The Black Deer Festival
A slice of the wild west, wrapped up in the English countryside
2023 is nearly upon us, we look back at last year's festival
16th to the 18th June 2023 the date of this years Black Deer Festival
A growing line up of Americana and Country cohorts to entertain and surprise you.
Before getting ahead to this years event let's peruse the sites and sounds of the 2022 Black Deer Festival
Settling in a traditional Deer Park in Kent the conversion of this little part of England to the look and feel of the Great U.S outdoors is certainly authentic, in look, attitude, cuisine and most importantly the line up of fine quality musicians. Last years festival was highly successful even after the dreaded delays caused by restrictions of the previous couple of years. With the 2023 line up already taking shape we look back to some of the tastes and sounds of last year.
I have been to many festivals covering different genres and styles,
I can say safely that the food on offer at The Black Deer Festival takes the "Biscuit" and gravy. An amazing array of options to leave you struggling to choose.
If just eating for simple pleasures is not extreme enough for you there are always the hilarious Eating contests, where the highest amount of hotdogs may need to be dealt with in a matter of minutes or the World's hottest chili's are your challenge.
Music is the main reason we are all camped in Parkland of Kent, there are many artists we may already know or look forward and many a surprise awaiting over the 3 days.
Early on Saturday evening we had the treat of The London African Gospel Choir providing their interpretation of Paul Simon's revered album Graceland. The joy on everyone's faces was one of many highlights making this Festival a must see.
The second largest stage provided another highlight for us. Hiss Golden Messenger taking us back to a seventies look alongside fantastic songs,
one being My Wing, a song that stuck with me until I got home on the Monday and immediately had to find it on youtube.
It was great to catch up with a band I first saw very early on and still a great watch: Treetop Flyers in Haley's Bar, one of many stage locations each possessing a unique and different character. Some artists played different stages over the time there thus giving more chances to mix and match.
Friday headliners were James who as usual command the audience, you could question their full on American credentials but they were a perfect finish to the first day. The main Stage obviously provided the most well known names including Imelda May, Jake Bugg, The Waterboys, Van Morrison and The Dead South.
Israel Nash is another artist I have seen before who never disappoints. 2023 looks to be lining up with similarly sparkling moments. Can't wait to see The Teskey Brothers, The Pretenders and Midlake again. If you are looking for a different angle on your summer festival give The Black Deer Festival a shot.
