You very rarely come across an event that happens worldwide on such a large scale. Don’t be fooled, this is not to do with funding, backing, and a wallet full of cash. This is to do with it being a cult phenomenon. All Tomorrow’s parties, named after the infamous Velvet Underground song, has spread like wild fire across the world. Completely sponsor free, it is held in Somerset at the Butlins Holiday camp (I know what you’re thinking “the place with all the red coats and the bad singing?” yes, that’s exactly what I mean), not only is the venue small but the bands stay in the same accommodation as the fans. Ever dreamt about walking out of your hotel door and coming face to face with an idol? That could just happen. While other festivals will try and bring people together with large name acts that are in the public eye, All Tomorrow’s Parties brings together bands, old and new, in a completely different way.

Founded in 1999 by Barry Hogan, it was formed as an alternative to more corporate festivals. The plan? To make a truly unique festival experience that would bring together some old and well known bands together with the new and down-right strange bands from across the globe, Featuring a “whoever the hell we feel like” approach, including post rock, punk, avant-garde, and underground hip hop. As you can imagine, this mix is definitely not for the feint-hearted. Another original aspect is that each year the festival is curated by a different act or individual, which gives you a more personal insight into the tastes and influences of your favourite bands. Not only has it been musicians who’ve featured as curators, but also visual artist such as Jake and Dinos Chapman, and even Simpsons creator and mastermind Matt Groening have all been asked to piece together their music taste for their dream line up. Other people who have featured as curators include Mogwai, Shellac, The Mars Volta, Portishead and many, many more.

With such an unorthodox approach you can only imagine how strange the actual line up is. Way back when, before the name All Tomorrow’s Parties was coined, there was the Bowlie Weekend that laid the blue prints for the future years. Held originally at the Pontins holiday camp, Curated by Belle and Sebastian. The one off festival hosted diverse roster of acts from around the world, notably; Godspeed you! Black Emperor, The Flaming Lips, Looper, and riot girl punk trio Sleater-Kinney. This was a landmark event that broke the mould for conventional festival goers. After the great success of the Bowlie Weekend, Barry Hogan took the idea to the next level. The first All Tomorrow’s Parties took place on the 7th to the 9th of April 2000 and was moved to butilins holiday camp in Minehead, Somerset with post-rock Scottish legends Mogwai hand picking their favourite artists, bringing together bands such as ...and you will know us by the trail of dead, Aphex Twin, Ten Benson, and the then unknown Snow Patrol. The festival was a massive hit and opened the door for a future for the new and exciting spectacle. Since 2002 the festival has been taken aboard internationally, bringing this diverse affair across the pond to America.

The festival takes place over two separate weekends. This year the second weekend is curated by alt rockers The Breeders, but the most interesting thing is the first weekend, where the fans will be choosing who plays! And if I’m honest, you have to wonder: is everyone very stoned? The reformed sludge Metal titans Sleep will be playing the festival as their final reunion show; performing their seminal album ‘Holy Mountain’ in its entirety. They quote this as an event that will never happen again. Also playing is stoner Rock Metal legends Electric wizard who will be sure to blow fans away with their slow grooves and heavy riffs (grab your bong). Teenage Fanclub (a personal favourite) will also be making an appearance after a long absence since the first ATP back in 2000!

The festival has received rave reviews from both fans and artists a-like. Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth (who also featured as one of the curators for 2004 and 2006) described the festival as “the Ultimate mix-tape”, while Steve Albini of the Big Black and Shellac fame was quoted saying "There are three things in the world that I endorse: Abbey Road ... Nutter Butter Sandwich Cookies; and All Tomorrow's Parties." As you can tell, this festival is in a class of its own.

The ticket and accommodation price can vary depending on where you wish to be rest your head while the room is still spinning. There’s nothing better than going to a festival and not have to walk through fields of mud, courtesy of the English summer, to get back to your tent. The tickets and accommodation start at £300 for the tickets and two berth twin room, to £1120 for a 7 berth self catering suite. There’s also a selection of different alternatives for you to choose from including apartments, hotels and even caravans!

Don’t think that those generous guys at ATP just offer an annual worldwide festival, oh no. They also put on events in London every so often. So, be sure to check out any event that comes up in the near future. All of their dates are available on their website: www.atpfestival.com . Tickets are now on sale for ATP UK 2009, which will take place on the 8th to the 10th (The Fans Strike Back) and then the 15th to the 17th (The Breeders) of May at the Butlins Holiday centre, Minehead, Somerset.

www.atpfestival.com  

Words > Matthew 'Dungeon' Bunkell