Dot to Dot returns to Bristol on May 23 2015. Multiple venues across the city are taking part, boasting performances from new music darlings and some of Britain’s best loved alt-pop acts. But planning for the inner-city festival isn’t just about working out who to see – you need to know your way around to make the most of your time.
Here are our top tips to help you tackle the day, alongside choice highlights for your viewing and listening pleasure.
1. Head over to Thekla early
You’ll need to head over to Thekla early to avoid a long queue to pick up your wristband, but that’s not all the venue has to offer. You’ll find all sorts of useful information about the day in the venue’s car park, where you can stop for a pint at the cider bar and fuel-up on Pieminister grub!
2. Work out a schedule
It might sound boring, but planning your day is key to getting the most out of Dot to Dot. Bring a pen with you to mark off the gigs you want to attend on the official timetable that comes with your wristband. Don’t forget to factor in the distance between venues! You'll thank our nerdy planning advice later.
3. Follow the #d2dfest hashtag
There’s nothing worse than storming across the city to a venue, only to find a set time has been changed without your knowledge. Follow the #d2dfest hashtag on Twitter to keep up to date with timetable amendments and announcements made throughout the day.
SECOND WAVE OF ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR #D2DFEST 2015 http://t.co/pGOR94XRoz pic.twitter.com/pWaq5XJNH2
— DOT TO DOT BRISTOL (@d2dbristol) March 4, 2015
4. Prioritise, prioritise, prioritise
Your wristband will grant you access to all of the official Dot to Dot venues in Bristol, but don’t rest on your laurels. Some of the gigs will reach capacity, and fast. If you’re planning to see a particularly popular act, consider getting to the venue half an hour early to guarantee your place in the crowd – even if that means missing out elsewhere.
5. Go to see these acts
Now we've got the pesky planning part out of the way. Here's our pick of who to see...
Rae Morris
Having collaborated with Lucy Rose and Fryars in the past, Rae Morris first arrived on the scene in 2012. A nomination on the 'BBC Music Sound Of, 2015' long list helped to cement her importance on the alt-pop scene at the beginning of the year. Her Dot to Dot performance follows a sell-out gig at Thekla in February.
Josef Salvat
Signed to Sony, Salvat is an Australian singer songwriter who knows how to entertain his audience. Performing pop with a dance twist, the release of his cover of Rihanna's 'Diamonds' in December 2014 turned more than a few heads.
The Amazons
The Amazons are making all the right noises to become the UK's next biggest indie rock band and they'll prove their worth with a performance at this year's Dot to Dot – one of the first outside their hometown of Reading.
Menace Beach
Too Pure helped to launch this band's career back in 2012, when they released their song 'Drop Outs' through the Singles Club. Pushing chilled-out slacker rock with a psych-twist, the Leeds-based five-piece are signed to Memphis Industries.
Pixel Fix
Oxford's Pixel Fix have dominated the alt-pop underground since the release of their eponymous EP two years ago. Now that they're back and ready to promote their calypso-ready new material, the sun is bound to shine on their Dot to Dot stage regardless of what the weather's doing outside.