Looking for the latest lineup, date, ticket information or latest news about your favourite festivals, look no further. Summer Festival Guide’s Festival News section covers all your needs!
A whole host of artists and DJs have been added to the bill for OnBlackheath 2015, in partnership with John Lewis, which will take place in South East London on Saturday12 & Sunday 13 September. European Recycling Platform will be bringing the first ever stage for Make Noise (the UK's only electronic recycling club night) to the festival across the weekend with a special DJ set from Erol Alkan and Tom Findlay (Groove Armada). OnBlackheath are also very excited to announce the launch of the Meantime Sessions Stage which will feature the likes of Chris Holland All Stars ft. Roland Gift, The Rude Vandals plus PlayOnBlackheath 2014 competition winner Rhys Lewis.
South East London 9-piece band Chainska Brassika have also been announced to open the Main Stage on the Sunday of the festival with Tropical Dope DJ-ing in-between each artist on the day. Tickets on sale NOW and available from www.onblackheath.com.
Make Noise, the UK's only electronic recycling club night, are proud to announce their first ever-festival stage at this year’s OnBlackheath. The stage will feature their biggest ever line up with Tom Findlay(Groove Armada), Greg Wilson and Moxie who will be performing on the Saturday with Erol Alkan,Justin Robertson, Hannah Holland and DJ AntZ on the Sunday, with more acts still to be announced soon.
On Saturday, The Meantime Sessions will also feature artists including Summer Camp, RIVRS, CROWS, MOTH TRAP, The Pearl Hearts, Bad For Lazarus and DJ Boris McNab. Alongside Chris Holland All Stars ft. Roland Gift, The Rude Vandals, Hollie Cook, Brassroots and Rhys Lewis the Sunday will also feature The Mighty Cosmics, Bruise plus DJs Diaz Brothers.
These artists join already announced headliners Elbow (Saturday) and Madness (Sunday) plus Manic Street Preachers, Kelis, Laura Mvula, Anna Calvi, Jack Savoretti and the cast from ‘Sunny Afternoon: The Kinks Musical’. Heavenly & Friends Stage will feature Temples, 808 State and Stealing Sheep. The Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Stage will have the likes of Clap! Clap!, Seun Kuti, Eska and many more on the Sunday.
With just under 30 days to go until BoomTown open their gates for what promises to be the biggest and wildest chapter to date, the UK's largest independent festival is about to get that little bit bigger with the announcement of yet another area, complimenting 24 stunning themed main stages across a huge festival site.
Located deep within the numerous woodlands spread throughout BoomTown, House In The Woods will encapsulate the innovators and dreamers behind the best in house, disco, techno and boogie with a curated line-up from four of the UK’s most influential tastemakers.
Further igniting the house-heavy vibes on Friday will be renowned Bristol natives Shapes, who’ll be teaming up with underground trailblazers Flux to bring two legendary figures from the underground dance scene to the hallowed BoomTown turf. A Guy Called Gerald has continuously re-writing the rule book for dance music and will be showcasing his History Of House Set under the mesmeric woodland skies. The night gets even bigger with pillars of the underground dance world Horse Meat Disco stopping by to deliver a set of deep house nuggets.
On Saturday, it’s the turn of infamous Bristolian crew Alfresco Disco to take the reins for an unpredictable night of breath-taking beats. Alongside their acclaimed residents will be a unique headline set from Raf Daddy of The 2 Bears, who have set the scene alight in recent years with two acclaimed studio albums combining two step, house, hip-hop and soul. It’s a night destined to live long in the folklore of BoomTown.
After a weekend of rhythmic debauchery, it will fall to the mighty Electric Minds to shake House In The Woods one last time with a night bursting with mavericks of the underground dance world. Iconic Electric Minds boss Dolan Bergin will be on hand to oversee a line-up that includes the dynamic Amir Alexander, who will be transporting the loyal residents of BoomTown to the gritty sounds of modern America and celebrated “outsider” Pangaea appearing in the midst of a worldwide touring schedule that has seen his nostalgic drum and bass sound reach thousands. Topped off by an appearance from George Levings (Commix) new musical project Endian, The House In The Woods is likely to shake BoomTown to its knees.
It was a scorcher at Splendour Festival 2015 with The Specials, The Twang and Lawson headlining the mainstage. In between acts we got the chance to have a chat with Georgie, Ferocious Dog, To Kill a King, and Lawson. Splendour has a reputation for showcasing Nottingham's best young talent and again this year it didn't disappoint, with up and coming acts from Nottingham, the Midlands, and around the UK. There was no lack of things to do with the day, with fair rides, stalls, samba and a circus, it catered for the whole family. Much to the disappointment of the festival goers, the ale ran out at 5pm, however they didn't let it dampen their spirits and still enjoyed the sun, music and entertainment.
We caught up with headliners Lawson backstage, with band member Joel Peat himself originally from Nottingham, he said he loves being back in his home town and with a familiar crowd. The sun wasn't quite enough for Lawson though, who were all feeling the chill despite what we thought was a happy 22 degrees. The boys had visited the circus and the beer tent and gave Nottingham a sneak preview of their brand new single 'Lions Den'. Lawson said they love playing to a Nottingham crowd and like lots of the other local bands are inspired by, and love playing at Nottingham's own rock city. During their Splendour set it was screaming girls galore with their typical pop-rock ensemble of songs to get the crowd going.
Ferocious Dog, on the confetti stage, have a large following in Nottingham and when we caught up with them they said that it was great to be back since they first played two years ago. The guys are hoping to play on the mainstage within the next few years as they're becoming more popular. Ferocious Dog are building up their fanbase and have played two sold out gigs at Rescue Rooms, and got to play at Nottingham's infamous Rock City which they described as 'the dream', having spent the eighties and nineties watching bands there.
To Kill a King, have used Splendour to increase their exposure for the young band after making the main stage, being one of the first acts up, the crowd warmed to their British rock infused set. The boys have been really busy, travelling to Nottingham for Splendour follwing playing at Latitude festival the night before. They said that often festivals can be far less stressful than gigs as 'everyone's really intent on listening to what you're doing and that'll get really stressful, and you'll come to festival season and everyone's in a field, drunk, and you can basically just have a really good time with it'. Equally, the boys say they love gigging and explain that by the time festival season is over they think 'why is no one listening to me?!'.
On the main stage Roots Manuva's set was perfectly timed with an outburst of sun much to the appreciation of the festival goers. Roots didn't disapoint with ska infused reggae to keep the crowd entertained and in the festival mood. James were recieved by one of the largest crowds of the night and the tracks 'Laid' and 'Sit Down' had to be among my personal highlights of the day, with the crowd of all ages joining in with the classics.
Local artist Indiana, tore up the mainstage with a cult Nottingham following, after being brought in to replace Jess Glyne. From her appearances on BBC introducing and In New Music We Trust, Indiana's fanbase has gradually developed in the midlands and across the UK. Her melodic, Florence-and-the-Machine-esque voice, combined with a heavy baseline went down a storm setting up the three headline acts. With the local acts out in storm, Georgie, first up on the confetti stage, was enjoying the exposure of being at a festival being an under the radar musician. Georgie says her progression in music has come as her 'voice has matured' and she's 'matured in herself'.
Heading over to the acoustic tent, which was snuggly tucked away inside the off buildings of Wollaton Hall, Joy Mumford was singing to mellow beats as the sun went down. The acoustic tent showcased some of the best new music across the day including Hhymm, Eyre Llew, Pierce Brothers, Jamie Lawson and Molly and Jack.
Bananarama, headlining on the confetti stage, attracted a crowd of life long fans, singing along to all of their hits including 'Robert de Niro's Waiting', 'Full Summer', and 'Really Saying Something'. They also switched it up with covers of the Beatles 'Help', and The Bee Gees 'I want you back' and 'You should be dancing'. Bananarama's disco vibes on the confetti stage and The Specials eighties two tone and ska on the main stage offered something for everyone and was a great end to a family day out.
East Hampshire District Council are delighted to announce the final bands to complete the line up for this year's Butserfest, the UK's biggest alcohol free youth live music festival.
Joining an already explosive lineup are South Wales' post hardcore GIANTS Funeral for a Friend, who make their return to our hallowed field, Nottingham scoundrels HECK* (formerly known as Baby Godzilla) – who will headline our alternative road stage sponsored by Crossroads, and who make a very welcome return having aptly lain waste to the same stage in 2014, those loveable ladies The Lounge Kittens, who will be entertaining our crowds on the main stage between our later acts, the delightfully ferocious SHVPES, Southampton boys Our Hollow, Our Home, also making their return to our event having smashed our second stage last year, pop punkers Boston Manor, who recently toured the UK with As It Is, and Londoners Vanity Draws Blood.
Complete lineup:
Don Broco, Funeral for a Friend, Hacktivist, HECK*, The Xcerts, The Qemists, The Lounge Kittens, Fathoms, The One Hundred, Carcer City, Zoax, Our Hollow Our Home, Lock & Key, Create to Inspire, Shields, SHVPES, Prolong the Agony, Dirt, Boston Manor, Networks, Lost Atlanta, Cardinal Bay, Vanity Draws Blood, Wars and Waking Angel.
INTRODUCING STAGE (in no particular running order):
Deference, Elements, Daniel Eagle, Flashfires, Zenthetix, Jack Howson, Forever in Depths, Eight 28, Just Millie, These Septic Stars, Forgotten Shores, Ella Davidson, Breathe in the Silence.
Tickets are on sale now priced at just £24.90 (and no booking fee) from www.butserfest.co.uk/tickets
Every ticket bought in July & August will be entered into a draw to win VIP packages. More info on website
BLOODSTOCK HQ is a-buzz with activity with just over three weeks to go! There’s still more bands to announce and we also welcome the return of the brutal-yet-amazing ‘Battle Of The Nations UK’ historical fighting team!
The New Blood stage on Friday sees a brace of additions; Hertfordshire melodic death metal outfit and Luton ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ finals winner, COUNTLESS SKIES (www.facebook.com/countlessskies) and Gothenburg, Sweden’s WE ARE THE CATALYST (www.facebook.com/WATCofficial) – who also won DELAIN’s competition with Metal Hammer magazine to win a support slot on the Dutch symphonic rockers’ UK tour. Joining the New Blood bill on Saturday are Midlands-based prog metallers, MARTYR DE MONA (www.facebook.com/martyrdemona, groove metal outfit and Norwich M2TM winners, SOULBORN (www.facebook.com/soulborn) and self-proclaimed ‘hobo sludge’ gang and Reading’s M2TM winners, VICTORIAN WHORE DOGS (www.facebook.com/VWDBAND). Sunday welcomes London death metallers SKARTHIA (www.facebook.com/skarthia), hard rock funk/schplunk metal men and London final M2TM winners, WRETCHED TOAD (www.facebook.com/wretchedtoad) and lastly, the winners of the ‘Metal To The Masses’ Hobgoblin online video upload competition, Newcastle groove metal beasts, TOMBSTONE CROW (www.facebook.com/tombstonecrowofficial).
Over on the Jagermeister Stage on Friday, hard rock four-piece CITY OF THIEVES (www.facebook.com/cityofthievesuk) join the fray. On Saturday, the blues-based rockers PIG IRON (www.facebook.com/pigironmc) grab a slot, as well as stoner/sludge squad, MORASS OF MOLLASSES (www.facebook.com/MorassOfMolasses) and straight out of Valhalla, the truest of true cover bands, HANOWAR (www.facebook.com/Hanowartruemetal); a bit like Manowar, but…well, you do the math! Lastly for this announcement, Sunday sees horror-metal punksters, THE HELL PUPPETS (www.facebook.com/hellpuppets) join the Jager bill. Final additions to all stages will be announced next week!!
There’s plenty more on site to see and do besides watching the awesome bill! Returning this year for Friday-Sunday are the very popular BATTLE OF THE NATIONS UK historical fighting team! These guys have to be seen to be believed. Catch their regular ‘demonstrations’ (read: ‘full-on’, no-holds-barred fighting with broadswords, maces and plenty of other historical weaponry) in their designated pen in the main arena.
All these stellar bands are on the bill! Friday’s headliner TRIVIUM and special guests SABATON, Saturday’s headliner WITHIN TEMPTATION and special guests OPETH, Sunday’s headliner ROB ZOMBIE and special guests BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, plus CANNIBAL CORPSE, IHSAHN, SEPULTURA, ORANGE GOBLIN, DEATH D.T.A, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, 1349, NAPALM DEATH, DARK ANGEL, ARMORED SAINT, BELPHEGOR, OVERKILL, ENSIFERUM, AGALLOCH, KORPIKLAANI, PRO-PAIN, ENSLAVED, RAGING SPEEDHORN, XERATH and WOLF. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, there’s headliners DELAIN, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, GODFLESH and ARNOCORPS, LAWNMOWER DETH, MORDRED, ETHEREAL, ONSLAUGHT, OAF, CONAN, PLANET OF ZEUS, GODSIZED, plus many many more.
This Saturday 18th of July, Wollaton hall (of Batman fame) opens its park doors to festival goers for the annual Splendour festival. Splendour will be bursting with all sorts of family friendly entertainment this weekend including circus cabaret, samba drumming, magic and vaudeville.
All of the set times have now been announced which you can catch at the bottom of this article and on their website. The festival opens at 11.30am with the music kicking off on the Acoustic Stage at 12pm and on the main stage with Future Sound of Nottingham winners Suspect Alibi at 12.30pm.
Splendour's official radio partner GEM 106 is bringing its award winning breakfast show Sam & Amy to soak up the atmosphere and do a special show live from Splendour between 2pm and 6pm. Listen in, to catch all the latest gossip. They'll have a free photobooth to capture lots of fun on the day, and a chill out area.
Festival-goers will be kept on their toes by the Fun Police, out in force to make sure all are enjoying themselves responsibly. With megaphones, banner and cordons, the 'officers' will be creating silly scenarios of safety and generally being a delightful nuisance. Created especially for Splendour by Nonsuch Theatre, the roaming performers will be part of the fringe walkabout.
The Nottingham School of Samba will be taking their beats around the Wollaton Park site with drumming performances of Brazilian songs in the styles of Afro-Brasil, samba reggae and Rio samba sure to get the party started.
Also new this year are DIY Poets, a Nottingham based poetry collective who will be bringing their dynamic brand of performance poetry to the Splendour setting for the first time. And for something completely different, check out the full kazoo orchestra brought by the DH Lawrence and the Vaudeville Skiffle Show.
As well as more walkabout entertainments this year, the fringe stage will have lots going on throughout the day. The showstopping Notts Circus will once again be thrilling the audience throughout the afternoon with three dazzling mini-cabaret performances, complete with aerial acts on its impressive eight metre rig. Marvel at the acrobatics, and enjoy free-play activities including diabolo, stilt walking, juggling and more between shows.
Swing dancers will be encouraging everyone to get involved as Swing Nouveau play modern songs performed in a retro style while detective of magic Inspector Hemslo will be discovering the most intimate secrets of those he meets.
New for kids this year is the mini big top hosted by Big Top Mania, featuring circus skills workshops including low tightrope wire, hula-hooping, diablos, juggling & unicycles. They’ll be bringing giant bubbles and crazy inflatables along too, as well as closing proceedings in the Children’s Area with Big Bear’s Big Balloon Disco.
Area Inbetween will be offering exciting workshops for young people. Alongside LP record painting on Dizzy The Bike, face painting, and recycled materials workshops, there will be games and chill-out space for socialising and hanging out, including Giant Jenga, Ten Pin Bowling and Twister. All activities are free except for a spin on Dizzy charged at 50p per vinyl.
Set Times MAIN STAGE 21:00 – 22:30 THE SPECIALS 19:15 – 20:15 JAMES 17:45 – 18:45 LAWSON 16:30 – 17:15 INDIANA 15:30 – 16:00 ROOTS MANUVA 14:30 – 15:00 AMBER RUN 13:30 – 14:00 TO KILL A KING
From August 13-16th 2015, Matterley Bowl in Winchester will play host to BoomTown Fair – a fictional pop-up city where post-apocalyptic Mad-Max meets Burning Man in an immersive playground of creativity, life imitating art, interactive sideshows and live theatre.
Since its inception in 2009, BoomTown Fair has become one of the top 10 largest festivals in the UK and is the only one with an ingeniously manufactured storyline containing it’s own mayoral elections, citizen passports and convoluted political history. It is this, the underpinning storyline that gives the UKs most immersive independent festival the scope to mix cowboys with pirates and aliens with Aztec temples, across their 22 themed main stages and the countless smaller shop fronts, hidden beaches and forest parties…
BoomTown’s sprawling metropolis provides a temporary haven of hidden surprises, pulsating music and immersive audio-visuals to allow each of its thousands of citizens to go on an ultimate voyage of discovery within the labyrinth-esque streets. With a soundtrack of ska, folk, gypsy, reggae, world, punk, pirate, disco, electro-swing, jazz, blue-grass, breaks, bass, jungle, techno and a whole lot more. Even if visitors to the Fair only came for the music, as is the calling card for most traditional music festivals, the sheer array of musical masters to uncover is huge!!
Chapter 7 will see BoomTown unveil their brand new visually spectacular new colossus of a centre-stage for DownTown; The Palace, which is set to be the UK’s largest immersive festival dance arena, bringing with it a powerhouse of a bass line up and some of the worlds biggest names in drum ‘n’ bass, jungle and garage
New additions to Standon's Sunday night revelry is a Club de Fromage vs. Coffin Dodgers Disco set on the clock tower stage at the centre of the festival. Standon goers take a step back as two of London’s mightiest club nights are going to slug it out for your love! Kings of pop Club de Fromage are taking on the golden oldies of Coffin Dodgers Disco in a battle of the titans! Expect general silliness, top tunes, giant balloons, free merchandise, the infamous limbo and lots more. Bring those dancing shoes and a comfy cardigan!
Standon Calling's founder, Alex Trenchard comments. "We're so pleased to have the BBC Introducing team curate one of our favourite stages at Standon and incredibly excited about the talent that is emerging from the surrounding areas. We're firm believers in supporting new and emerging talent and with a history of booking acts that go on to great things whether Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Clean Bandit, London Grammar, and we hope the eight selected artists will enjoy their time at Standon as much as we will undoubtedly enjoy their fantastic live performances."
BBC Introducing Three Counties comments, "Standon Calling has always been a great supporter of new music, showcasing acts like Mumford and Sons & Florence & The Machine early on their career. With that in mind in makes perfect sense for BBC Introducing to have our own stage there. We're very excited to show the festival the acts we have to offer. One day you'll tell your grandchild about the time you saw (insert name of the biggest band in the world) on the Introducing stage at Standon Calling."
Standon Calling will celebrate its 10th birthday in 2015. What started as a birthday BBQ and DJs with a handful of friends has become the perfect summer escape for festival-goers, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops and talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and of course its own heated outdoor swimming pool. This year's music offering is a stand-out on the festival calendar with headliners Little Dragon, The Dandy Warhols and Basement Jaxx alongside Roots Manuva, Hercules & Love Affair, Saint Raymond, Ella Eyre, Slaves, Real Lies, Ezra Furman, Kwabs, All We Are and much much more.
LINE-UP Little Dragon / The Dandy Warhols (UK Exclusive) / Basement Jaxx
The Horrors / Roots Manuva / Hercules & Love Affair / Ella Eyre / Kwabs
The Antlers / Saint Raymond / Lucy Spraggan / DJ Yoda / The Cuban Brothers / Hypnotic Brass Ensemble / Prides / Slaves / Charlotte OC / Will & The People / Seinabo Sey / All We Are / Jamie Lawson
Revere / We Have Band / Rag‘n’Bone Man / Real Lies
Gabby Young & Other Animals / Jagaara / Remi Miles / Black Honey / Crows / Syd Kemp / Black Delta Movement / Kiko Bun / The Thirst / Maddox / Waste / Patawawa
The Cowshed Sink The Pink presents Savage: The 2 Bears / Severino / Gaff-E / Jonjo Jury Bondax & Friends: Maribou State [DJ] / Kidnap Kid, Jax Jones / Grades Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge: present the Sunday Dingwalls Sessions
The Last Dance Saloon BBC Introducing: Amber Run, Nova Twins, Attaque, Longy, Alice Walker, Youth Club, Natasha North, Kimberley Newell Loose Music: The Magic Numbers / Danny & The Champions Of The World / Treetop Flyers / Dan Michaelson & The Coastguards / The Goat Roper Rodeo Band / Jo Rose / Canyon Ride Bella Union: Ezra Furman / PINS / Zun Zun Egui / Clarence Clarity / Peter Broderick / exmagician / Bernard & Edith
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT The Mayor's Homecoming Jamboree Featuring: The Grand Old Ukes Of Yorkshire / The Ol' Brass Band / Rockaoke / Line Dancin' Classes / The Town Soapbox / Bluegrass & Rockabilly Bands Aplenty
Dr Leech's Wellness Center & Funeral Services: The Treatment Rooms Present: Tombstone Transformations, The Ride of Your Life in the Voodoo Taxi Wagon & Vanishing Graffiti Workshops / Art Macabre Death Drawing / A Beginners Guide to Taxidermy / Wild Wyatt’s Survival Camps: How Not To Die In The West / Potions & Poisons Masterclass
The Church Fate: Legs Akimbo Presents The Church / Gospel Choir / Aunt Annie's Bone Orchard Bake Sale & Bingo / A Conversation with Ghosts / Baptisms of Fire / Shotgun Weddings
The Last Dance Saloon: Salon London Presents: Dark Matters and Bright Ideas / The Telegraph Office: Wild Words of The West, The Radio Shack & The Newspaper Printing Press / The Cut-Throat Barbers: Talk-of-the-Town Hairstyling, Marvellous Makeovers & The Cut-Throat Cabaret Show / Wild Wyatt's Travelling Menagerie: Wildlife from the Wild West
Standon Favourites:Trapeze Lessons / Swimming Pool / The Annual Dog Show / A Parade of Dark & Light / Immersive Theatre / Happy Hoppers Games Arena
Liverpool International Music Festival continues to bring superstars and local talent together and today announces that Alesha Dixon and Conrad Sewell will join local legends MiC Lowry on the Central Stage in association with Juice Liverpool. Juice Liverpool's resident DJ's Anton Powers, Ian Longo and Liam Hincks will join the likes of Echo And The Bunnymen, Basement Jaxx, Labrinth, Laura Mvula, Katy B, Naughty Boy, The Real Thing and over 100 more artists for Europe's largest free music event, LIMF Summer Jam. Taking place at Liverpool's iconic Sefton Park from 27th – 31st August, more information can be found at the LIMF website.
Having made her name in the chart topping girl group Mis-Teeq, Alesha Dixon continues to make a name for herself as both past winner and judge of Strictly Come Dancing and Britain's Got Talent and incredible music talent and soon to be released fourth studio album. Performing on the Central Stage in association with Juice Liverpool, Alesha comments on her excitement to perform at LIMF:
"I can’t wait [to play LIMF]. I’m so excited that we’re already planning what we’re going to do and I know it’s going to be an amazing event which I’m really happy to be doing. Liverpool’s such a buzzing city, the people are always so receptive and welcoming, it’s always a good vibe and you always know you’re guaranteed to get a great energy from the crowd. When people say Liverpool you know you’re in for a good one.”
Liverpool's award winning five-piece MiC Lowry have been building a formidable reputation as a live band having first got together at school. Their spellbinding vocal won them a MOBO Unsung award last year and ensured instant approval from BBC Introducing in Liverpool and the legendary Boyz II Men who they toured with last December. Fresh from collaborating on Kygo's huge summer smash 'Firestone' Brisbane born Conrad Sewell will play his solo hits for the Liverpool crowds. Both Conrad Sewell and MiC Lowry will also be performing a one-of-a-kind cover of one of 2015's biggest hits, something not to miss on the day.
Juice Liverpool's favourite DJs Anton Powers, Ian Longo and Liam Hincks will be warming up the LIMF revellers, as well as the Grammy nominated British multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, Jax Jones who comments,
“I’m massively excited, I’ve just been looking at the line up now and I’m honoured to be on the same stage as some of the names on there. I’ll be raving and misbehaving as soon as my set’s done. I’ve always had a great reception from Liverpool many times. I was there recently and it was a sick night, an amazing reception and it’s always a great night there.”
The Juice Liverpool artists join the LIMF Summer Jam line up that boasts previously announced Basement Jaxx, Naughty Boy, Laura Mvula, Katy B, The Real Thing, Echo & the Bunnymen with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Bipolar Sunshine and many more for what is set to be the perfect end to the summer.
With great memories of last year’s inaugural festival, The Good Life Experience Festival is thrilled to announce Wilko Johnson as the Friday night headliner to get the party started for the last festival of the summer. Joining him will be Tom Brosseau, Smokey Angle Shades, Wiz Jones, Catrin Finch and Honeyfeet as Cerys Matthews curates a fantastic line-up of world-beating musicians for an unforgettable weekend on the Hawarden Estate, North Wales on 18-19-20 September 2015.
The Good Life Experience is a chance to escape the humdrum; it’s a festival to feed the soul. Co-Founder Cerys Matthews commented: “The Good Life festival is not your average festival. It was designed to offer people the chance to learn and experience new things they’d never tried before, from throwing axes to learning how to dance, do yoga, abseil and cook on a campfire, all on the same day. The festival will offer the best of the great outdoors, music, culture and food in a magical setting surrounded by woodland against the backdrop of a stunning historic castle.”
Wilko Johnson is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor, who played with the rhythm and blues band Dr. Feelgood in the 70s, later joined Ian Dury's band, The Blockheads, and most recently starred in cult TV series Game of Thrones. Johnson and Dr Feelgood have been credited as one of the founding influences of the English punk movement, and Paul Weller has said of Johnson: "Wilko may not be as famous as some other guitarists, but he's right up there. And there are a lot of people who'll say the same. I can hear Wilko in lots of places. It's some legacy." Johnson recently played to a sold out Royal Albert Hall with Roger Daltry of The Who, and The Good Life Experience is extremely excited that he will be playing at this year's Good Life Experience on the Friday night.
One of the core values of the festival is an appreciation of The Great Outdoors, and leading this is broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle, who will share the knowledge and skills he has gained from over 15 years of adventure. Poler Outdoor Stuff is also joining the outdoor offering at the festival. Based in Portland, USA, and recently opened in the UK, Poler makes fantastic gear for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for kit that looks great, is good value and does the job. Poler will bring their famous ‘Le Tente’ rooftop tent on top of their Land Rover, along with their range of camping goods. After their massive success at last year’s festival, Best Made Co are returning to The Good Life Experience, all the way from New York City. Central to Best Made Co are their beautiful axes, which they create from the ground up by hand in the USA. They will be hosting their own tent, complete with a shop, exhibition and master-classes. Also joining the action-packed festival are some of the team from the sold-out Eroica Britannia cycling festival. The team will host workshops, have their merchandise on offer, and co-founder Gian Bohan will give a talk on the ethos of the Eroica cycling experience. The passionate Eroica team will also lead an adventurous 20-30 mile ride from the festival, where vintage cycling attire will be encouraged.
The Good Life Experience will host campfire-cooking demonstrations from a host of great chefs, including Fabulous Baker Brother Tom Herbert, who was a festival favourite last year. The food demonstrations do not stop there, with Deliciously Ella, Thomasina Miers and Valentine Warner, and many more, joining the line-up.
The Good Life Experience is embracing all things Cuban in its second year. Los Revolucionarios is a sensational all-Cuban band, who have been given the simple brief from festival co-founder Cerys Matthews to 'get the festival dancing'. And returning to The Good Life Experience for the second time, Luis Fernando brings a taste of Cuba to North Wales with the opportunity to sample his amazing hand rolled cigars. All this along with delicious Cuban cocktails means there really will be a taste of Cuba at The Good Life Experience.
On the books and talks side of things, along with Caught by the River and the Dylans Mobile Bookshop, The Idler will bring their Academy of Philosophy, Husbandry and Merriment, a school, coffee house and bookshop to the festival. The Idler offers courses in liberal arts and practical skills, and they will be running drop in classes throughout the weekend. Co-founder of the Idler, Tom, says that 'characteristic of The Idler's work is that it looks suspiciously like play'. Learn something new and have fun doing it – this is all part of the ethos of The Good Life Experience.
On Maker’s Row festival goers will be able to take part in workshops with the help and guidance of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. There will be leather working with the amazing Lloyd Newman of Enstone Leather, furniture maestro Hugh Miller will teach the basics of making a small box using dovetailing and enamel artist Kate Samuels will give fantastic workshops on making enamel badges. Festival favourites from last year Hatchet + Bear, will return this year to give their amazing spoon carving workshops, and professional illustrator and compulsive scribbler David Setter is bringing his hand cut vinyl art workshop for all ages.
This and much more is The Good Life Experience. Tom Herbert of The Fabulous Baker Brothers described it best when he said of The Good Life Experience 2014: “If Willy Wonka had married Liv Tyler and they had run away with the Circus, then after a life time of beauty, craziness and brilliance they had gathered all their loved ones and dogs and children for a celebration of life with luscious food, the smell of cigars, perfume and wood smoke, and linked arms for and almighty hoedown, then it’d pale in comparison to The Good Life Experience.”
