News / music festival
Best of Bristol’s grassroots join new festival lineup
A newcomer on the local festival scene is promising to focus on ‘great music, community and creativity’.
The eclectic lineup for the festival, taking place on an organic farm in nearby Bruton over the first May bank holiday weekend, features a clutch of acts from Bristol’s fertile underground.
Show of Hands is ‘community-powered’ in the sense that organisers crowdfunded to get it off the ground, with £28,000 raised before any of the artists were announced.
The musical programme is jazz-leaning, with global grooves and electronic sounds making an appearance.
View this post on Instagram
Bristol artists on the bill include live jungle trio Rwkus, melodic jazzer Glossolalia, acclaimed jazz/hip hop/metal influenced improvisers Snazzback and the Alfresco Disco DJs.
Local samba troupe Bloco B will be doing walkabout performances and grassroots venue the Jam Jar will present some of their favourite acts, including Cornish psych band Blind Yeo and Afrobeat fusion outfit Me and My Friends.
They join headliners Lady Wray, Submotion Orchestra and General Levy featuring TC & the Groove Family with a special ‘jazz meets jungle’ festival exclusive.
Other highlights include Romare, Dele Sosimi, Jamz Supernova, Steve Knightley, Close Counters with Allysha Joy and A Guy Called Gerald.
At a 2,500 person capacity, the festival is designed to create an intimate experience “where grassroots collectives, global talent and emerging artists share the same spotlight.”
As well as family, creative and wellbeing activities on the programme, Show of Hands is also offering a limited number of hot air balloon rides over the weekend.
Festival Director Alex Lane said: “This next wave continues to reflect the spirit of the festival – a space where discovery meets deep-rooted music culture. Whether you’re here to dance, chill with the family, or get inspired creatively, every set brings something to the table.”
Find all information at show-of-hands.net
Main image: Snazzback
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
