With the Isle of Wight, Rock Ness and Download festivals all landing together, this weekend sees festival season get under way.
We’ve previewed and rated the following festivals:
- Isle Of Wight Festival
- Rock Ness
- Download
- Glastonbury
- O2 Wireless
- T In The Park
- Latitude
- Benicassim
- V Festival
- Creamfields
- Reading/Leeds
- Bestival
Fancy dancing in a field? Here’s our breakdown of the summer’s top events…
Isle Of Wight Festival
Where? Isle of Wight
When? Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June
Inspired by the Isle of Wight festivals of the late sixties which saw the likes of Hendrix, The Who and The Doors head to the island, this festival is now in its 8th year. Previous headliners include The Rolling Stones, Muse and Coldplay.
In a nutshell: Laid back vibe, nice and small, some fab new and classic acts.
2009 Headliners: The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Razorlight, Neil Young
Our highlight: Pixies playing their only UK 2009 gig: loud, quiet, then loud again anthems from the band that inspired Nirvana.
If the Isle of Wight festival was an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Soul Cal Ibiza Dress: A classic summer essential. Buy now (£22.99).
How excited are we about this? 7.5/10
Rock Ness
Where? Loch Ness, Scotland
When? Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June
Celebrating its fourth birthday this year, the self-styled ‘most beautiful festival in the world’ takes place in this most mystical of locations. If the famous loch is a touch too far you can catch the highlights on Channel 4.
In a nutshell: Set in a natural amphitheatre, this is the only festival with its own monster.
2009 Headliners: Flaming Lips, Basement Jaxx, The Prodigy, Super Furries, Dizzee Rascal.
Our highlight: Local boy Mylo (he’s from Skye) headlining the soco social tent on the Saturday night.
If Rock Ness were an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Bench Saul Jacket. Look, we’re as optimistic as anyone about the forecast, but this is the highlands. Keep warm on lochside evenings in this classic jacket from a brand with peerless musical heritage. Buy now (£44.99).
How excited are we about this? 7/10
Download
Where? Donington Park
When? Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June
Spiritual heir to the Monsters of Rock festivals of the 80’s and early 90’s at a venue that has become synonymous with rock. 2009 sees Faith No More playing their first festival date in 10 years as well as rock heavyweights Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Korn.
In a nutshell: Jagermeister, long hair, devil-horn hand gestures and heavy music.
2009 Headliners: Faith No More, Korn, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Limp Bizkit, Def Leppard, Whitesnake.
Our highlight: Sunday night on the main stage: beardy granddads ZZ Top followed by Whitesnake and Def Leppard.
If Download were an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Rocking Out tee from Local Celebrity. It’s black, it has a gothic font – what more could you want? Buy now (£24.99).
How excited are we about this? 7.5/10
Glastonbury
Where? Worthy Farm, Pilton, near Shepton Mallet, deepest Somerset
When? Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th June
The daddy of all UK festivals. First staged in 1970, Glastonbury has grown into a monster. 20 stages and venues spread across a farm the size of a small town. Despite its vast size (it can take an hour to cross the site), Glastonbury still manages to retain a hippy feel. 2009’s lineup is codger-tastic with a slew of classic headline acts. Early forecasts point to rain again – oh well, it’s all part of the fun…
In a nutshell:. Pear cider and mud.
2009 Headliners: Neil Young, The Specials, Springsteen, Blur, Spinal Tap, Lily Allen.
Our highlight: Too many to choose: we can’t decide between Bon Iver, Blur, the Boss, Lily or Neil Young. So we’ll plump for East 17 in the dance lounge on Wednesday – everything’s gonna be alright!
If Glastonbury were an item of clothing, it would be…
…Soul Cal hoodies. Wear these snug hoodies under your sleeping bag as you shuffle around the green field in the small hours with all the other space cadets. Going with your other half? Many of these hoodies are available in our fantastic 2 for £30 deal – get one each! Buy now (from £19.99).
How excited are we about this? 9/10
O2 Wireless
Where? London Hyde Park
When? Saturday 4th – 5th July
Now 4 years old, the O2 Wireless festival has brought the biggest names in music to Hyde Park since 2005. There’s a decidedly urban flavour to the lineup this year. Only 2 nights this year, down from 4 in 2008.
In a nutshell: A fusion of dance meets hip-hop, with a dash of pop and indie. Central London location means it can turn into celeb central backstage.
2009 Headliners: Basement Jaxx, Kanye West, The Streets, Dizzie Rascal
Our highlight: Basement Jaxx return 4 years on from their original headline slot at the first ever Wireless. Plus brand new Britain’s got Talent winners Diversity have also just confirmed to perform!
If the o2 Wireless festival was an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Soul Cal Mid Rip Shorts: Denim shorts, essential in every girls festival wardrobe. Team with a vest and layer up to cover every eventuality. Buy now £22.99.
…or the Soul Cal Pique Polo T-shirt: Wear with your collar up and layer with other colours for festival essential styling. Buy now for £19.99 or mix as part of our 2 for £30 offer. This classic Pique polo is available in a spectrum of summer colours.
How excited are we about this? 7/10
T in the Park
Where? Balado, Kinross-Shire, Scotland
When? Friday 10th – Sun 12th July
Now in its 16th year, T in the Park has garnered a reputation for it’s feelgood, party hard atmosphere. It attracts 80,000 music fans with 180 artists playing on 11 stages over the 3 days. The fantastically large festival site holds a funfair, global food village whilst being the largest carbon neutral festival in the World! Just to top it all off this festival includes Fancy Dress Friday!
In a nutshell: Three days of monster acts playing to an up-for-anything crowd.
2009 Headliners: Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Blur and Snow Patrol
Our highlight: Kings of Leon rocking the main stage on Fancy Dress Friday.
If the T in the Park was an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Miso Rave Dress: Throw this item over anything for effortless style – bright colours gives this dress festival fever! Buy now (£19.99)
…the Soul Cal Jolla Shot II: Available in so many colours you could wear two a day for the whole festival and still have clean ones left over! Buy now £19.99
How excited are we about this? 8.5/10
Latitude
Where? Henham Park, Suffolk
When? Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th July
Latitude distinctively blends music with theatre, art, comedy, cabaret, poetry and literature over 4 stages. A super-relaxed vibe in a beautiful location. Touted by those in the know as the best new festival in years.
In a nutshell: Sanctuary style festival incorporating a continental feel.
2009 Headliners: Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones, Doves.
Our highlight: Pet Shop Boys headlining while you relax in beautiful woodland. Bitter old man Stewart Lee plays the comedy tent on Sunday.
If Latitude festival was an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Crafted Pin Tuck Playsuit: Layer this season’s must have item with long cardigans for the cool evenings and add sparkle with lashings of jewellery. Buy now (£22.99)
…the Soul Cal Sinatra Check Shirt: this essential checked short sleeve shirt will keep you cool in the crowds. Buy now £19.99
How excited are we about this? 8.5/10
Benicàssim
Where? Benicàssim is a port town and beach resort located in the province of Castelló, on the Costa del Azahar in Spain, between Valencia and Barcelona.
When? Thursday 16th – 19th July
The town is famous for the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim one of the most anticipated and essential summer indie music events in Europe. This years headliners have been confirmed and you’re in for a banger – with the likes of Oasis, Kings of Leon, The killers and Lily Allen on show you’ll be a fool to miss out!
In a nutshell: Amazing Line-up some of the biggest bands in the world, guaranteed suntan, and the all-important beach situated 5 minutes away. Wash away all those festival blues and relax with a large glass of Sangria.
2009 Headliners: Oasis, Kings of Leon, the Killers, Paul Weller.
Our highlight: Bring back britpop, 90’s fever with Manchester’s finest!
If the Benicàssim festival was an item of clothing, it would be…
..or boys! Keep cool in this must have Soul Cal Bead Trilby Hat. Buy now (14.99)
How excited are we about this? 8/10
V Festival
Where? Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire
When? Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd August
The first ever music event to be held simultaneously at two different locations; the idea came from Pulp’s front man Jarvis Cocker who announced he’d love to play two outdoor venues in just two days – from this V was born. Festival purists turn their noses up at this one citing it’s ‘corporate’ feel, but you can’t argue with the quality of the lineup.
In a nutshell: First-rate acts with none of the rough edges of other festivals.
2009 Headliners: The Killers, Razorlight, Lily Allen, Oasis, Snow Patrol.
Our highlight: Peter Doherty and Happy Mondays lend this years’ festival an unpredictable egde.
If V Festival was an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Crafted Floral Empire Dress: shine in this summers must have dress with a gorgeously floral girly twist. Buy now (£19.99)
…the Crafted Denim Panel Shorts: team with polo t-shirts or a must have checked shirt and fill your pockets with your festival essentials. Buy now £29.99
How excited are we about this? 6.5/10
Creamfields
Where? Located just half an hour from the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, in the countryside of Cheshire.
When? Saturday 29th-31st August
Born in 1998 this must-go-to festival put dance music on the map. Creamfileds started its life at Winchester and the following year relocating to Liverpool. 2006 saw the festival move to Daresbury in Halton (25 mins from Liverpool). The festival features 8-10 arenas, with DJ’s from the forefront of electronic music.
In a nutshell: Amazing Line-up some of the biggest electro/dance/dnb acts in the entire world, guaranteed to blow your minds, Creamfields brings the Ibiza vibe to the UK.
2009 Headliners: Tiesto, Mylo, High Contrast, Chase and Status, basement Jaxx and many many more…
Our highlight: Chase & Status and High Contrast: these most inspiring D’n’B acts both produced record breaking albums this year, get ready for them to explode this summer.
If Creamfields were an item of clothing, it would be…
How excited are we about this? 7/10
Reading/Leeds
Where? Reading and Bramham Park, West Yorkshire
When? Saturday 29th-31st August
Traditionally there’s more of a rock edge to this than either V or Glasto. This years August bank holiday festivals will live up to the hype of the messiest and loudest festivals of the year. Expect to have no sleep, eat nothing but burgers and see the most spectacular tent fires in the U.K.
In a nutshell: With over 40 more bands added to the Leeds and Reading Line-ups this weekend. It’s going to be absolute carnage!
2009 Headliners: Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, The Prodigy, Radiohead.
Our highlight: ‘Very special guest’: King Monkey Ian Brown.
If Reading/Leeds were an item of clothing, it would be…
Bank holiday? Keep dry in the rain with this cool Soul Cal Diego Jacket
Buy now (£24.99).
How excited are we about this? 7/10
Bestival
Where? Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight
When? Friday 11th- Sunday 13th September
Born out of BBC Radio DJ Rob da Bank’s dream to create his vision of how a modern day festival should be. Effortlessly mixing music, dance, circus acts, Bollywood Glamour and fancy dress. This year’s theme is ‘A Space Oddity’ and will be judged by headliner Lily Allen.
In a nutshell: Assorted music set within a background of rolling hills.
2009 Headliners: Lily Allen, Massive Attack, Elbow, MGMT, Doves
Our highlight: The Hidden Disco – you’ll have to find it before you can dance the night away in this old school disco with DJ extraordinaires.
If Bestival was an item of clothing, it would be…
…the Soul Cal Shell Crop Pant: A classic crop – cool if it’s hot, warmer than a short if it’s not and judging by last years weather you may just become a mud caked festival goer. Buy now £19.99 or mix as part of our 2 for £30 offer.
…the Crafted New Digi Age Jacket: if you need to wrap up you may as well keep the festival going in this funky Crafted jacket. Buy now £29.99 or mix as part of our 2 for £50 offer.
How excited are we about this? 8.5/10
In summary
Totting up all our scores, this is how we’re ranking this years big festivals…
Glastonbury 9
Bestival 8.5
T in the Park 8.5
Latitude 8.5
Benicassim 8
Isle Of Wight Festival 7.5
Download 7.5
Wireless 7
Rock Ness 7
Creamfields 7
Reading/Leeds 7
V Festival 6.5
Agree or disagree with this? Speak out in support of your favourite!
Vote now or leave a comment below…
You have definately covered the main festivals there and your review of all is pretty decent.
However have you ever heard of the SW4 Festival?? It is absolutely brilliant. It takes place in London – clapham common I think, and it is the closest thing you can get to ibiza in the UK. Definately check out some information on it, and I have a feeling it will start to become more well known over the next couple of years.
Global Gathering ??
Long Marsdon air field, Stratford Upon Avon
24th and 25th of July 2009
Worth checking out…