Futureheads bassist David Craig performing at Split Festival
By Alexandra Rucki
Sunderland rockers the Futureheads are set to headline Sheffield’s Tramlines music festival this summer.
They will be joined by fellow Sunderland lads Frankie & the Heartstrings, plus Northern Irish band Ash.
On the World Music stage Johnny Clarke, Yabba Funk and the Bertie Lee’s Blues Band will be performing.
Other festival highlights include Sheffield DJ Thomas Bell (a.k.a Toddla T) and Welsh indie rockers Los Campesinos.
Tramlines takes over Sheffield from July 22-24 and promises to be an action-packed weekend showcasing the vibrancy of the city’s music scene.
This year up to 70 venues are participating with organisers attempting to fill every available space of the city with musical performances.
Chief booker Kate Hewett said: “There are dozens of bookers and promoters working on the many different aspects of the festival, as we want to showcase as broad a range of acts and genres as possible, right down to grass-roots level.
“Our aim is for the entire city to feel involved, and I think it’s this approach which really gives the festival its unique flavour.”
Acclaimed music website Drowned in Sound also unveiled its Saturday line-up for the New Music stage.
Los Campesinos! will play the headline slot alongside Dananananaykroyd, Young Legionnaire and local favourites Hey Sholay.
Drowned in Sound promoter Rob Webb said: “We’re utterly delighted to announce the DiS Events lineups for Sheffield’s Tramlines festival, with the 2, 500 capacity New Music Stage and in our spiritual home of The Harley.”
Sheffield rockers The Hope Explosion performing at last year's Tramlines (Photo- Samuel Valdes Lopez)
New elements have been added to this years festivities, including acoustic sets at the city’s Cathedral, a Blues and Ale Trail and a Youth Music Festival.
In the coming weeks there will be further announcements about the line ups for the Dance World stage, Rolo Tomassi’s New Music stage and Hallam FM’s Saturday showcase on the main stage.
Tramlines was set up in 2009 to celebrate the diversity of Sheffield music.