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The Great Escape 2012

From 10th to 12th May 2012, Brighton will be swapping sun-seekers for gig-goers, as thousands head to The Great Escape festival to enjoy a plethora of up-and-coming and established musical talent.

With more than 300 live acts playing at 30 different venues over the course of three days, we thought you might appreciate some pointers on what to go see. Below you’ll find the top three hot tickets, the acts we’re most looking forward to and a round-up of the other musical highlights on offer.

Hot tickets

Toy

Widely tipped as natural successors to The Horrors, Toy combine punk, psychedelia and both kraut and post-rock to thrilling effect. Though currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album, the London-based five-piece will be taking a break to make their Great Escape debut at The Pavilion Theatre on 10th May. If you enjoy raw rock n roll energy and distorted guitars at ear-splitting volumes, it’s definitely worth joining the cool kids in the queue.

Preview and download 'Motoring' »

Lianne La Havas

Personally selected to open for Bon Iver and Bombay Bicycle Club, tipped by MTV and nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012, there’s no denying Lianne La Havas is hot property. The London-based singer-songwriter will be previewing material from her forthcoming debut at Komedia on Friday 11th May. If you want to witness her unique fusion of jazz, soul, folk and pop first-hand, we’d advise you get down to the venue early doors!

Preview and download 'Lost and Found' »

Alabama Shakes

Offering up an abundance of soulful, Southern blues rock and showcasing the remarkable vocal talents of singer Brittany Howard, Alabama Shakes’ Boys and Girls has been lingering in the upper reaches of the album charts since its release. The majority of their forthcoming tour dates are sold out too, so that makes their debut at The Great Escape one of the hottest tickets of the weekend. Head to Komedia on 12th May to see Jack White’s favourite new band in action.