Five of the best at Tramlines festival

Image: Tramlines 

Tramlines returns to Sheffield this weekend with its biggest line up to date. 2016 marks the festival's eighth year and in that time it has grown immensely, playing host to some of the finest artists in the world.

What makes the inner city extravaganza particularly enjoyable is its variety of venues; you can go from watching an unsigned artist in one of the city's many bars before heading out towards Devonshire green for an open air headline slot.

The whole of Sheffield embraces the three day event and you simply cannot keep away from it. This year's bill is simply irresistible. From the city that gave you Henderson's, here's five acts we think you will relish.

Jurassic 5

Jurassic 5 tickets.

Part of Tramlines allure rests on the discovery of new music, but beyond that there's a refreshing peppering of the familiar - particularly in hip hop. Wu Tang have previously graced the stage, and this year Cali beats and rhymes big dogs Jurassic 5 are the b-boy draw.

Centred around the gruff linguistics of Chali 2na, J5's appeal has always rested on old school values with a new school twist with the emcees dovetailing expertly alongside expert DJs and beatsmiths Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist (peep 'The Influence' above for evidence of it in full effect). A nailed on live delight.

Jimmy Coultas

Read Cut Chemist to play string of UK shows.

Catfish and the Bottlemen 

Catfish and the Bottlemen tickets

Fresh from a massive performance at Glastonbury in June, Van Mcann's outfit will bring their indie rock angst to the Main Stage on Sunday night. There'll be arm in arm sing a longs aplenty attributed to the band's massive choruses and rallying cries from their explosive frontman.

The Bottlemen's latest release, The Ride, is a far meatier affair than their first yet the hooks are just as prominent, listen to 'Soundcheck' above. Expect this to be one of many festival headline slots for the four piece as their rise to the top shows no signs of slowing.

Henry Lewis

Read Glastonbury festival 2016 review

Steve Davis

After making his major festival debut at Glastonbury last month, former World Snooker Champion Steve Davis has proved his worth as a knowledgeable selector rather than just a novelty, something he's sure to reiterate as he takes his techno obscurities to Sheffield later this month.

A massive Surgeon fan and a devoted music enthusiast, Steve is every bit the real deal. Now getting his buzz from spinning records rather than potting blacks, it's an utter joy watching this guy in action.

Becca Frankland

Read Steve Davis Interview: Breaking The Frame

Ekkah

Ekkah tickets

The duo from Birmingham are sat on a treasure trove of electro pop gems and are set to sparkle when they come to the Harley on Friday evening. Lead singer Rebekah Pennington has an unshakeable pop swagger whilst Rebecca Wilson brings the sax appeal; throw a shed load of sequins into the mix and you have a dazzling live experience.

Ekkah's latest release, 'Space Between Us' (listen above), was recorded in LA with none other than DâM-FunK and his seductive grooves have permeated perfectly into the girls' infectious pop. They labelled Tramlines as one of "the best city festivals" in our interview with them last month, so expect a truly glimmering performance.

HL

Read Amber Arcades interview: from dusk till dawn in New York City

Little Simz 

Little Simz tickets. 

Little in stature, huge behind the mic - North London rapper Little Simz is shaking up the festival scene right now. She holds the floor in 200 capacity space The Harley on the Saturday; Festival programmer Kate Hewett told us it'd be a "roadblock" and she's probably not wrong.

Simz dropped debut album A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons last year, a fiery opening statement that blends rap with smooth and soulful backing (check 'Sit Tight' out above). On the live stage she's more than consolidated its success - be at the Harley super early.   

Ben Smith 

Read Loyle Carner interview: Growing up fast

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