On Saturday 14th June, designer Wayne Hemingway along with his son Jack, present Land of 1,000 Dances. Inspired by Wilson Picket’s classic R&B hit ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ Hemingway and Son will transform the Isle of Wight Festival Cabaret Tent into an uplifting party where visitors can learn iconic dances from the late 50s onwards.
From The Pony, to the Mash Potato, The Twist, The Alligator, The Watusi and Jerk, festivalgoers can practice their moves under the guidance of specialist dance teachers, all to the soundtrack of amedley of the UKs top vinyl spinning disc-jocks. The afternoon session begins with unashamed dancing to pop hits that you just shouldn't love; Walk Like An Egyptian, perfect The Birdie Dance and get down on your backside to Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head. Picking up the pace during the day, with a series of more serious but no less fun dance sessions going through the decades of dance from R & B through NorthernSoul, funk, rare groove, The CabaretTent is the place to be on Saturday 14th June! With expert tutors on hand to keep the floor moving and teach those new to the genres how to jive or do a northern soul spin, the evening culminates in a fully blown Disco workout as we enter the Jackin’ Zone. That’s not all, as there will be a chance for the lovers to get close as we conclude the night with three slow numbers before lights up at 2am.
Wayne Hemingway said “From Keb Darge to Acid Jazz’s Eddie Piller, we have assembled some of the best vinyl DJ’s Britain has ever produced and a team of dance teachers that may even get those of us with two left feet off our backsides . Polish yer dancing shoes and yer best togs. After your dance lessons we might allow you an hour or so to rehydrate then its boogie time ‘til the wee hours to the best dance music from the late 50’s R&B through northern soul, funk, disco, boogie and onto some house.”
What’s more, Tim Burgess of influential British band The Charlatans will be back with Tim Peaks to curate the Friday & Saturday line up in Hey Joe Rock Bar &Shisha Lounge. Expect the best new bands, some of Tim's old friends, damn fine coffee and more amazing cakes and pies than you can shake a stick at. There are also some very special guests, DJ sets from the likes of Clint Boon and the Howling Rhythm DJs, alongside book readings and some brilliant new bands. Plus, John Peel show favourites BOB will be playing their first gig in nearly two decades and topping off the each night will be special DJ set from Tim and fellow Charlatan, Mark Collins.
Tim Burgess said: "Tim Peaks is back again after an amazing debut last year. We've got some of our favourite new bands and some old friends stopping by – last year Suzanne Vega popped in for two unannounced shows so keep your eye on the tweets and head over for a coffee some time".
Hailing from the Isle of Wight, founder and front man of critically acclaimed band The Bees, Aaron Fletcher will present The Bee's Inspired' in The Bohemian Woods on Friday 13th June. This showcase of talent kicks off with an afrobeat session from the 16-piece Fellowship Of Groove, followed by the raw, heavy rock-n-roll beats of OrganRecords. What’s more, check out local surfer boys Plastic Mermaids, the DJ arm of Heavenly Recordings, The Heavenly Jukebox and Aaron himself, who fills the final hour with Schizodelic Sound dropping stone cold classics and fool proof festival pleasers.
Aaron Fletcher said: “I’m stoked to be able to put this together for The Bohemian Woods. 'The Bee's Inspired' is going to be a really special night; I can’t believe the line up for this. It’s everything for me that I love for a great party in the woods”.
Festival Organiser John Giddings said: “We are excited to be working with the gang at Hemingway Design, to bring you the Land of 1,000 Dances, featuring the best of Northern Soul to the Isle of Wight Festival. Not only are they style icons; they will bring somethingreally different for everyone to enjoy. We welcome the return to Tim Burgesswho will create two bespoke line-ups over the weekend, expect an eclectic mix of music! Plus, Aaron Fletcher from The Bees who will be in The Bohemian Woods curating an extra special line up on Friday 13th June. These are set to be some of the highlights of an unforgettable weekend.”
The Festival bill is already packed full of epic appearances this year and just got even bigger. Just added to the line up is Leeroy Thornhill of The Prodigy who will be taking to the decks on Thursday 12th June for a headline DJ set in the brand newHey Joe, Rock Bar & Shisha Lounge. What’s more, The Hoosiers take the headline slot at Life’s a Beach on Saturday 14th June.