Playground Festival 2021: Five Must-See Acts

Orbital

Kicking things off in style on Friday will be renowned electronic duo, Orbital. One of the rare masters of their craft, Orbital’s contributions to UK dance music since the late 80s and early 90s are off the chart. After a number of breakups and rejoices between the brothers over their musical career, Orbital are now back for good and doing what they do best – bringing people together through the joy of dance music.

Scarlett Randle

Having graced the King Tut’s stage with power and poise just a few weeks ago, Glasgow's Scarlett Randle is one to look out for on day two of Playground Festival. Randle’s sound has evolved in leaps and bounds since their 2017 debut single Berlin, but the same infectious pop appeal remains at the core of their songwriting. Expect to hear some sneak peaks of new material here.

Rebecca Vasmant

Off the back of her beautifully collaborative album released earlier this year (With Love, From Glasgow), Glasgow’s own Rebecca Vasmant is set to take to the festival stage on day three. The city’s jazz queen and Sub Club resident is known for her widely eclectic taste that tickles the peripheries of so many genres. Her optimism is infectious. Come rain or shine on the day, this set will bring positive vibes.

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

Martha Reeves may now be 80 year -old, but this iconic artist, along with her Vandellas, are more excited to perform than ever before. With the long line of illustrious acts spawned from Detroit’s Motown record label beginning to thin, you’d be mad not to see one of its original powerhouses live in the flesh on the final day of the festival. We’ll be dancing in the street to this veteran diva.

Nile Rodgers & Chic

There’s no need to pick out specific tracks from the back catalogue of Nile Rodgers and Chic but, rest assured, Sunday’s headliners will ensure nobody goes home without a smile on their face. This funk and disco guitar empresario knows how to start a party. And if there’s anywhere in Scotland that loves a party, it’s Glasgow. There’s a spot in the city’s musical history books open for this performance.

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Playground Festival takes place in Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, 24-26 Sep; tickets are available at: playgroundfestival.co.uk

Proof of a negative lateral flow test, taken up to 48 hours ahead of attending the festival will be necessary for admission – COVID-19 lateral flow tests can be ordered online here