High Voltage is now in its second year and already it seems like “one of those established festivals” maybe it’s because of the genre it serves – after all the headliners Judas Priest & Dream Theater are pretty big established acts. Billed as the Classic Rock festival of the year this is one not to be missed, with a Prog stage and the Metal Hammer stage there will be something for everyone.  

Saturday, sees the mighty Judas Priest bring their “Epitaph” world tour to Victoria Park for what is sure to be a trip down the memory lane of heavy metal, the set is sure to be filled with classics such as “Living after Midnight”, “Breaking the Law” and “Turbo Lover”.  Slash and his band fronted by Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy, play their only London gig of the current tour, expect the odd G n’ R song, something from his Snakepit days and a couple of Velvet Revolver  songs thrown into the set alongside tracks from his Rock N’F Roll album.

Further down the bill on the main stage are Judas Priest touring chums Queensryche and Rival Sons, alongside them are Thin Lizzy, Skin and Michael Monroe.

Over on the Prog stage headliners Barclay James Harvest are sure to play classic after classic after classic, with support from Neal Morse, Anathema, Caravan, Amplifier, and Von Hertzen Brothers carrying the Prog flag high.

Metal Hammer have managed to pull together some of the heaviest bands around including Electric Wizard, Sylosis, Grand Magus, Ravens Creed, Trigger Finger, Primitai and Atica Rage to play their stage, their way and if you had any doubt it will be  HEAVY

Sunday has the wonderful Dream Theater headlining the main stage, who are sure to be showcasing some new material from their new album “A Dramatic Turn of Events” (which is due for release in September) alongside classics from their ever growing back catalogue.  Super group Black Country Communion bring their pure rock to the main stage for what is sure to be an electrifying set, here’s hoping for the odd “super hit” from groups gone by.  Thunder who are reforming for this one off show and have just got back from a sponsored motorbike ride through North America in support of “Childline” are sure to play hits from the last 20 years and the odd “special song” (I hope so anyway). Also appearing on the main stage are hardworking Saint Jude fronted by the best female voice in rock right now Lynne Jackaman. Heavens Basement open up the main stage with a set chosen by their fans via their Facebook page.

Jethro Tull headline the Prog stage in what is their only UK festival appearance this year, with over 30 albums released over the years this is sure to be a show not to be missed. Spock’s Beard, Mostly Autumn, Curved Air, The Enid and Pallas make up the rest of the acts on the Prog stage.

Neurosis headline the Metal Hammer stage on Sunday with their very own brand of heavy metal, look out for the “Neurosis Note” – you have been warned.  Black Spiders are a welcome addition to the MH stage, along with Gentleman’s Pistols, Graveyard, The Treatment and Furyo.

Other attractions at High Voltage include a beer festival which has its very own Folk - Acoustic - Bluegrass stage, the return of the legendary Ace Café with its great food & drink and an Evil Knievel exhibition, with memorabilia including bikes, leathers and photos.