Pharrell, One Direction and more lead Apple Music Festival

How do you commemorate the annual iTunes Festival after the June 30 launch of Apple Music? First, you rename it to the “Apple Music Festival,” then you gather some of the top stars in the entertainment industry to headline the 10-day event in London. In years past, the iTunes Festival has lasted for 30 days, so I have to wonder why Cupertino has shortened its annual gathering of artists and fans.

The main stage

The headlining acts for this year’s festival, which runs from Sept. 19 to Sept. 28, are Pharrell Williams, One Direction, Florence + The Machine, and Disclosure. According to a screenshot posted by 9to5Mac, Little Mix will open for One Direction on Sept. 22, and James Bay will take the stage just before Florence + The Machine on Sept. 28. Opening acts for Disclosure and Pharrell Williams have yet to be announced, as have the performers for other nights of the festival. Interestingly, the Apple Music Festival Web page that 9to5Mac posted the screenshot from has been changed to remove the opening acts.

How to get in on the festival

Apple Music Festival will take place at the gorgeous Roundhouse in London, and tickets will be awarded by drawing. Only United Kingdom residents are eligible for the drawing, though, so you won’t be able to attend the concert in person if you aren’t from there.

If you don’t win tickets to the Apple Music Festival, you won’t be left out in the cold. You can watch the performances on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or you can stream the shows via iTunes on your computer. You can also watch the concerts on your television using Apple TV.

A great time, and it’s all free

The iTunes Festival has historically been a great time, and this year’s happening promises to be just as good. It’s unfortunate that Apple has decided to shorten the festival so dramatically, but hopefully the concerts will be packed with hits to make up the difference. Plus, you can’t really complain too loudly about a free concert series being shortened to 10 days instead of 30, can you?

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