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
At a glance
Main Stage
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.
As a pioneering musician, songwriter and performer Hugh Cornwell’s pervasive influence persists in the record collections of music aficionados across this spinning globe’s radio waves and on stages around the world. Hugh’s presence is unquestionable. As leader of The Stranglers, Hugh was the main songwriter of all the band’s most memorable songs across ten stellar albums.
2022 sees the release of Hugh Cornwell’s highly anticipated tenth solo album Moments of Madness and an extensive UK tour in November and December. It’s an album of acute, pithy, and witty observations and social commentary across ten singular songs, that confirms Hugh as the poet laureate of the punk era and beyond.
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.
Reef are an English rock band from Glastonbury, fronted by Vocalist Gary Stringer , Jack Beasant on Bass and Jesse Wood on guitar (replacing original guitarist Kenwyn House in 2014) . To date the band have Sold in excess of 3 Million albums Worldwide .
Since forming in 1993 the band have released 5 studio albums all of which have gone Top 40 in the UK with the bands first album Replenish achieving Gold Status which in turn lead to tours with the likes of Paul Weller , Soundgarden and the Rolling Stones .
If that was not enough the bands Second album Glow in 1997 Produced by George Drakoulias (Producer of acts such as the Black Crowes and more recently music supervisor of the Multi award winning film The Joker) ) soared straight to Number 1 in the UK album Charts and achieved Platinum status .
Glow also included the bands biggest hit single to date “Place Your Hands” a song about “Easing the pain of Death” written by Stringer following the death of his Grandfather. The track continues to resonate with audiences the world over and was famously used by Radio DJ Chris Evans on his Cult TV show TFI Fridays.
Since then the band have continued to go from strength to strength smashing the UK Charts racking up no less than 9 Top 40 singles and 5 hit albums . The bands last release Revelation on Ear Records also produced by George Drakoulias propelled the band back into the Charts in 2018 receiving some of the best reviews of the bands career while also seeing the band appear on some of the Nations biggest and Best TV and Radio shows including BBC1s, the One Show.
Reef have always been hailed as one of the UKs best and most respected and prolific live acts with the band continuing to tour the world over.
Recently the band opened as special guests to Coldplay at Wembley Stadium after being personally invited by singer Chris Martin who sites Reef as helping give him huge motivation that he could make it too being a fellow West Country boy.
It does not matter whether they are headlining Hammersmith Apollo or playing at the likes of Glastonbury Festival the band are a force to reckoned with and a must for any festival.
On playing live Gary Stringer says “It’s really exciting for me to go out and to play and to look into people’s eyes who are ready to rock already”. “You get on stage and throw that energy down and it comes right back. That’s how you get an exciting gig. That’s a feeling that’s addictive for a musician. It makes you want to keep going out and giving it your everything and playing hard and rocking out. “
With the recent addition of virtuoso drummer Luke Bullen (Bryan Ferry / K T Tunstall / Joe Strummer ) recently joining the lineup and with an already well received brand new album Titled “Shoot Me Your Ace” Produced by former Duran Duran and Power Station Guitarist Andy Taylor due out later this month Reef are firmly back with a spring in their step and are sounding better than ever.
Here are some of reviews of the bands new album .
Absolutely Brilliant . Swaggering Rock on Top of a Marshall Stack –
10/10 Fireworks Magazine
There is a funky goodness here but this is a raucous rollicking rock album . As if the ballsy Brouhaha was bottled up and its escaped with an Explosion. Ace Indeed .
10/10 Powerplay Magazine
Reef Tap into their influences to deliver a killer slice of guitar-fuelled rock , with 10 slabs of bona fide Classic Rock n Roll that draw on the spirit of Humble Pie , The Faces and the Stones .
9/10 Vive Le Rock Magazine
Enjoyable. Exciting and whole hearted , Shoot Me Your Ace is the sound of a band with real musical simpatico and capturing something pretty special as it was happening. That’s Lightening in a Bottle stuff .
8/10 Classic Rock Magazine
For more details on Reef go to http://www.reeftheband.com
Or go to their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/reefmusic/
To watch the video to the Reef classic Single ‘Place your hands’ Click Below.
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.
The John Green Stage
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.
Local favourites Tripwire will once again have you dancing in the John Green. Sing, dance and be merry as they never disappoint.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
Smashing their way into the UK folk punk scene since 2013, Black Water County bring an energetic live show of stout quaffing, banjo breaking and tin whistle mangling original music, along with trads and shanties that have been given a good kick up the arse and a slap around the face.
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.
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’’.
“For Everything Under the Sun’, his soon to be released third album Lipinsky was sought out by Wolf Alice and Elvis Costello producer Michael Smith who had the desire to work with a voice that ‘Rock and Reel’ magazine describes as “channelling the best tones of Lennon and Orbison and makes them his own”.
Two Hip Hop new generation rappers writing lyrics about life and what they do with it. The two friends are both from the Stroud area and share with each other their ideas and beats. They will be showcasing some of their recent material.
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.
Gypsy jazz and the great divas of 20th century song are the dominant influences that shape the sound of Le Swing.
In a line-up comprising one chanteuse, two guitars, one double bass and an occasional trumpet, the band creates their own blend of jazz, latin and chanson that owes as much to Django Reinhardt and Barney Kessel as it does to Ella Fitzgerald and Edith Piaf.
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.
The Shaggy Dog Raconteurs are a 4 piece band from Gloucestershire with stringed instruments in various shapes and sizes from gigantic to small, plus a pile of strange boxes and the odd harmonica thrown in. They have been together since 2016 and play mainly Roots/Country Blues/Americana.
Capriol are a chamber orchestra who enjoy playing a wide range of repertoire from Baroque to the present day.
Rehearsals are usually on the first Sunday evening of the month, from 7.15 to 9.15 pm at The Hub, Michinhampton, Stroud GL6 9JJ.
There are occasional vacancies for new players. If you are interested please contact Capriol on capriolorchestra@gmail.com.
Tai Chi is an ancient form of moving meditation that helps to improve flexibility balance strength and co-ordination.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
“Do not fear going forward slowly, fear only to stand still.” – Chinese proverb
www.grotaichi.com
Kids Entertainment
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.
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.
Thomas Trilby’s and Steve Kaos’s shows are always fast moving and energetic – packed full of skills and comedy, thrills and excitement. Expect the unexpected.
Get your little ones along to the kids tent for these free and fun dance lessons from our local legends, Ballyhoo. Julie and Heidi are huge supporters of Chalfest and they have gone one step further this time with these free dance sessions.
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.
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.
Midlands Comedy Circuit MC of 2021
Jon began stand-up comedy in 2010, with his first performance at Birmingham’s Highlight Comedy Club. Cut to nine years later and Jon has become a regular face on the circuit, performing at prestigious clubs such as The Glee, The Boat Show, Up The Creek, Last Laugh, Laughterhouse. Jon’s career has even taken him overseas with performances in Spain, Norway and even as far away as Wigan (it is like being on another planet).
Jon’s laid back storytelling has audiences hanging on his every word. With tales based around his own life experiences, his anecdotes are relatable and certain to have people in hysterics.
Highlights in Hannah’s presenting career so far have been, presenting at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. My current work has extended to ITV4, Sky Sports, Eurosport, MUTV, Dubai Sport, Sport Relief (BBC) and the Invictus Games.
Hannah is now becoming a one to watch on the comedy circuit. Observational humour on family life coupled with some extremely good impressions will have you belly laughing for sure.
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.
Eddy Brimson is one of the UK circuits most in demand headline acts working regularly with all the leading promoters.
Eddy is equally at home internationally having taken to the stage from Norway to China. He was one of the first ever comics to perform in Myanmar andhas performed at the Altitude Festival in the French Alps, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and both the Melbourne and Perth Comedy Festivals in Australia.
He is also a regular at the Edinburgh Festival where he once even played a gig naked! Thankfully no cameras were allowed into the venue.
Matt is a master of delivery, with timing that keeps you hanging on the edge and then the edge again. His dry humour and subtle anecdotes leaves the audience listening intently wanting more of the cool, calm and collected comedian.
With a unique, low energy, deadpan style and meticulously crafted material he has been gaining acclaim from audiences, promoters and comedians alike.
“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.
“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).
“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.
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