New for 2011

Arenas

RockNess have laid on three brand new arenas for 2011. Firstly, the Rock’n’Roll Circus will showcase cutting-edge music and comedy talent from the likes of Jamie Woon and The Cuban Brothers. Secondly, Glasgow clubbing institution Sub Club will present Sub Club Sound System, hosting Modeselektor, Jamie XX and Optimo. Finally, the new Sound City Stage will feature the top 20 entries in the Sound City nationwide talent search for hot new bands and solo artists.

Comedy

The festival has no fewer than 28 comedians signed up to appear over the course of the weekend. From the best Scottish talent to some of the biggest festival comics from around the world. Highlights will no doubt include Ian Cognito, Ro Campbell, Sean Hughes and Daniel Sloss.

Streaming

Exclusive coverage of this year’s RockNess will be made available to watch on the BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA. The viewing package will include a mixture of live-streamed headline shows and highlights will air right through to September to ensure those who missed out can catch up, and those who can’t get enough can relive it.

Celebrations

Glasgow’s Soma Records celebrate 20 years of releasing the crème de la crème of electronic dance music in 2011 (see our interview with Slam/Soma bod Orde Meikle for more on that), and RockNess will be helping them by laying on a three-day party that will include performances from the likes of Erol Alkan, Pan-Pot, Andrew Weatherall, Funk D’Void and Ewan Pearson.

Weekend highlights

Attendees of RockNess hail from many different musical tribes - whichever one you belong to, you'll find the acts you won't want to miss below.

Indie Rockers

Chief: Kasabian brought T in the Park to a storming close last year and their electro rock anthems should tear up the banks of Loch Ness as they headline on Friday.
Followers: The Cribs, Jim Jones Revue, We Are Scientists, The Wombats, Bombay Bicycle Club.

Bass Addicts

Chief: Magnetic Man, confusingly not a man but three as Benga, Skream and Artwork bring dubstep to the masses.
Followers: Jamie Woon, Nero, Skrillex, Sub Focus, Katy B, Jamie xx.

Dancefloor Bangers

Chief: The Chemical Brothers have a seemingly unending list of infectious, heavy-hitting hits from ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’ and ‘Hey Boy Hey Girl’ to ‘Galvanise’. The perfect Saturday night closer.
Followers: Groove Armada, Simian Mobile Disco, Japanese Popstars, Example.

House Heads

Chief: Hailing from Chicago, Derrick Carter knows his house. Expect smooth cuts, deep deep grooves and liquid beats.
Followers: Laidback Luke, Master H, Harri & Domenic, Jesse Rose.

Scratch Perverts

Chief: DJ Shadow is an acknowledged master of the art of deck manipulation. His classic albums have proved one man and his turntable can be the next step in musical evolution.
Followers: DJ Yoda, Mark Ronson, Erol Alkan.

Great Scots

Chief: After three years away, Glasgow’s Sons & Daughters make a welcome return to the festival circuit, playing out their new album of folk-tinged, rock stompers Mirror Mirror.
Followers: Frightened Rabbit, Broken Records, Clouds, Emeli Sandé.

Laughing Boys

Chief: After the success of Kevin Bridges in 2010, RockNess is launching a comedy stage this year. Sean Hughes is a master stand up, making jokes out of the misery of the mundane.
Followers: Daniel Sloss, Scott Agnew, Ro Campbell, the Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolf III.

Travel

The easiest way to get yourself to RockNess is via Citylink’s direct bus service. Here’s our handy guide to their services:

GLASGOW

Outward:
Friday 10 June
9.45am–2pm
11.45am–4pm
Saturday 11 June
9am–1.15pm
Sunday 12 June
9am–1.15pm

Return:
Saturday 11 June
11.30pm–3.45am
Sunday 12 June
11.30pm–3.45am
Monday 13 June
9am–1.15pm
10am–2.15pm
11pm–3.15pm
noon–4.15pm

EDINBURGH

Outward:
Friday 10 June
Noon–4pm
Saturday 11 June
9am–1pm
Sunday 12 June
9am–1pm

Return:
Saturday 11 June
11.30pm–3.30am
Sunday 12 June
11.30pm–3.30am
Monday 13 June
10.30am–2.30pm
11.30am–3.30pm

STIRLING

Outward:
Friday 10 June
10.30am–2pm
12.30–4pm
Saturday 11 June
9.45am–1.15pm
Sunday 12 June
9.45am–1.15pm

Return:
Saturday 11 June
11.30pm–3am
Sunday 12 June
11.30pm–3am
Monday 13 June
9am–12.30pm
10am–1.30pm
11am–2.30pm
noon–3.30pm

DUNDEE

Outward:
Friday 10 June
1pm–4.30pm

Return:
Monday 13 June
10.30am–2pm