READING AND LEEDS VOTED BEST FESTIVAL FOR 2008

In other news - the world continues to turn.

From: "Sophie Jackson"
Date: 20 June 2008 10:03:44 BST
Subject: READING AND LEEDS VOTED BEST FESTIVAL FOR 2008

Embargoed until 00:01 on 21st June 2008

READING AND LEEDS VOTED BEST FESTIVAL FOR 2008

- MSN Music reveals results of the ultimate festival poll -

21 June, 2008 – While Glastonbury continues to struggle shifting its remaining tickets, Reading and Leeds festival has been voted the best place for live music this summer, according to more than 1200 MSN Music fans. With 35% of the public vote, the August Bank Holiday festival rocked its way to the top, with Glastonbury slumping to third place behind V Festival, with just 13% of the votes.

Michel Eavis’ decision to put US rapper Jay-Z at the top of the Glasto bill has also been voted one of the worst festival moments of all time by 28% of music fans, beaten only by the grotty festival toilets which continue to resonate in the minds of 47% of the music loving public.

Muse Voted Best Live Act

The headliners of this year’s V Festival, Muse, have romped home with the award for best festival performers of all time, polling 31% of the votes. Legendary rockers the Rolling Stones, who headlined last year’s Isle of Wight Festival, come in second place (17%) followed by Mancunian favourites Oasis and grunge legends Nirvana (11%).

Brits are Closet Rockers

If Brits could perform with any headline act this year, almost a quarter (23%) would want to get down and dirty with icons of rock Metallica at Reading and Leeds. And despite her being odds on favourite to miss her slots at Glastonbury and V Festival (again!), 10% of Brits still want to perform alongside Amy Winehouse, with the marginally more choosing to grace the stage with Glasto headliners, The Verve (11%).

What Credit Crunch?

Despite the current penny pinching climate, music lovers still prize their festival ticket above all other luxuries this summer, with 47% citing it as the extravagance they would never give up. A holiday abroad comes in second place (31%) as the summer activity we just couldn’t do without, followed by a brand new summer wardrobe which 11% of Brits would not sacrifice whatever their financial state.

MSN Music Editor James Hurley says: “Once again the UK festival scene is second to none and whether you’re in to rock, rap or ragga there’s a festival that will suit you. People say Brits are always moaning but come rain or shine, and whether we’re in luxury caravans or grotty campsites, we will do anything to nab our place in the crowd! MSN Music will be covering all the top festivals this season so make sure you keep up to date at http://entertainment.uk.msn.com”

To keep up-to-date on all the latest festival news, reviews and tips on how to survive the summer festival season visit http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/gigs/summer-festivals/default.aspx.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Sinead Purcell 020 7025 6505 sinead.purcell@redconsultancy.com

Sophie Jackson 020 7025 6412 sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com


Notes to Editors:

All figures sourced from a survey carried out on the MSN Entertainment site (http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/) over a 9 day period from to 07.06.08 to 15.06.08 from a total sample size of 1,209 people.

The full results of the online poll are:


Best festival performers of all time

1. Muse 31%

2. Rolling Stones 17%

3. Oasis 11%

3. Nirvana 11%

5. The Killers 8%

6. Radiohead 7%

7.David Bowie 5%

8. Coldplay 4%

9. James Brown 3%

10. Morrissey 2%

Best festival line up for 2008

1. Reading / Leeds 35%

2. V Festival 17%

2. Glastonbury 13%

4. Download 10%

4. T in the Park 10%

6. Isle of Wight 7%

7. Bestival 3%

8. Creamfields 2%

9. The Big Chill 1%

10. Wireless 1%
Artist Brits would most like to perform with:

1. Metallica 23%

2. R.E.M 13%

2. Kaiser Chiefs 13%

4. The Verve 11%

5. Amy Winehouse 10%

6. Sex Pistols 8%

7. Kiss 7%

8. Fat Boy Slim 6%

8. Jay-Z 5% Worst festival moment of all time

1. The toilets at any music festival…ever 47%

2. Michael Eavis announcing Jay-Z as a headliner at Glastonbury 08 28%

3. Daphne and Celeste performing at Reading 2000 15%

4. The trench foot of Glastonbury 2005 7%

5. Morrissey singing at Madstock 2002 2%

6. The Stone Roses festival at Spike Island 1990 1%


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