Heaven 17 are set to headline the Nokia ‘Unannounced Stage’, with one off performances with former lead singer of The Long Blondes Kate Jackson, and Steve Edwards, which will kick off proceedings at the UK’s largest free-for-all music festival, Tramlines on Friday 22nd July.

Watch Tramlines interview with Heaven 17 HERE

The ‘Sheffield Showcase’ will see the artists return to their hometown to surprise 3,500 festival-goers with an all-new collaboration on the new Nokia Unannounced Stage at Barkers Pool, in a unique celebration of the city’s rich musical heritage.

Synthpop icons Heaven 17, who last year celebrated their 30th anniversary, will headline the evening, following their performance with La Roux’s Elly Goulding at last year’s Glastonbury. Kate Jackson returns as a solo artist after working on a new album with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, whilst Steve Edwards, who is best known as the voice behind the Grammy-nominated ‘World Hold On’, will bring his soulful vocals to the night.

Fans will be able to relive the moment following the festival by watching the opening show at Nokia’s UK Facebook page: facebook.com/nokia.uk, and at Tramlines TV: .

The Unannounced Stage artists join a record of over 600 artists confirmed to play across the weekend, including Pixie Lott, Guillemots, Nerina Pallot, dubstep forefather Zed Bias, UK hip-hop legend Jehst, plus Ash, The Futureheads, Toddla T, David Rodigan, Dels, Ms Dynamite, Dry The River, Shy FX and more - all performing for free. 

 Elsewhere at Tramlines, Nokia’s ‘Unannounced Tent’ will host one-off unannounced performances, intimate acoustic sets and exclusive on-stage collaborations from the festival’s artists dropping in for surprise gigs throughout the weekend. Those wanting a break from the festivities can kick back with a cocktail on the sofas, and for those hungry for more, a silent disco featuring surprise DJs will be running 23:00 – 01:00 on the Saturday and Sunday nights. 

John Nichols, Head of Marketing at Nokia UK said: “We’re delighted to bring local heroes Heaven 17, Kate Jackson and Steve Edwards back to Sheffield to open Tramlines on the Nokia Unannounced Stage. It’s a testament to the focus of the festival, as we celebrate the unique music culture of Sheffield and set the stage for a great weekend of live music.”