Five must-see headliners at this summer's music festivals
The UK festival scene sets the musical pulse racing, with all manner of tasty acts to squeeze into a summer of sunshine baked camping. There's pretty much anything for anyone, with line-ups either specialising in one variety or another, or taking in the full spectrum of musical pleasures. With the chance to camp in the great outdoors in amongst a flurry of the best artists of all time, grab your tents and sleeping bags, here is our guide to the best in the main genres.
Laura Marling
Still only 20 years old, but riding high on the folk scene for the past four years, Laura Marling's style is deceptive beyond her years, offering up songs about love, entanglement and loss - bring a cool box and blanket so you can show your appreciation in comfort. Alongside her own work, she's collaborated with Noah and the Whale, The Rakes, Mystery Jets and Mumford and Sons - her first album 'Alas I Cannot Swim', released in 2008, was nominated for the Mercury Prize. This year she'll be appearing at Hop Farm, Latitude, Glastonbury and Greenman.
Dizzee Rascal
Whilst the addition of Jay-Z to the Glasto line up of 2008 shook critics to their foundations, Dizzee has become quite a regular feature on the scene. The rapper, songwriter and Mercury Prize winner delivers a delicious blend of rap, grime, ragga and electronic - love it or hate it, Bonkers is bound to get the crowd rocking. He's appearing at Glastonbury, Global Gathering, Lovebox and Bestival.
Rage Against the Machine
Still shining bright in the light of the Christmas 09 Facebook campaign, Rage are back on the lips of the festival scene, with an appearance scheduled for Donnington, plus their own free independent event in Finsbury Park, London. Who knows, and who cares about whether the band has any new material to add to their playlist, just so long as they belt out every single from their 1992 debut album.
The Bays
Because The Bays don't record, the only way to listen is live. A collaboration of talented session musicians, The Bays don't have formal tracks or playlists, they simply jam. The whole set will be completely improvised and feature a selection of artists - because of the fluidity of their style you can expect anything from ambient through to drum ‘n bass, jazz and ska - you may want camping chairs on hand for the more experimental ventures. This year they're playing at Glastonbury, Glade, Shambala and Jelly festivals.
Muse
With Mercury Prize, MTV, NME, Brit and Kerrang! Awards to their name, including Best Live Act tucked firmly under their belt - we have very high hopes for Muse this festival season. Renowned for delivering knock out live performances, including sell-out gigs at Madison Square Gardens and Wembley Stadium - The Resistance Tour takes in the international festival circuit with Glastonbury on the agenda for the UK leg.
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