Artists announced for new Suffolk cultural event

Legendary Manchester DJ Justin Robertson will be among the lead performers at a newly created arts festival in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Robertson, who has been previously billed as “The Chemical Brothers’ favourite DJ” will be returning to Woodbridge, having previously played at events in the town.

Also performing at the event in Elmhurst Park on Saturday 31st of August will be DJ Ben Osborne from Noise Of Art, whose recent appearances include Glastonbury, Chateau Perche festival in France and the Little Chill - the new festival from the legendary Big Chill founders. Ben also performed at and programmed the DJ line up at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft.

BBC Radio Suffolk’s Richard Haugh will be also be appearing as well as Woodbridge-based singer songwriter Peter Hepworth.

There is a focus on Scotland in this year’s festival with appearances by Glasgow’s North Atlas who have supported bands like Feeder and Reverend And The Makers, and Edinburgh-based analogue electronic act Exterior.

As well as welcoming these national and international performers, the festival has a strong community element with ecological and educational themes.

Planet Voice, a contemporary choir from Woodbridge’s own Planet Music will have up to 40 singers on stage from their adult and junior choirs, as well as organising other events in the park.

There will be a literary zone featuring local writers, activities for adults and children in the Eco Zone, a Forest School sponsored by Woodbridge Glamping and Kids‘ Yoga from Happy Yellow Creative Club. Other sponsors include Adnams, The Table restaurant and New Street Market.

There will be bars and a Food Zone showcasing excellent local food providers. Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music aims to use sustainable suppliers and avoid the use of plastic.

Festival co-organiser Richard Litchfield said: “We’d like this to be the first of many community driven events that make use of local talent and resources and at the same time bring renowned acts and artists to the area.”

Ben Osborne, who is programming the event, said: “Each year we’d like to focus on bringing acts from a different region or country to Suffolk, and we are fortunate to be able to host North Atlas and Exterior from Scotland this year.”