Badly Drawn Boy to headline West Sussex festival

Badly Drawn Boy is among 17 acts confirmed for The Wake Festival this summer as it returns to West Sussex.

The festival takes place in the beautiful woodlands and countryside at Loxwood Meadow (Loxwood, near Billingshurst, RH14 0AL), on the fringes of the South Downs National Park.

Spokeswoman Ali O’Malley said: “The Wake Festival has announced details of the full line-up for its third year. The festival, set up by Green Man founders Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan, will take place on Saturday, August 29 and will see The Tubs, Radhika, Hero Fisher, Elizabeth Alker, Studio Electrophonique, Joe Wilkes, Justin Robertson, Stuart Bailie and more appearing alongside headliner Badly Drawn Boy as 17 acts appear over its three stages.”

The full line-up and running order is: The Woodland Stage: Badly Drawn Boy, The Tubs, Radhika, Studio Electrophonique, Hero Fisher, Meet Your Heroes, The Grand Old Echo, Amelia and the Housewives.

The Meadow Stage: in conversation – Elizabeth Alker, Stuart Bailie, Owen Williams, Sam Reid. Five Green Moons – live. DJ set Justin Robertson.

The Crooked Hut Stage: The Grand Old Echo, Jo Bartlett & Neil Haydock, Joe Wilkes.

Children's Area: Modcaf synth workshops, Story Telling, Nature Makers.

“Gates will open at noon, and as in previous years the event will feature, great food, craft beers and bar, the glorious Loxwood Mead, camping and much fun!”

Tickets are adult £40; 7-14 years £15; under 7s free. Camping pitches £25. Free on-site car parking. For full details and more information, visit the festival’s new, revamped website https://thewake.uk/

For tickets, https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-wake/loxwood-meadow/3526768#op1

Ali talks you through the acts:

“Perhaps best known for the Mercury Award winning album The Hour of Bewilderbeast and the soundtrack to Nick Hornby’s film About A Boy, Damon Gough (AKA Badly Drawn Boy) continues to write and produce new music and perform live to sell-out audiences.

“Formed in 2018 by Owen Williams alongside previous members of his cult-band Joanna Gruesome, The Tubs have released two albums and two EPs. The collective's work extends to running a music studio, video production and a publishing imprint for poetry and lyrics.

“Radhika create Scottish dream pop, featuring Radhika Meera Dade on vocals and guitar, their current single Starry Eyes includes special guest contributions from Teenage Fanclub’s Gerard Love and Mitch Mitchell of The Pastels.

“Joining them on the Woodland Stage will be Studio Electrophonique, the solo project of singer-songwriter James Leesley. One of the most interesting and original musical outfits to emerge from Sheffield's current independent scene.

“Hero Fisher is a UK based singer-songwriter whose music is a compelling blend of rock/americana/folk ballads. Her career so far, includes opening for legends like The Rolling Stones and Neil Young at Hyde Park.

“There will be live music on the Crooked Hut Stage from 7pm onwards. Headlined by The Grand Old Echo, who also appear earlier on in the day on the Woodland Stage. They will be joined by The Wake organiser Jo Bartlett and her current musical partner Neil Haydock, who will release their debut album North Sixteen the day before. Also appearing on the Crooked Hut Stage is acclaimed folk singer and guitarist Joe Wilkes.

“Together, The Grand Old Echo create their affectionately named City-Folk sound – witty and poignant story telling about life, death and everything in between, delivered through triple harmonies and the occasional rap verse, all laid over a variety of traditional folk instruments.

“Meet Your Heroes are an instrumental jazz-rock trio from Brighton. Their music blends guitar melodies, swampy grooves, mathy riffs and deadly improvisation into a heady fusion brew.

“Also from Brighton, Amelia & The Housewives get compared to C86 bands which they find confusing as they are trying to sound like The Impressions. Their debut album is out in June.”