BBC Introducing

The Hobgoblin stage will be hosting some of the UK’s finest talent, carefully picked by music industry experts and compered by BBC introducing DJs.

Representing Wales are Shy and the Fight, Joshua Caole, Heavy Petting Zoo and Eric Unseen. Seven piece alternative folk-pop collaboration Shy and the Fight are no strangers to festivals, having recently returned from appearances in Croatia. You may recognise their track ‘How To Stop An Imploding Man’, as it was used in the Jack Wills’ recent advertising campaign. Joshua Caole spent most of last year on the road with The Smoke Fairies and Slaid Cleaves, building an army of fans ahead of the release his debut album ‘Moon Palace’. Swansea based garage rock band Heavy Petting Zoo have been entertaining audiences during their lively shows since 2010 and are well liked for their short and to-the-point pop songs. Phill Jupitus describes the bands’ sound as ‘incredible’. Eric Unseen will be changing from their usual format to perform a rare show as a trio at Wychwood.

The constant flow of fantastic new bands emerging from Bristol is showing no sign of relenting and we welcome four acts in the shape of Empror & Duppy Beatz, Katey Brooks, Phantom Limb and Rozi Plain. Urban act Empror & Duppy Beatz are past winners of Teenage Rampage and have recently performed at The Royal Albert Hall and alongside Delilah, Benga, Miss Dynamite and Chase & Status on the BBC 1xtra live tour. Having gained praise from BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, Katey Brooks has gained a loyal following, propelling her debut album ‘Proof of Life’ to number one in the Amazon Folk Chart. You can expect melancholy ‘folked up soul’, with nimble guitar finger-picking and deep, rich vocals. One listen to Phantom Limb and you instantly find yourself transported to an unexplored crossroads between country music and old style R&B. The band’s rich, heady mix of country and classic soul sounds like it should originate from a sleepy town in America. Front woman Yolanda Quartey has performed with Nitin Sawhney, Chase & Status, Massive Attack, Adele and Dizzee Rascal. Rozi Plain is currently working on a follow up to her debut album Inside Over Here. The unassuming charm of her live show has led to tours all over the world including supporting Devendra Banhart, James Yorkston and Viking Moses.

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire have uncovered some gems for us including Satsangi, Sixtyfours, Stylusboy and The Moonshines. Hailing from Leamington Spa and Kerala, India, Satsangi bring out the best of global music, producing a cocktail of Hindu transience, ballsy rock ‘n’ roll, tripped out psych, with lyrics from Sanskrit to trash! The group are frequently featured on the MTV Roots Show on MTV and have been praised by Rolling Stone in India. Another band fusing styles are Sixtyfours. This band has an infectious sound, wandering through hip-hop, rock and funk and has taken to the stage with Mercury Music Prize nominee Ghostpoet and New York legends Fun Lovin’ Criminals. Stylusboy’s performances are intimate and personal, inviting listeners into his world. A champion of the hard working DIY musician, Stylusboy has handmade CDs and often plays shows in peoples’ living rooms. The Moonshines are already incredibly popular locally and are set to impress at Wychwood.

A Poetic Yesterday and The Black Acid Band will be representing Hereford and Worcester. Drawing on influences from punk, grunge and good old fashioned rock, A Poetic Yesterday have a fanatical fan base, hooked on their catchy pop-punk anthems. The Black Acid Band describe their sound as a misshapen Frankenstein, brought to life by means of a furious, amp-melting collection of riffs that combine angular and awkward progression.

Making the short trip from Oxford are four top bands, Gunning for Tamar, Half Decent, Secret Rivals and Wild Swim. Gunning for Tamar have received support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1 and been widely played on XFM and BBC 6 Music as well as being selected as NME’s breakthrough track of the week. Dancing shoes at the ready for Half Decent’s journey through hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass, R’n'B and dubstep complete with thought-provoking lyrics and witty wordplay. Half Decent has recently supported a number of huge acts such as Example, Chipmunk and Hot Chip. Influenced by 80s and 90s indie bands, Secret Rivals create sonically arresting indie-pop with oscillating melodies, conversant rallying vocals and a medley of punky razor sharp riffs. Wildswim started as over five years ago, aged just 14. Their music has aged well with the band creating epic songs with ever increasing sophistication and intricacy.

Wiltshire bands Crash and the ‘Coots, Super Squarecloud, Theo Altieri and Daine & Myles will also be playing on the Hobgoblin stage. Crash and the ‘Coots have a hyperactive style of lo-fi alternative pop with songs recorded in bedrooms with homemade instruments and noisy toys. Sitting somewhere between pop and chaos, Super Squarecloud mix the brash with the delicate, to both bizarre and beautiful effect. The band use angular raw guitar, charmingly simple melodic phrases, off kilter rhythms and unexpected time changes. Swindon teenager and musical wizard Theo Altieri lays down complex layers on stage with pedals, guitars and a drum machine. Theo recently won Best British Male Artist on Amazing Radio. The Wiltshire contingent is completed with exciting young duo Daine and Myles.

The final acts completing the BBC introducing line-up on the Hobgoblin stage are the finest local acts from Gloucestershire. We welcome George Montague, Harbour, Pink Crudge Caravan and The Flex. Singer-songwriter George Montague plays piano from the heart. His music is an eclectic array of genres forming an energetic vintage funk driven bluesy sound. Hotly tipped Cheltenham quintet Harbour are one of the most catchy folk bands around and have already drawn comparisons to Death Cab For Cutie. Pink Crudge Caravan have a sound which they describe simply as ‘crudge’. Their sound is raw, like a cross between early Stones and The Clash. Cotswold band The Flex’s appearance at Wychwood coincides with the launch of their debut single ‘Victory’, created in partnership with Britain’s Wheelchair Basketball Teams, in the run up to their bid for glory at the Paralympics this summer.

Pomme Stage Bands

The Pomme stage will be showcasing the best emerging talent from Gloucestershire. The Friday line-up opens with brand new band Touch of the Sun, who have already been compared to bands such as Foals and City & Colour, performing a mixture of original material and unique versions of songs by artists such as Sam Sparro and Depeche Mode. University of Gloucestershire student Ellie Dussek will be performing her witty and soulful songs with influences including Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Bob Dylan and Ray Lamontagne. A raggedy group of misfit, militant musicians, KSH and the Going Goods claim they were formed in an attempt by the United Nations to give music a human form. Look out for their energetic performance. Echoing the spirit of Neil Young and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Andy Oliveri writes simple folk songs with his heart on his sleeve and words from a bared soul. Closing the Pomme stage on Friday night are The Cadbury Sisters, who sing folk inspired pop songs in perfect three part harmonies that come as naturally to them as being sisters. The Cadbury Sisters have been captivating audiences with their beautiful, lilting melodies and self-written songs about loves lost and won.

Saturday’s offering of local acts begins with an all-girl student duo Dusk, who blend pop and raw folk to compliment the harmonic interplay between the vocals and violin to make for an enchanting listening experience. 20 year old songwriter Alex McConnachie takes to the stage with a sound that’s a cross between the English folk of Nick Drake to the experimental noise of Sonic Youth. Jim Wain has been plying his unique trade around Cheltenham for the last year. His stripped back and catchy songs teamed with his smooth vocal style are sure to create a homely, warm performance. Likened to Biffy Clyro and well known for their riotous full band performances, I, The Lion will be playing a rare stripped back acoustic set. The final act on the Pomme stage on Saturday night is Swift Manouver, whose music is an unusual fusion of alternative and reggae.

Acoustic folk singer Jake Watson will be performing a relaxed Sunday session, followed by Funky Horse Milk, whose genre meandering songs make them many peoples’ guilty pleasure. Welcome to Marathon began when three of the members were working at a summer camp in the States teaching rock instruments to kids. On their return to the UK, the band formed and will be playing tunes from their eponymous debut EP on the Pomme stage this summer. Mixing folk, rock and country styles, acoustic act Stressechoes will be playing new tunes and tracks from their debut album “Bitter Acoustic Noise”. The Pomme stage will draw to a close with a performance by Danny and the Bachelors. This four piece band from Cheltenham combine skilled musicianship with stunning vocal harmonies, playing a mixture of original material and cleverly re-worked reggae and ska cover versions.

The Healing Gardens

As always you are assured a warm welcome at the Healing Gardens where our lovely therapists and healers are once again offering a fabulous selection of relaxing and beneficial treatments for your body, mind and soul. Book early to avoid disappointment, or drop by, chill out and soak up the festival atmosphere while you wait.

This years treatments include Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Hopi Ear Candling, Traditional (Swedish) Body Massage, Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Tui Na Chinese Massage, seated acupressure massage, osteopathy and yoga.

Artists and Makers

We have a great variety of artists, makers and sculptors looking coming along to Wychwood this summer. There will be a sculpture garden built by David Meredith and a festival art gallery. Come and have a look, come and be inspired. It’s more than just a gallery though, if you want to get involved many of the artists are providing workshops and demonstrations. This is a fantastic space to express your own creativity, surrounded by beautiful artwork. The workshops are informal, just drop in any time. If it’s busy and there’s something specific you want to have a go at we’ll book you a session.

As well as David with his animal sculpture, John Milner (Geckoman) will be there and this year Sean Keefe of the famous Muggins pottery will be running a clay workshop. His quirky creatures are always popular and he’ll be sharing a few tricks for how to make your own. Great for the kids – of all ages! Jim Hancock will be bringing his potters wheel and assures us that anyone can learn to throw a pot. It’s great fun whatever the result.

Pottery painting, decorating and decoupage workshops will be lead by ceramic artist Sarah Stoker, with textile artists Victoria England and Julia Hague bringing work with fabric into that mix. Stella Parslow will be demonstrating her skills as a painter and running art workshops, so there’s something for everybody if you want to get creative.

Be the DJ at Headphone Disco!

Now is your chance to vote for the tunes you want to hear at the Wychwood Festival Headphone Disco! What tracks would you like our DJs to spin? Cast your vote now or let us know your suggestions on our facebook page.

We are also offering a chance for aspiring DJs to win a chance to take to the decks and play some songs to the crowd. Please get in touch if you would like to be considered.

Tickets Selling Fast

With less than a month to go to Wychwood 2012, now is the time to book your day or weekend tickets, if you’ve not done so already. To book, simply call us on 01993 772580. For information on all ticket types and prices, please visit our ticket page.

Expect powerful riffs, wandering bass lines, huge Bonhamesque drums and the occasional touch of melancholic and melodic serenity, nestled in like city pigeons amongst a sky-scraping musical soundscape. Take the driving guitar riffs of the 70’s, ram them down the throat of today and standing in front of you, you will find East of the Sun

What is it?! A 45 mile cycle along the Sustrans National Cycle network, starting in Bristol and winding alongside the river Severn, passing through Berkely, Frampton on Severn and Gloucester, en route to the festival.

When? The ride will leave Bristol Temple Meads at 8am on Friday, and will aim to arrive at the festival, and have you on site, tents popped up and ready for the first bands on Friday eve. If you live along the route, and would like to partake, get in touch and ‘roll up’ will sort something out.

What happens on Monday? There will be a bike shuttle service, including luggage transfer, to Cheltenham Spa train station all day Monday.

But I am novice! The route is relatively flat, and some even on a canal. If you haven’t ridden a bike in years, its worth getting out before the ride, but it will be a gentle pace.

What about lunch? ‘Roll up’ are culinary cyclists and will being laying on a vegetarian picnic to satisfy your needs.

What’s the damage? The ride, which includes lunch and baggage transfer will cost £20, which must be paid in advance.

Roll up is a Sustrans Active Travel Champions Project. For more information or to register, contact rolluponbikes@gmail.com or call 07763 183 938.

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