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Yes it’s freezing and yes we’re talking about music festivals. But Lovebox’s line-up this year, which has just been announced, is honestly enough to thaw a Mini Milk factory. Here’s everything you need to know:
Headlining the main stage on Friday is London icon Skepta, the man who singlehandedly brought grime back to its raw roots while simultaneously getting the mainstream to sit up and pay attention.
He’s joined by the modern soul sensation that is Anderson .Paak – the Californian singer is due to follow up his sublime ‘Malibu’ album later this year. There’s also a very special guest appearance from Grammy-nominated star SZA, fast-rising hit-maker Mabel, oceanically deep UK rhymer DAVE, wonderful gravelly singer Jacob Banks and whipsmart Long Beach rapper Vince Staples.
On the dancey side, Bicep, Floorplan and Jackmaster join the sublime Peggy Gou, whose recent release for Ninja Tune has already been earmarked as a certified 2018 banger. And there’s also house king Kerri Chandler plus Motor City Drum Ensemble and Moxie to enjoy too.
Saturday’s main stage is a cavalcade of huge American acts, including a headline show from Donald Glover’s Childish Gambino alias, plus Pharrell and co performing as N*E*R*D for what is bound to be a hit-laden set.
Hopefully the sun will be out for the intensely warm and affecting digital soul of The Internet, while OutKast’s Big Boi always puts on a great show, come rain or shine. Elsewhere on site, you can dip into multi-instrumentalist wonder Mura Masa, hip hop gourmand Action Bronson, plus there’ll be sets from Jon Hopkins, Denis Sulta, Solardo, Mall Grab, Camelphat and house legend Green Velvet.
Last up, don't forget that the long-running festival has a new home. Gunnersbury Park in Acton is where to head for Lovebox on July 13th and 14th. Same goes for its Sunday sister fest, Citadel, which dropped Tame Impala as headliners last week).
Stay tuned for more announcements (and maybe some sun) soon.
