Pop Festivals in the UK, 2008
From Scotland to the Isle of Wight, the UK Rocks with Good Sounds
Once upon a time it was up-and-coming bands that pleaded to be included in the line-up of acts to appear on stage at the Pop Festivals, now it is the big name chart toppers, and from The Rolling Stones at last year's Isle of Wight Festival, to Amy Winehouse at this year's Glastonbury, the fans are assured of great music at all this year's Pop Festivals. Below is a list of the top venues for 2008
Isle of Wight Festival: June 13th -15th. Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Not quite the classic 1970 Isle of Wight festival which saw such luminaries as Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix appear, but a more mainstream pop festival featuring the Sex Pistols (promising to play new material for the first time in 30 years), Kaiser Chiefs, Iggy, The Zutons, Kate Nash, Sugababes, New Young Pony Club and various others. Tickets sold out (they say) but worth just turning up for the fun provided by the rest of the Island and who knows, you might still manage to get in.
Glastonbury June 27-29. Worthy Farm, Glastonbury, Somerset
Famous for the appearance of top celebs. and pop musicians, like Kate Moss and Pete Doherty, this iconic mega festival has a line-up this year that includes Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty, Jay-Z, The Verve, Leonard Cohen, Billy Bragg, Dizzee Rascal, Mark Ronson, Sinead O'Connor, Candi Stanton, Santogold, Foals and many, many more. Tickets £155 (195 Euros) weekend. Tel: 0800 079 2008
Reading/Leeds 22-24 August, Richfield Avenue, Reading and Branham Park, Nr. Leeds.
Made in heaven for Indie and Rock fans with bands like Manic Street Preachers, Metallica, RATM, QOTSA, The Killers, Dizzee Rascal, Vampire Weekend, and Last Shadow Puppets, whose first full live performance this is. Tickets £155 (195 Euros) week-end, £65 (82 Euros) day.
T in the Park, Scotland. July 11-13. Balaso, Kinross-shire, Scotland.
Scotland's top music festival is, for the first time ever, a 3-day event and they are hoping for a sunny week-end so that people may enjoy better the line up of REM, Kings of Leon, Amy Winehouse, The Verve, Rage Against the Machine, Primal Scream, The Kooks, The Prodigy, The Ting Tings along with others. Tickets sold out (they say), but like the Isle of Wight, come along and enjoy the scenery.
Oxegen, Ireland. July 11-13th, Punchestown Racecourse, Nass, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Like Scotland's festival, this Irish one becomes a 3-day event for the first time this year but unfortunately, their dates clash. So, it's make your mind up time as they share many of the same bands and artistes, who will be commuting across the sea over the 3 days. The Irish Festival however, has the added attraction of The Pogues, Kaiser Chiefs, Roisin Murphy, Cat Power and British Sea Power. Tickets £179 (€224.50) weekend; £156 (€99) day.
Bestival, Isle of Wight Sept. 5-7, Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight.
DJ Rob Da Bank names this as his favourite island retreat. Caters more for the serious festival goer who likes gourmet picnics and a well appointed tent or caravan for the night. Indie, and “music for old ravers” as it was described last year. Expect to hear My Bloody Valentine, The Human League, George Clinton, Gary Numan, Foals, Hot Chip and The Sugarhill Gang. This is the first – and only – festival appearance of 2008 from the reformed pop group My Bloody Valentine.
Tickets – Sold Out (what is it with the Isle of Wight)?
