16 November 2021
Newsdesk
KITE is a brand-new festival of ideas and music for curious, inquisitive, and cultural minds. Blending a unique line up of music and ideas against the backdrop of a classic British greenfield festival, KITE marks an innovative intervention aimed at collaboratively building a festival for the future. There is a pioneering line-up of musicians, comedians, artists, writers, activists, and thinkers — from trailblazing powerhouse Grace Jones to former foreign secretary David Miliband to acclaimed stand-up comedian Reginald D Hunter — all spread across seven unique stages at the magnificent Kirtlington Park in Oxford from 10 – 12 June 2022.
KITE will offer room to dance and space to think. In an age defined by the ubiquity of the internet and social media, there is a growing public appetite for knowledge, debate, and discussion. Audiences are looking for more alternative and non-musical activities at music festivals. KITE will rise to the challenge by creating a unique offering for people who are passionate, and curious by tapping into the public’s increased awareness and interest in the world around them.
The music programme will present a line-up comprising exceptional artists with contemporary cultural resonance. Rather than being brought together under a genre, the line-up will be unified by an ability to move the audience’s head, heart, and hips. Grace Jones, off the back of her curation of Meltdown will lead the music programme, reinforcing her status as a true cultural icon, bringing her electrifying, funk-reggae artform to the stunning surroundings of Kirtlington Park. Joining her is R&B legend Mavis Staples, who has truly made a mark on history and through her music continues to inspire audiences around the world; iconic R&B girl-group TLC will make a rare UK appearance; multi-instrumentalist Tom Misch will bring his unique fusion of R&B, jazz, and soul beats; alternative folk singer-songwriter Kate Stables AKA This Is The Kit will captivate audiences with her beautiful harmonies and instrumentals, and Seun Kuti, son of afrobeat godfather is performing with his father’s former band Egypt 80.
The ideas programme will ask provocative, fundamental questions in a highly polarised world. What binds us together? What drives us apart? World-class public figures, cultural icons, artists, and thinkers will delve into concepts — both big and small — and explore them. From Rory Stewart to William Dalrymple, Tina Brown to Elizabeth Day, George Monbiot to David Olusoga, Jarvis Cocker to Sathnam Sanghera, an eclectic range of speakers will debate, teach, and converse with a diverse and highly engaged audience. Topics will range from the environment, society, technology, sport and political systems to identity, wealth, the arts, history, globalisation, and sexuality. No stone will go unturned, and no format will be left unexplored as long-form interviews and keynotes will sit side by side with workshops and smaller group discussions, panels, debates, and KITE lessons.
KITE puts the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on your doorstep. A three-day, greenfield camping festival, KITE offers Weekend, Day, Glamping and Premium tickets in an experience that is accessible to all ages. And Kirtlington Park, a breath-taking Grade I listed Palladian house set in 3,000 acres of rolling parkland overlooking the Chiltern Hills, presents the ideal venue for deliberations that look to the future while acknowledging the past.
Full list of artists announced today:
Music : Grace Jones / TLC / Tom Misch / Mavis Staples / This Is The Kit / Saint Etienne / Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 / Nubiyan Twist / Flamingods / Mermaid Chunky
Plus Heavenly Presents : Baxter Dury / Confidence Man / The Orielles / Gwenno / Katy J Pearson / Fran Lobo
Ideas: David Miliband on crisis leadership / Tina Brown on the Royal family / Delia Smith / Rory Stewart on war and justice / Elizabeth Day with Sathnam Sanghera / Jarvis Cocker / William Dalrymple and David Olusoga on the end of history / George Monbiot kicks up a stink / Mandu Reid on optimism and feminist resistance
And many more to be announced
Plus Heavenly Presents : Shirley Collins : America Over The Water - in conversation with Matthew Shaw plus musical accompaniment from Broadside Hacks / Jude Rogers : The Sound of Being Human / Bill Brewster & Frank Broughton : Last Night A DJ Saved My Life / Robin Turner : Believe In Magic / Baxter Dury : Chaise Longue
Comedy: Reginald D Hunter / David O'Doherty / Jen Brister / Sara Barron / Janine Harouni / Christopher Bliss / Sara Barron / Michelle de Swarte
KITE is a joint venture between Neapolitan Music, the founders of Love Supreme Jazz Festival and Nocturne Live, and Tortoise Media, which is the brainchild of ex-BBC News Director James Harding and Katie Vanneck-Smith, ex-President of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones, and U-LIVE.
Legendary record label Heavenly are also a partner in the event.
Ciro Romano, festival director, said: “Ideas and music have always co-existed; they are linked in our history, but, for the most part, there has been a clear dividing line between ideas/literary festivals and music festival. So, we are thrilled to have developed a new greenfield festival that puts music and ideas on an equal footing. At KITE, thinking and dancing can co-exist. Lockdown has clearly not quashed our need to have communal experiences which explore our passions, curiosity, and joy. KITE will engage with the most vital artists, musicians, writers, and public figures in one setting over three days. We couldn’t be more excited and look forward to having you join us at Kirtlington Park next June.”
KITE FESTIVAL 2022
Kirtlington Park, Oxford, UK, OX5 3JN
10-12 JUNE 2022
ONLINE: kitefestival.co.uk
Tickets on sale 19 November. Here are the ticket prices, all prices are subject to fees:
TICKETS FROM £50
Weekend / Day / Camping / Glamping & Palladian VIP Tickets available
