Hi:Fi - The summer starts right here

United Kingdom | by Nick Bruce | 18 May 2006

It?s all about making music that sounds good.

Organised by The Angel Music Group (the guys responsible for Global Gathering), Live Nation (Download and Wireless) and Mean Fiddler (Reading and Leeds), Hi:Fi certainly has enough steam behind it to become a major player on the festival circuit. This assured success is bolstered by the festival’s refreshing and unique message: by actively combining dance and live music - two musical spheres that until recently were considered diametrically opposed – the organisers of Hi:Fi are acknowledging that musical genres need not be mutually exclusive and that in the 21st century creative boundaries are tested as visionary artists collaborate with each other regardless to which genre label they may be attached.

Festival organiser James Algate explains: “Hi:Fi is the festival for the ipod generation. We want to give our guests the opportunity to see their indie and dance heroes performing side by side for the first time. This is something that we believe will suit the more eclectic tastes of the 21st century.”

If refreshing eclecticism is the way forward then Hi:Fi is certainly leading the charge this year, with the indie and dance heroes tagging along for what will undoubtedly be an exhilarating ride. Set over two sites in the north and south of England (Hi:Fi North and Hi:Fi South respectively), the festival is set to attract over 50,000 music fans eager to see the likes of Ian Brown, Hard-Fi, Maximo Park and The Go! Team join forces with Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and Erick Morillo  to ensure that all proceedings remain at full volume.

Hi:Fi North, taking place at the picturesque Matfen Estate near Newcastle, features six arenas including the Live Stage which will be stomped upon by the aforementioned Mr. Brown as well as – to name but a few - Editors, The Subways and Dirty Pretty Things. The Godskitchen Arena is host to dance legends such as Sasha and Paul Oakenfold, while the Electric Arena will surely spontaneously combust at some point as the likes of Erick Morillo, Pete Tong and Steve Lawler burn it up with their unique brand of funky, dirty, filthy house. The Radio Soulwax Arena is where music from across the festival gets thrown into one huge melting pot of beats with acts such as Layo & Bushwacka!, 2 Many DJs and Nite Versions in charge of chief mixing duties.

Head a few miles down south to the Matterley Bowl Estate in Winchester (former site of Homelands) and Hi:Fi grows by an extra day whilst being graced by even more superb acts. The Live Stage sees headliners Hard Fi perform alongside Super Furry Animals, The Go! Team and Mylo. The Godskitchen Arena will be pulsating to the beats of Hard House and Trance supremos such as Armand van Buuren, Judge Jules and Ferry Corsten. The Electric Arena boasts a line up similar to its cousin up north, whilst Drum & Bass is the dish of choice in the Movement Arena with amongst others Roni Size, Andy C, Goldie, Fabio and Grooverider making every punter jump up and down.
If at any point festival goers are able to catch their breath amidst the exquisite proceedings, both sites will feature a quality bill of non-musical entertainment including chill out areas, fun fairs, cinemas and exclusive VIP Areas.

Hi:Fi looks set to launch this summer’s festival circuit in style with two incredible line ups that will undoubtedly leave revellers  bathed in the type of euphoric glow that will carry them smiling through the following sun soaked months. We'll see you there!