
Headliners announced for Staffordshire's Sonic Boom Festival
A Staffordshire music festival which celebrates independent artists has announced its headline acts. Thousands of people are expected to attend the Sonic Boom Music Festival which takes place in Market Place, Burton-on-Trent, on 13 September. More than 6,000 music fans from across the UK attended last year's event, leading organisers Sonic Boom CIC and East Staffordshire Borough Council to secure funding for it for another two years. Manchester rock band Everything Everything and indie pop group Eighty Eight Miles have been announced as headliners.
The festival comprises of an open-air main stage, hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins, which is free to attend from 12:00 until 20:00 BST.After that, the main stage closes in preparation for "pop-up" Aftershock stages to open in venues across Burton on Trent.Entry to these seven stages will operate via a paid-for wristband, with venues playing host to a number of bands including, The Leisure Society, The Bug Club, Seb Lowe, Omega Nebula, Chiedu Oraka, Riding the Low and Eighty Eight Miles. The festival is produced by Sonic Boom Music CIC, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2024 by Burton-based filmmaker Andi Jepson and musician Chris Baldwin. "We believe in the power of music," Jepson said. "We're really proud of this festival and the independent music scene and we were blown away by the support it received last year."
Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Glastonbury viewers make same complaint about Neil Young 60 seconds in
Neil Young headlined the Pyramid Stage on day two of the festival, but viewers were left struggling to hear him properly as they complained about the sound and audio As the sun set on Glastonbury Festival's Saturday, legendary headliner Neil Young took centre stage on the iconic Pyramid Stage. Over 200,000 revellers have descended upon Worthy Farm this weekend, but Saturday, June 28 wasn't without its hitches amidst the numerous musical highlights. In the lead-up to the festival, Belfast-based group Kneecap found themselves at the centre of controversy, with the BBC opting not to broadcast their performance live. This decision came after band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh made headlines following a charge of a terror offence, allegedly displaying a flag in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah and declaring "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" during a gig in November last year A spokesperson for the BBC explained: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. While the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines. "We don't always live-stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap's performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets." In another unexpected turn of events, Deftones were forced to pull out of their highly anticipated primetime slot, with rapper Skepta stepping in as a last-minute replacement, reports the Manchester Evening News. Meanwhile, Pulp made a triumphant return to Glastonbury after a 30-year absence, taking to the stage under the secret moniker Patchwork to surprise and delight fans. Neil Young took centre stage on the Pyramid Stage while Charli XCX rocked the Other Stage. The 79 year old rock legend sparked a bit of a stir when he "pulled out" of Glastonbury, stating at the time: "We were told that BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in. It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being." However, the musician later withdrew his earlier remarks, clarifying that there had been an "error in information" and expressing that he's "looking forward" to playing at the festival. Those tuning in from home shared a common gripe about the audio during Neil's set, complaining that they couldn't hear him properly. On X (formerly known as Twitter), @mostly_grumpy commented: "Neil Young has 60+ years in showbusiness but hasn't mastered singing into a microphone". Another viewer, @rjc99999, chimed in with: "someone tell Neil Young to sing into a microphone", while @Cheewence responded: "Sound needs turning up like ffs, he's shredding that axe and you can hardly hear it".


Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Meet world's most expensive AI girlfriend who can serve coffee & speak 4 languages – but costs same as three-bed house
The doll - called the Companion Robot X04-SYNC2 - can have 'context-aware' chats AI DON'T BELIEVE IT Meet world's most expensive AI girlfriend who can serve coffee & speak 4 languages – but costs same as three-bed house THE world's most expensive robot girlfriend serves you coffee and can speak four languages. But the silicone lover will cost you an eye-watering £64,700 - the price of a three-bed house in some parts of the UK. Advertisement 6 The Companion Robot X04-SYNC2 is on sale for an eye-watering £64,700 Credit: Cloud Climax 6 The company selling the world's most expensive AI girlfriend offers hundreds of sex dolls Credit: Cloud Climax 6 The online UK-based sex doll store says there has been a surge in demand for silicone lovers since the pandemic Credit: Cloud Climax The doll - called the Companion Robot X04-SYNC2 - can have "context-aware" chats using AI chatbot ChatGPT, learning from past chats to adapt to future ones. They also come with robotic facial expressions and arms and hands that move to convey expression. And like something from a sci-fi epic, the dolls have micro cameras planted in the eyes to allow them to recognise people by face tracking. Uncanny footage shows the bot flexing its arms, moving its eyes around and winking. Advertisement In one clip, the robot even serves up a coffee to men looking on in amazement. So far only three have been sold since they went on sale at the start of 2024. But Cloud Climax, the online UK-based sex doll store, insists there has been a surge in demand for silicone lovers since the pandemic and sees no signs of it slowing up. A spokesperson told The Sun: "Since 2020, we've seen a significant rise in demand for sex dolls and companion robots. Advertisement "Increasingly, social interaction has shifted online, making it harder for many people to form genuine, lasting connections in real life. "As AI and robotics have advanced, many are turning to intelligent companions to fulfill emotional and social needs without the complexities of traditional relationships. Weaponized 'AI girlfriends' built with 'malicious' design can steal cash from victims as experts warn over shocking scam "The ability to interact with a responsive, emotionally aware companion at home has made AI-powered robots more appealing than ever." They added: 'Our most advanced model is the Cloud Climax Companion Robot X04-SYNC2. Advertisement 'This full-bodied robot features expressive facial movements, motorised arms, and customisable aesthetics, including options for ABS plastic or silicone-covered legs. 'It supports multiple languages – English, Chinese, Russian, and Korean – making it suitable for a global user base. 'Powered by advanced AI with ChatGPT integration, the X04-SYNC2 can hold natural, context-aware conversations, learn from past interactions, and respond quickly thanks to its high-speed processor. 'Its modular structure allows for easy maintenance and a plug-and-play setup. Advertisement 'This robot is ideal for anyone looking for a sophisticated, interactive companion that merges advanced technology with realistic design.' Deep-pocketed customers can choose from thousands of different faces along with skin and eye colour. 6 Doll fanatics seeking a cheaper option will find Emma available at £3,299 Credit: Cloud Climax 6 Users can select a custom-made face for their AI girlfriend Credit: Cloud Climax Advertisement 6 The website shows a variety of dolls with different hair colours and facial features Credit: Cloud Climax The dolls can be controlled by connecting them to Wi-Fi and using a dedicated app. It is the site's most expensive doll and is thought to be the most expensive of its kind anywhere in the world. Doll fanatics seeking a cheaper option will also find Emma the Sex Robot available at £3,299. Advertisement This model offers a choice of six faces, seven height preferences, three eye colours and even a choice of feet. Emma has a self-heating mechanism "ideal for cuddling" and uses TPE material for the skin. Like the Companion robot, it holds conversations and learns as it goes along. ChatGPT has become a household name after exploding onto the scene in 2022 as an AI chatbot. Advertisement AI model dubbed Spain's 'hottest woman' A NEW type of influencer has been taking the internet by storm earning big bucks and racking up a 'phenomenal' 250,000 Instagram followers in just six months. Aitana Lopez is a sight to behold and with her luscious pink locks, snatched waist and flawless skin she is envied by many - but she has one astonishing secret. The 25-year-old - who models for Spanish fashion agency The Clueless - is a state-of-the art AI creation designed to save the company money and time. Despite her computer-generated status being revealed in her Instagram bio, fans of the model still believe she's the real deal and invite her to socialise and spend time with them. Diana Nunez, who co-founded The Clueless with Rubén Cruz, told The Sun how the 'incredibly convincing' influencer was born. "Initially, most of her followers didn't question her authenticity, they genuinely believed in her existence," she said. 'From day one, we received compliments on her beauty, invitations to hang out in the city, and more. 'Even after the media revealed she was an AI creation, many followers still expressed their love for her.' READ MORE HERE Now, it is used by individuals and businesses to such an extent it has sparked fears entire workforces could be wiped out. Earlier this month, a man told The Sun he'd spent more than £25,000 on a collection of sex dolls to stop himself from cheating on his wife. There have even been suggestions sex robots could one day replace humans as the default relationship preference. For now though, Cloud Climax insists indistinguishable robots are a long way off just yet. Advertisement The spokesperson added: 'We are still quite far from developing sex dolls or robots that are truly indistinguishable from humans. "While advancements in materials like silicone and TPE have improved the feel and appearance of artificial skin, they still fall short of replicating the complex texture, warmth, and responsiveness of real human tissue. 'Robotic movement is another limitation. "Although facial expressions and basic gestures have improved, achieving natural, fluid body movements and fine motor skills remains a significant challenge. Advertisement 'On the cognitive side, while AI has advanced in natural language processing, current systems still lack true emotional intelligence, deep contextual understanding, and the ability to adapt seamlessly to social cues. 'Most sex dolls today remain relatively static, with limited interactivity. "Achieving a truly human-like experience in appearance, movement, and behaviour will likely require decades of further innovation across AI, robotics, and materials science." The Sun has approached ChatGPT.


Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Glastonbury's Welsh language pop star who is playing alongside Charli XCX and The 1975 after catching the eye
Glastonbury's Welsh language pop star who is playing alongside Charli XCX and The 1975 after catching the eye Cardiff's Mali Haf will play the BBC Introducing Stage Mali was a runner up in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition 2025, earning her a place on the coveted line up. (Image: Bea Young ) She describes her music as electronic fairycore of Welsh witch pop, but who exactly is Mali Haf who will be performing Welsh language music at Glastonbury 2025. The singer will appear at one of the most prestigious festivals in the world alongside the likes of The 1975, Neil Young and Charli XCX to name a few. So, how did a girl from Cardiff find herself on this prestigious line up of acts? Well, she entered a competition on a whim. Mali entered the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition 2025, not optimistic that she would progress, let alone win a spot to perform during the weekend. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . It is an annual contest that provides a platform for new and unsigned UK/ Ireland-based musicians to showcase their talents and potentially win a coveted spot on the main stage at Glastonbury. The judges include Michael and Emily Eavis, Glastonbury stage bookers and music business professionals. Despite not winning the competition, they decided on two runners-up. This includes Ghana-born, Gloucester-raised neo-soul / hip hop act Nat Oaks and Cardiff's own Welsh language singer-songwriter Mali Hâf. Both of the acts received a £2,500 Talent Development prize from the PRS Foundation as well as a slot at this year's Glastonbury Festival. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below To enter the competition you must submit a short application form and put forward your favourite representation of your music. Mali decided to submit her song Esgusodion, the Welsh word for excuses. She said about the song: "It's quite broad really, what I'm singing about, but like excuses. I guess I sort of realised that they're everywhere and it was at the time of the election. I was like, they are literally, they're everywhere. From yourselves, from politicians, from maybe partners. So I guess the song was like noticing that and shooing them away in a fun way." She then found out she had reached the top 90 out of 7,500 applicants, before then making the top 8 and then finally the top 3. She said: "Each step that happened it was like 'oh my god'. I had to process each step so the final one where I'm actually going to the festival you know it took a while to be like 'oh my god I'm going'. "If you asked me a few years ago, is that where you want to play and I'd be like of course that's every musician's dream. But, you know, I'm a realistic, maybe I'm too realistic sometimes, you know, just so I don't get my heart broken. But I was like, you know, if it doesn't happen, whatever and then it does happen. And it's like, you know I at least thought it would be something even more in the future. But the fact that it's come now, it's crazy." When asked what can the crowds of Glastonbury expect from a Mali Haf performance she said: "Well, if you follow me you know that I love my witchiness and magic spells and folklore, but like I also love modern music too so it's like combining that. My folky roots with with the modern elements, just being Mali Haf who's playful and doesn't take life too seriously." The weekend will boast numerous acts from across a spectrum of musical genres, as well as a variety of different acts including comedy, culture and educational talks. The singer has said that she is most looking forward to seeing the powerful women performing across the weekend, including Doechii and Amyl and the Sniffers. She said: "Festivals in general are like the happiest place in the world to me. Like you are just living in the outside world and you see music every two seconds. Really like it's just like a dream life for a weekend isn't it. Of course it's a dream like every other musician." The musician had previously worked at Glastonbury a few year ago on a coffee stall, however this time she'll be returning to do what she does best, performing her music on stage. Mali who has already started packing is looking forward to showing what Wales has to offer, whether that is in the way of her Welsh language songs or in her outfits. She has two outfits made by Welsh fashion designers, including Rosie Evans and Joseph Thomas of the Haus of Androgyny. She said: "Obviously, there's more to my identity than just being Welsh, but being raised in the Welsh culture and having music and the arts being so important, you almost feel like I've got to give back because like it's a big part of my journey like would I would be the singer I am now if it wasn't for my culture telling me how important and amazing singing and the arts are." The majority of her set will be done through the medium of Welsh, following in the footsteps of the Welsh band Adwaith who have also performed on the BBC Introducing Stage. The singer will be following in the footsteps of the Welsh language band Adwaith as she performs on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. (Image: Adam Houghton ) She said: "I'm hoping that it's just becoming more normal to be heard, rather than like, 'oh, it's the first time we're hearing Welsh', because it shouldn't be, you know. It shouldn't like be unusual. We're literally next door to England and our language has been around longer. So why is it unusual? "I'm glad to be part of that wave that's just bringing its normality and showing every aspect of it, as there's not just one way of showing Welsh." Article continues below Mali will be performing on the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival across three different stages. You can find more information here.