This year’s Vale Earth Fair will be held on Sunday 24 August featuring The Lovely Eggs and Big Special have been announced as the Castle Stage headliners.
The annual festival is held at Vale Castle, and has previously attracted some big names including Bob Vylan, Skindred, Roots Manuva, Buzzcocks, Alabama 3, the Four Owls, Asian Dub Foundation, the Jungle Brothers, and Neville Staple.
The first of this year’s headliners has a certain degree of pedigree which should sway some of those familiar with the legend of punk that is Iggy Pop.
The rock and roll hall of fame inductee is a self-confessed fan of The Lovely Eggs, and dedicated one of his BBC 6 Music shows to their work. The pair collaborated with the Godfather of Punk on the single ‘I, Moron’ which went on to claim the number one slot in both the Official U.K. Physical and Vinyl charts.
They’re not riding the coattails of a rock legend though, standing on their own four feet firmly.
Despite having no management, booking agent, record label or publisher, their album ‘I am Moron’ shot to Number One in the Official UK Independent Charts and they continue to sell out shows across the country.
The second headliners for this year’s VEF, Big Special, have recently released a deluxe edition of their debut album ‘Postindustrial Hometown Blues’, featuring remixes, demos and live recordings.
The Duo of Joe and Cal write about desperation and struggle, about a Britain in decline, and about finding pride in your darkest moments. They write about class consciousness, but at the same time their songs of hope, and despair, and more hope, because, ultimately, good people win.
Big Special have recently released a deluxe edition of their debut album ‘Postindustrial Hometown Blues’, featuring remixes, demos and live recordings.
The expanded version of their UK Top 40 album includes new interpretations from Andy Bell, Public Service Broadcasting, Robbie Major of Benefits, Sleaford Mods, and Simon Scott’s Three Quarter Skies project.
Tickets are available for the VEF online HERE with proceeds supporting Safer, the Linda Norgrove Foundation, and Burma Campaign UK.
It’s taking place on Sunday 24 August, from midday to midnight, and will feature over 50 acts across their six stages.
Adult early bird tickets cost £20, Under-18 early bird tickets cost £15, both of which come with a £1 booking fee, except for children under 12 who can go for free.
If you can’t wait until this summer to get a fix of live music with a Vale Earth Fair flavour, there’s a DJ night at the De La Rue this Saturday, (8 March), for International Women’s Day.
“It’s going to be a great night while the Lo Fidelity Sparkles Bitches and friends keep everyone dancing all night long!” said a spokesperson.
“Come along from 8pm until late and support our lady DJs on the decks.”