The Gigantic Classic Indie All-Dayer will be held at Manchester Academy on Bank Holiday Saturday 24th May 2014, and will run from 1.30PM to 11.30PM. On the day expect an abundance of bonuses, including quality festival food with an all-day BBQ with real vegetarian options, plus a Robinson’s Real Ale and Cider tent. But, of course, the cuisine is far from the real story here, what with the acts involved.

Topping the bill will be the inimitable Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, the group that gave us anthems such as Happy, Not Sleeping Around and Kill Your Television. Born of distorted guitars, and a pseudo-hardcore ethic, expect a return to the crowd-surfing antics that defined the band’s shows when they finally get on stage for their headline performance.

“In 1987 we formed in a converted Black Country cold meat store. Looking for our own path, the heat of Madchester breathed inspiration and vexation into us in equal measure. We loved and hated the musical emissions of that rainy city all at the same time - it inspired us to be anything but ‘baggie’ yet influenced us heavily in the groove dept. We couldn’t live with it but we would never have lived without it. Now it seems crazy that we haven’t played Manchester for 20 years - we can’t wait and with this superb bill it’s going to be Gigantic. Manchester, so much to answer for!” Jonn from NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN

And the selling points don’t end there, either. The Wedding Present, a truly cult Leeds outfit, will also be on hand to deliver tracks from their impressive, critically lauded oeuvre. Wearing influences such as Gang of Four, Buzzcocks and The Fall on their sleeves, it should go without saying songs from albums such as George Best, Seamonsters, and Take Fountain will form part of the troupe’s set.

The Chameleons released their “official” debut album in 1983, now considered by many to one of the overlooked masterpieces of the early 80s. They will again grace the main stage of the Academy, 14 years after their now legendary Resurrection concerts, playing their debut album in its entirety for only the second time in the UK. If you are not aware of the album or The Chameleons (Vox) we guarantee you will be blown away by one of Manchester’s most cherished bands.

Also hailing from Yorkshire’s biggest city are Cud, a favourite of the late, great John Peel. Releasing six albums during their 25-year-career, they represent a timeless indie- cum-Britpop sound, best defined by tunes such as Rich
& Strange and Purple Love Balloon, which both made an impact on the Top 40 chart.

Meanwhile, Irish players The Frank & Walters have also been confirmed for Gigantic, who lay claim to works such as Fashion Crisis Hits New York and After All. Add to this Sultans of Ping, some of Cork’s finest purveyors of punk who shot to the attention of music journalists with 1992’s Where’s Me Jumper and Stupid Kid, and clearly there’s a lot to get excited about.

Quite the unique live event, anyone with even half an interest in our national musical heritage could do far worse than get down to this. After all, it’s not everyday this many bona fide icons are brought together for one hugely celebratory 10-hour party.

Tickets are available from:Gigantic  Ticketline & Eventim