Dalston – Land of Kings 2012

MCs Flinty Badman and Deman Rocker AKA The Ragga Twins at LOK 2011. Photograph: Tim Sullivan

Longer days, rising temperatures, and blooming trees can all only mean one thing: the festival season is upon us.  Hackney music lovers could hardly ask for a better way to kick it off than Dalston’s fourth annual Land of Kings festival.

On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 May, Land of Kings will transform the Kingsland High Street area into a celebration of local music, cinema and theatre.

With over fifteen venues and more than forty acts on offer, festival goers will have to choose between live bands, loft parties, film screenings and interactive theatre performances.  All of this will take place not only in the area’s flagship bars and basement venues, but also in re-purposed gardens, rooftops, and school halls.

While focused primarily on showcasing up and coming talent, Land of Kings has also managed to book some big name acts for the weekend.  The beloved Sheffield duo Slow Club anchors the lineup, offering the kind of exuberant indie-folk songs perfect for ushering in the summer.

Post-industrial electro-rockers Factory Floor are also sure to bring both a devoted fan base and a fierce dance party.

On the other side of the bill, Hackney’s own TOY will demonstrate why they’ve become one of the most widely tipped bands-to-watch in the city. And, of course, each day will end with the club nights that have made the area famous, with DJ sets from the Horrors and Trevor Jackson, among others.

Music may drive the festival, but it would be a mistake to miss out on its other offerings. This year, there is a larger art and interactive programme than ever before.  Highlights include sunset screenings from the Hackney Film Festival and a one-to-one immersive performance experience, Live Art Speed Date, staged by Stoke Newington International Airport.

For more information go to Land of Kings.