Valley Fest 2022 releases full music lineup

Having announced its collaboration with the world-renowned performance art collective Arcadia, who will be bringing their Afterburner stage to the festival’s second field, Valley Fest has now revealed its full music lineup for 2022.

Founder, Luke Hasell, has called it “the most diverse lineup we’ve ever seen”, featuring a multitude of “pioneers, luminaries and rising stars”.

The Chew Valley lakeside festival, which takes place on August 4-7 2022, will play host to headliners Travis, Clean Bandit, Faithless (DJ set),  Roni Size b2b Nia Archives with Dynamite MC, Kosheen, and The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club.

DJ Dunks & Flashman Funk at Valley Fest 2021 – photo: Giulia Spadafora

The Arcadia Experience is set to add a thrilling new dimension to Valley Fest, which has over the last eight years carved out a reputation as being a family-friendly food and music festival beloved of the south west, and Bristol in particular.

And there is plenty of Bristol representation on the bill. Dizreali, Dr Meaker, Doreen Doreen, Mr Bruce, Pete Josef, Nuala Honan, Smerins Anti-Social Club and Afon Sistema all feature on the lineup.

Local indie rock outfit Pompadour, who met while at dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies, were selected through the new application process for the festival, and will be ones to watch.

Complementing the music, the festival also promises “boundary-pushing fire performances, immersive dancefloors, quality sound plus mind-boggling fire and light effects” – amongst which will be a show from the truly extraordinary and genuinely electric Lords of Lightning, who need to be seen to be believed.

Manchester hip hop producers The Mouse Outfit will be appearing, as well as K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) who will be bringing his exhilarating brand of Afro-fusion to the Yard Stage.

Back by popular demand, MY BABY return to Valley Fest for their third appearance. Other highlights of The Lake Stage bill include Judge Jules (live) and the Mercury-nominated, chaotic energy of Sports Team.

A raft of acts including Emily Barker, Isaac Stuart, Aleighchia Scott, Fedah, Waldo’s Gift, Soma Soma and The Drystones look set to be the ideal accompaniment to lazy lakeside afternoons.

Rising stars Leah Weller, MAX RAD, Holysseus Fly, Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip, Mr Irish Bastard and No Go Stop are all booked to appear. And for a truly novel experience, Yama Warashi’s blend of Japanese folk dance, free jazz, tribal African and psychedelic music promises to be memorable.

Children with hula hoops at Valley Fest 2021 – photo: Giulia Spadafora

As a festival on a farm, Valley Fest has a widespread food itinerary in place, headed up this year by Bristol culinary stars Josh Eggleton and Rob Howell.

There will also be widespread activities for kids and teens, a wellbeing programme including yoga, massage and mental health support, creative workshops, talks and tours, and a dedicated spoken word area.

An increasingly popular aspect to the weekend is the chosen fancy dress theme, inspired by the tribute act. This year, that act is The Dolly Show, who will be making a Sunday afternoon appearance, ahead of the competition for best-dressed Dolly Parton on site.

Valley Fest organisers are full of excitement about this year’s plans. “Expect hedge-to-hedge Somerset sparkle and plenty of nonsense with a spectacular soundtrack,” they say.

Valley Fest 2022 lineup – photo: Valley Fest

ValleyFest is at Chew Valley Lake on 4-7 August. For more information including the full line up, limited tickets and directions, visit www.valleyfest.co.uk.

Main photo: Ania Shrimpton

Read more: Valley Fest and Arcadia join forces for 2022

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