Lunar Festival is a debutant on the festival scene and a serious contender likely to appeal to everyone seeking a more boutique unorthodox musical twist.
Run by the team behind the successful Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul and Moseley Folk festivals, it’s no surprise the list of confirmed names already includes a beautifully curated line up of folkie acts like folk-rock legend Donovan, multi-instrumentalists Goodnight Lenin, Dirty Old Folkers and Michael Chapman. But this festival goes beyond the boundaries of more traditional folk. We have a slice of new psyche in the form of Temples and Toy, an exquisite blend of folk, symphonic rock and electronica from Bella Union’s Lanterns on the Lake and a very eclectic representation of the Midlands scene from the likes of Misty’s Big Adventure, Victories at Sea, The Grafham Water Sailing Club and Marshmallow Palace. However, the most exciting and unique thing about Lunar is its obvious leaning towards the more experimental and theatrical bands: British Sea Power, The Polyphonic Spree, Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Pram…I rest my case.
Then there’s the site itself. Set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake (Tanworth In Arden), The Umberslade Estate is an idyllic rural location: rolling hills, tree-shaded meadows, parks, a full working farm and the stunning Umberslade Hall into the bargain…and all this is less than 10 miles from the centre of Birmingham.
Just like the live line up, the range of daytime activities is also imaginative and diverse: from The Lunar Olympics to Green Crafts, 360 Cinema Dome, Yoga Sessions, Cigar box Guitar Lessons and Sausage Making workshops.
And as the darkness falls, the festival bursts into action with some of the best Midlands club night’s including Birmingham’s premier BalkanBeats disko partizani Balcanic Eruption, Reggae aficionados Silver Dollar Soundsystem feat. Don Letts and This Is Tmrw with DJ Food.
As you might expect from a festival of this kind, there are several camping options including the Tipi Village, live-in vehicle area, Bell Tent hire as well as a quiet family camping area.
Finally, the price is an icing on the cake. With adult ticket prices starting at £35, Lunar Festival is also likely to be a big winner of the season. So get your ticket sorted fast and stay tuned for more line up news!
Full line up so far:
Donovan, British Sea Power, The Polyphonic Spree, Tim Burgess, Temples, The Magic Band, Toy, Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Pram, Goodnight Lenin, Lanterns On The Lake, John Renbourn, Wizz Jones, Michael Chapman, Wide Eyed, Pram, Tir Na Nog, Victories At Sea, Golden Glass, Misty’s Big Adventure, The Grafham Water Sailing Club, Seeland, Laura J Martin, Ryley Walker, Exploding Sound Machine, Wes Finch, Simon Fox, Lux Harmonium, Horse Feathers (UK), Tess of The Circle, Christian Pattemore, Batsch, Marshmallow Palace, Dirty Old Folkers, Jabba’s Cartel Chris Tye, I Am Voyager 1, Josh Savage.
For tickets and line up updates visit the festival
site.
