News

Phil Jupitus To Sing With The Blockheads At Nozstock

• 12th May 2010

Just added to the already burgeoning Nozstock line up is Phill Jupitus, performing live with the legendary Blockheads in an exclusive festival performance. Phill has been an ‘honorary Blockhead’ ever since he met Ian and the band at what was to be their last ever show at The Palladium in December 2000. Since that time he has performed many times with the band as a guest vocalist. However, in recent years due to Phill’s TV (The longest-serving member of the Never Mind theBuzzcocks team), theatre and radio commitments those opportunities have been limited. That’s why it’s been somewhat of a coup to get everyone on stage for what will be a memorable festival performance.

The King Blues started off as a two man ska outfit, consisting of Itch playing ukulele/Vocals and Jamie Jazz playing acoustic guitar and contributing vocals. So having been heralded as ‘the most exciting live band in Britain’ by Kerrang is some achievement! Their last album ‘Save the World. Get the Girl’ was releasedin October 2008 to critical acclaim with Zane Lowe becoming an ardent supporter of the band. In March 2010 Zane once again aired the band’s new single, 'Headbutt', as his Hottest Record in the World on his Radio 1 show ahead of their eagerly anticipated third studio album. The Nozstock crowds will be in for a real treat from one of the most hotly tipped rock bands around, The King Blues.

Nozstock invites you on a journey ‘Through The Looking Glass’ embracing everything wonderful about English eccentricity and eclecticism whilst encapsulating the true spirit of fun and adventure. Initially started as a ‘barbeque on the lawn’, the last few years have seen this festival blossom into an eight-stage three-day extravaganza with a world-class array of bands, DJs, comedians and performance artists. Nominated in five categories at last years UK Festival Awards, 2010 is set to be the year that this burgeoning festival comes of age.

Interaction has always been at the very heart of Nozstock and this year for the very first time there is a competition for Nozstockers to design and build thecentrepiece of the festival which will be displayed in the middle of the lake. The winner will receive two free festival passes, a feature on the Nozstock website and inclusion in this year’s festival programme and publicity campaign. To enter send all designs and sketches to mail by midnight May 28th (full details on link). In addition filmmakers are encouraged to send in their short films with the pick of the crop being shown in the hugely popularcinetent. Last year winning films were screened alongside programming by BBC Film Network, onedotzero and Encounters 2008 award winners so it is a great opportunity to get your films out there.

Set within the idyllic grounds of a 17th century farm Nozstock retains a family friendly atmosphere that people return to year on year. From the pear tree lined orchard to the converted barns, secret areas, cinetent, coppice and glistening lake guest promoters play host to a rich musical tapestry of punk,dubstep, drum and bass, psy-trance, ska, acoustic, classical, folk and blues. In addition there are a whole host of treats for the kids in this year’s all new Little Wonderland kids area. Here the little ones can learn how to make carnival costumes, puppets, listen to stories or just kick back for a well deserved nap.

The natural topography of the site is truly spectacular allowing you to get lost in all manner of hidden dingles and dells. Dance the night away in a bull pen, don your best gloves and top hat for the cabaret, laugh uncontrollably to world class comedians such as Stephen Frost (Who’s Line Is It Anyway, The Players) in the comedy tent, learn stage combat or watch the out of this world light show in the gnarled trees of the coppice – Nozstock has it all. A quick journey down the rabbit hole brings you out into the mad-capped world of the Nozstock Village with theFarrell Circus Troupe workshops, juggling, puppetry and roaming Rainbow Collectors. Other delights include a vintage tractor display, acoustic stage,cinetent and some huge surprises to be announced very soon.

However, it’s not just the creative vision, performance art, and visual splendour that sets Nozstock apart, there is a real underlying sense of community with locally produced food, farmers market, craft workshops and the BBC Hereford and Worcester Introducing Stage promoting local talent. Nozstock offers unparalleled value for money and an opportunity to become part of the family. Get involved…