Despite not even being a month into 2014, there are some huge, huge festivals already releasing some incredible line-ups. Editor Dan Stoten takes you through just a small selection of fests to spend that last bit of Christmas money on...
Undercover Festival
Where: Bisley, Surrey
When: 19th - 21st September
What: A multi-genre festival bringing together punk, ska, reggae and acoustic
Info: undercoverfest.com
Returning triumphantly for a second year, Undercover Festival has once again brought together a superb mix of classic bands and modern heroes. Featuring four headliners on the main stage on Saturday (Angelic Upstarts, Spear of Destiny, Penetration and The Men They Couldn't Hang), as well as a huge variation of brilliant bands, there is something here for everyone. Acoustic punk heroine Louise Distras will once again play her heart out, while the mighty Gentleman's Dub Club will undoubtedly bring the party in their own indomitable style on the Friday night, while Goldblade and The Dualers will send people off on the Sunday night with ringing in their ears. A stellar line-up, this is definitely one to check out. The Punk Archive is an official media partner of Undercover, so keep your eyes peeled for news, interviews and more.
Takedown Festival
Where: Southampton University
When: 15th March
What: A riotous mix of rock, metal and punk
Info: www.takedownfestival.co.uk
This South coast one-dayer has a tempting mix of established and up-and-coming bands on it's impressive roster. Headlined by Funeral for a Friend and backed up by Kids in Glass Houses, the line-up also features Blitz Kids, a band on their way to stardom following a stunning set of gigs supporting Mallory Knox; Kent rockers Canterbury off the back of their second album; and The Punk Archive favourites Ghouls. Also featuring are melodic rockers I Divide and Hacktivist, who, on the evidence of 2013's UK leg of the Warped Tour, will undoubtedly turn the venue into a seething pit. This one will get your festival season off to a flier!
Groezrock Festival
Where: Meerhout, Belgium
When: 2nd & 3rd May
What: Probably the best mainland Europe punk, metal and hardcore festival...
Info: http://groezrock.be/
I can't remember a year when I didn't want to go to this stunning festival. Groezrock consistently, year-on-year, delivers a huge line-up, and this year is no exception. NoFX, Alkaline Trio, The Offspring, Iron Chic and The Menzingers all play this festival, as well as more to be announced. Red City Radio and Screeching Weasel will also be performing. The sun always shines on Groezrock, it's easy to get to, and arguably the most fun you can have in a field covered in dust. Offering a superb mix as ever, I'll see you down the front!
Radstock Festival
Where: Liverpool and Newcastle
When: 29th & 30th March respectively
What: A delectable mix of rock and punk
Info: www.radstockfestival.co.uk
Offering a handful of similar bands to Takedown (above), Radstock promises an equally brilliant day of music. Adding to Funeral for a Friend and Kids in Glass Houses are Welsh heroes Save Your Breath, who quite simply are one of the best live bands in the UK right now, as well as the incredible pop-punk of Me vs. Hero. The sugar-coated pop-punk of Essex upstarts The Hype Theory adds bounce to the line-up, while Yashin, Heights and Brutality Will Prevail add a spadeful of edge.
The Great Escape Festival
Where: Brighton
When: 8th - 10th May
What: Europe's leading festival for new music
Info: http://mamacolive.com/thegreatescape/
Having recently announced over 100 bands, this is not a festival for the faint hearted. Akin to former London highlight the Camden Crawl, The Great Escape is scattered around a handful of venues across Brighton. You're guaranteed to find plenty of new bands, new artists, and new favourites. With the incredible Lonely The Brave and Youth Man announced alongside literally hundreds of others (including pop-stalwart Kelis), this will be a stunning weekend of music. Go check it out and find something new!
Punk Rock Holiday
Where: Tolmin, Slovenia
When: 5th - 9th August
What: A holiday. And a punk festival. In One.
Info: http://www.punkrockholiday.com/
Probably one of the most unique festivals you'll ever go to, Slovenia's Punk Rock Holiday is blessed with a vast number of stunning attributes. Not only will you see punk legends NoFX lining up alongside The Real McKenzies, The Toasters and Ignite, but you'll see them on the edges of a lake in a beautiful forest, surrounded by mountains and Mediterranean weather, for just 100 euros. If there's a better idea this side of sliced bread, I'm yet to hear it...
Mighty Sounds Festival
Where: Tabor, Czech Republic
When: 11th - 13th July
What: A mighty selection of punk, rockabilly and hardcore
Info: http://www.mightysounds.cz/en/
A brilliantly dark and forboding line-up gives Mighty Sounds a unique place on your list of must-do festivals this year. Mixing the likes of folk-punk heroes The Dropkick Murphys with GBH and The Slackers, this is one with appeal for all. Add that to a pint of beer at 1euro 50 and tickets just 36euros, and there's simply no reason not to go. Traditionally choc-full of brilliant punk bands, Mighty Sounds should once again be up there with the best this year.
South by So What Festival
Where: Grand Prairie Park, Texas
When: 14th - 16th March
What: A huge line-up of some of the best bands in the business
Info: http://www.southbysowhat.com/home/
Undoubtedly one of the best line-ups so far this year is South By So What's. There are too many to list out, but offering a combination of punk, hardcore, metal and rock from all over the globe, this really is too good to miss. The many highlights will include The Story So Far and August Burns Red headlining stages, letlive and Lions Lions. A huge line-up.
Hit The Deck Festival
Where: Bristol and Nottingham
When: 19th & 20th April respectively
What: An indoor UK festival bringing together pop-punk, rock and alternative
Info: http://www.hitthedeckfestival.com/
Although not yet completely announced, Hit The Deck returns with what looks like a promising line-up. Alt-rockers Brand New headline, along with Saves The Day and underground heroes Gnarwolves. An intriguing line-up boasts Patent Pending, too. Hit The Deck is typically a well-organised and executed festival where it's easy to stumble across your next favourite band. Definitely one to look out for.
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