Jessi:
Down in the West Country on the late May bank holiday weekend, you’ll find a fruity party unlike any other. This beautiful small to middle sized festival has been on my watch list for a few years, because of the stellar lineups they’ve managed to pull, and the sheer bonkers stories I’ve heard told of the place! I’m hoping to get there in 2019, because they’ve once again curated a fantastic set of artists. Have a read below of some of the highlights, and come join me in these fields in a few months time!
Shindig, the funkiest festival in the West, kickstarts the summer on 23rd – 26th May at Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, Somerset. Bringing a packed programme of entertainment for all ages, Shindig Festival offers relaxation and revelry in equal measures. From exclusive headline acts, sonic heroes and heroines, to the must-see acts of 2019, these are the sights and sounds that will define 3 days and now four nights.
Live Line Up
Estelle, Queen of British hip hop, will play her only UK festival show of 2019. Bringing her silky vocals and full band all the way from LA, their performance is a must-see. GRAMMY-award winning, LA six piece, Ozomatli are set to steal the show with their uplifting party tunes and crowd-pleasing routines. Plus the baritone bass of Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na will be a dead cert Sunday highlight. Unifying the live line up: The Herbaliser who will be bringing their cinematic, all encompassing show. And Crazy P with their underground disco, electro beats and pop sound. [Jessi’s favourites, Too Many T’s also feature on the line up!]
Expect a deep selection of dub-reggae juggernauts: the inimitable Mad Professor – who has been instrumental in transitioning dub into the digital age – will play with Sister Aisha and Benjamin Zephaniah and the Revolutionary Minds, whose rousing message will definitely stir the crowds. Also on the bill: Kingdem – three of UK Hip Hop’s heavyweight artists: Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang – join forces for a one-off chance to see them perform at a UK festival. And Geordie soul crew – Smoove and Turrell will lay down some Northern funk to ease and appease.
DJ Line Up
Whilst live music is the soul of Shindig, the DJ sets are the beating heart. Kenny “DOPE” Gonzalez is one half of the classic Masters at Work production team; as a DJ he showcases a melting pot of house, jazz, funk and soul. The Rebel Dread and BBC 6Music DJ – Don Letts – will be bringing his sonic culture-clash ethic to Shindig for the first time.
Fun Lovin’ Criminal and DJ Huey Morgan is set to throw down a massive NYC-style block party. On the same tip and evoking the spirit of legendary NYC clubs such as ‘Paradise Garage’ & ‘Studio 54’, DJ Andy Smith (Portishead), Nick Halkes (XL Recordings) & Crissy Kybosh will present Reach Up Boogie Wonderland.
Joining the ranks is DJ Nu-Mark, stellar hip-hop producer and founding member of Jurassic 5. As isShut Up and Dance – to please the old skool rave crowd. Shindig stalwarts, LTJ Bukem, Stanton Warriors and A Skillz will keep the Ghetto Funk spirit alive by spreading the requisite sonic whomp. In a nutshell, Shindig offers plenty of classic boombap rap with lots of head-nod funk, hands-in-the- air rave and rolling drum and bass.
Eight Themed Areas
As ever, music is just part of the programme. Shindig Festival wouldn’t be complete without the myriad of talent that comprises the other facets of the festival experience. There are no main stages, just a beautiful arrangement of stretch marquees and stylish venues.
Family Content
Part of what makes Shindig special is that it’s the ideal weekend for party people with families. The
Kids Kingdom is the area for babies, children and parents to hang out and play. New additions for this year include the Flying Seagulls will be entertaining small people with big imaginations. Expect a healthy mix of magic, juggling, games, stories and surprises. Also in the mix – the Aardman model making workshops.
Older kids can get involved in the hugely popular Graffiti Wall and attend DJ, MC-ing and breakdance workshops. The cinema tent is back and there are so many arts and crafts activities in preparation for the Sunday Parade, it’s hard to know where to start. Over at the SS Nautylicious, Interstellar will present cutting-edge circus and cabaret. And Shindig wouldn’t be the same without the incredible high wire spectacular from the Bullzini family.
Comedy
Big hitters Terry Alderton and Andrew Maxwell will take to the stage on Sunday. Terry’s trademark tic is to discuss his show’s progress with the voices inside his head. This is seat-of-it’s-pants stand up that takes risks, hurtling off in unexpected directions while decorum struggles to keep up. Andrew offers state-of-the-nation comedy; this is a man for whom news fires his belly. Described as a “voice of sanity when it comes to British politics and one of the finest comics around on the subject”.
Fancy Dress Theme
It’s a peach! The theme is “Get Fruity”. After all life is a bowl of cherries at Shindig. So assemble your berries, bananas and buddies. Time to lick your lips and dip your hips!
Shindig Story
Shindig Festival started out as being a party for the friends of the Ghetto Funk record label and their friends of friends – which is how it’s grown.
Will Lardner, festival co-founder says: “We’re really excited to share that we have Estelle headlining Shindig this year… Not only has she put out some of absolute bangers in the past decade, she’s a force to be reckoned with on stage! Along with other incredible acts such as Kingdem, Ozomatli ft Chali 2na, Benjamin Zephaniah and the Revolutionary Minds and Kenny Dope, we’re all set for a really great party again!”
Tickets
And the best bit: this isn’t going to cost a fortune. Adult tickets are now £130 and children under 12 go free, teen (13-17) tickets are £75. Paying in instalments is possible too – which works out at cheaper than the cost of a round of drinks each month. All can be bought from:
www.shindigfestival.co.uk
