What is Eurostar presents Traction, curated by Gilles Peterson?

As an official supporter of the London 2012 Festival, Eurostar will be bringing together half a dozen of the most exciting acts from across Europe for a truly unique event this summer.

On Saturday 14 July, 4pm-11pm, 3000 people will be treated to a once-in a lifetime outdoor show in Granary Square, London’s newest public space.

Who’s playing?

Already on the bill are:

Sébastien Tellier
Famous for tracks like La Ritournelle and Divine, not to mention his notorious appearance on Eurovision, our controversial French favourite Sébastien is sure to bring the French to the party.

The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble
The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble An exceptional German trio whose rousing tracks are rhythmically focused with the mechanical precision of four-to-the-floor club tracks. And did we mention the ten piece orchestra? Be sure to check out their vision of acoustic dance music at Eurostar presents Traction.

Ghostpoet
UK born, 2011 Mercury prize nominee Ghostpoet will be joining the line-up at Traction this summer bringing with him a handful of off-kilter, loopy electronic ditties blessed with his delightfully rambling musings on modern life. He’s a genuinely unique talent that we’re thrilled is joining us on the 14th – he dubs himself “a lad with a lisp with some stories to tell” and we can’t wait to hear the ending.

Baloji and l’Orchestre de la Katuba
Eurostar regular Baloji will bring an exciting continental spoken word performance to the Traction festival. Growing up in Liege his passions for hip-hop, rap and dance shaped his style and coupled with the backing of his inimitable Orchestra are an act that Gilles simply couldn’t refuse to bring to the party on the 14th July.

Benny Sings
Our Dutch representative, Benny Sings is a complex artist whose funky jazz will add an even greater variety to the Traction line-up. But don’t be fooled, the music and melodies may act to make it all sound as fresh and breezy as a summer dress, but that does not mean it’s all happy-go-lucky for Benny.

Plugs
Signed to Eurostar’s very own record label, which promotes creativity and artistic freedom. Plugs bring a well crafted yet brilliantly unusual blend of inner London grime and pop, and words like disorientating and psychedelic have been used to describe their work.

Gilles Peterson
Gilles Peterson has been tasked with bringing together and showcasing talent from his 30 years within the arts – mixing the experienced, whom were pioneers in their time, with upcoming artists whom are currently breaking ground in their respective fields. Collaborations are key and not just musical but fusing the arts.

How can I be part of the action?

Traction tickets are available for £20 (plus booking fees) through

Getting to the Festival

Directions from King’s Cross Station on foot:

The nearest underground station is King's Cross. Take the Regents Canal exit. Turn right outside the exit to join the pedestrian walkway Kings Boulevard. This is lined with boards covered in leaves, with red borders either side of a wide graveled path. Cross over the road at the top of the Boulevard and you will see Granary Square – in front of Central St Martins College.


Tube
Nearest tube station is King’s Cross (Victoria; Piccadilly; Northern; Hammersmith & City; Circle; Metropolitan)

Train
Nearest railway station is King’s Cross / St Pancras 

Bus Routes:
10*, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205*, 214*, 259, 390*, 476 (* 24hr service)

Driving & Parking
There is no designated parking for the event. The nearest car park is at St Pancras Station so please use this one, then continue on foot up Kings Boulevard to Granary Square.(5 minute walk)

Taxis
If travelling by Taxi please get dropped off/picked up a St Pancras station. Goods Way will likely to be congested so please avoid this road.

Is there anything else I should know about the event?

Eurostar presents Traction was created for the London 2012 Festival and will be subject to all official London 2012 entry and security rules. The event will only be open to people of 18 years or over. It will operate a no re-entry policy and no soft or alcoholic drinks, or food, will be allowed at entry to the venue. Cash machines, food and drinks concessions will be available within the venue.