Summer Music Festivals: The Alternative
Glastonbury, Reading, Bestival, Creamfields, the Isle of Wight…sound familiar? They should do, as these festivals are hard to escape once summertime approaches.
Our country is renowned for holding some of the most famous festivals in the world and they are becoming more popular than ever amongst music lovers. If indie, dance, dubstep, drum & bass and electro are your thing, then you most likely would have attended at least one or more of those festivals.
For those of us who prefer our music with a little more soul, there are other alternatives: festivals where world music, reggae, jazz and soul artists are the headline acts and that attract thousands of people. We give you a rundown of the hottest alternative festivals to visit this summer.
WOMAD
The World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival has been going since 1982. WOMAD co-founder Peter Gabriel, has said that this festival allows “many different audiences to gain insight into cultures other than their own through the enjoyment of music”. WOMAD has held 160 festivals in 27 countries, including: Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Australia, Greece, the US, the UK and South Africa, and in 1993 it attained the biggest festival audience in the world with 98,000 people attending the event.
With the festivals being held in various countries across the globe, WOMAD’s audience can expect to be subjected to a wide range of cultures and glorious weather conditions. As well as being entertained by the seven stages of music, the event provides participatory workshops in which the families can be taught how to make music amongst other activities. In 2001, WOMAD’s success was finally recognised as it was entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the Biggest International Music Festival in the world.
WOMAD’s 2010 line-up includes Horace Andy, best known for his work with Massive Attack, and the legendary Rolf Harris and His Band.
Where: Charlton Park, Wiltshire
When: 23rd-25th July
How: www.womad.org
One Love
One Love has soared in popularity over the last three years and is now the UK’s no1 reggae dub event. This year is set to be even bigger than the previous as One Love is taking place during the weekend of Jamaica’s 48th Anniversary of Independence. Spread over three days, the line-up includes major reggae artists such as Natty, Gappy Ranks, David Rodigan, Robbo Ranx and Ras Kwame.
Where: Hainault Forest Country Park, London
When: 6th-8th August
How: www.onelovefestival.co.uk
Hampton Court and Beer Jazz Festival
Summer has definitely arrived at the 2010 Hampton Court and Beer Jazz Festival. Following last year’s success, the festival promises to be even bigger and better with a line-up that includes James Taylor Quartet, Tony Hadley and his swing band, and James Pearson Trio. If you are looking for a place to chill out to smooth jazz sounds with a Pimms in your hand, then the Beer Jazz Festival is perfect. From sitting on the fresh lawns to eating in the soul foods gardens, the festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out!
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
When: 27th-30th August
How: www.hamptoncourtbeerandjazz.com
Notting Hill Carnival
London’s most famous festival, the Notting Hill Carnival – Europe’s largest street party has united and entertained the black community since 1966. Spanning over 20 miles, every year the streets of West London shake from the vibrant sound systems and become full of colourful and exaggerated costumes. Whether you are getting your face painted or eating spicy food from all over the world, you will find everyone embracing the unique atmosphere. Previous headliners have included Eddie Grant, Jamiroquai and Wyclef Jean, so expect to be entertained by world-class artists.
Where: Notting Hill, London
When: 29th & 30th August
How: More info about the carnival coming soon on catchavibe.co.uk
The London African Music Festival
Going since 2003, the London African Music Festival celebrates its 8th event this year. The festival will take place in 6 venues across London including: Southbank Centre, Stratford Circus and the Jazz Café. As well as featuring artists from 23 countries, the festival will provide workshops for people to learn about the craft of making African music. Headlining the event is popular rapper MC Solaar. The successful French artist has collaborated with the likes of Missy Elliott, and never fails to put on an electric performance. Other headliners include Cuban musician Omar Sosa, Dennis Bovell and the London Community Gospel Choir.
Where: 6 venues across London
When: 10th-25th September
How: www.joyfulnoise.co.uk
So now that you are clued up on where to go this summer, will you be attending any alternative festivals? If you need one more little push, then think about this…Cheap tickets, a few days of good music, mouth-watering food, sun (hopefully) and a happy atmosphere. What more could you ask for? Grab your whistles and show your support for alternative music festivals.
Don’t forget the Brazilian season going on in conjunction with the Southbank Centre until September. I must also add, rather pedantically I admit, that Dance and Electro are not always devoid of soul as the second and third paragraph of this piece suggests. It just depends on the artist.
And Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet has his own jazz quartet now? Lord have mercy! Now that’s a man who needs an injection of soulfulness.
Shalom, Miss T x