UK’s ‘most beautiful festival’ sees stars perform at Valley Fest

Valley Fest returns to Somerset this year with food, fun and of course great music. Set on a lush, idyllic farm near the village of Chew Magna, the South West Festival offers visitors the chance to relax, soak up the sun and dance to great beats.

This year, there’s an impressive line-up, with stars from the 70s to the present, from as close as London to as far away as the US, from pop stars to rappers to disco divas. Whatever your music taste, there’s bound to be something for you on the farm this year.

Regenerative farmer Luke Hasell founded the festival in 2014 in honour of his parents. He has raised over £70,000 for charity to date and has partnered with former Glasto supporters Yeo Valley and Arcadia.

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“Eclectic as ever – from pop to rock, disco to DJs and everything in between, everyone should be on my turf celebrating our big birthday,” he said. “Full of wholesome fun, families – you’ll find something for your toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents.”

But the highlight of the festival comes in the evening, when the sun sets over the lake, casting its orange glow as far as the eye can see. Then there is a performance by a Rolls Royce jet engine called ‘Afterburner’ and an electrifying act by the ‘Lord of Lightning’.

Social media users were quick to show their excitement for the upcoming festival. One user declared: “I can’t wait, it’s by far the best festival in the UK.” Another wrote: “It looks great,” and a third added: “I can’t wait.”

We’ve put together a handy guide to some of this year’s biggest headliners.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Queen of 00s disco-inspired pop Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a must-see for festival-goers next month. With eight top ten hits to her name, you may remember her #1 hit at the turn of the millennium, Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

Last year, Ellis-Bextor enjoyed a resurgence in popularity following her 2001 hit Murder on the dance floor seen in the movie salt fire, complete with Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan’s character dancing naked to the track. The scene catapulted the decades-old hit back to #2 in the UK charts and #51 in the US charts, making it her first US hit.

Let’s hope the audience keeps their clothes on!

Small Tempah

London-based rapper Tinie Tempah has arguably more hits and star-studded collaborations than anyone else headlining this year. He first broke through in 2010 with his #1 debut single Pass out. Other number one hits include: REST IN PEACE with Rita Ora and Written in the stars with Eric Turner.

The Earthquake singer is sure to shake the ground at Valley Fest with his catalogue of hits; his songs include collaborations with JLS, Jess Glynne, Rita Ora, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, Swedish House Mafia, Labrinth and Destiny’s Child alumnus Kelly Rowland.

Besides his music career, Tinie Tempah still finds time to run the entertainment company Disturbing London.

The feeling

You probably recognize the pop rock band The Feeling from their BRIT Award nominated song Fill my little world: “Hey, show me some love, you ain’t so tough / Come fill my little world, fill it all up.” The upbeat song sold over 400,000 copies and spawned hits like I appreciate it when you call.

The 2006 #18 hit may have been ahead of its time, but it deals with ghosting in a prescient way, lamenting, “I love it when you call / But you never call at all!”

We have a feeling that The Feeling, with their sunny, infectiously cheerful repertoire, will be a great addition to the line-up.

Sister Sledge

Certified legends Sister Sledge, who got their start in the 70s, will still be performing to a happy audience at Valley Fest this year half a century later. Formed, as the name suggests, by three sisters, their biggest hit is the aptly titled We are family.

Tragically, original member Joni Sledge is no longer with us and another original member Kim Sledge has retired from the family band. Original member Debbie, however, continues to tour with her daughter Camille and bandmate Tanya.

At Glastonbury Festival there is often talk of a “legend slot” filled by the biggest veteran acts spanning generations. If Valley Fest had its own legend slot, Sister Sledge would be more than worthy candidates to fill it.

Valley Fest will take place this year from Thursday August 1st to Sunday August 4th. You can check out the full line-up on their website.