It’s not over yet. Bestival may have concluded another incredible summer of festivals, but don’t cry yourself to sleep just yet. Though the days are shortening and this incredible summer is slowly becoming a hazy reverie, all is not lost. You may need to replace your shades and shorts for long johns and ear muffs, but the UK’s festival season continues – into its winter phase, providing enough eclectic merriment to carry you into the New Year. And then we have Glastonbury to think of. Here’s what’s in store for you in the UK to make even Christmas look dull…
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SHAKEDOWN
When/Where: October 6th, Stanmer Park, Brighton
Who: Dizzee Rascal, Professor Green, Chase and Status
Cost: £45 Standard Ticket, £50 on the day, £75 VIP
More: festivalmag.com/festivals/shakedown/
Why: Technically your last chance to dance in a field… Unless you have the insulation of a polar bear. Now in its second year Brighton’s Shakedown boasts a line up to induce even the most stubborn of dancers into euphoric arm waving – with Dizzee Rascal headlining Shakedowns small seaside field; creating an intimate rave. Be sure to check out Zane Lowe’s set – known for playing the good, the great and the breathtaking. The one day festival has a number of after parties taking place, just in case you miss that last train home.
NORWICH SOUND & VISION INC. JOHN PEEL FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSIC
When/Where: 11th to 13th October, Norwich Arts Centre (for John Peel Festival of New Music)
Who: Liars, Tall Ships, TBC
Cost: £35 (all three days)
Website: www.norwichsoundandvision.co.uk
Why: Although we’re not sure what John Peel would have made of this, the line up boasts some exciting new bands – and with Norwich following in Austin’s SXSW and Brighton’s Great Escape suit, hosting the festival from a number of venues across the city, (including the Arts Centre, bars and a church) this will make for a characterful alternative option – offering a communal gig reverie.
RELENTLESS FREEZE
When/Where: 26th & 27th October, Battersea Power Station, London
Who: Public Enemy, DJ Shadow, Grandmaster Flash
Cost: £65 Season Ticket (Friday & Saturday), £40 Friday/Saturday, £80 Friday/Saturday VIP
More: festivalmag.com/festivals/freeze/
Why: A festival at Battersea Power Station? You must have curiously stared at it enough times on route to Victoria to warrant a look inside – and with hip hop and snowboarding’s elite within, now is the best time to visit ‘Mt Battersea’. Live music, World Cup Snowboarding, International Skiing and traditional alpine style bars makes this festival cooler than a dead penguin. And it’s a damn site cheaper than a trip to the Alps.
THE BIG REUNION
When/Where: 16th to 18th November (Weekend One) 23rd to 25th November (Weekend Two) Butlins, Skegness
Who: Katy B, DJ Fresh, The Pigeon Detectives
Cost: £165 (Includes 2 night standard room accommodation)
Website: www.thebigreunion.com
Why: Think Ibiza. Think Skegness. No? This DJ heavy line up will be keeping the Balearic party going; and with The Big Reunion being the brainchild of Club 18-30 Holidays you’ll know what to expect – 12,000 revellers on summer holiday extension. Sun, sand and STD’s, minus the sun and sand. Bring a condom.
THE HOUSE OF FUN WEEKENDER
When/Where: 23rd to 25th November, Butlins, Minehead, Somerset
Who: Madness, TBC
Cost: [From] £144 for 3 Night Weekend Break
Website: http://blog.madness.co.uk/?p=7070
Why: Last year this seemingly unknown winter festival went by somewhat harshly unnoticed; despite an incredibly eclectic mix in its line up including Beardy Man, Norman Jay, Maverick Sabre, The Cuban Brothers and Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip. Curators Madness return to headline, with the remaining line up TBC. However – Rockeoke, Musical Bingo and Silent Disco are confirmed to return to Butlins Minehead. The venue also sits by a sandy beach, you know… in case you feel like a dip.
ATP NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS CURATED BY SHELLAC OF NORTH AMERICA
When/Where: 30th November to 2nd December, Pontins, Camber Sands
Who: Shellac of North America, Neurosis, Wire
Cost: £180 (not including accommodation)
Website: www.atpfestival.com
Why: A weekend at Pontins Holiday Centre in December may sound like the creature of nightmares, but fear not – All Tomorrows Parties are in charge. Infamous for putting on a credible festival of eclectic flavour, this year Shellac of North America curate ATP’s Nightmare Before Christmas, and if you’re ridiculously into your obscure music, this one’s for you. Music lovers euphoria in the most bizarre yet endearing venue.
ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES CURATED BY THE NATIONAL
When/Where: 7th to 9th December, Pontins, Camber Sands
Who: The National, Wild Beasts, Kronos Quartet
Cost: £180 (SOLD OUT – see website for reserve list)
Website: www.atpfestival.com
Why: Well, fuck it – it looks like you may as well stay at Pontins for a couple of weeks. This time, The National curate – and If they’re good enough for Obama they’re good enough for Pontins; this time round with some more familiar names, and much of the above. This event is however sold out, so unless you already have a ticket you’ll have to add your name onto the waiting list for drop outs. Or visit eBay and neglect present giving at Christmas.
ONE OF THESE DAYS
When/Where: 8th and 9th December 2012, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Who: TBC
Cost: £79 Weekend, £99 Pro Weekend, £44.50 Saturday/Sunday
Website: www.oneofthesedaysfestival.com
Why: Even in winter the boutique festivals live on, and this one is brand new; within the wondrous venue of the Winter Gardens no less. One of These Days 2012 is curated by festivals such as Melt!, Eden Sessions, Field Day, Oya, End of the Road and promoters such as Now Wave and label showcases from the likes of DFA. And with art installations and a winter market, this is building up to be a festival of excitable notice.
BUGGED OUT
When/Where: 18th to 20th January, Butlins, Bognor Regis
Who: Annie Mac, Benga, Skream
Cost: Variable (see website)
More: festivalmag.com/festivals/bugged-out/
Why: January is officially the most depressing month. Don’t drink a bottle of wine in bed whilst watching Love Actually. Bring you and your Christmas weight to Bugged Out. Boasting a heavy Dubstep line up, Annie Mac and Benga will be championing this festival to put a wry grin on your face and shake those post Christmas blues out of you. And once you’re done raving, you get to return not to a mud drenched tent, but a warm bed and bath. Then when you awake, there’s some daytime pool action to be had. Nice eh?
So that should keep you going right? No? Christ. Just don’t forget Christmas. Though our UK festivals may have moved indoors, don’t think the festival spirit is anything less than alive. These were our picks, though there are plenty more out there. We’d love to know where you’ll be, what you expect and of course… anything we’ve missed. Get in touch and have a very merry festival.
