It is indeed correct that smaller festivals are the only festivals worth attending in 2015; lower ticket prices, smaller crowds, and unspoilt festival destinations set them apart from the stuffy, drug fuelled likes of tweenage Reading and Leeds. Somersault Festival is taking an altogether refreshing and relaxed view on the British festival. Quoting ‘a new kind of summer experience’, Somersault encompasses music, adventure, craft, culture, food, and the great outdoors, making the most of its beautiful setting in Castle Hill in Northern Devon.
The line-up is what immediately caught my eye. For the steal of £125 for three magical days, you can see the wholly British likes of introspective folk crooner Laura Marling, indie icons Bombay Bicycle Club, and the wonderfully humble Passenger. Also included in the musical offerings are numerous well known faces, and some you should most definitely catch over the weekend: electronic folk geniuses Crystal Fighters, Mumford and Son’s friends Bear’s Den, South African folk superstar Jeremy Loops, The Edge’s favourite Rae Morris, the insanely talented folk lyricist Lucy Rose, Nottingham based five-piece Amber Run, and the self-defined crunch pop duo Honeyblood. Full line-up can be seen here.
If the music doesn’t do it for you, then the endless entertainment, exhilarating outdoor activities, and various foodie delights should be enough to tempt you down to the Devonshire countryside. The festival promises ‘5 days of stripped back happiness for all’. For those seeking ocean adventures, surfing, coastal rafting, coasteering, paddle boarding, and swimming are all available activities throughout the festival. Back on dry land, activities include mountain biking, power kiting, falconry, rock climbing and so so much more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite you can completely forget about the festival food you have been exposed to before, as Somersault festival will be welcome you to long table feasts from Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’, River Cottage, The Ethicurean and Valentine Warner. I know I would take a River Cottage meal over an overpriced, undercooked burger in a stale bap any day. Once your body is tired, and your stomach is full of delicious food, the impressive range of circus, theatre, and dance, will keep you entertained throughout the day, who will no doubt wow you with a range of magnificent talent.
One side of festivals that are never dwelled upon is its affect on the environment. From the over exuberant lighting of every act, to the endless litter and swampish campsites. Somersault takes a fresh perspective. Their nominated charity this year is Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), which is an organisation attempting to keep our beaches and oceans safe and enjoyable for all. Last year, the charity coordinated off-site surf expeditions and curating an onsite programme of activity; featuring an art installation made of refuse and a range of acoustic sessions in their tent.
Overall, Somersault Festival promises to be a weekend of sun, sea, music, relaxation (and no doubt a few alcoholic beverages). So make yourself happy, and keep your bank a little fuller this summer.
Day Ticket from £75.00** / Long Weekend Tickets from £125.00**
For full ticket details please visit: www.somersaultfestival.com
