Midi Festival, one of the longest-running and most celebrated music festivals in China, is coming back to the Yangtze River Delta region during the coming National Day holiday period, on a bigger scale than ever before.

From October 1 to 3, more than 200 acts will grace nine stages at the Changjiang Midi Festival 2014 at Sanjiagang Beach in Pudong New Area, presenting an extensive music feast including rock, electronica, jazz, indie pop and even Chinese opera. Then, from October 5 to 7, Taihu Midi Music Park (formerly Suzhou Gelin Country Garden), by Taihu Lake in Suzhou will debut the Taihu Midi Folk and World Music Festival 2014. The festival will involve some 80 acts contributing a mix of folk, jazz, blues and world music.

The original Midi Festival was launched in China in 2000, and has since spawned numerous events under the same banner such as Shenzhen Midi, Ocean Midi, Yoga Midi and Kids' Midi.

Music fans revel at a previous Midi Festival. Photos: Courtesy of the event organizer

"Midi is no longer just a stage for rock bands. We want to provide different kinds of music for fans of differing tastes, thus more people will be attracted to Midi's big party," said Shan Wei, CEO of Midi Productions, the company that runs all the Midi festivals.

"I think the most attractive scene at Midi festivals is always the passionate and excited audiences who treasure the pleasure brought by music. The atmosphere at Midi is all about freedom and pleasure," said Shan.

Changjiang Midi Festival, which will occupy an area equivalent to 66 football fields, is by far the largest of the Midi festival events.

Besides performances by established musicians, the festival holds the final of a contest among China's campus bands to promote emerging music talent.

Some famous musicians will also be appearing at the festival's Chunqiu Stage to talk to fans, sharing stories about their music and lives.

"Changjiang Midi Festival is also the most international music festival in China, as we invite more foreign bands. Over the years it has attracted many expats," added Shan.

This year, more than 40 overseas bands and musicians will appear at Sanjiagang.

The first Taihu Midi Folk and World Music Festival will have four stages, one of which will be dedicated to traditional Chinese operas such as Peking Opera, Huju Opera, Pingtan, Yueju Opera, and Kunqu Opera with puppet shows.

Both festivals also have children's stages. Changjiang Midi Festival will have a camping area. Those wishing to sleep outside can bring their own tent or rent one on-site.

Pre-sale tickets to each festival cost 120 yuan ($19.56) for one day and 300 yuan for three days. On the door they cost 150 yuan per day and 350 yuan for three days.

Gates open for admission at noon each day.

How to get to Sanjiagang Beach (6015 Huaxia Road East, Pudong New Area, 6890-9803):

Take metro Line 2 to Yuandong Avenue Station and take the free shuttle bus provided by festival organizers.

How to get to Taihu Midi Music Park (north of Miaogang Bridge, Qidu town, Wujiang district, Suzhou, 0512-6373-0000):

Take high-speed train to Suzhou Industrial Park Railway Station and take a taxi to the park. It's roughly a 1-hour drive.

Pick of Midi headliners this year



Fear Factory 

 

Formed in 1990, the Los Angeles-based heavy metal band have released eight albums that traverse industrial metal, death metal and alternative metal, and have been a huge influence on the scene. The band will perform from 8:40 pm to 9:40 pm on October 3 on the Tang Stage at Changjiang Midi Festival.

Wayne Static of Static-X

 

 

Wayne Static won millions of fans through his role as lead vocalist and guitarist for popular American metal band Static-X. With its debut album Wisconsin Death Trip, which sold more than 1 million copies and went platinum in the US, the band became an influential force. However, Wayne Static announced the band was breaking up last year, and he is now going solo. He will appear on the Tang Stage at Changjiang Midi Festival from 8:40 pm to 9:40 pm on October 1.

Therion 

 

Established in 1987 by Christofer Johnsson, this Swedish band add orchestral elements to death metal and have become a leading force in popularizing symphonic metal. Their songs often take inspiration from mythology and ancient legends. The band will perform on the Tang Stage at the Changjiang Midi Festival from 8:40 pm to 9:40 pm on October 2.

Moxi Zishi

 

 

Moxi Zishi is a Yi ethnic musician from Sichuan Province who rose to fame with his touching lyrics and enchanting vocals when he was featured in the TV show Sing My Song earlier this year. Whether singing in Putonghua or the Yi dialect, he plucks at the heart strings of his audiences with his sincerity. He will sing on the Ming Stage at Changjiang Midi Festival on October 3, and the Cotton Stage at Taihu Midi Festival on October 7.

Zhang Ying

 

 

Forming her jazz band in 2005, Zhang Ying has impressed audiences with her talents in fusing jazz, bossa nova, funk and hip-hop. She will perform on the Han Stage at Changjiang Midi Festival on October 2.