Wilderness Festival announces a collection of new additions to 2016 programme
A celebration shaped by nature, a landscape transformed by the arts.
The effervescent and ethereal Wilderness Festival is back for 2016 and bringing with it an array of new stages and eclectic talent that will appeal to every kind of Wilderness adventurer.
Alongside a stellar music line-up, featuring UK festival exclusive's Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters and Flaming Lips, not to mention Shura, Lianne La Havas and Glass Animals, the festival organisers have announced incredible new acts and experiences to their food, wellness and theatre events.
Natural eating advocate and blogging sensation Ella Woodward brings her just-launched and much-applauded café The Mae Deli by Deliciously Ella to Wilderness – as a festival exclusive, promising a hub of delicious, healthy and guilt-free eating. Ella comments ‘So excited to be bring-ing The Mae Deli to Wilderness this Summer. Can’t wait to bring our delicious food for you all to try!’
The stage for world-renowned musicians, artists and performance, The Atrium, supported by Time Out, has just announced Roy Ayers, one of the most visible and world-renowned jazz artists of all time: the godfather of neo-soul; presented by legendary London music venue Ronnie Scott’s.
Wilderness 2016 Programme Announced from Wilderness Festival on Vimeo.
Furthering the musical bill for the stage, watch the festival circuit’s only dedicated orchestra The Wilderness Orchestra perform a tribute to David Bowie, alongside secret guests. Head to the Atrium to see Maverick classical concert pianist James Rhodes, the London Contemporary Voices choir, an unorthodox and refreshingly modern choir whose repertoire includes pop classics and folky favourites, rising Chinese violinist and one of the world’s most impressive young classical talents, Yijia Zhang, and psychedelic and space-age remixer extraordinaire Mojo Filter.
Announced for the contemporary dance programme is Sadler’s Wells, the world's leading venue dedicated to international dance, presents dance in all forms from contemporary to flamenco, ballet to hip hop and more. A key part of The Atrium’s appeal is the participation element: join in with The Sunday Assembly, Karaorkestra and Hip Hop Karaoke, Mass Yoga with Nadia Narain, a champion of accessible yoga, whatever your experience – and a go-to yogi with a list of celebrity followers. Head to the fun and friendly dancing lessons with Swing Patrol, take the mass dance routine challenge with The Non-Applicable Dance Company, and get involved in giant drumming workshops.
At The Carousel Stage, Glastonbury’s Shangri-La programmer Chris Tofu has programmed a line-up to get the party started in the evenings. The stage, hosted by Continental Drifts and Global Local hosts big and bold brass band action from Hackney Colliery Band, live hip hop and ska eight-piece Cut Capers and seven-piece dancefloor destroyers Jenova Collective. Vintage-inspired and eclectic performer Katy Carr heads to Wilderness, as does acoustic trio Thrill Collins, ‘Balkanistic’ boogie dance band The Baghdaddies and many more.
Wilderness Festival offers a musical journey seldom found elsewhere. But it is the food that is really out of this world. This year, the long-table banquets are hosted by three incredible Michelin-starred chefs: Virgilio Martinez, Raymond Blanc and Skye Gyngell. Alongside field restaurants by HIX, ORO and Petersham Nurseries. The intimate Chefs Table tucked on the hillside overlooking the lake plays host to incredible chefs: Christian Puglisi (Relae, Copenhagen), Tomos Parry (Kitty Fisher’s), Robin Gill (The Dairy) and Lee Westcott (Typing Room).
With seven dedicated venues Wilderness is the “most cerebral festival” The New Scientist has ever been to. Catch Charlotte Church with Zoe Williams, Martin Rees astronomer to the Queen, and legendary historian Antony Beevor. Explore peace and love with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Scilla Elworthy and dating expert Susan Quilliam. Debate taboos, surveillance, and outsider politics with George Galloway, AC Grayling, and Larry Sanders - elder brother to the presidential hopeful. Discover artificial superintelligence and how it will change everything with a plethora of scientists and philosophers. Look out for live podcasts from Little Atoms, Philosophy Bites, Queer’Say, and The Odditorium. Have your mind expanded and your opinions shaken by Sunday Papers Live, Newsweek, The Economist, The School Of Life, Frontline Club, Vice News, the RSA and the V&A.
Wilderness Festival, a place itself that promotes escapism, life fulfilment and succumbing to life’s little pleasures, is a haven for wellbeing and back-to-nature simplicity. The beautiful Lakeside Spa by Bathing Under the Sky provides tranquil respite, the ultimate place to relax or indulge. Meditate, partake in some yoga with friends old and new, or attend a Mindfulness session in the stunning surroundings of the Oxfordshire countryside. Jump straight in to the crystal clear swimming lake, take a dip in one of the wood-fire hot tubs, or enjoy a sauna. Wilderness combines the finest culture, eclectic musical talent, Michelin-starred dining, thought-provoking theatrical performances, challenging debate, the tranquility of the Lakeside Spa and so much more, as it returns to Cornbury Park for a sixth season.
For tickets and full line-up details