Biffy Clyro, Jake Bugg and System of a down at Reading

Written by Jeremy Wilton on .

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Reading & Leeds Festivals can now reveal that the next Main Stage headliner for 2013 is Biffy Clyro, in what will be a UK festival exclusive performance. The band joins Eminem, another UK festival exclusive, as headliners at the Festivals with the final headline act soon to be revealed!
 
Expect to hear hits from the band’s extensive catalogue as well as tracks from their current Number One double album ‘Opposites’. With a recent NME Award nomination for ‘Best British Band’ and ‘Best Live Band’, 2013 is set to be an incredible year for Biffy Clyro. Reading & Leeds Festivals, the biggest rock festivals in the UK, are the perfect place to witness the band in action.
 
One of the most successful alt-rock bands of all time, System Of A Down make a welcome return to Reading & Leeds. The band have only played a handful of gigs since they reformed in 2010, but they are back in the UK to play the Main Stage at the 2013 Festivals, which is sure to be a highlight of the weekend.  
 
Reading & Leeds are excited to announce that recently reformed festival favourites Fall Out Boy will take to the Main Stage in a UK festival exclusive performance.  Their live shows are always anarchic and tend to include a few irreverent turns. Their performance at the Festivals this summer will feature songs from across the band’s entire career and will be unmissable.
 
Foals have played Reading & Leeds Festivals three times before, working their way up from the smallest tent, to this year taking their rightful place on the Main Stage. Recently nominated for ‘Best Track’ (‘Inhaler’) and ‘Best Live Band’ at the NME Awards, their Reading & Leeds performance will be one to watch.
 
Since 2012 Jake Bugg has scored a Number One album with his self-titled debut, received nominations for ‘Best Album’ and ‘Best Solo Artist’ at the forthcoming NME Awards and is shortlisted for ‘British Breakthrough Act’ at the BRITs. Catch him on the NME/Radio 1 Stage at Reading & Leeds this year.
 
British metalcore dons Bring Me The Horizon have been destroying huge crowds for almost a decade. The band’s shows on the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds Festivals will crown a year in which they went stratospheric, as well as give fans a chance to hear new material from their highly anticipated forthcoming album ‘Sempiternal’.
 
Tickets on sale now at 2012 prices!
 
Please click here for Reading tickets and here for Leeds tickets.
 
 
The £50 deposit scheme has now ended for the 2013 event, however 2012 priced weekend tickets, early entry permits, campervan permits and still on sale and are available from Reading Festival, Leeds Festival and See tickets. For a full list of authorised ticket outlets please visit the official festival websites.
 
 
Acts already announced for Reading & Leeds Festivals 2013
 
Acts already announced for the Festivals are Main Stage headliner Eminem in his only UK festival appearance of 2013, NME/Radio 1 Stage headliners Alt-J, Deftones, Boy Better Know ft. Wiley, JME and Skepta and Sub Focus live. Plus there are many more names yet to be announced!
 
For the latest line-up announcements, festival news and to buy tickets, please visit www.readingfestival.com, www.leedsfestival.com
 
Notes to Editors:
 
Scottish trio Biffy Clyro first played the festivals in 2001, when they opened the second stage, and in 2013 return to celebrate their monumental ascent to Main Stage headliners. Expect to hear hits from the band’s extensive catalogue as well as tracks from their current Number One double album ‘Opposites’. The new 80 minute epic record over two discs could only be done justice at concerts of a phenomenal scale and Reading & Leeds Festivals, the biggest rock festivals in the UK, are the perfect place to witness the band in action.
 
For over 10 years, Biffy’s ability to make awe-inspiring, life-affirming music has won them fans across the world. Some bands arrive in a whirlwind of hype and disappear just as fast - no one could ever say that of Biffy Clyro, a band who have worked harder than any other. Formed in 1995, they spent years tirelessly touring, before getting signed in 2000. The band’s first three albums were critically acclaimed for their experimental take on rock, but it was ‘Puzzle’, released in 2007 and reaching Number Two in the charts, which saw the band achieve widespread mainstream success. Since then they’ve been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, won two NME awards, being crowned ‘Best Live Act’ at the Q Awards and had a double platinum album with 2009’s ‘Only Revolutions’. With a recent NME Award nomination for ‘Best British Band’ and ‘Best Live Band’, as well as riding high at Number One in the album chart with ‘Opposites’, 2013 is set to be an incredible year for the band.
 
Whether they’re stripping off at almost every gig, or setting fire to their guitars at Reading Festival in 2007, the band know how to put on a spectacular show and this performance at Reading & Leeds Festivals 2013 is one that is not to be missed.
 
Revered for their bombastic style and demonic live shows, System of A Down are sure to bring out all types of festival goers. Formed in 1994, System Of A Down have become one of the most adventurous rock bands of the 21st Century,  blending hard rock with socio-political awareness, self-consciousness and haunting chant, they stand alone in the musical landscape. With three Billboard Number One albums, ‘Toxicity’, ‘Mezmerize’ and ‘Hypnotize’, the Grammy winning band has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. 
In just six years Oxford five-piece Foals have grown from playing 'techno on guitars' in sweaty house parties, to one of the most sought after live acts in the UK.  Known for their incendiary live shows, they embark on a sold out national tour in preparation for their performances at Reading & Leeds Festivals. Since December the band have released two new singles; ‘Inhaler’, their electrifying, comeback track - an epic, blistering, shamanistic purging of the soul - and the more recent ‘My Number’, arguably their most powerful and immediate track to date, somewhat inspired by Mayfield era disco.  New album ‘Holy Fire’ is due in February and has already received critical acclaim.  
 
In 2012 Jake Bugg released one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year and scored a Number One with his self-titled debut. Bugg’s social observation and wry Northern wit is reminiscent of his heroes Arctic Monkeys, but his sound goes all the way back to Elvis and British blues. Bugg reignited the British public’s fervour for old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. He’s also been showing US fans how Brits like to rock, spending the last few months in the US playing big gigs.
 
Bring Me The Horizon’s innovative album in 2012 ‘There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret.’, combined brutal guitar driven metal with orchestral flourishes, electronica and ghostly female vocals, they found thousands of new fans. Now, they’re getting played on the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show, as well as in fans’ bedrooms.

Drive it day at Gaydon

Written by Jeremy Wilton on .



WolseleyThe Heritage Motor Centre is to host one of the events for the national Drive It Day on Sunday 21 April. The event encourages historic vehicle enthusiasts to use 2, 3, 4 or more wheeled vehicles for a day to celebrate the UK’s transport heritage.  All owners of historic cars are encouraged to take to the roads on the same day to demonstrate how many historic and interesting vehicles are still on the roads.

Every year Drive It Day is purposefully held on the Sunday nearest to the 23 April as it commemorates the 64 cars that left London on the first day of the Thousand Mile Trial on 23 April 1900. One of the cars that took part in the Trial, a 1899 Wolseley Voiturette, can be seen as part of the collection at the HMC, home to the world’s largest collection of British historic cars.

The event is organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, a group of 500 Clubs and Museums together with some 1,500 trade and individual supporters. Most members have planned to make the most of this day by using the public roads, meeting at local venues, places of interest, transport cafes, local beauty spots or even car parks. The FBHVC team will be attending a number of events including at the HMC which makes a good start point, intermediate waypoint to visit en-route and an excellent location to finish a day’s run.

In support of Drive it Day, the HMC is offering a special entry price of £5 per person for museum entry for those arriving in historic vehicles (20 years old or older). In addition a discounted rate will be offered for the Land Rover Experience. This is a ride, as a passenger, through the steep and twisting multi-terrain track, either in a modern Discovery or an early Series III. There is reserved parking for all historic vehicles and free entry to the reserved parking, grounds and the onsite Cafe.

John Bishop, Senior Clubs and Groups Co-ordinator at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to be hosting one of the many Drive It Day events organised by the FBHVC. Seeing so many historic cars out in force is a fantastic spectacle to see and even if you are not a historic car enthusiast, the event is sure to be a great day out!”

 For further information about Drive It Day please visit the FBHVC website at www.fbhvc.co.uk. To find out more information about the HMC please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk 

 

Romance and fun in Shakespeare country this half term

Written by Jeremy Wilton on .

IcebookCelebrate Valentine’s Day in the beautiful and romantic setting of Shakespeare Country and combine with a short break during the half term from 16 - 24 February. From Valentines ghost tours, Shakespearian love scenes and a romantic Snowdrop weekend to performances of The Icebook, four ancient rooms being unlocked at Warwick Castle to new born lambs and den-building, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
See a performance of The Icebook by the Royal Shakespeare Company which runs from 18 – 23 February in the Swan Reading Room. The Icebook is a miniature theatre show made of paper and light.  Using fragile paper cut outs and video projection, The Icebook fuses animation, book art and performance to create an intimate and immersive experience.  With a running time of 20 minutes, The Icebook is designed for audiences of up to 10 people, and is suitable for those aged 10 and above. 

Warwick Castle will unlock four rooms that have remained closed for generations to reveal secrets and stories across four centuries of the Castle’s past. The four ancient rooms – Barbican Battlements & Captain’s Room; a recently-unearthed bear pit in Bear Tower; Watergate Room; and The Guards’ Room in Guy’s Tower – will excite visitors of all ages and unlock defining chapters in the Warwick Castle story to reveal tales of battle, siege, murder, power struggles and hauntings. Visitors will have the chance to seek a shy ghost, explore a deadly bear’s lair and smell foul mediaeval sludge from Saturday 16 February, when the rooms open for the first time – ideal for keeping kids happy during half-term.

 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is hosting ‘A rose by any other name’ from the 14 – 24 February featuring a celebration of famous love scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. Or take part in the Trail of Love at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and find Shakespearian love quotes and a secret message hidden in the wood. Tie romantic tributes to a Sweetheart Tree, plus there’s a Valentine’s I Spy game for children. At Nash’s House & New Place, match famous Shakespearian couples concealed around the house and garden. Celebrate Hall’s Croft Birthday from the 15 February with an exhibition celebrating 400 years of its history!

 

Take part in a Valentines Ghost Tour at Kenilworth Castle on Friday 15 February at 7pm and 8pm. The Castle is one of England's most romantic ruined castles, but not all lovers who lived there had a happy existence. Learn about their lives and deaths on an eerie evening tour around the castle and gatehouse (over 16s only). Booking tickets for this event is essential as places are limited. Kenilworth Castle is also calling all junior investigators for its Family Fun Trail from 16 - 24 February from 10am - 4pm. Visitors will need to crack clues and solve a mystery to earn a prize. Guaranteed outdoor fun!

 

Spend Valentine's in the company of Dashing Jack at Tudor World - The Falstaff Experience. On Friday 15 February at 7:30pm and Saturday 16 February at 2pm, Jack will visit the haunted areas of Stratford and present every lady on the tour with a rose. Or take part in a spooky ghost tour at The Falstaff Experience museum every night, with each lady receiving a rose on the 14 & 16 February. For a really spooky early Valentine present, the Friday Fright Club Ghost Hunt will take place on Friday 1 February from 9pm - 1am.

Enjoy a Snowdrop Weekend at Hill Close Gardens in Warwick from the 16 - 17 February from 11am - 4.30pm show-casing 60 different types of snowdrops. See the spring flowers in the sixteen hedged gardens; enjoy refreshments and sales of plants including the unusual snowdrop varieties. An ideal way to celebrate St Valentine’s Day as there is nothing more romantic than a dainty snowdrop!

 

Stratford Butterfly Farm is hosting its fascinating and exciting Jungle Explorers Trail which will take children on an exciting journey around the Farm to discover interesting facts and amazing creatures from around the world.   Visitors of all ages will also be able to take part in handling sessions at 11.30am and 2.30pm every day.

 

Ragley Hall is inviting visitors to join them for a Ragley Forest Adventure with activities such as den-building, campfire making, natural art and story walks – sessions designed and run by fully qualified Forest School leaders. Or visitors can head off on an adventure of their own on a treasure hunt through the Woodland Walk or get creative with craft activities.

 

The sight of newborn lambs frolicking around the fields can be seen at Hatton Farm Village, where families can get up close to the action with a special lambing marquee. Visitors are in for a treat with more than 50 sheep expected to lamb over the nine-day break, the highlight of the annual ‘February Frolics’. The lambing marquee enables children to watch the newborn lambs being nursed by their mothers and some might even catch sight of a lamb actually being born. Farm Village shepherd Pete Mobley will be running talks throughout the week introducing children to the various breeds of sheep found at the farm village. There will also be falconry displays, fun fair rides plus a host of indoor activities.

 

The Heritage Motor Centre is inviting families to enjoy a week of Auto Science Live. The event features a range of family friendly activities bringing automotive engineering and the science behind it to life. Included is a programme of fun and interactive workshops plus drop in sessions to inspire all ages. Children can choose from painting with remote controlled cars, digital photography and a K’nex build challenge. In addition, a free Auto Science Quiz will run all week with a prize for those that solve it.

 

St Johns House Museum in Warwick will host Your Family Scrapbook on Friday 22 February. Find out about past Warwick families from documents at Warwickshire County Record Office and make your own scrapbook to take home. Ralph Sheldon’s Terrific Tapestry takes place on Saturday 16 February at Market Hall Museum in Warwick. After being conserved and on loan to the British Museum, celebrate the return of the 16th century Sheldon Tapestry. Take part in a jewellery workshop from the 18 – 22 February at Market Hall Museum and certain libraries. Explore jewellery from ancient to modern times. Discover what types of jewellery the Egyptians, Romans or Anglo Saxons would have worn and what kinds of precious things archaeologists have found in Warwickshire.

 

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum will be encouraging families to become Incredible Inventors with a week of free family workshops. There are two sessions each day, the first at 10.30am and the second at 1.30pm. On Monday 18 February families will be able to get sticky with Bags of Glue! Inspired by Coventry's rich history in watchmaking, Tuesday's workshop is Wheely Wonderful Watches. On Wednesday, families will be able to drop in and create their own magic in Optical Illusions. Children will have the chance to become the next Frank Whittle, the Coventry born inventor of the jet engine on Thursday 21. Balloon Rockets may be a classic but it's a still great fun! To round off the week of inventiveness, Friday will look towards the up and coming inventions with the workshop Transport of the Future.

 

From February, take a seat on the Views Walk to see a new side of Charlecote Park and watch the painstaking work that goes into caring for a precious collection when a major buildings project is underway.

 

Why not romance your loved one by booking into a luxury country house hotel, enjoy champagne teas, and relax over a romantic candle-lit dinner in one of the areas many beautiful and historic venues including the Noel Arms Hotel, Wroxall Abbey, Ettington Park Hotel and Ardencote Manor.

 

For accommodation, special offers and more information visit the official website: www.Shakespeare-Country.co.uk or call Shakespeare Country on 0871 978 0800.

 

-ends -

Notes to editors
 

For more information please visit the official website at www.Shakespeare-Country.co.uk

 

For more information, interviews and photo opportunities please contact:

 

Tony Merrygold on 07802 455 217 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tanya Aspinwall at Marketing Aloud on 01503 272579 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sledging collisons fail to dampen enjoyment!

Written by Jeremy Wilton on .

accThousands of youngsters took the slopes of the Four Shires to enjoy perfect sledging conditions this weekend. This cracking shot by Paul Howard shows a collision at Bury Mount near Towcester. The lad was knocked down by a sledger using a dustbin lid! Only his pride was bruised however, as he jumped up and got on his own dustbin lid for another go!

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