NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
At a press conference held this morning in New York, Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson, creator of the world-renowned UK-based V Festival, announced that the U.S. Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile will be held August 4-5, 2007 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, adding a second full day of music in its second year.
The first three acts confirmed are The Police, touring for the first time in 21 year; The Smashing Pumpkins, reuniting for their first US appearance since on hiatus; and Beastie Boys, making their first East Coast appearance in two years.
“Everybody had an incredible time at last year’s inaugural Virgin Festival, so we’re going to double the fun this summer with two days of great music,” said Branson. “With our unbelievable headliners and terrific festival vibe, Virgin Festival will be the hottest destination for live music this summer.”
On-sale dates for tickets, the rest of the very diverse two-day line-up and additional information about the Festival will be announced in the coming weeks.
The first US Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile was held September 23, 2006 and featured 20 bands performing for more than 45,000 people across two stages and a giant dance tent. This year, the site will again provide all kinds of entertainment and activity, high-quality concessions, a diverse array of vendors and non-profit organizations, art installations, performance art and more.
This year’s festival will be as eco-friendly an event as feasible this year in an effort to limit its carbon impact, “supporting Virgin Group’s ongoing commitment to attacking the causes of global warming,” Branson said. “We are exploring numerous ways to minimize the impact of the festival on the environment.”
Returning as festival producer is I.M.F., a company formed by the principals of I.M.P., leading leading independent concert promoters and owners of Washington, D.C.'s famed 9:30 Club.
“We had such a blast at last year's show; we can't wait to get back," said promoter Seth Hurwitz. "Right now I'm putting together the lineup that will just be A-list from start to finish, on both stages and in the dance tent." — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
