Just when the notion of summer festivals was receding into distant memory, along comes Lodgefest to usher in what is forecast to be a scorcher of a weekend, both literally and figuratively.
Postponed due to the government’s continued flip-flopping on lifting restrictions, the family-friendly event organised by well-loved local radio station 1BTN, will now take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July at Bentley Farm in Ringmer, just a 20-minute drive from Brighton.
For anyone familiar with 1BTN, the station has an all-inclusive policy towards music with local DJs given free rein to play the tunes they love. Many of these DJs will be busting out acid house, balearic beats, ambient melodies, jazz, funk, soul, reggae, world, and maybe a bit of old-school techno, hip hop, drum’n’bass and rave to get your feet stomping. They will no doubt be as delighted to be playing live as the festivalgoers, who have been waiting 18 long months to dance to live music in the sun and under the stars.
The line-up will run across two stages from 11am to 11pm. The 1BTN Love Wagon hosts the likes of 1BTN residents Jayne Winstanley and General Legsta, amongst many others, and with a secret guest headliner to be announced; all we can say is he will be giving English Lessons and Playing Music For The Mature B-Boy! The Chill Out Tent organised by Chris Coco will be providing laid-back beats from DJs such as Mixmaster Morris and live performances from Samantha Whates and Dexter Scott.
A fascinating string of ‘night flight movies’ will be shown when the music stops and possibly a silent disco or two. A huge campfire will keep you warm and nourished with chatter into the night. You won’t go hungry with Wendy’s Old Skool Bus & Kitchen providing soul food and a fully stocked bar of local ales will be on sale to wash it down.
If the many activities for kids on-site aren’t enough to keep them occupied, there is a lovely woodland nextdoor offering Branching Out Adventures at a 10% discount if booked in advance.
1BTN founder Mickey Jukes says “At a meagre £40 for an adult weekend camping ticket and only £10 for children, this is a bit of a steal but we wanted to put on an accessible and affordable event for people to come and enjoy themselves. With this being the first weekend back without restrictions and one of the first proper festival events in nearly 18 months, it promises to be a bit special!”
Very limited tickets remaining, so grab one here quick!