Initially starting off in 2005 as a single city festival in Nottingham, Dot To Dot this year will be taking place on 27th May in Bristol and 28th May in Nottingham. The eclectic line-up year upon year champions new artists and those much-loved favourites taking place across a number of venues across the city. We’ve had a look into the line-up and here’s just five of the many names across the bill who we can’t wait to see.
Yard Act
Photo Credit: Phoebe Fox
Headlining this year’s festival is Yard Act who will be offering up their post-punk/indie-rock twinged tracks. No strangers to the Dot To Dot stages, the band will be showcasing material from their 2021 debut album The Overload which saw them gain their first Mercury Award Nomination and hopefully treating attendees to some new material. Check them out for a dose of political fuelled, lyrically hard-hitting punk goodness which will end the night on a high for all to enjoy.
The Murder Capital
The Irish band have recently released their second album Gigi’s Recovery which saw them experimenting with their sound and evolving into the band they are today. From their debut When I Have Fears focussing around grief and loss, their latest effort focuses on the now, moving on and events unfolding whilst the songs were being written which will no doubt resonate with many when performed live. Known for their intensive, chaotic and simply captivating live shows, we’d recommend you get down early if you’re planning to catch their set as it’s definitely going to be one of the most popular ones of the day!
High Vis
Photo Credit: James Edson
If you’re looking for something a little heavier as part of your line-up, High Vis should be on your list especially following the release of their brilliant second album Blending last year. The band might be familiar faces to the hardcore lovers out there as the band are formed of alumni from some of the UK’s most loved hardcore bands. Fluttering between genres, they lean towards the post-punk side with some indie influences also showing through which has gained them a significant following on home turf and abroad. Expect to see rowdy crowd singalongs, energy in the bucket load and a sea of fans holding on to the band’s every word.
PET NEEDS
The perfect example of the commitment Dot To Dot has to rising bands, comes with the likes of PET NEEDS on the line-up. The punk-rock outfit formed in Colchester and now with two albums under their belts including latest effort Primetime Entertainment, the band have gathered support thanks to their explosive live performances at UK shows and festivals alike. If you’re looking for a band who don’t take themselves too seriously yet put on a spectacle of a show, PET NEEDS are the band for you. Don’t be surprised if you’re singing and dancing along by the end of the first two tracks!
Heartworms
Photo Credit: Camille Alexander
Heartworms aka Joji Orme will be bringing her gothic post-punk sound to the Dot To Dot stages. Signed to Speedy Wunderground, with only four tracks released so far including 2023 EP A Comforting Notion this is the perfect time to get involved in Heartworms world. The intimate, intense shows, backed with a live band will get you wanting to go back for more time and time again.
The festival line-ups will also see South West and East Midlands artists showcased at their respective dates. At Bristol the likes of Mother Vulture, The Family Rain, Knives and many more will be performing whilst at Nottingham all eyes will be on local talents ALT BLK ERA, Catmilk, Vona Vella and more when they take over Nottingham venues.
Not a fan of the camping side of things but still want a great music festival experience? Then Dot To Dot has you covered this May Bank Holiday weekend. Dot To Dot Festival 2023 is on sale now, with tickets for both cities available to purchase HERE.
Written By: Nicola Craig
