14th July 2019. A notable day in the calendar. The F1 British Grand Prix. England-New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final. Tennis legend Roger Federer versus the behemoth Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. But perhaps best of all, the return of Citadel Festival to Gunnersbury Park in West London. Headlined by Catfish & The Bottlemen, we've put together a preview of Citadel 2019.
It's not just about bands at Citadel with a range of other activities including a Peppa Pig meet-and-greet, yoga sessions, and talks from a variety of speakers such as comedian Phil Wang and science communicator Steve Cross. We're more about the bands, and here are eight that we think are particularly worth watching:
Squid
(14.10, DIY Stage)
We described Squid's performance at Nottingham's Dot To Dot Festival as "chaotically brilliant", and it's little surprise that both they and the hotly-tipped Black Midi shares releases on London's Speedy Wunderground label. They'll be an early jolt to the senses.
The Murder Capital
(15.05, DIY Stage)
Dublin punk outfit The Murder Capital have been making waves with their blistering output over the last year or so, with the likes of Nialler9 and The Guardian lending their weight as supporters. Their live performances have garnered bookings at a host of top UK festivals including Latitude, Truck, and End Of The Road.
Dream Wife
(15.20, Main Stage)
Another band who impressed us at Dot To Dot 2019, Dream Wife's infectious feminist energy seeps out of every pore. The trio's riot grrrl outlook translates equally well in the live environment, securing them prominent support slots for Garbage and The Vaccines in 2018.
Matthew & The Atlas
(16.05, Communion Stage)
As the first artist to be signed to the Communion label, it's understandable that Matthew Hegarty aka Matthew & The Atlas will be performing on their stage. Returning to the festival, having performed at the 2016 edition, his albums share a similar timeline with 2016's 'Temples' followed by this year's 'Morning Dancer'.
Fontaines D.C.
(17.00, DIY Stage)
The initial hype around Dublin outfit Fontaines D.C. focussed on their punk-led sounds but recent debut album 'Dogrel' demonstrated a more wide-ranging aesthetic. Drawing comparison from The Pogues to The Fall, the five-piece will be looking to further cement their increasingly burgeoning reputation at Citadel 2019.
Friendly Fires
(17.25, Main Stage)
One of the most established bands on the line-up, having formed back in the mid-noughties, Friendly Fires recently returned after a considerable number of years away. The Mercury Music Prize-nominated trio will be releasing their new album in August, their first since 2011's 'Pala', so expect a rejuvenated and a revitalising performance.
Bastille
(18.40, Main Stage)
It’s Bastille Day on Sunday. And my birthday... So we’re bringing the amazing choir and brass players to @CitadelFestival with us to celebrate. Can’t wait! pic.twitter.com/eNMH3Ra9xO— BASTILLE (@bastilledan) July 12, 2019
A band so good that France named a national holiday after them. Possibly. In an unexpected co-incidence, Bastille play Citadel on Bastille Day, and it's also frontman Dan Smith's birthday so expect a big celebration - alongside the usual smorgasbord of top pop tracks, from 'Pompeii' to the more recent Brexit address of 'Doom Days'.
Bear's Den
(19.20, Communion Stage)
Sharing an affinity for writing tracks about Pompeii, with 2015's Ivor Novello-nominated 'Above The Clouds Of Pompeii', Bear's Den headline the Communion Stage at Citadel. Having released their third album, 'So that you might hear me', earlier in the year, the band will undoubtedly be eager to justify their billing.
Timings subject to change. Ltd tickets and more info available at citadelfestival.com.
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