Virtual Festivals' weekly news round up

Tornadoes, sell outs, exclusives and more

Daniel Fahey - 22 May 2009

Saturday

While Babyshambles battled the breeze at Brighton’s Great Escape to bring fans a secret al fresco show for Levi’s Ones To Watch, Bearded Theory organisers had to contend with a lot more, as a tornado struck the site. A freak gust of wind tore the top off of the main stage leaving three people injured during the Derbyshire bash, but with true British stiff upper lip, the party continued with an impromptu set from The Saw Doctors in The Poet Beer Tent. Click here to see how the festival fared pre and post apocalyptic storms.

Meanwhile back in soggy Brighton, the final day of The Great Escape was brought to a close by Kasabian, Gang Of Four and African Head Charge. Click here to see the review of how the emerging talent showcase panned out.

Sunday

With soggy beards rung out, the final day of Bearded Theory continued with performances for the likes of The Hitchcock Rules, Tetchie and Moneyrush, with many festival-goers packing up and leaving after the storm the night before. The second edition of The Wood Festival included an acoustic set from former-Ride man Mark Gardener, who was a late addition to the event following performances from the Dodgy, Jali Fily Cissokho and Sam Isaac. Click here to see our verdict on the festival.

Monday

Scotland’s T In The Park kicked off the working week by adding Jack Penate and Delphic to the Futures Stage, whilst also revealing that In Case Of Fire and That Petrol Emotion, who reformed last year after a ten year hiatus, will both play on the Radio 1/NME Stage. Emerging Portland band Hockey, who are already confirmed for the Scottish bash, exclusively revealed their summer plans to Virtual Festivals which include Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds. For the full interview with the band click here.

Tuesday

Glastonbury stole the headlines on Tuesday announcing that Stereo MCs will top the bill on the Glade Stage on the Saturday night (27 June). Standon Calling kept things headliner-related too, confirming Friendly Fires as bill toppers while adding a whole host of emerging acts such as Golden Silvers, The Invisible, Mumford And Sons and Tommy Sparks. Rounding off the day, Sonisphere pushed the number of exclusives for the event up to 19, spoiling fans with performances from Heaven And Hell, Coheed And Cambria and The Used. Fucked Up, Zebrahead and Hundred Reasons are also set for Knebworth House in August.

Wednesday

Bad luck for Download fans who wanted to spend a weekend at Donington Park, as all the camping tickets sold out today. Fans are still able to pick up day passes to see the likes of Faith No More, Slipknot and Def Leppard, as well as plenty of new acts for the brand new fourth stage. One lucky band will also be given the chance to play before Marilyn Manson on the main stage as Red Bull Bedroom Jam launched a competition for one act to be beamed live from their bedroom to Download’s main stage. Click here for more details on how to enter.

Thursday

The day got off to a rather grubby start with the confirmed return of Glastonbury's Trash City, the 'intergalactic red-light district' promising more burlesque, interactive art, music, theatre and a spot of human pinball for the third year running. As the flames of Glasto's darker side flared up, Meltdown confirmed its line-up for the summer. Patti Smith, Skin And Soap and Mike Patton are all included on the bill alongside a few juicy collaborations involving Moby, The Roots, 91-year old sax player Andy Hamilton, Chili Pepper bassist Flea, Yoko Ono and curator Ornette Coleman among others.

Relentless Boardmasters unveiled the first acts for its Beach Sessions. The Blackout, Pete Murray and Sneaky Sound System will be at hand to give them a distinct Aussie feel to the event with We Are The Ocean, Everything Burns, Downtown Riots and more also confirmed.

Friday

Bad Manners politely let fans know that they are set to headline the Scooter Tent at this summer's Wickerman Festival. The band, famed for tracks like ‘Lip Up Fatty’ and ‘Special Brew’, are set to be joined by The Mooncats, Man At The Window, The Dickies, Penetration and the UK Subs in Scotland. Finally, it was up to Lovebox to usher in the Bank Holiday weekend. 2008's Best Medium Festival secured the services of Gary Numan, Bombay Bicycle Club, Frankmusik and DJ Mujava. Jazzie B, Magistrates and a couple more names wrapped up the additions to the Victoria Park bash.

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