Today, TRAPPED bring you our six of the best Festival guide…
Summertime is here again and for once, it looks like the sun may be staying with us! What better excuse for going to one of the many exciting summer festivals the UK has to offer. While the festival season is also well under way, with Parklife, Boombap and We Are Festival all having major success already, the next few months look set to be amazing with festivals up and down the country.
Glastonbury (26th-28th June)
The legend of Glastonbury speaks for itself and this year, they have delivered on one of the biggest line ups. Headliners include the likes of Florence & the Machine, Kanye West, Motorhead, The Who, Mary J. Blige, Paloma Faith and many more. There is something here for everyone and with a theatre, a circus, a kids park and a cinema, you could never get bored – With so much to discover, you will never want to leave. And for those who aren’t about camping, there are on-site hotels as well so no excuses.
Tickets: All sold out!
Must See Act: Kanye West
One to Watch: Rag N’ Bone Man
http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/
Wireless (3rd-5th July)
Last year, Wireless was a stand out success, with performances from Drake, Pharrell Williams, Sean Paul and a rare UK appearance for Outkast. This year, Wireless looks to build on this success and are definitely proving it with acts such as A$AP Rocky, David Guetta, Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj set to perform. It has been ten years since it’s humble beginnings in Hyde Park and they have not forgotten the home grown talent either with sets from Boy Better Know, Little Simz, George the Poet and Stormzy.
Tickets: Day ticket = £77 (weekend and multi-day packages available)
Must See Act: Grandmaster Flash
One to Watch: Etta Bond
http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/
Lovebox (16th-18th July)
Famously known for its eclectic mix of artists, Lovebox has been a staple of the London festival scene since its creation in 2002 by DJs Groove Armada. Since then, its has grown and featured legendary sets from N.E.R.D, Dizzee Rascal, Chaka Khan and M.I.A. This years sees Snoop Dogg headlining, who previously performed at the festival back in 2011, alongside Annie Mac and Hot Chip. Rap is also represented heavily at Lovebox and this year is no different with the likes of Skepta, Action Bronson, Danny Brown and legendary rap group Cypress Hill set to perform. Keep an eye out for a number of pop up stages and surprise performances as well!
Tickets: Weekend tickets = £104 (day tickets for Friday and Saturday also available)
Must See Act: Cypress Hill
One to Watch: Preditah
Curbana Festival (1st August)
Curbana is billed as an “annual outdoor event bringing together thousands of people to bare witness to a celebration of accomplishments, growth and innovation of the highly active urban arts “. While looking to promote the importance of urban music in the UK, it also looks to highlight other areas such as art, dance and fashion. This is reflected in the line up with So Solid Crew, pioneers in the UK garage scene and Flawless, the famed dance crew headlining the day. The undercard is highly impressive as well with Newham Generals, OGz, Big Narstie, Bonkaz and Che Lingo set to perform. For a one day festival and tickets under £25, you cant go wrong to see so many talented UK artists in one place!
Tickets: Day tickets = £19.99
Must See Act: Newham Generals
One to Watch: Nego True
Boomtown (13th-16th August)
Boomtown is truly a festival like none other. The festival sits within a man made town, filled with 22 stages and 10 different ‘districts’, each reflecting a different culture including Chinatown, The Wild West and Barrio Loco. Genres featured are diverse as they come with Jungle, Ska, Reggae and Drum & Bass all getting a heads up. The line up is impressive with DJ sets scheduled from David Rodigan, DJ EZ and Dub Pistols and acts ranging from Protoje and Stephen Marley to Less Then Jake and Flogging Molly. There is a lot to look forward to in the town of Boom this year and it promises to a big one!
Tickets: Weekend ticket = £155
Must See Act: Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley
One to Watch: The Mouse Outfit
http://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/
Bestival (10th-13th September)
Rounding up this list and the festival season is Bestival, the annual festival held on the Isle of Wight. Since its creation by DJ superstar Rob da Bank, the festival has gone on to become a successful event which attracts a great crowd and is always a lot of fun! The party doesn’t look to be winding down this year with sets from The Chemical Brothers, FKA Twigz, Boy Better Know, Annie Mac and Jurassic 5. As always, there will be a theme for the weekend and this year, it has been revealed as “Bestival’s Summer of Love” so expect to be taking it back to the 1960’s Woodstock vibe!
Tickets: Weekend ticket = £195 (Student tickets = £185 and day tickets available)
Must See Act: Boy Better Know
One to Watch: Flying Lotus
Words: Nathan Tuft – @Natz_AO
