and that's only half of the artists featured across the weekend. Weekend tickets are £197.50 which includes camping from August 23rd.

3. Tramlines Festival July 20-22

This festival is incredible and it's free! What more could you ask for? Located in Sheffield, this event begun in 2009 and was a massive hit with the crowds; it returned in following years. With their slogan "Free for all" this is a festival that gives back to the community. The aim was to create an environment where you could wander in and out of your own accord, but don't let that fool you. The ticketless event is so popular with festival goers that to ensure entry to the main stage, you'd have roughly a two hour wait. So it's best to get there early and queue up. This year's line up sees artists such as Roots Manuva, We Are Scientists, Field Music, Ms Dynamite, Toddla T, Alt-J, Beth Jeans Houghton, Chew Lips, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Eugene McGuinness, Spector, Theme Park, This Many Boyfriends and Toy gracing the multiple venues. There's plenty more acts to be seen though, if that impressive lime up doesn't satisfy your musical cravings.

4. Latitude July 12-15

Residing on the Suffolk Coast, Latitude is a festival that is home to so much more than just music. It features elements such as: Comedy, Cabaret, Theatre, Film, Poetry, Literature, Dance, DJs, Art and Fashion. This year's line up includes Paul Weller, Bon Iver, Elbow, Metronomy, Laura Marling, Ben Howard, Richard Hawley, Michael Kiwanuka, Bat For Lashes, Simple Minds, Edward Sharpe and the The Magnetic Zeros, Alabama Shakes, White Lies, Lana Del Rey, Silver Seas, The Horrors, SBTRKT, Smoke Fairies, Wild Beasts, M83, Zola Jesus, Django Django, Breton and there's so much more to see throughout the weekend. Tickets for the festival come in different packages. A standard campsite ticket will cost you £175 and day tickets are £75 each. Children aged 5-12 years can purchase tickets for £5 but must be accompanied by an adult.

5. V Festival August 18-19

Some have said that V's lineup has disappointed this year, however I don't believe it has. With something for everyone, this is a festival that definitely doesn't disappoint. Here you can catch sets from The Stone Roses, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, The Killers, Snow Patrol, David Guetta, Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Tinie Tempah, Madness, Olly Murs, Example, Keane, Friendly Fires, Ben Howard, Maverick Sabre, Gossip, Newton Faulkner, Reverend & The Makers, Tom Jones, Nero, Happy Mondays, Noah & The Whale, Frank Turner, The Enemy, Miles Kane, Frank Ocean, The Feeling, Lawson plus more artists. Tickets for this festival cost £180 for a weekend camping ticket and for a day ticket it will cost you £86.

Read More »