Essence Music Festival is an annual live music festival that celebrates the African American music and culture.Running since 1995, it is the largest event of it's kind in the United States.

The event is sponsored by Essence, a magazine that is targeted to African American women, and those interested in the associated culture.

Rumours

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Lineup

2013:

MUSIC:

Friday, July 5th: Mainstage: Maxwell, Jill Scott, LL Cool J and Brandy. Superlounges: Blackstreet, Anthony David, Les Nubians, Emeli Sande, Maya Azucena, Simphiwe Dana, Mali Music and Shamarr Allen and The Underdawgs.

Saturday, July 6th: Mainstage: New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole and Solange. Superlounges: Faith Evans, Bridget Kelly, Big Daddy Kane, F.Stokes, PJ Morton, Jody Watley, Leela James and Avery*Sunshine.

Sunday, July 7th: Mainstage: Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe and TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank). Superlounges: Rachelle Ferrell, Mia Borders, Mint Condition, Luke James, Daley, Tamia, Kourtney Heart and Alice Smith.

SPEAKERS: Donnie McClurkin, Dr Steve Perry, Noel Jones, Tramaine Hawkins

Vibe

In a review written by online news and commentary website The Root, if Essence festival could be summarised in a mathematical equation it would be "World-class music + world-class food + people from all over the world + a city known all over the world for partying = the best Fourth of July weekend."

Stages and other entertainment

As well as experiencing a programme of celebrate Afro-American music talent, there are also empowerment seminars and celebrated speakers.

There is also a marketplace selling African-style arts and crafts, African-style food, New Orleans Creole Food, clothing, jewellery and art.

There are also various official after parties, held in a variety of places and providing the chance for many to mingle with the stars.

Tickets

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VIP

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Children

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Disability Access

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Weather

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Location

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Local Information

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Travel

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Accommodation

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What to wear

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Camping

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Site Information

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Food and drink

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Trading

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Perform at the festival

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Volunteer or work

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Drugs and security

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Stream online

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Mobile Apps

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Trivia

Originating in 1995, the festival has been held in New Orleans, Louisiana every year (with the exception of 2006, where the destruction left behind after Hurricane Katrina, meant the festival had to be temporarily moved to Houston, Texas).

2009 was the first year that the festival completely sold out, with a headlining performance from Beyonce Knowles that drew a crowd of 72,000 attendees.

Past lineups

2012: Artists and speakers included Aretha Franklin and Mary J Blige, and Steve Harvey. For details and updates of the full line-up, click here