The Darkness are Finnished

Yep, that's right. DiS Favourites The Darkness are to headline the eclectic Finnish music festival, Ilosaarirock, in July.

The 35th annual event will take place in Joensuu, in the east of Finland, on July 14-16 and has confirmed international acts of such pedigree as Blackalicious, Mudhoney and Buju Banton as well as the other DiS Favourite and Youthmovies Soundtrack Strategies collaborator extraordinaire, Saul Williams.

Ilosaarirock has long been known for its cutting-edge lineup and unique atmosphere - 2005's event reviewed here. This year, a few prime international cuts of wildly varying genres are to be blended with over 100 Finnish acts at the invariably sunny three-day festival in five stages. Special birthday shenanigans are also planned, which should be interesting following last year's football match.

It is expected that Ilosaarirock will be sold out of all 20,000 tickets for the tenth consecutive year but until then you can buy tickets from www.Tiketti.fi.

Showing astounding technological foresight, it will also be the tenth year of live Internet streaming from the Festival's main stage. Ilosaarirock were among the first to effectively use the web in such a manner. MSN Messenger: eat your heart out.

For more information, please visit www.Ilosaarirock.fi