LINE UP

The first wave of acts for Manchester Psych Fest 2024 is here.

Featuring:@baxterdury@horrorsofficial@TemplesOfficial@NewDad @heyjuniore @MdouMoctar
Plus others, with more to be announced.

Tickets on sale now: https://t.co/gvgJ3geAB1 pic.twitter.com/QHNEPsPMb3

— ManchesterPsychFest (@mancpsychfest) November 30, 2023

The festival is scheduled to take place on 31 August 2024 and will once again turn the city centre of Manchester into a sprawling hub of psychedelic and alternative creativity. Iconic music venues such as YES, Canvas, Albert Hall and 02 Ritz will act as temporary stages, effectively allowing the areas immediately surrounding Oxford Street to be turned into temporary festival grounds. Circle Square, if aligning with last year, will act as festival hub and will be the place to go for merch, various band meet and greets and a diverse variety of street food stalls.

Last year’s edition saw American psychedelic rock giants The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Allas-Las perform, along with Sorry, The Murlocs, Ezra Furman and Los Bitchos. There were also several film screenings, including cult psychedelic classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and band films Chunky Shrapnel and Dig!. This year’s film screenings have yet to be announced, as have many more acts and artists.

Watch the music video for “I’m Not Your Dog” by Baxter Dury below:

Baxter Dury, son of legendary The Blockheads lead singer Ian Dury, is set to headline the festival with his wholly unique take on music, consisting of unapologetic, almost spoken word delivery backgrounded by post-disco and indie electronica beats. Also headlining will be Southend based group The Horrors, with a style that consistently merges gothic and psychedelic rock with post-punk and shoegaze.

Watch the music video for “Still Life” by The Horrors below:

The full list of acts that have been confirmed is below:

Baxter Dury, Bonny Doon, Divorce, Ebbb, Fat Dog, Floral Image, Gurriers, Heartworms, Hello Mary, Hotwax, James Holden, Juniore, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Mdou Moctar, Molly Payton, Mui Zyu, NewDad, Temples, The Horrors, Wax Head, White Flowers, Willie J Healey, Wine Lips.

Tickets are on sale now and are available to purchase here.

We’re delighted to be returning with a full-scale Visions on Saturday 23rd July 2022. pic.twitter.com/Wsa3IojpQb

— Visions Festival (@VisionsFestival) March 23, 2022

After topping our list for 2021’s album of the year with For The First Time, and then releasing another album this February, Ants From Up There, (that honestly might be a contender this time around) things were looking up for the band. But, due to a perfectly justifiable combination of reasons regarding mental health, Wood released an intimate statement on the band’s socials explaining his situation. Despite the band’s claims that they would continue to make music and tour as Black Country, New Road, many fans were left worried about their future. Especially when you keep the cancelled tour in mind. Now, however, some of that tension may have been lightened as they seem to be keeping to their word and getting back on the scene. As of yet, it is unclear as to whether they will be touring as a 6-piece, or try and find a new member to fill the gaps; but by the looks of things, a 6-piece will be the way for a while.

We have some news to share concerning the future of the band. Please read on for information on upcoming shows, but it seems right to pass on this message from Isaac first pic.twitter.com/3HHmSwBDQj

— BlackCountry,NewRoad (@BCNRband) January 31, 2022

As well as BC,NR the line-up seems perfect for those after a day of counter-culture. Niger based songwriter Mdou Moctar will also be heading to Hackney to perform his own interpretations of Tuareg guitar music. French DJ Oklou brings her special blend of ambience and harsh French house. And Dublin newcomer For Those I Love, whose debut album received significant critical acclaim last year will also join the line-up. This is also, only the first wave of artists to be announced for the festival, so watch this space for more updates on line-up news.

While this is only a 1-day festival, the festival has also announced a “special pre-party on 22nd July at Round Chapel, co-headlined by Yumi Zouma and Far Caspian, plus more special guests to be announced”.  It’s an interesting idea to announce a single day festival… that is in conjunction with another unrelated party the day before the festival… at one of the festival’s venues… then still call it a 1-day festival. But who am I to judge, more music for us.