Feature: Hit The Deck 2011 Preview

Summer time is fast approaching, which means another round of musical excellence through many of this year’s festival line-ups, and what better way to kick start the season into action than a look at the brand new Hit The Deck Festival, which takes place in Nottingham on Sunday April 17th.

With such a rich and long history of rock music in the city, Hit The Deck is set to make its mark in its first year with a stellar line-up which is fronted by the Christian metalcore powerhouse that is Underoath on the Monster Energy Stage (Rock City Main Stage), whilst Young Guns will continue their rise to prominence with a headlining set on Big Deal Clothing Stage (Rock City Basement). Whilst Cancer Bats will close the Atticus Stage (Rescue Rooms) with their brand of aggressive hardcore punk.

Throughout the four stages, the UK's thriving up and coming alternative is seen with The Blackout, We Are The Ocean and Deaf Havana being three highly recommended acts to see on the main stage. Whilst the likes of Save Your Breath, Devil Sold His Soul, Blitz Kids, Hospitals, Evarose, Atlas & I and My Passion are just some of the UK acts that will make their presence known on the other stages.

Also let's not forget The Swellers who are back in the UK and have the potential to build their following with their punk rock style that saw 2009's 'Ups and Downsizing' receive rave reviews at home and abroad.

With such a wide range in terms of genre; heavy metal (see Sylosis and Bleed From Within) to pop-punk (Summerlin) to hip hop (Hyro Da Hero,) Hit The Deck 2011 is the perfect way to kick off the festival season and at just £20 a ticket its a steal with a mix of established and up and coming bands all playing in one day, you don't want to miss it.

Further information on Hit The Deck 2011 can be found at hitthedeckfestival.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Words by Laura-May Fox and Sean Reid.