Festivals Down On The Farm

Truck, Hop Farm, Lounge On The Farm

It’s not just Michael Eavis who’s diversified the use of his farmland, you know. if you’re looking for some rural goodness mixed in with the musical delights, grab those welllies and head down to one of these gatherings.

TRUCK FESTIVAL Hill Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire – 22nd-24th july

The uk’s premier independent festival is back and better than ever.

While it’s easy to get jaded about anything that promotes itself by insistently pointing towards its non-corporate credentials, Truck Festival gets away with it. Why? Because it does what it does so damn well.

Festival founders, brothers Robin and Joe Bennett, remain at the helm in the fourteenth year of Oxfordshire’s best kept secret, although, with the festival being increased to three days and an eight-thousand capacity from its original five thousand, it won’t be remaining a secret for long. Situated on the working Hill Farm, the occasional whiff of manure does little to detract from one of the friendliest and most intimate festivals around.

As well as its avoidance of corporate sponsorship, Truck also prides itself on its charitable ethos and community engagement. This year once again sees the festival play to its strengths of folk, indie and leftfield pop with a shimmering line up on offer. Super Furry Animal Gruff Rhys and frenetic folkies Bellowhead will be headlining the main stage while Graham Coxon, Saint Etienne and Radiohead’s Philip Selway will all be making an appearance on the new Clash stage. If the fantastic live talent on offer isn’t enough for you, DJ sets on the Clash stage on the Saturday night will provide the committed hedonist with the opportunity to party on into Sunday morning.

So, great music, fantastic atmosphere and do-goodery all combined in one convenient little package, what are you waiting for? Oh, and we almost forgot to mention, weekend tickets are less than a hundred quid.

Line-up: Gruff Rhys, Graham Coxon, Edwyn Collins, The Go! Team, Saint Etienne, Bellowhead

www.thisistruck.com

HOP FARM Kent – 1st-2nd july

Step back to the Seventies with this vintage line-up.

Where most festivals end up booking the same acts doing the rounds that season, Hop Farm have pulled a couple of musical rabbits out the hat with their stellar throwback line-up. We could describe pretty much every one of our chosen line-up below as iconic. Another event that likes to keep it organic, you won’t find any branding or sponsorship among the fine fields of Kent. And to keep things really socialist, with no VIP section, all men (and women) are equals. Right on.

Line-up: The Eagles, Morrissey, Lou Reed, Iggy and the Stooges, Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde, Bryan Ferry

www.hopfarmfestival.com

LOUNGE ON THE FARM Canterbury – 8th-10th july

Expect bigger things from this still-intimate festival. The delightful Lounge On The Farm, known for its fine mix of contemporary and classic acts, is back and physically bigger than ever. Introducing a new, larger main stage, in addition to the two former stages, organisers are promising that the intimate nature of LOTF will be maintained.

For those not interested in bouncing around to Mike Skinner all night, the cute little comedy tent has welcomed some illustrious names in the past, including Phil Jupitus and Howard Marks.

Line-up: The Streets, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Vaccines, Jamie Woon, The Joy Formidable

www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk

Visit ClashMusic’s Festival hub for more great content and the chance to win festival tickets.

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.