Headliners include Iron & Wine, Ward Thomas, Passenger and Jason Isbell
2018 sees a brand new country and Americana festival, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Here's the press release!
BRAND NEW FESTIVAL
- BLACK DEER - TAKING PLACE AT ERIDGE PARK, NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS 2018
A CELEBRATION
OF AMERICANA & COUNTRY!
IRON & WINE AND
PASSENGER ANNOUNCED AS BLACK DEER’S FIRST HEADLINERS
LEGENDARY ARTISTS, AUTHENTIC FOOD,
SMOKEY WHISKEYS, CUSTOM BIKES AND SO MUCH MORE!
22nd, 23rd, 24th June - 2018
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM £115
www.blackdeerfestival.com/tickets
Bringing you an experience like no other, Black Deer promises you a jam-packed weekend of celebrating all things Americana and Country! Taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Eridge Park, Britain’s oldest deer park, located on the Kent/East Sussex border near Tunbridge Wells, just a mere 50 minutes outside of London. You can expect an array of authentic americana-style meats, smokey whiskeys, bespoke custom bike showcases, storytellings from cultural pioneers, not to mention the incredible line-up of your favourite artists across the Americana, blues, roots, authentic country, folk and bluegrass genres. This family-friendly event encourages people of all ages to completely immerse themselves in all aspects of this culture celebrated by millions on either side of the Atlantic and delivering an authentic, Roots-style line up to the UK.
Romantic, Americana-tinged songwriter Sam Beam - better known as Iron & Wine - will be headlining the Saturday of Black Deer. Fifteen years after his first album Iron & Wine has returned with Beast Epic, gaining critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, Guardian and Rolling Stone, you won't want to miss these new cossier-than-ever tracks live for the first time in the UK from our favourite indie-folk legend.
Award winning Brighton born, folk singer-songwriter Passenger is the first headliner to be announced for Black Deer. After achieving a number one in seventeen countries, selling over two million records, and reaching an astounding level of 1.7 billion views on Youtube, Michael David Rosenberg is back with full force, making his UK festival exclusive headlining the Sunday of Black Deer!
For nearly two decades Grammy Award winner Jason Isbell has been one of the most unique voices in Americana. From his work with Drive-By Truckers through to his award winning solo work, he continues to be one of the genre's most vital talents. He'll be bringing his band The 400 Unit to the inaugural Black Deer in a UK Festival Exclusive.
Modern country duo and twin sisters Ward Thomas have quickly established themselves as one of the British country music scene's most successful acts. Championed by BBC Radio 2, their sophomore album 'Cartwheels' became the first album by a UK country act to reach the coveted number one slot on the UK Album Chart upon its release last year.
Ward Thomas say; “We are really excited to play at The Black Deer Festival this June, it is so encouraging to see more country festivals pop up in the UK, and we have a feeling this is going to be a special one!!! We've recently been working on new material which makes it even more exciting"
Long-standing blues sensation Eric Bibb promises to deliver a fiery and soulful rendition of the anthemic songs which have soundtracked his five-decade spanning career and hailed as 'the new face of folk rock', John Moreland will be bringing his expressive whiskey-tinged literary ballads to Black Deer Festival. Elsewhere, making the leap from buskers to headliners, CC Smugglers will be bringing their americana-inspired rhythms to Black Deer and are sure to keep you on your feet and wanting more!
The Americans caught the taste-making eyes of Jack White, T Bone Burnett and Robert Redford during the making of the award-winning documentary ‘American Epic’ and between them, have worked with Nick Cave, Tim Robbins and Lucinda Williams.
Having made her name as the lead vocalist and guitarist in the band Howling Bells, Juanita Stein heads to Black Deer as a solo artist following the release of her acclaimed solo debut, America, last year. An evocative and beautiful album, Stein’s honeyed voice weaves stories of heartbreak and optimism in songs hailed by The Sunday Times as “A fab, dreamy journey into the dark heart of country-noir". Expect spine-tingling treats from this indie-goddess!
Juanita Stein says; “I’m thrilled to be a part of Black Deer Festival! A whiskey soaked, musical ode to all things Country and Americana. I’ll be bringing my band and songs down to Tunbridge Wells this June, see ya there!”
Praised for their grit and authenticity by the likes of The Guardian and NPE’s Ann Powers, Cornwall-based William The Conqueror are a three piece indie-rock group who perfectly chanel classic blues and roots throughout their grunge/indie filter. Their debut album ‘Proud Disturber of the Peace’ was released this summer and was shortlisted for UK Americana Awards for ‘UK Album of the Year’. Elsewhere banjo-pickers Darren Eedens & the Slim Pickin's bring their distinctive honky tonk sounds to the festival.
Darren Eedens say; “The boys and I are incredibly excited to bring our music to this new Americana festival! Motorcycles and Banjos, this looks like the real deal, it's gunna be one hell of a good time. Catch you on the Saturday at Black Deer Fest! "
Alongside a sunkissed and emotive music programme, Black Deer will be rustling up a stunning variety of classic food & drink to take revellers deep into the heartlands of all things Americana - expect an array of mouth-watering delicacies across the Black Deer site served up from bespoke built hostelries and headed up by the revered cookbook authors, food writers and founders of Grillstock Jon Finch and Ben Merrington. Pioneers of the American barbecue scene in the UK since 2010, Jon & Ben created the original barbecue and music festival drawing 20,000 meat fans annually to their weekend of meat, music and mayhem.
Having created the biggest barbecue experience the UK has seen, the pair are experts on all things low ‘n’ slow having opened five American smokehouse restaurants across the UK as well as co-authored an Amazon best-selling barbecue cookbook.
Serving up their wholesome smoked meats for a true treat for the tastebuds - you’ll find the very best ribs and brisket - drenched with sweet sauces from homegrown suppliers. From a variety of acclaimed craft beers, to artisan ales, amazing ‘cups of Joe’ and straight from the barrel, smooth as silk aged whiskies - your senses will be transported from the very first bite and sip.
Taking place as one of the centerpieces of the festival will be Bolt. Founded in 2013 by Andrew Almond, it has quickly become a key protagonist within the scene, as a brand, a lifestyle and an authentic participant of a culture rich with heritage.
Bolt Motorcycles London will be curating an area of the Black Deer Festival bringing together the rich history and diverse subcultures that have surrounded the ultimate symbol of counter culture - the motorcycle. Since motorcycles were first invented they have been customised either to enhance their performance or to reflect the riders identity in regards to fashion, music or politics.
Meet many creatives showcasing their artisan wares, and cultural pioneers sharing their stories. Try your hand at a range of Americana-inspired experiences, from whiskey tasting and wood-chopping, to leather-craft and denim-customising. Younger folk can fill their boots with exhilarating outdoor adventures, cinema, Ukulele lessons and there’s even the opportunity to perform on a stage dedicated specifically for created for for budding juniors.
TICKET PRICES
Adult Weekend Tier 1 Tickets on sale now from £115 and Junior (5-17 year olds) from £45
