As festival founders and global dance music legends, the Dub Pistols have once again curated a lineup that reflects their passion for music, connection, and pure energy. Barry Ashworth, frontman of the Dub Pistols, sums up the festival’s unique vibe:

“Everyone’s a star at Mucky Weekender. I’m a strong believer that the crowd are just as important as the performers. Everyone has a smile on their face and are full of love. It’s the kind of festival you could go to alone and leave with 1,000 new friends.”

This ethos is at the heart of the festival, ensuring a weekend that’s not just about music but about creating lifelong memories.

The iconic Groove Armada leads the charge, whose timeless hits and electrifying performances have made them global favourites. Joining them is the reggae and sound system master David Rodigan, bringing his trademark energy and passion to the festival.

Festival-goers can also look forward to groundbreaking sets from The Orb, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital DJ), and jungle pioneers Fabio & Grooverider, as well as high-energy performances from Stanton Warriors, Plump DJs, Krafty Kuts, Jaguar Skills and of course our very own Hobbs & Ron Mexico. With over 60 artists across the weekend, the lineup offers something for everyone, spanning house, reggae, jungle, hip-hop, breaks, and everything in between.

More Than a Festival

This year’s Dead Famous theme invites attendees to honor the legends who’ve inspired us all by stepping into their shoes—literally. From iconic musicians and actors to cultural heroes, the fancy dress vibe will add a unique, playful energy to the festival grounds.

Barry Ashworth is especially excited about the festival’s inclusive and friendly atmosphere, saying,

“Expect the most electric of atmospheres—you can arrive alone and leave with 100 new friends.”

This September, Vicarage Farm will come alive with music, laughter, and stories that will last a lifetime. From the Dub Pistols’ personal touch to the incredible lineup and vibrant theme, Mucky Weekender Festival 2025 is set to be an unforgettable event.

Join us, dress to impress, and let’s make history—together.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available now, but they’re moving fast—don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary weekend. Secure your spot and find more details at mucky-weekender.co.uk.

The post Mucky Weekender announces Groove Armada, David Rodigan, Fabio & Grooverider join Dub Pistols & more appeared first on Data Transmission.

The 5th enchanted gathering promises five melodious stages, spanning from the rhythmic realms of Dub, Ska, Reggae, and Jungle to the groovy domains of House, Disco, Funk, and Breakbeat. To mark this new symphony of sounds and spells, the amiable host, Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols, invites a merry throng of 5,000 festival frolickers to a whimsical afternoon tea. Expect to share a slice of cake with Alice, the Queen of Hearts, and the ever-punctual White Rabbit, for the theme this year is the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Dressing in fantastical finery is heartily encouraged.

“But the fun doesn’t stop there!” proclaims Barry Ashworth with a twinkle in his eye. “We’re serving up the Mucky Mad Hatters Tea Party stage takeovers, featuring the legendary Back To Basics crew with Dave Beer and Ralph Lawson, alongside the illustrious Marshall Jefferson and the irrepressible Irvine Welsh’s Jack Said What label. Add a sprinkle of Happy Mondays’ Bez & Rowetta to the mix, and a truly magical house party is brewed!”

Curated by the indomitable Barry Ashworth, frontman of Dub Pistols, DJ, producer, festival maestro, and Patron of Tonic Music for Mental Health, the lineup is a vibrant tapestry of musical diversity. Headlining the festivities are the ska and reggae maestros, The Dualers, the electronic dance orchestrators Dutty Moonshine Big Band with their grand brass and bass ensemble, the ever-thrilling Dreadzone, the groundbreaking Junglist and revolutionary Congo Natty, house music luminary Marshall Jefferson, Drum & Bass royalty LTJ Bukem and not forgetting our very own Hobbs & Ron Mexico! They are joined by a stellar constellation of veteran artists, DJs, big stage takeovers, rising stars, and some very special guests yet to be unveiled.

So, mark the calendars and don the most eccentric attire (I’m already working on my outfits!), for the Mucky Weekender’s 5th edition promises a carnival of music, magic, and magnificent mayhem that one won’t want to miss!

It’s going to be…ENTIRELY BONKERS! So don’t hang around and cop your tickets now while you still can, they’re headed for another sell-out!

Tier 2 tickets (Tier 1 is sold out!) start at £155+BF and are available here!

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Smokin Jo: Setting Dance Floors Ablaze

Known for her infectious energy and impeccable track selection, Smokin Jo is a seasoned veteran of the dance music scene. Her seamless mixes and ability to connect with the crowd make her a must-see act. Whether you’re a techno enthusiast or a house lover, Jo’s electrifying set will have you grooving all night long.

Gardna: Reggae-infused Rhymes

Gardna‘s lyrical prowess and reggae-infused beats are a match made in musical heaven. His charismatic stage presence and socially conscious lyrics make his performance a thought-provoking and energetic journey. Get ready to lose yourself in the rhythm and message of his music.

Eva Lazarus: A Vocal Powerhouse

Prepare to be blown away by the soul-stirring vocals of Eva Lazarus. With a voice that effortlessly bridges genres, she brings an undeniable energy to the stage. Her fusion of reggae, hip-hop, and electronic elements creates a sonic experience that resonates with diverse audiences.

JFB: Turntablism Extraordinaire

For a taste of turntablism magic, JFB is the name to remember. His jaw-dropping skills on the decks, combined with an eclectic selection of beats, create a performance that’s equal parts mesmerizing and exhilarating. Prepare to be wowed by his intricate scratches and innovative blends.

DJ Rap: Drum & Bass Dynamo

A true pioneer in the world of Drum & Bass, DJ Rap‘s infectious beats and high-octane energy are legendary. Her seamless mixing and ability to read the crowd create an atmosphere that’s nothing short of electrifying. Get ready to be swept up in a whirlwind of bass-heavy euphoria.

Woody Cook: A Rising Star

With a sound that’s both fresh and nostalgic, Woody Cook is a rising star to watch. His genre-defying music draws inspiration from various influences, resulting in a unique and captivating performance. Catch him now and witness the early stages of a promising musical journey.

Katalyst: Technical and Energetic

Since emerging onto the Drum & Bass scene Katalyst has lived up to the energetic connotations of her DJ name. Her sets channel a deep, dark underground techy vibe with her signature seasoning of ragga and jungle influenced sounds. Her unique sound simultaneously spans the full 360 degrees of the DnB spectrum. Crowds are mesmerised by her technical, energetic and high speed mixing as she effortlessly pounds the dancefloor with impactful double and triple drops.

Goldie: Drum & Bass Icon

No discussion of electronic music would be complete without mentioning Goldie. A true Drum & Bass icon, his presence on stage is magnetic, and his beats are guaranteed to get you moving. Experience the evolution of a genre as Goldie takes you on a sonic exploration like no other.

Mucky Weekender is poised to be a celebration of diverse musical talents, and these eight acts are just a glimpse of the sonic journey that awaits. From mesmerizing vocals to mind-bending electronic experimentation, this year’s lineup offers something for every music lover. So, mark your calendars, prepare your dancing shoes, and get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend of unforgettable performances.

There are still a very limited number of tickets left for Mucky Weekender 2023, which you can find here!

The post 8 Must-See Acts at Mucky Weekender 2023 appeared first on Data Transmission.

This notorious touring band are bringing the summer atmosphere with their infamous blend of dub, hip hop, ska and jungle whilst incorporating classic reggae subjects and themes.

Featuring artists such as Ragga Twins, Natty Campbell, Freestylers and Cheshire Cat, the album is living proof that Dub Pistols are true masters of their craft.

The multicultural collective has involved dozens of artists and musicians over the years — some remaining for years, a few for the duration, and others just popping in for a guest appearance. Their sound has accordingly morphed a variety of times since their inception: taking in dub, punk, jungle, ska, breakbeat, hip-hop and a whole lot more, it’s been a long road travelled.

Dub Pistols are still a force to be reckoned with and I’m very excited to welcome Barry Ashworth to my Twitch channel!

The post Music Talk with Dub Pistols’ frontman Barry Ashworth appeared first on Data Transmission.

THE SELECTER

One of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival of the late 70s and early 80s, The Selecter, is one of the few racially and sexually integrated acts on the scene, often tackled sexism, racism and other social ills focused upon by groups that were part of the 2-Tone movement. The music, rooted in high-energy ska, also incorporates a healthy portion of roots reggae influences, most audible in the thick basslines and the space the rhythm section put into their performances.

GOLDIE

Goldie, initially gaining exposure for his work as a graffiti artist, became well known for his pioneering role as a musician in the 1990s UK jungle, drum and bass and breakbeat hardcore scenes. After releasing a variety of singles under the pseudonym Rufige Kru and co-founding the label Metalheadz, he later released several albums under his own name, including the 1995 album ‘Timeless’, which entered the UK charts at number 7 and is still one of the greatest Dance music records ever produced. Goldie is a producer, DJ, classical musician, actor, artist, gallery owner, club promoter and record label owner.

REACH UP! DISCO WONDERLAND

DJs Andy Smith and Nick Halkes drop 80s boogie, disco and disco house, evoking the spirit of legendary NYC clubs, such as Paradise Garage and Studio 54. Expect the rich soundtrack that emerged as the 70s turned into the 80s, meshed seamlessly with the freshest productions, remixes and re-edits that can be found.

TROPICAL TEA PARTY

The music is programmed by Bristol-based DJ and Producer, Hiphoppapotamus joined by a host of friends, whose tropical-flavoured productions have been picked up by the likes of David Rodigan and Craig Charles on their shows on BBC 1Xtra and BBC 6 Music. With the hippo in charge of the music, the performances showcase the finest pioneers of world and tropical fusion, from rootsy reggae vibes to African funk, Brazilian drum & bass and beyond!

This is just a taster of the newly announced artists, check out the flyer below to see more!

Tickets are flying out now so don’t delay and secure yours now. Starting at £135+bf with payment plans in place you’d be crazy to miss out…Tickets and more info on their website here!

The post Mucky Weekender announce phase 2 of artists appeared first on Data Transmission.

The countdown to lift off has begun, as they announce the first wave of artists to be performing across the weekend. The super cool Skints make their first appearance at Mucky Weekender described by Clash Music as “the torchbearers for modern British reggae music.”, the Skints mix reggae, ska, dub, punk rock, dancehall, soul, and rap into their unique sound.

Also making their debut this year are legendary jungle royalty in the shape of General Levy and DJ Rap, alongside Ed Solo, Uncle Dugs, Klue, Katalyst and Jessi G.

Further to that, another band they know you are going to love are Cut Capers, a 9-piece Bristol outfit, whose energetic live performance and infectious sound have won them a cult following on the British festival scene – mixing a heavy 4-piece brass section with funk, dance and hip-hop. Like all the best bands, their sound is hard to pin down but comparisons have been made to “Lianne La Havas, Hot 8 Brass Band and The Streets” among many others (The Bristol Magazine).

And there’s more… after her storming set last year, the brilliant Eva Lazarus is set to return with her full live band, whilst for the breaks fans amongst you, they have the very biggest artists on the scene including, Stanton Warriors, Krafty Kuts, The Freestylers & A.Skillz. Don Letts and Gardna return, as does the Horseman who will be teaming up with the Mighty Prince Fatty.

The Happy Monday’s crazy dancer Bez is back, with his immense acid house party. And for the house heads, the uber cool Faith Crew also return with Terry Farley, Bruise (live) Stuart Patterson and Dave Jarvis.

How’s that for a starter? This is just the first announcement to give you a lift-off, and over the coming months, they have plenty more to add, sending you fully into outer space and beyond!

Remember you can book your place for just £13.50 a month with our payment plan and save even more money by getting 5 tickets for the price of 4 with our group booking. Plus, if you book now, you can get a Christmas card signed by the band.

What are you waiting for?

Grab tickets here: https://mucky-weekender.co.uk/

The post Mucky Weekender returns in 2023 with Dub Pistols, General Levy & DJ Rap appeared first on Data Transmission.

The festival is named after one of Dub Pistols’ biggest and best-selling singles, ‘Mucky Weekend’. The band decided to create and host their own festival in 2019, using it as a way to connect with their fans, The Pistolero family, and showcase both established and new musical artists over the two days.

World-class DJs and live performers have been carefully curated to maximise the party vibe, with some of the best music, past, present and future. Stages will feature House Icon Robert Owens & X-Press 2, The Prodigy’s Leeroy Thornhill, Krafty Kuts brings his King Of The Beats project with Freestylers and Plump DJs, The Clash/BAD’s Don Letts and many more. The main stage has live performances from festival hosts Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, Hollie Cook, The Hempolics, Eva Lazarus & many more including stage takeovers from Jungle Cakes Ed Solo, Deekline and Benny Page, Faith Fanzine feat Terry Farley & Co and Modcast takeover featuring Eddie Piller, Rocky, Dean Thatcher and Wendy May.

The site in Winchester could not be more beautiful, set in 28 acres of private parkland and stunning countryside. Says Barry, “Our ethos is very much one of ‘leave no trace’, and judging by our first year it’s an ethos the crowd fully embrace too. Our last site was left cleaner on departure than when we entered it.”

Whilst soaking up the atmosphere Mucky Weekenders will also be treated to an array of street performers, including magic, comedy and an extra special art installation nestled in the woods called “The Shack”, created especially for the festival by Arlen Figgis, son of renowned British director Mike Figgis and 2022 latest stage addition The Pirate Ship.

To celebrate and get their fans hyped for the weekend, Mucky Weekender recently took over Data Transmission Radio for the entire day. The takeover features mixes from The Dub Pistols, Altern8, Uncle Dugs, Deekline & Ed Solo, Ragga Twins and Leeroy Thornhill to name a few. If you haven’t listened back yet or need some music for travelling to and from the event, the playlist is below!

Final remaining tickets can be found here

The post Listen back: Mucky Weekender DT Radio takeover appeared first on Data Transmission.

The festival is named after one of Dub Pistols’ biggest and best selling singles, Mucky Weekend. The band decided to create and host their own festival in 2019, using it as a way to connect with their fans, The Pistolero family, and showcase both established and new musical artists over the two days.

Barry Ashworth says, “Everyone’s a star at Mucky Weekender. I’m a strong believer that the crowd are just as important as the performers. Everyone has a smile on their face and are full of love. It’s the kind of festival you could go to alone and leave with 1000 new friends. We are really excited to host this event and can’t wait to put a smile back on peoples’ faces”.

World-class DJs and live performers have been carefully curated to maximise the party vibe, with some of the best music, past, present and future. Stages will feature House Icon Robert Owens & X-Press 2, The Prodigy’s Leeroy Thornhill, Krafty Kuts brings his King Of The Beats project with Freestylers & Plump Djs, The Clash/BAD’s Don Letts and many more. The main stage has live performances from festival hosts Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, Hollie Cook, The Hempolics, Eva Lazarus & many more including stage takeovers from Jungle Cakes Ed Solo, Deekline & Benny page, Faith Fanzine feat Terry Farley & Co & Modcast takeover Feat Eddie Piller, Rocky, Dean Thatcher & Wendy may

The site in Winchester could not be more beautiful, set in 28 acres of private parkland and stunning countryside. Says Barry, ‘our ethos is very much one of ‘leave no trace’, and judging by our first year it’s an ethos the crowd fully embrace too. Our last site was left cleaner on departure than when we entered it.’

Whilst soaking up the atmosphere Mucky Weekenders will also be treated to an array of street performers, including magic, comedy and an extra special art installation nestled in the woods called “The Shack”, created especially for the festival by Arlen Figgis, son of renowned British director Mike Figgis & 2022 latest stage addition The Pirate ship.

For tickets head to https://mucky-weekender.co.uk/

The post Mucky Weekender Music Festival returns for a Third Year appeared first on Data Transmission.