Summer Festival Plans

Arctic Monkeys are planning a busy festival season after confirming a host of shows.

One of the best selling British acts of the Noughties, Arctic Monkeys have been suspiciously quiet of late. After two chart mangling albums the band decided on a low key return, which resulted in 'Humbug'.

Attaching an orchestral arrangement to their indie songsmithery, the album was rightly hailed as a step forward for the band. Retreating from the limelight, Arctic Monkeys completed a UK tour but seemed anxious to keep away from massive one off dates.

Taking it easy, the band are now planning a hectic summer. The festival season in 2011 is set to reverberate with the sounds of the Sheffield group, with Arctic Monkeys confirming a flurry of dates.

The band are planning to headline Ireland's Oxegen festival. Taking place in County Kildaire the event is one of Europe's biggest festivals and is already shaping up to be a hell of a party with appearances from Foo Fighters and more.

Linked to T In The Park, the announcement has led to speculation that Arctic Monkeys could be set to headline the Scottish festival.

Elsewhere, Arctic Monkeys have confirmed some continental plans. The Sheffield band are due to headline two German events, with the group set to perform at Southside and Hurricane.

Alongside this, the band have confirmed a trip to Benicassim. Rightly hailed as one of Europe's top events, the Spanish festival has confirmed a number of top acts including a headline set from Arctic Monkeys.

All this activity has led to speculation from fans that British shows are due to be announced, although it should be pointed out that nothing has been intimated from the band. 'Course, some new material would be nice too... Guys?