Now an established, leading family event in its 13th year, Nozstock is a sonic escape boasting eight main stages of entertainment with surprising sights and intimate, secluded areas of theatre and discovery to be unearthed.
When its visitors down tools and hand themselves over to the laid back atmosphere of the event for three pleasure-filled days, there’s a small world of frivolity to find, all scrupulously programmed by the festival’s founders, the Nosworthy family and their eclectically-informed friends.
The festival’s ethos is about bringing play to everyone, in whatever form it can. Nozstock believes in the value of not only entertaining, but in particpation and contribution. Above all, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley is a blissful family festival that caters to all ages with activities that little ones can enjoy as well as families en bloc, keeping in the spirit of those early days.
Quote from Farmer Pete Noz: “Chaos at Nozstock this year? No chance! – we’ve built new roads though the site. There’s also going to be a new sound system in the Cubicles and we’re going for a full 3 days all at last year’s prices. We’ve had great feedback about our campsite but for those who want to go up market there’s boutique camping in bell tents, tipis and of course showers for the dirt-shy. We’re also developing some green plans that we’ll announce over the coming weeks. Nozstock is well known for its unique atmosphere and handmade vibe, that won’t change but there’s more colour, more to do and more walkabout performance, plus we’ve decided on a ‘Twisted Carnival’ theme this year to really get the punters looking lively. So come on down to The Farm and party till the cows come home!“
NEW FOR 2011:
This year’s theme : ‘Twisted Carnival’. Festival friends are encouraged to dress up in the brightest, eye-catching outfits they can procure. The theme should inspire all sorts of warped imaginations. Be bold, be free, be you.!
Nozstock’s home-grown bars will offer the Wye Valley’s favourite brew Butty Bach, local Kingston Rosey & Press ciders… the usual spirits, lagers, wines and homemade cocktails, embellished with our own special ingredients. We try to keep as close to pub prices as we can.
Food will be sourced locally where possible. An eclectic mix from around the world to stimulate the tastebuds. For carnivores there’ll be the delicious Hog on the Spit, tasty burgers and there’s healthy vegan and veggie options too.
FACILITIES:
New roads after the year of rain so easy on and offsite access.
New beefy soundsystem in the Cubicles for the dnb & dubstep.
Boutique camping & tipis.
Nozstock Supermarche selling all useful supplies for the festival camper.
Official Merchandise (hoodies, tshirts, lighters, programmes)
Workshops – free standing, comedy, theatre, arts & crafts, kids…
Arts & craft area with sculptures
Little Wonderland Kids’ Area – all weekend entertainment for 12s and under.
Jamming round the wood fire
THE ARENAS AND STAGES:
Nozstock’s main arena, The Hidden Valley, is landscaped around a ramshackle Tudor farmhouse which sits on the side of the Valley in the centre of the festival site. It’s nestled against The Garden Stage, which hosts an array of eclectic bounce-inducing artists with an electronic turn post-sundown. The Orchard boasts the bigger names and good rollicking party bands as the Bandstand offers experimental electro-acoustica from diverse and unsigned artists.
The converted cowsheds include the Cubicles, sub-thumping drum ‘n’ bass and dubstep, to be found aside the Bullpen, knees-up housey beats and alternative dance. The Coppice’s luminous sounds from veterans of psytrance Tribe of Frog are the blissful converse to the Bantam of the Opera Theatre which explores another world with live performance, workshops and after-dark experimental cabaret while Laughing Stock bills prime-time comedians and up-and-comers, providing raucous chuckles and proper belly rumbles.
Shenanigans for the mini-festivaler occur off the beaten track and over the bridge where the Dingle is programmed with workshops aplenty and theatrical splendor, where opportunities abound to get interactive and remember how to play like only kids know how.
You can also catch a late night short film or music video from the mesmerising screenings on offer in the Cinetent, or grab some delicious local fare and a cocktail and take a tour round the site, letting your curiosity get the better of you.
In essence, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley is your chance to romp throughout a weekend of guilt-free debauchery and indulge in a medley of eye-opening encounters.
Gates open at 10am from Friday 29th July. Shuttle services will be on offer from local town Bromyard and to and from Hereford and Worcester before and after the festival.
Adult Early Bird Weekend Tickets £65.00
Teen Early Bird Weekend Tickets (13-17 yrs old) £50.00 (16s and under must be accompanied by adult)
Child Ticket (12 and under) FREE (must be accompanied by adult)
Camper Van/Live in Vehicle Pass £28.00
Parking Pass Full Weekend £5.00 in advance
Location: The Farm, Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4LS
Capacity: 5,000