dot to dot

Having firmly established its reputation the over the last six years, this year's Dot To Dot Festival, returned to its native Nottingham, Bristol, and added Manchester to its three day tour, of musically receptive cities.

Now widely regarded as the number one urban festival in the UK, Dot To Dot is notable for its unerring ability to uncover and elevate emerging acts from across the country, whilst still providing stages where eagerly awaited sophomore releases and meteoric newcomers can fill the headline slots.

From early afternoon onwards, the line-ups introduced relative newcomers Morning Parade, Chapel Club, Fenech Soler, Rox, Goldheart Assembly, Kirsty Almeida and Dog Is Dead. Further up the bill more established bands, including Wild Beasts, Field Music, Blood Red Shoes, Twisted Wheel and Danny & The Champions of The World, provided critically acclaimed clout, before the headliners occupied their slots.

This year’s headliners, across the many venues, allowed festivalgoers to choose from returning heroes of Dot to Dot, Mystery Jets, the much lauded Los Campesinos!, and bleeding edge newcomers, Egyptian Hip Hop, as well as the instantly accessible posh pop of Ellie Goulding and Daisy Dares You.

2010’s Dot to Dot also played host to some eagerly anticipated visitors from across the Atlantic. Beach House’s rare UK performances represented a real scoop for the festival, whilst Liars, The Ruby Suns, Lights, Washed Out and Dead Confederate all took the opportunity to play new material in the UK before the Summer’s outdoor festival season kicks off.

A bit of Bank Holiday sunshine completed the experience, giving style conscious frequenters a chance to premier their Summer wardrobes, without needing to accessorize for wellies. Music lovers enjoyed a relaxed, party atmosphere that lasted well into the early hours, when DJ sets from Zane Lowe, Jakwob and Doorly entertained those with enough stamina to last out the 14 hours of music.