Missing Oxegen? Don’t Panic. There’s plenty up North
July 8, 2010 No Comments
So we’re into the second week of July and the festival season is well and truly underway with Glastonbury’s 40th anniversary and Download already over and Oxegen just around the corner.
Perhaps, post(ish)-recession, you’re strapped for cash and couldn’t make it down to Oxegen this year. If not, don’t dismay, there’s plenty on offer for us Nordies….
Trans Festival 2010: 3-24 July
Trans is an explosion of gigs, events, courses and exhibitions for those with a penchant for arts and music. It’s so packed with music to experience, that we couldn’t possibly list it all, so here’s a handy link to their chunky calendar: http://www.transbelfast.com/at-a-glance
Recommended: This weekend (Friday 9 & Saturday 10), there’s a whole host of bands of various genres playing at the Crescent Arts Centre and Waterfront Studio – Kowalski, Pocket Billiards, More Than Conquerers and Men in Speedos to name a few (17 in all) – If you can’t wait for Glasgowbury and want a taste, this is huge value for money – £8 for each night (£6 if you book in advance).
What Else: There are also a bunch of art exhibitions and media courses (including photography, graphic design and journalism) to check out, and Escape Act are launching an album on the 18th July @ McHugh’s Basement.
Tickets: There’s so much going on, you’ll have to check out transbelfast.com or phone 028 9033 4400 and ask for the trans folk.
Getting There: All in Belfast, various venues, various days
Glasgowbury 2010: 24th July
Glasgowbury began in 2000, when founder Paddy Glasgow put a group of local bands together to perform in support of the Ulster Cancer Foundation charity. Now in its tenth anniversary, it has become Northern Ireland’s biggest festival with a record 55 acts performing this year (and nearly all Northern Irish!) – This is the festival not to miss if you want not just a taste of Northern Ireland’s music scene, but a celebration.
Recommended: Of the 55 acts, it’s difficult to pick a few. The obvious ones are headliners Fighting With Wire, Duke Special and General Fiasco. Amongst the smaller acts, Rams’ Pocket radio and Silhouette are taking piano based pop to new levels. Lafaro are a metal head’s dream, bursting with infectious riffs such as the award winning Tupenny Nudger and long-standing favourites Mojo Fury are about to to release new material, on the verge of finally branching out of Northern Ireland. Aaron Shanley and the Lowly Knights are great chilled out folk outfits or for something a little heavier, The Rupture Dogs and Stand Up Guy are incredible. There’s way more than that on offer in terms of genre and talent – Get a ticket if you still can, you won’t regret it.
What Else: If you thought 55 bands was enough entertainment, think again. The fabulous Beat Carnival is returning to Glasgowbury this year – flag making, puppet shows, dance classes and a ‘pimp my booty’ stall for welly boot decoration are just some of the eccentric and charming spectacles on offer. A festival wouldn’t be complete without a decent carnival.
Tickets: £30 – £40: Buy them from HMV.com while you still can! Or alternatively visit an HMV store near you.
Getting There: Eagle’s Rock Valley in Draperstown is where you need to get to. There’s a handy bus service running on the 23rd July at 7pm from various locations. It’s £20 return and runs from: Ballymena, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Limavady, Newry (with stops in Armagh & Dungannon), Omagh, Strabane, Magherafelt (this service will cost £12) details are here
Féile an Phobail 2010: 30th July – 8th August
Féile an Phobail began in 1988 as an event to help heal the community in Northern Ireland by showcasing our positive side – focusing on creativity and arts. It provides a cultural hub on the streets of Belfast for everyone to enjoy and best of all it’s affordable and packed with entertainment.
Recommended: There’s a great variety across the 10 days, but if you want a guaranteed evening of musical enjoyment, Everlast w/ The Beat Poets on 31st July should prove an absolute belter. Everlast is an acoustic act full of soul – strangely comparible in attitude to the White Stripes and Marvin Gaye. The Beat Poets meanwhile are like The Foo Fighters and U2 in a blender, if you can imagine it. Or if you’re looking for something with a more lilting, irish flavour, check out Gemma Hayes on 1st August – stunning, beautiful and full of pop/rock energy.
What Else? On the 5th August, Lenny Henry’s fronting a comedy night, supported by Seamus Carabine and Bernard O’Shea – not a bad consolation for anyone who wishes they were at the Edinburgh Festival this year.
Tickets: Can be bought from the website or phone the Box office: 028 9031 3440
Getting There: Most of the events are in the Bank Square Marquee and Andersonstown Leisure Centre in West Belfast
Belsonic 2010: 17th – 29th August
Anyone remember Belfest? It came to an end two years ago and Belsonic has arrived to replace it, expanding this year to incorporate eight massive acts performing in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, making it similar to Edinburgh’s T at the Fringe – exciting stuff for those with a thirst for seeing international acts perform in our province.
Recommended: All eight nights are great but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to afford them all. Paul Weller, supported by General Fiasco, is bound to be the most popular, what with the latter being Northern Irish and probably about as good as the Jam. Florence and the Machine will be another good pick – Irish, pretty and full of lovely tunes. She also covered The Chain by Fleetwood Mac at Glastonbury, so maybe she’ll do it again here.
What Else: Kasabian, Paolo Nutini, Sterophonics, 2manydjs, Biffy Clyro, David Guetta - a good variety so choose wisely.
Tickets: About £30 a pop – get them from ticketmaster or The Kitten Bar or Easons in Belfast. Box office: 0870 243 4455
Getting There: Belfast Custom House Square - Not too difficult to find!