Beacons festival, set up in the Yorkshire Dales, had a false start last year, with the downpour of English summer rain causing them to abandon all of their plans and declare a surrender to mother nature. This year’s copycat festival; Bloc Weekend had similar bad luck (apparently) but we can only hope that for Beacons lightning won’t strike twice, literally.

The festival, organised by Ash Kollakowski of Bad Sneakers Records and Leeds hangout Nation of Shopkeepers, is as multi-genred as its organiser is multi-talented. Headliners range from Reggae’s love child Toots and Maytals, whose nostalgic charm is sure to bring a glow to Beacons regardless of the weather, to the Mercury Prize nominated Wild Beasts; a band who I’m sure need no introduction but whom Beacons have managed to secure exclusively, in the north, for the entire summer.

Twee indie bands, Veronica Falls and Frankie and the Heartstrings are matched by Ghostpoet - another Mercury Award nominee, whose melancholic take on R&B, has completely redefined genre, a fact which Ghostpoet aka Obaro Ejimiwe holds in high esteem;

“I think it’s a great time to be making music because genres are becoming less and less important”

 

It’s clear that to the organisers of Beacons Festival genres are also unimportant with the USP of the festival appearing to be its student orientation, with early bird tickets being sold at just £55 for student card holders. Beacons website promises a beautiful background for the line-up and graphics that would have any art student swooning. The installations ranging from collaborative Neon Love, who create sequences of love based lyrics in huge neon letters, and The Dubluv VW Show who even have their own mini track to race your camper vans down, celebrate the diversity and energy of Beacons and show the true beauty in this people- based festival.

The last 30 bands, announced not long ago, are a hotchpotch of bands, including Imp, Stalking Horse and That Fucking Tank, whom although having a dedication of hardcore fans each, are relatively unknown in this top 40 world. Beacons’ belief in them however is palpable and this is sure to be a festival that not only showcases some of the finest new talent around but also launches it. Don’t miss your chance to be there when they do.

 

 

Beacons Festival kicks off on August 17th- 19th 2012. Buy Tickets here

 

 

Words: Sophie Stones