Escape to the country
This year’s line up for the Black Deer Festival includes Sheryl Crow, Rufus Wainwright, Joe Bonamassa and so much more. Read on to discover more about the music line up, fantastic food and exceptional experiences that are on offer next month – right on our doorstep
Black Deer is back and for 2024 this Americana-inspired festival, held in the glorious grounds of Eridge Park over the weekend of June 14 to 16, promises to be a really vintage year.
Headliners are Sheryl Crow, Rufus Wainwright and Joe Bonamassa, while additional acts taking to the stage over the weekend include Seastick Steve, The Staves, Ward Thomas, Villagers – and so much more…
First launched in 2018 by festival veterans Gill Tee and Deb Shilling, Black Deer has since gone on to become one of the area’s – if not the UK’s – most popular small festivals. The Guardian voted it the Best Festival in its first year and since its inaugural event, some six years ago, it has welcomed a slew of legendary artists including Bonnie Rait, The Pretenders, Van Morrison, The Waterboys, Steve Earle and Richard Hawley.
But as well as all the big names, there’s always plenty of new music to discover as well as lots of local ones on the bill such as Isabella Coulstock who’ll be appearing on the Caffe Nero ‘grass roots’ stage – which having proved to be so popular at last year’s event is returning once again.
The festival also welcomes the return of the Supajam Stage, in association with Folklore Sessions and our very own Local&Live, which is headed up by Paul Dunton and his team. This special partnership brings to light the amazing work of Supajam, who provide award-winning education for vulnerable and disadvantaged students, giving them the skills and qualifications to get into further education or the music business.
In addition to all the live music, there will of course be the interactive Live Fire stage. Featuring world-famous chili eating competitions, a Gospel Sunday brunch, and live cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs including Melissa Thompson, Matt Burgess and Genevieve Taylor. The Live Fire stage really is the perfect partner to your sonic soundscape over the Black Deer weekend…
Headlining on Friday night, June 15, is the international country superstar Sheryl Crow. And according to Black Deer’s organisers: “Fans can expect to enjoy a career-spanning set from the nine-time Grammy Award winner, who was recently inducted into the globally esteemed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
On the Saturday evening it’s the turn of American blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa to perform. And what’s even better is that he’s appearing as a UK festival exclusive. The legendary guitarist, singer and songwriter has topped the Billboard Blues Albums Chart an unprecedented 26 times, whilst garnering three Grammy Award nominations.
“Bringing his guitar-wielding expertise to this year’s Black Deer Festival, the crowd are in for a real treat as they have the chance to witness one of the world’s finest musicians today,” adds a Black Deer spokesperson.
Also appearing as a UK festival exclusive act is the multi-talented Rufus Wainwright who will take to the stage on the Sunday night. The multi-talented and award-winning artist who’s penned ten albums, two operas and performed with the likes of Elton John will officially close the festival.
Add into the musical mix the likes of BC Camplight, The Shires, Courtney Barnett, Michele Stodart and Prima Queen, you really do have an amazing lineup of talented and diverse stars who can’t wait to entertain you in Eridge Park next month.
As the organisers tell us Black Deer is created by music lovers, for music lovers…
“Black Deer is at the heart and forefront of the rapid and influential rise of Americana in the UK and beyond- whether that be the biggest and best across Americana, Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Roots or the Blues, or the exciting emerging artists of the genre’s renaissance. At Black Deer, attendees are dropped into a musical melting pot.”
We can’t wait to see you there!
Black Deer Festival runs from 14th-16th June 2024 at Eridge Park, Tunbridge Wells.
For ticket info visit
www.blackdeerfestival.com
