The Relentless Freeze Festival for 2012 is shaping up to be a bit of an epic. As if the stellar music line-up, announced a few weeks back and featuring Public Enemy, DJ Shadow and Grandmaster Flash wasn’t enough, the big air competition at this year’s festival has also been tweaked for the better, ultimately allowing and encouraging more big name riders to attend.

Rather than being an FIS big air event as was the case for the last couple of years, Freeze are opting for an international invitation only format this time around, which should attract many more big name riders who couldn’t previously compete as a result of the strict regulations imposed by FIS. And what a rider line up it is so far: Icelandic jesters Halldor and Eiki Helgason, Gjermund Braaten, Janne Korpi, Marko Grilc, Roope Tonteri,  Ståle Sandbech, Ulrik Badertscher, plus our very own Jamie Nicholls and Billy Morgan, the list just goes on and on. Rumour has it that the Toots and McMorris’ are keen to get involved as well…

On Saturday 27^th October following the Whitelines Battle of Britain (which Billy Morgan claimed last year), 20 international riders will go head to head before battling it out in a 5 man final. A best trick category will also be introduced this year as well as the now classic Europe Vs. The World contest. Freeze are also introducing grandstand seating for those of you that want to be counting rotations and analysing grabs up close.

For more info and all the latest rider and music announcements check the Freeze Festival website. It’s safe to say it’s gonna go off.