Radio 1 Big Weekend Clean up

Students can earn themselves a ticket to Radio 1's Big Weekend music festival in Gwynedd by helping clean up a beach.

This year's free event takes place at the Faenol estate on 22-23 May, with stars including Cheryl Cole and Dizzee Rascal.

Applications are expected to heavily outnumber the 40,000 tickets available but 50 are offered to Bangor University students who clean a beach on 17 May.

BBC Radio 1 DJs will drop in to see how the beach clean-up is progressing.

Radio 1 deputy controller Ben Cooper said: ''We're pleased to add volunteering to the programme of events around Radio 1's Big Weekend.

"For Radio 1 and the listeners to be able to give something back to the area that is hosting the Big Weekend is fantastic."

We heavily encourage volunteering to our students as a way for them to gain valuable employability skills...
Becky Ryan, Bangor University

The students, who will need to register their interest in the project by 5 May, will work with Bangor University, the Marine Conservation Society and Gwynedd Council.

Becky Ryan, work experience project manager at Bangor University, said: "The centre for careers and opportunities at Bangor University are delighted to be involved with this event.

"We heavily encourage volunteering to our students as a way for them to gain valuable employability skills, so to be involved with such a high-profile event that is not only promoting volunteering but also encouraging students to think about the environment is just brilliant."

The Marine Conservation Society said it was "vitally important" that young people were made aware of "the rising tide of litter" on beaches.

On Monday, Chris Moyles unveiled the festival line-up which features more than 30 UK and international artists who will be playing on the two main stages.

Other artists performing include Florence and the Machine, Rihanna and Alicia Keys.

There are 40,000 tickets available across the weekend. Tickets are free, but last year more than 350,000 people applied for them and demand is expected to be huge again this year.

Stunning line-up announced for Radio 1 Big Weekend

CHERYL COLE, Rihanna, JLS and Dizzee Rascal will be just some of the acts to perform at what promises to be the music event of the year for the region.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend – the station’s annual music extravaganza – announced its line-up for the two-day festival which will take place at the Faenol Estate, near Bangor, on Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23.

And, within hours almost 130,000 music lovers had registered for the 40,000 tickets which are available free, but only online (see panel for details).

Chris Moyles, with a little bit of help from Zane Lowe, unveiled the comprehensive line-up of over 30 UK and international artists, which will include Florence & The Machine, Faithless, Paulo Nutini and Scouting for Girls, plus Welsh bands the Lostprophets, Kids in Glass Houses and Marina & The Diamonds.

More than 40,000 fans will be able to enjoy performances from four stages at the Faenol – the Main Stage; the In New Music We Trust Stage; the Outdoor Stage and the BBC Introducing Stage.

The Chris Moyles show producer, Aled Haydn Jones, from Aberystwyth could barely contain his excitement about the “stunning” line-up.

He said: “The line-up is brilliant, for me coming from Aberystwyth, I can’t believe we are taking this many stars and bands up to Bangor.

“I didn’t know beforehand because, as we were starting to build it up and trying confirm acts, I couldn’t take the tension any more, so I just found out this morning and I think it is brilliant.”

And unlike Huw Stephens and Zane Lowe – whose eyes will be on emerging acts like Stornoway and Bombay Bicycle Club – the Aber man’s attention will be on one of the most famous stars on the main stage.

“It’s got be Cheryl Cole for me.”

He will also be cheering on JLS who appeared on stage with Chris Moyles at last year’s Big Weekend in Swindon, “even before they had released a single”.

Radio 1’s live music and events editor, Jason Carter, said: “We’ve pulled out all the stops for our 10th BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend with an outstanding line-up of the best UK and international talent, along with new and emerging artists.

“It’s a great opportunity to put a national focus on North Wales as Radio 1 brings two days of distinctive programming encompassing the very best live music, fantastic sets and some original collaborations. And no-one has to miss any of it as it will be on radio, online, on TV and the red button.”

The local reaction to the festival and line-up was overwhelmingly positive.

Adam Isbell, the event manager of Bangor nightclub Amser/Time, said clubs, bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurant would all benefit greatly from the festival.

“I think there will be more than 20,000 coming each day and that is got to be good thing not just for Bangor but the whole of the region,” he said.

“The Big Weekend coincides with effectively our last weekend (the club will close as work on a new university arts centre starts) and we are planning something big (linked to the festival) to mark that.

“I hope that the Big Weekend will leave a legacy behind which puts the Faenol site on the festival map for years to come because it has the potential to become huge.”

The chairman of the People of Bangor campaign group Nigel Pickavance was equally effusive.

He added: “It will boost the profile of the city and will provide a lift for the economy and community spirit. Nothing like this has happened in Bangor before – in fact ever – and in my opinion it is going to be absolutely brilliant.

“My partner has already applied for our tickets so fingers crossed we’ll be one of the 40,000 going to the Faenol.”

Gwynedd Council’s corporate director, Iwan Trefor Jones, said: “We’re very proud to welcome these talented artists to Gwynedd. Our unique combination of breathtaking mountains and coastline will provide a fantastic backdrop for Radio 1’s Big Weekend. We look forward to showing the world what makes Gwynedd a great place to live, work and visit.”

Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, Arfon AM, added: “I am delighted this major musical event is coming to Wales next month.

“This demonstrates our growing reputation as a venue for major events and shows that the facilities exist in all parts of Wales to host top class events.”

The line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage will be announced by Huw Stephens during his show tomorrow (9-10pm) while the line-up for the Outdoor Stage will be announced by Annie Mac on Thursday, while she deputises for Fearne Cotton (10am-1pm).

A truly multi-platform experience, Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be broadcast on Radio 1, with a major interactive presence online at bbc.co.uk/radio1 and many live performances available to watch on demand. There will be highlights on BBC Three and extended performances can be seen via the Red Button on digital TV during the weekend

Shakira Plays Glastonbury - Hip Shaking Guaranteed

Glastonbury organisers have confirmed that Shakira will play this year's festival. The multi-award winning, multi-million-selling Colombian popstar has been confirmed for one of the spots currently listed as "TBA" on the festival's Pyramid stage on Saturday 26 June.

"Shakira is not only an amazing pop star but also socially and politically forward thinking; she's working incredibly hard for good causes around the world" said organiser Emily Eavis. "We feel honoured to have the She Wolf come to Worthy Farm!"

Shakira will join a host of artists, including Slash, Vampire Weekend and Dizzee Rascal, who will play the main stage at this summer's event. U2, Muse and Stevie Wonder will headline the festival.

Ibiza Rocks 2010 Line Up Announced

The Prodigy are among the acts set to headline this year's Ibiza Rocks, which is now in its fifth year.

The summer-long event takes place at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio from June 8 to September 14.

This year they will be hosting an Ibiza Rocks afterparty at Es Paradis, powered by the same ‘anything goes’ party spirit that fuels the gigs. Unbelieveably this will be FREE to all Ibiza Rocks ticket holders (before 01:30).

Reclaim the Dancefloor isn't going away though; the night was such a success it now has its own home at Eden every Wednesday from June 16th.

The line ups for this are going to be SENSATIONAL.

Tickets for all Ibiza Rocks shows are on sale now so head to www.ibizarocks.com to make sure you'll be joining us for the best summer of your life.

And if all that line-up news wasn't enough to convince you to part with your hard-earned cash - then take a look at our incredible holiday and midweek deals!

Here's everything that's confirmed so far...

The Courteeners + DJ Toddla T
June 22 – Ibiza Rocks
Liam and the lads come to town with a brand new album and sound. Singer Liam Fray says: ‘We can’t wait to get back out there. People go to Ibiza for one thing and that’s to have a f*cking good time. Let’s face it, we definitely fit the criteria.’ Radio 1 rising star Toddla T will be on board to get you in the mood with his 'Skanky Skanky' dancehall tunes.

Calvin Harris + Example
July 5 - Mallorca Rocks / July 6 - Ibiza Rocks
Calvin is back bringing his dancefloor favourites to the island for yet another year. He's even making history by being the very first act to play Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks back to back! He'll be backed up by London rapper Example who´s having a simply massive 2010.

The Prodigy - 5th Birthday Party
July 20 – Ibiza Rocks
We had to make this BIG. And we think you'll agree that we succeeded.

Ibiza Rocks 5th Birthday Bash will be headlined by the greatest electronic act the world. With a vision of creating a night for `dance kids who want to rock and rock kids who want to dance´ Ibiza Rocks was conceived with this very moment in mind. Happy Birthday indeed. It´s going to be emotional.

Dizzee Rascal
July 26 - Mallorca Rocks / July 27 - Ibiza Rocks
Back-to-back Balearic roadblock for this BRITs winner and Ibiza Rocks favourite who will also be swinging by Mallorca Rocks. Tickets will go FAST! Dizzee himself told us that he can't wait to play Ibiza Rocks again this year: “It was one of my best shows of 2009 - it went off big time."

The Kooks
June 6 - Mallorca Rocks / August 10 - Ibiza Rocks
The Brighton lads have been Ibiza Rocks faves right from the get-go and they'll be back to open to new Mallorca Rocks hotel before returning later in the summer for a set in Ibiza.

Florence And The Machine
August 24 – Ibiza Rocks
It's been an amazing year for the divine Ms Florence Welch - a platinum selling album, huge singles, headline shows and a BRIT award to put the cherry on the cake. Don't miss.

Kele Okereke & Delphic
August 31 - Ibiza Rocks
Kele from Bloc Party will perform one of his first ever live solo shows as part of his side project. He will be supported by one of the biggest breakthrough bands of the year, Delphic. Having smashed into the Top 10 with debut album ‘Acolyte’ these boys and their Balearic sound is a match made in heaven for the White Isle.

Pendulum
September 6 - Mallorca Rocks / September 7 - Ibiza Rocks
Yeah, you read that right, the masters of D'n'B will play not one, not two, but three shows over the summer including the closing party at Mallorca Rocks - we can't think of a better way to finish it all off.