The mass gathering on the Isle of Wight later this month is set to kick off the UK's summer long festival season; a three month musical juggernaut that replenishes coffers album sales can't even dream of filling.
The Island is synonymous with big name headliners, especially remembered for a brief spell, some forty-years since and with flower-power at its height, when the likes of T-Rex, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Who entertained the great unwashed.
This year it's the turn of Kings Of Leon, Foo Fighters, Pulp and Kasabian to leave their mark at the festival which runs from the 10th until the 12th June. See http://www.isleofwightfestival.com/ for more details
Though it's a more corporate and media savvy affair that awaits the hordes who are set to visit the festival's beautiful Newport location.
Glastonbury: The Daddy Of Them All
All eyes then turn to the daddy of them all, Glastonbury. With the calendar remaining blank for 2012 (owing to the Olympics being held in the UK), this year is set to be one to be remembered as the already sold-out festival welcomes the likes of U2, Coldplay, Beyonce, Morrissey and Elbow who will have to vie for the youngsters attention along with twenty different areas and three main stages. Glastonbury runs from the 22nd June until the 28th June. See http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/ for further details
T In The Park is Scotland's main music festival and the one reputed to have the best atmosphere of all the summer's gatherings. Taking place in Balado, Kinross-shire, with Arctic Monkeys, Coldplayand Foo Fighters headling over the three days, expect many of the bands to use the word 'awesome' and the phrase 'this is the one that matters'. T In The Park is up and running from the 8th to the 10th July. See http://www.tinthepark.com/content/ for prices and full line-up.
For Those About To Rock It's Time For The Reading Festival
Those serious about their music and who attend to watch the bands rather than to 'live the experience' will be counting down the days to the Reading Festival. Big on rock, alternative, punk, metal and more diverse genres than you've had hot dinners, look out for Muse, My Chemical Romance, The Strokes and Pulp to grab the headlines. Reading Festival takes place from the 26th to the the 28th August. See http://www.readingfestival.com/2011/ for details.
Bestival marks a return to the Isle Of Wight, but this time it is a very different event that brings the summer season to a close. The Cure, Primal Scream, Brian Wilson, Robyn, DJ Shadow and Katy B headline, along with a number of dressed themed days. Expect to see many-a-wild-child go off the rails for the weekend. Bestival runs from the 8th to the 11th September. For full details visit http://www.bestival.net/
There are many more festivals taking place in the UK over the next three months. Best go check the The UK Festival Calendar and then go pack your wellies. See you there ..
