Does a headliner have to play last?

[Harry49]

Given the nigh time and noise restrictions imposed on the festival the opportunity for schedule innovation would appear limited in comparison to the examples of other festivals provided. This coupled with the undoubted aid to atmosphere that darkness brings, does make it unlikely an act would agree to a earlier headliner slot. But having been in the crowd for Lionel last year and comments above about Dolly previously I would argue that it would not be impossible given the right headliner to shift  the headliner slot. Cant say a raft of names spring to mind however. But one who might fit the bill is Ed Sheeran - god knows you would not want your last memory of the day to be his warbling.

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

Interesting thread. Are there any restrictions on the two main stages beyond a certain time sound-wise? I love the idea of a dance act playing after the 'headliner', Radiohead into The Prodigy for instance. This would also free up a hell of a lot of room in Shangri-La

[stuartbert two hats]

Interesting thread. Are there any restrictions on the two main stages beyond a certain time sound-wise? I love the idea of a dance act playing after the 'headliner', Radiohead into The Prodigy for instance. This would also free up a hell of a lot of room in Shangri-La

Yes, it's not going to happen because of said restrictions.

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

Yes, it's not going to happen because of said restrictions.

Ah, that's what I thought. It's a shame, but it's understandable

[Dark Star]

Wasn't Bob Dylan considered the Sunday headliner in 1998, even though Pulp played last?  I seem to recall a lot of talk from ME at the time that Dylan was headlining... 

Seems to be only the UK where the headliner plays last, licensing laws being more restrictive here perhaps playing a part in this?  

[Purple aki squat]

Would another act be happy to play last on the Pyramid and not be billed as headliners? Doubt it.

I reckon the twang would do it

[Watergirl]

Cambridge Folk Festival always have their headliners on second last.  A big name will play at 21:00 (Joan Baez, Rosanne Cash, Van Morrison, the Waterboys) and then a younger/dancier act at 23:00 (Bellowhead, Salsa Celtica etc.).  Cambridge has a mix of people camping onsite, on another campsite that requires a shuttle bus, staying off site plus punters with day tickets.  I presume it is to avoid everyone exiting at the same time.  It works well.

[Bisque]

It is more the fact for me that I want something a bit more uplifting or energetic later on (due to the state of me) rather than her suiting the sunlight better.

go to Arcadia or Silver Hayes or Shangri La or Block 9 or any where else after?

[DeanoL]

Jongleurs comedy clubs at one point used 'fake' headliners. That is, they'd put the strongest acts on earlier in the night, on the basis that by the time the final act was on, the audience would be so drunk they'd laugh at anything.

[ghostdancer1]

Seems to be only the UK where the headliner plays last, licensing laws being more restrictive here perhaps playing a part in this?  

no, it's the case with most festivals in the western world.