Wide Awake Festival, situated in Brockwell Park, has established itself as one of London’s most distinctive festivals in recent years. Taking place on May 27th 2023 the festival will welcome the likes of Caroline Polachek, Shygirl, Daniel Avery, Coucou Chloe, Blondeshell, Arooj Aftab, Enumclaw, Jockstrap, Joy Orbison, Molchat Doma, Oneohtrix Point Never, Optimo (Espacio), The Bug Club, The Underground Youth and VTSS, Osees, Gilla Band and more.
At the heart of Wide Awake’s values lies a passion for supporting emerging artists, and it was this very idea that served as a major driving force behind the inception of their events. They believe in creating a safe space for those who may feel overlooked by the repetitive and often formulaic event lineups that dominate the industry. Instead, the Wide Awake team strives to offer a platform for up-and-coming bands to take centre stage, providing them with a glimpse into the exciting future that lies ahead. With their fingers on the pulse for culture and creativity, the Wide Awake team believes that music discovery and artistic freedom are essential, and the artists featured in this announcement will soon be making waves in the industry.
New York’s Model Actriz, a trailblazing LGBTQ+ band, is quickly gaining notoriety for their fearlessness. Frontman Cole Haden describes their new album as “a violent ode to the explosive joy of being alive” and this raw energy is palpable in their high-energy performances. Their SXSW show earning rave reviews, including a nod from Rolling Stone UK, who called it a “High Note of Absolute Madness” – don’t miss their electrifying set at Brockwell Park.
Canadian band Cola, by the former members of OUGHT, brings their post-punk meets indie sound to the Wide Awake stage. Their debut album, released last year, explored worldly concerns and anxieties – the band will absolutely deliver a sweet dreamscape of sonic delight to festival-goers.
Prepare to be transported to another realm by Gretyl Hanlyn‘s voice. This singer’s rich, powerful, and husky tones have earned her airplay on BBC Radio 6, a feature on Mura Masa‘s silky single “2gether” and a sold out forthcoming show at the infamous Moth Club.
Finally, Mary In The Junkyard, a London-based band and regulars at the legendary Windmill venue, generated plenty of buzz and energy during their pre-gig series for Wide Awake at The Shacklewell Arms. With a bright and loud future ahead of them, they are a must-see act at this year’s festival.
Wide Awake will also be welcoming an array of additional artists from DJs, singers and collectives, including; Andrew Devine, Arnie Wrong, Bad Vibrations, Beatfoot DJs, Dance Mums, Dani Whylie, Deptford Northern Soul Club, Dman, Emily Pilbeam, Fuzz Club Records, Goat Girl DJs, Gun All Stars, Harry James, Lynks DJ, Marcus Harris, Martin from A Certain Ratio, Meron T, Moth Club, PVA DJs, R.E.D., Roma Radz, Rough Trade Records, Shacklewell Arms, Spank DJs, The Gift, Third Man Records, Tia Cousins, BBC 6’s Tom Ravenscroft and Wonderprince.
Championing what is important and highlighting social issues have always been an imperative part of the Wide Awake philosophy. This year the Wide Awake team have been cultivating a cultural programme that is reflective of this. Hate Zine are a 100% independent, anti-capitalist publication joining forces with Wide Awake to host panels and workshops; with a focus on the housing crisis, the environment, gender equality within the music industry and community. Known purveyors of great music, Rough Trade will be back in the field On Tour with vinyl, merch and a killer line-up of album signings.
Wide Awake are proud to be supporting the charity, Something To Look Forward To this year. The charity run a website for people with cancer and their families to access a variety of gifts generously donated by people and companies. Wide Awake will be offering tickets to the platform as well as making a donation to the charity.
Wide Awake is an independent event with a focus on creating a festival that is diverse and inclusive, Wide Awake’s line-up features an equal gender split and 2023 will see their teamwork further on ‘Positive Policy’, a sustainability plan that was set up to change the way live music events affect the planet. Environmentally conscious, socially aware and musically relevant, Wide Awake’s a party for people who care about music and more.
LINE UP :
HEADLINER
CAROLINE POLACHEK
A-Z
A Place To Bury Strangers
Andrew Devine
Arnie Wrong
Arooj Aftab
Bad Vibrations
Beatfoot DJs
Big Joanie
Black Country, New Road
Blondeshell
Butch Kassidy
Caroline Polachek
CLAMM
Cola
COUCOU CHLOE
Dance Mums
Dani Whylie
Daniel Avery (Live)
Deptford Northern Soul Club
Dman
Emily Pilbeam
Enumclaw
Erol Alkan
Fat Dog
Fuzz Club Records
Gilla Band
Glass Beams
Goat Girl DJs
Gun All Stars
Habibi Funk
Harry James
JJUUUJJUU
Jockstrap
Joy Orbison
Lebanon Hanover
Los Bitchos
Lynks DJ
Madmadmad
Marcus Harris
Martin from A Certain Ratio
Meron T
Molchat Doma
Moth Club
Naima Bock
Nuha Ruby Ra
O.
Oneohtrix Point Never
Optimo (Espacio)
Osees
PVA DJs
R.E.D.
Roma Radz
Rough Trade Records
Shacklewell Arms
Shygirl
Spank DJs
Sudan Archives
Sunset Rollercoaster
The Bug Club
The Gift
The Underground Youth
Third Man Records
Tia Cousins
Tirzah
Tom Ravenscroft
Two Shell
Ty Segall
Viagra Boys
VTSS
Wonderprince
Σstella
Find out more via the festivals Website or Facebook
