We're just a little bit excited about Four Thoughts this week. OK. We're A LOT excited! :)
It's 14 days 'till the start of Valley Fest and in preparation, we caught up with founder Luke Hasell to get a sneak preview of what to expect and to find out why Valley Fest is going to be so bleeping brilliant this year! Here's what we asked him:
1. Can you tell us a little bit about Valley Fest and what makes it special?
Valley Fest is all about celebrating the land, British produce and getting down in a field to some great music! I love festivals and wanted to create something where you can party the night away, but where children are welcomed and catered for too - on the farm where I grew up. My mum and dad left me the farm and I want as many people as possible to enjoy it.
We’ve got loads of great stuff in the pipeline for this year. If you’re into food, you can head to the Chew Stage or meet and pick up picnic bits from some of the best chefs in the South West. If you want some late night dancing, then the Tipi Valley is the place for you. We’ve got Broken Brass Ensemble and London Afrobeat Collective on the bill this year, as well as loads of other great stuff. Craig Charles is taking over the Lake Stage on Sunday night with Hannah Williams... and he’s always guaranteed to get you up and dancing.
Jarvis and the team from Weleda have done a great job of creating the Village Green area. It’ll have hot tubs looking out over the lake, beauty treatments and plenty of acoustic music to chill to. We’ve also booked in some great food options and Yeo Valley are bringing all day breakfasts from their canteen. It’s going to be delicious!
The festival kicks off on Friday (2nd September) and the campsite is the most stunning location to wake up in - the British countryside, overlooking the lake with the rolling Chew Valley hills as a backdrop. I might be biased but I think that really sets us apart from your average festival.
2. Which artists are you particularly excited to have at the festival this year?
Can I say all of them? We've an amazing line-up this year and obviously we’re really happy to have Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, The Blockheads and Stereo MC’s playing. They’re massive acts with international reputations and they’ll be brilliant on the Lake Stage. Personally, I’m really looking forward to some of the local bands like Bristol’s legendary Sheelanagig and also The Shimmer Band, who are tipped for the top in the future.
The main thing about this festival is you’ll have something to dance to at all times of the day, with some hidden gems and plenty to enjoy in the tipis once the sun has gone down.
3. You have lots of cool areas at the festival. If you only had an hour, which area would you spend it in and why?
That’s a tricky one! I love great food and I love great music, so this year I’d choose 11.30pm on Saturday night to 12.30am and catch the end of Sheelanagig in the tipi valley for some dancing - with cider in hand and my family all around me. Then, I’d head over to the Chew Stage area for our Midnight Feast. We’ll be creating boxes full of naughty stuff from Boston Tea Party and Yeo Valley... the compulsory late night cheese toastie and golden tickets for some special Sunday treats. The campfire will be roaring and there’s going to be some acoustic music, while we sit under the stars to see off the night.
4. Tell us a secret about Valley Fest that no-one else knows.
We’re currently making a DJ booth in an old fire engine for the guys at Upfest to paint. It’s going to be wicked.
Now that's a secret! We can't wait to see that DJ Booth in its' fire-enginey flesh... and if you fancy joining us, put on your dancing wellies and grab your tickets here. It's the weekend of Friday 2nd September and it's going to be great!
If you can't make it, we'll be blogging about it in September. Roll on midnight feasts, tipis, all things Chew Valley and smiling 'till your cheeks ache!
Photo credits: photos 1 & 6 - Matthew Smith. Photos 2, 3 & 4 - Louis Smith. Thanks :)