Line up
We can confirm some details of more great names who you'll be seeing on the stages and in the bars at The Big Chill this summer...
The Heritage Orchestra with very special guest Deodato. An amazing 45 piece band with a forthcoming album on Gilles Peterson's new Brownswood label will be playing their first UK festival set. Sure to provide an astonishing finale on the Sunday night.
What could be more suitable for the rolling green Malvern hills than Scritti Politti? The latest album has attracted great reviews reinvigorating a decade-spanning career.
Future World Funk will bring their current compilation of Balkan Beats to life with a DJ set of the best in dance music from the Balkans.
The Village Green hosts yet more top drawer folk music, with Rodrigo y Gabriela, Martha Wainwright, and master guitarist Adrian Legg adding to its rootsy vibe.
Praise Be! The Persuasions, an uplifting, life-affirming, five-piece a capella vocal group will be singing their way through gospel with a twist. Their last album consisted of U2 covers and the album before that was Frank Zappa covers so who knows what they'll sing at Eastnor... Quite unlike anything we've ever booked before.
John Metcalfe's string-based instrumental music will be a treat for the Sanctuary stage audience.
Infant Joy - Paul Morley's latest group, will bring their great cover of Japan's 'Ghosts' and a wealth of other new material to the festival.
A brand new act - The Shadow Orchestra - have wowed Pete Lawrence with their combination of electronics and subtle acoustic intrumentation. A superb festival debut.
Sometime Jedi, Mark Pritchard loves The Big Chill so much he's coming all the way from his new home in Australia, and The Big Chill loves him, so it's great that he's making the journey to spin his way through another classic set.
On the DJ front, DJ Format, Kid Carpet, and The Freelance Hellraiser will grace the decks with their turntablism, while Dave Hill will be spinning a gospel set.
Kirk Degorgio's latest project with vocalist Jinadu, The Beauty Room, whose gorgeous downtempo productions have led to a deal with Peacefrog Records and a July release of their album 'Beyond An Infinite', make a welcome addition to the line-up. Mixmaster Morris is a huge fan.
A Mediamix appearance for US poet/singer Ursula Rucker who has collaborated with a string of world-class acts, in addition to producing thought-provoking & deep albums in her own right.
We can also now flesh out some details about the Funky Wormhole space at Eastnor that we first told you about in the last mailout. We are pleased to announce that Different Drummer Sound System, Dub Cartel Sound System, Widestyle, DJ Derek, International Observer, Boozoo Bajou, Nick Manasseh, Bam Bam and Dom (Blood & Fire) will be joining Funky Wormhole's own DJs to provide reggae and dub-soaked sounds in true sound system style.
Finally, Big Chill stalwarts Bent will be performing live at the festival, as part of (sniff) their farewell tour, so be prepared so shed a tear amidst the joy!
The Enchanted Garden
We've kicked off this year's Enchanted Garden Arts Trail announcements with a bang - 'Godfather of Ambient' Brian Eno will be presenting his installation '77 Million Paintings' at The Big Chill festival this year! More Arts Trail news coming soon. The Enchanted Garden will also feature it's own Sanctuary stage with a carefully programmed selection of leftfield, ambient and experimental music. There will also be a bar, tea and cake stalls in the 3.5 acres that we like to think of as a mini-festival within a festival.
Mayhem
Chaps, want to dress up as a lady for an evening? Ladies, need a beard? You'll be needing the Dressing Up Box. Or if you're looking for luurve, let The Big Romance's speed-dating events help you along the way. Relax with a game of John Prescott's favourite game on the Croquet Lawn or dress up as a Snail and take part in the Snail Races. If it all gets too much, pop along to the all-new Disco Shed for a bit of surreal r&r. Oh yes, Chillers Spaces are back with a vengeance, adding a shade of eccentricity to the rural beauty of the biggest star of the show - the lush surroundings of the valley and lakes at Eastnor Castle Deer Park.
Body & Soul
If all the fun and games leave you not knowing your chi from your elbow, one of the many treatments available from Body & Soul will help you to regain your inner peace, and leave you feeling relaxed and wonderful. Therapies are very popular so remember to book these early on in the weekend.
Food & Drink
There will be bars stocking quiality alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the site, stalls with fantastic vegetarian and vegan foods (not to mention some great meat dishes) from all over the world, including all the perennial festival favourites. Teas, coffees, snacks, great company and great music will be available for insomniacs and early risers in the 24 hour cafes.
Facilities
Loads more exciting stuff in the festival programme, but we've paid attention to the everyday stuff that makes a difference when you spend a weekend in the countryside. Lots more space for camping, lots more loos, lots more urinals, lots more showers, lots more stewards - basically lots more of the dull-but-important things that will improve the quality of your weekend - including 'holding areas' in each campsite. No, these aren't cuddling spaces (although we do have a hugging tent!), they are secure places to leave valuables so you can explore the entertainment with peace of mind.
INTERVIEW
