Lucy Rose - Summer Festival Guide

Bestival announces all three headliners and the theme for 2017!

June 10, 2020February 9, 2017 by Anna Hyams

It’s a brand-new era, so prepare for the truly immersive experience of Bestival 2017. Announcing four incredible headliners and a huge bill of amazing music, we are entering a new chapter of light and sound, exploring the wonders of Colour on our mission to increase the peace this 7^th – 10^th September at the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Well what an adventure this promises to be… we have a beautiful new home with a massive castle in the middle of it, acres of beautiful woodland and forest, a sea view and the dramatic Jurassic coastline. Going back to our roots with Josie da Bank’s hand-drawn artwork, reviving all our favourite stages from 14 years of Bestival history and going out with all our headliners for the first time ever together, we’re pretty excited at Bestival HQ. From pop to grime, hip-hop to techno, folk to classical and every style in between we are reclaiming our place as the funnest, most adventurous, musically savvy and downright magical festival on the map. Please come along for the ride. and remember Increase the Peace”

We are honoured to say that The xx will be the first ever Castle Stage headliners at Bestival! Never anything less than breath-taking, we can’t think of a more fitting band to get the main stage action underway in our new home.

Commenting on their headline performance, The xx said: “Bestival was one of the first festivals we played, back in 2010, and it had always been a dream for us…we even begged to play the previous year. In 2012 we returned to play the main stage and we’re so happy to say we’ll be headlining this year, at the new site in Dorset. The Isle of Wight will hold a special place in our hearts but we’re excited to bring our new show to their new home”.

Guaranteed to be momentous, we are extremely excited indeed to announce that hip-hop heroes A Tribe Called Quest will headline Saturday at Bestival 2017, performing what will be their last UK Show.

Bringing our debut mainland Bestival to a suitably triumphant close, we are completely over the moon to announce synth-pop geniuses Pet Shop Boys as our Sunday night headliners. Quite simply legends, we think they’re the perfect band to bring some mind-blowing colour to our first Lulworth Estate finale!

Commenting on their headline show, Pet Shop Boys said: “Amazingly it is over ten years since we last played Bestival but we remember it being one of the most enjoyable festivals ever. Looking forward to bringing our new show there this year – and seeing how the audience has decided to dress up!”

And completing 2017’s fantastic foursome of first-time headliners we are delighted to announce Wimbledon’s finest, Jamie T will be the man kicking it all off with an exclusive performance topping the Thursday night bill on our second stage, The Box.

We’ll also have mind-blowing live music from super suave Gallic funksters Justice, plus, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Shadow, Little Dragon, Danny Brown, Rag’n’Bone Man, Laura Mvula, Soul II Soul, MNEK, Circa Waves, Ray BLK, Lucy Rose, and Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon among many, many others.

And there will be DJ sets from Annie Mac, Andy C presents 25 Years of RAM, Kurupt FM, David Rodigan presents RAM JAM, DJ Yoda, Maceo Plex, Jackmaster, Kölsch, Dusky, Toddla T presents Carnival, Artwork presents Art’s House, Sink the Pink and loads more to boot. Check the line-up so far listing at the end of this press release for even more names playing across the weekend.

Redrawing our favourite party in the spirit of its original pioneering vision, Bestival’s creative essence will explode before your very eyes with a cavalcade of brilliant new stages, incredible destinations and stone cold classics, including our brand new main stage The Castle Stage, the eclectic wonders of The Box, the hands in the air nirvana of Temple, Bestival’s heart and soul, Bollywood, and the righteous vibrations of Reggae Roots.

Back by very popular demand HMS Bestival is the last word in off the hook partying, plus you can dance like there’s no tomorrow in new venues The Frozen Mole and Stacey’s, delve into the vintage madness of Caravanserai, and Club DaDa, and kick back in the enchanting Ambient Forest, and at our steam punk vision, Oberon’s Observatory.

Bestival 2017 is a whole new world to explore and to keep you on your toes we’ll also have the dazzling delights of The World's Biggest Confetti Canon, Castle Fireworks Finale, the Love-Bot, The World's Biggest Bouncy Castle, Bestival Inflatable Church, Confetti Wedding Disco, The Feast Collective, Slow Motion, Revolution Rides, Carnival Day Parade and Night Parades, the Sugar Skulls Cocktail Bus, Sunday Best Cardboard Record Shop, Lost in the Woods, Ancient Woodlands, Free Haircuts, Campsite Recycling Hubs, Kids’ Field and for all you vexillophiles out there, Flags by Angus Watt.

Brand new festival Together The People comes to Brighton

November 18, 2018July 9, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

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 5^th and Sunday 6^th 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 Scott Matthews. 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, Jack Watts, Deidre Faegre, George O’Gilvie, Daisy Jean Russell,Bella Spinks, Aniseed Treats, Oxtoba, Sam Jordan, Bess Atwell, Christopher Matthewson, Josh Mac, Paper Hawk and Matthew the 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!

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.

Second phase lineup announced for Live at Leeds 2015

June 10, 2020March 4, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

Leading the new announcement are Lauren Aquilina who’s hotly anticipated debut album is due out very soon, the remarkable Raleigh Ritchie, who has performed with Plan B and George Ezra after his top 30 hit ‘Stronger Than Ever.’ Warwickshire born singer-songwriter Lucy Rose joins Irish bluesmen The Strypes, British solo musician Rhodes plus Nottingham born Saint Raymond, whose debut is due out in June having supported Ed Sheeran. The line-up also boasts Misty Miller, Brawlers, The Computers, The Amazons and Vant amongst an exciting array of acts. The full list of additions is below.

The festival can also introduce two exciting opening parties happening this year. Pulled Apart By Horses will play their biggest hometown show yet with support from Dinosaur Pile up and Allusondrugs at Leeds University with Darlia, Sundara Karma andThe Hearts taking over The Brudenell Social Club on Friday 1^st May. Both of these require a separate ticket.

Live at Leeds is set to be a huge day with over two hundred bands and twenty stages. Grab tickets now – www.lunatickets.co.uk

New additions listed Below

LAUREN AQUILINA

LUCY ROSE

RALEIGH RITCHIE

RHODES

SAINT RAYMOND

THE STRYPES

BRAWLERS

H. HAWKLINE

MISTY MILLER

SCARS ON 45

SPRING KING

TOM WILLIAMS

YAK

ACTOR

A.O.S.O.O.N

AMY YON

BEACH BABY

BRONCHO

C DUNCAN

CROWS

FRANKO FRAIZE

FRASER A. GORMAN

FREDDIE DICKSON & THE GUARD

GET INUIT

HYENA

KATE MILLER

KELVIN JONES

NGOD

OHBOY!

OLIVER PINDER

OSCAR

PLASTIC MERMAIDS

PROM

RAKETKANON

REBECCA CLEMENTS

REDFACES

SAM GRIFFITHS

SAMUEL FORD

SEA LION

TENTERHOOK

THE AMAZONS

THE BEACH

THE COMPUTERS

THE HALF EARTH

THE MOON

THE ORIELLES

TREASON KINGS

VANT

VAULTS

VENDETTAS

ZIBRA

Full Lineup Below:

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucy Rose, and more onboard for Wychwood Festival 2015

November 18, 2018February 26, 2015 by Summer Festival Guide

One of the country's favourite family festivals just got better as Wychwood organisers reveal another wave of heritage, world music and fresh-faced talent to join the likes of UB40's Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, The Proclaimers, Ghostpoet and Monsieur Doumani.

For over 50 years Joseph Shabalala and his Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been delivering evocative and powerful songs inspired by their native South Africa. Rising to global success after collaborating with Paul Simon on Graceland in the '80s, the all-male choral group have won an incredible four Grammy Awards with a further nine nominations, they've worked with artists across the globe including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan and David Guetta and they were even publicly named 'South Africa’s cultural ambassadors' by the late Nelson Mandela. Wychwood 2015 is set for a triumphant close when the Ladysmith Black Mambazo take to stage on Sunday evening in what will be an unmissable performance by one of the world's greatest singing groups.

Wychwood's newly-named Ecotricity Big Top has become the go to destination at the festival for young and rising musical talent and headlining on the Sunday is Lucy Rose. The young songwriter's emotive folk music and beautiful vocals will have crowds enthralled as she performs music from her successful debut Like I Used To and material from her eagerly awaited followup out later this year. Joining Lucy on the Sunday is Isle of Wight five-piece Plastic Mermaids. The islanders merge folk melodies, multi-layered instrumentation and electro pop and are already being tipped for great things. Mt. Wolf are another act unveiled for the Ecotricity Big Top today. The electro-folk trip made a well-received return with new material at the tail end of 2014 after a year long hiatus and are a very welcome addition to Wychwood 2015.

Barron Knights, the nations' favourite comedic rockers of the '60s and '70s will be entertaining all the family at Wychwood this year. Their unique mix of rock n' roll and comedy rocketed the band to success in the '60s and they haven't stopped touring since, becoming the only band to tour with The Beatles and twice with the Rolling Stones. Another band who are no strangers to touring are trio Thrill Collins, who have been known to play over 150 shows a year. A firm favourite for Wychwood regulars, the group return to the festival in 2015, reworking well-loved contemporary pop songs with a raucous Skiffle twist.

Midlake & Bruno Major added to British Summer Time Hyde Park lineup

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Since releasing their critically acclaimed album ‘Antiphone’ last November, Midlake have supported The Flaming Lips, Pearl Jam, and headlined their own US & European tours. Currently on a sold out UK tour, culminating at Shepherds Bush Empire this evening (26^thFeb), they take to the Barclaycard Unwind Theatre this July for what will be one of the highlights of the day.

Despite being a relative newcomer, Bruno Major has already supported London Grammar, Sam Smith, Nick Mulvey, played with The Rolling Stones at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park last year. Having recently released a live EP of his work, he’s currently recording his debut album, which he’ll be showcasing on the Village Hall stage in Hyde Park this July.

British Summer Time announce McBusted & Neil Young

November 18, 2018February 23, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

The 2014 summer season in London's Hyde Park will see the return of the 10 day concert series British Summer Time this July. This years headliners include McBusted, Backstreet Boys, Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Joining headliner Neil Young and Crazy Horse and special guests The National are; Half Moon Run, Lucy Rose, Ethan Johns, Tom Odell, Caitlin Rose, Phosphorescent, Flyte and a special guest to be announced AS SECOND STAGE HEADLINER soon.

The Vamps, Lawson, FIVE, Neon Jungle are joining the UK’s #1 pop supergroup, McBusted and US pop sensations Backstreet Boys.

Also set to perform are The Webb Sisters, Jack Savoretti, To Kill A King and Hero Fisher.

Considered one of the greatest songwriters ever, Neil Young – who will headline the event on Saturday 12^th July – has been one of the most influential artists of the rock age, both as a solo artist and part of the legendary Buffalo Springfield and not to mention Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Twice inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his music ranges from the beautiful acoustic country of 'Heart of Gold' to the marauding rock of 'Down By The River.' This Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park gig will be doubly anticipated as Young and his band Crazy Horse had to cancel some of their UK dates this year due to an injury to guitarist Frank Poncho Sampedro.

Always remaining relevant, Young recently published his acclaimed autobiography ‘Waging Heavy Peace’ and continues to be heavily involved in environmental issues – championing electric cars, alternative fuels as well as farmers’ rights with his annual Farm Aid concert.

He releases new album, ‘Live At The Cellar Door’ on December 11^th, a collection of intimate gigs he played at Washington D.C.’s Cellar Door Club in 1970, just after he released the classic album ‘After The Goldrush.’ In January, Young plays two shows at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall.

McBusted caused hysteria selling out tickets in a heartbeat for their 2014 dates at The O2 Arena. McBusted is the coming together of two of the UK's biggest acts – Busted and McFly, who throughout their career have combined their winning, infectious pop and rock songs with their irresistible personalities and humour. Between them, they have an arsenal of hits to unleash, including Busted's 'Year 3000' and 'What I Go To School For' combined with McFly's 'Shine A `Light' and 'All About You'. McBusted’s gig at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park in 2014 will be the 10^th anniversary of Busted's last ever gig in Hyde Park and the perfect setting for a pop super summit!

The Backstreet Boys are one of the biggest selling boyband in the history of pop, rising to power in the mid 1990s and selling a staggering 130 million records around the world. They have enjoyed a career renaissance after reforming in 2012 and releasing a new album this year, whilst they will be touring the UK in March and April 2014. With the back up of mega hits like 'I Want It that Way', 'Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)' and 'Everybody' (Backstreet's Back), your summer of pop is in truly safe hands.

Strawberry Fields 2013 Review – Sunday

November 8, 2018August 14, 2013 by Sarah Gill

As the festival was coming to an end, and there was only 1 day of acts to perform, I was excited to see what was coming up during the course of the day. Everyone was still in high spirits, and most people had began drinking again by midday.

The sun was out and everyone was chilling out, probably beginning to get exhausted from the 2 previous evenings. Later on in the day, we went to check out who was on in the big top tent. There was a youngish boy, under the name of New Walk about to begin his set, so we stayed to see what was going on. He introduced himself, saying he was going to play a few songs for us, and we all waited eagerly in anticipation. Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. Thinking he was going to sing and play the keyboard, all of a sudden the bass kicked in, and out came these dance tunes, cleverly remixed together; he was absolutely incredible and very talented.

The tent soon began to fill up, and people came in raving along to the mix, the smile on his face said he it all; he was very happy that people were receiving him and giving off positive vibes. I definitely think he’s one to watch, and in the near future, could be very successful. Next we headed back to the main stage, as we were aware the humorous Cuban Brothers were coming up shortly. The crowd began to gather for what appeared to be the biggest crowd of the whole weekend. On they came, extravagant as ever wearing bright yellow and blue suits and a bog afro. Everyone began cheering and you could tell the crowd were very excited about this performance. Imitating Geordie accents, telling members of the crowd he wanted to ‘take them to his tent’ and using the quote ‘he is sweating like a blind puff in a hot dog factory’, the crowd were in hysterics. Performing tracks such as ‘Touch the Sky’ by Kanye West, ‘The Ace of Spades’ and ‘We are Family’, they were definitely the favourites of the weekend.

It was then on to the headliners The View. Taking a much more laid back approach, they literally came on and started singing. There was no engaging the audience, or saying hello, they just went straight into their set. There is no doubting that these guys are very talented and popular among the crowd, and they gave an outstanding performance.

Strawberry Fields Festival 2013 – Saturday Review

November 8, 2018August 11, 2013 by Sarah Gill

As if the acts from Friday night didn't leave us excited about the rest of the weekend at Strawberry Fields, Saturday nights music was host to a few hidden gems of talent.

After being approached by the lead singer of These Mortal Cities asking if we could go and take some photos of them playing in the big top stage, we headed down in the afternoon to see what they had in store. Playing under the BBC introducing recommendations, we had high hopes that these were going to be something special, and we were right. The further into their set they got, more people began to fill the tent; dedicating one song to a little girl who was dancing around to their songs. Having a pop feel to their music, reminding me of a young one direction, these guys really got the crowd going, and seemed like genuinely nice people. I have high hopes for them in the future.

Later on came Lucy Rose on the main stage, the act performing prior to headliners 'The Enemy'. Sitting gracefully on a stool with her guitar, dressed in a baggy sweatshirt and jeans, she reminded me of an up and coming Taylor Swift; she was certainly a different to the other acts that had been performing throughout the afternoon. Her voice was incredible, with an acoustic chilled out feel, she really captured the audience and the crowds began to flock around her, enticed by her presence on the stage.

To follow Lucy were headliners The Enemy. Running 20 minutes late, the crowd was still in good spirit, and it escaped most people's attention that they were yet to appear. It was only one security guard I heard who seemed disappointed in them keeping the crowd waiting. But they appeared, a huge projection of 'The Enemy' filled the background of the stage, and the smoke began to create a rocky atmosphere. Not saying anything to the fans, they went straight into their set, probably aware they were running behind schedule. Their set set included 'Gimme the Sign' and 'Away from Here', to which the crowds were going crazy and a mosh pit began to form. Overall their performance was outstanding.

I spoke to a group of people afterwards about what they saw and they said 'They were amazing, definitely worth coming for!'. Lets see what Sunday has to offer now after incredible performances over the last 2 days.

Lounge on the Farm 2013 Review

June 10, 2020July 30, 2013 by Steph Thompson

LOTF is your typical local festival and the title of the festival explains it all, you lounge on Merton farm and enjoy great music! So much so, there were sofas dotted around the farm for festival fans to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. As well as this, a variety of street food stalls from Indian, Mexican, Thai and even local Merton burgers from the farm were available. Not only was there music to enjoy over five stages, there was also a family funfair and craft stalls where sewing classes and craft classes were available should you wish to partake.

To kick Friday off, the line-up included, amongst others Coco and The Butterfields, who gave a quirky performance with their mix of hip-hop and folk sound; Beans on Toast, who sings about sex, drugs and politics… nevertheless, you cannot ignore the man’s witty song writing abilities which had the crowd both laughing and singing along at the same time and Lucy Rose who gave a chilled out performance, which captivated the audience and certainly had everyone excited for Friday’s headliner.

Whilst waiting for Seasick Steve to arrive on stage the crowd were surprised suddenly by a flash mob style brass band who started playing amongst them. The band played contemporary hits, with their own twist. They made several appearances over the weekend popping up all over the festival in various places to play their set to the festival go-ers.

Seasick Steve was the first headliner to perform on the main stage at LOFT. Performing with his many customised guitars and accompanied by his drummer, he gave an intimate and relaxed performance. His set included hits ‘Self-Sufficient Man’, ‘Don’t Know Why She Loves Me But She Do’ and ‘Started Out With Nothin’, which rounded off a great first day on the main stage.

However the festival still carried on until the early hours of the morning, so I checked out DJ legend David Rodigan’s performance in the Hoe Down tent. The tent was packed with people of all ages raving out to Rodigan’s selection of Reggae and Dancehall hits.

Saturday arrived and with it euphoric indie band, Eliza and The Bear, Tribes who rocked out the main stage, Willy Moon who gave a classy performance, which involved his hit ‘Yeah Yeah’, which most people would recognise from the Apple iPod advert. By the time Man Like Me took to the stage, the heavens opened and Lounge on the Farm was flooded with torrential down pour and thunderstorms. However this didn’t stop the crowd enjoying Man like Me’s energetic performance.

Although the wellies had to come out, by the time Jessie Ware graced the stage the rain eventually stopped, which topped off her performance. The up and coming star sang all her hits from her debut album ‘Devotion’ including ‘Wildest Moments’, ‘Imagine It Was Us’ and ‘If You’re Never Gonna Move’. Ware mentioned that LOTF was the first festival that she has headlined, with this in mind, I though she gave an excellent performance and was one of the highlights of the whole weekend.

After Jessie Ware’s performance and for a change of scenery I checked out the Boom and Bang Circus feat. Kitty Bang Bang. The show consisted of eccentric and show-stopping acts, including burlesque dancing, comedy acts and fire-eaters to name a few. It certainly was a different style of entertainment to see at a festival, but nevertheless extremely entertaining.

The last day of the festival arrived all too quickly and I must admit, I was a little sad by this point but excited at the same time as the last day consisted of a few musical legends. The day’s line-up included indie/rock band Siblings, Art Ferguson’s Big Blues Band, who gave an amazing show that had the crowd dancing merrily, Reggae legends, Aswad who gave a jammin’ performance and Dub Pistols, a lively show that had the crowd jumping and dancing throughout their entire set.

Soul II Soul feat. Caron Wheeler closed the festival. Despite the late start, the group gave a performance worthy of their closing spot and rounded off the end of the festival nicely. Their set including their renowned hits ‘Keep on Movin’ and ‘Back to Life’ which had the older members of crowd dancing and singing along to their heart’s content.

It was hard to fault LOTF, it has the whole package for a small festival. I particularly liked the real local festival vibe, which some big festivals sometimes lack due to their size and the size of the attending crowd. Despite this year’s headliners not being as ‘renowned’ as the festival’s past headliners (Ellie Goulding, Emelie Sande, The Streets), I still feel the headliners this year gave top-notch performances all round and were worthy of their spots. The only criticism I could possibly give the festival, is the distance between the main stage and the crowd was unnecessarily wide, so much so Jessie Ware and Seasick Steve to name a few even complained at how far away they were from the crowd. This almost defeated the point of the intimate feel small festivals are meant to give, so let’s hope this is an improvement that is made for LOTF 2014!

For images of Lounge on the Farm 2013 please click here.

Empire of the Sun, Noah & The Whale & Rodriguez to headline Wilderness Festival

November 18, 2018July 7, 2013 by Summer Festival Guide

Following last year's sun-drenched success, award-winning festival,Wilderness, today proudly announces its third season of arts and escapades knitted amidst the landscapes of Cornbury Park. The festival will take place between Thursday 8th and Sunday 11th August.

Continuing with its unique program of time-honored arts this year's line-up includes some of the most respected visionaries in music, food, theatre and the literary arts. The festival has also been extended to four days and will now open on the Thursday.

As ever, the music line-up makes up just one part of the festival offering. The flagship long-table banquets return with three talismanic chefs at the helm. One of the most influential names on the London food circuit, Russell Norman, will be the grand host of an exquisite banquet with his team from Polpo. Get ready for mouth watering food in an awe inspiring setting, with some surprises thrown in for good measure, as Russell and the Polpo team treat you to a foodie experience like no other.

Following the sell-out success of last year's banquets, Yotam Ottolenghi, is returning to Wilderness for another headline sitting and last but by no means least; the third chef to join this mouthwatering line-up is legendary restaurateur Mark Hix. Celebrated for his British style and seasonal dishes, Cornbury park will be the perfect backdrop for Hix's sumptuous courses.

Back by popular demand, Exmouth Market's famous Moro will once again be cooking up a delicious storm in their Souk dining tent. Thyme Cookery School also return to the festival, giving budding chefs the chance to whip up some delights in theiron-site kitchen, plus they'll be hosting a series of talks and tastings across the weekend.

The festival arts offering will be expanding to include breathtaking performances from some of France's most prolific circus and theatre collectives, Transe Express and LesPepones will all be venturing into the wild. Expect stunning, high energy animatronics and death defying trapeze and circus performances, in what promises to be an unforgettable, immersive theatre experience.

Shakespeare's Globe, Petersham Playhouse and opera from Vingette Productions, will also be treating festival-goers to some very unique performances against the beautiful back drop of Cornbury Park.

The Lakeside Spa was 2012's most sought after ticket and will be bigger and brighter than ever this year, with stunning wood fired saunas and hot tubs along with the Sanctuary well-being area.

You can also expand your mind at the Wilderness Forum supported by The Huffington Post UK, which this year includes a programme of cerebral discussions with The School of Life, The Royal Observatory, Intelligence Squared and The Idler.
The much lauded late-night parties are also returning and will see festival heavyweights Secret Garden Party and party purveyors Rumpus, taking over the Secret Valley when the sun goes down.

The family offering will be expanding to include a whole host of workshops and performances, including The House of Fairy Tales, Unicorn Theatre, Charles Dickens Museum, Witchwood School of Rock and Hullabalo Arts.

Wilderness is the proud winner of: Best New Festival 2011 – UK Festival Awards and Best Small Festival 2012 – Live Music Awards

Weekend Tickets: £139
Family Weekend Tickets: £335
Children aged 10 and under go free

Live Music & Dancing
Empire of The Sun (UK festival exclusive), Noah and the Whale, Rodriguez, Michael Kiwanuka, Tom Odell, Ghostpoet, Tribes, Matt Corby, Lucy Rose, King Krule, Melody's Echo Chamber, Eliza and the Bear,
plus The London Folk Guild and Yellow Lounge

Banquets, Feasts and Gastronomy
Long Table Banquets from Yotam Ottolenghi,
Russell Norman & Polpo and Mark Hix
The return of Sam & Sam Clarke's Moro Souk Tent
Thyme Cookery School

Theatre de Rue & Cirque Traditionnel presented by Time Out Live
Transe Express present the aerial spectacular 'Maudit Sonnants'
Les Pepones perform their after dark flying trapeze show

Late Night Revelry from the producers of Secret Garden Party
The Secret Valley hosted by Rumpus
The Bacchanalian Masked Ball with performances from
The Artful Badger, Feast Of Fools and Miss Behave

Tented Theatre & Promenade Performances
Shakespeare's Globe present Red Not Dead,
Petersham Playhouse perform Lewis Carrol's 'Jabberwocky',
Vignette Opera and Tax Deductible's Sh*tfaced Shakespeare

Debating Halls, Literary Arts & Encampments
The School of Life, Intelligence Squared, Tom Hodgkinson's The Idler, Literary Salon hosted by Damian Barr, Secret Forum Fiction (including Granta, Tibor Jones, Canongate, Bloomsbury, Penguin), Chris Lintott and Oxford University Astrophysics Dept, The Royal Observatory, Singalong-A-Wickerman, Shamanic Street Preachers, Dark Mountain, NOW Fest, Jim Al-Khalili with TheBritish Humanist Association, The Catalyst Club & The Odditorium, The Napoleonic Association, new ways of thinking with Natures, Charles Dickens Museum, Oxford Museum of Natural History, Oxford Museum of the History of Science, Pitt Rivers Museum,

Well Being and Outdoor Pursuits
Lakeside Spa, The Sanctuary, meditation with Headspace, Lost In Beauty
Horse Riding, Green Crafts, Eden Project Den Building, Oxford Cycles, Wild Swims,Forest Medicine Walks, The Bushcraft Company, Wild Runs

Magic, Games and Japery
The House of Fairy Tales, Unicorn Theatre, Boutique Babysitting with Mortimer Nannies, The Village Hall, Royal Society of the Protection of Lovebirds, Witchwood School of Rock, Hullabalo Arts, Bearded Kittens Cricket Match