Boutique events are becoming increasingly popular as a wealth of migrating festi-lovers turn their attention to these more community focused events. Known for their intimate, quirky, and family friendly vibes, a wave of boutique festivals are providing welcome alternatives to those who’ve decided to give commercialised, 50,000-strong mud-baths a miss this year.
Enter Play Fest, whose credentials include enthusiastic reviews, astutely balanced line-ups and a UK Festival Award shortlisting for festival fans Best New Festival 2011. Perfectly timed to coincide with the Jubilee celebrations, Play Fest expects to play host to around 3,000 revellers this year, ensuring a cosy feel.
Part of Play Fest’s appeal is that their feet are firmly planted in their grass roots. They offer a welcome platform for an abundance of pride-worthy regional talent – with a remit for using local crews, suppliers and staff, which adds to a community feel. This year they once again intend to deliver a party deserving of the most ‘up for it’ festival goer while promising a safe and inclusive atmosphere for those with children to consider.
All performance areas are now fully up and running – with distinguished headliners Feeder and Ash featuring on the Main Stage, and Roots Manuva headlining the Big Top, alongside festival favourites The Correspondents. Support will come in the impressive form of acts such as Natty, Delihah and Scoobius Pip while local live heroes include The B Goodes, Feral Mouth, Killamonjambo and The Vagaband.
The event also boasts dance dons such as Sub Focus, Toddla T, Shy FX and DJ EZ, who’ll be injecting enough energy to take “Players” through the early hours. Not forgetting their roots, Play Fest has recruited popular home-grown and diverse acts, such as Danny Lopez, Zav, Bogart, Harry Pearce, Jay Funk, Naturalist, Tom Wilkes and Snake Eyes, among many more who can be relied upon to keep the party rolling.
For a dub and reggae oasis in woodland surroundings, seek out the Rebel Lion tent which will be tucked out of the way, offering an alternative vibe and allowing full freedom of expression for the world class talent joining them this year. Confirmed acts include UK Principal, Chanter Anderson and Chieftain Joseph. Rebel Lion days will feature local sounds systems including Full Tone Sound System, One Foot SkanK Sound System and Reddaz Sound. Just follow the bass and you’re bound to find them…
With indie, hip hop, dance, roots and a dash of urban all on offer, Play Fest is possibly East Anglia’s only multi-genre event and if last year is anything to go by we fully expect plenty of party vibes, the occasional streaker and booming basslines for breakfast!
SATURDAY PLAY LIST
SUNDAY PLAYLIST
OFFICIAL 2011 VIDEO
