Music
Festival preview: Five reasons Wireless is ready to rock, roll and rave
Electronic, grime, rock, R&B and rap…expect all of that and more at Wireless on 8 – 10 July.
The line-up is built on big names and peppered with up-and-coming artists spanning a variety of genres and styles, all joining forces for a full weekend of mind-blowing music. Being held again at North London’s beautiful Finsbury Park, here are just a few of the reasons we’re stoked about this year’s festival.
The high-profile headliners
Look to Calvin Harris to deliver a truly barnstorming performance on the opening night of Wireless. The Scottish DJ/producer couldn’t be any hotter. His latest single, This Is What You Came For featuring Rihanna, has been topping the charts everywhere. Plus Harris is a springboard to a host of similarly hot headliners. Prepare to dance until you drop to the electrifying electronic music of Chase & Status and Kygo, the cool urban beats of J. Cole and the gritty grime of Boy Better Know on Saturday and Sunday nights.
So many other artists we’re buzzing about
As if five superstar headliners weren’t amazing enough for one festival, Wireless is welcoming a veritable smorgasbord of great musicians to perform along with them. Part of this festival’s charm is the way it brings together an extremely diverse line-up. Where else could you hear The 1975’s alt rock sounds along with Bryson Tiller’s Trapsoul magnificence and Miguel’s R&B crooning? Singer-songwriter Craig David, an international platinum-selling sensation, will be there too – fresh from his sold-out European tour. You can also see MOBO Award-winning duo Krept and Konan, British songstress Jess Glynne and grime royalty Lady Leshurr. We can’t wait to hear Martin Garrix’s electric mix of EDM and house music. And we’re beyond excited to see the always glamorous Fergie; an eight-time Grammy Award winner best known for her vocals with The Black Eyed Peas, she’ll be performing her first new material in more than two years.
The emerging stars
Want to hear the newest voices in grime? Then Wireless is the place to be. Come check out Ghetts, whose 2014 debut studio album has garnered critical acclaim, and Fekky, the South London rapper who has released tracks with Dizzee Rascal and Skepta. Also on the cusp of stardom with their infectious house music is 99 Souls. We can’t get enough of their top 10 hit The Girl Is Mine. And we’re hooked on 18-year-old classically-trained singer Jorja Smith. Her recent debut single, Blue Lights, showcases her angelic voice – which we imagine will be even more stirring live on stage at Wireless.
DJ Charlesy
Anyone who listens to Capital FM/XTRA radio or who’s been to a Wireless festival in the past few years knows DJ Charlesy. A label-mate of Tinie Tempah on Disturbing London Records, he’ll be hosting the main stage throughout the weekend. He knows how to keep everyone hyped between performances with his unique style and fusion of electric tracks.
The partying
Wireless isn’t dubbed ‘the ultimate summer party’ for nothing. In addition to the music, there will be loads of cool stuff to enjoy by day and night. We not only anticipate a big boozy beer garden, but also plenty of mouthwatering food stalls, games, competitions and some fairground-style attractions.
Now gearing up for its 11th year, Wireless has been at the forefront of the festival scene since its debut in 2005. With only about a month to go before this year’s event kicks off, you’d better make sure you have tickets because if previous years are anything to go by, then 2016 is sure to be a sell-out!
