The Waterboys, Show of Hands, Larkin Poe, Nizlopi, Emily Barker, Moulettes etc
Sherborne Castle, Dorset
Saturday 13 June
11am-11pm
Having just released the album of their career in the shape of Modern Blues, The Waterboys bring their swirling, heady blend of folk, rock, blues and soul to headline the second annual Behind the Castle music festival.
Set against the imposing backdrop of Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and home to the Digby family since 1617, Behind the Castle is a perfect one-day distillation of the classic summer festival.
In other words, it’s all about the music – and there’s lots of it!
By the time Mike Scott leads The Waterboys on stage, those lofty Castle walls will have heard some 17 acts perform on three stages and all for less than the price of a camping pass at most festivals.
“Last year’s first Behind the Castle was so well received by the performers and audience alike, we wasted no time in planning this year’s event,” says festival director Ian Lyster, 27.
“The aim is to present a full day of the finest music on an incredible site with an easy-going, relaxed atmosphere. The one-day format, with or without overnight camping, offers the chance to soak up a real music festival atmosphere without the need for taking weekday holidays.”
Also appearing are British acoustic roots force Show of Hands, whose critically acclaimed album Centenary: Words and Music of the Great War provided a poignant soundtrack to last year’s commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.
Behind the Castle is particularly pleased to present American roots rock duo Larkin Poe, all the way from Atlanta, Georgia. Fronted by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, they’ve been feted by the likes of Elvis Costello and Conor Oberst and the release of their debut album, Kin, last year has them marked for stardom.
Chart topping festival favourites Nizlopi bring their irresistible blend of upbeat acoustic melodies and jaw dropping beatbox skills; Australian singer songwriter Emily Barker will again demonstrate why she’s one of the hottest acts of the summer festival circuit, as will last year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. Meanwhile, indie-folk darlings Moulettes are a great early bet for band of the day.
Behind the Castle is rightly proud of its family-friendly credentials with superb facilities, free entry for carers for the disabled, excellent food stalls run by local producers and a range of trade stalls, not to mention the brilliant kids area run by the amazing Jumparoo. There will also be a special kids concert led by popular acoustic duo Megson – always a favourite.
Local beers, ciders and wines are served from the festival’s three bars.
Full details at www.behindthecastle.co.uk.
