Here is your guide to all things festival for the month of May!
May 7 to May 19
Venue: Swindon Arts Centre
“There are premiership footballers and authors who are the same age as the Swindon Festival of Literature!” marvelled event director Matt Holland at the launch of the 25th annual event in March. Authors include Michael Rosen, Camila Batmanghelidjh, Judy Murray, and A C Grayling.
May 18 to May 20
Venue: Braziers Park, Oxfordshire
If you haven’t heard of Wood before then one thing to know about this particular festival is that it won “A Greener Festival Award” for 2017. Wood also includes over 50 workshops including Creative Writing, Expressive Drawing, T’ai Chi, and Making Cord from Nettles. This year acts include Yama Warashi, Teetop Flyers, and Nick Cope.
May 12 to May 16
Venue: varies
There are nearly 50 events taking place in some amazing venues in and around Newbury during the two weeks of the Festival, which includes performances by distinguished and established musicians alongside some outstanding young talent. As ever, there is a wide-range of musical styles to be enjoyed, events for families, fascinating interviews and enlightening talks.
www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk
May 25 to May 27
Venue: Highworth, GL7 3AL
Headline acts Scouting For Girls, punk-rock band From The Jam and glam-rock group Doctor and the Medics, are joined by world-class tribute acts Whole Lotta Led, and Flash – A Tribute to Queen.
“Tickets are selling faster then ever” says festival founder Jennie Rainsford, “we are nearly sold out of live-in vehicle pitches and we’re way ahead of this point last year. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy sunny weather for the last few years and this year’s long-range forecast is looking perfect! The camping areas will open even earlier this year to allow festival-goers to get settled in before the music starts on Friday afternoon. With top tribute bands playing well-known hits from Led Zeppelin and Queen, Friday night is going to be a popular one.”
The festival is now in its 8th year and attracts festival-goers from all over the UK. Over 1000 bands have applied to play this year, the festival team work hard to whittle it down to less than 10%.
Venue: varies
This year will be the 47th Chippenham Folk Festival, which will have the town bursting with life, art, culture, and music.
As always the festival will be welcoming an array of entertainment including music, - Alice Jones, Cosmotheka, Pat Smith & Ned Clamp, and Bill Crawford - Ceilidh dancing, family activities, - face painting, singing hats, and the story-telling Gary Bridgens - and the always anticipated parade down the high street which will include First Class Stamp, Bell’s Angels, Chippenham Town Morris Men, and many more!
May 4 to June 1
Venue: varies
Salisbury Live returns for another set of jam-packed weekends of free music across the town throughout May, with two additonal gigs in June.
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Miller Daughter[/caption]
Salisbury Live takes place across various venues including Salisbury Rugby Club, Winchester Gate, Bridge Tap, Avon Brewery, and Cosy Club, showcasing a wide-range of old and new - including the music itself.
As always Salisbury Live looks to support and promote local talent which this year includes Millers Daughter, Saints of Sin, Rhythm Blasters, Treblemakers, Jess Robyn, All Floyd, and loads more.
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Saints of Sin[/caption]
Propane Records will also be holding their launch event May 18, from 5.15pm to 6.15pm.
For further information, and to register for free tickets, visit Salisbury Live’s Facebook page @SalisburyLiveEvents
May 26 to May 27
Venue: South Park, Oxfordshire
The makers of Bestival bring, essentially, a two day disco to Oxford’s South Park.
Acts include The Jacksons, Ride, James, Maximo Park, The New Power Generation (Prince’s guys), Low Island, and Candy Says. This year Common People introduces the new Carnival Stage which will host the likes of Craig Charles, General Levy, Fred V & Grafix, and many more!
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RIDE Ovada Oxford Mark Gardener Andy Bell Loz Colbert Steve Queralt by Andrew Ogilvy Photography OX4[/caption]
Venue: various
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Pawel Sytniewski - Lucky Blue Photography[/caption]
It’s a two week takeover of music in Witney! Popping up in various venues in the town, Witney Music Festival offers a diverse range of musicians and bands for music lovers from all walks of life. As always there is an opportunity to sign up for Battle of The Bands 2018, with BBC Introducing in attendance. The winning band will get to play at The Witney Music Festival, The Wychwood Festival and Tadstock. Check back in August 17 to 18 www.witneymusicfestival.co.uk.
