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Friday, 8 June 2007

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It's festival time

We give you the lowdown on where to rock your socks off and spot the stars...

The original festival – Isle Of Wight

When’s it on? 8-10 June, Newport, Isle Of Wight

What is it? After 30 years away, the Isle Of Wight Festival returned in 2002 and has got better and better with every year.

The small festival site is easy to get around, but it’s still jam packed with things to do, including a fun fair.

Who’s playing? Muse, Snow Patrol, The Rolling Stones, Groove Armada, Kasabian, Keane, The Feeling, Ash, Echo And The Bunnymen, The Fratellis, Amy Winehouse and Mel C.

Who goes? Kate Moss hung out backstage with her posse last year. Expect an even better turn out this year with Rolling Stones' family and friends guaranteed.

How do I get tickets? Sold out. For more information, visit: www.isleofwightfestival.com

The week-long festival – Wireless

When’s it on? 14-17 June, Hyde Park, London, and 15-17 June Harewood House, Leeds

What is it? Now in its third year, Wireless Festival takes over Hyde Park in London and Harewood House in Leeds for four massive back-to-back shows.

There’s no camping either, so at the end of the day you can return to the comfort of your own home.

Who’s playing? Daft Punk, Faithless, Kaiser Chiefs, Mark Ronson, The White Stripes, Kelis, Badly Drawn Boy and Editors.

Who goes? You name it, they’re there. Last year saw Kate Moss (again) and Jade Goody become best pals. We also saw Peaches Geldof getting told off for trying to get too many friends into the VIP area and Princess Beatrice being turned away!

How do I get tickets? Prices range from £40 for a one-day ticket to £135 for a four-day ticket. For more information, visit: www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

The classic festival – Glastonbury Festival

When is it? 22-24 June, Worthy Farm, Pilton

What is it? Only the best festival ever invented! Despite the fact that, most years, the site resembles a mud bath, the cheery Glastonbury spirit prevails. There’s something for everyone, including the famous Green Fields, the infamous Stone Circle, a circus field a kids' field… and that’s not to even mention every style of music you can imagine. Glastonbury has to be seen to be believed.

Who’s playing? The Killers, The Arctic Monkeys, The Who and The Chemical Brothers are confirmed so far.

Who goes? Hippies, crusties, ravers, indie kids – almost anyone you can imagine. Celeb-wise, it’s the one everyone wants to be spotted at. From Kate Moss (yes, we know, her again), Lily Allen to Zoë Ball and Edith Bowman.

How do I get tickets? All sold out – and in under two hours! For more information, visit: www.galstonburyfestivals.co.uk

The dance festival – Global Gathering

When is it? 27-28 July, Long Marston Airfield, Stratford Upon Avon.

What is it? Global Gathering is the undisputed king of dance festivals, with more punters throwing their 'arms in the air like they just don’t care' than any other dance festival – ever. Sorted.

Who’s playing? Faithless, Basement Jaxx, Paul Van Dyk, Carl Cox, Erick Morillo, Sasha, Ferry Corsten, Paul Oakenfold and Roger Sanchez.

Who goes? DJs who want to be seen and lots of girls in bikinis and boots whatever the weather. Just don’t forget your glow sticks.

How do I get tickets? Day tickets from £57.50 and weekend tickets from £105. For more information, visit: www.globalgathering.co.uk

The family festival – Big Chill

When is it? 3-5 August, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.

What is it? Set in the beautiful Eastnor deer park, The Big Chill is three days of laid back music and party tunes. There’s also a great Body and Soul area to get a relaxing massage as well as an art trail through the woods.

Who’s playing? Mika, Aaron Ross, Anne Garner, Another Fine Day, Ben Westbeech, Biosphere, Black Devil and Bombay Dub Orchestra (we know, we’d only heard of Mika, too).

Who goes? Friendly families and people who want to party all night. Celebs spotted include Will Young and former EastEnder Charlie Brooks.

How can I get tickets? £125 for the weekend. For more information, visit: www.bigchill.net

The festival for people who don’t do festivals – V Festival

When is it? 18-19 August, Highlands Park, Chelmsford and Weston park Staffordshire.

What is it? The corporate festival, which gets all the best bands.

Who’s playing? Foo Fighters, The Killers, Basement Jaxx, Damien Rice, Foo Fighters, Primal Scream, The Killers, The Kooks, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Happy Mondays and Kasabian.

Who goes? From reality TV wannabes to the cool London set. One minute you could be hanging out with Sadie Frost before bumping into the latest Big Brother reject scrabbling for the free bar.

How can I get tickets? Sold Out. For more information, visit: www.vfestival.com

The rockers' festival – Reading and Leeds Festivals

When is it? 24-26 August.

What is it? Three days of 100 per cent rawk! Although not as full of scary Goths as it used to be, Reading still brings out the dark side in most of the revellers there.

Who’s playing? Ash, Klaxons, Razorlight, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, The View, Arcade Fire, Brand New, Kings of Leon and LCD Soundsystem.

Who goes? The usual suspects – think Radio One DJs and Peaches Geldof’s gang of friends.

How can I get tickets? Single day tickets from £62.50 and Weekend tickets from £145. For more information, visit: www.readingfestival.com

The new festival – Connect

When is it? 31 August - 2 September, Inveraray Castle, Scotland.

What is it? Set in the magnificent grounds of an 18th Century Castle Estate in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. It boasts the most spectacular scenery and cleanest air on the UK festival calendar for the more discerning festival goer.

Who’s playing? Beastie Boys, Björk, Idlewild, Modest Mouse, Optimo, Primal Scream, The Go! Team, Alex Smoke, Big Star and King Creosote.

Who goes? It’s new, so no one yet!

How do I get tickets? £125 with camping. For more information, visit: www.connectmusicfestival.com

Best of the rest…

T In The Park 2007 – 6-8 July 2007 Balado Airfield, Scotland

Line up includes: Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Kooks, Snow Patrol, Kasabian, Queens Of The Stone Age and Brian Wilson.
Tickets: Sold out. For more information, visit: www.tinthepark.com

Latitude 2007 – 12-15 July, Henham Park, Suffolk

Line up includes: Damien Rice, The Good, The Bad And The Queen and The Arcade Fire.
Tickets: £112 for a weekend ticket. For more information, visit: www.latitudefestival.co.uk

Creamfields 2007 – 25 August, Cheshire

Line up includes: The Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada, Kelis, Mark Ronson and Carl Cox.
Tickets: £55 for more information, visit: www.creamfieldsfestival.co.uk

Get Loaded In The Park 2007 – 26 August, Clapham Common, London

Line up includes: The Streets, 2 Many DJs, The Go! Team, Dizzee Rascal and Dirty Pretty Things.
Tickets: £55 for more information, visit: www.getloadedinthepark.com

Bestival 2007 – 7-9 September, Robin Hill, Isle Of Wight

Line up includes: The Beastie Boys, Primal Scream and The Chemical Brothers.
Tickets: Sold out. For more information visit: www.bestival.net