With VIP tickets still available for Parklife Festival next month, Manchester Wire donned the wellies, waded into the programme, and dug out these musical highlights.

1. Stormzy (Sounds Of The Near Future stage, Sun 11 Jun)

After dominating YouTube and the MOBO Awards, Stormzy became the first grime artist to top the UK album charts with his debut Gang Signs & Prayer. Despite a mixed reaction to his new collaboration with X Factor winners Little Mix, Stormzy’s definitely one to watch when he comes to Heaton Park on June 11.

2. The Black Madonna (Palm House stage, Sat 10 Jun)

The Black Madonna is on a roll, scooping Mixmag DJ Of The Year in December. She has been resident DJ at Chicago’s infamous Smart Bar alongside dance music legends Derrick Carter and Frankie Knuckles, and runs her own label. Expect a vinyl-only set with the best techno, disco and electro party music.

3. The 1975 (Parklife stage, Sat 10 Jun)

Whether or not you buy into their summery pop sounds, this will be a spectacular homecoming gig for the Manchester band. The four-piece, formerly pupils at Wilmslow High School, won best British group at the 2017 Brit Awards and will close Saturday’s main stage following a huge arena tour.

4. Seth Troxler (Warehouse Project stage, Sat 10 Jun)

Michigan DJ and restaurateur Seth Troxler has played everything from Fabric to Coachella to Burning Man, and has topped several polls for best DJ in the world. His house set will bring a taste of Detroit to the fields of Manchester, and he is a must for fans of Ritchie Hawtin.

Main weekend tickets are sold out for Parklife 2017, but you can still treat yourself to a Planet VIP Weekend Ticket which gets you access to an inner arena based on the glamour of 1980s New York – there’s even a 1980s cinema.

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Jun, Heaton Park, Manchester, M25 2SW, check website for line-up, £85-£145, www.parklife.uk.com

Sat 10 Jun - Sun 11 Jun
Words:
Fat Roland
Published on:
Sat 3 Jun 2017