Artist News Festival Line-Up Update Gigs & Festivals

Festival line-up update – 16 Mar 2011

By CMU Editorial | Published on Wednesday 16 March 2011

DOWNLOAD, Donington Park, 10-12 June: Gaaah… The Darkness are playing Download! Yes, it’s true. With the original line-up, Justin Hawkins and his glam-rock cohorts will be braving the disapproval of crowds of discerning headbangers at this year’s ultimate heavy metal fest, as ‘special guests’ of headliners Def Leppard. Following that bombshell is the less ridiculous announcement that Funeral For A Friend and Plain White Ts will also perform alongside System Of A Down, Linkin Park and Korn. www.downloadfestival.co.uk

LATITUDE, Henham Park Estate, Suffolk, 14-17 Jul: The National are newly confirmed to top the bill at this year’s Latitude, sharing headline honours with Paolo Nutini and Suede. High points of a huge raft of other names just announced are Deerhunter, British Sea Power, Hurts, I am Kloot, Bright Eyes, Everything Everything, Anna Calvi, The Vaccines and Gold Panda, with pop sirens KT Tunstall and Paloma Faith also set to perform. CMU’s favourite music and theatre mash-up PLAYlist will also return to the festival’s arts strand for a second year. www.latitudefestival.co.uk

MELT!, Gräfenhainichen, Dessau, Germany, 15-17 July: Beady Eye are the latest headline revelation for this three day German bash, with Crystal Castles, Iron & Wine, The Drums and MEN also poised to perform. Homegrown talent including Plan B, Jamie Woon and Dananananaykroyd will showcase the best of British alongside such already announced acts as Robyn, Pulp, Cut Copy and Metronomy. www.meltfestival.de/en

STANDON CALLING, Standon, Hertfordshire, 11-14 Aug: Psych-pop legends Spiritualised will make an appearance at the helm of this year’s Standon Calling, with prog supergroup Battles also booked to headline. Festival goers can also expect performances from Errors, Trophy Wife, Born Ruffians and Penguin Cafe amongst others. www.standon-calling.com