Taking place at Castle Hill, North Devon 23-27 July, Somersault Festival returns for 2015 with slightly wider horizons and a host of collaborators. “Somersault returns after a debut sell-out that touched the hearts and minds of all attendees The mix of outward bound activities, surfing, long table feasts, swimming in the river, theatre, circus, great music and forest parties proved a winning formula which we’re recreating this year for a slightly bigger audience,” explains organiser John Empson. “The Mumfords label Communion return to curate three days of great music, Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, Valentine Warner, The Ethicurian and River Cottage will be producing feasts, Jo Whiley will host a Garden Party in the West Wing of the house at Castle Hill, Chai Wallahs will take over the forest for nightime partying and that’s just a taste of what will be on offer.” And here’s a taste of the music on show, a playlist of personal picks from the boss.
Laura Marling – False Hope
“Laura encapsulates so much of what Somersault is about bringing her dreamy, bucolic, sun-drenched and hypnotic sounds to North Devon, This will be a moment to savour.”
Bombay Bicycle Club – Home By Now
“Bombay Bicycle Club’s only 2015 festival appearance outside of London will be a momentous event. We can already see the girls on shoulders singing back every word on Saturday night as the party starts”.
Passenger – Let Her Go
“Mike Rosenberg’s folk-tinged indie pop went global on release of this track and will inspire mass sing alongs, tears and love in front of the Castle Hill MainStage on Sunday night.”
Crystal Fighters – Love Is All I Got
“‘There’s no party like a Crystal Fighters party!’ We can’t think of a better act to headline Somersault than this band of madcap Anglo-Spanish folk electro psychedelic warriors. They’ll ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their faces and warm memories.”
The Staves – Steady
“The Staves beautiful, Justin Vernon-produced, second album If I Was blends wistful British folk with laurel Canyon-era Americana. These Watford born sister’s emotionally powerful harmonising will bring our little valley to life on the Friday night.”
Jimmy Cliff – You Can Get It If You Really Want
“The legend that is Jimmy Cliff will inspire a serious Sunday afternoon party, this will be a huge highlight of Somersault.”
Benjamin Clementine – Condolence
“Bejamin Clementine was literally picked of the streets of Paris and put on to Jools Hollands’ Later, inspiring rave reviews and justified hyperbole. Compared to Anthony Hegarty or Nina Simone, he’s a rare and very special artist who we expect to soar into the hearts and minds of festival goers.”
Angus & Julia Stone – A Heartbreak
“These Australian folk and blues siblings have strong roots in the South West having ploughed a solid path around the surf beaches and venues of Devon and Cornwall early in their career. They will get a heroes welcome as they return on the back of their Rick Rubin produced second album for an exclusive festival appearance in the South West.”
Bear’s Den – Above The Clouds Of Pompeii
“Bear’s Den return to Somersault after headlining the Communion stage in 2014. The release of their second album Islands on Communion records has established this warm indie/folk trio as real contenders and we welcome them to the mainstage on Friday afternoon.”
Lucy Rose – Middle Of The Bed
“Lucy Rose also make the step up from 2014’s appearance to headline the Communion Stage as her inspiring folk/pop sounds go mainstream.”
Amber Run – I Found
“Amber Run featured on many ‘one’s to watch’ lists in 2015 and have already fulfilled that destiny with the release of their incredible 5am album. Somersault is all about supporting emerging music from the South West and further afield.”
For more, including the full line-up and the latest ticket news, head to Somersaultfestival.com.
