Main image: Ania Shrimpton
This article first appeared in our Earth Day 2022 issue of My Green Pod Magazine, printed on 22 April 2022. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
Valley Fest, the best-tasting music festival in the South West, is now in its eighth year – and 2022 looks set to be the festival’s most fun year yet.
Headliners for the family-friendly food and music festival (04-07 August 2022) include Travis, Clean Bandit, Kosheen, Faithless (DJ set) Roni Size and the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club – yet consistently, the biggest crowd-pleaser is the view.
Chew Valley Lake, edged by the rolling Mendip Hills near Bristol, provides the sparkling backdrop. This is officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the festival itself is held on a regenerative, organic farm. Looking after the land has always been deep in this festival’s DNA.
The food on offer is carefully sourced, and farm tours are available alongside a thought-provoking programme of talks.
This year a new area – sponsored by Yeo Valley Organic, Britain’s largest organic dairy brand – will showcase regenerative, organically farmed food.
This ‘Regeneration Area’ will explore how healthy, natural food from a regenerative organic farming system can nurture and nourish both people and planet.
It is an area for anyone who is hungry for hope, who wants to be part of the solution and who wants to make informed choices.
It’s possible to eat our way to a better future through regenerative organic – and the programme of activities, talks, debates and entertainment will show you how.
Inspiring speakers will explain how, with your support, regenerative organic farmers can heal a broken system and mend the planet.
In another exciting new development for 2022, Arcadia will curate the second festival field. Arcadia is known by millions for its 50ft fire-spitting spider, an iconic Glastonbury highlight.
Among many other things, Arcadia will bring its Afterburner stage – built from a Rolls Royce jet engine called an Afterburner, and surrounded by a circle of metal trees and flames. The dance floor has been designed with the DJ in the middle.
By day, kids will be able to make their own Afterburner playground stage, with help from the much-loved Woodland Tribe. By night, it’s time for the big kids to play!
Expect mind-boggling shows, boundary-pushing fire performances and the Lords of Lightning, who will duel with high-frequency crackling electricity in the Tesla Coil Show.
‘We’re so excited about our new areas’, says Luke Hasell, Valley Fest’s founder. ’It’s now more important than ever that we understand how we can eat to keep the planet cool – while enjoying every minute!’
There’s plenty of wholesome fun to be had in the form of treats, beats and things to eat. The festival provides some of the best food imaginable, from carefully curated street food to dining experiences designed by highly acclaimed chef Josh Eggleton. All the produce is provided by the farm itself or local suppliers.
Valley Fest takes place in two large meadows, making it perfect for first time festivalgoers and families of all ages. People often remark how easy it is to get around – no long hikes across fields or hours of losing your friends.
In fact, part of Valley Fest’s appeal is the lazy lakeside vibe; you can unwind with family and friends and drop in on poetry, storytelling and comedy sessions.
Expect hedge-to-hedge Somerset sparkle and plenty of nonsense with a spectacular soundtrack. It’s not to be missed.
Click here to book your tickets.
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