Xfm's Winter Wonderland: All is revealed...

   This morning, XFM revealed that the mighty Bloc Party and The Editors will be headlining their two date extravaganza over early December dates. It's not often that this happens, but Manchester's lineup is significantly better this time round.

   Every year, XFM puts on two Christmas time dates, which bring together the biggest names in music and some of the very popular emerging names into two different nights in London and Manchester. Today marked the day that they announce their lineup and get the ticket madness in full flow.

 
   This year, Manchester's O2 Apollo plays hosts to emerging band, Findlay, close-to-greatness, Spector, and Delphic, who are on a long awaited comeback after an extended time out. Everything Everything will be bringing us their indie twists and turns. Also Maximo Park will bring their high-octane indie guitar music, whilst Bloc Party will be filling the floor with their classic indie anthems and intense dance music to top off the night. The Manchester side of things is top notch this year, and it could honestly be a hard one to beat.

 
   On the other hand, London's O2 Academy Brixton, will welcome the emerging Theme Park, and Bombay Bicycle Club back-up singer, Lucy Rose. The anthemic Temper Trap and Manchester rockers, The Courteeners will be gracing us this their presence. Not to forget, headliners The Editors, who will be displaying their catchy lyrics and melody lines to the awaiting crowd. Also, there will be a surprise icon that will be receiving a well earned XFM inspiration award. This may not seem like much in some sense, but i'm sure that there will be a few surprises as usual and the bands will live up to the expectation.
   The Manchester leg excites me this year, it brings together bands I love and have once loved into one perfect night. Bloc Party were my second ever gig, at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, with the then-emerging Biffy Clyro in support, back in 2005. It gives me a chance to show my friends what the buzz is about and brings back memories in itself.
   The tickets go on sale at 9:00am tomorrow morning, and will be in high demand, so get them while you can. No matter which one you go to, you will definitely not be disappointed and every penny spent will be worth it.

Charles.