Blissfields

Blissfields 2015 Review

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Rural Hampshire is an unlikely location for a lively, music filled party, yet Blissfields Festival proved once again that it’s the perfect setting for this festival for all ages. With over 4000 attendees, Blissfields manages to retain the charm of a small festival, yet provides musical acts that rival much larger and longer running events. Friday 3rd was packed full of musical highlights, including Dub Pistols who have become a resident act since playing in 2013. Drawing in a huge crowd, their upbeat fusion of sounds was a perfect accompaniment to the summer sun. Other stand out acts included Ghostpoet who’s spoken word-esque tracks provided something extremely unique. Rhodes, due to release his highly anticipated album in September, also received a great reception, with powerful tracks such as ‘Breathe’ providing the crowd with an excuse to sing along. The main stage closed with The Horrors, which was a thoroughly enjoyable way to end the night. The Den, a smaller stage, hosted an array of emerging artists, with my firm favourite being Leader whose charisma and catchy songs were contagious.

Saturday was equally as fun filled, with Karen Harding lighting up the stage with her chart topper ‘Say Something’. Grandmaster Flash was as amazing as expected, being a strong contender for the biggest crowd. Simian Mobile Disco closed the final day on a high, with their electronic beats gathering the crowds for one last time.

Blissfields is the epitome of a broad appeal festival. For the young ones, a hungry hippo popping out tennis balls kept many entertained for hours! When the sun became too much, many resided to the indoor cinema, showing classics such as Wall-E. There is also areas to try out hula hoops, bubbles and diablos. Teens are also well catered for as it’s the perfect first festival, with plenty going on late in to the night yet. Adults of all ages were well catered for, with a stag and hen party being put to the test in the main arena in a battle involving lots of water and flour! The Blisscotheque proved popular with all, providing a non stop torrent of DJ’s blasting out hits, supplying the revellers with plenty of dancing material. The Hidden Hedge was also popular with those staying out after dark, featuring obscure art installations, light shows and dj’s – what more could you want! Families were made welcome with separate camping areas away from the noise which proved very popular. Blissfields offers much more than just music, with stalls such as Far Out Studios selling beautifully hand screen printed posters created commissioned by a selection of musicians. A ‘give it a go’ tent allowed you to try out circus acts too. When the sun became too much, lounging in the hammocks was an extremely popular choice. Plenty of trees also provided some much needed shade whilst still being in earshot of the main stage.

Food stalls were not in short supply, with delicious dishes on offer ranging from packed chicken burritos, to vegetarian sushi rolls. Dessert came in all shapes and sizes, with my favourite being the a huge nutella pancake, a steal at £4. No summer day is complete without a glass of Pimms which was readily available from the main bar.

Overall, this really was a great weekend for numerous reasons. It's rare to find a festival this small that still packs a punch. I will definitely be returning next year, and as early bird tickets are currently on sale, so can you!

 

Blissfields 2014 festival review

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If you’re more into smaller festivals than the larger, more commercial events then Blissfields festival, set in the heart of rural Hampshire is a definite a must-visit. This year’s festival took place on 3rd July to the 5th and it certainly didn’t disappoint, with a line-up including headline acts from American pop-punk band Sleigh bells and hit-spinning brothers 2manydjs.

With only 4,000 people attending, the atmosphere at the festival was extremely chilled out and family-friendly. When we arrived, we were impressed with the laid-back, hippy atmosphere and how much was on offer, especially considering how tiny the festival was. Wandering around the small site, we soon realised that the festival wasn’t completely all about the music, although the line-up was pretty impressive for such a small get-up. There was so much to do and even if you wanted to come for the day and didn’t end up watching any music at all, you still wouldn’t get bored. Whilst exploring over the weekend we managed to fit in playing a free game of golf, staring in wonder at the several birds of prey that were on display (you could pay a few quid to hold them), watched a mesmerizing fire-show, sat in the audience of a wood-sawing show (the end product ended up being a carefully carved owl) and wandered through the many tiny vintage shops that were selling a large variety of trinkets and embroidered goods.

On Friday afternoon, whilst we munched on Jamaican jerk chicken from one of the many small food stalls available, we sat and enjoyed the soothing vocals from singer-song writer Nick Mulvey on the main stage. He finished off his enjoyable set with a warm, grateful departure, bidding to the audience ‘See you soon, see you at another festival!’. Next up was a vibrant performance from Tune-Yards who impressed with their drummy, electric-bass fuelled set.

Nick Mulvey

As the afternoon rolled into evening, we enjoyed a performance from British singer-song writer Dan Croll whose relaxing vocals were perfect for the chilled-out crowd who were by now swaying in time to the music in the early evening. One song that stood out particularly was the soothing ‘Maway’ from his debut album ‘Sweet Disarray’.

Next up on the main stage was indie quartet band Spector who livened up the crowd with hits from their first album ‘Enjoy it while it lasts’ including ‘Twenty-nothing’ and finished off with an emotional performance of their single ‘Never fade away’, prompting synchronised clapping and swaying from the audience.

By the time Sleigh bells were headlining the main stage, the earlier sunny weather had turned into drizzly rain. This however, didn’t appear to bother the crowds, and the noise-pop duo brought in a sizeable crowd who danced their way throughout the energetic set. Vocalist Alexis Krauss was most humble, exclaiming several times what a great audience the crowd were, and how they had no idea what to expect. They gave a great performance mingling and interacting with the crowd, with Alexis even joining an ecstatic audience in the crowd, putting on a fantastic show and proving their worthy title as Friday’s headline act.

Sleigh bells

With music from the main stage finished for the evening, we decided to explore many of the other stages. We enjoyed the electric atmosphere and performances in several tents that were open late-night, such as The Hustle Den and the Hidden Hedge, which was open to 4am for the party animals out there. However the artists that really impressed from the smaller venues was the exceptionally quirky Electric Swing Circus in The Larch, an intimate tent venue slightly more closed off from the rest of the festival. The six-piece electric swing band excited the crowd with their lively set, encouraging pretty much every person in the tent to dance along, many even attempting to swing-dance with both friends and strangers alike. When they played childhood classic ‘Everybody wants to be a cat’ featured in Disney’s aristocrats, the crowd really let loose, with many singing along to the old classic.  

Feeling slightly worse for wear on the Saturday, we headed straight to the main stage to listen to an early set from DJ Little Chief as we sat on the grass lining our stomachs for the day with bacon rolls from a quirky café stall. Next we enjoyed a set from London-based band Famy who kicked start the afternoon, impressing with their hammering rock tunes.

Famy

The rest of the day was spent more fairly laid back than the Friday, soaking up the hippy atmosphere, people watching and getting involved in many of the daytime activities on offer. However, there was one act we were sure not to miss and that was 2manydjs incredible headline set on the main stage. Brothers David and Stephen Dewaele set the place alight, mixing up hits from the likes of MGMT, causing the huge crowd to go absolutely mental, and finishing off our experience at Blissfields on a fantastic high.

2manydjs

Written by Ellie Swain

 


Created with flickr slideshow.

 

Photos by Heather Berrisford

Spector, Bipolar Sunshine and more added to Blissfields Festival

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The Summer Festival Guide is excited to bring you the latest lineup details for this years Blissfields Festival.  It follows on from the announcement of 2ManyDJs, Hercules & Love Affair, Tune-Yards and many more diverse acts for its 2014 event, the festival is now pleased to unveil its second wave of artists for this July 3rd to 5th in Hampshire. Spector, Bipolar Sunshine, Johnny Flynn, Thumpers,Éclair Fifi, Years And Years, and Laurel, lead the announcement for the award-winning and intimate family-friendly festival for forward-thinking music fans.

Check out the current lineup below:

The Wild Stage:
2MANYDJS – SLEIGH BELLS
TUNE-YARDS – HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR – SPECTOR
BI-POLAR SUNSHINE – DAN CROLL – NICK MULVEY
CHLOE HOWL – LUKE SITAL SINGH – RY X – FAMY
GENTLEMENS DUB CLUB – KYAN – COSMO SHALDRAKE
Wild Stage DJs: WILL CHUMP – MATT CLARK – LITTLE CHIEF – NELLIE
 
The Hustle Den:
JOHNNY FLYNN – WOLF ALICE – DUB PISTOLS
SNAKEHIPS – KIDNAP KID – TCTS – SUBGIANT – MELT YOURSELF DOWN
THUMPERS – FLYTE – YEARS AND YEARS – LAUREL – GYPSY DISCO
BUDDHIST PUNKZ – TRANSGRESSIVE SOUNDSYSTEM
LISTENING PARTY – BLACK KAT BOPPERS – THE GREAT MALARKEY
ONE STEP TOO LATE – BIGTOPP – FISH HOOK – GHOULS – JUNGLE DOCTORS
BURNING BEACHES – PACHANGO – PANDORA'S JUKEBOX
Road To Blissfields WINNERS: LITTLE BROTHER ELI – ERIKA – MORAL PANICS
ECHOTAPE – FREEWAY MAD – THE B OF THE BANG – BROTHER GOOSE

The Hidden Hedge / AV Sanctuary:
BENNY PAGE (DJ) – FIREARM – DR MEAKER
MARY MISS FAIRY – ANIMAL – THE RAGED – THE ST. PIERRE SNAKE INVASION
ESPA – HENTAI BABIES – SCIENCE OF 8 LIMBS
DJ'S DAN HAYES (SUBGIANT) & ANGRY
DAN MUNRO – SHUDDERVISION PRESENTS DIGITS MCPHEE AND GUESTS
ALEX THE KIDD AND ENVIOUS MIND – RADIO ACTIVE BONES (LIVE)
SAM’KILLAMAN’JAGO & JACK CURTIS – SHOTAWAY
WILL TUN & THE WASTERS
BELLYEYESMILE – HEADSESSIONS SOUNDSYSTEM – REJENR8 VJS
DIARMO & L'AUBAINE (AV SHOW) – DOKTOR MOHLBERG 
SEB MARX (AV SHOW) – CHROMATOUCH (AV SHOW)
WUB WORLD (AV SHOW) – K.M.P (DJ) – DANZAI (DJ)

Blisscotheque:
ÉCLAIR FIFI – MONKI
BITR8 – CHOLOMBIAN (DJ SET) – GANG COLOURS – THEQUICKANDTHEDEAD
FAUXLO – MAXIN DJ's – SAI – MEM & KAMIKAZE LOVE (Shorebitch) – WILLOW
BEN PAUL – MORGAN HISLOP – ALLY WOLF – DEADPROUD 
DEADBEAT DISCO – PSYCHADELIA DJ’s – MATTY LAH – THE GREAT ONE 
JIMI NEEDLES – POLYBLANK – JUTURNA – LEX
PAUL SAWYER (EJ Underground) – GILES WHITELEY
SWORTHY – TACTIT ONE
 
The Larch:
CHRIS T-T – ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS – BEANS ON TOAST
PAUL DIELLO – THE BOY I USED TO BE – MOULETTES – HALLOUMINATI
SOUNDTRACKS – MATT PERRIMENT – ALEX WALKER – MATT JARVIS
NICK TANN – BEN GODDARD – CHARLIE AYLIFFE – JOSH SAVAGE
DALE J ALLEN – LUKE FERRE – DAVE MIATT – SAM BROTHERS – YOUNGSKIN
TOM LOWMAN – BETH McCARTHY – BONSAI PIRATES
SAM COTTON – TOM LOWMAN – EDD DONOVAN AND THE WONDERING MOLES
HEAD NORTH – BITE THE BUFFALO – TIKI TAANE & JAYSON NORRIS
HOLLIE SMITH – JAKE GAUNTLET – FLOELLA GRACE 
Folkgeek Presents: LILY JUNIPER – WARDTHOMAS – BRUNO MAJOR
ALEX VARGAS – FRANKLIN & JAMES – FAWN
Beans On Toast Presents: WILL VARLEY – ITCHY TEETH – KSH AND THE GOING GOODS
FRANKIE FORMAN – LITTLE ROBYN AND THE MOB – GAZ BROOKFIELD – GRANT SHARKEY

2ManyDJs and Sleigh Bells lead Blissfields 2014 lineup

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Following a landmark festival headline set from Bastille and selling out over 2 months in advance for last year's event, the biggest Blissfields ever also featured a remarkable wealth of breaking and established talent including London Grammar, Clean Bandit, Sam Smith, Mystery Jets, Bondax and more. Blissfields are today pleased to announce its first wave of acts for 2014, continuing a tradition of breaking the best new talent and hand-picked established names… now increasing it’s capacity to 4,000 tickets against the grain of a tremulous time for music festivals. Reflecting the loyalty and strongly independent and rising nature of the festival, tickets for 2014's event have already been selling at a faster rate than ever before, even ahead of any music acts being announced. 
 
2ManyDJs and Sleigh Bells lead the announcement that includes 2014 Critic’s Choice BRIT Awards nominee Chloe Howl who makes her second visit to Blissfields following a triumphant year that found her shortlisted for the BBC Sounds of 2014 – which also saw Luke Sital Singh and Nick Mulvey nominated, who both join the line-up. Critically acclaimed US carnival-pop act Tune-Yards will no doubt boast hints of the forthcoming third album Nikki Nack in their performance, while 6Music Blog Sound of 2013 Winners Wolf Alice will show why they were the “most blogged artist of 2013” across the UK [Hype Machine].

Set to follow in the dance/pop cross-over footsteps of Disclosure and Bondax,Snakehips and TCTS play late night slots on the newly renamed Hustle Den stage, as Blissfields showcases sets from breakthrough acts Dan Croll, Ry X, Famy, and more, bringing the most exciting up-and-coming artists from around the world to Hampshire.
 
At the top of the bill, and blurring the lines between pop, dance, disco, house and indie/rock, festival favourites Hercules and Love Affair and 2ManyDJs will close out the Saturday night of the festival, while New York dance-rockers Sleigh Bells will top the Friday night party bill, highlighting the more international nature of the festival this year, reconfirming Blissfields as one of the most eclectically billed boutique festivals in Britain.
 
Once more it boasts an impressive legacy of fun festival acts as well, presenting fan favourites Dub Pistols as its Thursday night headliner, and welcomes Gentlemans Dub Club, Melt Yourself Down, Monki, and Gypsy Disco to ensure that Blissfields’ spirits are kept high, and that frivolity reigns throughout what was last year dubbed “the festival where it never rains”.
 
There’s many more acts to announce as well across all stages, but this year’s line-up so far is;

2ManyDJs – Sleigh Bells
Hercules And Love Affair – Chloe Howl – Tune-Yards – Dan Croll
Nick Mulvey – RY X – Snakehips – Gentleman's Dub Club – Wolf Alice
Melt Yourself Down – Luke Sital Singh – Famy – Monki – Dub Pistols
Subgiant – Cosmo Sheldrake – Flyte – Gypsy Disco – TCTS
Chris T-T – Electric Swing Circus – Beans on Toast
Alex Walker – Ally Wolf – Animal – Bela T Chase – Bellyeyesmile – Ben Goddard – Ben Paul
Benny Page – Beth McCarthy – Bigtopp – Bitr8 – Black Kat Boppers – Bombs – Bonsai Pirates – Buddhist Punkz Burning Idols – Charlie Ayliffe – Cholombian (DJ set) – Dale Allen – Dave Miatt – Dead Proud – Deadbeat Disco
Dr Meaker – Echotape – ESPA – Fauxlo – Firefarm – Fish Hook – Folkgeek Presents: Alex Vargas, Franklin & James, Fawn – Freeway Mad – Gentleman's Dub Club – Ghouls – Giles Whiteley – Headsessions Soundsystem
Hentai Babies – Jimi Needles – Josh Savage – Jungle Doctors – Juturna – Lex – Listening Party – Luke Ferre
Luke Sital Singh – Mary Miss Fairy – Maths and the Moon – Matt Jarvis – Matt Perriment – Matty LAH
Maxin' DJ's – Mem & Kamikaze Love (Shorebitch) – Morgan Hislop – New Desert Blues – Nick Mulvey
Nick Tann – One Step Too Late – Paul Diello – Paul Sawyer (EJ Underground) – PolyBlank – Psychedelia DJ's
Sai – Sam Brothers – Sam Cotton – Science Of 8 Limbs – Sworthy – Tacit Tone – The Boy I Used To Be
The Great Malarkey – The Great One – The Raged – The St. Pierre Snake Invasion – Thequickandthedead
Tom Lowman – Transgressive Soundsystem – Uber-Tone – Will Tun & the Wasters – WILLOW – Youngskin

Blissfield’s 2013 Review

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I had never really heard of Blissfields before however after doing a little bit of research on the festival before I went, I was more than happy to be attending. After being in Glastonbury the previous weekend I knew it was going to be a major contrast however I was eager to see what it had to offer.

The journey to Blissfields from London was very smooth, it was about an hour on the train from London Waterloo. A small shuttle bus was also at the local train station, dropping festival goers to and from the station and the site. Blissfields was most definitely blessed in terms of the weather, and when I got there plenty of sun, shades and sounds were out.

The festival itself is very small however this definitely adds charm to it, it’s the right size for people to bump into each other regularly round the site.  Over the weekend seeing the same faces around the site gives people that sense of comfort and familiarity which gives it that extra relaxed atmosphere.  The weather was scorching on the Saturday when I arrived however there was enough trees and shade and little areas to explore, however I think most people were just chuffed and more than keen to be out in the sun.

On Saturday the main stage hosted the particularly impressive Sam Smith, who’s career has rocketed recently after having a recent hit with the song Latch which he collaborated with the young house duo Disclosure. His powerful soulful voice echoed around the site and brought about a sense of enjoyment and fun in the fields.  By early evening the Dub pistols got everyone up and dancing busting out some of there songs mixed in with some more famous ska and reggae tunes appealing to people of all ages.

Bastille were the biggest name to play on the Saturday, it was not their first time at Blissfields either so the regulars have grown a relationship between them and the band. They played a brilliant set even though at some stages the visual effects did seem a bit much, nevertheless the crowd was loving it!

Blissifelds is a good mix of people very family and child friendly with lots of activities for kids to get involved and also enough music and alcohol and atmosphere and so on for the adults to enjoy.

The bar was reasonably priced and the food seemed all good produce the burritos were particularly impressive. I spoke to a few people on what they liked about the festival and the majority of the feedback was mainly related around the family friendly vibe for all ages and the lively and creative atmosphere packed into a small site.

Blissfields is most definitely a festival I would attend as a teenager wanting to get the taste of their first festival or families or adults who want to get everything they would usually get form a festival just with less agro, crowds, people and headline acts. It does have something for everyone but if your aim for the festival is to go all out I would probably leave it and go to one of the bigger festivals besides that Blissfield’s has a great atmosphere and entertains all age’s and I would go again. The weather most definitely added a lot to the festival but apparently they are lucky with the weather every year. If you are an aspiring artist, band or DJ they also offer through their website a chance for people to apply and play at the festival which is a very good opportunity for artists wanting to get their foot in the door in performing at festivals and gives the festivals a chance to include a diverse range of established and up and coming artists.

Saturday Photos

Sunday Photos

Photos by Kevin Spice

The D.O.T, Man Like Me, Dub Pistols and more added to Blissfields lineup

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FRIENDS, THE STAVES, THE D.O.T., THEME PARK, MAN LIKE ME, DUB PISTOLS, SAM SMTIH, DRENGE, THUMPERS, ARLISSA and more. 
 
Performing a unique and special late night festival show, the legendary Mike Skinner and The Music frontman Rob Harvey who make up exciting new electronica duo The D.O.T. fuse Skinner’s meticulous dance production with classic pop songwriting, the results heard on debut album And That celebrated for it’s lairy, heady balance of style and genre, while it’s follow on lands this summer. As part of The Streets, Skinner enjoyed huge success with five top-ten albums including the number one records The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living and A Grand Don’t Come For Free which featured the number one single ‘Dry Your Eyes’. Last month he also received an NME Award for his memoir The Story Of The Streets.
 
Folk trio The Staves make their Blissfields debut this summer, the Atlantic Records signings bringing the kind of contemplative, delicate serenity that guest featured on Tom Jones’ Praise And Blame to the Hampshire countryside this July. Championed by Bon Iver who they recently joined on tour, the much revered band have also found the ear of Jools Holland fans following a performance on Later.
 
They’re joined by Brooklyn dance-pop troupe Friends who following a year of support from people like Huw Stephens for their mutant disco funk carnage, were one of last year’s most talked about live acts. Their greatly admired debut record followed soon after the New Yorkers landed on BBC’s Sounds of 2012 poll, and was surrounded by months of hugely entertaining party shows in the vein of Tom Tom Club and ESG. Now readying a new album, expect brand new material in their celebratory Blissfields show.
 
Fresh from touring with Bloc Party, the bright and quirksome leaders of British indieTheme Park join the line-up this year, their intelligent, modern use of groove and guitar on their self-titled debut album likening them to a festal Talking Heads or Fine Young Cannibals, restlessly running wild in the school yard at break time. With playlist support from Radio 1, and a sell-out UK tour recently tucked under their belt, their return to Blissfields will celebrate an exciting year for the band.
 
Thursday night will see a performance from Man Like Me, returning to the festival to headline its opening night alongside winners of the Road To Blissfields competition happening in 13 venues across the country, from The Sugarmill in Stoke-On-Trent to The Monarch in Camden, throughout Spring. Man Like Me are renowned for their fun live performances that have previously soundtracked some of the biggest party crowds at Blissfields, their piercing pop complimented by sharp stage antics and hip-hop bravado.
 
Featured on BBC’s Sounds of 2013 list, hungry young star making huge headway in the pop world Arlissa’s music has been described by the Guardian as “stirring, valedictory anthems about discontinued love, mournful but not nostalgic”. She also joins the corral of diverse and exciting artists that comprise this year’s Blissfields music bill as festival fans will welcome the return of Dub Pistols. 
 
Along with Drenge, Sam Smith, Thumpers, Blaenavon, and Jim Lockey, who are also confirmed, these additions follow in the great Blissfields lineage of emerging talent, the festival having previously showcased the likes of Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling and Ben Howard before their meteoric rise to popdom, while more recently Jake Bugg and Charli XCX, who appeared in 2012, have both seen chart and critical hype respectively. Blissfields commitment to providing the most exciting all-round line-up in such an intimate environment remains at the heart of its ethos.

Charlotte Church to play special performance at Blissfields 2012

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With a capacity of just 2,500 and boasting a line-up that consistently features every buzz indie band of the moment, Blissfields Festival will be Charlotte's most intimate festival performance ever, and a chance for her to showcase a raft of new material with a full band in a truly unique environment.
 
Having won a Classical BRIT Award for Artist of the Year, a British Comedy Award for Best Female Newcomer, a GQ Award for Woman of the Year, and following six acclaimed, top 40 albums as well as a career in television – it’s safe to say that the 26 year old Church is as big a household name as Stephen Fry or cucumber sandwiches. Organizers have said they are“delighted when Charlotte approached us to preview new material at the event. We’ve always upheld the belief that Blissfields should be a place for all kinds of music, both emerging and established, and we know she’ll put on a quality show that everybody will enjoy. We’ve already confirmed pretty much all of our bill, but found a way to make this work – and of course we’re really excited by the announcement”.
 
Also announced is 12 year old Lauren Thalia. A local to the festival, she stole the judge’s heart in the audition stages of the competition, and performed at the live semi-final to a television audience of 7 million people with her own version of ‘Earthquake’.
 
Blissfields Festivalare proud to add Charlotte and Lauren to a bill that already includesPatrick Wolf (playing a special grand piano acoustic set), The Noisettes, Guillemots,Toddla T, Spector, Toy, Theme Park, Clock Opera, Charli XCX, Bastille, King Charles, and a wealth of other acclaimed acts to it’s 12th year line-up. Full line-up below.

Blissfields Festival 2011 headliner announced

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ANDY BURROWS / GOLD PANDA / SUBGIANT / DUB PISTOLS / MAN LIKE ME / DAVID E SUGAR / SIXNATIONSTATE / CHRIS T-T / IMPERIAL LEISURE / DOM CHUNG / VARIOUS CRUELTIES / SEAN BROSNAN / THE RIFF RAFF / SOMBRERO SOUND SYSTEM / HUW OLESKER / GARY BENNETTON / BEANS ON TOAST / FEAR OF THEYDON / OLLY SALTER AND BENZO / I DREAM IN COLOUR / POLLY & THE BILLETS DOUX / D-WARRIOR / EMILY AND THE WOODS / + MANY MORE ARTISTS AND ADDITIONAL HEADLINE ACT TBA

With SixNationState headlining on Thursday night, and with former Razorlight member and I Am Arrows front-man Andy Burrows also billed, it’s a line-up that this year aims to champion local talent and celebrate those acts which have conquered every corner of the British Isles and beyond, bringing them back for the ultimate homecoming performances.
 
Previous years have seen Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling, Mystery Jets and Super Furry Animals play the event, but with the addition of Dub Pistols, Gold Panda and many more artists still to announce, including Friday Night’s Headliner, Blissfields Festival 2011 will boast its biggest and most varied music line-up yet. 
 
With the return of the acclaimed Hidden Hedge and unveiling of the brand new Blisscotheque, which will feature the cream of local DJ talent and some very special guests courtesy of Future Disco, ravers will be uncovering treats at every turn, while younger visitors of the festival will also find a whole new world of wonders and treats in store.
 
 
-THE FESTIVAL-
 
Early Bird tickets for Blissfields sold out in less than 8 hours; however general tickets are now on sale via www.blissfields.co.uk. Tickets are priced at £65.00 for an adult weekend ticket with camping. Youth tickets (ages 5 to 13 inclusive) are priced at £42.00. Under 5’s are free, but must have an Under 5’s ticket. All tickets are subject to booking fee.
 
Blissfields Festival has been championed over the years as a leading boutique event, claiming the 2007 Best Small Festival award at the Virtual Festival Awards. It boasts a wonderfully inclusive atmosphere in a small setting, without corners cut in terms of programming. With cafés, stalls, workshops, installations, a family camping area and four stages of live music, it truly is a fully formed British festival, scaled down for an intimate audience. 
 
2011 will see the micro-festival retain its “small is beautiful” ethos while inducting a host of new ideas into the event. Entertainment will begin earlier on the Friday this year, while those first arriving can now expect music on the Thursday night as well.
 
 
-LITTLE FESTIVAL GOERS-
 
Blissfields has declared its most adventure-packed year for kids with Katy Ashworth from CBeebies, star of hit show ‘I Can Cook’ singing songs and storytelling, Family Arts And Crafts, Juggling and Circus Workshops, Puppet Shows, Hula-Hooping, Magicians and book reading with talented children’s author and illustrator Elissa Elwick.
 
Other fun activities across the weekend include face painting, lantern making, story telling, open mic and campfire jamming, It’s A Knockout, sculpture building, drumming, knitting, fire building classes, Wake Up Shake Up and green crafts.
 
 
-2011 THEME-
 
As always, Blissfields has themed this year’s event and is encouraging attendees to lose themselves in fancy dress of the most absurd festival garb…
 
To celebrate the transportation of the festival to its beautiful new “home-world”, the theme for the weekend will be a Sci-Fi-tastic ‘OUT OF THIS WORLD’.
 
Aliens, spacemen, cyberpunks, clones, body-snatchers, robots, superheroes, blobs, and mutants of all types will be welcome throughout the weekend as Blissfields celebrates its 11th year.
 
Festival Information
Website: www.blissfields.co.uk / www.facebook.com/Blissfields 
Dates: 30th June – 3rd July 
Address: The Park, Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott, Winchester, Hants, SO21 3BL 
Capacity: 2,200 tickets 
 
Ticket Info
Adult: £65.00 + Booking Fee £4.95
Youth: £42.00 + Booking Fee £4.95
Under 5: Free No Booking Fee (Please note a nominal fee of 1p is charged to register the purchase)
 
Thursday Camping: £15.00 No Booking Fee
 
Day Tickets are not currently on sale
 
Live-in Vehicle Pass: £35.00
Car Park: £10.00
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 
Thursday Camping Pass (available only in conjunction with a weekend camping ticket): To arrive before 10.00 am Friday 1st July a Thursday camping pass must be purchased for each individual over 5 yrs. This allows arrival after 4pm Thursday 30th June. For the first time this year there will be entertainment on the Thursday night! Under fives do not need a pass.
Live-in Vehicle Pass: If you are bringing a campervan or caravan a pass must be purchased in addition to individual tickets for each occupant. There is no camping in vehicles allowed in the car park
Car Park: There will be a £10 charge made on arrival for all vehicles, excluding those with valid campervan/caravan pass. Passes may also be purchased in advance.