Crack in the Road

Since it’s beginning’s in 1994 as a series a parties held at the Union Chapel in Islington, The Big Chill festival has become known for its eclectic lineups, electric visuals and unusual acts, this year is no exception.

Held in the grounds of Eastnor Castle, Hertfordshire from the 4th to the 7th of August, The Big Chill 2011 has acts ranging from the eerily experimental Ariel Pink to hip hop mega mogul, Kanye West. Its impossible to place the festival within a single genre and alongside a magnificent music line up, there’s plenty more for festival-goers to feast their eyes, ears and mouths on.

Usually in a pre roundup piece like this I’d make some recommendations of what acts I think will stand out, but with such an interesting lineup, I’m finding it hard to pick out my favourites. So I’m asking you, the reader, What do you want to see covered in Crack in the Road’s post Big Chill festival run-down?

Crack in the Road will be sending myself and a femme fatale photographer down to the Big Chill to capture the atmosphere and perhaps catch up with a few of the acts, so if you don’t get a chance to attend we’ll be there letting you know how things go down. Anyway, without further ado, I present to you the line-up;

NB: There are also acts playing on the Thursday including James Blake, they aren’t listed here but you can find them on the official Big Chill 2011 site.

Something else about the Big Chill that caught my eye was its infamous night time art trail. Saatchi Online will present this year’s Art Trail, transforming the grounds of The Big Chill into a series of sculptures and installations via a plotted route through the site’s woodland. Saatchi Gallery has also commissioned four bespoke ping pong tables by some of the UK’s leading artists which will be scattered around the site.

2011 also sees the first ever Big Chill Radio Stage, with DJ sets from artists such as Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor, Maurice Fulton and Bill Brewster. Also confirmed are film screenings of PJ Harvey shorts and Beastie Boys: Fight For Your Right Revisited. BBC Radio 6 will also be making live broadcasts from the stage.

Check out the Big Chill’s official website for more details and a full list of all the artists attending as well as information about the renowned comedy tent and the tranquil Enchanted Garden.