Our stages and other areas
The Main Stage
Prepare to be entertained by a mix of local and international superstars.
The John Green Stage
Eclectic doesn’t even come close to covering it. Well, I suppose it’s close. Okay, it explains it really well. Come and drink and watch and dance and repeat
The Upstage
Awesome music and entertainment
Village Green
A quintessentially British experience. Brass bands, crochet, arts and crafts’ workshops, cake, singing and dancing plus great competitions. And it wouldn’t be a village green without a tea tent, would it?
Kids Area
Plenty of free stuff for your little ones. Let their imaginations run wild with our arts and crafts creative corner. There will be storytelling, performances, interactive circus skills and so much more
The Marketplace
Plenty of festival fair to be found here. Whether you need a glitter or henna tattoo or those all important floral headbands. Bring money and shop!!!
Chalfeast
We have a fantastic range of culinary delights for you this year. Even the fussiest of foodies will be licking their lips.
Bars
We have alcohol. Come and buy some. 6 bars serving cider, lager, ale, Pimms, Prosecco and cocktails. All profits from the bars go back into Chalfest so really, you’re doing your bit by having a drink or two
Main Stage
Alexandra rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008 and currently stands as one of the most successful winners of the show selling well over 4 million records in the UK alone.
After winning The X Factor, Alexandra released the winner’s single ‘Hallelujah’, becoming the European record holder for single sales over a period of 24 hours, selling 105,000 in one day. The song also became the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK and the UK’s Christmas number one. By January 2009, the single had sold over one million copies in the UK alone, a first for a British female soloist.Her debut album, ‘Overcome’, debuted at number one in the UK Album Charts and spawned four number one singles.
In 2010, Alexandra released Overcome: Deluxe Edition which was followed by ‘Elephant’ with Eric Morillo in February 2012, becoming a hit single, with a peak position of number three in the UK. ‘Let It Go’ served as the second single and Alexandra’s second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012.
Alexandra has since performed as a leading lady on the West End Stage in Chess, Sister Act and is currently in a sell-out tour of The Bodyguard.
In amongst all this she has successfully toured and been a Strictly finalist.
Alexandra’s success since The X Factor is a testament to her strength and talent as one of the most distinguishable powerhouse voices in the UK.
Expect all the hits and so much more …
Reasons to be cheerful. Chalfest is over the moon to welcome musical royalty The Blockheads to the main stage.
Starting out as the band behind Ian Dury, the Blockheads are a legendary outfit that has grown in stature from the early days of the Stiff tour in 1977, right up to the present day. Backing up Ian Dury’s poetic lyrics, this is the band that brought you ‘Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick’, ‘What A Waste’, ‘Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3)’, and ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’, among many others.
Rarely off the road since the demise of Ian Dury in 2000, but now with Derek Hussey fronting the band, the Blockheads are still one of the most underrated British bands of all time, with a legion of fans of all ages.
Their last studio album, ‘Beyond the Call of Dury’, was released in November 2017, which lead into the 40th Anniversary of the band, and complements the upcoming documentary ‘The Blockheads: Beyond the Call of Dury’. It continues to show both their diversity and supreme quality, as well as showcasing their uniqueness.
Derek Hussey’s lyrics in the bands new songs keep the combination of poetry, word play, earthy humour and deadly-accurate observations of everyday, British working-class life, that Ian Dury had perfected, but with an added bite for the 21st century. Hussey is known to the bands followers as Dury’s best friend and minder, memorably singing with Ian and the band at a televised concert in the late 90’s.
Along with some new material, you can expect to hear “Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick”, “Wake Up And Make Love With Me”, “Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 3)”, “What A Waste”, “Clevor Trever”, “Sweet Gene Vincent” and many more from the illustrious back catalogue.
The Blockheads are fronted by Derek ‘The Draw’ Hussey, and Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher still remain from the original band. The current line-up is augmented by John Roberts on drums and a rolling line up of saxophonists that includes Gilad Atzmon, Terry Edwards and Dave Lewis.
It’s gonna be a blast Chalfest!!
Dust off the platforms, apply the glitter and get ready to dance and sing along to hit after hit after hit with BJÖRN AGAIN, the Australian ABBA show who will be appearing on Chalfest’s main stage in the afternoon bringing us one heck of a fun show. The enduring appeal of ABBA is reflected in the ongoing success of the Björn Again show having amassed 5,300 performances in 73 countries in 31years. With acknowledgement from ABBA’s blonde vocalist Agnetha Fältskog, Rod aims to keep his typically Australian production at the top and continue for as long as people want to hear the much-loved ABBA repertoire performed the way only the Björn Again show does.
RSVP are spearheading the renaissance of live Bhangra in the UK, opening doors for other artists and introducing Bhangra to mainstream audiences for the first time. From massive stages at Glastonbury (over 10 years) and Womad, to concert venues across the UK and Europe, they’re always guaranteed to get even the most reluctant on their feet, and leave audiences breathless with excitement.
RSVP Bhangra’s unique blending of Punjabi Indian music with dance beats and mainstream pop has created a new and irresistible sound that audiences everywhere love and keep on coming back for. Is it Dildar’s melodious voice and charismatic stage-presence, Judge’s deliciously engaging interactive involvement with the audience or perhaps Jeevan’s insistent dhol drumbeats – or even Cris and Puggy’ssharp rhythmic underscore that does it? Who knows? The resulting effect, however achieved, is immediately involving, compulsive and extremely addictive!
Every show comes with an introduction to Bhangra dance – everyone’s included with RSVP’s emphasis on partying Punjabi style. With musicians wholly rooted in an authentic living tradition, yet unafraid to innovate, this is the ultimate celebratory Indian music.
We are delighted to welcome back our fabulous Chalfest house band, Casual Six. Always happy to enter into the spirit of all things festival and fun, expect costumes, singalong hits and plenty of audience participation.
As always, our main stage opening act will be the fantastic Young Voices. A coming together of local primary schools but don’t be fooled. These kids pack a punch and will belt out some firm favourites for you.
The John Green Stage
Chalfest continues in its tradition of finding the world’s best tribute acts to headline the John Green Stage. You’ve lovedThe Secret Police, Bootleg Blondie and now Chalfest brings you the amazing Dolly Show.
Kelly O’Brien is the world’s best Dolly Parton impersonator.
Australian born singer and comedienne, Kelly has been entertaining for over 20 years.
Kelly first began singing country music at the age of 14. She has worked in musical theatre, pop, jazz and dance but returns to her first love with the world’s ultimate Dolly Parton tribute.
Kelly has won many awards in her long career, including the U.K National Tribute Awards – for 4 years running.
This fantastic Dolly Parton act performs around the world so expect all the hits, glitz and glamour. So dust off that cowboy hat, break out the boots and sing your country hearts out.
Stroud based Latin Swamp Blues band. Imagine a night out with Tom Waits and Ry Cooder to see Santana playing at The Buena Vista Social Club ;). This will be epic.
Out to take no prisoners, one of the UK’s foremost festival bands performing an eclectic mix of infectious feel-good songs rendered in their own inimitable style without a guitar in sight.
Since forming in 2014, the 7-piece band has evolved into a favourite live act on the music scene, unleashing electric ukulele mayhem at festivals across the UK with an impressive CV of over 150 bookings to match.
Plucking Different have shared the stage with Status Quo, Dr & The Medics, JP Aston, The Proclaimers, The Lambrettas, Chesney Hawkes and The Feeling.
Shady Past is a Rock ‘n ‘Roll band that brings the music of the 50’s kick-starting and crashing into the modern age.
The band consists of: Floyd on vocals, Shaun on lead guitar, Lloyd on double bass, Edgar on drums and Tim on guitar.
Last year’s highlight was rocking a packed marquee at the Crown & Sceptre’s Outer Fringe, Stroud, with our own style of revved up Rock ‘n’ Roll classics and original songs. Lets bring the house down at Chalfest this year.
Local favourites Tripwire will once again have you dancing in the John Green. Sing, dance and be merry as they never disappoint.
Formed in 2018, Stroud ‘Supergroup’ The Lost Submarines are a 4 piece guitar band with members that have been playing in and around Stroud Valleys in various guises for the last 30 years.
A huge range of musical influences culminate in an eclectic mix of new, original songs that reflect on our fragile social and political environmental.
Big fans of 70s soul and punk, post punk, 80s and 90s indie guitar bands and all songs that follow the quiet/loud formula, think Pixies meet Radiohead playing the Marshall Rooms after a few drinks.
The Strays are pushing rock ‘n’ roll to it’s limit, fusing a multitude of genres to create a unique vintage sound with a gritty, modern edge. Signed to Western Star Records and described as No Doubt meets Imelda May, The Strays performance style is larger than life, interactive, and deliciously unpredictable.
The Cheltenham based garage rock ‘n’ roll band’s debut album, “Drop Out Zone”, embodies the many influences of the band, irreverently mashing elements of blues, rock & roll, psychobilly, punk and pop. Released in 2019 it gained rave reviews and extended BBC radio airplay.
The buzz around these rock n roll rebels is palpable as they make their way through the UK and Europe in 2020 with a packed schedule of headline shows and festivals.
The Americana band from Stroud Gloucestershire UK
Mellow Alt Country and gritty Roots Rock on tap here!
The Bob Porter Project offer up a programme of soulful original songs and sympathetic covers influenced by modern day singer songwriters, and latter day stalwarts such as Tom Rush, Tom Waits, JJ Cale and Dylan.
Two critically acclaimed albums ’West of The Moon’ and ‘The Attic Tapes’ have both received airplay on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, with a new CD of original material due for launch during the summer of 2020.
The Bob Porter Project …. A band of classy musicians with experience across the genres … Rock … Country … Blues … Folk/Rock!
With its line up of 7 barmy, brassy, stomping, dancing musicians weave Balkan, Roma, Klezmer and Swing into an unabashed frenetic vibe! Resounding with admiration for Eastern European styles and vitality they will fill your ears with Balkan Stomp madness with performances of their original music, Roma favourites and the haunting echoes of Armenian and Macedonian Folk melodies.
Drawing upon combined experiences and musical influences, including years spent in Bosnia, Palestine, East Africa, and deepest Manchester, The Rubber Duck Orchestra create music which runs riot between Ukrainian melodies, contemporary Serbian grooves and New Orleans Jazz. They share a love of the ridiculous and their theatrical performances have an affinity with every crowd.
Their name dates back to their birth on a Barge on a Mancunian Canal seven years ago and since then they have entertained crowds throughout the UK with recent performances including The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, WOMAD UK, Boomtown Fair Festival, Kendal Calling, Bristol’s The Invisible Circus, Birmingham’s Hot Club de Swing and a collaboration with Beatboxer Jason Singh for The Rubber Duck Beatbox Orchestra.
London four-piece Khartoum formed in 2017 and draw musical influence from contemporaries such as Wolf Alice and Sunflower Bean alongside heroes Primal Scream and The Rolling Stones. They played their first ever live show at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, sound tracking the runway for Each X Other’s catwalk show. Since then they’ve built a loyal following tearing up stages at an eclectic array of London venues including Everyman Screen on The Green and at events such as Extinction Rebellion’s blockade of Marble Arch, London in 2019. The band’s monthly residency at London venue Laylow has seen the likes of Sir Mick Jagger dancing in the front row, and the COVID-19 crisis saw the band take to the venue’s rooftop to perform a set to locked down Londoners via a drone camera. The band have featured on Spotify’s Hot New Bands, Apple’s New Music Daily and been championed by CLASH, BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Festival performances have included Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall, Electric Picnic in Ireland and a performance at Glastonbury 2019 which was described by The Daily Telegraph as “capturing the true spirit of the festival” and “the essence of Rock n Roll”.
Stand-up poet, comedian and broadcaster, armchair revolutionary and walking shortbread tin, Elvis McGonagall resides at The Graceland Caravan Park somewhere in the back of beyond where he scribbles satirical verse whilst drinking malt whisky and listening to Johnny Cash.
A deftly witty wordsmith, sharp and subversive but not afraid to be plain daft, Elvis has been spitting his scurrilous diatribes against the powers that be since 2003. And look at the state of the world now. So that’s 17 years of futile ranting.
Thee Ones have been delivering their unique brand of original Soul / Funk for over 10 years. They have been playing all over the UK and been regulars on festival stages including Hope, Small World, Bimble Bandada and Glastonbury.
They are currently recording their third album which is being recorded and produced by Jim Barr of Get The Blessing and Portishead. This project follows on for their last album ‘Back Yard Boogaloo’ released by Ragged Moon Records in 2016 and their debut album ‘Eve Sessions’ was released back in 2012 along with their single version of ‘County Farm’ released only on vinyl 45.
Influences come from far and wide: Fela Kuti, Willie Bobo, Dr. John, The Stranglers, Deep Purple, Jimmy Smith, Bob Dylan, John Cooper Clark, Jackie Mittoo, The Mauskovic Dance Band and much, much more
Dubbu and Mendoza are well established as local promoters, DJ’s and vinyl enthusiasts. They masterminded Stroud Block Party which has gone down in local history as one of the best and biggest parties in a town that has seen more than its fair share of memorable parties.
Under their OverProof moniker they celebrate sound system culture exploring the connections between Dancehall, Hip Hop, Rare Groove and classic Reggae. As vinyl DJ’s they pride themselves on upholding the fine tradition of selectors that are seeking the right ‘version’ to set the party off.
‘We’re honoured to be part of Chalfest 2021, we’re looking forward to letting loose and we’ll be bringing a full on OverProof party set’’.
Approaching her twentieth anniversary with a fiery spirit and a sense of adventure that has never once wilted, Williams is an artist that continues to listen and learn from the greats while, at the same
time, undoubtedly becoming one herself. She released a collection of her most revered works spanning an impressive 20 year career, in the form of a gorgeous 20cd boxset via One Little Indian Records this August. Painstakingly curated by Williams herself, the boxset includes paintings by the artist, lyrics, stories and unheard demos from album sessions past
Paul is best known for his acting playing the part of Martin Mucklowe in the BAFTA winning BBC comedy, This Country, written and starring his children Daisy and Charlie.
Paul is also a musician and played in a band, Relay, from 1975 until 1982.
The first lockdown in March 2020 rekindled his love for song writing and he is back playing again with band members, Joe and Harry on guitars, Pete on bass and Louie on drums.
Village Green
Witness a spectacular display of uplifting, feel-good pop, rock and contemporary chart songs performed by national phenomenon, Rock Choir.
Unique in the UK, with over 30,000 members in over 400 local communities, Rock Choir offers an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir, with no auditions and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience.
Sing and dance along to members from Stroud Rock Choir who are thrilled to be at Chalfest for the first time! You will even get a chance to join them for a workshop culmination in you joining in with a performance.
The fabulous A2Z of Swing will be giving free Lindy hop lessons on the Village Green so why not loosen up with a lemonade or two and give it a go.
JSSO Project create original electronic live dub for performance. The band are made up of six members playing sax, trombone, trumpet, melodic and guitar keys, laptop, sequencer, programmed loops and analogue on stage mixer. Instruments are mixed live on stage giving performances an improvised spontaneity. The band often work with special guests for specific gigs and recorded tracks including Rider Shafique, JPDL and Grove. They have played Boomtown, Jazz Stroud and headlined at the Rooftop Festival. The JSSO sound is bass heavy with bright spaced out uplifting brass and moves between heavy dub to dub step. JSSO make music for clubs, festivals and, inevitably, music for dance.
Our four local schools will be running their own in house competitions leading up to Chalfest which will see each of their respective winners performing on the Village Green stage. Singing, dancing, comedians and even fully formed bands have graced this slot before so don’t be shy, enter your school’s talent show.
ALTHOUGH rooted in the late 19th century (formed in 1885), Chalford Band is a modern, forward looking organisation and flourishing as never before with three thriving competitive ensembles. Back for the fourth consecutive year the band are a firm fixture at Chalfest and are pretty darn good too.
Another firm fixture at Chalfest the singers and dancers of Ballyhoo are sure to bring a ridiculous level of energy and talent. Expect tap, modern, jazz and a stage filled to the brim with talent. Spare a thought for the wonderful teachers who put this all together and definitely earn their ‘herding kittens’ badges.
Helen and her team of ladies surprise us each year. All amateurs who enjoy exercising and performing in their spare time, they are guaranteed to get you tapping your feet with their boundless energy. Such fun!
Kids Entertainment
SK Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who makes all kinds of music using just his mouth and a mic.
Join this sonic superhero and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged 1 or 101!
A Silly Science PERFORMANCE is fun for all the family – entertaining grown ups as well as children with lots of science, silliness and plenty of audience participation.
Andy Seed writes books for kids which are full of facts, jokes, amazing stories, wildlife, quizzes, things to do and charming pictures. He’s a big fan of cheese and table tennis, and the word is that his two recent nature books, The Clue is in the Poo and A Giant Dose of Gross are not to be missed under any circumstances.
Thomas Trilby entertains all ages with his traditional show. Lots of circus skills, big visual comedy, audience participation, fire juggling and a big finale make a great show for everyone to enjoy. You will also find him walking and cycling around the festival in various guises entertaining as he goes.
The fabulous School of Larks will be on hand to teach your children how to use a diablo, slackline, to juggle and entertain, all in the safe environment of the kids area.
The ever so popular climbing wall is back with qualified instructors on hand all through the day and evening to ensure your kids have a great time.
Yet another free space where your wee ones can make festival apparel or just sit and glue, stick, colour and paintings.
A wonderful area where your children can whittle away to their hearts content, all under the expert supervision of the fabulous Woodland School teachers of Nature Connections.
Such a great addition to last years Chalfest. Come and stand in the glittery wonderland that is the horsebox karaoke and hit all those notes. Sing like no-one is watching!!!
Silent Disco is back with our good friends at Back to the Disco. We will have 3 very different DJs attempting to entice you onto their channel. Booking information to follow.
CrazyBird Comedy Tent
Building on the success of last year’s festival, the CrazyBird Comedy Club is immensely proud to teaming up with Chalfest once again to bring top class professional stand-up to Chalfest 2020. The CrazyBird Comedy Tent will be open for business from 17.30-20.30 and on show will be some of the very best professional Stand-Up comedians from the UK circuit.
‘One of Britain’s funniest men’ – The Radio Times 2013
Geoff has over 20 years on the stand-up circuit. During which time he has established himself as a comedian and popular compere. His funny, strong, versatile act lends itself to any occasion. He has a wealth of experience in working at all the notable comedy clubs in Europe and many corporate and private events with audiences of 12 to over 1,000 people.
Geoff has supported Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill, Dara O Briain, Omid Djalili, Lee Mack, Ross Noble, Rhod Gilbert, Milton Jones, Micky Flanagan, Noel Fielding and Lee Hurst.
He has made regular appearances on TV and radio, as well as being an excellent TV warm-up having cut his teeth on a series of the BBC’s Shooting Stars. After overcoming a fear of flying Geoff is now performing at comedy clubs and corporate events across Europe: from Budapest to Guernsey.
“A fine balance of silliness, self-deprecation and sarcasm… Green feels like the kind of comedian you can take a date to.” – heckler.com
Thomas Green is an Australian comic based in the UK. An engaging story-teller, and known for his face of elasticity and highly energetic stage presence, Green has been selling out festival shows since 2012. Green’s quick-witted exchanges and improvisation with audience members are truly impressive, clever and natural.
His effervescent charisma and hilarious characterisations led to his nomination at the Adelaide Fringe Awards, leading to sold out shows at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – ‘he’s proof you don’t need a gimmick to be great.
Green has not only been lively on the festival circuit, he has established himself on the UK circuit since moving to the UK in 2015 – playing nationwide at the big clubs, and becoming a sought after MC.
“New but very, very funny!” English Comedian of the Year & Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalist, Nick Page.
Samantha by comparison to other comics is relatively new to the comedy circuit but is already making waves. She has a warm and engaging persona with raw and very, very funny material. Samantha will deliver a hilarious, polished & professional performance that will have the audience hanging on every word and wanting more! A real superstar in the making.
“had the audience showing their appreciation with fits of laughter and applause” channel4.com
Making his TV debut on New Zealand’s iconic ‘Pulp Comedy’, UK based Kiwi Comedian Sully O’Sullivan has gone on to become a veteran of the international circuit, performing professionally in Australasia, North America, Arabia, the British Isles and Europe.
Sully O’Sullivan’s been declared a highlight of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival by The NZ Herald, a highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by The Scotsman, featured on Australian TV’s ‘The Comedy Channel’, won Canada’s annual ‘Improvaganza’ Tournament, and supported cult heavy metal comic Steve Hughes on two UK national tours spanning over 100 shows.
“Great performance, great confidence, great jokes.” Gary Delaney
In between whizzing about Bristol on her electric bike (“this must be how vegans feel!”) and removing parasites from her family, Louise somehow finds time to turn in “An impressive performance” – John Hegley and be “Imaginative, brilliant and ever-so-slightly risqué.” -The Scotsman. If not actually “wowing” judges, she can at least “ooh” them a bit, and has secured places in the Funny Women Regional Finals (2017) and Stand Up for Cider finals (2016 & 18).
Britain’s Got Talent 2018
Real name Chris Leworthy, Alf has been performing Comedy since early 2015 and appeared on Britain’s Got Talent last year. ‘Alf’ is a one liner/prop/musical prop comic from North Devon. Last year he made it through to the final of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition final in Edinburgh as well as winning the Stand Up for Cider competition in Taunton. His act is one liner jokes combined with huge props and music.
“Mark makes it funny, entertaining and makes you say, more than once, that is so true……- BizzCommunity.com
Mark Palmer brings CLEAN and CLEVER comedy to the table…
Based in the UK, this South African born comedian has been performing stand-up comedy for over 16 years.
He has performed at comedy clubs around the world, from small rooms to theatres, from an audience of 20 to an audience of 4,000, he has done it all. He has also appeared on Comedy Central as one of their featured comedians in 2013.
Moving to the UK with his wife in 2012, “for an adventure”, Mark found himself starting at the bottom of the comedy ladder in the oldest and toughest comedy scene in the world. In a short space of time and with 11+ years of experience behind him he quickly rose through the comedy ranks in the UK comedy scene to become an established act across the country. Some of the highlights of his last few years was performing at the world famous Edinburgh Festival in 2013, being chosen as one of the “New Faces of UK Comedy” performers at the Comedy Club UK comedy festival weekend. He was also invited to headline a comedy night in Malta and has performed in Antwerp, Belgium and at the Prague International Comedy Festival. He also been to Toronto, Canada where he played 2 sold-out one-man shows and got to perform at the world famous Yuk Yuks Comedy Club in downtown Toronto. He has also toured Ireland where he performed at the hugely popular Comedy Crunch at The Stags Head in Dublin and headlined the famous City Limits Comedy Club and performed 2 one-man shows in Cork. He is asked to perform regularly for Carnival Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Pacific and Royal Caribbean International in the Mediterranean during Europe’s summer. He was the first choice comedian to perform on-board the largest cruise ship in the worlds comedy club on their inaugural 7 day Mediterranean cruise.
Mark’s ability to blend a theme or topic with one of today’s funniest comedy routines is unparalleled. His smart, sometimes loud and often opinionated brand of comedy has made him an audience favourite wherever he performs.
In addition to the above, Mark Palmer is Nick Bird’s (CrazyBird Comedy Club curator) favourite touring comedian……..don’t miss him!
Food traders for 2022 mmmmmmm
Hobbs Toasties
Quay Street Diner
Velo Pizzas
Airstream Yorkshire Wraps
Teabag Chihuahua Mexican Kitchen
Jamaica Inn Kitchen
Niang Thai Kitchen
Spanish Buffet
Tasty Fresh Donuts
Holy Crepe
Winstones Ice Cream
Chalfest 2022 will be held on July 22nd and 23rd and will just get better and better. If you want to get involved by trading, performing, sponsoring or helping with the production you can email info@chalfest.co.uk