Dot To Dot is a month away! Across Nottingham, Bristol & Manchester some the city’s best music venues will open their doors to music fans; not only to see their favourite artists but also to discover them.

Since 2005 many of the UK’s biggest artists have risen from headlining and playing at the festival, including: Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Florence And The Machine, Jake Bugg and Dua Lipa. Not only did it win Best Festival For Emerging Talent in 2017, but it also won Best Multi Venue Festival at the Live UK Awards 2017.

This years lineup is pretty impressive too.

Headliners include The Horrors who have previously supported the likes of The Arctic Monkeys and performed at Glastonbury, and Dermot Kennedy an Irishman who has amassed 19 million streams on Spotify with his single Glory, propelling him into the limelight.

Nottinghamshire born and bred Ady Suleiman is another one to catch at this years festival. He’s just released his debut album Memories and mixes R n B with Jazz and Soul to create an exciting sound.

Brothers Ewan and Callum make up Bad Sounds who combine both their music tastes of hip hop, soul and R n B to create an upbeat sound. Whereas 21 year-old Brendan Rice aka Gus Dapperton from New York (who has appeared in Vogue) pairs pop and electronic beats with stunning vocals to create a unique sound.

Having been to Dot To Dot many times before it’s a great atmosphere and a fun day out where not only can you pop in from venue to venue, but it opens the door to bands you may not have otherwise discovered.

A few rising stars to look out for this year include:

Vistas – if you like last year’s headliners Sundara Karma then these guys are for you. Formed in 2016 this band from Scotland have a unique sound you can’t help but love!

Daniel Docherty – He’s recently been supporting Calum Scott on his UK tour but this Glaswegian not only has a gritty voice, but his guitar skills are insane too!

Emily Burns – Emily has a great pop sound and an even better voice. She recorded her first single Take It Or Leave It at Abbey Road Studios where she worked as a receptionist!

Rothwell – She’s previously supported Justin Bieber on her UK tour and with stunning vocals it’s no surprise, definitely one to catch!

Noah Kahan – He’s supported George Ezra on tour and he’s already collaborated with pop sensation Julia Michaels but his talent stands out on it’s on. A great voice.

G Flip – Gracing us all the way from Australia Georgina Flipo started out as a drummer before teaching herself how to write/sing, and with a fab voice I’d be a shame to miss her!

The Nectars – If you’re a fan of Paramore then these guys are for you. Teen angst meets pop they seem to have mastered their sound.

Jack River – don’t let them name fool you. Jack River aka Holly Rankin is a diva in the making. She’s already established a pretty strong image and her vocals are stunning.

Winston Surfshirt – A quirky look with an equally distinctive voice. Not only does he bring a fresh sound but you can count on some catchy beats and playful lyrics.

Haiku Hands – This Australian band are both bold and unique. They’ve got a fun, upbeat distinctive sound that seems make electronic music a little more accessible.

No Hot Ashes – With some amazing guitar riffs and gritty vocals in no surprise that these guys have previously supported the likes of Blossoms and The Amazons, a set not to miss!

The Snuts – If you like a good guitar riff then this band are for you. With plenty of instrumental solos and hearty vocals it would be a shame to miss their set.

Easy Life – A cross between a male Lily Allen and Kate Nash these guys not only have the melody but their crazy good with lyrics too! Like their name, their an easy to listen to band.

The Kite Strings Tangle – Their hit song Arcadia has over 18 million streams on Spotify and with a blend of electronica/pop they provided both a good beat and a catchy lyric.

AKA George – He’s got the the voice, sass and image – what more could you want?! An energetic performer with fab guitar riffs a must see set!

With even more artists yet to be announced, not only is it a great day out, but you might just discover the next ‘big thing’ before they go global.

For more information and for tickets (which start at £14.30) visit the Dot To Dot website here.