Valley Fest announces today that Goldfrapp will no longer be performing at the event this year, which is held between 30th July and 1st August 2021. Due to Covid-19, their circumstances have changed and are unfortunately unable to tour in the timeframe of the festival anymore.
But the silver-sequinned lining is that Sophie Ellis-Bextor will play instead. Many will have seen her Kitchen Discos where she performed at home during lockdown. They were watched by 40 million around the world. At Valley Fest, she’ll be playing all her hits as well as those from her Top 10 UK album “Songs From The Kitchen Disco”.
Luke Hasell, Valley Fest Founder says: “Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Discos were a big hit in our house and we are beyond excited that she’s heard the call to get on my land. Disco divas, get your glamorous glad rags ready for a very special Sunday night! We realise this will be disappointing for Goldfrapp fans – of which I am a massive one – but we hope to see them back another year.”
As well as huge headliners such as Deacon Blue and Travis, the weekend also showcases the region’s finest produce: from charcuterie to cheddars and ciders to sausages. And the consistently biggest crowd-pleaser of all: the view. Edged by the rolling Mendip Hills, Chew Valley Lake provides the sparkling backdrop.
Live acts
Now in its sixth year, Valley Fest’s line up has always included some big names as well as plenty of rising stars. For 2021, My BABY, The Allergies, The Blockheads, The Snuts, Toploader, The Cuban Brothers, Beans on Toast and Oh My God! It’s the Church are on the bill. The full line up is on the website: www.valleyfest.co.uk
The best-tasting music festival in the South West
There is much food for thought and much thoughtful food on offer at Valley Fest. You can join in with BBQs, feasts, street food, chef demonstrations and panel discussions. The region’s culinary heroes and heroines will be cooking up a storm day and night. Owner of the Michelin-starred Pony and Trap, Josh Eggleton, together with Rob Howell, Head Chef of Root, a Bib Gourmand award winner will be behind some of the feasts, with more names to be announced.
Cooking demonstrations, where you’ll be offered recipe cards, tasters and tips, will be given by Olia Hercules named Observer Food Monthly’s Rising Star of 2015, Tom Hunt author of Eating for Pleasure, People & Planet and Great British Bake Off star Briony May Williams and Chef Arthur Potts Dawson, a thought leader in sustainable food.
Expect treats, beats and plenty to eat with plenty of Somerset style and sizzle. There will be more street food than you can shake a stick at, something to tickle everyone’s taste buds and suit every budget.
Lazy lakeside lushness
Valley Fest takes place in one large meadow making it perfect for first-time festival goers and families of all ages. People often remark how easy it is to get around – no long hikes across fields or hours of losing your friends. In fact, part of Valley Fest’s appeal is the lazy lakeside vibe. Not only that, you can drop in on poetry, storytelling and comedy sessions.
An ethical ecoparty
The festival is held on an organic farm so looking after the land is part of its DNA. Whether that’s through talks on soil health, wildlife-friendly gardening, farm tours or via panel discussions on regenerative farming, there is a host of fascinating and progressive topics to choose from. The festival was founded by Luke Hasell, an organic farmer who inherited the land after his parents suddenly passed.
Expect hedge-to-hedge Somerset sparkle and plenty of nonsense with a spectacular soundtrack. This is West Country wildness at its best.
Adult weekend tickets are currently £155 (plus booking fee) and can be bought in instalments to spread the payment from: www.valleyfest.co.uk. When these run out tier 4 tickets will be £175.
Should the event not go ahead, ticket holders will be offered a rollover to 2022 or refunded.
Image credits:
Featured: Louis Smith / Valley Fest
Aerial: Ania Shrimpton / Valley Fest
Food: Kym Grimshaw / Valley Fest
Table tennis kids: Louis Smith / Valley Fest
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