Unwind at Wireless 2014!

The summer is fast approaching and that can mean only three things. Pimms o’clock whenever possible, the return of wasps and the start of the festival season. Yep, the time has come for us to dig out our wellies and lap up all the glory that is the British summer! Here at Licklist, there’s nothing more that we like than live music and lukewarm beer. With this in mind, we’d like to push you in the direction of Wireless festival.

Based in the heart of London, Wireless has been bringing some of the greatest rappers and performers to the capital for the past nine years. This year is no different with the likes of Kanye West and Outkast travelling to Finsbury Park to hopefully produce three days on non-stop Hip-Hop and RnB. So what are you waiting for, get involved!

What’s on?

So you’re probably wondering whether Wireless really counts as a festival, given that you can’t actually camp. But as far as we’re concerned here at Licklist, that’s fine! Each day will start with a shower and breakfast in your own house as opposed to brushing your teeth with beer and eating nachos in the middle of a field. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then the line-up definitely will!

Drake was meant to headline at the festival but has been forced to withdraw due to an illness (we know, major let down). But there’s still loads on show. Alongside Kanye West, British electronic band Basement Jaxx and RnB star Pharrell Williams will be gracing the main stage, making this years festival a must-see. If that’s not enough, drum and bass band Rudimental will be performing an extended set just a stone’s throw away from where they grow up. Their combination of soul music with a Drum n Bass backbone is enough to put a beat in anyone’s step. It gets better. Rapper ASAP Rocky, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea and the formidable Angel Haze return for another year of fun in the London Sun. The best part is that if none of these artists excite you, there are three more stages a short walk away.

The Pepsi Max stage offers you some of the biggest dance and house sets out their, with DJs like Calvin Harris and Nero keeping the park alive well after the sun has set. Better still, the Backstand Stage keeps the entire festival British, promoting some of the best up-and-coming British acts out there. With the likes of Krept and Konan and K Koke, there’s plenty of opportunity to hear new acts that you’ve never heard before.

Chow-down in style…

Forget chewy burger patties and soggy nachos, this year’s festival food is brought to you by D and J catering. Providing some of the best street food London has to offer, fresh Mexican dishes alongside some of the best burgers in the city will keep you well and truly energised for the long day. We all know of the importance of having a full stomach at a festival if you want to avoid an early night. With these great options, there really is no excuse.

Remember, anything could happen…

Let’s not forget, this is Britain. Regardless of what the weather forecaster says, be prepared for a sudden downpour or for a heat wave. Have a waterproof rolled up in your bag and a big bottle of sun cream. Nothing is less attractive than sunburn and blisters. With heat in mind, it’s essential that a bottle of water is never too far out of reach. Temperatures rose to above 30 degrees last summer. Better to be safe than having to go home early because you’ve keeled over while queuing for a burrito. 

Get involved quickly

For the past few years, Wireless has sold out quickly. If you haven’t already bought a ticket, what the hell are you waiting for? Wireless provides you with a rare chance to see some of the greatest urban acts to ever grace the East London stage. It represents the future of festivals. After all, what better way to spend your summer than watching Rudimental kill it on the main stage while the sun sets across the London skyline? It’s the stuff that goose bumps are made of.  

By Gurjot Thind