One of the biggest music festivals in the North East is soon to be returning as Hardwick Live gets geared up to bring you another star-studded line-up come 18th/19th August.
Taking a break in 2016, replaced by Down to the Woods, Hardwick Live makes its comeback from 2015 where headliners included big names like Razorlight and James. The crowds were rocking well into the night, and the organisers have clearly not let high expectations scare them as they return this year.
Kicking off the weekend, and heading to Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield on Friday 18th August, are world-renowned ska band, Madness. Well-known for their on-stage antics, and with hits like ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘House of Fun’, they’re certain to have festival-goers skanking from start to finish. Support for the evening comes from Smoove & Turrell – a Northern electronica group that creates a style of music they describe as ‘Northern Funk’. The duo’s contemporary sound fuses a variety of musical genres including funk, Northern soul, hip hop and jazz.The big names will also return to
The big names will also return to main stage for the Saturday in the form of 90s Britpop stars, Ocean Colour Scene who will be bringing huge hits like ‘The Day We Caught the Train’ and ‘The Riverboat Song’. As well as Ocean Colour Scene, London troubadour, Pete Doherty will be performing. The Libertines and Babyshambles frontman will be performing acoustically in what promises to be a casual, laidback set from one the best songwriters of his generation.
The big names don’t end there, as the main stage will also play host to many other well-known acts. New York rockers Fun Lovin’ Criminals will bring their hip-hop laced rhythmic rock to the North East. Joining them on the main stage will be punk pioneers, Buzzcocks who celebrating a 40-year long career – expect big hits like ‘Ever Fallen in Love’ and ‘What Do I Get’. If your taste favours more of the funk variety, fear not, as legends Soul II Soul also appears on the main stage. There are many more music acts for you to sink your teeth into as well, with upcoming Sheffield band The Sherlocks also featuring as well as popular North East act, Cattle & Cane.
One of the highlights of the weekend is sure to be The Bootleg Beatles – a world-renowned Beatles tribute act that have shared the stage with the likes of Oasis at their historic Knebworth shows. The Bootleg Beatles play all the biggest hits of the fab four in a show that offers fun for everyone. As well as a great host of bands, there’s a brilliant selection of DJ sets on offer – you can watch legends like Danny Rampling, classed as a pivotal part of the early UK rave scene.
Also, fresh from a Celebrity Big Brother appearance, is renowned club DJ Brandon Block who will also be featuring in the Yorkshire countryside. If music isn’t all you’re interested in then there is a good selection of comedians for you to choose from, such as Otiz Canellioni and Phil Walker.
Hardwick Live has quickly established itself as not only a favourite of people from the North East, but also people from across the UK. Speaking to a few festival-goers who attended Hardwick Live in 2015, they told me that the reason they love the event so much is because: “it gives local talent a chance to shine, but also brings in the big names”.
One of the biggest pulls for Hardwick Live is the diversity it offers. Unlike some festivals that only cater to one genre, Hardwick Live offers something for people of all interests and ages; there are funfair rides and children’s areas for younger customers and pop-up restaurants and bars for the adults.
Hardwick Live really is unique and not something to be missed this festival season.
Tickets for both the Friday and Saturday can now be purchased at hardwicklive.co.uk/tickets/.
