The sun has started to make an appearance, your winter wardrobes are almost in storage and exams will soon be out – your summer starts here. Everyone knows the best thing about summer is the masses of festivals that take place. So here at Flavour, we have sifted through those, to bring you the essential Flavour Festival Guide 2012.
MAY
STREETFEST
‘The StreetFest ethos is uniting the artists and their work, with the spectators and voyeurs who take pleasure from it’. Helping kick off the endless summer festivals, Devlin headlines this year’s StreetFest, London’s number one urban culture festival. Be sure not to miss out as the capacity is doubled to 5,000 this year and a third stage is added to the show.
WHEN: Sunday, May 6
WHERE: Hearn Street, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Devlin, Lady Leshurr, ItsNate
WEBSITE: www.streetfest.net
INDISCREET FESTIVAL
This is the perfect start to the festival season. No big names, just the best in underground talent. So if you’re one who likes to know about the latest up and coming artists this is the festival for you, with music running into the small hours of Sunday morning.
WHEN: Saturday, May 19
WHERE: Denfurlong Farm, Cheltenham
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Ed Solo, MC Xander
WEBSITE: www.ind-events.co.uk
JUNE
LOVEBOX
Get ready to celebrate a decade of love as Grace Jones headlines the 10thLovebox festival. Grace Jones has been hailed as one of the best performers to ever take to the Lovebox stage and now she’s back. When she was asked about what we can expect from her performance she said ‘Brace yourself!’ This annual festival has a mix of music to cater to everyone’s taste with the likes of Lana Del Rey, Azealia Banks and Shy FX.
WHEN: Friday, June 15 – Sunday, June 17
WHERE: Victoria Park, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Ms Dynamite (Friday), Emeli Sandé (Saturday), Grace Jones (Sunday).
WEBSITE: www.lovebox.net
MATCH AND FUSE FESTIVAL
This brand new festival will be making its debut this summer 2012. This is the first of a five year plan of festivals. 13 bands from eight different countries from around Europe have been confirmed, with music that is dynamic and cutting edge – spanning genres of jazz, rock, experimental and electronic. Don’t miss out on this free-for-all two-day extravaganza. You can also get a sneak peek of all the acts.
WHEN: Friday, June 15 – Saturday, June 16
WHERE: Dalston, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: WorldService Project, Led Bib
WEBSITE: www.matchandfuse.co.uk
SUMMER BREAK
The UK’s comeback to the US’s spring break. You won’t even need to worry about packing your tent as the Summer Break student village has luxury caravans, hot showers and more. With four days and nights of partying, beach parties, the best music and much more, once exams are over, your summer starts here.
WHEN: Sunday, June 10 – Thursday, June 14/ Sunday, June 17 – Thursday, June 21
WHERE: Newquay, Cornwall
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: The 2012 line-up is yet to be confirmed. Past artists include TinieTempah, Benga, Chase and Status, Example and Sub Focus. If that’s anything to go by, Summer Breakers are in for a treat.
WEBSITE: www.summerbreak.co.uk
BEACH BREAK LIVE
This end of exam festival is now in it’s sixth year. It’s brings together all the best elements of festivals. The 2012 line-up is already looking fantastic and there are more acts to be announced. There’s more than just great music at this festival, why not try speedo dating, kitesurfing, knitting or any of the other numerous worksops and activities available.
WHEN: Thursday, June 14 – Monday, June 18
WHERE: Pembrey Country Park, South Wales
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Labrinth, Wretch 32, Delilah.
WEBSITE: www.beachbreaklive.com
PLAN B FOREST TOUR
The Forestry Commission’s mission is to protect and expend Britain’s forest and woodlands. They also make it possible for the best artists to perform live every year in seven forest locations throughout England. Plan B will play seven forest concerts with opening artists NY.
WHEN: Friday June 15, Saturday June 16, Friday June 22, Saturday June 23, Friday June 29, Saturday June 30, Saturday July 7
WHERE: Various locations, see website below for details.
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Plan B, NY
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/music
Prepare yourself as Jay-Z and Rihanna headline the UK’s biggest free-ticketed event. DJ Fresh, Swedish House Mafia and Maverick Sabre are just some of the massive names that will be performing at this event.
WHEN: Saturday, June 23 – Sunday, June 24
WHERE: Hackney Marshes, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Jay-Z, Trey Songz (Saturday), Rihanna, Jessie J (Sunday).
WEBSITE: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/hackneyweekend/2012/
WINTERWELL FESTIVAL
An eclectic range of music, good people and fancy dress is what this festival has always been about, since starting in 2007. 2012 is no different – get ready to delve into the rich tradition of the Old West in ‘A Town called Winterwell’. You can star in your own spaghetti western complete with saloon, cantina, bordello and jailhouse. A cabaret tent, debating tent, camp fires, a night lit woodland trail, sunset chill-out bar and massage tents are just few of the attractions you can expect. Plus, Winterwell supports new music; if you’re an unsigned act, contact The Music League for the chance to play Winterwell this year.
WHEN: Friday, June 29 – Monday, July 2
WHERE: Heart of the Cotswolds, a few miles from Cirencester
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Cornershop, London Afrobeat, The Nextmen
WEBSITE: www.winterwell.co.uk
JULY
Barclaycard Wireless Festival has announced that Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd and Delilah and more will be joining the already star-studded line-up this year. Deadmau5 will be headlining on Friday, Drake on Saturday and the Bajan princess, Rihanna, will bring the show to a close on Sunday. You definitely won’t want to miss out on this amazing festival that delivers nothing less than the best artists and performances every year.
WHEN: Friday, July 6 – Sunday, July 8
WHERE: Hyde Park, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Rihanna, Drake, Deadmau5, NickiMinaj, Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky
WEBSITE: www.wirelessfestival.co.uk
The UK’s only action sports and music festival return this year, representing the opportunity to partake in your chosen lifestyle. Everything revolves around you, should you choose to attend. This festival is for celebrating this life and good music.
WHEN: Friday, July 6 – Sunday, July 8
WHERE: Bath and West Showground, Somerset
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: DJ Fresh, Chiddy Bang
WEBSITE: www.nassfestival.com
T IN THE PARK
Tinie Tempah, Swedish House Mafia, Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Chase and Status are all set to appear at T In The Park this year. If it’s too much, sit down now because there are still many more acts to be announced for this jam-packed three day festival that’s definitely worth the trip.
WHEN: Friday, July 6 – Sunday, July 8
WHERE: Balado, Kinross-shire, Scotland
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Emeli Sandé, Example
WEBSITE: www.tinthepark.com
WAKESTOCK
Here’s another camping festival for those that want the full festival experience. What’s that girls? You don’t fancy being near the commotion of the main campsite? Well Wakestock has it covered; this year it’s introducing ‘Camp G’, giving you the chance to camp with your friends in a female only campsite.
WHEN:Friday, July 6 – Sunday, July 8
WHERE: Cardigan Bay, North Wales
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Ed Sheeran, Dizzee Rascal, Katy B, Azealia Banks
WEBSITE: www.wakestock.co.uk
VINTAGE FESTIVAL
Here’s another festival for those who want more than just music. It was developed by English fashion designer, Wayne Hemingway, who is the co-founder of the fashion label Red or Dead. Vintage brings together the ‘Best of British’ culture for one glamorous weekend, celebrating the music, fashion, film, art, design and food from the 1920s – 1980s. Don’t miss out on this one, located in the grand stately home of Boughton Estate.
WHEN: Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 15
WHERE: Boughton House, Northamptonshire
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Aloe Blacc, Sergio Mendes & His Orchestra
WEBSITE: www.vintagefestival.co.uk
ONE LOVE PEACE FESTIVAL
This annual festival aims to cultivate social cohesion and bring about lasting positive change to the streets of Britain through the powerful medium of music. None other than Bad Boy Records founder, Diddy, will be headlining the ‘most eclectic and exciting line-up to date’. Don’t miss out on the special surprise guests including Rev Run (Run DMC), Chip and in his first ever UK festival performance, T-Pain. Diddy said he’s ‘thrilled’ to be performing at the UK’S number one urban music festival and he’s hoping to meet Prince Harry.
WHEN: Sunday, July 15
WHERE: Mabley Green, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Diddy, Krept & Konan, Bunny Wailer
WEBSITE: www.originalonelove.com
SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL CROATIA
Soundwave Festival Croatia has a new home this year. After three years in Petrcane they have moved just down the coast to The Garden, Tisno on the beautiful Dalmation Coast. With a great mix of soul, funk and hip-hop acts from established and new artists, this is the perfect festival if you want a few days away in the sun. A mini getaway where aside from the live music, you can attend a boat party, go to the beach and more.
WHEN: Thursday, July 19 – Monday, July 23
WHERE: The Garden, Tisno, Croatia
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: De La Soul, Ghostpoet, Spin Doctor
WEBSITE: www.soundwavecroatia.com
GLOBAL GATHERING
Get your most comfortable shoes on and get ready for this worldwide massive annual dance festival by Angel Music Group. There are 11 Global Gathering festivals across the globe every year in various countries including Australia, Poland and South Korea. The line-up is absolutely amazing with a endless mix of contemporary, electric and bass artists. Plus there are still more acts to be announced. This is definitely one not to miss.
WHEN: Friday, July 27 – Saturday, July 28
WHERE: Long Marston Airfield, Stratford Upon Avon
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Tinie Tempah, Chase and Status, Magnetic Man, Labrinth
WEBSITE: www.globalgathering.com
AUGUST
BOARDMASTERS
Relentless Energy Drink return with another festival this year; this surf, skate and music festival will deliver ‘the ultimate in the lifestyle we all love’. Making his first appearance on this festival’s main stage, Boardmasters are delighted to announce the headline artist, Ed Sheeran.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 8 – Sunday, August 12
WHERE: Newquay, Cornwall
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Ed Sheeran, Dizzee Rascal, Maverick Sabre, DJ Fresh
WEBSITE: www.boardmasters.co.uk
WILDERNESS
From the creators of Lovebox, this festival is a celebration of the arts and outdoors in the wilds of England. Wilderness brings everyone together with music, long table banquets and fine food, debates and talks, outdoor pursuits and late night parties. Make a much as much noise as you like – it’s Wilderness. There’s also theatre that takes place on the stunning Cornbury Estate on Oxfordshire. Definitely one of the best festivals of the summer, Wilderness won the 2011 Best New Festival award at Festival Awards UK to prove it.
WHEN: Friday, August 10 – Sunday, August 12
WHERE: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Lianne La Havas, Cloud Control
WEBSITE: www.wildernessfestival.com
BEACONS FESTIVAL
Greetings from Beacons and much more too. There’s already an impressive line-up with artists to suit most, if not all tastes and there’s still lots more artists to be announced. If you’re not one for camping, Beacons has that covered too. The festival has teamed up with the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton to bring you special festival package offers. Double rooms start from £60 a night, so no need to pack your tent for this festival.
WHEN: Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19
WHERE: Funkirk Estate, Skipton, North Yorkshire
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Lunice, Ghostpoet, Jessie Ware
WEBSITE: www.greetingsfrombeacons.com
V FESTIVAL
V Festival is another annual music festival that delivers an array of excellent live music across two days, in two parks, simultaneously. You won’t even have to worry about picking which park to go to, they both share the same line-up. So artists perform at one location on Saturday and then swap over on Sunday.
WHEN: Saturday, August 18 – Sunday, August 19
WHERE: Hylands Park, Chelmsford/ Weston Park, Staffordshire
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Frank Ocean, Nicki Minaj, Dappy, David Guetta.
WEBSITE: www.vfestival.com
SOUTH WEST FOUR WEEKENDER
This is London’s premier electronic festival. With more acts still to be announced 2 Many DJs, Chase and Status plus London based rap, grime and dubstep group, Foreign Beggars, are part of this year’s line-up.
WHEN: Saturday, August 25 – Sunday, August 26
WHERE: Clapham Common, London
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Foreign Beggars, Mark Knight, DJ Fresh, Chase and Status
WEBSITE: www.southwestfour.com
CREAMFIELDS
Last year, Creamfields upped capacity to 50,000, introduced a second stage and added an extra day to this amazing festival. So now campers can arrive on Friday and ‘enjoy the brand new silent disco arenas’. Creamfields has won the UK Festivals Awards ‘Best Dance Event’ title three years running.
WHEN: Friday, August 24 – Sunday, August 26
WHERE: Daresbury, Cheshire
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: True Tiger, Example, Shy FX (Stamina MC)
WEBSITE: www.creamfields.com
READING & LEEDS FESTIVALS
This famous festival pair has gained a reputation for being the ‘best music shows on the planet’. With line-ups boasting a wonderful variety of global artists, these festivals are a must for music lovers who enjoy a diverse range of music.
WHEN: Friday, August 24 – Sunday, August 26
WHERE: Richfield Avenue, Reading/ Bramham Park, Leeds
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Katy B, Azealia Banks, OFWGKTA
WEBSITE: www.leedsfestival.com
BROWNSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held on the Brown Family’s farm, near Chelmsford in Essex, music artist and producer Labrinth will headline the 2012 festival. The family take care of every single part of the festival from the bookings, to the production, to the food and the entertainment.
WHEN: 31st August, 1st and 2nd Sept 2012
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Labrinth (LIVE), Nero (DJ SET), Zane Lowe, Grandmaster Flash, Toddla T, Artwork Magnetic Man), Doorly, Jackmaster, The Cuban Brothers, Magistrates, Extra Curricular, Mele, Angelos Epithemiou, Missing Andy, Format, Angry vs The Bear, BB, Man Get out, British Intelligence, Stealing Signs plus many more.
WEBSITE: www.brownstock.co.uk
SEPTEMBER
IN THE WOODS
This festival is now in its seventh year. Experimental pop outfit from London, Laurel Collective and friends are putting on a very special one day only festival. Just an hour south of London, an enchanted secret woodland location will become a stage to a host of exciting new talent. Lianne La Havas was nominated for this year’s BBC Sound of 2012 award, it was shortly after she and other artists performed impressive sets at In The Woods festival that their careers took off. With only 750 tickets available from April 15th, you need to be quick to secure your place at this one of a kind festival. In The Woods is still booking acts, so if you are new talent, you can apply to perform at this unique festival; just send your music and a bio to bookings@inthewoodsfestival.co.uk.
WHEN: Saturday, September 1
WHERE: Secret – head to the website and join the mailing list for more information
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Laurel Collective, Kwes, Alt-J
WEBSITE: www.inthewoodsfestival.co.uk
BERLIN FESTIVAL
As the festival season nears its end, The Killers headline the 8th Berlin festival. A host of acts are still to be announced and will be joining an already jam-packed line-up including SBTKRT, Michael Kiwanuka, Metronomy and Franz Ferdinand. This is another festival that gives you the opportunity to get away for a few days. Why not take the opportunity before the cold winter sets in.
WHEN: Friday, September 7 – Saturday, September 8
WHERE: Tempelhof Airport, Berlin
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: SBTKRT, Michael Kiwanuka
WEBSITE: www.berlinfestival.de
OCTOBER
SHAKEDOWN BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
This event brings the the UK festival season to a close with the ‘mother of all parties’. The ‘irrepressible’ Dizzee Rascal will headline when Shakedown returns to Brighton for the second time. He will be performing loads of number one hits including Dance Wiv Me and Holiday. The full line-up will be announced in April. This is the official perfect end to your festival season.
WHEN: Saturday, October 6
WHERE: Stanmer Park, Brighton
LINE-UP ARTISTS NOT TO BE MISSED: Dizzee Rascal
WEBSITE: www.shakedown.co.uk
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