After the mammoth response to Boomtown’s initial ‘headliners’ release last week; which offered up a bold musical mixture consisting of Gorillaz, Die Antwoord, Limp Bizkit, Ben Harper, Jimmy Cliff and Morcheeba heading up the first 200 acts to be announced; the multi-genre, multi-experience, multifaceted festival have now embarked on the relentless releasing of the individual district, area and stage line ups. First out of the Boomtown bookers eclectic musical brains is the jazz, folk, funk and soul, acoustic offerings of the festival-within-a-festival: Whistlers Green.
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Photo credit: Scott Salt[/caption]
Sat atop the festival overlooking the awe inspiring vistas of the South Downs National Park, Whistlers Green goes back to the very roots of festival culture; celebrating the musical genres that spawned the modern day festival movement, folk and jazz, as well as the grassroots movements that first found space to grow within community focused events such as; political activism, ethical and organic food production, healing and alternative medicine, yoga, meditation, veganism, forest school outdoor adventure education, and the local Farmers’ Market. As well as space for discussion and proactive thought in the Speakers’ Corner and the inspiring and adventurous Kidztown area with its very own interactive street set and activities for all ages.
In addition to the already announced headliners for The Windmill stage; Maribou State, Bilal and Jah Wobble and The Invaders of the Heart; are some of the leading females in the jazz world right now, including the velvet vocals and modern blues sounds of Zara Macfarlane, the hard hitting Sampa the Great, whose words of wisdom and female empowerment will ignite and inspire all in attendance. Returning collective Nubiyan Twist will once again take their audience on a voyage of discovery, steering an eclectic ship of musical genres with infectious melodies and basslines that draw inspiration from jazz, hip hop, latin and afro music. Blue Lab Beats will be mixing electronica with live layered instrumentation and sweet vocals; Alfamist converses through harmony and hip hop infused rhythms, whilst Mammal Hands build intensity with ethereal blues that create a whirlwind of emotions with captivating musicianship. Vels Trio blend psychedelic induced funk and soul creating infectious grooves and the constantly changing ensemble, The Fat Suit deliver some of the most exciting contemporary jazz in production right now.
Over the past couple of years Speakers’ Corner has become one of the festivals most exciting stages. Providing a space for an eclectic mix of speakers to discuss the hot topics circulating in society today to spark debate, educate and share, in an environment of respect and understanding. Speakers this year include; Jordan Stephens from Rizzle Kicks will be talking about Toxic Masculinity and the effect it has on society today, for men and women. Amelia Womack, Deputy Leader of The Green Party, discussing the party and it’s future vision. Jess Thom, Tourettes Hero, returns, breaking down barriers around Tourettes and Rants n Bants who rose to internet fame through his refusal to hold anything back, will be… ranting!
Truly a space for all generations, Whisters Green also houses the endless discoveries Kidztown has to offer; hands on craft and circus workshops, storytelling, puppetry, comedy and face painting, through to the skate ramp, bouncy castle and Forest School. Designed by youth experts to encourage a sense of adventure, curiosity and creativity, this interactive space also includes baby and toddler tents, and its own relaxing main stage, Sandcastle stage. With PG rated bands from across the festival and hand picked entertainment, it meets even the most discerning mini Boomer’s musical and entertainment needs!
In addition to the activities and workshops on offer in Kidztown, there is a vast array of workshops that extends to adults too, including blacksmithing, jewellery making, silversmithing, chainsaw carving, willow weaving, chocolate making and rubber bike belt workshops. The healing gardens are a stone’s throw away with massage, aromatherapy, yoga, mediation and star gazing to name just few alternative pastimes to indulge in.
This is just one district line up of nine unique district line-ups, along with four mega stage line-ups still to be released.
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