Beginners guide to Tramlines 2016
Tramlines looks set to deliver yet another weekend of star-studded underground music to the Steel City. Over the years this festival really has become a Sheffield institution; previous editions have showcased the likes of Basement Jaxx, Public enemy, Katy B and Wu Tang Clan. With a few big lineups already under its belt it is easy to see how Tramlines has established itself on the UK festival scene and this year's edition is a bargain, costing only£42!
Their website boasts of 'nearly' continuous music, and for the 72 hours that the festival spans (22nd-24th July) Sheffield really is Tramlines' playground; stages are scattered across the city to provide daytime entertainment, whilst some of the city's best nightclubs host artists that'll be playing until dawn (no Penn intended). The Night Kitchen, Hope Works and Yellow Arches Studios will all be opening their doors to festival goers. Taking place in July (officially the UK's sunniest month) this looks like a great excuse to party in God's Own County!
And the best bit? You don't even have to camp...
Who's Performing
The lineup boasts a number of big name DJs and roughly half of those on the bill will be playing dance music. Top picks include the reinvented dubstep pioneer Skream as well as drum and bass icon Goldie. Zed Bias, My Nu Leng and Norman Jay are amongst the other well-known DJs performing.
However, Tramlines caters to a much more diverse audience than just electronic music fans and the festival has a broad selection of acts hailing from a range of genres. Thumping basslines not your thing? Don't worry. Old school hip hop six-piece Jurassic Five (yes, six piece) take to the main stage on Sunday and the aforementioned Dawn Penn will add some reggae into the mix. There is also a 'Folk Forest' offering refuge from the thumping baselines that will dominate other areas and a wide range of bands are playing. Indie rockers Mystery Jets are amongst the big names playing on Saturday. Dizzee Rascal will also be performing and with other grime artists such as P Money on the bill it remains to be seen whether we'll see the return of the 'Boy in da Corner' or if he'll be blasting out his more recent chart toppers.
Travel and Accommodation
Being based in the city you'll have to find your own accommodation, unless you fancy partying through the duration of the festival that is. There are accommodation package deals advertised on the website at http://www.tramlines.org.uk/st aying-here/.
The Tramlines organisers are discouraging driving due to limited access in busy areas and are offering a £3 travel card to take you from the train station to the 15,000 capacity main stage. Given the expansive nature of the festival site be sure to take a map with you!
For further information visit http://www.tramlines.org.uk.
By Tom Horton