The Skids formed in 1977 in their home town of Dunfermline, Scotland by Richard Jobson, Stuart Adamson, Bill Simpson & Tom Kellichan. After releasing an independent single the band were played by John Peel, supported The Clash in concert and then were signed to Virgin Records in 1978. Their first singles were ‘Sweet Surburbia’, ‘The Saints are Coming’ and ‘Into the Valley’ - the latter reaching the UK Top Ten in early 1979. Their seminal debut album ‘Scared to Dance’; came out in 1979 and was quickly followed by two chart singles – ‘Masquerade’ and ‘Working for the Yankee Dollar’. Both singles were taken from the Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe) produced second album ‘Days in Europa’. The album also featured new member Rusty Egan of Rich Kids & Visage fame after the departure of Tom Kellichan. The band released two more albums ‘The Absolute Game’ (1980) and ‘Joy’ (1981) before splitting. Stuart Adamson went on to have worldwide success with his new band Big Country. The Skids were at the heart of the punk scene in Scotland and took their music to London where they were signed by Virgin records. They made 4 albums and had numerous hit singles including Into the Valley, The Saints are Coming, Masquerade and Working for the Yankee Dollar. The most recent Skids lineup includes Richard Jobson, Martin Metcalfe and Fin Wilson (Goodbye Mr Mackenzie), Nick Hernandez and Connor Whyte.

The Wedding Present, formed from the ashes of Lost Pandas, were founded in Leeds, England, in 1985. The only constant member throughout the group's history was singer/songwriter David Gedge. The initial line-up included guitarist Peter Solowka, bassist Keith Gregory, and drummer Shaun Charman.

Live '90s dance anthems band playing all the classics from the best era of dance music.

The Orb virtually invented the electronic genre known as ambient house, resurrecting slower, more soulful rhythms and providing a soundtrack for early-morning ravers once the clubs closed their doors. Founded in 1988 by Alex Paterson and The KLF member Jimmy Cauty, membership of The Orb has been fluid over the years, with Paterson remaining the only constant throughout. The Orb released their fifteenth studio album, ‘No Sounds Are Out of Bounds’, in 2018 via Cooking Vinyl. These fifteen albums plus EPs, singles, compilations and live recordings have influenced countless other musicians along the way.

The Beat formed in 1979 and released their debut single, an infectious cover of the Smokey Robinson classic Tears of A Clown on 2-Tone Records which went straight into the UK national charts at #6. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, Madness and The Selecter, The Beat became an overnight sensation. Bow Wow Wow were created by Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren in 1980 from members of the Adam and the Ants group along with vocalist Annabella Lwin. Between 1980-1983 Bow Wow Wow had acclaimed singles such as I Want Candy, C-30 C60 C-90 Go, Go Wild In The Country, Fools Rush In, Afrodisiac, Do You Wanna Hold Me, Sexy Eiffel Towers, Louis Quatorze and more.

One of the key bands of the UK ska revival of the late '70s and early '80s,The Beat achieved a near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars in Britain and won them a substantial cult following in the United States. The Beat were based in Birmingham, England and released their debut single, "Tears of a Clown" b/w "Ranking Full Stop," through the Specials' 2-Tone label in 1979. The single went Top Ten in the U.K., and they soon struck a deal with Arista to distribute their own Go Feet label. 1980's I Just Can't Stop It (released by Sire in the United States) went gold in England on the strength of the single "Mirror in the Bathroom," and the band's ferocious performances and clever blend of personal and political lyrics made them stars at home. Ranking Jnr, son of the late Ranking Roger, is carrying on his father's legacy. The Beat feat Ranking Jnr tour dates listed on Ents24.com since Aug 2022.

Larry's been spending a lot of time with his granny lately. He wants to tell you about it. Join the thrice Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated, two-time star of Live At The Apollo for a hilarious new show about identity, heroes and the benefits of being a dafty. As seen on Mock The Week, House Of Games, Fandan (Channel 4 Comedy Special) and Michael McIntyre's Big Show. "Twinklingly charismatic the gag rate is ridiculously " ★★★★★ Telegraph A superb piece of stand-up at the top of his game ★★★★★ Independent An innately gifted and multifaceted performer Chortle It's the kind of magnetic set that might restore your faith in the art form Fest Mag

Get ready for a celebration of Alabama 3’s 1997 debut album, Exile On Coldharbour Lane and their sophomore album, La Peste, alongside a selection of greatest hits. It's the 25th anniversary of the hit song "Woke Up This Morning", which served as the iconic theme song for the acclaimed TV show The Sopranos, and the track which features on both records.

Oysterband, the 5-times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning outfit that brought passion, power and not a little poetry to folk and roots music, enter their fifth decade as vital and creative as ever, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out The Lights; When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down); Blood Wedding; Everywhere I Go; The Oxford Girl; Granite Years; Native Son; A River Runs… these and many others from their vast back catalogue will feature as they embark on another year of international touring and festivals. Theirs has been a unique and fiercely independent career. Oysterband still play with that spirit of the punk ceilidh band that roared through people’s lives all those years ago. But the growing depth and sensitivity of their songwriting, coupled with the strength of John Jones’ voice and their remarkable musicianship, have lifted their music into a richer, more acoustic era. Their occasional collaboration with folk diva June Tabor has produced two cult-classic award-winning albums, Freedom & Rain and Ragged Kingdom. The latter and their hugely influential album Holy Bandits were voted nos. 4 and 5 among the Ten Best Albums of the last 30 years by the public in a poll by fRoots Magazine in 2016. Oysterband are: John Jones - voice, melodeon Alan Prosser - guitars, voice Ian Telfer - violin, keyboard, voice Al Scott - bass, mandolin, voice Adrian Oxaal - cello, guitar, bouzouki, voice and the newest member, formerly of Bellowhead, Pete Flood - drums, percussion, voice

Indie-pop and pop-rock by the four-piece from Hanwell, comprised of two pairs of brothers and sisters.

Mercury Rev celebrates with a very special acoustic and intimate performance. An intimate, acoustic evening featuring many of the stories and songs surrounding the Mercury Rev's heart-breaking 1998 classic 'Deserter's Songs'. Performed in the fragile 'whisper and strum' way they were originally written, this promises to be an extraordinary glimpse into the forces that nearly destroyed a band and the strange events leading toward a most unexpected return.

Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed around the world, has opened for Guz Khan on his UK Tour, can be seen on Man Like Mobeen (Netflix), Deepfake (Channel 4), She’s the One (Amazon) and heard on his hit Podcast, Rated 18.

There can’t be many other bands in the UK with as fervent a fanbase as The Rifles. Over a decade after their formation, they can still play to thousands of fans all over the country. They have an impressive catalogue under their belt which includes 5 studio albums and a host of songs that have become institutional fan favourites, and it is these tracks that have been compiled to form the new compilation, 'Singles Collection'. It’s hard to think of a band more operating on their own terms, more outside of any sphere of influence, and more still alive than the Rifles. 'Singles Collection' is a retrospective homage to that achievement.

With a repertoire stretching from politicians to comedians and sports stars, Josh quickly became a hit live and online. He says he used to use his impressions to help deal with life’s little challenges, like using the voice of Daniel Radcliffe to get a date. Having seen his compilation of tennis player impressions go viral he now counts the likes of Andy Murray as fans.

BC Camplight is an England-based American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His 2005 album Hide, Run Away was released by One Little Indian and featured Cynthia G. Mason on vocals. Camplight's follow-up, Blink of a Nihilist, was released in 2007, and his third album came out in January 2015 on Bella Union.

Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide. The band have also added a tribute into their show to ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist (and world renowned solo artist) Gary Moore. From their Official PRS award, performing for Virgin Atlantic in Barbados, T.V. appearances (BBC 2’s ‘Arena’ amongst others), and to actually being recruited to record and tour by members of the original Thin Lizzy, Limehouse Lizzy enter their 25th year with their most explosive show and critically-acclaimed line-up yet. The boys are back!

Comedian, not a person with Comedy. Autistic, not a person with Autism. In 2020 Joe wrote a stand up routine about his (severely)non-autistic brother. A video of the routine went viral, gaining over 2.5 million views. Joe then found himself as an unelected spokesperson for all autistic people. That was a lot of pressure. Everyone wanted to know what it meant to be autistic, but he was still working it out for himself. Follow up to the critically acclaimed "Joe Wells Doesn't Want to Do Political Comedy Anymore!", this is a show about identity, neurodiversity and the pressures of finding social media fame. As seen on BBC2's, Ouch! Storytelling Live, BBC3's Quickies and Dave's Comedy Guide To Life. Co-Host of the Neuro-divergent Moments podcast and author of Wired Differently: 30 Neuro divergent People Who You Should Know.

Alan Sparhawk (of the band Low)

Lucy started out as a singer-songwriter performing at open-mic nights around the country. At just 19-years-old she took the brave decision to perform her self-penned hit ‘Last Night (Beer Fear)’ on the X Factor and secured a Top 20 single and Top 30 self-released album whilst still competing in the show. That journey resulted in her becoming the most Googled musician of 2012. Through relentless touring, her innate songwriting ability and an ever growing fanbase, Lucy has now achieved an incredible 5 consecutive Top 30 albums. ‘Today Was A Good Day’ marked a new chapter for Lucy musically and personally. Produced by Jon Maguire (Calum Scott, Kodaline), Lucy sounds at her most confident and accomplished. Now the journey continues with her biggest tour of the UK and Ireland playing at 32 different venues.

Liverpool legend Ian Prowse makes a most welcome return. It's been a busy time for Ian. When he's not been on the road with his band Amsterdam for The Plough Tour, he was appearing as special guest for Elvis Costello & The Imposters on their "Boy Named If" tour. Take this opportunity to see his solo show where you can look forward to him performing old favourites like the iconic " Does This Train Stop on Merseyside?" through to songs from his new album and everything inbetween!

Gama Bomb formed in Newry and Dublin, Ireland, where members Philly Byrne (vocals), Domo Dixon and John Roche (guitars) and Joe McGuigan (bass and vocals) bonded over cult movies, comics and 80s thrash metal cassettes. Since forming in 2002 the band have released seven studio albums of neck-wrecking metal shot through with pop culture nods and social commentary.

Golden Touch Festival marks its sixth year in 2025 as a standout event in Portsmouth and the South Coast music scene. Established to connect independent artists with national touring acts, Golden Touch has become a vital part of the local music landscape. Since its inception in 2019, we've welcomed talented performers such as Vistas, Cassia, Corella, The K's, The Royston Club, The Clause, Casey Lowry, Bears in Trees, and many others. This year, we're excited to expand the festival to two full days of music for the very first time. Golden Touch is all about fostering a strong community where bands and fans can connect on a deeper level. We take pride in being hosted at grassroots music venues, and the artists featured at Golden Touch share our values and passion for music.

South coast indie punk band. The Lonely Surf is: Dom Wright - Acoustic Guitar and Vocals Matt Gibbons - Electric Guitar and Vocals Filipe Martins - Bass Tom Webb - Drums

Abdoujaparov are a punk band formed on 19 October 1998 by ex-Carter USM guitarist Les Carter. Abdoujaparov's musical foundation is in 1977 punk rock.

Created by Gordon Chapman-Fox, the Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan is a musical project that explores this history and its reverberations today. Looking backward and forward, Chapman-Fox explores the artistic traces of this modernist architecture's lingering hauntology.

Down & Dirty! AC/DC is a band whose appeal is huge, widespread through the generations and totally indifferent to musical fashions. Their unique formula of tight riffs and fat rhythm combines dance ability with hard-rocking anthems that flow through the blood of all who have been smitten by their cheeky-but-colossal offerings. If you want to see AC/DC, but your options are limited, then check out Dirty DC. You will not be disappointed. All the energy and electricity of an AC/DC show along with completely faithful renditions will leave you trembling, with a smile on your face. Dirty DC have been playing throughout Britain and parts of Europe since 1998, and have developed the line-up and dynamic stage show that has made their current reputation seriously strong amongst AC/DC fans, whether die-hard fanatics, or just people who want a good night out. Every visual detail has been fine-tuned; from drum kit model to footwear, but most importantly, the musical delivery and stage show has an impact that does not fail to impress.

The Fun Lovin' Criminals (often referred to by their acronym, FLC) is an American alternative hip-hop/alternative rock group from New York City. Their musical style is primarily eclectic, covering styles such as hip-hop, rock, funk, blues and jazz. Their songs often deal with life in New York City, as well as urban life in general. As a band, they cover such issues as organised crime, recreational drug use, violence, poverty and politics. Their songs are often gritty or existentialist in nature, but are just as often humourous or satirical. They are best known for their hit Scooby Snacks, which features samples from films by Quentin Tarantino, as well as the song Love Unlimited, which serves as a comical tribute to Barry White (and shares its name with White's backing vocal group). The band gained a large following internationally, notably in north-west Europe, around the release of their first two albums in the late Nineties.

Danny George Wilson has been touring the world and making critically acclaimed records for nearly 20 years now, the first Grand Drive release was on Loose Back in 1997. Since forming as ‘Danny & The Champions of the World’, the band have released four albums, the latest, ‘Stay True’, being their ‘finest set yet’ according to Mojo Magazine. Danny & The Champions Of The World are and have always been a loose collection of great musicians, songwriters, stowaways and adventurers. Danny talks of Stay True as being inspired by the ‘great soul, country and rock n roll of Stax, Muscle Shoals, The Band, Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham, Dion DiMucci, Van Morrisson, Ronnie Lane meets Ronnie Spector’! It is an album steeped in good times, bad times, family, friends and powered by a great jukebox. It is without a doubt, the work of a champ.

Formed in 1991 by Tanya Donelly (formerly of Throwing Muses and the Breeders) with Tom and Chris Gorman, Belly became known for a blend of spirited guitar rock, countrified dream-pop, and Donelly’s haunting lyrics and voice. The band’s 1993 debut album, Star, was a hit with critics and listeners alike. Belly is a band in the truest sense: the secret to their chemistry lies in the mix of personalities and complementary strengths.

The Lovely Eggs are an underground surreal-psych punk rock duo from northern England. They have a fierce ethos that music should have no rules. For Holly and David, being in a band is a way of life. True to this , they live the way they play -- fiercely, constantly, in search of the good times. With 8/10 thumbs up from the NME and much support from BBC6 Music and Radio 1, the band continues to sell out gigs across the UK without the help of management, booking agent or record label support. With six BBC 6 Music sessions under their belt, as well as sessions for Radio 1 and XFM, The Lovely Eggs have enjoyed huge support from BBC 6 Music with airplay from DJs Marc Riley, Steve Lamacq, Lauren Laverne, Chris Hawkins, Gideon Coe, Shaun Keavney and Radcliffe and Maconie. Their songs have been produced by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), remixed by Tinder Singh (Cornershop) and sampled by Zane Lowe for Scrubius Pip. With releases in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan, The Lovely Eggs have played around the UK, USA and Europe. With observational and often surreal lyrics about life, The Lovely Eggs have a powerful, stripped-down sound: one vintage guitar amp, One Big Muff distortion pedal, a guitar and drum kit.

Kristin Hersh brings the Throwing Muses live show to Europe in Spring 2025. Their first tour since 2011, the Muses will embark on a 2025 European tour as a three-piece, fronted by Hersh. Hersh remains one of the most unique and singular talents of her generation, a celebrated and gifted writer as well as a relentlessly touring musician. Throwing Muses finds Hersh going back to where it all began, with nearly 40 years of Muses history behind them. This year marks a new chapter in the project. A very rare opportunity to witness one of the great cult American rock bands, we look forward to presenting the Muses on their intimate European adventure.

The Longest Johns are a Bristol based, a capella folk music band, born out of a mutual love of traditional folk songs and shanties. They rock maritime songs alongside the more unusual and less traditional folk tunes. I doubt any of Bristol’s The Longest Johns ever imagined they would be able to get so far on just four voices. In a few short years they have gone from singing sea shanties in a kitchen to International folk festivals, tours, TV appearances and gained a huge online following. As the face of the 2021 sea shanty revival with their track Wellerman, the Johns are reaching millions of new fans all across the globe and showing them just how great these songs can be.

Hunny Buzz perfectly captures human nature's duality in an indie-pop melancholy and bubbly style. Lead vocalist Lyd Read undresses the struggles of modern love, within her personal and relatable lyricism and the band's pastel guitar theme and colourful sound is refreshing and pure. Hunny Buzzs BBC Radio 1 debut single Love Me Like You Used To is about the natural bumps in the road that occur between two people in love. As a relationship grows, there is more to learn about one another and differences that go without notice in the honeymoon phase become more apparent. This is a story which enlightens the hiccups of a modern love story. Lyds american-twangy vocal style accompanies a powerful lead guitar taking inspiration from indie-pop, alt-rock and folk genres. The track boasts influences such as The Pretenders, Taylor Swift and Paramore. Singer/songwriter Lydia Read has been writing and performing songs for as long as she can remember. In 2020 she moved to Bristol to immerse herself in the city's creative music industry. She met melodic guitarist Rowan Barfoot and energetic drummer Billy Pedrick during this time. Several months later, they met songwriter, producer, and bassist Ewan Base, who completed their four-piece. The past two years have been packed with writing, performing, and recording, L leading to their debut BBC Radio 1 single Love Me Like You Used To, presented by Gemma Bradley.

Pentire are an indie band who make pop songs for the post-jangle generation through the smiles and sweat of the mosh pit. This Herefordshire four-piece tell cheap lager-soaked stories of student life, a small-town upbringing, and the innocence of youth. Brought up on a diet of The Killers, Paolo Nutini and Stereophonics, frontman and principal songwriter Jack formed a band with his best mate Owen in the sleepy town of Ross-on-Wye. The two friends met drummer Jake and bass player Jacob whilst at university, which cemented the four-piece that is now selling out venues across the UK.

One of the UK’s most in-demand comedians, Sonubi is a powerhouse on stage, delivering unstoppable energy, razor-sharp wit, and stories that hit hard as he can and still land even harder.

A vital component of the infamous ‘Madchester’ movement, Inspiral Carpets formed in Oldham in 1980. Known for hit singles such as ‘This Is How It Feels’, ‘Saturn 5’ and ‘She Comes in the Fall’, they remain much-loved not only in Manchester but across the UK.

One of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK’s festival scene, Ozric Tentacles formed during the solstice at Stonehenge Free Festival 1983 going on to become psychedelic staples at Glastonbury and other festivals. The creative vision of multi-instrumentalist Ed Wynne, the Ozrics’ uniquely trippy soundscapes connect fans of progressive rock, psychedelia and dance music culture.

Biig Time is a brother’s run side-project consisting of Johnny Took (DMA’S) + Matty Took (Planet).

Originally known as Mustardseed and Platypus, The Subways gained recognition after winning the Glastonbury Unsigned Performers Competition in 2004. They released their debut album, "Young for Eternity," in 2005.

Accompanied by Benji Kirkpatrick & Alex Hart Following on from the sell-out success of a Spring tour this year, Westcountry folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman has announced another run of intimate shows in 2023 accompanied by folk singer and musician Benji Kirkpatrick and Devon singer-songwriter Alex Hart. Seth Lakeman was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for 'Kitty Jay'. It catapulted Lakeman into the forefront of the new British folk movement and his follow up was the gold-selling ‘Freedom Fields’. Produced by his brother Sean Lakeman it went on to become Seth’s first of 6 UK Top 40 albums. It was the 15th anniversary of the album, which includes ‘Lady of the Sea’, ‘King and Country’ and ‘White Hare’, in 2021 which prompted a Deluxe Reissue on Vinyl with bonus tracks. Seth released his 11th studio album Make Your Mark in November 2021. Written during his enforced 18 months off the road, the album features 14 powerful, brand-new songs including the singles Higher We Aspire and title track Make Your Mark which were playlisted at BBC Radio 2. The following year, Seth was part of the ‘Sea Song Sessions’ album released in September 2022 on Topic Records. A collection of British maritime folk songs and sea shanties performed by Jon Boden, Seth, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman and Jack Rutter.

A group of tried-and-true musicians got together and found the sort of camaraderie and kinship you typically only find once in a lifetime. They didn’t overthink it. They didn’t waste a second. They simply left their blood, sweat, and tears on tape—like they’ve always done. For as much as Better Lovers represents the union of former Every Time I Die members Jordan Buckley [guitar], Steve Micciche [bass], and Clayton “Goose” Holyoak [drums] with The Dillinger Escape Plan frontman Greg Puciato [vocals], and musician (Fit For An Autopsy/END) and GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, Will Putney [guitar], it really cements the bond of five friends around a shared vision. That vision is as uncompromising, unapologetic, and undeniable as anything they’ve individually done, yet it’s refined by experience and a commitment to a future together. They’re in it for the long haul. Jordan ended up back in Buffalo, NY, jamming with Steve and Goose during the winter of 2022. After working with Will on the last two Every Time I Die records, they shared a handful of early demos with him to produce. As the year progressed, Jordan caught Greg on the road with Jerry Cantrell in Las Vegas, mentioning the new music. Once ideas solidified, he shared them with the vocalist who replied at 3 am one night in December.

Arab Strap are a Scottish indie rock band whose core members are Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, split in 2006 and reformed in 2016. The band signed to Rock Action Records in 2020. This is an 18+ event.

Soot Sprite are a four piece indie/shoegaze from the south of England. Songs that are equal parts bleak and bright, shatter and shimmer in your sweet little ears.

Life can’t just be the humdrum, the mundane and the routine before the inevitable slide to disease, decay and death. Why can’t we sneak in a bit of awesome, a tad of amazing and maybe a smidge of wonderful? A forest canopy opening onto a huge vista would be enchanting for some but my ancestors wandered in the desert for forty years, I think we’ve been outdoors enough. Others get their fix from the spiritual but I’ve been harbouring a grudge against God since my mother stopped me going to Arsenal after my Barmitzvah. Forty nine years ago. ’God will be watching’ she said. Well, at least he got to see the game. The point is, life could be so much better so I’m on the lookout. Come and join me on the hunt.

Remember Monday is a British country pop trio composed of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele.

Best known as a core member of Afro Celt Sound System, the world-renowned Griot master musician and multi-instrumentalist's latest solo project is a mixture of polyphony and electronic music in symbiosis with traditional instruments, called Afrotronix. Join them for an unforgettable night filled with vibrant rhythms, soul-stirring harmonies, and a celebration of cultural diversity. Feel the energy and be transported by N'Faly's virtuoso performances on the stage, where his infectious passion for music will ignite your spirit.

Singer-songwriter Will Varley has come a long way since his early days haunting the open mics of South London and busking around on The Underground. Over the past few years, Will has toured relentlessly across Europe and America as a support act for Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Valerie June, and The Proclaimers and he's sold out his own headline shows in cities as far afield as Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam and Vienna. High praise from the likes of Tim Minchin and Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention have helped fan the flames, as his audience continues to grow both on the road and online.

Straddling the line between punk and new-wave Peter Perrett cut his teeth on the London scene in the 1970s fronting The Only Ones. His solo material brings those influences back and puts his songwriting at the forefront once again.