Noel Gallagher, Bastille, Johnny Marr, Embrace and more for PennFest 2023
It takes place in July 2023
Last updated 14th Dec 2022
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Bastille have been confirmed as the headliners of PennFest 2023.
Taking place in the picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside near the village of Penn Street, just 24 miles from London, PennFest boasts two days of live music.
The Friday night (21st July) is headlined by Oasis legend Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds with Johnny Marr, Gaz Coombes, Maisie Peters, Bad Manners, The Cuban Brothers and many more confirmed for the opening day.
‘Pompeii’ hitmakers Bastille top a bill on Saturday 22nd July that also features Embrace, Corinne Bailey Rae, Peter Hook, Craig Charles and loads more.
PennFest organisers Nick Billinghurst and Matt Smith enthuse: “We’re so excited to announce the line-up for next year’s PennFest. With two such incredible, world-renowned headliners we feel it’s our strongest ever. It’s going to be epic!”
Tickets are on sale from the PennFest website right now.
Since launching in 2011, PennFest has grown from humble beginnings as a village festival attracting 2,000 people into a hugely respected fixture on the UK festival circuit, attracting internationally renowned artists and a daily capacity crowd of 10,000 year after year.
PennFest offers much more than just an impressive array of performers across its four stages. The site has been intelligently curated with high quality food and drink, shops and activities. There is a global artisan market with a selection arts based stalls and creative workshops, plus multiple bars and a wide range of quality food outlets, selling dishes from around the world.
The PennFest 2023 line-up so far:
FRIDAY 21ST JULY:
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (headliners)
Johnny Marr
Gaz Coombes
Maisie Peters
Lucy Spraggan
NOT3S
Bad Manners
The Cuban Brothers
The Skinner Brothers
Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
My Nu Leng
Artful Dodger
Brandon Block
Kenny Ken
SATURDAY 22ND JULY:
Bastille (Headliners)
Corinne Bailey Rae
Embrace
Peter Hook
DJ Fresh
Craig Charles
Wes Nelson
Sex Pissed Dolls
24 Hour Garage Girls
Musical Youth,
DJ Luck & MC Neat
Mr C
Jumping Jack Frost
Ellis Dee
Sub Low HZ
Buy PennFest 2022 tickets
Noel Gallagher's legendary career in photos:
Noel, Paul, Liam and Peggy Gallagher in 1974
Noel Thomas David Gallagher was born in Longsight, Manchester on 29th May 1967. He was the middle child of Peggy (née Sweeney) and Thomas Gallagher and was born two years after older sibling Paul. Their younger sibling William John Paul Gallagher (Liam) was born five years after Noel in September 1972. Pictured are the three Gallagher brothers with mum Peggy in 1974.
Noel Gallagher's childhood home
Soon after Liam's birth, the Gallaghers moved to Ashby Avenue and then to Cranwell Drive in Burnage (pictured). With a violent and alcoholic father, Noel and his brothers had an unhappy childhood before mum Peggy left Thomas in 1982 with her three children. In his teenage years, Noel was expelled from school for throwing flour on a teacher and he received six months' probation for robbing a corner shop alongside a friend – something he later admitted was a "very stupid thing to do."
Noel Gallagher's hero Johnny Marr with Morrissey
Noel Gallagher found salvation from his brush with the law through music. He taught himself to play guitar and witnessing The Smiths on Top of the Pops in 1983 proved to be a pivotal moment in his life. Noel noted in 2007: "I remember seeing The Smiths on Top Of The Pops, and I don't mean this in a sycophantic way, but I wanted to be Johnny Marr. He had the Brian Jones haircut, the turtleneck, and the big red semi-acoustic guitar and he was cool as f---."
Noel Gallagher at the Hacienda
Noel Gallagher at the legendary Hacienda nightclub in Manchester in 1989. He later said that the unity and togetherness of the acid house scene "changed my life." During the late 1980s he spent many years unemployed, however for a short period he did land a job at British Gas in the company's storehouse where he spent time writing songs, including an embryonic version of Oasis' future anthem 'Live Forever.'
Noel Gallagher the Inspiral Carpets roadie
In 1988, Noel Gallagher formed a friendship with Inspiral Carpets guitarist Graham Lambert after they met at a Stone Roses show. Noel unsuccessfully applied to become their lead singer in 1989 – losing out to Tom Hingley – but became a roadie for the band over the next three years alongside van driver Mark Collins, who later joined The Charlatans. Pictured is Noel setting up for the Inspiral Carpets in Manchester in the early 90s.
Noel Gallagher becomes 'The Chief' of Oasis
With Noel on the road with Inspiral Carpets, younger brother Liam joined a band called The Rain alongside founding members Paul McGuigan (bass), Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs (guitars), Tony McCarroll (drums). Upon the suggestion of Liam, the band changed their name to Oasis after Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon. Noel approached Oasis and asked to become their leader and songwriter – hence his nickname The Chief – and brought a cavalcade of songs and ideas with him. The rest, they say, is history.
Oasis signed to Creation Records
Oasis spent the next year finely honing their craft and in spring 1993 recorded the 8-song demo tape Live Demonstration featuring raw versions of future Oasis classics including 'Rock N' Roll Star'. Ahead of the demo's release, Oasis drove six hours to play a gig at Glasgow King Tut's in May 1993 where, unbeknownst to them, Creation Records boss Alan McGee was in attendance. He signed Oasis on the spot. Pictured is Noel Gallagher on stage at The Water Rats in London in January 1994.
Noel Gallagher writes Oasis' debut album 'Definitely Maybe'
Featuring 11 songs all penned by Noel Gallagher, including 'Supersonic', 'Shakermaker', 'Live Forever' and 'Cigarettes & Alcohol', Oasis' seminal debut album 'Definitely Maybe' was released in 1994 and it became the fastest-selling debut album in British history at the time. Not just one of the greatest albums of the Britpop era, it's also one of the finest records of all time.
Oasis in 1994
Oasis prepare to take on the world in 1994.
Noel Gallagher with Liam in 1995
Noel Gallagher and his younger brother Liam in June 1995 shortly before the release of Oasis' second album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?'. Featuring timeless Noel-penned anthems incluing 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova', the album has sold more than 22 million units globally including a phenomenal 4.7 million in the UK alone.
Noel Gallagher performs at Maine Road with Oasis
Six months after the release of their blockbuster second studio album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?', Oasis played two colossal concerts at Maine Road stadium – home of Noel and Liam's beloved Manchester City – on 27th and 28th April 1996. Noel commented in 2019: "They were amazing gigs and it will never be repeated."
'This is history!' - Oasis rock Knebworth
Oasis arguably reached the zenith of their popularity in August 1996 when they played to 80,000 people over two nights at Loch Lomond in Scotland, and a historic 250,000 fans at their two Knebworth House mega-concerts. Noel famously said on stage at Knebworth: "This is history. This is history. Right here. Right now. This is history!" He wasn't wrong.
Noel Gallagher marries Meg Mathews
Noel Gallagher married Meg Mathews in June 1997 and they had one daughter together, Anaïs Gallagher, who was born in January 2000. The couple divorced in 2001.
Oasis release 'Be Here Now'
Oasis' third album 'Be Here Now' was a record-breaker in August 1997, selling a whopping 813,000 in its first seven days in the UK. Noel later stated that the success of predecessor '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' had an adverse effect on the follow-up record, saying: "I started to overthink it." He also said 'Be Here Now's popularity didn't indicate it was a great album, explaining: "Just because you sell lots of records, it doesn't mean to say you're any good. Look at Phil Collins."
Noel Gallagher quits drugs
As detailed in the 2000 Oasis song 'Gas Panic!', Noel Gallagher suffered "serious panic attacks" in the late 90s brought on by his debauched party lifestyle. He quit drugs in June 1998.
Oasis announce departure of Guigsy and Bonehead
In August 1999, Noel and Liam Gallagher held a press conference (pictured) to announce that co-founding Oasis members Guigsy and Bonehead had left the band. Noel duly played all the guitar parts on Oasis' fourth studio album 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' in 2000 before Gem Archer was recruited to replace Bonehead. Andy Bell later joined on bass. Notably, 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' was the first Oasis record not to be written entirely by Noel, with Liam penning the track 'Little James'.
Oasis release 'Heathen Chemistry'
Noel Gallagher relinquished the songwriting baton yet further on July 2002's 'Heathen Chemistry' with Liam Gallagher penning three songs, and Gem Archer and Andy Bell a song apiece. Noel was responsible for two of the record's standout tunes, however – 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' and 'Little by Little.'
Oasis' final two albums
Oasis final two studio albums – 2005's 'Don't Believe the Truth' and 2008's 'Dig Out Your Soul' – were much more warmly received than their two predecessors and heralded by some as the band's finest material in a decade.
Noel Gallagher quits Oasis
Oasis officially split up in August 2009 when Noel Gallagher quit then band following a back stage altercation with Liam at the Rock en Siene festival in Paris. Noel wrote on Oasis' website: "It is with some sadness and great relief...I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."
Noel Gallagher marries Sara MacDonald
After a decade together, Noel Gallagher married Sara MacDonald in June 2011 at the Lime Wood Hotel in New Forest National Park with Russell Brand serving as best man. They have two children together - Donovan Rory MacDonald Gallagher who was born in September 2007, Sonny Patrick MacDonald Gallagher, born in October 2010.
Noel Gallagher launches Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Noel Gallagher formally announced his solo project Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds to the world at a press conference in London in July 2011. Lauded by critics, the band's self-titled album 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' was released in October 2011 and it stormed straight in at Number 1 in the UK and went on to sell more than 800,000 copies. It spawned anthems including 'AKA... What a Life!', 'Dream On' and 'Everybody's on the Run' and it was an emphatic return to the fore for Noel.
Noel Gallagher honoured by Peter Blake
In 2012, Noel Gallagher featured on an updated version of The Beatles' famous 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album cover by pop artist Peter Blake. Titled Vintage Blake, the piece marked Blake's 80th birthday and it depicts Noel playing his Union Jack guitar alongside Amy Winehouse, Paul Weller, Mick Jagger, Ian Curtis ang many other music legends. Noel told the BBC: "I was lucky enough to go down to his studio. We were fans and all the props were still there from the 'Sgt. Pepper' photo shoot."
Noel Gallagher at Isle of Wight Festival 2012
Noel Gallagher chatting to Absolute Radio's Sarah Champion backstage at Isle of Wight Festival in 2012. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds played the penultimate Main Stage slot on the Sunday night before headliners Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Seven years later, Noel would step up to headliner.
Noel Gallagher becomes friends with Damon Albarn
Two decades on from Blur and Oasis' infamous caustic rivalry, in the 2010s Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn became close friends. Noel joined forces with Albarn, Graham Coxon, and Paul Weller to perform Blur's 'Tender' at a Teenage Cancer Trust Royal Albert Hall show in March 2013, and in 2017 Noel sang backing vocals on the Gorillaz song 'We Got The Power.'
Noel Gallagher performs intimate gig for Absolute Radio
Following the release of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Bird's second studio album 'Chasing Yesterday', Noel performed an exclusive concert for Absolute Radio at the ultra-intimate Rivoli Ballroom in London. The 12 song set was dominated by Noel's incredible solo material but culminated with a poignant rendition of Oasis' 'The Masterplan.'
Noel Gallagher joins forces with David Holmes
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have gone on to release two more chart-topping studio albums – 2015's 'Chasing Yesterday' and 2017's 'Who Built the Moon?'. Speaking to Absolute Radio in 2021, Noel said that making the critically lauded 'Who Built the Moon?' with producer David Holmes is the standout moment of his solo career so far. Noel told us: "It turned everything that I've ever done, and everything that I do, and the way that I do it, upside down, and threw it all up in the air. We came up with something completely different."
Noel Gallagher headlines Isle of Wight Festival
Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds headlined the Friday night of Isle of Wight Festival 2019. The first half the Noel's triumphant headline performance was dominated by sublime solo tracks, but the set truly peaked when Noel launched into Oasis' 'Wonderwall', 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', 'Half the World Away' and 'Don't Look Back In Anger' before he closed with a cover of The Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love'. Stunning.
Noel Gallagher releases best-of album
Celebrating a decade of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, the band's best-of album 'Back the Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011–2021)' is released on 11th June 2021.
Noel Gallagher honoured with pop-up station Absolute Radio Noel
From Friday 11th June to Friday 18th June 2021, Absolute Radio is honouring Noel Gallagher with his own pop-up radio station Absolute Radio Noel. Pictured is Noel at One Golden Square in London where he was exclusively interviewed by Bush & Richie.
New single 'Pretty Boy' featuring Johnny Marr
Noel Gallagher and his band of High Flying Birds premiered their new song 'Pretty Boy' featuring guitar from Smiths legend Johnny Marr in October 2022. Stamped with Noel Gallagher's indelible musical imprint throughout its hypnotic five minutes, 'Pretty Boy' is the first taster of NGHFB's upcoming fourth studio album, which lands in 2023.
Fourth High Flying Birds album 'Council Skies'
Released on Friday 2nd June 2023, 'Council Skies' features 10 tracks including the singles 'Pretty Boy' and 'Easy Now.' Noel Gallagher explains that 'Council Skies' harks back to the early 90s before he achieved global fame as the guitarist and songwriter with Oasis. "It's going back to the beginning," Noel says. "Daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be… that's as true to me now as it was in the early '90s. When I was growing up in poverty and unemployment, music took me out of that." He added: "Top Of The Pops on TV transformed your Thursday night into this fantasy world, and that's what I think music should be. I want my music to be elevating and transforming in some way."
Abbey Road performance
Noel shared live versions of two classic Oasis B-sides from a recording session at Abbey Road Studios in December 2023. Flanked by The High Flying Birds, Noel Gallagher's takes on seminal 'Wonderwall' B-side 'The Masterplan' and 'Stand by Me' B-side 'Going Nowhere' are accompanied by professionally shot videos filmed at the world-famous London studios.
Noel scraps acoustic album for 'defiant rock record'
After discussing his planned acoustic album for rather a while, Noel announced in April 2024 that he'd "scrapped" it in favour of a "defiant rock record". The Oasis legend revealed in January that he had already recorded six tracks for an acoustic record - but three months on, Noel confirmed that the acoustic album has been binned and he's planning to explore heavier sonic realms.
"I've scrapped the acoustic album finally," he told the Matt Morgan podcast. "Yeah, it got six tunes in, and I was so bored with the arrangement of it all and the kind of slow pace of it all and, actually what made me think, right f--- it, I'm not doing it. It was too down. Acoustic tunes tend to be quite down. I need to make a defiant rock record and that's what I'm gonna do. Sorry everyone. I do apologise if anyone had their hearts set on it."