10 February 2015
Newsdesk
Lunar Festival returns for its second year this summer as one of the UK’s most enchanting odysseys, set in a beautiful region of verdant countryside only 20 minutes away from Birmingham. A long tree-lined avenue, almost like a vaulted tunnel, is the decompression point from reality into somewhere sublime just on its periphery, which is also the birthplace of the iconic Nick Drake.
It’s an intimate adventure with a big-heart, an amazing experiences for all ages which feels hidden away from the world. There’s a dreamy mix of escapism and discovery, an eccentric blend of vibrant sounds and colour sound-tracked by a cast of live artists and DJs picked purely for their dedication to their craft. Last year’s debut saw a stellar line-up performing in the intimate spaces of Lunar; here there are no fillers, only real talent gracing the stages and decks across a weekend which seeks to inspire at every moment. Lunar is musically diverse with something for all the family, which includes arts, crafts, activities and games and delicious artisan food and drink from across the region, plus a range of camping and accommodation options.
Indicative of how Lunar likes to do things a little bit differently, they welcome headliners Tinariwen this summer. The Grammy Award-winning group of Tuareg nomads and musicians hail from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali, and will prove the desert really is one of the most beautiful, most peaceful and most inspirational places on earth. Then there’s Wilko Johnson, a guitarist with the iconic Dr. Feelgood. Johnson stated in early 2013 that he had terminal cancer, and announced he was going on a farewell tour; now he has thankfully recovered, and makes his Lunar debut in June bringing happy summer love for everyone. They are joined by the quite brilliant Public Service Broadcasting who take samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material, creating thought-provoking shows which are wholly unique.
The Bootleg Beatles (1966 - 1970) are the best Beatles tribute act, performing classic tracks from their evocative psychedelic years. They have played at Glastonbury 5 times, The Royal Albert Hall 18 times and performed over 4,000 shows! Manchester’s post-punk rockers The Fall are also headliners, helmed by legendary front-man Mark E Smith. Then there’s the Sun Ra Arkestra’s enervating, uplifting and bouncy mix of Jazz, Funk, Awing, Afrobeats and more, led by Marshall Allen after Sun Ra’s death in 2014. The band create an intoxicating atmosphere on stage and will have Lunar in raptures, and Glaswegian band the Amazing Snakeheads make the trip down to lay down their intoxicating guitar sounds.
Lunar is also very proud to announce the involvement of two key BBC radio purveyors of fine music. In 2013, the original members of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop regrouped again for a more concerted program of live appearances. This now involves collaborations with contemporary electronic musicians, video artists, DJs, remixers, poets, writers and singers to create amazing new sounds. Then 6 Music’s Mark Radcliffe afternoon airwaves king comperes on Saturday at Lunar, performing with his brilliant band Galleon Blast, who cover seafaring classics from The Dubliners, The Waterboys, The Pogues, Thin Lizzy, The Fisherman’s Friends and Ewan MacColl.
One of the UK’s most inspirational home-grown artists also stars; an archaeologist, antiquarian, arch druid and founding member of Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope’s work has included Queen Elizabeth, Brain Donor and Black Sheep during an incredibly diverse career. West-coast USA’s the Allah-Las infuse melancholic nostalgia to their timeless, richly-charming tracks, whilst Sylvan Esso serve up vibrant electropop.
Goblin (Claudio Simonetti's Goblin) is an Italian progressive rock band known for their esteemed soundtrack work. They frequently collaborate with Dario Argento, most notably creating soundtracks for Profondo Rosso in 1975 and Suspiria 1977. Original 60's garage psych-band Pretty Things, whom David Bowie covered two of their tracks on his album Pin Ups, also star. Orlando Julius is one of the heroes of Nigerian music. A saxophonist, singer and songwriter, he began fusing African influences with American R&B and soul in the 60s, and was a major influence on Fela Kuti and Afrobeat. Orlando is joined by the sublime London collective The Heliocentrics, whose acid jazz roots straddle Hip-Hop, Funk, modern creative Jazz, Psychedelic Electronica and World music. New York soloist Shara Worden is My Brightest Diamond, who blends elements of opera, cabaret, chamber music, and rock into her beatific, ethereal sounds.
Further amazing music across the weekend comes from Syd Arthur, Jane Weaver, Robyn Hitchcock, Mike Heron & Trembling Bells, Plank!, Zun Zun Equi, Midnight Bonfires, Whispering Knights, Byron Hare, Matthew Edwards & The Impersonators, Ouse Valley Singles Club, Daisy Vaughan, Whyte Horses, The Drink, Benjamin Folke Thomas, Rhino & The Ranters, Sam's Brother and Nick Drake’s Record Player.
Lunar Festival is an adventure set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake (Tanworth In Arden), from the same production team behind the immensely successful Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul and Moseley Folk festivals. Lunar Festival takes place in an idyllic rural setting of The Umberslade Estate, with a full working farm and a stunning landscape forming the backdrop for a wonderful journey into the unknown.
Lunar Festival
Fri 5th – Sun 7th June 2015
@ Umberslade Estate, Tanworth In Arden, Warwickshire
Tinariwen, Wilko Johnson, Public Service Broadcasting The Bootleg Beatles (1966 - 1970), Sun Ra Arkestra, The Fall, The Amazing Snakeheads, Julian Cope, BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Allah-Las, Sylvan Esso, Claudio Simonetti's Goblin, Pretty Things, Orlando Julius and Heliocentrics, Syd Arthur, Jane Weaver, Robyn Hitchcock, Mike Heron & Trembling Bells, Plank!, Zun Zun Equi, Midnight Bonfires, Whispering Knights, Byron Hare, Matthew Edwards & The Impersonators, Ouse Valley Singles Club, Daisy Vaughan, Whyte Horses, The Drink, Benjamin Folke Thomas, Rhino & The Ranters, Sam's Brother and Nick Drake’s Record Player and more to be announced.
Adult/child tickets: £39/£19 per day / £89/£39
Family Weekend Ticket (2x Adults & 2x 12-15 years) – £189
www.lunarfestival.co.uk / Twitter: @lunar_festival
