The Latest News from The Wickerman!
Latest News
Teenage Fanclub To Play Summerisle Stage (23rd May)
Glasgow legends Teenage Fanclub grab one of the final few main stage slots.
Bellshill's finest offering add yet more ingredients to the rarified musical hotpot that can only be experienced at the Wickerman.
When asked about performing at the festival Teenage Fanclub front man Norman Blake said "Really happy to be playing the Wickerman. I actually have a little piece of the original Wickerman that was burnt at the end of the movie. My friend 'acquired' it for me about ten years ago before the remaining stumps were stolen from Burrowhead."
Watch out for their new single Baby Lee which is released tomorrow, 24th May.
Bass Camp Dance Action Announced (23rd May)
With the summer fast approaching – and it’s hoped the current sunshine is a good indicator it will be a hot one – Skiddle & Simon Jackson have just announced something else to salivate over. After being asked back to programme part of Bass Camp at Scotland’s inspired Wickerman Festival, the team have been busily beavering away to up the ante somewhat and top last year’s huge success.
Skiddle Arena
It’s cap-doffing time as Skiddle present their riotous Friday night action, which is taking the Bass Camp area into a fresh and dynamic new direction, along with U&A Recordings also bringing an inspiring new sound to the festival. Encapsulating drum and bass, dubstep and grime, the first day of the Wickerman Festival will largely feature ground-shaking basslines, tree-wobbling reverbs and some of the biggest tracks around from a who’s who of scene-stealing talent.
Rich Dyer from Skiddle says that, “We wanted to go with a new take for this year’s Wickerman so we have booked in some really strong artists to take over on the Friday. There are so many amazing artists out there right now and we feel we have picked some of the very best. We’ve also launched our huge Skiddle Resident DJ of the Year comp too and the finalists will be playing on Friday and Saturday – go to www.skiddle.com for more info on how to enter.”
Kicking off Friday’s Dance Arena action at The Wickerman Festival is Radio 1 and Fabric’s drum and bass legend Fabio headlines, a man with many years behind him and someone who remains right at the front of the pack, continually pushing the boundaries of the scene. Fabio is supported by Utah Jazz, an original liquid funskter and a party-bringer like no other who fuses together one-off dubplates, three-deck mixes and old-skool razzle-dazzle bursting from his bag of tricks.
The 13-strong chaos-creating Murkage Cartel bring together everything from drum and bass to garage to R&B and party tunes and youngster Bail offers forward-thinking Dubstep. Finally Mr Chipp from Bass Militia completes Friday’s lineup with a further rinsing of drum and bass and jungle.
Two of Carlisle’s unsung hero’s Tim Forrester and Mr Chipp bring a local element to the festival on a musical adventure of epic proportions that’s set to get the fields rumbling, whilst Preston’s bearded hero the Filth Wizard kicks off proceedings and warms the tent for the night’s heavyweight activities.
Skiddle’s Friday In Full: Fabio (Radio 1/1Xtra), Utah Jazz, Murkage Cartel, Tim Forrester, Mr Chipp (Bass Militia), Filth Wizard & Bail.
U & A Recordings Arena
U & A Recordings have taken over the Wickerman’s long standing breaks tent and offer some of the freshest and stand-out acts on the scene. The tent will feature some of the best in underground and up and coming artists from across the country and beyond. Featuring Zodiac Cartel, who has been in hot demand recently remixing for Moby, along with Lee Coombs and Circuit Freq, there’s a simple ethos of "Jackin house with a techno soul" to entrance the masses.
Birmingham’s bass driven house-meister Calvertron, whose sets cannot be pigeonholed into one genre, also plays alongside Australia’s now hotly in demand The Loops of Fury with a stunning live set as they tour the UK's summer festival circuit. Along with Lot 49 label techno stalwart Vandal and U & A's new promising upstart, Rektchords - and Manchester’s Mike Hulme playing what can only be described as perfectly techy - there’s plenty of rolling and hypnotic beats that will make people’s heads spin.
Alongside U & A artists are Wickerman residents Simon Jackson and Ray McKinney playing Tech-funk and Electro house. Also playing will be residents DJ's from some of Edinburgh’s finest clubs nights including Sugarbeat, Split, Az-Tech and Dirt, playing prolific bass heavy party music.
Simon Jackson, organiser of the U&A Recording s Arena explains that; "Basically we had such a great success last year with Meat Katie and Dylan Rhymes’ label LOT 49 hosting the marquee that I decided to look at something similar again this year with a similar music policy and U & A were the only obvious choice. Playing Tech-Funk which encompasses a brilliant and inspired cross genre of breaks, techno, electro, house and anything inbetween, there’s plenty to look forward to. Also this year we have pulled the stops out for the tent decoration, lighting and live VJs to create a visual wonderland for the festival punters, to hopefully create the now legendary Wickerman vibe.
The full spine-tingling U&A Recordings lineup over the weekend features Zodiac Cartel, Calvertron, The Loops Of Fury (Live), Vandal, Rektchords, Mike Hulme, Simon Jackson, Believe, Silver Storic, Ray McKinney, Al Majik, Re-tox, Siern, Ingen, Pyz, Stephen Allen, DD, VJ Simone, Bandit, B-Sides and Sunosis.
With two big tops, an outdoor funk stage and bar, the Skiddle Bus debut and not to mention the fact the dance tents are open until 5.00 am, Bass Camp is shaping up rather nicely. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more info on what else is planned.
Friday Night Headliners For Summerisle & Scooter Revealed Alongside A Stellar Cast (14th May)
Indie heroes The Charlatans will be headlining our main stage on the Friday night. They will be joined by Tony Christie of Road to Amarillo fame and also by the finest thing to come out of Wales, of course we’re talking about Goldie Lookin Chain. Our post burning slot has some real old skool cool in the form of 808 State DJs
Not be outshone the Scooter Tent has also snagged the legendary Buzzcocks as a Friday night bill topper, Pama International make a welcome return and Los Angeles pop-punksters Orange will head to Galloway for the first time.
Last but by no means least electro glam outfit Fenech Soler, The Glasgow Gospel Choir, Erland & The Carnival and The Raw Kings will belt out an eclectic medley of tunes from the main stage.
Also revealed today are the DJs for the Axis Sound System Reggae Tent.
Dash back next week for the first installment of the Bass Camp line-up.
Acoustic Village Announces First Acts & Swaps Places With Bass Camp (30th April)
Emmet Scanlan and What The Good Thought, The String Contingent, Rachel Sermanni and Ex Speedway singer Jill Jackson are just some of the names to be added to the festival bill for 2010 and will all take to the stage in the Acoustic Village. We are far from done with the announcements but the full list of acts announced today can be viewed on the Line Up page.
This year the Acoustic Village will swap places with the Bass Camp Dance Village at the festival, this will now place the acoustic acts within a stone's throw of the festivals quiet camping field.
Litter Crew Applications Available Now (14th April)
If you fancy working for your ticket at this year's festival why not consider joining the Litter Crew? There are various shifts available so if you fancy finding out more click on through to the 'Contact' page to download an application pack.
Do you live in or come from Dumfries & Galloway?
Do you make great original music?
Do you fancy the biggest gig of your life this summer?
If the answer is yes, yes, yes to the above then check out West Sound Radio's West Factor competition through the following link: http://tinyurl.com/westfactor
Polarsets Win Soundtrack Competition (14th April)
Tyne and Wear trio Polarsets are the winners of the Wickerman soundtrack competition. Their infectious track “Just Don’t Open Your Eyes Yet” has more hook than a fly fisherman’s bonnet.
Music industry heavyweight Michael Eavis and the Daily Record’s Rick Fulton assisted us in the final selection.
Polarsets will now kick-start the Friday main stage line-up as well as providing the soundtrack for a television advertising campaign.
To listen to the track for free log on to www.polarsets.bandcamp.com
Last word on the competition goes to the inventor of the modern music festival:
“It is not very often when I’m asked to judge music that one band stands out so far above the rest as this one did!” – Michael Eavis
Happy Bus Travel Returns To Wickerman (7th April)
Happy Bus are back on board with an increased service including regional return travel, and two new services including a Dumfries service from and returning to the train station and a local service including stops in Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright that run until the early hours.
The services run on Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th July departing from the various locations across the UK.
For full details and prices click here.
The Yurt Company Offer Ultimate Luxury For Up To Six People (7th April)
New for 2010, The Yurt Company's luxury Mongolian Yurts are available for hire
The Yurt Company offer a choice of either a 5 metre yurt to accommodate up to four people or a 6 metre yurt to accommodate up to 6 people. While these are the suggested occupany numbers, the yurts can be adapted for families, groups and even for two for the ultimate romantic getaway. Owain and Fay will be happy to discuss your requirements before you book.
For full details and prices click here.
Solus Stage Reveals Line Up (2nd April)
Unicorn Kid has been announced as the Saturday night headliner on the Solus stage along with Django Django who grab the top billing on the Friday night.
Solus booker Chay Woodman said “Every year we aim to get what is essentially a snapshot of how vibrant new Scottish music is. It’s not about covering all the bases either, I wouldn’t try to anyway because the booking process, while difficult, is also very natural. I think the final line-up can be summed up as being very Wickerman.”
Other acts confirmed to play the Solus Tent this summer include Black International, Conquering Animal Sound, Found, Galleries, GoGoBot, Kitty The Lion, The Lost Todorovs, Maeve O'Boyle, Make Sparks, Midnight Lion, Mitchell Museum, The OK Social Club, Panda Su, There Will Be Fireworks, United Fruit and Withered Hand.
There are still more names to be announced for Solus so watch this space.
Soundtrack Finalists (24th March)
Over 150 acts from as far afield as Plymouth to Perth, Italy to Inverness have put their hat in the ring for the Wickerman soundtrack competition.
Bedrooms, garages and studios up and down the country saw a frenzy of recording and songwriting activity.
Around 150 entrants were decimated to a deadly dozen in the first knockout round.
The 12 semi-finalists were:
Polarsets
The 10:04’s
The Hollowtin Sorrows
The Rebs
Be Like Pablo
SOE
Lovehead
Spiderico
The OK Social Club
The Sundancer
City Reign
Johnny Normal
From a judging panel of television and radio representatives, local musicians, the festival organiser and three of the Wickerman directors, the 12 were whittled down to a final 3 contenders.
Michael Eavis the patron Saint of festivals and Rick Fulton from the Daily Record Razz column will now assist in the final judging.
Our 3 hopefuls for a main stage opening slot and TV advert soundtrack are:
Polarsets
The Hollowtin Sorrows
Be Like Pablo
The winner will be revealed in a couple of weeks and we would like to thank all the musicians who have entered the competition.
The winner will be notified by phone.
Black Dog Tipis Available To Hire at Wickerman 2010 (24th March)
Why not party in luxury in 2010 with our fantastic new Tipi suppliers, Black Dog Tipis!
Hire a beautiful handmade Tipi for the festival weekend and experience the beauty of these majestic structures. Warm and snug on windy nights and cool on hot summer afternoons. Our Tipis, based on native American tradition have been improved to better suit our conditions, are made from high quality materials and come complete with inner liner, rainhood, groundsheet and matting. Choose from the Standard or Luxury Tipis, both 18ft and party in style at Wickerman 2010. Your Tipi will be pitched and fitted out awaiting your arrival, when you will be greeted and settled in. Tipis are perfect for families or groups of friends.
For full details and prices click here.
First Acts For 2010 (19th March)
Birmingham legends Ocean Colour Scene will be headlining the main stage on Saturday 24th July. The Indie scenes most prolific act will be joined by current Radio One darlings The Futureheads.
Ireland is well represented in the shape of The Saw Doctors and The Undertones.
Glasgow too grabs a piece of the action through Codeine Velvet Club formed by Lou Hickey and The Fratelli’s front man Jon Lawler.
From further afield The Grass Mountain Hobos will make the journey from Charlottetown, Canada to the sleek hillocks of Galloway.
Comedic mayhem will be provided by Ed Tudorpole.
To observe the full band listings check out the Line Up page.
As the festival hitches up its skirts and gathers a head of steam for 2010 more acts will be announced. Make sure and stride back for more details.
Yurts, Squrts and Cloudhouses are returning to Wickerman (5th Feb)
If you fancy a bit of luxury for the Wickerman weekend or indeed just don't like putting up your own tent, why not try using the service provided by Cloudhouses and choose from a yurt, squrt or cloudhouse.
For full details and prices click here.
Book soon to avoid disappointment, they have sold out every year.
2009 Festival Awards (25th November)
Despite heroic voting efforts by the Wickerman faithful we had to leave the 09 Festival Awards empty handed.
Indeed the mantelpieces of Scotlands festival organisers will be looking pretty bare this winter. However, we were once again overwhelmed by the support we received and would like to thank you for taking time to put digit to button.
Those pesky varmints that did land a prize were Leefest (Grass Roots Award) and Camp Bestival (Family Festival Award), we reckon they put on a good show and wish them all the best.
Edward Woodward (16th November)
The central actor in The Wicker Man movie has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Edward Woodward played the puritan anti-pagan policeman Sergeant Howie. Howie was lured to Summerisle in order to be sacrificed in a giant wicker man. His performance in the movie partly inspired the idea of our festival. We are sad to hear of his demise and hope he will be remembered for his outstanding performance in The Wicker Man's closing scenes.
Vampires and Werewolves - Fancy Dress Fun 2010 (19th October)
Lycans and the un-dead are the inspiration for the 2010 fancy dress theme. Vampires have been born again cool with the recent TV, movie and book success of True Blood and the Twilight Saga.
Not to be outdone their furry foes the Werewolves have also enjoyed digital fame in the likes of Harry Potter, Dog Soldiers and Underworld.
We invite you to unearth those long forgotten Halloween costumes and get in the Hammy Horror groove for next July's fangtastic celebration of all things Fiery and Fearsome.
If you are flummoxed for ideas then you may want to refer to those guys who lead the way in Vampire and Werewolf chic:
- Count von Count
- Nosferatu
- Buffy
- Angel
- Edward Cullen (Rob Pattinson,Twilight)
- Blade (Wesley Snipes)
- Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt, Interview with a Vampire)
- Seth Gecko (George Clooney, From Dusk Til Dawn)
- Selene (Kate Beckinsale, Underworld)
- Teen Wolf (Michael J Fox)
- Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner, Twilight)
- Will Randall (Jack Nicholson, Wolf)
...and not forgetting Little Red Riding Hood
Keep howling back for details...
