As the crowds spill out into the North Manchester borough this weekend, it can only really mean one thing. Yep – Parklife is BACK for its 2022 edition that will take place back where it rightfully belongs, in sunny June with a top line-up of acts.
You can expect everything from 50 Cent’s karaoke classics, to mirrorball mastery from Jessie Ware, alongside all the usual raucous energy from the festival’s captivating roster of DJs.
It’s been a difficult task narrowing this year’s line-up down, as 2022 may mark Parklife’s best year yet, but I’ve tried my best to pick out a variety of acts that I know will throw some of the best parties across the weekend!
50 Cent
It would be impossible to start this article with anyone else, really. Curtis James Jackson III, also known as iconic American Rapper, 50 Cent, defined an era when he burst onto the scene back in the early noughties with unavoidable hits such as ‘In Da Club’ and ‘Candy Shop’. This Saturday, he’ll be travelling to Prestwich to headline Parklife’s main stage – probably the most eagerly awaited set this year that will no doubt be a huge nostalgic celebration of his lyrical proficiency.
Peggy Gou
South Korean DJ and record producer, Peggy Gou will stop off at Heaton Park this Saturday to perform a blinding set of her original tracks mixed with some of the finest house, techno and disco. The Berlin-based electronic legend is known for her energetic performances that are highly unique and full of abstract compositions, one of which being her recent remix of the Kylie Minogue classic ‘Can’t Get You Out of my Head’, which we can’t wait to hear blasted out across the festival this weekend!
Joy Crookes
Award-winning musician, Joy Crookes has been likened to artists including Amy Winehouse and Adele. Her soulful, honest music gained her a nomination for the Rising Star award at the Brits, alongside a discography of singles, EPs and albums that have had a huge influence on modern-day soul and pop sounds. She’ll be performing on The Parklife Stage at the heart of the festival on Saturday!
Arlo Parks
21-year-old Mercury Prize award-winning musician, Arlo Parks has well and truly carved her niche in the world of pop. Stepping into the game with her whispery vocals and poetic harmonies – her debut album ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’, was a deep dive into her diary, complete with perfect pop licks and tear-jerking melodies. She’ll be performing at her rightful spot on the Parklife stage this Sunday.
Ross From Friends
British Producer, Felix Clary Weatherall, better known as Ross From Friends is an aficionado of modern-day melodic dance music. Taking influence from lo-fi house and garage greats, his music was made to be played loud at a festival, making his set this weekend unmissable! He’ll take to the Repercussion stage on the Saturday, alongside the likes of Sofia Kourtesis, Children of Zeus and Four Tet – not a stage you’ll want to wander too far from in my opinion.
The Blessed Madonna
Known for her joyous sets, infectious energy and gorgeously inclusive parties, The Blessed Madonna encompasses a plethora of genres throughout her tracklisting. Back in 2016, Mixmag named her as ‘DJ of the Year’, as alongside her incredible events, she is also renowned for her constant work and commitment to humanitarian work and LGBTQ+ rights. She’ll be taking to the stage at Parklife’s ‘The Valley’ this Sunday!
Bad Boy Chiller Crew
Bradford’s finest MCs; Kane, GK and Clive are hugely influenced by the ‘bassline house’ clubbing era that shaped their childhood. The collective started out as a comedy venture, but soon started to release music that served a huge slice of nostalgia to those who had also grown up fully immersed in the chaotic Yorkshire bassline scene. Their set at Parklife will take place on Saturday on the main stage!
Jessie Ware
The woman who is breathing new life into the modern disco scene, whilst also chatting all things food with her Mum is, of course, the one and only Jessie Ware. She’ll be bringing her sparkling Nu Disco discography with her, channelling everything great about funk and dance music, to Parklife’s Eat Your Own Ears stage this Sunday!
Jayda G
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching Jayda G live, you’ll see just how she demands the decks, losing control over mind, body and soul to create a captivating set that cements itself on vintage funk and Chicago house. She’s also spent the last few years releasing her own organic music which captures the true spirit of her joyful personality and has also grabbed her a GRAMMY nomination for the ‘Best Dance Recording’. She’ll be dancing behind the decks on the Sunday of the festival.
Central Cee
British rapper Central Cee saw his debut album spend 18 weeks in the top 10, making him one of London’s most exciting emerging artists at the moment. His music has absorbed the sounds of his Dad’s old hip hop collection, but mixed up with his versatile and distinctive delivery. His set will take place on Saturday on The Valley stage.
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There are still a handful of weekend VIP and Sunday day tickets available to buy for Parklife this weekend. You can purchase them now via the link below.
