Tramlines has become the biggest day on the calendar for Sheffield residents. Every year it seems to get bigger and better, and people from further afield are travelling North to be part of it. Last year’s festival brought legends such as Martha Reeves, The Charlatans and Basement Jaxx to the plate. quite an act to follow. The festival kicks off its three days this year on the 22nd of July, and the first acts have just been confirmed already.
Tramlines has always been known for amongst other things bringing great hip-hop music to the city. Previous years have brought us the likes of Public Enemy, Sugarhill Gang, and De La Soul. Their one day festival Outlines already have the legendary Roots Manuva confirmed. With the announcement of Tramlines first headliner brings yet another. Dizzee Rascal came to light with the release of his debut album ‘Boy In Da Corner’. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, with huge chart hits such as ‘Dance Wiv Me’, ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Holiday’. It couldn’t be a better time to see him perform. His brand new collaboration ‘How Love Begins’ with High Contrast and DJ Fresh is a huge old skool banger, that will no doubt sound great in the sun, with a beer in hand (I can confirm there will be beer, but unfortunately I can’t guarantee the sun).
There’s nothing like a bit of reggae on a summer’s day too, and that need will be catered for in the shape of Dawn Penn. A staple on he reggae scene since the sixties, she is best known here for her huge nineties crossover hit ‘You Don’t Love Me (No No No)’. I’m in no doubt that she will be performing her monster hit, and getting it rattling around our heads in the same way t did all those years ago.
There’s a bit of something for everyone on the bill. Also confirmed are all-girl garage rockers Hinds, who have just released their brand new album ‘Leave Me Alone’. Add to that art-rockers Field Music, and Mercury award winning hip-hop crew Young Fathers. With so many more acts to be announced, over multiple venues across the city, it promises to give 2016 another great summer of music.
For a full list of the confirmed acts, head over to the official Tramlines site, or keep up with new acts to the list as they’re confirmed by following them on Twitter.
