The much loved, independent, countercultural weekend long fiesta that is Moovin Festival is back: “Once Manchester’s best kept secret, it has now established itself as the place to party over the August Bank holiday weekend .” This year sees Moovin’s biggest line up to date, mixing familiar faces, living legends and groundbreaking greats, with a unique sense of quirky, hedonistic madness plus plenty of surprises. Moovin Festival is a laid back way to catch an eclectic mix of favourite acts as well as exciting new artists and so much more.
The eco-friendly Whitebottom Farm, a beautiful, secluded spot in the heart of Etherow Country Park, just 30 minutes from central Manchester, is transformed into a wonderland for fun and frolics, amongst enchanting trees, surrounded by the most picturesque charms of nature including lakes, rivers and a spectacular gorge. Whilst the line ups are big the capacity is limited to keep the friendly, intimate (adult only) family vibe which has helped to make this boutique festival so special.
Stages include “The Barn” , a large converted cow shed with a huge bar for speedy service at reasonable prices, plenty of space to dance and hay bale seating to kick back on, makes it a unique Festival setting. Headlining this stage are legendary dance pioneers Orbital whose incredible live show features LED screens and transportive imagery matched with their otherworldly acid house sound will be an experience not to be missed. You can catch a mix of everything in “The Barn” groovy Funk and Soul from Roy Ayers, Dancehall vibes from Sister Nancy, and The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff who is sure to “moo”ve the crowd with his flawless turntable skills and musical versatility. Also welcoming Hip Hop Heavyweights the Sugarhill Gang and Jungle Brothers, the genre defying Alabama 3 , Slamborees extravagant stage theatre show and everything in between.
The Udder One, this year set to be the ultimate combo of a club in a field and will showcase the epic Jungle/d&B phenomenon Shy FX , the Grammy Award winner and a true leader in global dance music Louie Vega and Soul ll Soul maestro Jazzie B. With dub and reggae vibes from the Mad Professor, the eclectic sounds of the inimitable Moodymann and the sure to please funky grooves from Craig Charles are just a few of the amazing acts rocking the tent, there is also a spectacular breakbeat show ” King of the Beats” with Moovin resident Krafty Kuts going back to back with the Plump Djs & Freestylers will be set to blow your wellies off.
Across these two venues, and the other three on site stages, each with their own distinctive style, you will discover a whole host of music and performance, supporting and providing a platform for upcoming and local talent, as well as featuring the many other well established acts playing this year including Jungle stalwarts Micky Finn, Dillinja and DJ Randall plus House legends such as Graeme Park, Jon Da Silva and DJ Paulette alongside some amazing bands.
Aside from the music, there’s yoga classes and morning gong baths to start your day, treatments like massage and reflexology, ethically sourced food and drink, fresh coffee, fresh juices, smoothies, treats, sweets, delights, hoopers, dancers, chancers, circus, fire, poets, magic, mayhem, and much, much more to explore. Moovin really is a festival like no udder!
With the last 2 year editions selling out be sure to grab your tickets while you still can at moovinfestival.com.