PREVIEW: Bingley Music Live, 29th – 31st August 2014

Relatively small and relatively new Bingley Music Live has had its fair share of popular headliners over its short life span. From The Undertones, The Human League and The Coral to Wretch 32, Professor Green and Tinchy Stryder. Although, compared to other festivals such as Latitude and Reading/Leeds its scale is toned down, it continues to grow and develop each year. 2014 is no exception to this. Its line-up is arguably the best it has ever been. Bingley is a family friendly weekend open to all ages and with it being at a very affordable price, is perfect for first time festival goers.

Headliners this year (29^th – 31^st August) are Shed Seven, Example and Pet Shop Boys, however they aren’t the only artists to be gracing the stage over the weekend. Here is Gigslutz’ recommendations on who to catch live.

Friday:

We Are Catchers – The first day of a festival and you are craving something to get you in the spirit for a packed weekend, that won’t tip the balance of enjoyment and getting completely worn out a day in… cue We Are Catchers. It’s rare these days that you find an artist accompanied by a piano that is not screaming ballads or playing in a Jazz bar. This is something very different that will transport you from a field near Bradford, to a sandy beach in Dorset.

Eliza and the Bear – Eliza and the Bear are one of the most exciting new Indie bands on the scene and are really beginning to make a name for themselves on the festival circuit. And yes, they do sing ‘that’ song on the cider advert, but they are so much more than a one hit wonder. Grab a drink and go and have a dance with these guys.

Saturday:

Catfish and the Bottlemen – Causing harmless controversy at their merch stand at gigs earlier this year, there is no doubt that these Welsh Indie rockers are tailor made for a teenage audience and are really wanting to win over festival goers this summer. They currently couldn’t be busier, playing across the country in events big and small. With the release of their debut album set for autumn, why not catch them before they are booked for headline slots.

John Lennon McCullagh – Britain’s answer to Dylan is back, but did he really ever go away? The Bingley crowd shall be enjoying this young folk star’s mature lyrics with not only a guitar grasped in his hands but a full band to back him up. It is easily possible that he could steal the show on Saturday, so there are no excuses to miss his set.

The Strypes – Fresh back from their Australian debut and ending their duo of UK festival appearances, catch the craic with Irish lads The Strypes. Other than V Festival, Bingley Music Live is their only other penned in UK performance this summer; they will be gracing the stage with a ferocious Blues party on Saturday night.

Sunday:

Port Isla – Being one of the most shared acts from this year’s Glastonbury, however only playing the BBC Introducing tent, seems to predict a very promising performance. They won over many audiences when supporting acoustic dynamo, George Ezra in spring – but will tired crowds appreciate some sped up folk on a (hopefully sunny) Sunday afternoon? I think so.

The Wytches– By the time The Wytches play on Sunday, their new album, produced by the fantastic Bill Ryder-Jones, will be nothing more than a baby of a few days old. The Brighton trio are a loud bunch, but not all of their songs are as heavy as you would expect, many are softer and comfortably melodic. It will be an interesting show to watch for those who toddle along to see their set, but not one that is likely to disappoint.

@blue_collarjane