PARKLIFE
SAT 9 – SUN 10 JUNE
HEATON PARK, MANCHESTER
www.parklife.uk.com
One of Manchester’s biggest festival returns this year in one of Europe’s largest urban parks, Heaton Park. This independent festival which is jointly organised by a number of groups including the Warehouse Project, a large club night that takes each year.
2018’s line up is a big one as plenty of outstanding acts will be performing, all crammed into an exhilarating two-day party. Headlining will be indie-pop perfectionists; The XX, whose music still grabs the hearts of listeners since they started out in 2005. The bands mix of dream pop, soul and electro rock, make for a wonderful experience, especially so live. Alongside them will be Oasis expatriate, Liam Gallagher having had his debut album being a chart-topping success last year, and grime extraordinaire Skepta. It doesn’t stop there as we will be seeing Lorde, Bonobo, ASAP Rocky, Chvrches and so much more that will surely give you a weekend to remember (as long as you don’t get too drunk…).
Located only five miles from the city centre and surrounded by good transport links, it’ll be no hassle getting to this vibrant day festival.
ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL
THU 21 – SUN 24 JUN
ISLE OF WIGHT
www.isleofwightfestival.com
Having started out in the late ‘60s, Isle of Wight Festival was one of the biggest festivals of its day, having thought to have been one of the biggest gatherings in the world. The stages saw the likes of legendary musicians Jimi Hendricks, The Who, The Doors and Bob Dylan, and despite a decade or so out of the picture, was revived in 2002. It still brings a sense of musical collectivism and outstanding acts as ever, now presenting its 50th anniversary. This year, there will be the consistent medley of widely loved artists old and new. Kasabian are headlining along with Depeche Mode and The Killers – a band with hits you know that will get you grooving (let us never forget Mr Brightside!).
Nile Rodgers, Van Morrison, Blossoms and Kodaline will also be there, with plenty more that are too many to list. Either way, there will be something for everyone; whatever genre is your preference, you’re sure to enjoy every bit of live music nourishment that you can feast on here. Also, did we mention, kids go free? That’s right, with every paying adult children under 12 get a free ticket, so this festival is great for families if you’re trying to think of something to do this summer.
LOVE SUPREME
FRI 29 JUN – SUN 1 JUL
GLYNDE PLACE, EAST SUSSEX
www.lovesupremefestival.com
If you’re a fan of festivals that are lively with a great atmosphere, and music, but may be slightly more ambient than the crazy rave you often find yourself in at a festival, then Love Supreme will be right up your street. In previous years, this jazz dominated soiree has seen many renowned musicians including The Jacksons, Laura Mvuala, Grace Jones and even Burt Bacharach and the line up this year will still shine through with genre revolutionaries. Earth Wind and Fire, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Pharoah Sanders and gospel signer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples are just a few of the names coming to Love Supreme this year.
A wonderful thing about this festival is that it’s not just the music that is on offer here, but the experience as a whole, as there is a range of activities for festival goers to take part in. There’s yoga, secret swimming in one of Sussex’s oldest outdoor pools with complimentary tea and cake, sensational after parties, and a Kid’s Green for the little ones to stay entertained too. This festival is something a little different in the festival market and is great for people of all ages.
FARR FESTIVAL
THURS 5 – SUN 8 JULY
BYGRAVE WOODS, HERTFORDSHIRE
www.farrfestival.co.uk
Situated in a scenic uninhabited forest in the heart of Hertfordshire, Farr Festival is one of the UK’s leading electronic music festivals and creates an atmosphere that is hard to replicate anywhere else. This year is the ninth edition of the festival and with it comes new stages, daytime experiences and of an eclectic mix of producers, selectors and performers which will sound even better with their new and improved sound system.
Some of the musicians featured in this year’s line-up include Mount Kimbie, Tom Misch, Shy Fx, Shanti Celeste, and a load of other artists to give you an array of sounds that everyone will get dancing to.
Whilst Thursday and Friday are set to warm you into the festival mood, Saturday is set to see some of the most on point names in electronic music including George Fitzgerald, dub aficionado Jah Shaka and BBC Radio 1’s very own Benji B. Sunday will be something slightly different, showcasing dub, reggae, minimal and disco. In the woodlands you can also book a hot tub experience, where you can relax, wind down and freshen up and if you’re not ready to stop unwinding, there’s also a chill area. What better way to soothe your legs from a night of partying?
KENDAL CALLING
THURS 26 – SUN 29 JUL
LOWTHER DEER PARK, LAKE DISTRICT
www.kendalcalling.co.uk
Starting just over a decade ago, when a group of music lovers felt the fields of the Lake District could be put to better use, starting out in Abbott Hall in Kendal and since the festival massively kicked off only a year or so later, it moved to the location it now calls it home. The twelve stages offer different environments from getting down and dirty in the glow tent to the House Party stage which reproduces the best house party you’ve ever been to, but with no neighbours to annoy.
This year indie rock chart toppers The Libertines and Catfish and the Bottlemen will take to the stage, and hiphop geniuses Run DMC will also be making an appearance. Ocean Colour Scene, a favourite from the 80’s, will be bringing a blast of nostalgia to the show as will The Wailers, bringing their sweet Reggae sounds. Kendal Calling also hosts a classier way of camping with the Deer Lodge, so if you’re a fan of luxury on your weekend away, then there’s a variety of canvas bell tents.
Within the boutique camping you will be provided with a real bed – goodbye cold hard floor- clean enviro loos and free hot showers.
