Welcome To… Umbria Rocks

La Dolce Vita...

Umbria Rocks already has a distinct advantage over the plethora of other European festivals, even in this, its first year.

It’s all in the name: Umbria. The stunning Etruscan countryside north of Rome is dotted with ancient villages and spectacular walled towns. Such landscapes make us come over a bit funny: giddy, limpid and ‘Room With A View’ romantic. It’s a ‘destination’ festival, that’s for sure.

Taking place over three days and two stages it looks set to be small but perfectly formed. The festival site itself is positioned on farmland nestling next to the 8th century Santa Maria Church, with all the usual camping facilities one expects. It’s reasonably priced and you can go for the day or the entire weekend.

The concept of the festival is simple, using as its template the bohemian, modish links between Italy and the UK galvanized during the sixties, which the line up duly reflects. Featuring Paul Weller, The Charlatans, Basement Jaxx, James, Kaiser Chiefs, Peter Hook and the Light, The Cribs and The Courteeners amongst many others. There will also be plenty of additional Italian fayre on offer; music, fashion and food coalescing in a mouthwatering trinity of insouciant style.

A beautiful focus to the festival will also be film shown on two screens, one inside the restaurant in the Agrotourism Orsini, which will screen a range of British Council films and at 9pm each evening recent Cannes entrant ‘The Heart of Bruno Wizard’. The other screen will be outdoors amidst the fragrant landscape. From the silent magic of Méliès and Fritz Lang to an eclectically programmed late night gothic horror fest, high emotion, sensuality and drama amidst the geranium blossoms is ensured.

For information on purchasing tickets, travel and accommodation, visit: http://umbriarockfestival.com/en/

Words: Anna Wilson

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