In 2012 The Big Session is back on the festival scene after a year’s hiatus. Bigger (but still beautifully intimate) and better than before the event comes to Catton Hall in South Derbyshire, a tried and tested festival site on a picturesque slab of English countryside next to the River Trent.
An intimate crowd of around 3000 will gather from 15-17 June to continue to develop the ethos that makes Big Session Festival different. If you have ever stumbled across an afterhours music session or jam in a pub or club, then you will know the feeling of inclusiveness and belonging coupled with real excitement and a party atmosphere that those sessions have. And it’s just this atmosphere that inspired and continues to inspire The Big Session Festival.
Some of the biggest names on the acoustic scene such as Eddi Reader, The Leisure Society, Show of Hands, Scott Matthews, and Roddy Woomble headline, along with the founders of the Big Session concept and legendary political folk rockers Oysterband & June Tabor. They are joined by the likes of Disraeli and the Small Gods who effortlessly blend cutting edge poetry with folk and hip hop, The Treacherous Orchestra who are taking the sound of Celtic Big Band to another level with their 13 piece wall of sound. Chumbawamba and their politically fuelled acoustic pop and the collaborative open Songwriters Circle session “State of the Union” hosted by legendary songwriter Boo Herwerdine.
Up and coming artists come in the shape of Kami Thompson (daughter of Richard) Jesca Hoop, who recently supported Elbow on their UK tour and BBC 6 Music sensation Jake Morley.
Beyond the music the Big Session prides itself on being great for the family. “The Orchard” space provides hands on activities, workshops, builds, music and entertainment.
The Big Session is independent of major corporate sponsors and branding……..a truly independent and individual event.
Full Line Up
Eddi Reader / The Leisure Society / Oysterband and June Tabor / Show of Hands / Scott Matthews / Roddy Woomble / Dizraeli and the Small Gods /
Treacherous Orchestra / Martin Simpson Band / Chumbawamba / Chris Wood / Jesca Hoop / Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings / State of the Union – Songwriters Circle/ Kris Drever / Abandoman / DJ Pete Lawrence / Jonny Kearney & Lucy Farrell / The Magic Tombolinos / Kami Thompson / Paper Aeroplanes / Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party / Jake Morley / Merry Hell / Lucy Ward / Gavin Osborn / Walsh & Pound / Richard Warren / More Like Trees / Mawkin / Urusen / Duotone /
Sam Brookes / Chris Tye / Anna Elias & the Forlorn Hope / Alexa Hawksworth / Lisbbe Stainton / Blue Rose Code / Jess Morgan / Fran Smith
Plus full family festival programme down at “The Orchard”
BIG Sessions, Artist talks, workshops, sculpture park and unique collaborations
Music Taster
Blue Rose Code – Julie (Songs From The Shed session)
The Leisure Society – Dust On The Dancefloor
Scott Matthews – Dream song, @ the old fruitmarket
Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings perform “Hard Times of Old England” at Cecil Sharp House
state of the union – ‘darkness’
Kami Thompson — Gotta Hold On (acoustic) The Holy Moly Sessions
More details here: www.bigsessionfestival.com