Nozstock

More acts added to this years Nozstock including Imelda May

by

With its first round of artists already released, including Jurassic 5, Gentleman’s Dub Club and Foreign Beggars, now the festival introduces more acts taking over Bromyard in July.

The feisty Imelda May has a truly unique vocal talent, inspired by the sounds of jazz infused with rockabilly. The rise and rise of Imelda has been unstoppable since the release of her first studio album Love Tattoo in 2009. The Number 1 Mayhem followed in 2012 and Tribal in 2014. Imelda and her band have been touring non-stop around the world; she is a stellar performer who makes her Nozstock debut headlining on Sunday, bringing the festival to a rousing climax. Touching down in the Hidden Valley, the festival welcomes the almighty ska-reggae powerhouse, The Skints. The guys have been fusing reggae, ska, grime and hip hop since 2007 to create an incomparable sound and bring a wild dynamic to Nozstock. 

Honing his craft for the last 20 years, Jaguar Skills has kept a mysterious edge to his character with details of his real name, age and home town left largely unconfirmed. He has been responsible for some of the most exciting musical projects of the past few years, centered around producing stunning mixes which have festivals and clubs partying to his genre-crossing sounds. Known as “the King of Jungle", Goldie is an artist whose creativity knows no bounds. He was a graffiti and album cover artist before he started performing; from a MBE to over 20 years as a Metalheadz lynch-pin, Goldie is one of the UK’s most celebrated music artists and a cultural icon revered for his productions and DJing. From their adopted home of Bristol, where early reggae, drum 'n' bass and dubstep pioneers from Massive Attack to Portishead were informing their cultural history, My Nu Leng understand the heritage and importance of bass music in the city. The celebrated duo are known for their blistering sets and dark, smouldering vibes, heavy on mood but always danceable. 

Many more live acts have been announced for Nozstock. Buster Shuffle effortlessly fuse Cockney ska/pop and lyrics that are guaranteed to make you laugh, with songs about crafty cats and messy divorces. The Lounge Kittens are a cheeky, glamorous and geeky trio, spanning rock, punk, ska, pop, soul, metal, dance and grunge to sublime party-time effect. Also at the party is the Mercury-nominated King Kong Company. The Irish dance band have performed alongside the likes of Orbital and Paul Oakenfold; their sound can be likened to the brass section and heavy bass of Dreadzone mixed with the hypnotic rhythm of the Chemical Brothers. Benjamin Yellowitz is a young singer songwriter who takes acoustic roots to new levels, influenced by RnB and the darker side of pop. Subculture Sage bring pure hip-hop vibes to Nozstock, as party-starters of the finest pedigree and the old skool DJ with vibes for miles, Uncle Dugs makes a welcome return to The Cubicles. Further new live acts announced include Idles, Anchorsong, Funke and The Two Tone Baby, J-Man, Seas of Mirth, Foreign Affairs, Cousin Kula, Lobster, Adam Scriven, Mr Tea and The Minions, Junior Bill, Black Thistles, Black Salvadore and Cherryshoes.

Nozstock’s original dance arena is a former bull pen and milking parlour, and Sika Studios are returning to host. The UK’s top underground hip-hop, grime, rave, graffiti and clothing family are making a very welcome return, with an epic assembly of talent descending on Bromyard including Klashnekoff, Devilman and a RLD Records showcase. Friday sees The Blast return to Nozstock, with their multi genre sounds. Their line up includes President T, Sir Spyro and Nastee Boi. Psytrance stalwarts Tribe of Frog have also announced their headliners; OOOD and Illegal Machines whilst in The Swinging Gardens of Babylon electro swing heavyweight Dutty Moonshine will be taking up headline duties.

Over in Laughing Stock, the self-styled Henning Wehn is the German comedy ambassador to the U.K., a hilarious TV and radio regular who skewers the British way of life with aplomb. The teutonic comedian blends self-mockery and nationalistic superiority to great effect. He’s joined by the outlandish and eccentric Phil Kay, who has become something of a Nozstock regular and the man described by British Theatre Guide as the “leading hidden master of modern British comedy" Richard Herring. Returning after last year’s extravaganza,  Mash Cinema present a host of cultural videos and ancient references featuring The Power In Our Hands, The Jungle Book, Nosferatu, Nanook Of The North, Hydro The Film, London Calling: Shorts, Nothing Can Turn Into A Void, Sell Off – The Abolition Of Your NHS and The Adventures Of Prince Ahmed. 

Set on a beautiful working farm in the heart of Herefordshire, the reassuringly welcoming and independent event has evolved from 50 friends at the inaugural gathering and flourished into an intimate musical odyssey. Joining the dots between pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance and a whole lot more, plus interactive adventures for big and small kids of all ages, Nozstock is a playground for everyone, from seasoned festival goers to newbies setting out for their first time. This year’s theme is Wonders of the Ancient World. Nozstock embraces a whole family festival experience from beginning to end, and the Children’s space is a friendly, welcoming environment for both parents and little ones alike.

Live line up so far: Jurassic 5, Imelda May, Foreign Beggars, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Slamboree, The Skints, Hot 8 Brass Band,  Buster Shuffle, Professor Elemental, Split Prophets, Dr Syntax + Pete Cannon, Son of Dave, Tankus The Henge, Solo Banton + The Upper Cut Band, The Lounge Kittens, Houdini Dax, Kagoule, CC Smugglers, Eva Lazarus, Harleighblu,  King Kong Company, Benjamin Yellowitz, The Lovely Eggs, Jenna + The Gs, Mystro + Cut La Vis, Shanty, Subculture Sage, Youth Man, Idles, Anchorsong, Funke and The Two Tone Baby, J-Man, The Stiff Joints, Seas of Mirth, Foreign Affairs, Cousin Kula, Cantaloop, Lobster, Steve Strong, Pink Diamond Revue, Collective 43, Calm Like A Riot, Rosebud, Desert Boots, Adam Scriven, Mr Tea and The Minions, Junior Bill, John, Castles, Black Thistles, October Drift, Doppelganger, William Poyer, Black Salvadore, Cherryshoes, Voes, Keto, Circe’s Diner, CW Jones, Mumbleman, Andy Jones, Gold Thing, As Mamas, Brooklin, Paul Spry, Samuel Wulf.

DJ line up so far: Jaguar Skills. Friction ft. Linguistics, Goldie, My Nu Leng, Dub Phizix + Strategy, DJ Marky & MC GQ,  Dimension, The Prototypes, Rene LaVice + Stapleton, Ulterior Motive b2b Jubei,  JFB, Teddy Killerz, Rockwell, Randall, Uncle Dugs, Xtrah b2b Stealth, Channel One, OOOD, Illegal Machines, Amoss, Octo Pi, Sam Redmore, Beatwell, Scope, Dex, Modify Perspective, Funky Navigation, Remidy M.C, Trafic M.C, Sika Studios present: Klashnekoff, Devilman, Sox, Trilla, The Otha Guys (Wordsmiff + Spitfire), Tenchoo, Jibbarish, Omus One, 420 + Chedeye Knights, SkinzMann + Guests, Bonafyde, Fiyahman, Flash Harry, Boogieman, Snoopy Dubz, King Bracket, Don’t Flop Entertainment Showcase, Leaf Dog + BVA + Smellington Piff + Jack Jetson (RLD Records Showcase), The Skuff + Inja Show ft. Stakka Lyrics + Bee 109, Team Dreebs, Datkid + Guests, DJBig Mikee + Guests, Katch Pyro, E-Coli, C3B, Osh Kosh, Verbal Highz, Aristocrats, Tea Unit, Ash The Author, Dirt Bagginz, Lean In The Evening, SWMS, Culture Vultures, The Blast takeover featuring: Sir Spyro, President T, Riz La Teef, Hi5Ghost + Boofy, Nastee Boi, BlazeyBodynod, Jaydrop, FireManSam, TS2W, Koast, Electric Ballroom Promotions takeover featuring; Dutty Moonshine, Freear, Jenova Collective, Mister Trick, Basschimp, Velocity Raptor, M.O.B, Jaxon, Stick ‘n’ Mix, Yodelling Sheep, The Lost Girls, Big In The Gambia featuring: C-Yoonit, Ewan Hoozami AKA Tropical Thunder, DJ Fonz, Dex.

Comedy, theatrics, workshops and cinema so far: Laughing Stock Comedy featuring Henning Wehn, Ricahrd Herring, Phil Kay, Jayde Adams, Joe Davies, Jim Dale; Velveteen Valley Cabaret; Bantam of the Opera Theatre; Spare Room Arts’ Little Wonderland featuring Let’s Go Fly A Kite, What Did The Romans Ever Do For Us, Walk Like an Egyptian, The Hanging Gardens of Nozstock, Aztec Sundials, Marvelous Mayan Masks, Bandhani Tie Dye, Fabulous Festival Fashions, Greek Pots, Magic Lanterns, Creative Corner, Family Yoga, Story Time; Clik Clik’s Cabinet of Lost Secrets; Mash Cinema present Wrong Directions featuring The Power In Our Hands, The Jungle Book, Nosferatu, Nanook Of The North, Hydro The Film, London Calling: Shorts, Nothing Can Turn Into A Void, Sell Off – The Abolition Of Your NHS, The Adventures Of Prince Ahmed; Tent of Temporary Thought including RikTheMost, Matt Cummins, Jack MacMillan Amy Acre; Walkabout including BallzOut Circus, Knaive Theatre presents Dreamspeakers, Sunken Circus/Groove Yard Collective present Organised Mess, and Threadbare Jugglers presents A Commedia Del’Arte Promenade, Naomi Wood and friends present Egyptian Goddess, Glitter Culture present Mothers Who Like To Funk, Territories present Mothers Who Like To Funk, Roseanna Skikun presents Interactive Music Workshops, London Humanist Choir present Glory Hallelujah – There Is No God, Circo Inferno, Scrubbers, Ras King Bobo I, Suzy Conrad present Gigtron, Hummadruz present Funtasia, Geofest Collective, Golden Lotus Archery, Uncollective unconscious, Orly Phillips Aerial Silk; Chicken Cow Café; Captivating Crafts featuring: Blacksmith Worskhop, Recycled Copper Wire Bracelets, Jewellery Workshop, Willow Weaving. Yeleni Healing Area, Folk Jam, MyElla Sustainable Textiles.

Jurassic 5, Gentleman’s Dub Club and more set for Nozstock 2015

by

First headliners include Jurassic 5, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Foreign Beggars, Slamboree, Hot 8 Brass Band, Professor Elemental and Split Prophets and DJs includingFriction ft. Linguistics, Dub Phizix + Strategy, DJ Marky & MC GQ, Dimension, Rene LaVice + Stapleton and more.

Curated by the father and daughter duo of Noz and Ella and a huge extended family who work across the entire festival, there’s a unique charm and energy to Nozstock unlike anything else in the country. Reaching its 18th year in summer 2016, Nozstock is like a mini-Glastonbury nestled in rolling hills.  

Set on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, the reassuringly welcoming and independent event has evolved from 50 friends gathered at the inaugural gathering and flourished into an intimate musical odyssey. Joining the dots between pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, house and a whole lot more, plus interactive adventure and performance for big and small kids of all ages, Nozstock is a playground for everyone, from seasoned festival goers to newbies setting out for their very first time.

NozStock 2015 Review

by

Have you heard of Nozstock before? I wouldn't blame you if you haven't. This modest 5000 capacity festival, aptly sub-headed 'The Hidden Valley' is hidden deep within the Herefordshire countryside- near the Hamlet of Bromyard. Now in it's Seventeenth year, Nozstock has established itself a dedicated fanbase of locals, and those from increasingly further afield. Each year has a theme, and this year's- A Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy, saw the site lovingly decorated in everything space. The theming did stop there though, with space related workshops and activities for the younger members of families and the audience, those tired from listening to music could retreat to any of the activities area to participate in Jetpack making, building spaceships, rockets, blacksmithing, to the vaguely advertised 'Space crafting' (at the Enchanted Glade 17:00 Sunday).

In my now seemingly traditional festival journey, a gruelling 8 hour drive down to Bromyard at lunchtime had me pitching my tent in darkness, in the hammering rain, undeterred from enjoying ourselves, we set off to explore the site and listen to some music.

Nozstock festival has an intriguing demographic, due to it's diverse acts -as you will hopefully read throughout this writeup- and as the night draws on, the crowd grows wilder, heading down to the COPPICE, BULLPEN, and CUBICLES stages, all dedicated to different styles of Dance, Electro, Dub, 2 Step, Hip-Hop, Garage, Basscore and Drum 'n' Bass. Admittedly, upon arrival; and without any prior knowledge of the festival I was worried that my only dance move 'Big fish, Little fish, Cardboard box' wouldn't last me throughout the weekend and I would be ousted as an impostor of dance and electro music. Much to my relief, the friendly crowds didn't catch on.

Heading to the Orchard Stage for NEVILLE STAPLE BAND's headline set, we caught a jam packed performance full of crowd skanking in the mud, churning up the sodden floor, kicking the first night of music off with a energetic and tight performance. It has to be noted however- that this festival breaks the tradition of curfew by 11, or half past, with headline sets on the mainstage starting as late as 23:45, with smaller bands playing throughout the site to as late as 2:40, before music stopping around 3:30. The site however is fantastically laid out with sound from each stage not spilling over into over crowds, and bearing in mind that it only takes 10 minutes to complete a circuit of the site, this is a seemingly impossible but well realised feat.

SATURDAY

We kicked off Saturday with HIPICAT, winners of the 'Gigslutz PlayNoz 2015' competition, who brought the new day in with easy to process (for those hungover) Psychedellic rock. Luckily the rain for Saturday had abated, and throughout the day, the churned mess in front of the stage dried out enough to sit down and enjoy the weather. As mentioned earlier, before around 8pm the day had a completely different vibe to the night time, becoming more diverse musically, and more appealing to families with younger children. South African loop pedal artist, JEREMY LOOPS wowed the afternoon crowd with multilayered tunes consisting of massive harmonies, beatboxing, harmonicas and guitar arrangements that have taken him around the world, picking up bits of culturally diverse sounds and mashing them up into a impressive set.

It has to be said about the hospitality of the NozStock press team, which was second to none. Instantly upon arrival, Damo and Nolly were on hand to answer any questions about the site or anything else, and organising a press picnic on Saturday was the icing on the cake. ROZELLE treated an unfortunately modest crowd to an expertly crafted set of Indie Rock tunes, and personally I thought they would have been better suited to a later slot than they were given, or been allocated a place on one of the bigger stages at a similar time. As the evening grew cold, back on the Orchard Stage SKINNY LISTER kept the crowd warm with their pub folk tunes, rallying mass dance offs, swaying, and mass cheers to a highly energetic set.

As are most festivals, NozStock is not just limited to stages for music, with the Wrong Directions Cinema Tent providing short and feature length films throughout the day, the Laughing Stock stage promoting comedy, and Bantam of the Opera & Velveteen Valley offering magic, theatre and late night cabaret to indulge in. Saturday's comedy headline came from Seann Walsh, who through his blend of current topics, anecdotes about living with his girlfriend and stand up comebacks gave the audience 40 minutes of non-stop laughter.

WU-TANG CLAN's set was flawless, apart from the fact that they didn't actually show up. Pulling out of the festival late last week, they had yet to provide a reason for this late and very unprofessional cancellation by Saturday. The disappointment throughout the crowd was noted, with expletives slamming Wu-Tang's to be found scrawled on toilets around the site. Fortunately DE LA SOUL was on hand to provide a heavy and incredibly well received set, expertly encouraging crowd response, easily drawing the biggest crowd of the weekend.

SUNDAY

The clouds burst early Sunday morning, turning the just dried ground back into a sloshy mess. This however didn't dampen spirits, as the crowds were back out in full force come 4pm for TANTZ's high octane Yiddish dance music set. Combining elements of reggae, electro swing, power-klezma, rock, dub and upbeat insanity, Aaran Kent riled the crowd up into a frenzy between -and whilst- on Clarinet duties. TANTZ, despite the miserable weather were able to deliver a hard hitting set that was without fault, and one of my favourite of the day.

The eclectic mixture of artists over the stages was impressive, and NozStock seemingly taking pride in promoting a lot of local and nearby artists, giving the crowds the opportunity to take a punt on many bands that they may not have heard of. This is a great attitude to have when organising a festival, as the promotion of smaller artists is invaluable to those working as musicians.

MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER graced NozStock with two sets on Sunday, one at the Orchard Stage, and a later set on The Bandstand. The well spoken ambassador of rhythmic lyricisms split his catalogue for the event, self notedly playing more of his pop ditties earlier in the day, before giving a more chap-hop set in the evening. MR B's one man quest to 'introduce Hip-hop to the manners of the Queen's English' went down a treat, building a solid rapport with the crowd throughout the duration of his set. We stopped to eat later by the Orchard Stage whilst BROKEN BRASS EMSEMBLE's expertly arranged set of swing tunes drew an active crowd, an act I couldn't have even imagined playing at the same festival as the one I had initially seen upon my arrival on Friday. The brass troupe from Holland would transcend from swing into funk and Hip-hop styling flawlessly, and then come straight back into big band arrangements as though it was nothing, with slick professionalism.

Sunday night drew to a close with Motown legend, MARTHA REEVES AND THE VANDELLAS on the Orchard Stage. Unfortunately getting off to a late and rocky start- Martha Reeves called a abrupt end to her opening number within the first 15 seconds of coming on stage, before complaining to the sound engineers and starting over again. Martha Reeves' voice sounded a bit strained throughout their performance, but held up well regardless. Appealing to an audience of older and younger fans, it's lovely to see that the Motown Veteran's music has crossed the generations and was being sung along to, danced to, and enjoyed by such a diverse audience.

If I had to summarize NozStock 2015 in one word, it would be: Crazy.

Allow me to explain, and since being back for 12 hours (at time of writing) the 2 examples I have used to explain the unprecedented madness of this weekend to friends and family are: Firstly, the penultimate act for me this weekend involved me having to follow a guy dressed as a badger into a small room covered in zigzags where we had to dance to gain access to a secret stage, where I watched a three piece post-rock band who consisted of a Peter Serafinowicz doppelgänger and a mannequin torso on stage. And secondly, whilst out and about I saw a person dressed as a button being chased by a pack of kids with sparkly wooden spoons, attacking him under the command of a woman dressed as what looked like a salt shaker.

This weekend has been fantastic, and I would like to thank the team at NozStock for their hospitality and for such an unexpected experience, which I'd hope to experience again next year!

 

 

Wu Tang Clan cancel this weekend’s Nozstock appearance, De La Soul added to the linup

by

It is with great sadness and shock to Nozstock The Hidden Valley that Wu-Tang Clan have cancelled their forthcoming UK shows this weekend without any explanation as to why.

The organisers have been working around the clock since yesterday to find a suitable replacement, and are now very proud to announce that De La Soul will be joining the party this weekend for the 17th Nozstock in beautiful Bromyard.

For over 20 years they have rocked the world with their De La songs full of inscrutable samplings, whimsically irreverent lyrics, social commentary, light rhythm and laid back rhymes. They have gained huge respect within and outside the hip-hop community with their contributions to rap, as well as jazz, funk, soul and alternative genres. Not only are their musical innovations acclaimed and respected worldwide, but they paved a path for many alternative rap groups to come after them. Classic tracks include The Magic Number, Me, Myself and I and Saturdays. Their debut, the ground-breaking 3 Feet High And Rising, remains a peerless album of immense repute.

Ella Nosworthy, one of Nozstock’s founders, says: “It is with massive regret that we have to announce the cancellation of our Saturday night headliner, Wu-Tang Clan. For many of us it was going to be the highlight of our weekend and we are crestfallen that Wu-Tang Clan are going to be missing out on one of the best audiences they could ever wish for –  you guys! We have received no specific reason for the cancellation and are without control to enforce their attendance at Nozstock, we are told we will receive an official cancellation announcement by the end of this week, which we will share with everyone. In the same breath, we have to say a massive thank you to De La Soul for agreeing to headline the Orchard Stage in their place. We’re really excited to have them here and to have them step up at such very short notice, and we know they are going to put on a brilliant show for everyone. The festival itself is looking ready – the site looks incredible and we can’t wait for it all to start!”

De La Soul join an already amazing lineup which includes Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Fuse ODG, Neville Staple Band, Beardyman, Hollie Cook, Molotov Jukebox, Will and The People, By The Rivers, The Mouse Outfit ft. Dr Syntax & Sparkz, The Computers, Electric Swing Circus, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Beans on Toast and many more.

Nozstock announce Fuse ODG and more

by

Nozstock The Hidden Valley has announced its next wave of names performing at the festival this July at their beautiful working farm in the Herefordshire hills, curated and managed by the father and daughter partnership of Noz and Ella.

Reaching its 17th year this summer, Nozstock is one of the UK’s longest running festivals and has already announced Wu Tang Clan, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Beardyman and many more.

The festival is now very proud to announce Fuse ODG joins the bill, with further new live artists including the Neville Staple Band, Will and The People, Mouse Outfit ft Dr Syntax & Sparkz, By The Rivers, The Computers, Will Joseph Cook, Clarence Clarity and many more, with P Money, Mad Professor, Chimpo, Reggae Roast and lots more DJs and MCs, plus in Laughing Stock Seann Walsh, Mark Simmons, Andrew Maxwell, Mike Wozniack, Brett Goldstein, Spencer Jones and Pat Cahill all star.

Nozstock: Wu Tang Clan, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas to headline.

by

Nozstock is thrilled to reveal a very special headliner for this summer: NY-based Wu-Tang Clan, who not only proved to be the most revolutionary rap group of the mid-'90s but are arguably the greatest ever hip-hop group of all time. Individually its family of members are all lyrical stars, including RZA, Ghostface Killa, GZA and Method Man, and together they are a thrilling, provocative and wild stage presence. Last year’s Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album, which only had one physical copy, further illustrated their continual reinvention. Wu Tang Clan are taking Nozstock to a different level in July.  

The festival is also very proud to announce true Motown sensation Martha Reeves and the Vandellas as one of the headliners on the Orchard Stage. They have charted over 26 hits, ten Billboard R&B singles chart Top Ten hits and two Number Ones, and their classic ‘Dancing in the Street’ entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. True veterans of soul, they headline a bill that focuses on top talent across multiple genres.

Across the weekend trail-blazing hip-hop, bass music, grime, dubstep and raucous beats come from a brilliantly diverse range of DJ and live acts. Dr Syntax and Pete Cannon have produced for Action Bronson and Punchtown, whilst the Dead Players trio of Jam Baxta, Dabbla and Ghost Town are the chameleons of rhyme. They are joined by Ruffnek Diskotek w/Dub Boy, Dutty Inspectors and Ghost Writerz, Mr Woodnote & Eva Lazarus, Smokey Joe and The Kid, Gypsy Hill, Solko, Sounds of Harlowe, Octo Pi & Koncept, Scope, Modify Perspective, Remidy M.C and Trafic M.C and many more to be announced.

 

Across the whole weekend, Swing Theory stages action from Electric Ballroom Promotions, Swingmajig and Ragtime Records. They are hosting the likes of Wolfie Razzmatazz, Madam Electrifie, C@ In The H@, Jenova Collective, The Chicken Brothers, Clan Dextine, F Block, Velocity Raptor, M.O.B, Mr Jay, Sir Jasper, Jest FX and Billy Chillfingers who between them cover everything from electro-swing, vintage rock and roll, breaks, techno, glitch hop, ghetto funk and loads more.

Cardinal Burns and Pat Cahill join Nozstock

by

Aside from playing host to some of the hottest music acts around, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley is now announcing an array of comedy and theatre names including British Comedy Award-winning duo Cardinal Burns, one to watch Pat Cahill and puppeteers The Fetch.

Further comedy additions include 8 out of 10 Cats star Tom Rosenthal; Brian Gittins and Brett Goldstein, both seen on Ricky Gervais’ latest TV outingDerek; the eclectic Rob Carter; and newcomers Tom Davis and Matt Rees. These comedy stars will be joining Nozstock’s musical headliners Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Heavy and Roots Manuva as they descend upon the prehistorically themed Jurassic Farm this August for the biggest Nozstock to date!

The Bantam of the Opera theatre will again be filled with jaw-dropping circus, poignant poetry and more magical moments than you can shake a wand at. Master puppeteers The Fetch will be performing a brand new show called Cloth of the World that will incorporate profound puppetry and mesmerising mask work to create something truly spectacular. As night falls, The Velveteen Valley will take over the Bantam of the Opera theatre, filling it with decadent cabaret including the much lauded Ophelia Bitz, ‘Polesque’ entertainer Amber Rosia and many more.

Interactive theatre will also be seen throughout the entire site ­– stilt-walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, acrobatic cavemen, dinosaurs and more will all grace the Jurassic landscape, which will be alight with visual treats for Nozzers of all ages. The weekend will see a huge tribal dance break out and chieftains will take crowds on an epic hunt across the site, joined by life-size exoskeletal puppets (think sabrecats and mammoths). Bring your familiars and families, the sages and the youngsters to join your caveman friends and some furry beasts in an adventure to reclaim your roots once more.

The ever intriguing Wrong Directions Cinema tent, curated by Mash Cinema will once again be making a welcome return to Nozstock, too. Full of prehistoric-themed classics (including plenty of kid-friendly screenings) like The Lost World and Gammera the Invincible, the schedule will be topped off by audio visual work from musician, concert artist, composer and video artist Don Slepian and works from multi disciplinary artistYoshihide Sodeoka, whose celebrated visuals have been shown all over the world.

Remember the days when we used to dress up like Marc Bolan from T. Rex and sing their classic Get It On? No? Well, get remembering as Nozstock want attendees this year to be part of a Marc Bolan flash mob world record attempt on the Saturday at 4pm at the Bandstand! To sign up all punters need to do is turn up at the Bandstand a little before 4pm with their best Marc Bolan outfit on (gongs optional) and their vocal chords intact. All together now, “Get it oooooonnnn…”

Live Music lineup announced so far

Fun Lovin’ Criminals/ Roots Manuva/ The Heavy/ Craig Charles DJ Set/ Molotov Jukebox/ Sonic Boom Six/ The Skints/ The Mouse Outfit ft. Dr. Syntax and Sparkz/ By The Rivers/ Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer/ Too Many T’s/ More Like Trees/ Dizraeli and The Small Gods/ Le Galaxie/ Tako Lako/ GAPS/ Big Deal/ Radio Riddler/ New Town Kings/ ASBO Disco/ Benji Tranter/ Typesun/ Two Man Ting/ The Stiff Joints/ The Remedy/ Jess Morgan/ Sketchbeat/ Paper Tiger/ Caolin Clay/ Al and The Sorry Seaguls/ Mat Envy/ DJ Hampsta/ Bwalya/ The Twisted Burlesque DJs/ Electric Swing Ballroom/ Phat Tony/ Jitterbug/ Edd Tipton/ Mr Bliss/ Sketch/ The Knights Project/ Pip and The Polar Bears/ The Mourning Suns/ Immi Grant/ Low Cost Life/ The Captain’s Daughter

Dance lineup announced so far

James Zabiela/ Andy C & MC GQ/ Friction ft. Linguistics/ Calyx & Teebee/ TC and A.D / Dense & Pika/ Sonny Wharton/ Eddy Temple-Morris / DC Breaks/ Frankee/ Jubei/ High Focus/ RLD Records/ Split Prophets/ Joe Ford/ Stealth/ Devilman D.E.Velopment/ Uncle Dugs/ Skuff & Inja/ Amoss/ Ray Rampage/ Octo Pi/ Traumatik/ Defenders of Style/ Despicable Youth/ Scope/ Koncept/ Modify Perspective/ Off Me Nuts Records/ Remidy MC/ Trafic MC

Comedy lineup announced so far

Cardinal Burns/ Pat Cahill/ Brian Gittins/ Brett Goldstein/ Tom Rosenthal/ Rob Carter/ Tom Davis/ Matt Rees

Theatre and cabaret lineup announced so far

The Fetch/ Ophelia Bitz/ Amber Rosia/ Beulah Bell/ Ursula Dares/ Oh! Carolina/ Twinkel Pink/ Florence Fontaine/ Bella Donna Berry/ Owen Niblock/ Ballz Out Circus Troupe/ Hummadruz UV Circus/ Doe Demure/ HausofSequana/ Weird Kid Collective – Wormhole babies/ Clik Clik Collective and Collective 43/ Puppetual Motion/ Toby Parker/ Circo D'Eliatrix/ Archery (Marcus Groves)

Cinema lineup announced so far

MASH Cinema/ Don Slepian/ Yoshihide Sodeoka/ The Lost World/ Gammera the Invincible/ Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet/ Brain Wash/ Motion Sickness/ Off Tinters/ Classic Kids TV

Nozstock adds Fun Lovin Criminals, Charli XCX and more

by

Nozstock: The Hidden Valley Festival’s 2014 lineup is becoming fit to burst with giant additions for punters to get their claws into including altrock/hip-hop kings Fun Lovin’ Criminals, pop sensation Charli XCX and energetic ska-rockers Sonic Boom Six all taking on the Orchard Stage this August. They will be joined by legendary genre-crossing DJ/producer Eddy Temple-Morris and a techno lover’s dream collaboration in Dense & Pika over on the Garden Stage for what is proving to be a Nozstock lineup of monster proportions.

These additions will be welcomed to the prehistorically themed Jurassic Farm this summer alongside hip-hop legend Roots Manuva, funk-rock revolutionaries The Heavy, tech-house behemoth James Zabiela, dub-rockers The Skints and the legendary Andy C, who will be bringing his whole crew for a RAM Records takeover of the Cubicles on the Saturday night to get the fans roaring with excitement.

Further acts announced include dub/reggae mixers and Fun Lovin’ Criminals side project Radio Riddler, folk/hip-hop fusers Dizraeli and the Small Gods (trust us, the combination works), indelible nine-piece Manchester hip-hop tribe The Mouse Outfit ft. Dr. Syntax and Sparkz and eternal fun providers Tako Lako, returning after their outstanding set that brought out the sun at Nozstock last year, making everyone lose their inhibitions, caveman style.

This year, the Bandstand will be full of experimental musical discoveries from the likes of The Knights Project, Pip and the Polar Bears, The Mourning Suns, Immi Grant, Low Cost Life, and The Captain’s Daughter. Elsewhere,SIKA Studios will also be stomping their T-Rex sized footprints all over The Bullpen, bringing with them the best in fresh hip-hop talent including Split Prophets, showcases from High Focus and Off Me Nuts Records, RLD Records, Skuff and Inja, Devilman D.E.Velopment, Traumatik and Defenders of Style.

Music lineup announced so far

Fun Lovin’ Criminals/Roots Manuva/The Heavy/Craig Charles DJ Set/Charli XCX/Molotov Jukebox/Sonic Boom Six/The Skints/The Mouse Outfit ft. Dr. Syntax and Sparkz/By The Rivers/Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer/Too Many T’s/More Like Trees/Dizraeli and The Small Gods/Le Galaxie/Tako Lako/GAPS/Big Deal/Radio Riddler/New Town Kings/ASBO Disco/Benji Tranter/Typesun/Two Man Ting/ The Stiff Joints/The Remedy/Jess Morgan/Sketchbeat/Paper Tiger/Caolin Clay/Al and The Sorry Seaguls/Mat Envy/DJ Hampsta/Bwalya/The Twisted Burlesque DJs/Electric Swing Ballroom/Phat Tony/Jitterbug/Edd Tipton/Mr Bliss/Sketch/The Knights Project/Pip and The Polar Bears/The Mourning Suns/Immi Grant/Low Cost Life/The Captain’s Daughter

Dance Lineup announced so far

James Zabiela /Andy C & MC GQ/Friction ft. Linguistics/Calyx & Teebee/TC and A.D /Dense & Pika/Sonny Wharton/Eddy Temple-Morris /DC Breaks/Frankee/Jubei/High Focus/RLD Records/Split Prophets/Joe Ford/ Stealth/Devilman D.E.Velopment/Uncle Dugs/Skuff & Inja/Amoss/Ray Rampage/Octo Pi/ Traumatik/Defenders of Style/Despicable Youth/Scope/Koncept/Modify Perspective/Off Me Nuts Records/Remidy MC/Trafic MC

The Heavy, James Zabiela and more added to Nozstock 2014 lineup

by

The Summer Festival has the latest lineup news for this years Nozstock: The Hidden Valley which includes brassy rockers The Heavy, funky renaissance man Craig Charles and gypstep pioneers Molotov Jukebox join DnB heavyweight Friction (ft. Linguistics) on the Nozstock bill. They will be in good company this year as DnB trailblazer and master mixer Andy C will be returning to Nozstock, bringing with him his RAM Records crew for a Saturday Night Takeover of the Cubicles. The highly-regarded TC has also joined the lineup to further fulfill everyone’s DnB needs and tech house behemoth James Zabiela will be headlining the Garden Stage on Saturday night for the first time, which will no doubt be music to many a Nozzer’s ears!

These additions join a glittering lineup that includes hip-hop legend Roots Manuva who will be headlining the Orchard Stage and London dub rockers The Skints, set to go off with a bang on Friday night.

The RAM records Saturday Night Takeover of the Cubicles will be commanded by label head Andy C who will be joined by regular rhymer MC GQ. Support will come from the shining stars of the independent DnB label: energetic ground shakers Calyx & Teebee and A.D, devastating duo DC Breaks, prodigy producer Frankee and RAM legend Ray Rampage. 

The Garden Stage will see a range of acts entertaining sun drenched dancers from the hybrid reggae/soul band By The Rivers and 10 piece ska band The Stiff Joints through to house DJ and venerable producer Sonny Wharton, as the darkness falls.

The Speakeasy Bordello will also be returning to Nozstock 2014 for all your electro swing desires in an afterhours takeover of the comedy tent. The Twisted Burlesque DJs and the Electric Swing Ballroom will be joined by the eclectic Phat Tony, Hereford’s foremost electro swing DJ Jitterbug, the classic soul and 50s rock’n’roll stylings of Edd Tipton, funk and urban soul maestro Mr Bliss and the decade-spanning mash-up master Sketch.

Entering its 16th year this summer, Nozstock is a family-run festival on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside. The three-day festival offers a broad spectrum of live music, DJs, arts, comedy, workshops, cinema and performance theatre in a sublime setting, flowing from family-friendly by day, to party by night – over various locations across the farm.

Nozstock will take place on the 1st – 3rd August and will take festival-goers back in time to a prehistoric world of creepy creatures and fearsome beasts, as they enter the Jurassic Farm.

Lineup so far announced

Roots Manuva /The Heavy/James Zabiela/The Skints/Molotov Jukebox/Craig Charles/Sonny Wharton/By The Rivers/Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer/The Stiff Joints/Mat Envy/DJ Hampsta/Bwalya/ The Twisted Burlesque DJs/Electric Swing Ballroom/Phat Tony/Jitterbug/Edd Tipton/Mr Bliss/Sketch

Andy C & MC GQ/Friction ft. Linguistics/TC/Calyx & Teebee and A.D/DC Breaks/Jubei/Stealth/Uncle Dugs/Joe Ford/Frankee/Ray Rampage/Amoss/Octo Pi/Despicable Youth/Scope/Koncept/Modify Perspective/Remidy MC/Trafic MC

Roots Manuva to headline this years Nozstock

by

Nozstock: The Hidden Valley Festival is proud to announce their first headliner for 2014 as part of three major announcements to be released over the coming weeks – the hip hop legend and ruler of rhyme, Roots Manuva. Taking place on the 1st – 3rd August 2014, support will come from fellow Londoners and dub rockers The Skints,as well as ‘chap-hop’ champion Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer. Prepare to go prehistoric this year, as Nozstock will also be rolling back time. The dinosaur bones will need to be dusted off and the spear heads collected as the 2014 theme is…The Land That Noz Forgot.

Entering its 16th year this summer, Nozstock is a family-run festival on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside. The three-day festival offers a broad spectrum of live music, DJs, arts, comedy, workshops, cinema and performance theatre in a sublime setting, flowing from family-friendly by day, to party by night – over various locations across the farm.

Lineup

Rodney Smith, known by most as Roots Manuva burst onto the British rap and hip hop scene with the release of his 1999 debut Brand New Second Hand. He is signed to cult label Ninja Tune and has had six successful albums, multiple sell out shows, a Mercury album prize nomination and a Best Hip Hop Act MOBO – needless to say Roots Manuva is one of the most respected figures in hip hop. Never afraid to visit dark themes or borrow from different styles, his lyrics are distinctive and his most recent album 4everrevolution is perhaps his most diverse. One of the most exciting bookings ever to grace The Orchard Stage, Nozstock is thoroughly thrilled to host the hip hop powerhouse, Roots Manuva!

The Skints, are bringing their “East London Reggae” sound to Nozstock! Formed in 2005, The Skints mix reggae, hip hop, dub, ska and punk and have a reputation for energetic and passionate live-performances. They have toured extensively on their own and as support for a wide variety of artists such as Gym Class Heroes through to Reel Big Fish. Sure to appeal to a variety of tastes down on the farm, The Skints are set to devastate the dance floor as never before.

Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer, the alter-ego of rapper Jim Burke, will be giving everyone an elocution lesson at Nozstock this year. A pioneer of “chap-hop” aka hip hop delivered Received Pronunciation (like, Queen’s English innit), Mr. B has performed at Glastonbury, Club NME in Paris and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Along with his banjolele, Mr. B will be rapping about pipe smoking, high-society, cricket and coming “Straight Out Of Surrey”.