Latest news with #JaxJones
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Mae Muller joins the bill for Scotland's biggest free music festival in Dumfries
The Better Days singer will appear at Youth Beatz along with Jax Jones, Liberty X and DJ Sammy. The final act has been announced for Scotland's biggest free music festival. Mae Muller has joined Jax Jones, Liberty X and DJ Sammy on the bill for this year's Youth Beatz festival in Dumfries. The English singer came to prominence with the sing Better Days with NEIKED and Polo G and represented Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. Youth Beatz will take place at Park Farm in Dumfries on June 28 and 29, with 20,000 people expected to attend each day. The final bill was announced at a special event at Stranraer Academy on Monday. Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, said: 'Our council is delighted to continue to support for this fantastic community event. 'Youth Beatz provides young people from across Dumfries and Galloway with a fantastic festival experience in their local area.' The festival – which receives financial support from The National Lottery Young Start Fund, Alcohol and Drug Partnership Awards for All Scotland and the council – also features a hard-hitting drama production looking at real life issues called The Toon. It gives young people information and advice and this year will feature a scene on cardiac health and using a defibrillator in an emergency situation. The group have been working with the DH9 Foundation to learn about cardiac health and develop the scene. Volunteers have also been busy working behind the scenes to write their scripts, design sets and collectively volunteer more than 1,000 hours a week. The Toon is led by the Youth Enquiry Service and aims to provide information to young people aged 14 to 25. The young performers and stage crew recently completed an intensive two-week Toon Camp to plan the production during the Easter holidays. Eighteen-year-old peer educator in The Toon, Dayle Smith, said: 'Being part of The Toon has helped me to build on my confidence and supported me to learn new skills in terms of drama, script writing and set design. 'The issue-based workshops delivered by partner services, helped all of us involved learn about situations that happen within our local community and what support is available for young people. The Toon is a great way to raise awareness to other young people, giving them information through real-life examples.'
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I went to In It Together festival and despite the pouring rain one thing stood out
I went to In It Together festival and despite the pouring rain one thing stood out Despite the rain and the prices, there really was something for everyone at In It Together 2025 Kaiser Chiefs headlined the Friday night of In It Together festival (Image: Indigo Jones ) As soon as I walked into In It Together, I was completely surprised by the scale of the festival. Having gone to their first ever festival in 2022, I couldn't believe how much they developed the event which honestly felt like a mini Coachella just down the road from my hometown. It was quite overwhelming just how large the grounds were and how many people were gathered in a farm in Port Talbot to have a few drinks and see such a varied line up of acts. The line-up included Jax Jones, Gareth Gates, James Morrison, a surprise appearance from Ruth Jones and Example, as well as headline acts Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill and Ronan Keating. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . In true Welsh style, the weather was absolutely horrific and I spent most of the festival very cold and damp, but I still managed to have a really good time. The atmosphere was amazing and everyone at the festival seemed to be really happy and enjoyed themselves despite the rain. People were walking around in all sorts of costumes; I saw the Mystery Gang, minions, the Avengers and even Ali G. Rather than the fashion show you normally get at festivals, it felt like everyone was wearing what they felt comfortable in, whether that was dressing up as Shrek or staying warm in a Dryrobe. I think Gru lost some of his Minions (Image: Tom Williams (@mrtomw) ) Article continues below There were all sorts of different stalls and shops including the local brand San Portablo, which you could spot on everyone around the festival. They also had a shop from one of my favourite brands, Lucy & Yak, who had a special 20% off deal at the festival, which meant I bought a lovely new fleece to keep me warm for a fraction of its normal price. It is fair to say my bank has taken a good beating though. Now, many people have complained about the prices of food and drink, which I agree were quite steep, but this is expected at a festival. We know when we go to any type of big event we are going to be spending a lot of money - unfortunately that is the way it is and it does add up. I did however have one of the best burgers I have ever tried from Wholesome Junkies, a plant-based food vendor from Manchester. The burger was a truffle and caramelised onion beefless burger, and I had hoisin tofu loaded fries as a side. These two dishes and a can of 7UP did come to a whopping £26.85, which brought a tear to my eye, but it was absolutely worth it. This cost over £20, but honestly it was worth it (Image: Indigo Jones ) There was a wide variety of vendors across the weekend varying from Greek food to a jacket potato van. It was also great to see some local vendors like The Grand Sultan, an Indian restaurant which is based just down the road in Pyle. I'm a girl in her 20s and I have very little experience of being around children other than having many cousins (I'm Welsh, what do you expect?) but I could tell that this festival is great for families. There were so many options and activities for children; they had a cinema screen, a specific tent which played child-friendly music and even a fun fair. It was great to see all the parents pulling their children around in carts - in fact I was a little jealous and wished they made adult-sized ones! I must be getting older, because the only thing that let me down about the festival was the sheer abundance of teenagers, who were very rowdy, but I think it's because this is the perfect event for them to let loose with their friends. I do know if this festival was around when I was a teenager I would have been in my element. It is a great social hub for youngsters and allows them to meet other people their age from the surrounding area. The point of the whole festival is the music, which is why I've left it until last. Wow, just wow. The variety of genres that In It Together hosted meant that whether you liked some dirty drum and bass or cheesy bangers, there was something for you. Somebody's mam was going wild for Ronan (Image: Tom Williams (@mrtomw) ) Article continues below I think the headliners sum up the diversity. The Friday night was headlined by Kaiser Chiefs who were celebrating 20 years of their album Employment; the second night was headlined by the powerhouse vocals of Becky Hill and the last night was headlined by '90s icon and former Boyzone member Ronan Keating. The line-up managed to cross generations and really summed up the family nature of the festival, so you and your mam can enjoy the acts together. Overall, I would definitely go to In It Together again. D espite being incredibly tired post-festival I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Each headline act appealed to a different part of my music taste, and we definitely finished on a high with Ronan Keating singing Life is a Rollercoaster. If you're looking for a festival which well and truly appeals to all ages, In It Together does just that.
Extra.ie
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Gavin James to perform at Live at the Breakwater concert series this August
Tickets will be available below. Gavin James will perform at Live at the Breakwater on August 2 in Wexford. Pre-sale begins on May 22 at 9 a.m., with general sales kicking off on May 23 at 10 a.m. Under 14s can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. The venue's concert series will take place between July 31 and August 9. Other headline acts include Amble, The Waterboys, Moncrieff and Jax Jones. 'We're absolutely thrilled to announce Gavin James as the final addition to this summer's Live at The Breakwater lineup said Brian Byrne of Wexford-based promoter Lantern. 'Set against the iconic waterfront of Wexford town, this year marks the second edition of the series, and with two additional dates, it is bigger and better than ever. The skyline view from Wexford looking over is something we're incredibly proud of, and we can't wait to share it with audiences again this July and August.' James has sold over 250,000 tickets worldwide, performing across Europe, Australia and the UK. His new single, Cherry Cola, will be released later in June, preceding the release of his upcoming album. 'I'm delighted to be returning with my band to Wexford to play the big top at Breakwater!' he said. Tickets will be available here.
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Five great things on throughout Newport this summer
As the days get longer and the temperature is gradually soaring, this can only mean one thing – summer is right around the corner – and it's time for the anticipation of summer plans to begin. Whether you're gearing up for summer holiday plans with the kids, or looking for a fun weekend festival, here are some of the highlights of Newport's upcoming activities. Big Splash Festival Big Splash is returning to Newport for 2025 this summer (Image: NQ) Returning this Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July is Wales's biggest free outdoor arts festival – 'The Big Splash'. Organised by The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, the festival turns Newport City centre into a bright and vibrant hub of live music, dance, theatre, and more across a range of performances throughout the day. These spectacles take place across The Celebrate Stage, The Dock Stage, and Usk Plaza Zone. Best of all, the event is free of charge! You can find out what to expect by reading about last year's Big Splash. The festival is also calling out to the local community, giving choirs, dance groups, musicians, storytellers, poets – even circus performers, or anyone with a creative flare a fantastic opportunity to perform, encouraging performers from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 1st June, with more volunteering opportunities to come. Colour Clash Colour Clash will return to Coronation Park for 2025 (Image: Google) While Big Splash is the perfect festival feel for all the family, Newport's Colour Clash is one for the adults to look out for. This over 18s only event will take place in Coronation Park on Saturday 2nd August. The main stage lineup includes Bru-C, Bugzy Malone and Jax Jones with loads of other artists performing across the two stages – the Main and Logic stages. This one-day festival is still selling tickets, which you can book on the Colour Clash's official website. This includes general entry and exclusive VIP tickets if you want to upgrade your day! Events at Tredegar House Tredegar House (Image: Wales News Service) Aside from festival fun, Tredegar House is the place to be to entertain the little ones all throughout the summer holidays. The Blossom Spotter Trail runs from Saturday the 24th May to Sunday the 1st June, where you can explore the house and gardens while searching for blossom-inspired decorations. The mansion is also hosting a Summer of Play, bringing the joy of the seaside right into the heart of Newport. With a giant sandpit, colourful beach huts, the chance for performative play, and neurodivergent-friendly sensory tents, the kids can let their imaginations run wild. Both events are free additions upon the standard admission fee for Tredegar House. Make your own Welsh Spirit With the Spirit of Wales, you can make your very own Welsh gin or Welsh rum – this will run each week beginning Wednesday the 14th May. The experience starts with a welcome drink, followed by a masterclass in the spirit production including distilling, filtering, and bottling with a wax stamp and label. Before bottling, you are poured a drink with your newly created gin or rum. One still can be created between one, two, or four people – you can book tickets on Spirit of Wales's website. Events at the RSPB Newport Wetlands RSPB Newport Wetlands are hosting lots of events this summer (Image: Google) The RSPB are offering groups of up to five an exclusive, bespoke tour of the Newport Wetlands, which can be booked for up to one-and-a-half hours. The tours include general nature walks, as well as birding, historical and photography walks. If your kids want to explore the underwater world, the RSPB are also offering a unique pond dipping experience from Monday the 26th to Friday the 30th May. Equipment and spotting sheets will be provided. Finally, more geared towards adults, a bumblebee identification and guided walk will be running on Saturday the 28th June, Saturday the 12th July, and Saturday the 9th August. This particularly encourages those interested in the natural world and conservation. Tickets to all these events can be found on the RSPB website.
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Jax Jones, Liberty X and DJ Sammy to appear at Youth Beatz 2025 in Dumfries
The first acts have been announced for this year's Youth Beatz in Dumfries . DJ Jax Jones will head the music event at Park Farm at the end of June, with Liberty X also on the bill. And the Boys of Summer will be in Heaven with the news that DJ Sammy will also be appearing. Organisers of Scotland's biggest free youth music event announced the first acts on Thursday night. And within hours, all 40,000 tickets for this year's festival – taking place on June 28 and June 29 – had been snapped up. DJ and producer Jax Jones has an impressive back catalogue of hits and has worked with artists including Raye, Demi Lovato, Kesha and Jason Derulo. He's also been nominated for a Grammy and has multiple Brit award nominations – and he appeared at Youth Beatz in 2018. He said: 'I can't wait to come back to Dumfries again to perform at Youth Beatz. Scottish crowds always bring the most fun and I know that it will be the same this summer. Bring your dancing shoes because its going to be great.' Liberty X have had 10 top 20 UK singles and are best known for their number one hit Just A Little. And Spanish artist DJ Sammy has also hit the UK top spot with his remix of Heaven, his version of Boys of Summer also charting well. Other performers announced include up and coming Scottish singer song-writers Kerr Mercer and Ili, with more than 60 young artists from Dumfries and Galloway also due to perform. More main stage acts will be announced at a future event in Stranraer. Youth Beatz will also feature a kids tent, a youth work area and inflatables as well as The Toon, an interactive youth drama production designed and delivered by people from across Dumfries and Galloway. And in the lead-up to the festival itself there will be the week-long Youth Beatz Fringe, with events in every ward area in Dumfries and Galloway. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. Chair of the council's education skills and community wellbeing committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, said: 'Our council is once again delighted to continue with our support for this fantastic community event. 'Youth Beatz provides young people from across Dumfries and Galloway with a fantastic festival experience in their local area, as well as valuable experiences through volunteering opportunities such as performing in the immersive youth led drama production The Toon, and participation in the annual Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award residential. 'I am once again looking forward to welcoming young people from across Dumfries and Galloway and the rest of Scotland through the gates at Park Farm on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29.' For more details, click here.
