FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE!
We do love a festival at DMS – there’s nothing better than some sunshine (or rain), cider and great music in a field somewhere.
Not allowing the obvious pick of Glastonbury, we asked the DMS team to recommend a festival to head to this summer, which acts playing are must see and their tips on how to smash that festival experience – here’s what they had to say…
VYX's RECOMMENDED FESTIVAL: DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL, 8-11TH JUNE 2023
Must see acts: Placebo, Clutch, Cancer Bats
Top festival tip: Take plenty of sunscreen! It’s amazing what people will trade you for it when the sun finally makes an appearance.
Marcus' Recommended festival: Parklife, 10th-11th June 2023
Must see acts: I need big tunes, big energy, and sunshineeee! ALL OF THE DRUM N BASS! Especially though, Nia Archives. I also you’ve got to catch Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Lil Simz, Mike Skinner and Anderson Paak.
Top festival tip: If you know your festival venue is one that’s prone to flooding, invest in a waterproof bag or make do with some bin liners like I have many a time. As a bonus tip, Boots usually sell sandwiches for a quid just before closing time which really helped keep my pockets intact when the festival food got pricey.
Melissa's Recommended festival: Isle of Wight Festival, 15th-18th June 2023
Must see acts: The Chemical Brothers, Pulp, Blondie, The Human League, Gang of Youths, Groove Armada, Manic Street Preachers. Also not going to deny that I will go see Sugababes and Robbie Williams…
Top festival tip: I recommend volunteering at festivals, if you are on a budget but still want to attend. The work is very fun and chill and you still get to see many bands and artists ? Also please don’t litter and take your tent home after the festival!
MARK'S Recommended festival: 2000 Trees Festival, 5th-8th July 2023
Must see acts: Not far-off of my perfect line-up… and the location is great! Don’t miss Empire State Bastard and Brutus.
Top festival tip: Plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat!
Ben's Recommended festival: Tropical Pressure, 14th-16th July 2023
Must see acts: The Cabarats – not on the official website line up but definitely playing on the main stage on the Sunday and definitely awesome live band with Balkan, reggae, ska and eastern influences among other things plus the rest of the festival is all sorts from around the world so if eclectic is your thing then get on down Kernow style *Pasties optional but recommended as they can double up as a makeshift pillow and in a real emergency can also be eaten*.
Top festival tip: Don’t just pitch up immediately hunt out a good base camp location if you can, like a spot with a view of a stage or not too far from (and not too close to ?) the toilets etc.
Levi's Recommended festival: Latitude festival, 20th-23rd July 2023
Must see acts: Do Nothing, Black Midi, Metronomy
Top festival tip: Find a friend in a band taking a van to take plenty of supplies to save money and having to lug loads of stuff. Prioritise eating and drinking well, your body and mind will appreciate it. And don’t litter!
TOM'S RECOMMENDED FESTIVAL: REGGAE LAND, 5TH-6TH AUGUST 2023
Must see acts: Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Steel Pulse, Channel One
Top festival tip: Stay dry! If you have the unfortunate luck of getting unrelenting rain all weekend, the key to still having a good time is staying dry. As well as the staple raincoat, don the unfashionable waterproof trousers and boots, get that hood up and party on.
Sam's Recommended festival: Punk Rock Holiday, Slovenia: 8th-11th August 2023
Must see acts: The best thing about this festival, none are to be missed…. If I had to pick I would say; Me First and the Gammie Gimmies and Slackers cause I’ve seen the rest more than once, but if you are a newbie you must also check out Dropkicks, Pennywise, Jaya The Cat, Frank Turner, Buster Shuffle, Rumjacks and Diesel Boy.
Top festival tip: Take it easy, and don’t forget to pack both Sun cream and waterproofs if the Festival is in the UK or Ireland ?
Chris' Recommended festival: ArcTanGent: 16th-19th August 2023
Must see acts: Swans, Helpless, Igorr, Health, Ashenspire, Heilung, Russian Circles
Top festival tip: Take apples, they are good for keeping your gnashers clean, don’t bruise easily and fit in your pocket when you need a snack in the arena