I must admit, this was my first venture into the world of the festival, and as I loaded the car with far too many clothes (you really must pack for all weathers in the UK) I was filled with trepidation – what had I agreed to? My worries were quashed upon arrival as we walked through the beautiful grounds of Deer Park and found a hidden piece of the campsite in which to pitch our tent for the weekend.

Walking into the festival I was taken aback at the backdrop, a large “Big Chill” Hollywood-esque sign took pride of place across the lake, filled with waterlily sculptures, with pathways lit by large fairylights. Even with 30,000 revellers enjoying the vast array of foods and entertainment it didn’t feel busy, the entire weekend had an extremely laid back, friendly and welcoming vibe.

Main stage headliners on the first evening were Basement Jaxx, who wowed with their energetic performance, famous hits and over-the-top costumes; although my highlight of the night was Tim Minchin over on the comedy stage, where people were constantly jostling to get into the tent. The long walk back to the tent (it was now that I realised why nobody else had camped in our idyllic spot) was made better with candy floss from the fun fair.

As the sun shone through the tent on day two, I awoke not only to my significant other making me tea, but to relative quietness, I was amazed. We spent the morning wandering through the Art Trail and the Art Car Boot Fair, a tranquil hideaway with its own music stage supplied by Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. Even though more party-goers had arrived today the atmosphere was still quite peaceful, a fact solidified by the amount of families walking around the grounds. Orbital’s comeback performance on the main stage was fantastic, and the crowd agreed, their set lasted over an hour and was enjoyed by all. I finished off the day with tea (from a teapot and teacups) and cup cakes at Mr Scruff’s Tea Party, where Mr Scruff himself played Latin themed music until the early hours.

I was excited by the comedy line-up on day three, Russell Howard, Noel Fielding and Dylan Moran, and was not disappointed, for the most part. A packed out comedy tent only started to empty when Noel Fielding took the stage and had trouble engaging with the audience. Having popped over to have my photograph taken at Rankin Live, the rest of the day was spent sitting by the side of the lake and basking in the sun – something I later regretted as I managed to burn through my factor 40 sunblock. David Byrne was last to take to the main stage, and was received well, but was in danger of being shown up by his 80’s back-up dancers.

I left Eastnor and Big Chill tired, extremely sunburnt, and fulfilled. The festival had ticked all of my boxes, fun, friendly and frivolous, it was all that I had hoped for and a little more. Would I go back next year? Definitely, it’s a world away from reality and you really feel as though the other 30,000 visitors revelling with you are there for the friendly atmosphere, and the entertainment. Big Chill really is a hidden gem in the summer festival crown.

Rebecca Laing

http://www.bigchill.net/festival

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Rebecca Laing

1 Comment for Big Chill Festival

Harriet Ellis

Great article. You’ve made me even more disappointed that i couldn’t make Big Chill this year. It’s definitely a festival unlike any other. The fact it gets overlooked by the masses in my opinion is what keeps that special, intimate vibe that other festivals lost many years ago, or simply never had. Hope to see you there next summer!

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