Valley Fest is a goer

Valley Fest confirms it’s definitely going ahead

Valley Fest confirms today that it is definitely on, following the Government announcement on 12th July. The festival is held between 29th July – 1 August, alongside Chew Valley Lake, near Bristol. As well as huge headliners such as Texas, Deacon Blue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the weekend also showcases the region’s finest produce: from charcuterie to cheddars and ciders to sausages.

Luke Hasell, Festival Founder says: “GET ON MY LAND! We have all waited so long to be together, this is going to be a party to remember. Dust off your dancing shoes, air out your tents and join us in the beautiful lakeside fields!”

Live acts

Now in its sixth year, Valley Fest’s line-up has always included some big names as well as plenty of rising stars. For 2021, The Allergies, The Snuts, Toploader, The Cuban Brothers, Beans on Toast, Eva Lazarus, Oh My God! It’s The Church and Sub Zero B2B Audiomission ft Jakes are on the bill. The full line-up is on the website: www.valleyfest.co.uk

The best-tasting music festival in the South West

Over the weekend you can see: Great British Bake Off star Briony May Williams; Josh Eggleton from Michelin-Starred Pony and Trap, Rob Howell from Root Bristol; chef and author, Jan Wilson of Wilson’s restaurant, plus Olia Hercules named Observer Food Monthly’s Rising Star of 2015. Additionally, Tom Hunt, author of Eating for Pleasure, People & Planet, is on the bill along with TV’s Andy Clarke who will be highlighting some stunning ethical drinks producers. Not forgetting ‘Queen of the Bean’ food writer and chef, Jenny Chandler, who will be showing how kids can make easy dishes at home.

Culinary heroes and heroines from across the UK will be cooking up a storm day and night in our spectacular open-sided, feasting tipis. Empirical have teamed up with Freddie Janssen, from Dalston’s Snackbar to open the festival with a very special feast. On Friday night, you’ll be able to enjoy Freddie’s Mexican sharing feast, paired with an exclusive range of cocktails. Expect finger-licking tacos, chiccarones, sharing platters, all paired with four delicious cans or cocktails from the Empirical range.

Josh Eggleton, together with Rob Howell from Root Bristol, will be making dishes from Rob’s new cookbook on Saturday. While Toby Gritten of The Pumphouse Bristol, offers a very special Sunday lunch feast, paired with a brilliant Bloody Mary from Bloody Drinks, with every ingredient on the plate sourced from within the Chew Valley.

New for this year: a live-fire stage!

Showcasing the best ingredients from Wales and the South West, with plenty of laughs and delicious tasters to boot.

The lineup includes Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn from Hang Fire Southern Kitchen and chef Henry Eldon of The Cauldron Restaurant. Plus eco-chef and UN World Food Programme Ambassador, Arthur Potts Dawson.

Expect treats, beats and plenty to eat with lots of Somerset style and sizzle. From feasts to more street food than you can shake a stick at, there will be something to tickle everyone’s taste buds and suit every budget.

Lazy lakeside lushness

Valley Fest is perfect for first-time festival-goers and families of all ages. People often remark how easy it is to get around – no long hikes across fields or hours of losing friends. In fact, part of Valley Fest’s appeal is the lazy lakeside vibe. Not only that, there are poetry, storytelling and comedy sessions.

An ethical eco-party

The festival is held on an organic farm, so looking after the land is part of its DNA. Whether that’s through talks on soil health, wildlife-friendly gardening, farm tours or via panel discussions on regenerative farming, there is a host of fascinating and progressive topics to choose from. The festival was founded by Luke Hasell, an organic farmer who inherited the land after his parents suddenly passed.

Covid safety

Safety is paramount and a number of changes have been made to reduce the risk of covid. For example, an extra field has been secured so there is more space, the festival is going cashless to reduce queuing.

Additionally, the site has been redesigned so that there are no enclosed, tented venues and plenty of ventilation in any covered areas.

Expect hedge-to-hedge sparkle and plenty of nonsense with a spectacular soundtrack.

Adult weekend tickets are currently £195 (plus booking fee) and can be bought from www.valleyfest.co.uk