It barely feels like a few weeks since we were all drunkenly rolling around the muddy fields of Leeds or basking in the sunny surroundings of Reading, but yes it's back already. The first announcements for everyone's favourite rock festival are here...and it's looking like it will be a goodun!
The waiting is over and Blink 182 have been announced as the headliners for what will be their ONLY UK shows of 2014. The Californian punk-pop legends last played in 2010 when, incase you weren't there, drummer Travis Barker played an upside down drum solo on what appeared to be a giant mechanical trampoline. As well as treating the audience to classics including Dammit, All The Small Things and What's My Age Again, the band will also be giving fans a debut airing of
the much-anticipated forthcoming seventh studio album which will be released
next summer, the first new material since their self-released EP in 2012. Expect full on pogo pits and loads of jokes about poo. Frontman Mark Hoppus added: "I’m stoked to play Reading & Leeds 2014. It’s our fourth time playing the festivals, and we’re very honoured. The new year will see us in the studio preparing new music, getting ready to rock the fine people of the UK. Prepare for the fury."
So who else do we have on the bill? Well, Wireless Mag favourite Jake Bugg will be making his mainstage debut. The singer songwriter already has a number one album under his belt and a string of sold out tours to boot, so the progression to the mainstage seems like an obvious one and will almost certainly be one of the highlights of the weekend. He says. "I'm sure playing on the Main Stage will be a different experience again, so it's exciting. I've got my new album out so there's plenty of time for people to learn the words. It should be pretty special."
Other acts included on the first raft of artists are the mighty dance masterminds Disclosure, arguably the most successful British dance act in a generation, who have opened the door for a host of underground dance acts to flood the mainstream. We also have Zane Lowe's favourites Metronomy doing their electropop thing, with new album 'Love Letters' due out in March. Upcoming dance favourite Wilkinson will be entertaining the masses with tracks such as Overglow, from his acclaimed debut album, and hip hop grime monsters I Am Legion will be blowing your little hungover brains to the other side of the tent.
Festival organiser Melvin Benn tells us:
“2013 was a year of exciting additions for Reading & Leeds
Festivals, making them bigger and better than ever. With extra stages and
genres at both sites, there was a new diversity for
all our fans to enjoy. However the core essence of the festival hasn’t changed and
I think the line-up for next year will most certainly reflect that. I
know our fans will be delighted to welcome back our first headliners,
Blink-182, with what promises to be an amazing show, as well as the brilliant
Jake Bugg stepping up to the Main Stage. I can’t wait to reveal the rest of our
incredible line-up, so watch this space!”
Of course it's only early days, and we know there are hundreds more quality acts to be released, but if this is an indicator of what's to come then consider us well and truly in....
TICKET INFORMATION
With sold out crowds at both Reading & Leeds Festivals in 2013, fans
are urged to get tickets early for 2014. Now securing your ticket is even
easier with the improved
£50 deposit scheme. To save a spot
at Reading & Leeds 2014, the £50 deposit scheme and ticket instalment plan
have been merged to create a brand, spanking new simple ticket plan. Simply put
down £50 to bag your place, and then pay three further instalments of £53.50
a month, which includes the booking fee, but with postage payable.
Weekend tickets £202.50 plus applicable booking fees ● Early entry
permits £15.00 ● Campervan permits £60.00 ● Lockers £16.00 ● Reading car
parking £5.00 ● Weekend ticket prices include camping
Online/Telephone
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per
person/address/payment card for those booking by telephone or online. Credit
Card line: 0871 231 0821
Children 12 and under are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a
ticket holding adult. Please note there is no separate children's area at this
event.
