Preview – Simple Things Festival 25

Simple Things Festival, multi-venue Bristol, 8th November 2025

This year’s Simple Things Festival has a line-up sure to impress. Playing across multiple venues in and around Bristol Beacon, some well recognisable names include Adult DVD, DITZ, VLURE, Dry Cleaning and The Orielles. The list of names we (as yet) don’t know so well but are looking forward to catching up with features the likes of Clark, Iglooghost, Mechatok, Upchuck and Y.

Special guest Nala Sinephro is a talented purveyor of experimental jazz, fusing harp, synth and piano, the mix of styles and genres summing up the festival’s approach to offering up something new and unexpected.

The full line-up is below – full details and remaining tickets here

10 years of Nyege Nyege Tapes showcase ft. Kampire, Sisso & Maiko & PÖ, 15-15, Adult DVD, BaBii, Blackhaine, The Bug Feat. Flowdan, Warrior Queen, Manga Saint Hilare, Logan and Magugu, Ceephax Acid Crew, Clark, Danalogue, Decius LIVE, Deki Alem, DITZ, Dry Cleaning, Eiko Ishibashi, Factory Floor, Fatboi Sharif, Fievel is Glaque, Florence Sinclair, HAAL, Horse Vision, Hotline TNT, Iglooghost, Jadu Heart, Jawnino, jb glazer, Joshua Idehen, Kayla Painter, keiyaA, Kelan, Léa Sen, Lover’s Skit, Lucy Gooch, Malibu, Mandrake Handshake, Mechatok, MOULD, My First Time, Mystery Tiime, Nadah El Shazly, Niontay, No Windows, The Orielles, Pan Amsterdam, Psychotherapy Sessions Feat. Joker + AYA (DJ Set) + more, Punching Bag, Rachika Nayar & Nina Keith present Disiniblud, Rich(ard) Dawson, Run Logan Run, The Sick Man Of Europe, Smerz, Steve Davis presents: Graham Dunning & Strictly Kev (aka DJ Food), Sculpture, jb glazer & Stunty, TAKKUUK: A BICEP Scored A/V Film on Arctic Life & Climate, TEKE::TEKE, These New Puritans, Tracey, Upchuck, VLURE, Y, The Zawose Queens

Preview by Siobhan 16beasleystphotography.com

9th October 2025

 

Preview – Mutations Festival 25

Mutations Festival, Brighton, 7th & 8th November 2025

Halloween, Bonfire Night, Mutations Festival… the autumn months are shaping up nicely for entertainment, and back in its now familiar slot, Mutations comes to the streets of Brighton again this year for two days packed with an imposing line-up. A showcase not just for the artists but also for a great cluster of independent venues, Mutations has crammed some ground-breaking names into its 2025 party – there are going to be some tough decisions to make but wherever you end up, you’ll be able to catch some excellent music.

With 80 acts announced yesterday, pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10am today, with general sale this Friday and instalment purchase plans available. Friday sees Dry Cleaning, VLURE, Adult DVD, Makeshift Art Bar, Adwaith, No Windows and many more hit the stage, and on Saturday you can take in Benefits, Big Special, Nightbus and a whole string of others. This is going to be a good one!

Full list of artists announced below, ticket link here.

Friday: Adult DVD, Adwaith, The Bug Club, Ditz, Divorce, Dry Cleaning, Fickle Friends, Golomb, Hotline TNT, Ist Ist, Madmadmad, Makeshift Art Bar, Mandrake Handshake, Mary in the Junkyard, My First Time, Nadia Kadek, No Windows, The Orielles, Party Dozen, Ratboys, Renny Conti, Rip Magic, The Sick Man of Europe, Silver Gore, Stella Bridie, Teethe, Teke::Teke, Test Plan, University, Upchuck, VLURE, Vraell, Winter, Y

Saturday: Ain’t, Annie-Dog, Ashnymph, BDRMM, Bells Larsen, Benefits, Big Special, Blood Wizard, Brown Horse, Coilguns, congratulations, Courting, Dekker, Ebbb, Family Stereo, Fuzz Lightyear, Gans, Good Health Good Wealth, Green Star, Jools, Keo, Ladylike, Lambrini Girls, Lemonsuckr, Mamalarky, The Man The Myth The Meatslab, Mēn An Tol, Midding, My Precious Bunny, Nightbus, Night Flight, The None, The Oozes, Pan Amsterdam, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Saint Clair, Scaler, Sean Trelford, Skydaddy, Stealing Sheep, Teethin, Thistle, Truck Violence, Tooth, Waldo’s Gift, Wrkhouse, Yang

Preview by Callum

Published 27th August 2025

 

 

Preview – DedFest 25

DedFest, Crockstead Fields, Lewes, 16th August 2025

Returning to the East Sussex countryside, DedFest is back to showcase a cluster of breakthrough artists. Co-presented by DedBest Distillery and Hidden Herd, the combination of live music and locally handcrafted drinks is surely a winning combination for a summertime Saturday.

Curating a great selection of music, the festival is family (and dog) friendly so we’ll certainly be hoping to catch up with some four-legged friends as well as taking in sets from talented acts, some of whom we’ve seen before and some we’ve still to discover.

The impressive line-up consists of (deep breath)… Atticomatic, ChitChat, Comforts, Congratulations, Fukushima Dolphin, Gaffa Tape Sandy, Ideal Living, Keg, Lean with the Breeze, Lucy Darke, Moon Idle, Mulimba, Nature TV, Projector, Room Service, Sansom, Telecom, The Rapports, The Roebucks, The Stanford Family Band, Trip Westerns and Winter Gardens. You’ll find many of these covered in our previous features – just enter the artist name into the search box at the bottom of any page.

Remaining tickets and more details here – camping is available.

See you on the fields! 

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Words by Siobhan

Published 1st August 2025

Preview – Victorious Festival 25

Victorious Festival, 22nd-24th August 2025

For may years now, Victorious has kept its promise of being ‘the most beautifully located festival in the UK, featuring some of the world’s biggest artists’. Set up over the expanse of Southsea Common, the view across the Solent runs along the side of some of the stages and you might just spot an occasional ferry coming in from the Isle of Wight.

As well as the music, there are little pockets of traders selling a wide range of merchandise, over 100 food stalls and a kids’ arena that makes this an attractive option for families as well as hardened gig-goers.

But the music, of course, is the main attraction and there are once again some big names up for grabs over the three days. Headliners this year are Queens of the Stone Age (Fri), Vampire Weekend (Sat) and Kings of Leon (Sun). Elsewhere on the bill you’ll find the eclectic mix of Michael Kiwanuka, Madness, Sprints, Lime Garden, The Charlatans, The Last Dinner Party, Betty Boo, The Pill and Bloc Party – amongst many, many more.

As well as putting Portsmouth on the events map, Victorious has been active in supporting the local community through charitable donations and hours given supporting local schemes, contributing over £830,000 to local charities and good causes since 2014.

For more information, details on the line-up, and remaining tickets, head to the festival website here

Words by Siobhan

Published 9th July 2025

Preview – TRNSMT Festival 2025 (Glasgow)

TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow Green, 11th-13th July 2025 

Attracting thousands of music fans to the heart of the city, TRNSMT Festival returns to Glasgow Green in July with a stellar line-up already announced. Across the 3 day musical smorgasbord, you can choose from some huge names mixed with a bunch of breakthrough acts that you’ll definitely want to see again.

Opening day on Friday includes a transatlantic visit from 50 Cent, indie favourites Wet Leg, causers of controversy Kneecap, the always entertaining and perfectly choreographed Confidence Man, and Edinburgh’s electro unit Redolent.

Saturday is looking strong – Biffy Clyro are sure to bring one of the biggest rock singalongs of the weekend, contrasting nicely with Scandipop singer-songwriter Sigrid and dance star Jaguar. Meanwhile, Underworld will no doubt have the crowd moving and might want to be watching over their shoulders at the unbounded talent of locals Lucia & the Best Boys and the mighty VLURE.

More talked about artists established and new on Sunday with BRITs rising star award winner Myles Smith and Brooke Combe making an impression with her accomplished live shows. More familiar faces come in the shape of The View’s frontman Kyle Falconer and a big show with big tunes expected from Snow Patrol.

It’s shaping up to be a weekend to remember – check out the full line-up and don’t hang about for too long before you grab your tickets!

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Preview by Siobhan

Published 30th April 2025

 

Countdown to… The Great Escape 2025

The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, 14th – 17th May 2025

Who’s heading to Brighton next month? It’s getting very close to Great Escape time once again and another exceptional line-up of emerging artists, with some who are very likely already on your radar and some headliners guaranteed to impress.

Last week’s announcement adds over 175 new names, with a coveted slot on The Independent Stage at The Old Market being filled by the brilliant Skunk Anansie. Other acts appearing will include popular locals CLT DRP, along with fellow punk protagonists SLAG and Bruise Control. For those seeking out a more laid back vibe, expect soulful tunes from Nia Smith and catch Knats picking up the jazz mantle. The recently announced late night programme adds the likes of Badger, Sim0ne and Mechatok.

With around 450 artists performing and an eclectic mix of genres and venues, there’s sure to be lots to choose from. To help you start your daily plans, here’s our initial Top 20 selection of acts we’re hoping to catch – some already favourites and plenty who fulfil the aim of discovering new talent, which really is what TGE’s all about.

Adult DVD (UK) – Leeds’ answer to LCD Soundsystem, expect skilful electronic beats and bring your dancing shoes

Aggrasoppar (Faroe Islands) – ‘Flower-punk’ outfit with playful production and performances

Angry Blackmen (US) – A duo of emcees bringing experimental rap from the revered Deathbomb Arc label

Ashaine White (UK) – Soulful rock, some beautiful tunes and probably a story or two to boot

Bighead Tea Drinkers (UK) – If the name itself isn’t enough to lure you in, go for the accomplished indie tunes

Black Fondu (UK/Ghana) – ‘Abstract grime’ and bags of energy in this one-person extravaganza

CIFIKA (S Korea) – Experimental pop and crystallised vocals, one to watch

Laundromat Chicks (Austria) – Chilled out jangle pop with a dash of humour

Maria Uzor (UK) – Known as one half of Sink Ya Teeth, Uzor’s solo shows float through electro, dance and trip-hop

Mechatok (Germany) – Electro-pop underpinned by classical training, this’ll be interesting to see live

Peter Xan (UK) – Don’t miss what’s guaranteed to be a performance to remember, the whole band are fantastic

Polite Bureaux (UK) – Broken beats and razor sharp spoken word lyrics, they just get better and better

Say Sue Me (S Korea) – Despite a tumultuous journey, the current line up are still going strong  

Search Results (Ireland) – Dublin trio making waves in the Irish indie-punk corner and beyond

SLAG (UK) – Popular and very present on the local Brighton scene, with a brush of jagged indie-pop

SOAPBOX (UK) – Glasgow’s latest name on the new music radar getting big live reviews

The Klittens (Netherlands) – Repping Amsterdam with catchy fuzz-pop with an edge 

TV Death (UK) – A fine blend of garage rock tinged with psychedelia

Velvetine (UK) – Alt rock with smooth vocals and an ethereal atmosphere, time to relax

Witch Post (UK) – Scottish/American pairing bringing angst and just the right side of chaos to the table

The full line-up is available on the TGE website and app with schedules in progress – it’s always good to check in nearer the time and even during the festival for any updates. Come say hi if you see us around!

Ticket options here

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Preview by Callum 

Published 8th April 2025

 

Preview – The Great Escape 2025 (Brighton)

The Great Escape, multi-venue across Brighton, 14th-17th May 2025

It’s getting rapidly closer to that time of year again when a multitude of artists spanning genres and styles descend on the streets of Brighton for The Great Escape. With line-up additions still dropping, this year’s list is looking very, very good, and the announcement of the new Billboard UK Live Stage comes with a whole host of talented acts, featuring recent Mercury winners English Teacher headlining.

With the latest bunch of names added, the bill now includes some big recommendations from us in Adult DVD, Maria Uzor, WELLY, Ashaine White, Black Fondu, one of last year’s highlights Peter Xan, and delighted to see Polite Bureaux on there – with a big following in Brighton theirs will be a set not to miss.

Confirmed spotlight shows are scheduled for Peter Doherty, Warmduscher, Trampolene and Rizzle Kicks.

We’ll be taking a closer look at what’s to come over the pending weeks, in the meantime find the full line-up, more information and ticket links here. Catch you by the seaside…

Words by Siobhan

Published 5th March 2025

Preview – Amplify Her 2025 Showcase Tour (London, Brighton, Bristol)

Amplify Her announces 2025 showcase tour championing women in music

Amplify Her, a UK-based organisation dedicated to supporting women in the music industry through engaging events, has announced a 2025 showcase tour, supported by the Arts Council England

Spanning three major UK cities, London, Brighton and Bristol, this tour aims to highlight the talents of nine exceptional female artists while connecting music industry professionals, fostering a community where women can thrive and advance their musical careers.

The London showcase on 13th March will kick off with a powerhouse lineup headlined by Tolü Makay, Fabia Anderson, and Mia Mi. On 17th April, the Brighton event will showcase Mookie, Adriana Lord, and Tia Ice. The tour concludes in Bristol on 21st May, featuring Moxie Dolls, Abs, and Big Mambo. Amplify Her founder and artist Andrea Dee will also take the stage at each showcase, adding her dynamic presence to the lineup. Every artist selected for the Amplify Her showcases is an independent, local talent, recognised for their distinctive artistry and growing impact in the music industry.

Thursday 13th March – The Water Rats, London

Thursday 17th April – Hope and Ruin, Brighton 
Wednesday 21st May – The Louisiana, Bristol

Founded in 2023 by seasoned independent artist Andrea Dee, Amplify Her has rapidly become a vital platform for women in music. Andrea’s vision is to create a community where female musicians support one another, moving their careers forward and pushing for gender equality.

“As a singer and songwriter, I longed for a space to share my experiences in the music industry, but I couldn’t find one. I knew others felt the same, so I created that space myself,” Andrea explains. “Amplify Her is more than just live events; it’s a community where women in music can connect, support one another, and push each other to the next level.”

Tickets for all three showcases, and other events, are available here

You can find out more about Amplify Her via their socials: Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook 

Header team photo © Vittoria Avigliano

Published 28th February 2025

Exhibition – The Face Magazine: Culture Shift (National Portrait Gallery London)

Exhibition, National Portrait Gallery, London, 20th February – 18th May 2025
The Face Magazine: Culture Shift

Header image: Girls on Bikes (Sarf Coastin’) by Elaine Constantine,
styled by Polly Banks, December 1997, © Elaine Constantine

Coming soon, for lovers of music, photography and lifestyle trends, this new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery looks an absolute treat. If you were around for the original launch of The Face magazine in 1980, you’ll recall the impact it had – high in quality and elegance, it stood out from the crowd in all the best ways and was the epitome of sophistication in the publishing world.

The exhibition takes in over 200 prints taken by 80 photographers (Sheila Rock, Jamie Morgan, David LaChapelle, Norbert Schoerner amongst many others) and includes both cover and portraiture images.

left: Sade, by Jamie Morgan, April 1984, © Photography Jamie Morgan
right: Kim Wilde by Davies and Starr, March 1982, ©Davies and Starr

Extracts from the press release here:

‘Launching the National Portrait Gallery’s 2025 programme, The Face Magazine: Culture Shift will be the first major museum exhibition to focus on the iconic portraiture and fashion photography captured for The Face, a cult British magazine that has shaped the tastes of the nation’s youth. Featuring photographs, magazine covers and spreads, and film, the exhibition will use the medium of portraiture to explore The Face’s monumental influence throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, as well as its continued impact on the publishing landscape and the worlds of fashion and music. Organised thematically and chronologically, the exhibition will include images created by some of the era’s most talented photographers, stylists and models, many of which have never been shown outside the pages of the magazine.

left: ANDRÉ 3000 by James Dimmock, December 2000, © James Dimmock
top right: Global Warming TV, photographed and styled by Inez & Vinoodh, September 1994
© Inez & Vinoodh/courtesy The Ravestijn Gallery
bottom right: Kylie Minogue by Norbert Schoerner, styled by Adam Howe, June 1994, ©Norbert Schoerner

The Face was started by Nick Logan, formerly editor of New Musical Express (NME) in the 1970s and creator of teen music magazine Smash Hits. Logan spotted a gap in the market for a monthly title aimed at a youth audience interested in a broad range of subjects that weren’t being featured in glossy fashion publications, teen magazines or the music weeklies. In doing so, he invented a new genre of publishing: the style magazine.

The Face Magazine: Culture Shift  is curated by Sabrina Jaskot-Gill, Senior Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, together with Curatorial Consultants Lee Swillingham, former Art Director of The Face from 1992-1999, and Norbert Schoerner, a photographer whose work featured in the magazine throughout the nineties and noughties.’

left: Ms. Dynamite by Gemma Booth, May 2001, © Gemma Booth
right: Jazzie B by Enrique Badulescu, styled by Adam Howe, April 1989, © Enrique Badulescu

The Face Magazine: Culture Shift runs from 20 February until 18 May 2025

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE – open daily: 10.30 – 18.00, Friday & Saturday 10.30 – 21.00 (please check website for any updates before visiting)

Click here for more information and to book tickets

All images and exhibition details are reproduced with permission from The National Portrait Gallery and are copyrighted as listed

Feature added by Callum

Published 5th February 2025

Preview – Tenement Trail Glasgow

Tenement Trail, 12th October 2024, multi-venue event across Glasgow

Now in its tenth year, Tenement Trail is set to rack up another smorgasbord of talented breakthrough artists and bands, as it returns to Glasgow’s East End in just a few weeks’ time. Venues include The Barrowland Ballroom, Saint Luke’s, BAAD, Van Winkle, 226 Gallowgate and McChuills – all within easy access of each other to let you catch the optimum number of acts. 

Headliner Declan Welsh said: “Tenement TV were the first ever people to put me on a festival line-up. They’ve been with me ever since so to headline TENEMENT TRAIL feels like a proper homecoming moment. Last time we headlined The Barras, the place was sold out and bouncing. There’s nothing like this city and that venue and we know we can give a set that no one else can. Excited is an understatement.”

Make sure to look at the full line-up as there are some excellent inclusions sprinkled throughout. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s an early bunch of five recommendations from us:

VLURE – always our headliners, if you’ve not seen one VLURE’s visceral live sets yet don’t waste any more time…

The Era – compelling, absorbing, intriguing and all with a harp thrown in – this track is available on Spotify today, show it some love…

 

TTSSFU – if you’re looking for a modern day nod to Cocteau Twins, look no further… 

Imogen and The Knifetake some time out to get lost in the dreamy sounds of Imogen and The Knife…

rEDOLENT – a magic mix of synth-pop and dance beats, this should be a fun set…

Remaining tickets available here

Words by Siobhan

Published 20th September 2024

Preview – Mutations Festival Brighton

Mutations Festival, 5th-9th November 2024, multi-venue event across Brighton

Now very much a part of the Brighton festival scene, Mutations returns in November with a line-up that’s sure to offer up something you’ll love. Big names include Warmduscher, Kneecap and BC Camplight – across the board you can find treats in store from Adult DVD, Baba Ali, Dog Race, Hamish Hawk, Jopy, Spielmann, VLURE and Whitelands amongst many others. Making best use of the plethora of local venues, the Mutations website states:

‘We love Grassroots Music Venues, they’re the life blood of the music industry, the breeding ground for the next big thing and the beating heart of your local scene. Without these 9 key cultural spaces and the passion and commitment their teams provide, Brighton wouldn’t have the rich, vibrant, diverse music scene we get to call home. Please support your local Grassroots Music Venues, you’ll miss them when they’re gone’.

Those playing host over the week are Alphabet, Chalk, Dust, Folklore Rooms, Green Door Store, Patterns, Revenge, The Hope & Ruin and The Prince Albert.

More details and tickets available here

Words by Siobhan

Published 19th September 2024

Preview – Interstellar Food Drive Portsmouth

Interstellar Food Drive, The Dockyard Club, Southsea, Portsmouth, 26th October 2024

Entry: donation of non-perishable food or toiletries

With the continued rise of food bank usage, after a decade-plus of heady-austerity and the continued rising costs of goods, the collective of Crocodile Nightmares, Mark Kellett, Strong Island Recordings, Velvet Candy and Vol respectively have decided to join forces once again for another edition of the Interstellar Food Drive sponsored by Casemates, taking place at The Dockyard Club, Southsea in Portsmouth on the 26th October.

Having launched the first food drive back in 2014 at The Eastney Cellars, the usage of food banks has continuously risen, with The Trussell Trust noting that there has been a staggering 94% increase of food bank usage in the past five years, and that the end-of-year statistics between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 show that 3.1 million emergency parcels (1.1 million being disturbed to children) were distributed – the most parcels to have been distributed as well by the network.

The Interstellar Food Drive, birthed out of previous food bank drive events from over the years, forming first in 2014 at The Eastney Cellars has seen various iterations, from live events in Portsmouth, London and being live streamed globally, where the likes of Drug Store Romeos, Hotel Lux, Pregoblin, Lime Garden, Rosie Alena, TV Priest, Lynks, Jessica Winter, Ugly, Thyla, Maripool, Breathe Panel, Public Body, along with international acts including BADGERS, Sunfruits, Dear Doonan and Tropa Magica having played the food drive events.

This year’s event features some of the most promising acts from the south-coast, including the maniacal math-rock frenzy cowboyy, Fuzz Club Records (Jesus and Mary Chain / The Black Angels) psychedelic shoegazers Dead Rabbits, hardcore-grindcore punk outfit SCAB, London-based, Gosport-natives being Charlie Keen’s Silver Birch, who can also be found in the Brighton noisemakers KEG, the post-rock outfit Making Eyes, psychedelic-shoegaze-noise pop duo Jalou, who delve between the sounds of Jacco Gardner and Pavement, the electronic-post-punk synth-charged Noise Factory United, Lurker, who channels the sounds of Nick Cave’s more stripped back sounds, along with Leonard Cohen, plus special guests to be announced and also, LongDistanceDan deejaying through the day, spinning psychedelia.

The event will also feature a raffle, including prizes such as two tickets to Los Bitchos at The 1865, 29 October and two tickets to ugly ozo at The Edge of the Wedge 12th November.

This year’s line-up features:
COWBOYY // DEAD RABBITS // SCAB // MAKING EYES // JALOU // LURKER // CHARLIE KEEN’S SILVER BIRCH // NOISE FACTORY UNITED // LONGDISTANCEDAN (DJ) 

Suggested items to donate:
UHT milk
Tinned meat (hotdogs, meatballs etc.)
Tinned fish
Tinned fruit
Sponge/rice puddings
Coffee (small jars)
Long-life juice
Pasta sauce
Tinned veg (potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomatoes)
Tinned meals (spaghetti, chicken or veg curries, chilli)
Tinned soup
Jam and spreads
Pet food
Shower gel
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Toilet rolls
Washing up liquid
Laundry detergent pods

Published 9th September 2024

Preview – Brighton Psych Fest

Brighton Psych Fest, 30th August 2024, multi-venue event across Brighton

Adding to a growing chain of psych fests around the UK, Brighton will be making its mark with a new one-day multi-venue event across the city. And there’s clearly been no temptation to start things off slowly, as there’s a stellar line-up in place from the word go.

Lots of south coast talent on display from the likes of Genn, Ladylike, Hutch and Opal Mag, and some well established big names and emerging talent elsewhere on the bill too. Always an effervescent performance from The Bug Club, that’s one set that you will for sure leave with a smile on your face. Nottingham’s Divorce are well on everyone’s radar now and definitely worth a look to see how their music is developing. And Ebbb continue to maintain an under the radar profile, but are getting known none the less, their industrial electronic vibe befitting of the darkest Euro nightclub.

Top of the bill sits a band almost 20 years in existence, and who’d have thought back in 2005 that the black leather-clad five-piece would see out many a competitor and become so much more than an obvious guest on The Mighty Boosh. Over the years, The Horrors have confirmed that their talent is way deeper than their original goth-rock persona, producing some exquisite albums from Strange House and Primary Colours through to V. Expect a stand out set.

Brought to you by Joy Concerts, along with the team behind Manchester and Edinburgh psych fests, this looks to be a great addition to the diverse range of music events that sit so well in Brighton’s eclectic surroundings. Confirmed venues so far include Pryzm, Concorde 2, The Hope & Ruin, Komedia, The Green Door Store and The Prince Albert. Check the full line-up and grab some tickets here and give them a follow on Instagram for updates.

Preview by Siobhan

Published 16th August 2024

Preview – David Bowie World Fan Convention 24

David Bowie World Fan Convention, St George’s Hall Liverpool, 26th-28th July 2024

Now in its third annual outing, the David Bowie World Fan Convention returns to Liverpool at the weekend to celebrate the theme for 2024 – ‘The Year of the Diamond Dogs’. 50 years on since the release of one of Bowie’s classic albums, fans from around the world will get together in the company of some very special guests including Alan Yentob, George Murray, Ava Cherry, Carlos Alomar, Ken Scott and Woody Woodmansey. It promises to be an absolute treat for fans, with opportunities to see live performances and attend in conversation events looking at Bowie’s recordings, fashion and role of muse behind the camera lens for both Kevin Cummins, who surely has one of the most comprehensive catalogues of music photography across the decades, and Denis O’Regan, whose exhibition of photos taken whilst touring with his friend received much acclaim.

There’s a Bowie swap-shop and the Bowie Ball, now an established centrepiece of #BowieCon, offering the opportunity for all the sweet things to don their best glam rags and dance the night away with a bunch of like-minded partygoers. Limited remaining tickets can be purchased here and more details can be found on the website.

Preview by Siobhan

Photos- Header image: Fans attending the Bowie Ball at BowieCon Liverpool 2022 (c) Jazamin Sinclair
Above: David Bowie World Fan Convention Liverpool 2022 (c) Rishika Nath

Published 24th July 2024

Countdown to… Victorious Festival

Victorious Festival, Southsea Common, Portsmouth, 23rd – 25th August 2024

Just a month to go until the magic of Victorious turns Southsea Common into an entire festival village for the late summer bank holiday weekend again. It truly is a festival site with a view, where you can catch some of your favourite acts while the boats go by in the distance on the Solent, or use the castle as a handy meeting point. 

This year’s event, as always, has some huge names playing and loads of other activities too. Headline slots are filled by Fatboy Slim (Friday), Jamie T (Saturday) and Biffy Clyro (Sunday). Across the various stages you can also catch the ever popular on the festival circuit Sugababes, boy band member turned indie champion Louis Tomlinson, near neighbours from the Isle of Wight Wet Leg, dance act award winner Becky Hill, the critically acclaimed Arlo Parks, and alt rockers old(er) and new(er) Pixies and IDLES. But don’t forget to check out the names further along the line-up too, as there are some artists there with big live reputations – keep an eye out for Fast Trains, Welly, Personal Trainer and Panic Shack amongst others.

Fancy a break from the music? There’s comedy from Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle & Al Murray, a kids’ arena, roller disco and rows of food stalls and other vendors. Bring your sun cream and if it’s a family day out do make sure you have ear protectors for any little ones (hearing safety tips come for free – it’s a personal bugbear!).

Remaining tickets available here but don’t hang around too long! There are also loads more details, the full line-up and FAQs on the website – do take a look to make the best plans for your weekend.

Preview by Siobhan

Published 23rd July 2024

Preview – Bristol Photo Festival

Bristol Photo Festival Announces its 2024 Autumn Programme with the Theme – The World A Wave

Header image: Kirsty Mackay, from the series ‘The Magic Money Tree’ © Kirsty Mackay

The World A Wave is the theme for the second edition of Bristol Photo Festival, the international biennial of contemporary photography, which will open in autumn 2024 (the opening week is 16 – 20 October 2024). The Festival programme focuses upon a world in constant motion; where the social, political and environmental conditions of shared life are always changing and becoming otherwise. Drawing on the success of its first edition in 2021 which drew over 200,000 visitors, the dynamic festival, internationally focused but locally grounded, delivers long-term engagement and education programmes engaging with culturally underserved communities and places. Exhibitions are held in the city’s major visual arts institutions alongside independent and unconventional spaces, all accompanied by a wide events programme engaging with multiple aspects of the city of Bristol. All exhibitions are free with donations welcome.

For 2024, Bristol Photo Festival will exhibit works by photographers including Akosua Viktoria Adu-Sanyah (German-Ghanaian, based in Switzerland); Ariella Azoulay (Israel); Andrew Jackson (British- Canadian); Rinko Kawauchi (Japan); Billy H.C Kwok (Hong Kong); Jay Lau (Hong Kong); Kirsty Mackay (Scotland, based in Bristol); Amak Mahmoodian (Iran, based in Bristol); Trent Parke (Australia); Nigel Poor (USA); Sarker Protick (Bangladesh); Bandia Ribeira (Spain); Hashem Shakeri (Iran); Herbert Shergold (Bristol); Inuuteq Storch (Greenland); Lau Wai (Hong Kong); the shared artistic practice Ritual Inhabitual (comprising Tito Gonzalez Garcia (France) and Florencia Grisanti (Chile)) and the group exhibition Dreamlines: Picturing Bristol’s High Streets.

Sebastian Bruno in collaboration with salvation Army – Two Mile Hill

Bristol Photo Festival also produces a long term education and engagement programme alongside the exhibitions. For this year the Festival is developing a project with local residents and port workers from Avonmouth to create a community archive, alongside a programme of creative activities, including talks, walks, screenings and an exhibition. With Prison Education, the festival will present The Prison Mobile Library, an educational photography project across three sites in the South West of England. The opening week of the festival (16-20 October 2024) includes artists’ talks, a book fair, tours, and parties. Additionally, the festival collaborates with the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England to co-produce two symposiums exploring ideas related to this year’s theme, The World A Wave.

“Photography is a unique creative medium to experience the world anew. In a time of multiple crises, we need to think of images more than ever. I want the festival to be a space full of nuanced and unexpected stories that foster greater understanding of our shared world. Bristol Photo Festival’s quality and ambition is possible thanks to the great collaboration we have established with the main cultural institutions in the city and the support of funders and sponsors.” Alejandro Acin, Bristol Photo Festival director.

Trent Parke, from the series ‘Monument’ © Trent Parke

Bristol Photo Festival website

Published 16th July 2024

Countdown to… Truck Festival

Truck Festival, Hill Farm, Oxfordshire, 25th – 28th July 2024

With just 5 weeks to go until Hill Farm fills with music, tents and hopefully not too much mud, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s on the sonic menu at this year’s Truck Festival. And there’s much to choose from with over 120 acts playing the various stages – impossible to fully narrow it down but we’ve had a go, here are some of our favourites…

Thursday 25th

For those opting for early entry, not only more choice about where to pitch your home for a few days, but also the opportunity to catch some extra artists. And this is by no means a gentle warm up as IDLES will be dropping in to set the tone for the weekend. With their latest album TANGK putting them right back in the spotlight, and live dates worldwide going down a storm, this will definitely be a lively start to proceedings!

Friday 26th

Headliner – a singer-songwriter with a raft of big songs under his belt, Jamie T was way ahead of his game on the UK scene, front-running the half sung, half spoken style that went on to become so popular. Also on the Truck stage, indie royalty Peace and newer kids on the indie-punk block, Carsick.

Elsewhere, some absolutely cracking acts to catch – check out blended hip hop poetry from Antony Szmierek, enchanting vocals from the ever powerful English Teacher, maudlin surfbeats from The Wytches, bold in your face punk with Problem Patterns, and satisfy your nostalgia for trippy psych with Mandrake Handshake.

Saturday 27th

Headliner – having caused a stir with their debut album back in 2022, Wet Leg are playing a few select festival stages this year and surely worth a glimpse at what they’re up to now. The Truck stage also plays host to the cacophonous energy of Soft Play, and the more muted but equally well respected Lime Garden.

Over on the other stages don’t miss confrontational restlessness from New York’s Been Stellar, the dark gothesque subtleties of Nightbus, and industrial beats with Ebbb. Steadily working their way higher up multiple line-ups you’ll find the mad energy of Fat Dog, while Office for Personal Development can teach you a thing or two about succeeding in the workplace and bringing a water cooler to the stage.

Sunday 28th

Headliner – get dazzled by the unerring talent of The Streets, their back catalogue now a huge collection of singalongs making them the perfect festival closers. Earlier in the day, the main stage will doubtless see the next in a long line of excellent performances from Sea Girls, and happy times with Coach Party.

Across the festival, Divorce will have you swaying along to their delicate harmonies, while Dog Race bring a heady mix of prickly post-punk, and Personal Trainer guarantee a big crowd and lots of fun for all. The last two to mention from our list are worth the trip alone. At last starting to receive the recognition they deserve, Bob Vylan are a must see live, a fusion of punk and grime with no prisoners taken in their political message. And always BG favourites VLURE are also not be missed – their Glaswegian dance tunes with the heaviest of thumping backdrops could well be the set of the weekend.

So there we are, you have a hint of the music on show – keep some time though to get along to a range of other activities as well, including Musical Bingo, Hip Hop Karaoke, a late night dance area and Barrioke featuring Shaun Williamson (you can push him off a cliff Janine, but you’ll never take his crooning). With less than 10% of tickets left, don’t sit on this one – all details and bookings on the Truck website here – enjoy!

Why not have a listen to our playlist whilst you book your ticket?

 

Preview by Siobhan and Callum

Published 24th June 2024

Preview – Escape From The Albert Micro-Festival (Brighton)

SON Estrella Galicia micro-festival at The Prince Albert, Brighton, 15th May 2024

Following on from the recent success of their first Brighton event (with Panic Shack and Plantoid), the music and events arm of independent family-owned Spanish beer brand Estrella Galicia have announced the line-up for their second micro-festival in the city, again to be held at The Prince Albert.

‘Escape From The Albert’ will include local acts Currls and Projector, and sees indie stalwarts Swim Deep take the headline slot. Along with live music upstairs, the downstairs bar offers up DJ sets from Marcus Harris, Ryan Scott Löehmann and Las Titis, beer activation workshops, and food pairing recommendations from local vendor Carlito Burrito.

The last event proved to be a great day out and this is set to follow suit. Grab a ticket while they’re still available here.

Preview by Siobhan

Published 2nd May 2024

Countdown to… The Great Escape

The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, 15th-18th May 2024

Just a matter of weeks now until the many venues of The Great Escape open their doors and set up stage for hundreds of acts from far and wide. Time to take a closer look at the line up as the full schedule is now available – though there’s always time for a few last minute surprises.

We’ve pulled together just 30 artists that we know are worth a shout, but one of the joys of an event like this is discovering new talent, so we’re currently also looking through the extensive list of names new to us, and would love to hear any recommendations. In the meantime, here’s the A-Z of our 30 on the starting blocks, with dates and locations – some inevitable clashes but choice is a great thing, right?

Adult DVD – Friday 330pm, Hope & Ruin / Friday 115am, Dust

Alien Chicks – Thursday 1030pm, Three Wise Cats / Saturday 115pm, Komedia Studio

Antony Szmierek – Friday 1130pm, Horatio’s

Been Stellar – Thursday 1015pm, Charles St Tap / Friday 330pm Charles St Tap

Big Special – Friday 930pm, Horatio’s

Bishopskin – Friday 1030pm, One Church

Cardinals – Thursday 915pm, Horatio’s

City Parking – Thursday 915pm, Paganini Ballroom

EBBB – Thursday 1030pm, Green Door Store / Saturday 930pm, Dust

Fräulein – Friday 1230am, Waterbear Venue

Friktion – Friday 715pm, Waterbear Venue

Gallus – Friday 930pm, Chalk

Kuzi Cee – Thursday 715pm, Waterbear Venue / Saturday 330pm, Green Door Store

Lizzie Reid – Thursday 915pm, Fabrica

Man/Woman/Chainsaw – Friday 715pm, Dust

Midnight Rodeo – Saturday – 930pm, Horatio’s

Nightbus – Thursday 715pm, Charles St Tap

No Windows – Thursday 830pm, Green Door Store / Saturday 130pm, Patterns Downstairs

Peter Xan – Thursday 930pm, Revenge

Picture Parlour – Thursday 1115pm, Horatio’s

Pip Blom – Friday 915pm, TGE Beach The Deep End / Saturday 230pm, Horatio’s

Pys Melyn – Friday 315pm, One Church / Saturday 1030pm, One Church

Sailor Honeymoon – Thursday 730pm, Green Door Store

Saloon Dion – Friday 1030pm, Three Wise Cats

Slate – Thursday 1115pm, Komedia Studio / Friday 215pm, One Church

Spielmann – Saturday 1230pm, Patterns Downstairs

Tony Njoku – Thursday 215pm, Revenge

Vanity Fairy – Thursday 100pm, Jubilee Square / Thursday 230am, Patterns Upstairs

Velvetine – Friday 930pm, Queens Hotel / Saturday 630pm, Dust

Whitelands – Saturday 930pm, TGE Beach Soundwaves

Check out the full schedule on the TGE website and grab a ticket before it’s too late – see you by the sea…

Published 20th April 2024

Preview – Truck Festival 24 (Oxfordshire)

Truck Festival, Hill Farm. Oxfordshire, 26th – 28th July 2024

With  a line-up already heaving with big names from the indie A list, this year’s Truck Festival is looking a very attractive proposition. Set in the midst of Oxfordshire’s countryside, Truck is a well established part of the summer circuit – big enough to lure some great artists, small enough to retain a personal touch, particularly on the smaller stages and the range of family-friendly and wellbeing activities on offer.

But back to the music and a look at what’s on the menu for 2024. Announced at the top end of the line-up are Jamie T, Wet Leg, The Streets, IDLES and The Kooks, all set to bring big crowds and singalongs at the end of each night. Always the making of a quality festival though are the acts scattered across the stages throughout the day, and there are plenty here to catch your eye. Here are just a few of our initial recommendations…

Nightbus

Really excited to see Nightbus live; their releases over the past year have been understated but highly memorable. Widely compared to Manchester bands of the past, they’re very much becoming an act to be judged on their own merit.

Antony Szmierek

Szmierek is picking up rave reviews from gigs around the UK, making poetry accessible with a psych-pop backlight. His set looks like being a real lighters in the air moment.

Problem Patterns

Belfast punk quarter Problem Patterns channel the brutality of The Slits and Bikini Kill with a colourful twist. The mosh pit awaits…

English Teacher

Slowly but steadily amassing a well deserved following, English Teacher combine hypnotising vocals with swathing guitar riffs. Surely bigger things are on the horizon.

Mary in the Junkyard

Experimental dreampop with added viola strings make sure this trio stand out from the crowd. Their songs are really quite beautiful and they seem to be developing in confidence; this would be a great time to catch them.

VLURE

Come on, you didn’t think we weren’t going to mention VLURE did you?! Consistently performing live to the max, VLURE’s mastery of electro-techno with a Glaswegian lilt will clearly translate into one of the sets of the weekend. Don’t miss this one.

With more additions still to be announced, notably from the Band App shortlist where you can have your say on who should be playing, keep an eye out for further announcements and don’t leave it too late to grab your tickets, there is a limited number of tier three availability. All you need to know can be found here on the Truck website – see you in the fields!

Preview by Siobhan

Published 15th March 2024