Taking place between Thursday 26th and Sunday 29th May 2016 in the fabulous surroundings of South Derbyshires Catton Hall, and with undoubtedly the strongest line-up in their 9-year history, 2016 is already set to be a vintage year.
Friday nights headliners are the massively popular Folk-Rock festival specialists, Levellers. Returning to Bearded Theory after their triumphant performance closing the festival in 2013, they will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the weekend.
From Billy Bragg, Killing Joke and Jack Savoretti, to Reverend & The Makers, Dub Pistols and legendary Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, the rest of the line up already includes an embarrassment of riches for music lovers across the musical spectrum. Just some of the many other highlights from across all three live stages includeCockney Rejects, folk-poet Beans On Toast, Bruce Foxtons From The Jam, and million-selling acoustic duo Turin Breaks.
With all-new décor and another stunning line-up planned for 2016, The Magical Sounds Dance Stage will once again be providing all things dance-related in their famous big top. Magical Sounds will be releasing their acts shortly.
As you would expect from a festival described by The Daily Mirror as One Of The Best Family Festivals, The Childrens Village is extensive. In addition to a large and well-equipped family camping zone, a rogues hideout for teens, a full baby care tent and a huge variety of coordinated Village Green style activities (all staff CRB-approved), Bearded Theory is the only festival in the UK to offer a completely free, fully OFSTED-approved on-site school, allowing children ages 5-16 to be eligible for authorised absence.
Bakewells independent Thornbridge Brewery will continue their successful relationship with Bearded Theory, once again running the on-site bars and bringing with them a wide selection of Ales and Ciders at exceptionally reasonable prices.
The Big Green Coach Company will once again provide their Bearded Bus to the festival from a wide range of locations across the UK, as well as from local transport hubs. In addition, for every customer who books the Bearded Bus, BGCC sponsor and protect 5 square foot of Amazonian Rainforest for 10 years. http://www.biggreencoach.co.uk/events/bearded-theory-tickets-coach-travel-shuttle-bus
Michael Eccleshall, spokesperson for Bearded Theory Festival says, We are proud to announce a mouthwatering initial line up for Bearded Theory we believe it is our strongest ever, and we still have a number of major bookings to release! From Levellers to Jack Savoretti via Turin Breaks and Dub Pistols, there really is something for everyone this year.
Together The People (TTP), a brand new addition to the UK festival scene, reveals its debut line-up today. Taking place in Preston Park in Brighton on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2015, TTP is a 5,000 capacity, non-camping music and arts festival founded by local music promotions company One Inch Badge. Together ThePeople’s primary focus is to celebrate Music, Food, Community, Film and Arts within the city of Brighton by delivering a high quality, creative, family friendly and socially aware flagship event accessible to all.
With great music very much at the heart of the festival, TTP’s debut line-up reflects an eclectic mix of new talent, beloved legends and contemporary stars. Headlining the main stage on Saturday are irreverent Welsh pop collective Super Furry Animals. Fronted by Gruff Rhys, the SFA’s are celebrated not only for their exceptional song-writing and spectacular live shows, but also for their sheer creativity and imagination. With a back catalogue of countless classics from throughout their over-20-year career, this headline slot looks set to be a highlight of the festival season.
Joining the Super Furry Animals on the main stage on Saturday are Brighton folk-rock stalwarts The Levellers, political poet and master singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, Mercury-nominated producer/MC Ghostpoet, talented local rising star Chris Simmons and emotive and spirted pop from popular X-Factor finalist Lucy Spraggen.
Sunday will see 1960s Motown legends Martha Reeves & The Vandellas take to the main stage, along with instrumental duo Public Service Broadcasting, folk songstress Lucy Rose and Roots Manuva who was recently dubbed “England’s greatest rapper” by The Independent. More Brighton talent will be represented with psychedelic hip-hop outfit Dizrali & The Small Gods and local party providersCarnival Collective opening the stage. The very special guest headliner for Sunday at Together The People will be revealed soon!
The second stage will also host several exciting musical acts over the weekend with headline sets provided by Brakes and ScottMatthews. Other slots over the weekend will come courtesy of Brakes, The Xcerts, Horrible Histories, Half Crown, Mok, Carnival Collective, on the Saturday. Followed by Scott Matthews, Jako Hooper, Yonaka, Kudu Blue, Cat in the Hat, Normanton Street, Neon Saints Brass Band.
The Soapbox Stage will offer a platform for other creative arts such as literature, spoken-word, poetry and dance. Also welcoming local focus groups and charities to talk about their work, this stage is the place to see cutting edge arts performances and engaging with lively discussions and Q&A sessions. The line-up so far includes:Hammer & Tongue, Beach Hut Writers, Sea Shepherd UK, Brighton Housing Trust, Future Brighton Debate (featuring local focus groups & MP’s), Revolution #10 by Joseph Young. Plus comedy, kids programming and much more to be added.
The Folkore Stage will showcase Brighton's excellent array of acoustic talents, as well as artists from all over the country. Programmed by local musician Jacko Hooper who hosts a monthly night of the same name and has recently toured with the likes of James Bay and James Blunt, acts playing across the weekend include:Mike Dignam, JackWatts, Deidre Faegre, George O’Gilvie, Daisy Jean Russell,Bella Spinks, Aniseed Treats, Oxtoba, Sam Jordan, Bess Atwell, Christopher Matthewson, Josh Mac, PaperHawk and Matthewthe Oxx.
There will also be plenty of family fun on offer! On the main stage on Saturday afternoon audiences will be treated to one of the wildest family theatre shows round:The Cat In The Hat, based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss. Expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge! Ever popular book and TV series Horrible Histories will also be taking to the stage with their brilliantly funny educational theatre show ‘Barmy Britain’; a breakneck rollick through 1,000 years of our great land that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages!
With a wealth of exciting producers on their doorstep, Together The People will offer festival-goers the very best in local independent food and drink. Street Diner will present ‘Street Food Revolution’ including Dead Good Burrito, Ahimsa, Fries Guys, Guerrilla Grill and Sultans Delight. There will also be several bars serving beverages from local breweries. More information on the food and drinks TBA!
There will be plenty of other areas to explore and exciting experiences to be had atTogether The People’s debut outing. Art Installations and exhibition spaces curated by Studio 45 and Cassette Lord, with a number of workshops including spray painting and street art, screen printing, pottery, lino-cut, woodblock printing and circus skills plus, interactive fun for kids.
With so many brilliant local business based on their home turf, TTP have partnered with several of their friends to provide festival-goers with a taster of Brighton’s best-loved cultural institutions. The UK’s leading independent record store Resident will present a Music Pop Up Shop selling some of the worlds best records and hosting meet & greets and signing’s from artists performing at the festival. The oldest cinema in continuous use in Britain, Duke of Yorks Picture house will also be programming an eclectic and entertaining choice of moving pictures in an environment we can guarantee you have experienced before! Plus lots more interesting local retails TBA!
New musical talent will also be strongly represented over on the BIMM Stage (British and Irish Modern Music Institute). Full line-up to be revealed soon but expect a stage packed with performances from the most talented musicians in the city of Brighton right now including folk, rock, electronica, reggae, punk, dance and everything in-between!
MUSIC SUPER FURRY ANIMALS MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS | THE LEVELLERS | BILLY BRAGG GHOSTPOET | PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING | LUCY ROSE | ROOTS MANUVA | THE XCERTS | BRAKES | HALF CROWN | LUCY SPRAGGAN | GLASS CITY VICE | CHRIS SIMMONS | MOK SCOTT MATTHEWS | JACKO HOOPER | YONAKA | KUDU BLUE | NORMANTON STREET NEON SAINTS BRASS BAND | DIZRAELI & THE SMALL GODS
FAMILY FUN HORRIBLE HISTORIES | CAT IN THE HAT
FOLKLORE STAGE MIKE DIGNAM | JACK WATTS | DEIDRE FAEGRE | GEORGE O’GILVIE | DAISY JEAN RUSSELL | BELLA SPINKS | ANISEED TREATS | OKTOBA | SAM JORDAN | BESS ATWELL | CHRISTOPHER MATTHEWSON | JOSH MAC | PAPER HAWK | MATTHEW THE OXX
SOAPBOX STAGE HAMMER & TONGUE | BEACH HUT WRITERS | SEA SHEPHERD UK | BRIGHTON HOUSING TRUST | FUTURE BRIGHTON DEBATE | HAMMER & TONGUE | BEACH HUT WRITERS | REVOLUTION #10 by JOSEPH YOUNG *
PLUS: THE INCREDIBLE MOVING PICTUREHOUSE | BIMM STAGE | RESIDENT MUSIC POP-UP SHOP | STREET DINER’S STREET FOOD REVOLUTION | ART INSTALLATIONS & WORKSHOPS
TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend Tickets £70 + booking fee – Adult Weekend (16+) £37.50 + booking fee – Child Weekend (11-15 yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+) £0 – Infant Weekend (under 11yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+)
Day Tickets £39.50 + booking fee – Adult Day (16+) £20 + booking fee – Child Day (11-15 yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+) £0 – Infant Day (under 11yrs. Must be accompanied by adult 18+)
Disabled customers are asked to purchase their tickets via Ticketmaster & call the dedicate line (0800 988 4440) to arrange a carer ticket and obtain further information.
With sunshine predicted, headlining acts such as Billy Bragg, Lau, Chaz & Dave and father/daughter folksters Martin and Eliza Carthy, there was nothing but a good do in-store for this iconic folk festival in it's 30+ year. Last year the festival had successfully moved to Beverley Racecourse to allow for a burgeoning number of people wanting to attend.
Friday evening was off to great start when the Nick Rooke Band livened up a fairly sedate crowd with their cheery, energetic tunes. The 1500 capacity tent was full and almost entirely seated. The band did a great job of energising everyone.
Next up was Billy Bragg. He not only entertained with familiar and new songs, but was making the audience guffaw with anecdotes and observations about 'folkies'. Complete with a cup of herbal tea in hand. Whether or not the tea was staged I didn't really care and neither did the audience, we were loving it. His style was so relaxed and humorous you had to remind yourself you were listening to a progressive icon. Fantastic stuff.
After a few navigation problems, due to no signposts anywhere on site, I made the discovery of extremely talented The Sail Pattern from Halifax. Good fortune as their songs and melodies really livened up another crowd and the mood was good. Something akin to Stornoway, with powerful sea shanties and excellent harmonies. They delivered a diverse set list that really showed off their many talents.
On to the concert and dance marquee to catch French band La Vent Du Nord. Surprisingly this marquee was also seated which was odd given it was a called the dance tent. But not to be perturbed by this the band encouraged festival goers to throw their chairs to one side and dance. Some of them got up as a result and a spontaneous ceilidh style dance emerged at the front of the stage. Things were looking up. By the end of their jolly set even the seated were jiggling or waving their arms or both, but the chairs remained firmly in place.
After a promising start to the weekend with some fantastic entertainment I was looking forward to a more lively Saturday.
However, despite having some excellent bands playing into Saturday afternoon and evening there was a noticeable lack of festival atmosphere around the site itself. This became clear when I made a visit to a crowded Paddock View bar where comedian Shaun Hughes was running through his stand up routine. After lots of laughs and the signing of his poetry books, (his poetry was actually very good) the crowd simply disappeared. I went on to watch brilliant performances from The Duncan McFarlane Band(main tent), Katie Spencer (emerging talent) and finally Mànran (dance tent), who again got everyone on their feet. Yet, somehow, after each event the audience dissolved into silent and empty fields. Strange.
Despite the perfect weather and spare capacity most entertainment was in three marquees and a handful of scattered about rooms that formed the racecourse buildings. If you wanted to sit and chat, outside, there was very little provision and mostly no entertainment. Enjoying a sunny solstice evening in a typical festival atmosphere between your chosen acts was near on impossible. I thought this was a real shame and for me it cast a gloomy atmosphere over the really good things about the festival. In desperation I even tried to get into an advertised workshop. On finding the room up some stairs and at the end of a corridor there was no one there -not even a workshop facilitator.
The festival organisers sell day tickets, they also sell single event tickets which may explain the quiet if most people are visiting for succinct events. Beverley Folk Festival undoubtedly has a reputation and an excellent line up, but what about the things that don't go on the timetable? What about other activities and things to do? It is a festival after all and potentially festival goers are around for three days 24/7. It would be a great shame to not give a more rounded festival experience. Having looked at the website again on my return I see they have fringe events in the centre of Beverley, with a free shuttle bus so perhaps this is where I went wrong. Instead of waiting on site I should have taken a break on a bus and back again. Sadly not for me.
The rest of the festival line up was, you guessed it, amazing, but I borrowed a good book for the waiting times in-between. Perhaps something to think about for next year? I hope so, as this was one of the better smaller festivals I've been to for the line up alone.
Enough said, Put t' kettle on, it's time for a cuppa herbal tea.
Latitude is hugely excited to announce that Two Door Cinema Club will make their first festival headline performance on the Obelisk Arena. Announcing the trio ahead of the biggest show of their career at London’s O2 Arena to 16,500 fans, Latitude has confirmed the Irish indie rockers will make the step up to headline Latitude’s main stage. With infectious guitar riffs, glistening electronica melodies and Alex Trimble’s lifting vocals, the band will be slowing down after a year of intense touring to play their one and only UK show of 2014 at Latitude. Not only will this be their first appearance at Latitude, but also the band’s very first festival headline show and we are delighted that Latitude is once again the place for a UK act to take that step. We welcome them with open arms and feet ready for a night of infectious anthems!
Kevin Baird from Two Door Cinema Club comments on their headline appearance:
"It's really exciting for us to be headlining Latitude in 2014. Over the past 5 years we've made the progression from playing in the small tents to being close to the top of the bill on the main stage. Headlining a great festival like Latitude is obviously quite a big deal for us but we also feel like it is the next natural step. We're ready to headline. We're ready to smash it."
Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp and Swedish indie-pop pioneer Robyn, will enchant festival goers in a special joint appearance at Latitude on their Do It Again 2014 tour. The two acts who collaborated to stunning effect in 2009 with ‘The Girl and The Robot,’ a clear stand-out track on Röyksopp’s third album Junior, are reuniting for a small number of shows in 2014. Latitude will be the only opportunity in the UK to catch these grand masters of electro-pop performing hits from their illustrious careers.
Californian sister trio Haim took the UK by storm in 2013, following an outstanding appearance on ‘The Jools Holland Show’ and subsequent release of their breakthrough album ‘Days Are Gone’, with ‘The Wire’ becoming the anthem of the summer for many. Nominated for an NME Award for ‘Best Track’ with 'Don’t Save Me' and topping the prestigious BBC ‘Sound Of 2013’ list, these talented siblings deliver an energetic live performance fusing retro, silky pop vocals and catchy rhythms. The crowds will no doubt go crazy for Haim during their debut Latitude performance.
Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Roots Award’, Billy and his band will be stopping off at Latitude, where his unique blend of political analysis, romantic idealism and engagement with contemporary society will be a perfect fit with the festival’s audience. Since the release of his internationally acclaimed new album ‘Tooth & Nail’, Billy Bragg has been recognised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) with an ‘Outstanding Contribution To Music Award’. Bragg, who was first inspired to combine music with activism by the ‘Rock Against Racism’ movement in 1978, has put campaigning for equality at the centre of his life and work ever since. An activist for workers’ rights and the end of apartheid throughout the 1980’s, on hearing the news that Nelson Mandela had passed away during a recent show, he dedicated his song ‘Tank Park Salute’ to the inspiring former leader. His ongoing commitment to breaking down the walls of secrecy and silence that surround political power structures will resonate with Latitude’s 2014 theme of Secrets. Having previously joined festival goers in debate about identity in the Literary Arena, Latitude is delighted to welcome back Billy Bragg and his rapturously reviewed band for a UK festival exclusive performance on one of Latitude’s music stages.
Latitude is hugely excited to be welcoming Booker T. Jones, one of the all-time legends of Memphis Soul and frontman of legendary Stax session band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. This musical heavyweight has played on every record that Otis Redding ever made and wrote the classic Stax hit ‘Green Onions.’ Having recorded with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Sam and Dave, Neil Young, Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan and more recently Valerie June, Booker T. received the Grammy 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in 2007 and Latitude can’t wait to see him spread his soul magic at the festival.
After her mesmerising 2011 appearance, Latitude is pleased to welcome back ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ Brit Award 2012 nominee Anna Calvi to the festival. Following her acclaimed 2013 album release of ‘One Breath’, Anna will bring her romantically visceral guitar sound and hauntingly sultry vocals to the festival.
Alabama native Phosphorescent has, across six albums, won widespread praise and critical plaudits for the sombre yet equally redemptive music of which he writes. His latest album, the universally acclaimed ‘Muchacho’, wowed critics on its release in March, and his recent shows with Latitude favourites, The National, further cemented the love for his live show. With a sound that ranges from country rock, to mournful barroom ballads, he will bring the ‘reverence and purity’ celebrated by Pitchfork for an unforgettable set.
The ever-prodigious Nils Frahm seems to exist on a continuous stream of musical output. Based in Berlin, the 31year old electronic and contemporary classical pianist is constantly flooring listeners and audiences with his intensely delicate pieces. Taught by Nahum Brodski – himself a student of the last scholar of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – his unconventional approach to an age-old instrument played contemplatively and intimately will bring a hushed silence whilst opening imaginations at Latitude.
Experimental Swedish band Goat have a magnificent live performance reputation that is sure to spellbind Latitude. Goat’s guitar riffs have been likened to Hendrix and their music is a magnificent melting pot of music genres, with an audio-visual live performance that owns the stage. Colourful and psychedelic, their live show can only be seen at Latitude this summer and is not to be missed!
American folk-pop nomad Cass McCombs brings his uniquely laconic and yearning music to Latitude following the release of his epic sixth album ‘Big Wheel and Others.’ With vocals ranging somewhere between the lilting melody of Morrissey and the driving earnestness of Bob Dylan, McCombs’ contemplative lyricism and macabre jams are not to be missed.
Chicago singer/songwriter Willis Earl Beal’s songs run a wide gambit of sounds from gospel confessional to noise-touched soul ballads, all characterised by his booming voice. Beal’s self-produced second album ‘Nobody Knows’ released on XL in 2013 has been described by NME as “one of the most commanding vocal performances of the year…a bold, beautiful and uncompromising record.”
San Fermin is the brainchild of 24-year-old Brooklyn based composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone, who wrote the outfit’s self-titled debut album over six weeks after studying under the avant-garde classical composer Nico Muhly (Björk, Grizzly Bear, Antony & the Johnsons). The result is a sweeping, full-bodied soundscape with multiple distinct peaks and ambitious thematic connections described by The Daily Telegraph as “a consistently surprising and exciting record.”
Latitude is hugely excited to announce one of 2013’s breakthrough artists, 21-year-old singer songwriter Marika Hackman. Handpicked by Burberry as one to watch in 2012, and with her single ‘Bath Is Black’ nominated for Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record of 2013’, Hackman’s star is truly on the ascent. While Hackman has already supported previous Latitude favourites Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit on tour, her crystalline vocals and spectral, unsettling music sets her apart from her British folk contemporaries. Watch out for her new EP ‘Sugar Blind’ produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J) and released by Dirty Hit Records this December.
New York based Ryan Lott, aka Son Lux, is a post-rock and alternative hip-hop musician. The multi-talented producer’s credits include arranging and programming for films ‘Looper’ (2012) and the ‘Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby’ (2013) as well as recent collaborations with Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti, These New Puritans, Nico Muhly and Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry. 2013’s ethereal and nocturnal experimental rock LP ‘Lanterns’ has been lauded as his best work to date and features contributions from Peter Silberman of The Antlers, DM Stith and yMusic of Dirty Projectors.
Modern folk singer-songwriter Josephine Foster from Colorado will bring her wyrd-folk and melancholy balladry to Latitude this year. Foster’s influences include Tin Pan Alley, and her eclectic and engagingly mercurial output includes everything from albums of children's songs and the poems of Emily Dickinson, to neo-psychedelica and Spanish folk songs.
The full list of new acts announced today are as follows: A TRIBE CALLED RED / AA WALLACE / ANDY SHAUF / ARCANE ROOTS / ATLAS GENIUS / BABE / THE BALCONIES / BEACH FOSSILS / BIG WAVE RIDERS / BLUE HAWAII / BROOKE CANDY / CAIRO PYTHIAN / CAIRO KNIFE FIGHT / CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN / [CHAMPAGNE] / CONCRETE KNIVES / DANIEL DRUMZ / DEEP SEA ARCADE / DIANE / DIIV / THE EIGHTIES MATCHBOX B-LINE DISASTER / ELISAPIE / EYE EMMA JEDI / FARAO / FIMBER BRAVO / FINDLAY / GIRLS IN HAWAII / GOLDEN FABLE / HACKTIVIST / HIGHASAKITE / HOUNDMOUTH / THE HOUNDS BELOW / HUSKY RESCUE / IGGY AZALEA / INDIANA / IS TROPICAL / JACKIE ONASSIS / JAGWAR MA / JENNY HVAL / JOE BANFI / KAMP! / KIMBERLY ANNE / KINS / KODALINE / LITTLE GREEN CARS / LONDON GRAMMAR / LORD HURON / LOSTALONE / LOWELL / MARIKA HACKMAN / MAUSI / MAZES / MEL PARSONS / THE MIDNIGHT BEAST / MIKAL CRONIN / MO KENNEY / MONOPHONA / MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY / MURDER BY DEATH / MURMANSK / NO CEREMONY /// / AN ON / ONLY REAL / OWLLE / PARLOUR / PARQUET COURTS / PHANTOM / PINKUNOIZU / PLASTER / RAH RAH / REBEKKA KARIJORD / RUBIK / RUEN BROTHERS / SAINT MICHEL / SARAH MACDOUGALL / SAY YES DOG / SHARKS / STEVIE NEALE / STORY BOOKS / SUSANNE SUNDFR / SYRON / TALL SHIPS / TEMPLES / DANCING YEARS / THE ELWINS / THE GRISWOLDS / THE OTHER TRIBE / THE STRYPES / THREE TRAPPED TIGERS / THUMPERS / TODDLA T SOUND / TRIPWIRES / TROUMACA / UNNO / WARM MYTH / WHITE FENCE / WOODS / YAN WAGNER / YOUR FAVOURITE ENEMIES with many more to be announced soon.
We are thrilled to announce that the legendary BILLY BRAGG* will play the Brighton Dome during TGE. Billy Bragg's impassioned outlook has inspired countless audiences and artists alike in his 30-year career. Says Billy, "It's brilliant to be invited to play at The Great Escape alongside such a great roster of new acts. I'm really looking forward to coming back to the Brighton Dome too – I've always had such a brilliant time there.", well we're excited too Billy…
To gain access to the Billy Bragg show at the Brighton Dome, attendees can top up their festival wristband for only £7 per show, or purchase a separate gig ticket for £17.50. Click here to buy. We can't wait to welcome the lyrical veteran for his first performance at The Great Escape, and armed with his new band, things are sure to be explosive when Bragg takes to the stage this May.
This year we've increased the number of shows that are accessible to under 18s. We've added an unmissable all ages matinee which will take place at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 18th May featuring pop culture rap satirists THE MIDNIGHT BEAST + guests. In addition our Brighton Dome Shows featuring BASTILLE and BILLY BRAGG are both 14+. And if that wasn't enough all three nights at Concorde 2 presented by Rocksound are 14+ too. The Rocksound shows so far feature; TITLE FIGHT,SHARKS, CHAMPAGNE, THREE TRAPPED TIGERS,TALL SHIPS with further artists to be added soon.
BILLY BRAGG (Saturday Main Stage) Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman (Winner – Best Duo, BBC Folk Awards 2013) Wille & The Bandits | Marc O'Reilly | Brother & Bones Ferocious Dog | The Aurora Skies | Crazy Arm | New Crisis Many more acts, including all headliners, still to be announced
Chagstock is one of the Westcountry's best-loved festivals. Set in 45 acres of farmland on the northern edge of Devon's beautiful Dartmoor, Chagstock is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and family-friendly atmosphere. Chagstock showcases the very best music, food and entertainment that the Westcountry and the UK have to offer.
Returning after the stunning sell-out success of last year's event which featured memorable performances from KT Tunstall, Fun Lovin Criminals, Seth Lakeman and Alabama 3 amongst many others, Chagstock retains its traditional 2-day format in 2013.
As introduced last year in recognition of the tough economic climate for families, all children under 12 can attend for free (ticket is required). Chagstock's capacity is once again capped at just 5,000 tickets to ensure that its intimate, family-friendly atmosphere is maintained.
Simon Ford from Chagstock Festival says, "After last year's sell out success – our first ever – everyone involved in Chagstock Festival is committed to making 2013 our best year yet. We know times are tough for people so we are keeping our prices at last year's levels, meaning a whole family can spend the weekend at Chagstock for less than the price of a single adult ticket to some of the corporate music festivals. We look forward to seeing first-timers and regulars alike at Chagstock 2013"
This year's fancy dress theme will be 'Circus'
Tickets are priced at £65 (Adults), £40 (Under 18's), Under 12's are free (ticket is still required). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Under 18s is £170. Camper / Caravans / Live-ins Vehicles just £10 per vehicle All weekend tickets include 2 nights of camping, access to all music & on-site events, and car parking. Day tickets are also available, Booking fees apply. Tickets are available from http://www.chagstock.info/buy-tickets
Widely regarded as the UK’s foremost folk singer songwriter, Mercury Prize nominee, Seth Lakeman is Sunday co-headliner, alongside Adam Ant, Billy Bragg and The Men They Couldn’t Hang. Friday night delights include Buzzcocks, and an acoustic set from Ocean Colour Scene and we are thrilled that BRIT Award nominated indie rock band Guillemots headline on Saturday.
The ‘local’ talent in support of our headliners this year is amazing, and we are lucky to have Leeds guitar maestro Jon Gomm hosting a master class – Jon’s talent was recently ‘endorsed’ by Stephen Fry on twitter, causing a media frenzy! – Ellen And The Escapades are topping a Leeds stage, The Talks headlining the Hull stage and York’s Chris Helme, Littlemores and the inspired Arts Barge Project make a welcome return.
This year, sees another first: Galtres Festival falls on the final weekend of the York Mystery Plays, and we have got together with Script Yorkshire and the York Settlement Players to bring modern versions of the plays to the festival.
Continuing the festival’s medieval theme of Dragons & Knights, there will be jousting, archery and a whole range of creative family activities centered upon a medieval village, including falconry and a Dragon Ball!
As ever, dozens of workshops and activities will hopefully keep families and children happy and within the festival is a Yorkshire beer and cider showcase with more than 100 different varieties – from Ampleforth Abbey Cider to Black Sheep Ale.
Galtres is a festival with admirable environmental and conservation policies that continues to pride itself as among the greenest, run by volunteers and raising money for local charities, it appears to have found the perfect balance featuring major headliners and making room for local artists – never too big for its boots and unlikely to sell-out to the music promotion equivalent of Tescos.
Roy Harper (Sat) The Unthanks with Brighouse & Rastrick Band (Sat) Seth Lakeman (Sun) Lau (Sat/Sun) Gretchen Peters (Fri/Sat) Karine Polwart (Sat/Sun) Pine Leaf Boys (Fri/Sat) Treacherous Orchestra (Fri) Jim Moray’s Silent Ceilidh (Sat) Brian McNeill (Fri/Sat) Tim Edey & Brendan Power (Thurs) Megson (Thurs) Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party (Sat/Sun) Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson Band (Sat/Sun) ahab (Thurs) Habadekuk (Sat/Sun) Blackbeard’s Tea Party (Fri) Ioscaid (Thurs)
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED NAMES:
Clannad (Sat), Joan Armatrading (Sun), The Proclaimers (Sat), Loreena McKennitt, (Sun) June Tabor & Oysterband (Fri) Billy Bragg celebrates Woody Guthrie’s 100th Birthday (Thurs) Nic Jones (Sun).
More international headline names plus emerging and contemporary stars will be announced very soon.
The latest names to be revealed for Europe’s most famous folk festival are renowned British singer-songwriter and guitarist, Roy Harper, cited by many including Robert Plant, Jimmy Page & Fleet Foxes as a key influence ♦ the inspired combination of acclaimed and innovative folk band The Unthanks with Brighouse & Rastrick Band, National Brass Band Champions of Great Britain, making a very special appearance together ♦ multi award winning singer-songwriter Seth Lakeman, known for his charismatic live shows ♦ BBC Folk Awards Best Group winners 2008-2010 Lau, featuring the peerless musicianship of Kris Drever, Martin Green and Aiden O’Rourke ♦ articulate, Nashville based singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters, currently enjoying success with her acclaimed Hello Cruel World album ♦ critically acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter and social commentator Karine Polwart launching her new album at the Festival ♦ Louisiana’s finest contemporary Cajun dance band Pine Leaf Boys ♦ Treacherous Orchestra, the thrilling folk big band, taking Scottish dance music to a new dimension ♦ back by popular demand Jim Moray’s Silent Ceilidh ♦ multi-talented musician and composer Brian McNeill leading the Festival Session ♦ virtuoso instrumentalists Tim Edey & Brendan Power, winners of 2012 BBC Folk Awards for Best Duo and Best Musician ♦ trailblazing nu-folk duo Megson ♦ rising young London alt-country band with an enviable live reputation ahab ♦ exciting Danish band Habadekuk fusing salsa, jazz, folk and fast-paced polkas ♦ barnstorming folk-rock ceilidh band Blackbeard’s Tea Party and Irish traditional music from BBC Young Folk Award winners Ioscaid.
