As you all know, I’m slowing trying to make my way around all UK festivals, whilst still holding down a full time job – annual leave is a nightmare when you love festivals! “Hi Boss, can I have essentially every Friday & Monday off between mid June and end of August?” – my life! Luckily my boss is great. Anyway, one of the ones I’ve been dying to get to for the past few years is Nozstock Festival in late July – the way some of my best festival friends who’ve been before speak about it, it sounds like peak “me”: Silly, fun, bright, bass-y, bonkers, and a little bit naughty.
It’s been described by said friends in a few ways which very much entice me:
“Take all the best bits of Glasto’s South East Corner and Theatre & Circus fields, add a smidge of Boomtown Fair, and the people of Shambala… That about describes Noz!”
“It’s like the first 4 or 5 years of Secret Garden Party before the rich yuppies started going.“
Nozstock have just released their incredible line up for 2020, so let’s dive in and hear all about it!
Nozstock is one of the UK’s longest running festivals and enters its 22nd year, with Into The Great Unknown as its theme. From the dawn of time through to its farthest futuristic reaches, this summer will be its most inspiring and enchanting journey yet.
Set on a beautiful working farm across Thurs 23rd – Sunday 26th July, the intimate odyssey is family-run, home-made and proudly independent. It’s not only one of the UK’s longest running festivals, but also one of the most authentic. Nozstock is an odyssey of wild escapism for all in a wondrous family-friendly environment, which packs in so much detail at every turn. Fresh for 2020, as well as Nozstock’s truly wonderful production, there are stage revamps across the site and secret DJ sets taking place across the weekend, including in the Cubicles.
Now for the lineup. Sister Sledge are responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems of all time, universally cherished songs that bring everyone together in love, life and soulful groove – they are the perfect Sunday night headliners. And bringing an air of unique surrealness to proceedings, Bill Bailey is a comedian, musician, writer, author, director and presenter known for his live shows and his work on TV. And Andy C, who will be joined by Tonn Piper, is one of the most significant British artists in global dance music. He’s guaranteed to be packing tracks that no other DJ has – he is constantly immersed in new music, bringing a wholly unique experience each time he plays.
As pioneers of the future-facing, tech-step sound, Calyx and Teebee, joined by LX One, are two of the scene’s greatest duos, with three albums behind them. The Ram Records icons will have The Garden Stage booming, whilst Flava D’s earth-shaking UK garage, grime and bassline sounds have seen her signed to the Butterz and now to Hospital Records. Next up, Gentleman’s Dub Club return, having made a name for themselves as one of the most respected names in dub/reggae music; Submotion Orchestra are one of the most interesting and exciting projects working in the UK today, drawing upon electronica, soul, ambient electronica, jazz and dub; and Ibibio Sound Machine bring a vibrant clash of African and electronic elements, inspired by the golden era of West-African funk and disco and modern post-punk and electro.
Dirty Dike is a rapper and producer, gifted with a psychedelic voice, and Mungo’s Hi Fi are joined by Bristol’s finest lyricist, Gardna. Expect lots of old school breaks from Stanton Warriors; Break is one of DnB’s most prolific producers; Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang – aka KingDem – are a heavyweight UK hip-hop supergroup; Tankus The Henge’s funk-fuelled, open-top, custom paint -job, rock ‘n’ roll jalopy will have Nozstock jumping; and finally, Dutty Moonshine Big Band fuse UK bass with jazz in a high octane live 14-piece show.
For the 6th year The Cabinet of Lost Secrets returns, bringing a slice of unique weirdness to Nozstock. Surprises, characters and dancing await the brave in this strange and shape-shifting underground lair.
And don’t forget the incredible – andcompletely free – Little Wonderland Kids Area, which even includes a bottle-warming service. Spare Room Arts present The Re Psych Project, Mini Mixers, PimpSouls Dance Workshop, Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga, The Theatre of The Great Unknown, The Freedom of Expression Table and loads more happening over the weekend for kids of all ages.
Tickets to “Nozstock : The Hidden Valley” festival are available now!
Tier 4 Tickets are available at £154 per adult, or you can choose the instalment plan to spread the cost!
Come and join me for dancing and silliness on the 23-26 July!
