bluedot has released the first wave of artists for this year with Björk, Groove Armada and Metronomy headlining the fifth instalment of the award-winning music, science and culture event at Cheshire’s iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory taking place 23–26 July 2020.
One of the most influential and ground-breaking musicians of all time, Björk’s festival exclusive set will close bluedot with a uniquely commissioned performance alongside Manchester’s famed Halle Orchestra featuring incredible bespoke projections on the Lovell Telescope.
Also topping the bill are indie-electro giants, Metronomy. Following rave reviews for their latest studio album “Metronomy Forever” the electropop pioneers will take to the main stage on Saturday to deliver a wonky nu-disco set chock full of dancefloor masterpieces and stone-cold crowd pleasers.
Confirmed for Friday night is one of the planet’s best-loved dance acts, Groove Armada. With a career spanning more than 20 years featuring chart-topping hits such as “Superstylin” and “I See You Baby” it’s safe to say their live show will open bluedot 2020 with a party!
Other confirmed acts include psychedelic space rockers Spiritualized, disco diva Roisin Murphy, techno fusionist Squarepusher, electronic/ambient originals Tangerine Dream, reborn indie experimentalists Ride, Daniel Avery, EOB (the new solo project of Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien), Seth Troxler’s new Lost Souls of Saturn project, HAAI, BC Camplight , Anna Meredith, Henge, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Pussy Riot, BCUC, Sinkane, Chk Chk Chk, Tourist, Pongo, Tim Burgess, A Certain Ratio, Onipa, Lanterns On The Lake, Rosie Lowe, Homoelectric Nihiloxica, All We Are, Melt Yourself Down and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.
Elsewhere on the line-up is electronic legends 808 State, deep house specialists Crazy P, A Guy Called Gerald, AIF Award nominated Oh My God! It’s The Church, Liz Lawrence, Dry Cleaning, Los Bitchos, Just Mustard, Julia Bardo, Black Futures, Mark Radcliffe’s UNE, Porridge Radio, Intergalactic republic of Kongo, Plastic Mermaids, Lazarus Kane, Holodrum, Sinead O’Brien, Ttrruuces, The Goa Express, Otis Mensah, Robin Richards, The Starlight Magic Hour and Indian Queens.
Back by popular demand are the late night parties with DJ Yoda presents Stranger Things leading the bill. Stranger Things fans can expect favourites from 1983 laced with samples from the Netflix original series from Dolly Parton and Toto to The Clash and Joy Division. Also announced today is Manchester based four-piece Henge [DJ set], Too Many Man, DJ Acid Rephlux, Regal Disco, DJ Riv, Princess Leia & Han Solo’s Wedding Disco, Discolypso, Good Afternoon DJ’s and DJ Fallback bringing some deep space disco to the festival.
Also announced is a small taste of things to come with bluedot’s culture and science programme, with the Dot Talk themes set to explore futurology, consciousness, artificial intelligence and the depths of space via astrophysics and astronomy (full details announced in Spring).
Beyond Dot Talks, highlights among the arts and culture offering include Celebrating 42: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Live, a stage show featuring series performers and producers, written especially for bluedot; Is David Bowie a God? a comedic, musical exploration of the legend’s messianic status; the Pankhurst Sessions, a programme of talks, panels and screening curated by the activist and great grand-daughter of Suffragettes leader, Helen Pankhurst. Also announced today include performances by Phil Jupitus as the festivals artist-in-residence and British comedian, actor and director Adam Buxton who is known for his appearances in films such as ‘Hot Fuzz’, ‘Stardust’ and ‘Son of Rambow’ and most recently his podcast, the ‘Adam Buxton Podcast’.
For kids and family, a raft of entertainment is yet to be announced, but so far includes the Intergalactic Planetary kids rave with Big Fish Little Fish, Jedi Training, the Luminarium, a dedicated Big Bang Stage for kids, alongside an enormous range of science-focused activities, workshops and live experiments across the Star Fields.
For relaxing after dark, take a stroll to the Outer Space area, featuring an expanded fire garden and a host of sonic sculptures, or wander into the Star Fields while spectacular projections illuminate the towering Lovell Telescope.
bluedot 2020 is the fifth chapter of the ground-breaking event which has seen headline performances from the likes of Kraftwerk 3-D, New Order, The Chemical Brothers, Pixies, The Flaming Lips, Underworld and Jean-Michel Jarre, plus high-profile talks from Brian Cox, Helen Sharman, Alice Roberts and Richard Dawkins.
Published on 15 February 2020 by Ben Robinson
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