Sheffield is THE place for dance and urban fans this summer as a whole host of artists, DJs and producers descend on the Steel City for Tramlines.

The free festival runs from 20 – 22 July showcasing a massive variety of dance and urban acts from cutting edge grime to reggae veterans and jungle legends. How much does it cost to see such a legendary line up? Absolutely nothing!

This year Sheffield University is morphing into ‘Dance World’. Festival founder, Toddla T takes centre stage as he once again hosts The Octagon with his brand new Toddla T Sound. Also featured are Benga and MC Youngman, Jackmaster, Oris J and local DJ comp winner DJ Autograff.

Also at Dance World during the daytime is The Red Bull Studios Live event ft. Julio Bashmore, Oneman and L-Vis 1990.
The main stage on Saturday at Devonshire Green is headlined by Roots Manuva with Ms Dynamite also in attendance. DnB founder Grooverider takes up the decks on Friday night at DQ alongside Rinse FM’s Roska.

One of the most exciting new events this year is a massive grime event hosted by crucial label, Butterz and presented by No Uniform. Logan Sama, Elijah & Skilliam, Champion and Swindle are all appearing on this line-up at Plug on Friday Night. Elijah will also be available for a production discussion forum as part of the Signals event at Yellow Arch Studios, celebrating experimental electronica.

Sarah Nulty, Festival Director at Tramlines said: “The Dance and Urban line up is already looking pretty amazing and we are still yet to announce artists in the Fusion and Foundry venue of the University.

“Dance is a key part of Tramlines. Each year we try to go one better and I think thing year we have outdone ourselves and still with more to announce.”

The Sheffield O2 Academy is hosting ‘Boom Ting’, an event headlined by jungle legend, Congo Natty (aka Rebel MC) alongside his breathtaking new vocalists, Nancy & Pheobe and supported by The Junglist Alliance (now in their 11th year) and local junglist, Eazy D. The second room of this event celebrates the local maniacs that are Off Me Nut and R8 Records. The enigmatic Squire of Gothos, Dankle, Rogue State, Walter Ego, Alex Deadman, Arie & Royce Rolls will also feature. The third room of this event is headlined by the mighty Rob Gordon of Warp Records.

Reggae fans will be thrilled by the appearance of Cornell Campbell, lovers rock supremo who is making a rare UK appearance alongside the Soothsayers band and UK ragga artist Top Cat on The World stage at The Peace Gardens on Saturday.

If that’s not enough there’s performances from Midland, XXXY, Bwana, Raff Daddy (2 Bears), MJ Cole, DJ IRK and a light show with music by True Tiger on Friday night to look forward to with still more to be announced.

The free festival, one of the biggest in Europe, gives festival-goers a chance to see Sheffield’s diverse musical community showcasing emerging and established artists. This year’s festival is again being sponsored by Nokia.

Winner of Best Metropolitan Festival at the UK Festival Awards, Tramlines gives festival-goers a chance to see established artists alongside up and coming acts, across four outdoor stages and over 70 venues, all completely free. It takes place from 20 – 22 July 2012.

DANCE & URBAN ARTISTS

A-Skillz, Bwana, Champion, Congo Natty (aka Rebel MC) ft. Nancy & Pheobe, Cornell Campbell, Elijah & Skilliam, Benga & MC Youngman, Bwana, Grooverider, Jackmaster, DJ Irk, Logan Sama, Midland, MJ Cole, Mr Scruff, Oris J, Raff Daddy (2 Bears), Rob Gordon (Warp Records), Roots Manuva, Roska, Swindle, Toddla T Sound, Top Cat, XXXY

+ many more tba!


Alex Deaman, Arie, Autograff, Checan, Dankle, DMK, Dubzee, Greedy G, Jack Opus, Junglist Alliance, Phat World, Riddimtion Sound, Rogue State, Royce Rolls, Seen, Squire of Gothos, Sytem:Attic, Walter Ego.