Here in Edinburgh, excitement about Burns Night is seriously amping up. The Celtic Connections Festival (15 Jan–1 Feb) has only fed the fire of Rabbie fever currently building in anticipation of The Homecoming this year. To keep the festive spirit going after this weekend, I’ve reviewed the choicest events coming up in the UK in the next 6 months – at least the ones that have been announced so far:
ETHER FESTIVAL Nice and urban. David Byrne, Brian Eno, Peaches, Royksopp, De La Soul and others take over London’s Southbank Centre. Tickets go on sale this Friday. [10-24 April]
SENSORIA ‘A celebration of the artforms of music and film’, happening in Sheffield. It debuted last year. Jarvis Cocker’s going, and the festival’s also looking for exciting new film work to showcase – anyone is free to submit a DVD directly to the programme organisers. [24-30 April]
HINTERLAND Showcasing fresh Scottish talent, this could be the most fun thing happening in Glasgow this year, though unexcitingly billed as the city’s ‘first single-ticket multi-venue art and music event’. Includes Come On Gang!, We Were Promised Jetpacks and Zoey Van Goey. [30 April-1 May]
ALL TOMORROW’S PARTIES WEEKEND 1: THE FANS STRIKE BACK Also at Butlins, Minehead, with acts chosen by the people. This policy resulted in a diverse lineup that’s a real pleaser: Devo, Spiritualized, Sleep and Beirut among others. [9-11 May]
KNOCKENGORROCH Everything from a silent disco to a Celtic fire spectacular, and located in gorgeous Kirkudbrightshire. [21-24 May]
ISLE OF WIGHT Still no rumours of who will be playing (apart from Kings of Leon and Basement Jaxx . . . ), but this festival has an amazing reputation for a reason. [12-14 June]
GLASTONBURY Grace Jones, The Decemberists and The Boss are highlights of the lineup announced so far. [24-28 June]
T IN THE PARK Did Scotland proud last year. No acts announced yet, but Blur and Franz Ferdinand would be good headliner bets . . . [10-12 July]
Please leave a comment with any event I've missed out that is truly worth going to - until July, when peak festival season hits Europe, and a slew of fresh ways to test those glowsticks and Wellies should be announced!
