This is it! It’s time for Sonisphere’s second edition on British soil. Although it does not feel like it, a year has already gone past since NIN made their farewell, Machine Head kicked a**se and Metallica celebrated James Hetfield’s birthday on star- studded Apollo and Saturn stages. Using past experiences from running events such as Download Festival, the organisers had managed to pull off an amazing 2 days that could not have been smoother considering it was the first edition. Despite this, they still tried to improve it by sending surveys to a lot of guests asking them to voice their suggestions for 2010.

So, what are in for this year then? First and foremost, it was decided to add a third day to the line up. Now, I wasn’t ecstatic by that info as one of the appeal of Sonisphere last year had been the length of it. That said, the Friday only kicks off at 5pm so you could still make it after work to see Alice Cooper, Gary Numan and Europe open the festivities. Still part of the extra value, a third “main” stage has been included kindly sponsored by Bizarre magazine and featuring the likes of Terrovision, Gallows and Funeral for a Friend.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Apollo and Saturn stages will host amongst many others red hot Rammstein, legends Iron Maiden, glammies Mötley Crüe, and the face of that purple insurance brand Iggy and the Stooges. Sounds like too much? Just like last year, Sonisphere will run an alternate line up so you can enjoy both main stages without having to choose by just turning your head the other way. A simple but very ingenious idea. They will also be hosted by BBC Rock show presenter, Daniel P Carter, XFM presenter, Ian Camfield and Skindred frontman, Benji Webbe. Over on the smaller stages, strange Tim Minchin will tickle your belly and Earthtone9 and Fei Comodo entertain the rest of the crowds.

Tempted by the bands but not the camping type? This festival is what I had described last year as the rock & metal festival for posh people as with a string of different packages, the organisers offer a large range of comfortable (tipis and pre-pitched tents) to luxurious accommodation (hotel packages). And if you have some spare cash and wish to live the experience to the max, you can also have access to the VIP area.

The nearest station is Stevenage for those who won’t drive and the festival kindly put at our disposition a free shuttle to the site. A nice little touch considering the Download festival shuttle cost a hefty £7…that’s 2 pints gone already!

I’m confident that you are all now convinced and if the pretty big price tag bothers you, just think that as the line-up stands, you are only paying less than £1.5 for each band. Bargain!

For the full line-up and more info:

http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com/

Kristell Gathoye