Multi-award winning comedian, writer, actor and television presenter Griff Rhys Jones is set to embark national stand-up tour this spring – summer with his new show ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’.
Griff Rhys Jones is truly a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy and entertainment. His upcoming tour, ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’, promises to be a rollicking ride through a wide spectrum of comedic subjects, from personal anecdotes to cultural commentary. It’s impressive how he seamlessly weaves together diverse topics, keeping his audience engaged and entertained throughout.
His track record of successful tours, including ‘Jones and Smith’ and ‘Where Was I?’, speaks to his ability to connect with audiences across different countries and cultures. And ‘All Over The Place’ sounds like it was an epic journey before the pandemic hit.
Griff’s extensive career spans television, theatre, and film, with notable roles in iconic shows like ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’ and ‘Smith and Jones’. His work in theatre, including lead roles for esteemed directors like Alan Ackbourn and Sam Mendes, demonstrates his versatility and skill as an actor.
It’s clear that Griff Rhys Jones has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, earning him numerous awards and accolades along the way. From Oliviers to Baftas to an Emmy, his talent and dedication have been recognized time and time again.
‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’ tour is sure to be another feather in Griff’s cap, showcasing his comedic brilliance and leaving audiences laughing in the aisles.
Support acts announced for elbow at Heritage Live 2024
The line-up for Heritage Live 2024 at Englefield Estate is absolutely stellar! Villagers and Hamish Hawk are both incredible acts that promise to deliver an unforgettable experience alongside elbow.
Villagers’ upcoming album “That Golden Time” sounds like it will be a masterpiece, blending Conor O’Brien’s lyrical prowess with his signature melodic finesse. The inclusion of renowned musicians like Dónal Lunny and Peter Broderick only adds to the anticipation for what promises to be a collection of songs shimmering with vulnerability and authenticity.
And Hamish Hawk’s “Laziest River” EP seems like it will offer a deeply introspective journey through his soulful lyricism and stripped-back instrumentation. His commitment to artistic integrity shines through, making his performance a must-see for anyone attending the concert.
Of course, elbow’s presence is the cherry on top. With their recent number one album “Audio Vertigo” showcasing a departure in style while maintaining their signature sound, fans can expect a dynamic and captivating performance. And classics like “One Day Like This” and “Grounds for Divorce” are sure to get everyone singing along.
Heritage Live 2024 at Englefield Estate is shaping up to be a concert for the ages, blending extraordinary talents and iconic sounds for an evening of music, emotion, and transcendence. It’s an event not to be missed!
When CHAOS (Chipping Norton Amateur Operatic Society) reached their amazing 50 years of performing they decided to go for the iconic musical EVITA by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to show off their long-established talents.
With director Mandyrae Jessey and musical director Catrin Russ at the helm, they auditioned over four night for the principle roles and were delighted to offer tow Evitas and two mistresses the chance to perform. Che, Peron and Magaldi followed and then chorus, creating Evita’s family, staff, Army and some children, all came together brilliantly.
Taking such an iconic and large cast show to the stage has been exciting and CHAOS is proud to team up again this year with the beautiful CHIPPING NORTON THEATRE who are also celebrating their 50th year.
The director has created a set and props that work for a smaller stage and has added some special moments, including giving out real gifts from Evita for the audiences each night while the songs are sung about giving gifts to the Argentinian people during her marriage to Peron. As far as we know this has never been done before.
The special performances are totally unique to CHAOS, offering an immersive experience for the audience.
The cast, crew and orchestra are all extremely proud of the work everyone has put in.
If you would like to know more about the production and behind the scenes, please contact either: CHOAS Chairman Elizabeth-Rae-Large – [email protected] – +447309 060826 or Director Mandyrae Jessey – [email protected] – +447970925685.
Mandyrae Jessey is also celebrating 50 years of directing this year.
UK’s largest 4×4 show – get ready for an exhilarating action packed family weekend, full of off-road adventures and automotive excellence!
From 29th-30th June the show will see over 100 trade and autojumble stands already signed up with many new traders coming for the first time this year. A fabulous food and drink area with a wide variety of cuisine, beer tent, live music and plenty to keep the family entertained throughout the weekend.
Camping spaces are filling up quickly. Day tickets are available online at a special discounted price.
The infamous Off Road Courses will be open all weekend for people to drive. Both The Riverside Course and The Lakeside Course offer a range of testing water sections, steep gradients, technical sections and of course some mud! The course is designed to be suitable for beginners as well as experience drivers so don’t hold back…
For more information and to purchase tickets visit the website.
We’ve teamed up with Adam Henson to invite you to send us pictures of the wildlife in your garden – or local park – and win seeds to help improve biodiversity
One of the UK’s best-known farmers and TV presenter Adam Henson has launched a range of British Wildflower Seeds, the first product line to launch from his new online store, Wildscape.
Developed in collaboration with leading experts in ecology and sustainable agriculture, Wildscape promise to create beautiful spaces, bringing joy to all those who experience them and creating essential habitats to foster biodiversity.
“I believe everyone should consider growing wildflowers,” says Adam, “not only are they beautiful native British blooms, but they also support local biodiversity. No matter if it’s a small pot in an urban setting or large garden, wildflowers create a mini ecosystem right outside your window, attracting a variety of birds, insects, and other delightful creatures.”
Someone who is doing their bit for nature and enjoying it is Chris Waymouth who has shared some pictures of some creatures in his Buckinghamshire garden.
“I was brought up in a small village in Northamptonshire and my father was a lover of wildlife and the outdoors,” Chris tells us. “I used to roam the fields beside the River Nene, absorbing all that the countryside had to offer.
“I used to roam the fields beside the River Nene, absorbing all that the countryside had to offer.”
“As a youngster I wasn’t allowed to touch my father’s prized Rolleiflex camera. I had to make do with a Kodak Brownie, until I was given a simple Agfa for my 21st birthday and this really kickstarted my lifelong interest in photography.
“When I met my wife she had some pro-quality Canon kit and this took me to another level. Digital cameras arrived on the scene and this was another step forward. Finally, three or four years ago, I became pretty serious about my hobby and invested in a mirrorless camera with extremely high resolution and I’ve expanded my range of lenses to seven. These include macro for close-ups of insects and flowers etc, and very long telephoto lenses for bird and wildlife shots.
“My garden in Jordans backs on to beech woods. It is not a showpiece; I prefer a more natural look including a wild area at the back. It is through here that my four-legged visitors arrive: muntjac, roe deer, fox, badger, hedgehog, not to mention the two or three rabbits who are usually trimming my lawn when I pull back the curtains in the morning. Plus, of course, the squirrels. I enjoy stretching my longest lenses to maximum reach to get full-face shots of all of these.
“Then there are the birds. Lots of them! I have half a dozen feeders in the front garden and a couple at the back and clearly the word is out among our feathered friends that this place is good for a meal or two. The list of regulars include all the usual garden birds: robin, blackbird, song thrush, chaffinch, bullfinch, blue tit, great tit, long-tailed tit, dunnock, wren, jay, green and great spotted woodpeckers and just recently a brambling, not to mention the ever-present woodpigeon, collar dove, magpie, jackdaw, crow, green parakeet and the red kite circling majestically overhead.
“Although I do not have a huge array of flowers, there are plenty to attract bees and a variety of bugs and this is where the macro lens comes into its own, capturing the subject at 1.4x life size. With the high resolution of the camera (a Canon EOS R5) I can then “crop” (zoom into) the photo once it is on my computer and end up with some highly detailed, sharp images.
“I have something like 35,000 photos on my computer – here are just a few for you to enjoy.”
To enter, upload your pictures to Instagram or Facebook and tag @roundandaboutmag with the hashtag #RAphotocompetition to be involved and we’ll choose a winner to receive the seeds. The competition ends June 1st.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of art and entertainment at the Chesham Fringe Festival this late May bank holiday weekend.
The inaugural Chesham Fringe Festival is set to be a jubilant celebration of both local and international talent, bringing together artists from diverse background to create an unforgettable cultural extravaganza. From May 25th to 27th, Chesham will come alive with over 100 acts spread across ten central venues, offering a wide array of performances to suit every taste.
This exciting event not only showcases the vibrant creativity of the Chesham community but also welcomes talent from around the world, mirroring the spirit of renowned festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe. Whether you’re a fan of music, comedy, poetry, cabaret, or theatre, there’s something for everyone at the Chesham Fringe Festival.
Local venues, including Chesham United Football Club and the Elgiva Theatre, will host performances alongside independent cafes and pubs, providing a platform for artists to share their talents with enthusiastic audiences. The festival also aims to support the innovative spirit of Chesham by raising funds for local charities and organizations further strengthening community ties.
Attendees can look forward to an eclectic lineup featuring disco/soul legends, tribute bands, pop icons, jazz performers, and acclaimed comedians, promising a weekend filled with laughter, music, and entertainment. In addition to ticketed events, the festival includes ‘Free Fringe’ performances, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community.
One of the festival’s unique features is its family-friendly atmosphere, with selected venues open to attendees of all ages until 9pm. This allows families to introduce their children to the magic of live music and theatre, fostering a love for the arts from a young age.
Chesham’s picturesque surroundings and vibrant atmosphere make it the perfect setting for such a dynamic and culturally enriching event. By showcasing the best of local talent alongside acts from around the world, the Chesham Fringe Festival aims to establish the town as a hub for arts and entertainment, further enhancing its reputation as a creative destination in the Chilterns.
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will surely be eager to secure their tickets for the Professionals Tour across the UK
This May, a dozen of pro dancers from the hit BBC One show; Strictly Come Dancing, hit the road for the 2024 UK tour. Under the direction of Jason Gilkison, known for his creativity and vision, the tour promises to showcase the exceptional talent of the professional dancers. From phenomenal dance numbers to dazzling costumes, the show will undoubtedly capture the essence of Strictly Come Dancing and its beloved magic.
The kickoff of the UK tour in Oxford on May 1st marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey across the country. The dancers are Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Graziano Di Prima, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu.
With live performances by singers and a band, the atmosphere is sure to be electric, enhancing the experience for audience members. And with a tour schedule spanning 36 dates across various cities in the UK, fans from all over will have the opportunity to witness the spectacle first-hand.
Overall, it’s clear that the Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals UK Tour for May 2024 will be a must-see event for fans of dance and entertainment alike.
Joe Heap, whose grandfather Denis Manners founded Towersey Festival in 1964, tells us what makes it so great
Towersey Festival, the UK’s oldest, independent music festival will deliver a new programme of comedy, word and song for its 60th anniversary.
The Comment and Comedy offering, curated by singer, writer and all-round creative Gavin Osborn, will offer comedy for families and grown-ups straight from Edinburgh Fringe, award-winning short films as well as fiction and non-fiction authors with tales to tell.
Festival director Joe tells us: “A passionate believer in the power of community and a natural leader and organiser, my Grandad took his passion for music and song and turned it into a village event. Just a gathering of locals and musicians really, it took place in his garden in that first year. It was the first of its kind, and very different to those mainstream festivals.”
Joe, pictured with his sisters Kathy and Mary, is a fan of all kinds of festivals. “I once went to an amazing metal festival (I was doing some site work for them). I was a little intimidated by the look of the crowd – lots of make-up, leather, tattoos, and piercings, which are not for me – and the music was so loud.
“But it turned out to be the friendliest audience and the most amazing community festival. Just like our folk and roots music crowd, the metal crowd really look out for each other. They make lifelong friends with their campsite neighbours and people dancing next to them and they understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves that takes them away from the stresses of everyday life. That’s what Towersey is. It’s community and escapism.”
Growing up, Joe says he enjoyed many amazing Towersey moments. “As a child I just remember the freedom I felt at the festival. Me, my sisters and our pals were able to run free and explore the site. It was, and still is, such an inclusive and friendly place and small enough for parents to feel secure letting their kids have the freedoms they don’t often get in life these days.
“I just remember the freedom I felt at the festival”
“And loads of amazing gigs. Being one of the first festivals to stage the might Bellowhead (possibly the first), but also those smaller, more intimate gigs that create magic moments every year. It’s this intimacy that makes us different, getting up close and personal to the artists.
“Finally, I must mention our incredible Ceilidhs – these are like a barn dance, for those who might not know. They are the most social and life-affirming events. Once you’ve experienced them you will never want to leave.”
Towersey is all set to take place 23rd-26th August on the Claydon Estate. This year’s line-up includes Billy Bragg, The Staves, Jamie Lawson, The London African Gospel Choir, Pokey Lafarge, axe-throwing, dance classes, workshops and more. Day passes from £65 for adults, £40 for 5-17 years (under fives go free). Visit Towersey Festival for more info.
Ready to rumble? Liz Nicholls looks at the fabulous festivals on offer this summer, for happy campers & fairweather fans, with tickets up for grabs, too!
Miss out on Glasto tickets!? Never mind: there are so many festivals to choose from, large and small, with something for everyone. And Astonbury might well give Glastonbury a run for its money! Read on…
Cookham Festival, 2nd to 19th May, has a line-up of literary and musical stars, including Lorraine Kelly, Theresa May, Ross Kemp, Will Gompertz, Terry Waite, Stars of the West End with Toby Cruse, Rogue Opera, Formosa Fest, Cantorum Choir, local comedians, The Cookham Ceilidh team and more. Enjoy art, at this community fave; cookhamfestival.co.uk
Immerse yourself in the magic of live classical music with the Investec International Music Festival, with world-class concerts, walks and talks across the Surrey Hills, including RHS Wisley, West Horsley Place & The Menuhin Hall in Stoke d’Abernon 7th-18th May; iimf.co.uk
The 45th Newbury Spring Festival offers a fortnight of world-class classical music, including the Sheepdrove Piano Competition, 11th-25th May;newburyspringfestival.org.uk
Wholesome family favourite WOOD is back at Braziers Park in Oxfordshire, 17th, 18th & 19th May with children’s fun including the marvellous Nick Cope, music and more workshops than you can shake a stick at; woodfestival.com
Live music and horse racing is odds-on for a good time, and Newbury Racecourse has both! Firstly, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago will star at the Lockinge race day on Saturday, 18th May. Then the mighty Sigala will star on 20th July & Dizzee Rascal on 17th August for Party In The Paddock sizzlers! newburyracecourse.co.uk
An amazing team of volunteers have been working flat out to make the 51st Chippenham Folk Festival, 24th-27th May the best yet. Melrose Quartet, Breabach, Tim Edey, Bruce Hamilton, John Tams, patron John Kirkpatrick & more will star; visit chippfolk.co.uk
Chesham Fringe Festival, 25th-27th May, will offer you a vibrant array of local, national and international talent, music, comedy, theatre, cabaret, spoken word, book and poetry readings, food & drink; visit cheshamfringe.com
Sorted for Cheese and Fizz..? That’s not me making yet another (wholesome) reference to Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics. It’s the name of a fantastic local four-piece band who’ll bring their ’90s bops to Shynefest. This fun, family-friendly festival returns to Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon, on 31st May & 1st June. Other stars set to keep all the generations entertained include (the actual) Dodgy, Counterfeit Kylie and The Faux Fighters, with kids’ fun including a climbing wall, Bubble Fairy, football and circus skills, with camping & glamping options. Please visit shynefest.uk
Returning to Cheltenham Racecourse for its 18th year wondrous Wychwood will dazzle you with music, comedy, kids’ fun, literature & workshops, 31st May to 2nd June. Sister Sledge, The Coral, Seth Lakeman, Seasick Steve, Dexy’s, Stereo MCs and CBBC’s Hacker T Dog and Katie Thistleton will star; wychwoodfestival.com
Witney Music Festival on 7th & 8th June will dazzle The Leys with Lucille & The Lightning Soul Train & more; witneymusicfestival.com
The Lightyears will star at Astonbury, 3-11pm on Saturday, 15th June at Aston Rec near Didcot, with a perfect blend of music, family fun, food & drink. Limited £15pp tickets at eventbrite.co.uk
Madness, Tom Jones, Nile & CHIC, Placebo, Air, Paloma Faith, Loyle Carner & more will star at Southampton Summer Sessions, in Guildhall Square, 16th-30th June; smmrsessions.com
Hampton Court Palace Festival is the jaw-dropping backdrop for Tom Jones, Nile & CHIC, Jack Savoretti, Sam Ryder, Björn Again, Sheryl Crow & Paloma Faith, as well as a Tudors live edition of The Rest is History Podcast, 11th-17th June. Visit hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Raise vital money for Hampshire Medical Fund by enjoying action-packed, family-friendly highlight Good Festival at Dummer Down Farm near Basingstoke on Sunday, 16th June. Activities include bushcraft, bubble football, alpaca walking, crocodile encounters, yoga and delicious food & drink Visit goodfestival.co.uk
Hold tight! The Prodigy and The Streets will help get The Isle of Wight Festival, 20th-23rd June off to a flying start on the Friday. Pet Shop Boys, Green Day, Suede, The Pretenders and Johnny Marr will also star. Visit isleofwightfestival.com
Award-winning Beacon Festival, Oxfordshire’s best family-friendly festival, is back at Watlington Hill Farm, 21st & 22nd June with local bands & loads more;beaconfestival.net
Hold tight! The Prodigy and The Streets will get The Isle of Wight Festival, 20th-23rd June, off to a flying start. Green Day, Suede, and Johnny Marr also star; isleofwightfestival.com
Nathan Moore will host another marvellous Marlow Rock Bottom with Coldplace, beer aplenty, family fun, live music, street food on 29th June; visit marlowrockbottom.com
Legends The Stranglers will star at Guilfest which returns to Stoke Park, on 29th & 30th June. Other stars on the impressive line-up include Sam Ryder, Peter Hook & The Light, Black Grape and The Blockheads. Please see our competition & visit guilfest.co.uk
I’m still buzzing after my chat with Chaka Khan (see our Q&A). She’ll star at Love Supreme Jazz Festival in Glynde Place, 5th-7th July; lovesupremefestival.com. You can also catch her and Sister Sledge on 13th June at Blenheim Palace thanks to Nocturne Live. And Soft Cell & Heather Small star here on 14th, Sugababes & Melanie C on 15th with Crowded House & Sheryl Crow on 16th; visit nocturnelive.com
Run entirely by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis in a stonking Cotswold location, Nibley, 5th-7th July, prides itself on being the friendliest festival of the bunch! General Levy, local legends EMF, The Hoosiers & Dodgy will star, with fun such as retro gaming & The Flying Seagull Project;nibleyfestival.co.uk
Small & mighty Childreyfest will bring you a winning blend of family-friendly music and fun to Childrey in Oxfordshire on Saturday, 6th July: childreyfest.co.uk
Celebrating disability lifestyle & inclusivity, the award-winning Parallel Windsor on 7th July, in Windsor Great Park’s Long Walk, will offer live music, storytelling, arts & craft, sport, wellbeing, dance, family fun and more, all accessible, with a quiet space & sensory zone. Tickets just £7.50pp; parallellifestyle.com
Ash, Echobelly, a Goldie Lookin’ Chain DJ set, Republica, Fabio & Grooverider, Dub Pistols and Reading Community Gospel Choir are among the delights at Readipop in Caversham, 12th-14th July, with Purple Turtle bars and an indie market, all for a great cause helping local people; readipop.co.uk/festival
Gladys Knight, Rylan, Nicole Scherzinger, Nigel Kennedy and Sam Ryder will make for another sparkling riverside black-tie Henley Festival 10th-14th July; henley-festival.co.uk.
Barrioke (EastEnders’ Shaun Williamson) will star at Fi.Fest in Maidenhead on 13th July, with Cast, Heather Small & Rick Parfit Jnr;fifest.co.uk. And Monty Don, Ronan Keating, Beverley Knight & more will star at Kew the Music, 8th-14th July; kewthemusic.org
Sadly the organisers of PennFest have made the tough decision (after our May editions of Round & About went to press) not to hold a festival this year, but the Bucks favourite should hopefully return next year! pennfest.co.uk
Fleur Fest is back at The Fleur De Lys in East Hagbourne, 19th-21st July, with Miss Disco, The Style Councillors & more. Plus Ronnie Scott’s All Stars & Fleur Stevenson on 16th June, and AJ Clarke & Richard Digance on 17th August & more! thefleurdelyspub.co.uk
Raising funds & awareness for mental health in memory of the much-missed Caroline Flack, Flackstock will offer music, dance & comedy galore, including Olly Murs, Joe Wicks, Shaznay Lewis, The Neptunes Choir & a Gok Wan DJ set at Englefield House near Pangbourne on Monday, 22nd July; visit flackstock.com. Also at Englefield, enjoy Madness with the Lightning Seeds on Friday, 19th July, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, a Groove Armada DJ set & more on 20th and Elbow on 21st; heritagelive.net
WOMAD brings cultural delights from the whole wide world to Wiltshire (Malmesbury’s Charlton Park to be exact) 25th -28th July. Expect a huge array of genres from R&B, rap, rock, blues, punk and jazz all the way to New Orleans brass bands, Qawwali, mambo and flamenco. The line-up includes Young Fathers, Sampa The Great & Alison Goldfrapp with food galore on the Taste The World stage. You can chill out in style in the World of Wellbeing and WOMAD Spa, plus you can enjoy spoken word in the World of Words, science exploration at World of Physics and fun in the World of Children; visit womad.co.uk
Bestival’s little sister Camp Bestival, organised by BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank will star Pete Tong with his Ibiza Classics, one of my fave star Q&A interviewees the mighty Paloma Faith, Orbital and manny more at Lulworth Castle in Dorset, 25th-28th July; dorset.campbestival.net
Jamie T, Wet Leg, The Streets, Idles, Holly Humberstone, The Snuts and Sub Focus will star at tremendous Truck Festival, 26th-28th July at Hill Farm, Steventon; truckfestival.com
Multi Grammy-winning songwriter, composer, producer and guitarist Nile Rodgers & Chic will star at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday, 26th July, as part of the sizzling Summertime Live highlights; visit summertimelive.co.uk
Wilderness will thrill the wild crowd at Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, 1st to 4th August, starring Michael Kiwanuka, Faithless, BICEP, Alison Goldfrapp, as well as banquets, wellbeing including lakeside hot tubs and theatre, workshops and more; wildernessfestival.com
Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be! Rewind to a simpler, better time, 16th-18th August in Henley on Thames. Stars set to dazzle include Billy Ocean, The Jacksons, Gabrielle, Jason Donovan, Kim Wilde & more, plus funfairs, a silent disco, inflatable church, kids’ zone and much more. Check out the fabulous Jenny Powell trailer & book at south.rewindfestival.com
Inspired by late beloved music-lover Jody Dickinson, J Fest will dazzle in Carswell near Faringdon on 2nd & 3rd August. The highlight, powered by bass, features accessible elements including DJ workshops, glamping & more to prove dance and festivals are for everybody;j-fest.co.uk
Strap in for a Revolution of Imagination with chapter three of Boomtown, 7th-11th August, near Winchester. This fabulous parallel world promises sensory overload, with 12 main stages, 50+ hidden venues, and one red-hot secret line-up. I went for the first time last year and had a blast. (I recommend you book the following week off work). Visit boomtownfair.co.uk
Dreadzone, Kosheen, Dub Pistols & more will star at wondrous Weyfest at Tilford’s Rural Life Museum 15th-18th August; weyfest.co.uk
Jools Holland & his rhythm & blues orchestra will star at Windsor Racecourse on Friday, 16th August, as part of the sizzling Summertime Live highlights; visit summertimelive.co.uk
Groove Armada, Leftfield, Dillinja and more will star at Stowaway, 16th-18th August at Stowe which also offers immersive theatre, comedy, paddleboarding, feasting and a roller disco. See our competition to win tickets & also visitstowawayfestival.co.uk
Fred Again.. Lana Del Rey, Liam Gallagher, Raye, Pendulum and Skrillex are sure to thrill at this year’s Reading (& Leeds), 21st-25th August. Visit readingfestival.com
Or head on up to Creamfields in Cheshire 22nd-25th August to rave to Robbie Williams’ dance project Lufthaus, Calvin Harris, Chase & Status live, Tiësto & more; creamfields.com
Shambala in Northamptonshire, 22nd-25th August. This summer’s line-up includes Sampa The Great, The Congos, The Beatbox Collective and a brand new stage show from HENGE; visit shambalafestival.org
Towersey Festival, which is the UK’s oldest independent music festival, will deliver a new programme of delights for its 60th anniversary celebration, 23rd to 26th August on the Claydon Estate near Buckingham. Comment & Comedy, curated by Gavin Osborn, will offer comedy straight from Edinburgh Fringe, award-winning short films, authors as well as Billy Bragg, The Staves and Seth Lakeman. See our separate article & visit towerseyfestival.com
CarFest lands at Laverstoke Park, 23rd-25th August;carfest.org. You’ll also love Billing, June 29th & 30th, the UK’s largest 4×4 show, with two off-road courses, 100+ trade and autojumble stands and family fun family; thebillingoffroadexperience.co.uk
Big Feastival on Alex James’ Kingham farm will serve up family fun, food and frolics, 23rd-25th August. Becky Hill, Ministry Of Sound Classical & Snow Patrol will headline with Raymond Blanc & George Egg on the menu, too. See our competition & thebigfeastival.com
Idles, Slowdive, Bonnie Prince Billie, Ty Seagull, Yo La Tengo & more will dazzle at the award-winning End Of The Road, 29th August to 1st September in Blandford Forum; visit endoftheroadfestival.com
Beloved Bunkfest is back with bounce in Wallingford, 30th August to 1st September;bunkfest.co.uk
Hop down the rabbithole with Congo Natty, General Levy, LTJ Buken, Beans On Toast & more at the Wonderland-themed Mucky Weekender, 5th -7th September near Winchester. Visit mucky-weekender.co.uk
Leftfield, Orbital & more will star at The Last Dance Dreamland in Margate, 14th September, as well as other bangers! dreamland.co.uk
Great Barn Festival returns to Great Coxwell, SN7 7LZ with music, family theatre, art and nature for all; visit greatbarnfestival.com
Liz Nicholls shares a chat with singer Chaka Khan who will star at Nocturne Live at Blenheim in June & Love Supreme festival in Sussex in July
Q. Hi Chaka, wonderful to talk to you! What’s your first memory of music?
“Hello! I was lucky to be born to parents who are artists. I recall hearing a lot of opera and jazz growing up: Billie, Ella… my father played Max Roach a lot. My mother was a dance instructor, she taught modern and ballet, so we did a lot of dancing around the house. We had a big ol’ Zenith hifi and big ol’ speakers and we all sang, danced and did our chores on Saturdays. I thought everybody did that, haha! We had murals, frescoes on every wall in the house. In our bedroom we had a circus scene. In the kitchen we had flowers, fruit. It was great to grow up with art everywhere.”
Q. You’ve worked some greats in your time, including Prince. Are there any other artists you’d love to collaborate with?
“Well I’ve done some stuff with [the R&B star] H.E.R and Sia and I are doing some stuff together.”
Q. How do you decide who to work with? Do you listen to the radio or stream new music?
“Well they [the collab artists] mostly find me! I’m not on any kind of quest, haha! I don’t listen to the radio, no. I listen to as little music as possible because it’s what I do for a living. I think too much and if I listen to music I have a hard time having fun with it. I don’t go out to clubs any more – when I was younger I did a little bit. For me a fun day is doing absolutely nothing, lying on my chaise lounge watching telly, a movie… passive entertainment!”
“I’m not nostalgic, I’m really a next girl”
Q. Do you feel nostalgic looking back on your 50 years in the biz while curating this year’s Meltdown festival?
“No, I’m not nostalgic, I’m really a next girl! I don’t live in the past, I don’t remember a lot. This is a good thing! The only thing I’m interested in is what’s happening in the moment. All we own is this moment right now. And how it’s going to affect what’s going to happen next. I don’t get caught up in things I can’t do nothing about, like yesterday. But I can influence tomorrow.”
Q. What’s been your personal biggest achievement?
“Getting out of the city and moving; leaving LA is the biggest and best thing I’ve done. I’m communing with nature here in Georgia, with all this beauty here. I truly get rest here, I get silence. And I’ve got my family here with me. My mother lives in the east wing, I’ve got my sisters, my nephews.”
Q. You lived in London for 30 years. Did you like living in the UK?
“I loved it but I’m happy now as my neighbours are miles away! I did a lot of great work in the UK, including with the London Philharmonic and worked with a lot of people I’ve loved for years. I’ve lived in many places; Germany, Switzerland… Why?! Well, I live on Earth, the whole planet, that’s the way I look at it! I’ll be in the UK all summer which will be great.”
Q. So many of your songs have been covered many times. Are there are songs that are so precious you wouldn’t want them covered?
“Well I wouldn’t want any of my songs to be copied or covered if they weren’t done well or with the best of intentions, honorably… I don’t want anybody to do a shlock job! But having said that, music is a free agent unto itself – it doesn’t belong to me, it’s for everybody.”
Q. You’re considered one of the great divas. How do you feel about the term ‘diva’ and do you embrace it?
“I know inside what I am. Whatever everybody wants to say about me, so long as it’s in a positive light, I’m happy. Titles don’t mean a lot to me, they do not define me.”
Q. You’ve achieved so much. Anything you still want to do?
“I can’t think of anything else but believe me that doesn’t stop stuff happening. I’m just very open and willing, that’s all I can do. I’ve been doing a lot of talks with children in schools. We have an open floor and they can talk about anything. I’m looking to start doing some podcasts with younger kids, young adults. That’s half of my job right now as a human being. I love my grandchildren and the focus on young people because they’re our future. We owe them a great deal of our time, energy and respect.”
Q. What advice would you give young performers paving their own way?
“Be true to yourself. Honesty is the best policy, even if it hurts! Especially if it hurts: that means it’s meaningful. This is the best thing you can do for yourself and everyone who’s around you.”
Q. How will you cater to a jazz crowd at Love Supreme festival?
“I’m not doing anything specific! I’m a multifaceted singer, I can sing anything. The best thing I’m doing is getting rid of that Queen of Funk s***. I hate to be boxed in. I do as much as is humanly possible on that stage. And everyone’s happy! I’m going to start implementing strings in my show, so I can do To Sir With Love and Big Spender and all that. I’ll be very happy to be doing shows. And I have my hits. I keep it moving, changing, that’s how you keep it interesting.”
Q. What do you think is most challenging about the music industry today for new singers coming into the industry?
“There is so much that needs to change, it’s horrific. First of all how women are set up to compete with one other. There’s no place for competition in self-expression. But often labels count on us [women] being competitive with each other, which is stupid.”
Q, What advice would you have for younger singers and your younger self?
“I think be honest and faithful with yourself and don’t be afraid. You have to keep yourself clear on what your goals are and stay true to yourself, which is a tough thing to do for young people, I think. I control my life and I’ve never let success run away with me. I’ve taken it and ran. The only thing that could threaten my stability is me. I’m my only threat and my own worst enemy. You’ve gotta follow your own path, trust your heart and listen to the warnings. You can’t argue with the universe. It’s not about that. It’s more about relaxing and knowing that you can handle it and feeling empowered. Knowing you have the power to do whatever the hell you want to do! That’s what it’s about. It really is.”
