* A pair of VIP weekend passes
* A tent
* A crate of beer
* A crate of Monster Energy
* Hot meal tokens
* 2 x Hype t-shirts of your choice
* Official Redfest merch

“So what do we have to do to blag this booty?’ we hear you cry.

We want you to make us a 2 minute MAX amateur video of you doing something FUNNY. That’s it. Something that will make us chortle, and hopefully create a path of tears to roll down our faces. The possibilities with this are endless. Almost. The video with the MOST public views at the end of the comp wins the lot.

Here’s an Idiots Guide of how (not that we’re calling you idiots, far from it, we love you all)

1. Film yourself, or you and your mates, doing something funny. Think slapstick funny, cracking jokes, doing something daft at the beach, or the park, or in your bedroom. This could be on an iphone, a gopro or a DSLR. We’re not fussy.
2. Include the spoken words ‘Hey I’m *insert your name here* and this is how much I want to go to Redfest 2013′ somewhere in your video. Think Jackass opening credits with this one.
3. Upload your video clip to YouTube or Vimeo, or similar video hosting website.
4. Post the link to your video on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RedfestUK
5. Promote your video, share it with your mates, get that sucker seen by as many people as possible to be in with a chance of winning.

The closing date for all entries is Monday 15th July at midnight. You have exactly ONE MONTH. Whichever video has the most views by this date wins.

Of course there are some rules so please read these carefully.

- You must be over the age of 16 to enter.
- No persons under the age of 16 can appear in your video.
- Your video clip must not include the following: illegal acts, pornographic content (mild nudity is totally acceptable), acts of violence or any action that can be construed as gratuitous or malicious violence, racism, libel or hatred towards another person or organisation, anything that puts yourself or any persons in your vicinity in any direct danger, any persons who have not agreed to be in your video clip.
- Your video must be under 2 minutes long and include the words as in point 2. above.
- Your video must be posted on the Redfest Facebook page to be counted as an official entry.

Terms & conditions.

- Redfest and it’s sponsors and associates accept no responsibility for the safety or actions of those entering this competition.
- Only entries that follow all the above rules will be considered as entries for this competition.
- Redfest reserves the right to publish the winners’ name and share your video on its website and associated social media platforms.
- The winning entry will be the one with the most recorded online views at midnight on the 15th July 2013.
- If the winning entrant is under the age of 18 we will replace the beer part of the prize with something equally as rad.

That’s it!

We decided that the standards of writing were so high that we’d choose two reporters to join our media team. And we’re very happy to have them both!

The winners have been notified and will be receiving more information about their exciting Redfest weekend in due course. In the meantime have a read of their reviews.

***

There’s one specific moment in While She Sleeps’ set tonight that will go home in the memory of each individual present. During a feral, crazed rendition of Dead Behind The Eyes, Loz thrusts his microphone to the crowd and it’s the breathless, almost humbled grin on his face as they screech his words back at him, that sets the tone to the entire evening. Though they follow relatively conventional forms of metalcore nowadays, it’s the passion and dedication they throw into every performance that makes them special. Judging by the faces of each member of the crowd, they would heartily concur. Drawing mainly from their intense debut album This Is The Six, While She Sleeps are on the fast-track to the rock big time; however, in the midst of it all, it’s worth wondering just how far they can propel themselves on one load of rocket fuel. – Verna Colosi.

***

Since when did Foals become so popular? Yes, their last crack at making it big was a true and heartfelt representation of their math inspired rock vision, but despite this there was a lot of stick attached to people; myself included, who ever sincerely declared their love for the Oxford four piece.

With rumours of a split circling the blogosphere, the tail end of 2012 was a troubling time for fans, but who could have predicted such a glorious return with; dare I say it? Some of the band’s best work to date. ‘My Number’ is the perfect indie pop song. The shredding nature of Yannis’s guitar cutting through the nothing but spirit rousing synth core to create a piece of art that is so festival perfect, I can smell the mud and wellies already. ‘Holy Fire’ isn’t just the album title, it’s a band pre-empting their fans reactions. – Rachael Scarsbrook.

We whittled them down to the 17 finest, and trust us with so many entries that was hard enough. These were judged on how well they kept our interest, and how well they are written.

We’d like you to take a look, have a read, and then visit our Facebook page HERE, find our status about voting, and cast your vote by replying to the status with the key word under each entry.

We’re not going to tell you who the authors are.

The entries:

 The Hype Theory – Captives 

The Hype Theory are one of those bands that may not be on everyone’s radar – or worse yet they’re cast into comparison with Paramore. Well, if you weren’t following the Essex based quintet before then you soon will be after their debut full-length album ‘Captives’ is released May 27^th.

Following on from their mini-album ‘Glory Days’, the band have taken a step back from the conventional pop-punk in a few tracks to convey a more mature and polished record. Satellite, War Cry and Summer Rose touch on issues of maturity and reminiscence and I was left in awe through the sincerity of each track that utilises additional vocals and piano in parts.

Still possessing the huge pop-punk anthems from ‘Glory Days’; Heartsick, If You’re Going Down and Reverie are destined to be screamed back up at them Catch the band at their album launch on May 30^th, Takedown and Redfest.

VOTING KEY WORD: HYPETHEORY 

—–

All Hail Bright Things

Crammed full of crazed guitars and experimental chanting vocals, All Hail Bright Futures feels like wandering through the best bits of someone’s summer memories. I first heard And So I Watch You From Afar at 3am on a radio show when I couldn’t sleep one night in my early teens. Although they have never allowed themselves to be easily genre-restricted, the Belfastian four-piece have expanded into electro-mania, a territory toed very lightly in their last studio album Gangs. All Hail Bright Futures brings an experimental explosion of euphoric electro math-rock to the table. However fans of their earlier work should fear not, as there are plenty of throw backs to their heavy-post rock origins. The final track Young Brave Minds acts as an audio conclusion; seamlessly combining the new ground covered in All Hail Bright Futures with the growling guitars of albums past.

VOTING KEY WORD: ALLHAIL

——

Red Hot Chili Peppers at Knebworth 

A sun-drenched afternoon turned into an explosively charged evening of unexpected harmony between an unusual set of genres over the course of this one-day festival at Knebworth. Reverend and the Makers, The Wombats, Dizzee Rascal and the Red Hot Chili Peppers made for an eclectic line-up at this outdoor extravaganza, but it was a recipe that paid off as the crowd of 40,000 lapped up the musical smorgasbord. R.A.T.M began the night with a passable rendition of some of their better-known works, whilst The Wombats supplied an up-beat precursor to the night’s main events. Dizzee offered a comedic element with his mix of old-skool works from ‘Maths and English’ and modern classics like ‘Bonkers’. However, the Chilis stole the day as their blend of newly released material coincided perfectly with crowd pleasers from ages past. By The Way was a personal highlight.

VOTING KEY WORD: CHILLIS

——

Sharks – Selfhood

After debut, ‘No Gods‘ , Sharks have been tearing around and managed to find the time to get back into the studio to come up with a follow up, ‘Selfhood‘, in a mere 13 months – no second album syndrome in sight.

The band haven’t altered in direction, no techno just yet, but it doesn’t make the album any less worthy. Tracks like ’Gold’  are overflowing with punky hooks, defined by Bayliss’ thundering guitars, and there’s hints of a heavier past on ‘The More You Ask…’; when complete with the solid backing of Lister and Murrihy then overlayed by Mattock’s incredibly melodic vocals, the fusion is stronger than ever.

Capturing their rawest sound by recording live, with minimal studio pretense, works a treat to create pure energy throughout making for euphoric walls of noise with just a hint of optimism- and that makes Sharks a cut above the rest.

VOTING KEY WORD: SHARKS

—–

Bastille at Shepherds Bush

On Friday the 29th of March the upcoming Indie-Pop band Bastille play at the O2 Empire Shepherds Bush for their last date of their tour. Front man Dan Smith joins fellow members Chris Wood, Will Farquarson and Kyle Simmons to sell out the show after their album ‘Bad Blood’ was released. The Ramona Flowers welcome everyone to the venue with their chilled and relaxed sound, much like the early Coldplay. To Kill A King are next on the lineup, and with their fresh indie-folk sound the 5-piece really hit the spot. Bastille join To Kill A King on stage for ‘Choices’ before their set. Bastille walk on to many a screaming fan (mostly me), and start with the title-song off their album. Dan frequently jumps into the crowd during shows, but he is seen joining the people in the seating area giving them a excellent surprise, which ends the night nicely.

VOTING KEY WORD: BASTILLE

——

To Kill a King – Cannibals with Cutlery

To Kill a King’s ‘Cannibals with Cutlery’, is the album you settle down to read a good book with, then end up rereading the same page fourteen times realising you’ve not understood a single word. This condition is caused by the band’s considered lyricism, and layered arrangements, which act as the lemon to Pelleymounter’s honey rich vocals. Stand out tracks you’ll find yourself humming without even noticing include the single ‘Cold Skin’ and the soaringly orchestral ‘Fictional State’. Although To Kill a King clearly have the ability to lean into pop, details such as the harmonies which close ‘Besides She Said’ mean there are no questions as to their integrity. I would highly recommend a quiet hour alone with this gem, especially if you’re a fan of The National, Bon Iver or even Dog is Dead, just don’t expect to be able to finish Paradise Lost at the same time.

VOTING KEY WORD: TOKILLAKING 

—–

Paramore – Paramore

Upon the departure of the Farro brothers from the band in 2010 the future looked bleak for Paramore. However, as time passed it became clear that their next self-titled offering would not be looking to dwell on events of the past.

This 17-track album exudes positivity and, most of all, hope. Particularly in lead single “Now” and album closer “Future”, fans are left under no illusions that Paramore are here to stay. Within the album’s three interludes the trio cross into new territory, showcasing their diversity and future potential.

“Paramore” also acknowledges the importance of their past. “Part II”’s homage to “Let the Flames Begin” is almost a thank-you to their loyal fans for sticking with the band for so long.

Album opener “Fast in My Car” says it best – they’re not the same as they used to be – but, one thing’s for certain, the future looks bright for Paramore.

VOTING KEY WORD: PARAMORE

—–

You Me At Six at Wembley

8th December, Wembley Arena: ‘Sixers’ ditch their bed rolls and everyone piles into the prestigious venue. We Are The Ocean have the unfavourable task of entertain 12,000 people anticipating the arrival of the headliners and leave with a well-received applause. Next up is Deaf Havana with the mix of old and new stirring up an onwards surge in the crowd. The opening chords for ‘The Swarm’ resonate through the shrill, the curtains drop and You Me At Six storm the stage. “Let’s open this place up!” Josh commands – mosh-pits are formed, momentary breathing space is gratefully received and the most momentous set of their career begins. The breathtaking pyrotechnics add an electricity too as Josh leads each song – even encouraging nudity in ‘Reckless’ – because if not in Wembley, when? It’s sadly the end of the set and YMAS leave gracefully with a bow – a proud moment for everyone.

VOTING KEY WORD: YOUMEATSIX

—–

The Loveable Rogues 

The Loveable Rogues first came onto our screens and into our ears in 2012 when they got to the final of Britain’s Got Talent.

The comedic hip hop band, featuring Eddie Brett, Sonny Jay Muharrem and Te Qhairo Eugene, have just released their first EP, and the single, What a Night, is already 4^th in the midweek charts.

In late 2012, fans of the 3-piece, were given a free mixtape through soundcloud called “First Things First” which previewed the debut single What a Night, along with Maybe Baby, Talking Monkeys and the hit they sung on BGT, Honest.

What a Nights upbeat and catchy tune matches the boy’s cheeky chap personas, something that made them stand out throughout the Britian’s Got Talent audition process, that and the infamous ukulele.

It is clear the lively trio have got a lot more in store for us and are playing at festivals and gigs throughout the summer.

VOTING KEYWORD: LOVEABLEROGUES

—–

Album Review – Hot Fuss by The Killers

In the early-to-mid 2000s the sound of alternative rock was really beginning to resonate. Whilst the dwindling skinny jean-stamped genre was saved by a certain New York garage band, there was a sudden array of ‘indie’ heroes bolting through this newly opened door in support. One such band was Vegas-based darlings The Killers, who emulated the success of The Strokes’ Is This It with 2004’s Hot Fuss.

Today, I listen to this debut and feel the same undeniable dedication from Brandon Flowers and co. as I did when I first heard ‘Somebody Told Me’. Underneath the seemingly glamorous synths of ‘Mr Brightside’ and ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, though, lurks a paranoid, menacing and seedy glimpse of murder (‘Midnight Show’), prostitution (‘On Top’) and misguided love which endears the Hyde of every listener. And, after slumbering in its moral bankruptcy for almost a decade, it still makes me come back for more: the perfect portrait of Vegas, then, I’d say.

VOTING KEYWORD: KILLERS

—–

Florence and the Machine live in London

Supporting Florence + the Machine at London’s gargantuan 02 arena, understandably their biggest venue to date, Californian sisterhood Haim command the stage with modesty and unwavering charm. Yet despite their undeniable stage presence, it’s pretty tricky to try and pinpoint their sound. Are they folk? A fusion of contemporary indie pop? A resurgence of late 80′s R&B? Who knows. But quite frankly, when they sound as good as this, who blooming cares?

Their proficiency and ease as musicians is outstanding; guitars, keyboards, marakas- they play them all, and they play them well. Performing a generous eight track original set, the trio are frighteningly convincing live. And, what better way to bow out of such a knock-out performance than to treat the 20,000-strong audience to a minute long, tribal-centric drumming extravaganza which further showcases just how sickeningly talented they all are.

And I was always so proud of being able to play Chopsticks on the keyboard without the light-up tutorial…

VOTING KEYWORD: FLORENCE

—–

While She Sleeps at Electric Ballroom, Camden

There’s one specific moment in While She Sleeps’ set tonight that will go home in the memory of each individual present. During a feral, crazed rendition of Dead Behind The Eyes, Loz thrusts his microphone to the crowd and it’s the breathless, almost humbled grin on his face as they screech his words back at him, that sets the tone to the entire evening. Though they follow relatively conventional forms of metalcore nowadays, it’s the passion and dedication they throw into every performance that makes them special. Judging by the faces of each member of the crowd, they would heartily concur. Drawing mainly from their intense debut album This Is The Six, While She Sleeps are on the fast-track to the rock big time; however, in the midst of it all, it’s worth wondering just how far they can propel themselves on one load of rocket fuel.

VOTING KEYWORD: SLEEPS

—–

Radiohead – Atoms For Peace 

Fans of Radiohead might shudder with fear at the thought of their beloved Thom Yorke performing with anyone other than his original Cambridge colleagues, what if he has so much fun he never returns?! If Atoms For Peace’s debut release AMOK is anything to go by, he had a lot of fun.

The intriguing sound of AFP has been slowly and cautiously introduced to the public since the release of their first single ‘Default’, soon followed by ‘Judge, Jury and Executioner’. What we heard on these two singles is representative of the album as a whole, a mesmeric blend of drum machines and falsetto vocals, all with memorable lyrical hooks such as, “I’ve made my bed, I’m lying in it . . .” on ‘Default’.

With the legendary bassist, Flea, involved, the rhythmical elements of the tracks are never going to be dull.

It would appear Yorke has done it again . . .

VOTING KEYWORD: RADIOHEAD

—–

Hildamay – Miles Away

The unsung post-hardcore heroes of Kent have solidified their place in rock history with this fist-pumping success of a debut album. Loaded with catchy vocal hooks, ear-splitting riffs and choruses that are bound to send their ever-growing fan base into a sing-a-long frenzy, Miles Away is a success in its own right. Tim Lawrence’s growling vocals infect and invigorate, leaving a trail of musical excellence in its wake.

From start to finish, every track is so beautifully crafted you can almost taste the sweat, hard work and determination that the quintet pour into their music; from the soaring, riff heavy Changing the Key through to the insatiable vigor of Wild Fervour, Hildamay have set the bar so high it’s brushing the clouds. Only one question remains; can they live up to the hype this album has injected into their name? I’m not worried, Hildamay are here to stay.

VOTING KEYWORD: HILDAMAY

—–

Polar at Sanctuary

Armed with only their instruments and an entourage of support, Polar took Sanctuary by storm.

The crowd were treated to openers Artimis and Eagleburner; stunned by supporting, Palm Reader.

Just before Polar’s set, a timid looking Adam Woodford poked his head out from behind a door; scanning the room, scrutinising his audience to be. Within seconds he’s turned from this bundle of nerves into a ferocious, vocal, beast; lashing lyrics with unstoppable force.

It may surprise you to hear, that the headliners were the only band of this hardcore line-up to cause a pit. A set-long pit. Mic stands, fists, and bodies went flying. Living up to expectations, Polar quite literally tore the Sanctuary a new one. Their set, a sterling blend of old and new material, closed with H.E.L.L. Guitarist Max O’Neil climbed onto the bar; Woody commands a wall of death – bringing proceedings to an ecstatic, brutal, end.

VOTING KEYWORD: POLAR

—–

Foals – Holy Fire

Since when did Foals become so popular? Yes, their last crack at making it big was a true and heartfelt representation of their math inspired rock vision, but despite this there was a lot of stick attached to people; myself included, who ever sincerely declared their love for the Oxford four piece.

With rumours of a split circling the blogosphere, the tail end of 2012 was a troubling time for fans, but who could have predicted such a glorious return with; dare I say it? Some of the band’s best work to date. ‘My Number’ is the perfect indie pop song. The shredding nature of Yannis’s guitar cutting through the nothing but spirit rousing synth core to create a piece of art that is so festival perfect, I can smell the mud and wellies already. ‘Holy Fire’ isn’t just the album title, it’s a band pre-empting their fans reactions.

VOTING KEYWORD: FOALS

—–

Pure Love – Anthems

Highly anticipated, the 11 tracks-too-short record delivers everything it promised, and somehow managed more!

You can tell from start to finish that Carter is on a mission – not only to prove he isn’t just a rowdy punk – but to show there is more to him than being bloody mental

In a recent interview Carter stated the album is about ‘love, sex and death’. He ain’t fucking around (see what I did there!)

Songs like Bury My Bones define Carter’s new found faith in life. ‘I’m sick of singing about hate, it’s time I made a change’ and it’s a bloody great change

Punk-rock riffs infused with catchy choruses is what this album is all about. Even slower songs like Burning Love make me sing with everything I’ve got – bloody brilliant!

VOTING KEYWORD: PURELOVE

Early Bird tickets will remain on sale til the end of April. Full ticket price of £65 for the weekend (plus a small booking fee) will then apply.

Here are the latest posters:

Don’t forget our Redfest Roving Reporter comp which is running until the 3rd May. If you’re 16+ and  fancy yourself as a bit of a writer and want to join our media team for the weekend take a look HERE. No purchase necessary to enter.

Headlining the stage will be Bristol dance act The Other Tribe, and the beautiful acoustic strains of Ryan Keen. They will be joined by singer songwriter Rokhsan, Frank Hamilton, alternative indie poppers Dance a la Plage, Mellor, urban acoustic trio Bare Jams, Guildford alternative rockers Red Kites and many more.

This stage will also host the Midnight Cabaret after 11pm, a diverse mix of burlesque, cabaret and comedy that will guarantee entertainment into the early hours.

Tickets are available NOW from this link (<<this one) priced at just £5.95 (plus 95p fee).

Doors at 9.30pm.

Strictly over 18s only.

Congrats to the following who were chosen out of nearly 500 entries for our Road to Redfest competition. Thank you to everyone who entered! Heats will take place at the following dates/places. Voting will be half audience votes, half judges decision. Judging panel made up of festival organiser members and Redfest associates.

Margate Kent (venue TBC)
Sat 27th april
Entry from TBC
£ TBC

Bands in no particular order:

IRIS https://www.facebook.com/IRISUKBAND
Scream dont Whisper: www.facebook.com/ScreamDontWhisper
Tin Soldiers: www.facebook.com/tinsoldiersband
My Little Empire: www.facebook.com/mylittleempire
Third Place Victory: www.facebook.com/thirdplacevictory

Hobgoblin staines Sat 18th May
Door Entry from 7.30pm
£ TBC over 18′s

Bands in no particular order:

Foley Artist: www.facebook.com/foleyartistmusic
Swim Good: www.facebook.com/SwimGoodUK
Pyramids: www.facebook.com/pyramidstheband
Run Young Lovers: www.facebook.com/RunYoungLovers
Brightlight City: www.facebook.com/thebrightlightcity

More info on the TBCs as soon as we have it!

Competition #1 – for Super Early Bird and Early Bird Ticket holders only. Ends 28th Feb.

We have a PAIR of VIP ticket upgrades and 2 official Redfest 2013 tshirts to give away to one lucky winner!

All you have to do to enter is buy your Early Bird ticket before they come off sale and send an email to events@marianneharris.co.uk with the title ‘Upgrade my Redfest ticket’. SIMPLES!

Competition ends on Thursday 28th February 2013 at midnight. To enter you must already have purchased a ticket to Redfest 2013. The winner will not only have their Early Bird ticket upgraded to VIP ticket status but we will give you an extra VIP weekend ticket COMPLETELY FREE so you can bring a friend. VIP upgrade includes access to our guest area and bar. Tshirts to be collected from the festival site. Early Bird Ticket purchase status will be verified before the winner is notified. If the winner is under the age of 16 they must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Competition #2 – Guess the Lineup! Ends 28th Feb.

To win a pair of weekend tickets, inc camping. See poster below.

Please note, maximum guess in any one email is 17. Using all 17 guesses maximises your chances of winning. You can enter more than once but your latest email will be counted.

Extra clues posted online in various posts:

None of the bands are Enter Shikari.
One of the bands appeared in a UK TV talent show within the last 2 years.
The clues about bands previously playing Redfest are not definitive.

Good luck!

All those who came to Redfest in 2012 will doubtless remember Subsource’s explosive main stage performance. Imagine that in a tent!

Southampton’s metalcore outfit The Valiant are currently hard at work in the Ranch Production House recording their debut album. A hardworking band with a good local following we’re happy to have them join our bill.

You can check them out:

www.facebook.com/subsource

www.facebook.com/thevaliantband