After a successful inaugural chapter in 2015 that established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting new festivals, Citadel returns in 2016 with an incredible headliner in the form of Icelandic post-rock outfit Sigur Rós.

 

 

Caribou, the Canadian electronic mastermind whose latest album Our Love saw him win universal critical acclaim and a new status as one of the world’s most exciting producers, will be supporting Sigur Rós at the one-day event, serving as the crescendo to the ultimate summer Sunday: a celebration of music, food and creativity in London’s most beautiful park.

 

 

Also taking to the Main Stage will be US folk singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff and his band The Night Sweats, making a triumphant return to Citadel after the release of their critically-acclaimed titular debut, and Latin-inspired indie rockers Calexico.

The Horrors’ Faris Badwan’s project with soprano Rachel Zeffira, Cat’s Eyes, will also be making an appearance with their cinematic brand of atmospheric alt-pop, as will Norwegian singer-songwriter Susanne Sundfør, Icelandic synthpop band Antimony and rising psyche-grunge collective Cosmic Strip.

 

Citadel are delighted to welcome back two of London’s most venerable musical voices, Communion and Soundcrash, to programme their respective stages.

 

Promoters, label and publishers Communion in association with music magazine DIY will see a headlining set from folk and soul sensation Lianne La Havas, fresh from the success of her sophomore LP Blood. There will also be performances from Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby, cult multi-instrumentalist (and the first artist signed to Communion) Matthew and the Atlas, and folk wunderkind Billie Marten, a BBC Sound of 2016 finalist. There’ll also be contemporary soul and R&B from Rukhsana Merrise, dynamic pop from Gillbanks and haunting song craft courtesy of James Canty.

 

Meanwhile, visionary promoters Soundcrash curate a lineup of the finest alternative, electronic and world music in association with forward-thinking music discovery service last.fm. The mighty Submotion Orchestra will headline, with their kaleidoscopic blend of genres and influences. Also in attendance will be electro-jazz outfit GoGo Penguin and legendary, Grammy-winning Algerian group Tinariwen. There’ll also be dreamy yet compelling electronica from duo Maribou State, and hard-hitting rhymes with a conscience from rapper and poet Akala.

 

This is just a taste of what’s to come, with both Communion and Soundcrash unveiling more names in the coming months.

 

Elsewhere, London clubbing institution fabric will be hitting a festival field for the first time at Citadel, hosting the extra-special Sunday Sessions. Providing the perfect summer soundtrack will be acclaimed DJ/producer Andrew Weatherall, Berlin-based dance collective Jazzanova, genre-bending duo The 2 Bears and sonic sculptor Pedestrian.

 

Kopparberg is set to bring a taste of scandi-cool to Citadel with the arrival of the popular Kopparberg Urban Forest, featuring a woodland bar serving up refreshments including its selection of delicious fruit ciders.

  

Kopparberg will also be supporting the very best in creative and imaginative live music, by hosting a series of pioneering artists and DJs on its renowned Urban Forest stage.

 

Corona Sunsets will bring the sounds of the Balearics to Citadel, heralding the setting of the sun in the time honoured fashion and heightening the energy as the night progresses into darkness. They’ll be bringing the sound of the beach to Victoria Park in a magical setting.

 

The Park Bandstand will once more be serving as a pocket of live music and dance. Hosted by Global Local, Glastonbury’s Shangri-La creators Continental Drifts and Two For Joy, it’ll be a thrilling amalgamation of genres featuring the likes of the Hackney Colliery Band, The John Langan Band, Barbarella’s Bang Bang, Immigrant Swing and many more.

 

Another welcome returnee are the Sunday Papers Live, where festival-goers can enrich and expand their minds with captivating talks, debates and performance from thinkers, journalists, politicians, poets and rappers (including infamous British skier Eddie The Eagle), brought to you in partnership with the independent journalism-championing Frontline Club, innovative live music movement Sofar Sounds, global literary association Pen International and forward-thinking music and culture magazine i-D.

 

It wouldn’t be a summer Sunday without a serving of delicious, hearty cuisine. 2016 will see Stephen Harris of Michelin-starred pub The Sportsman host a series of long table feasts. Lauded by many a critic as their favourite UK restaurant, Stephen Harris has admirers far and wide and Citadel are hugely proud to have him cooking a very produce-led menu onsite.

 

There will also be street food served from London’s most mouth-watering culinary establishments, including Bubbledogs, Patty & Bun and Mr Bao – washed down with mouthwatering concoctions courtesy of Superfly’s Cocktail Magic Bar.

 

This year will see an impressive billing of theatre and comedy. The Comedy Tent will see the best stand-ups on the thriving scene perform, curated by cult favourite Fred Ferenczi with appearances from the likes of Dane Baptiste, Sajeela Kershi and Jollyboat.

 

Elsewhere, The Meadow Stage is brand new for 2016, featuring theatre from up-and-coming talent nurturers Old Vic New Voices and exploration from purveyors of magical travel experiences Secret Adventures. For those with two left feet there are also a selection of dance workshops including capoeira, hula fitness and more.

 

That’s not all. Citadel’s Sunday Sports Day is the perfect place to unleash your competitive side; revellers will be able to partake in nostalgic games with a mischievous twist – think badminton matches, tug-of-war, limbo competitions, wheelbarrow races and swing Olympics, complete with award ceremonies, comedy referees and impromptu pitch invasions. Participation is encouraged and celebrated…game, set and match.

 

The Citadel Artist Studio will be a hub of creativity; the perfect place to indulge your inventiveness with an ‘I Make Knots’ jewellery workshop, Wild Life Drawing Classes, screen printing and much more.

 

With so much to take in, revellers can retreat from the crowds with Mass Park Yoga with East London’s Stretch and massage therapies.

 

Families are very welcome to join in the merriment. Little ones will love the Hackney Playbus, sports games from Dalston’s Arcola Theatre, and even a Kids Roller Disco.

 

To round everything off, there’ll be fashion and beauty boutiques from the city’s most talented creatives. Browse sartorial stalls in between sets, or treat yourself to a makeover.

 

There’ll even be a Rock N Roller Skate with tunes provided by iconic nightclub Cherry Cola, where you can spin around to the sound of blues and soul.

 

In short, the second edition of Citadel promises to cement its reputation as London’s foremost one dayer; a reflection and celebration of a city that has so much to sing about.

 

Tickets priced from £49.50 + Booking Fee.

 

More info on www.citadelfestival.com

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