Festivals August WarwicksWorcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2021 18:17 Page 2
Festivals
Festival previews from around the region
Lakefest Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire, Thurs 12 - Sun 15 August
Priding itself on putting family first, Lakefest evolved from a giant music and cider festival at Croft Farm Waterpark, Tewkesbury, back in 2011, when performers included The Wurzels and entertainment came in the form of skittles and welly wanging. Although expansion has led to a relocation to the beautiful Eastnor Castle, the event retains its friendly West Country vibe. Alongside an always-impressive line-up of music acts, the four-day get-together also features fairground rides and a good selection of family-friendly activities. Line-up includes: Tom Jones, Seasick Steve (pictured), Scouting For Girls, Razorlight, Ash, The Magic Numbers, New Model Army, Stereo Mc’s, T’Pau, Vengaboys, Mad Dog Mcrea, Seb Fontaine and Sol Brothers
Shrewsbury Folk Festival Greenhous West Midland Showground, Fri 27 - Mon 30 August
A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of musical tradition in one picturesque setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern and medieval and everything in between, where grassroots cultures collide in dynamic fusion styles. This year’s festival celebrates British-based folk bands and features three open-air stages - The Cuckoo, The Skylark and the Purity Village - meaning that the festival can accommodate everyone at a safe social distance. Sadly there’s no dance tent, though. Line-up includes: Kate Rusby (pictured), Oysterband, Show Of Hands, Afro Celt Sound System, Seth Lakeman, The Christians, Dervish, Lindisfarne and The Young’uns and Calan
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Sun 5 September
Tucked away behind Birmingham’s busy streets, the beautiful Moseley Park is a hidden gem, transformed each year into an enchanting escape by one of the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psychedelia and indie favourites against a magical backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush foliage and a beautiful lake. The event also boasts a rich programme of arts & crafts, comedy & cabaret, poetry & literature and talks & debates.
Witcombe Festival Brockworth, Gloucestershire, Fri 27 - Sun 29 August
Taking place on a beautiful site in Gloucestershire, and one of the fastestgrowing festivals in the UK, Witcombe has previously featured, among many other talented artists, Dizzee Rascal, Plan B and Faithless. The festival came into being back in 2012, when founder Joe Pointon started making his own organic cider and suddenly found himself with way too much for one man to drink! The rest, as they say, is history... Now attracting in excess of 22,000 people, Witcombe has enjoyed a rebrand but remains fully committed to providing excellent ciders and an impressive line-up of musical talent. Line-up includes: Basement Jaxx, John Newman, Andy C, Tinie, Annie Mac (pictured), DJ Luck and MC Neat, DJ Ez, Joel Corry, Artful Dodger and Raye
Line-up includes: The Waterboys, Frank Turner, Richard Hawley, Passenger (pictured), Jade Bird, The Wonder Stuff, Gruff Rhys, Peat & Disel, Dana Gavanski and The Nightingales whatsonlive.co.uk 17
