Review: Valley Fest 2022 – ‘Big-hearted weekend strikes the perfect summer festival note’

Walking up the hill to Valley Fest past a flag-filled wild meadow, I soon found myself carrying an armful of free organic apple juice, cider, and ice cream. An auspicious start, and one that set the tone for a balmy weekend packed with delights.

The setting is beautiful, and frankly hard to top.

The flagship Lake Stage, framed by inflatable tentacles, looks onto a shimmering Chew Valley Lake, and as The 45s open proceedings, people scatter themselves at random around the natural rake of the hill, looking on at leisure.

Valley Fest 2022, Clean Bandit – photo: Giulia Spadafora

Down the front, there is dancing, but it’s a relaxed and welcoming vibe, with plenty of space for people of all ages to settle in, run around, or blow giant bubbles at will.

Doreen Doreen bring their infectious brand of high-octane mega-mix mash-ups, and as the lengthening shadows stretch across the face of the hill, Dr Meaker gets the crowd going with DnB overlaid with smooth and soulful vocals.

Across the weekend, The Yard Stage has reliably strong acts, with standout sets from the gorgeously folky Mairearad Green and Anna Massive, and the full force of the Klezmer, Balkan, Greek & Roma music from the Bristol quartet Opa Rosa, who rouse a crowd to dancing in the dust as if their lives depended on it.

Children with hula hoops – photo: Giulia Spadafora

My children are well served by hula hooping and circus skills workshops, robot and lantern-making, funfair rides, a book reading and cartoon drawing session from local picture book author Duncan Beedie, and the inimitable Junior Jungle, framed by the maverick playground constructed by the festival kids themselves.

But to my mind, the masterstroke from organisers this year was the decision to team up with Arcadia, whose Alchemist’s Playground adds just the right amount of edge, fire, smoke, and lasers, for those keen to dance in front of the Afterburner stage.

For us, the undisputed highlight comes in the form of “lovingly curated remix project and party” DJ duo Fleetmac Wood, which is followed by the see-it-to-believe-it Lords of Lightning – performed solo in astonishing fashion.

Afterburner – photo: James Beck

Valley Fest manages to cram a lot into its modest, and very manageable footprint, and its founder, farmer Luke Hassell’s strong sustainability ethos is apparent throughout the stalls and activities that line the edges of the site – which, it’s worth mentioning, is notable for its remarkable lack of litter.

As a working farm, the festival’s focus on growing, cooking and delighting in organic local produce makes complete sense, and the excellent food being made and consumed on site is front and centre, especially in The Tuck Inn and the Regen zone, new for this year’s event.

If I hadn’t had little ones with me, I would have been straight down to the packed trestle tables for the Sonny Stores X Root feast; judging by the rows of contented faces, it looked like I missed out.

The Tuck Inn – photo: Louis Smith

So too, I sadly wasn’t able to make the most of the Wellness Zone offerings, or a Community Farm tour, due to an urgent face painting appointment, and the understandable need to make yet another trip to the organic lolly stall.

But Sunday’s vibe is another delicious offering, with a special garnish in the form of a Dolly Parton dress up theme. It’s another scorcher too, and sends us on our way with smiles on our faces. No free ice cream on the way out, unfortunately, but we’ve definitely had our fill.

Valley Fest has proved once more that it is a big hearted, friendly and ever-evolving festival that offers something for everyone. And all just 20 minutes from Bristol.

Photo: Ania Shrimpton

Valley Fest will take place on August 3-6 2023. Early bird tickets go on sale on August 12 at 12pm. For more information, visit www.valleyfest.co.uk.

Main photo: Giulia Spadafora

Read more: Valley Fest and Arcadia join forces for Valley Fest 2022

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