Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper to Lead New Great British Farm-Fest With Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Alex James
Jeremy Clarkson and Clarkson’s Farm stars, including Kaleb Cooper, are set to headline a brand new festival this year alongside musicians such as Alex James and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
In a world-first mashup of muddy boots and electric guitars, the Great British Farm-Fest has announced its full music line-up for the biggest farming party in UK history.
Opening for its inaugural year at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, from May 22 to 24, the festival will see the nation’s favourite farmers swap the fields for the main stage.
Mr Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, Lisa Hogan, Charlie Ireland and Adam Henson, with appearances from Farming Heroes and Farm-Fest ambassadors, will take to the stage for a unique blend of farm chat and competitions.
Speaking at the festival’s launch at The Farmer’s Dog pub in Asthall, the 65-year-old said: “We are going to get the farming message out to the public live. And have a great time doing it.”
The Hawkstone Music Arena will host three nights of performances from Britpop legends, chart-topping DJs, and the nation’s favourite TV farmers.
As the daytime agricultural displays wind down, the arena will ignite with a five-hour farmer’s party each night, featuring TV stars, famous chefs, farming heroes and musicians.
The festival kicks off with a high-energy fusion of dance and disco.
The evening begins with the Young Farmer DJ Battle, hosted by Capital Radio’s Chris Stark, where the UK’s top agricultural deck-spinners will compete for glory.
The momentum builds with a set from The Hot House Flowers and the rock-and-roll energy of Rick Parfitt Jnr, before the night reaches a fever pitch with the legendary Groove Armada (DJ Set).
Closing the first night in style, the ‘Queen of the Kitchen Disco’ herself, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, will bring her shimmering pop anthems to the heart of the countryside.
Saturday shifts gears into a feel-good celebration of British music. The country vibes come courtesy of the record-breaking duo The Shires.
The arena will also turn into a giant sing-along session with two high-energy DJ sets.
Sara Cox will present her Power Wower set of festival bangers while Chris Moyles delivers his signature high-energy 90s DJ set.
The nostalgic atmosphere continues with the definitive tribute act Noasis, before the night reaches a fever pitch as Britain’s greatest festival act, Massaoke, takes to the stage with a setlist of singalong hits set to prove that the farming community knows exactly how to party.
The festival hosts a tribute to British music history.
Festivalgoers can expect a trip down memory lane with the timeless hits of 10cc and the soulful country sounds of One Night in Nashville before the weekend reaches its grand finale with two massive performances.
The event marks the inaugural public performance of Ricky Wilson Presents the Fabulous Adjustable Band.
Led by the Kaiser Chiefs frontman, the supergroup will feature a revolving door of high-profile musicians.
While the official line-up for the festival is shrouded in secrecy, the band’s warm-up gig at the Farm-Fest launch party included Natalie Imbruglia, Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten), Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene), Ian Broudie (Lightning Seeds) and Gary Stringer (Reef).
Finally, Blur’s Alex James’ Britpop Classical will close the festival with a reimagination of the greatest hits of the 90s.
Festival director, Chris Hughes said: “We want to showcase the incredible talent of the British farming industry in a way that’s never been done before.
“By pairing legendary farmers and TV favourites with world-class DJs and rock stars, we are delivering three days of unforgettable parties that put the heart of the countryside centre stage.”