The Big Chill

The Big Chill

With its lakeside setting in the shadow of Eastnor Castle, the Big Chill has bagged one of the most scenic locations of all the UK’s summer festivals. And it’s just as well, for the crowd that head down to this relaxing spot are a discerning bunch. Young families party with ravers, rastas, dewy-eyed couples and playful friends in fancy dress. It’s like an enormous house party crossed with a Haight Ashbury style love-in, and a must-do for any festival fan. What started as a tiny gathering for a few like-minded comrades has grown to epic proportions and yet managed to stay laid-back and musically cutting-edge. Some big names appear, but the festival caters more to relaxed, just-under-the-radar tastes, so you might see Isaac Hayes and José González alongside a ukelele orchestra or Jamie Lidell. The Big Chill joins the dots between alternative and acoustic bands, eclectic world music and, of course, dance DJs and live acts for those whose idea of chilling means sleeping on at least one of the nights.

Highlights

Norman Jay on Sunday afternoon – this show, which draws almost the whole crowd, really is what it’s all about. We also love Mr Scruff’s tent (he plays every year). Head in there during the early hours to see the spirit of the Big Chill alive, not all that well, and shaking its tailfeather.

In The Know

Head Count

Around 30,000 people over the weekend.

Meeting Point

Meet in Mr. Scruff's tent. It's not too big, it serves nice cups of tea during the day, and by night there's always a great DJ playing in there.

Best View

This isn't a crowded festival, so if you want to get to the front of the stage you'll be able to, without feeling the need to don armour. Head up the hill for a view of the whole spectacle, though, and to discover hidden gems (art shows, mystery trails...) in the woods.

Packing Tips

If you do decide to camp, take a gazebo so you can relax in the shade (and shelter from rainfall).

Escape

Go to the beautifully decorated Body&Soul area, where professional therapists and practitioners provide massages and treatments. Book them as soon as you arrive on site (most of the slots are full by Friday morning), or head up there during Norman Jay's set on Sunday, when it's likely to be quiet.

Dos and don'ts

• Take an after-dark stroll around the Art Trail, a hillside grove with amazing creative displays among the foliage.
• Don’t go swimming in the lake, however appealing it looks. It hasn’t been passed by Environmental Health, and you never know what lurks beneath.
• Avoid camping next to the toilets, or at the bottom of a hill.
• Take some strong plastic bags and gaffer tape. As Jonathan More from Coldcut explains, ‘In the event of rain, using these basic items, you can fashion a fetching outfit, cover the feet or the ground, fix tent leaks, carry stuff, create a flag to mark the spot – the list is endless.’
• Don’t count on mobile coverage; designate a meeting point.
• Get up early if you want a warm shower. The queues get pretty long later on in the morning, and the water gets colder and colder…

Need To Know

Children

There’s plenty here for the kids. Take them to the children’s tent, where they’ll be entertained with Punch and Judy shows and jugglers, or look out for the face-painters and the Wicker Village, where kids can add to the woven walkways and houses.

Parking

There’s no charge for ticket-holders’ cars, and there’s plenty of space. You’re free to come and go as you please, as long as you keep your wristband on. If you turn up in a camper van or a caravan, there’s a £40 surcharge for smaller vehicles and £80 for the largest, and all the ‘live-in’ vehicles are grouped together.

Disability Access

There are toilets for disabled people dotted around the site, and the showers located within the family camping area are accessible if you have someone to help you. Stewards are available to help with camping equipment and luggage.

Food & Drink

There are plenty of bars here (we love the shoddy-yet-sophisticated Bombay Sapphire tent) and a tempting selection of stalls selling almost every kind of food you can imagine. The doorstop sarnies from the organic sausage stand are great, as is the jerk chicken from the Caribbean stand. Sancho Panza does a brilliant paella and everyone raves about the pie stall, though you’ll have to queue.

Sleep

If you don’t fancy sleeping under canvas, check into the Verzon (01531 670381; www.theverzon.co.uk), a chic, airy eight-room hotel with exceptional service in Ledbury, just a fi ve-minute drive from the festival site. About 45 minutes away is the family-friendly Cotswold House Hotel in picturesque Chipping Campden. Find more hotels in the area and make bookings online at www.mrandmrssmith.com, or ring 0845 034 0701.

VIP

There's no VIP area here – it's a boutique festival, so everyone is treated like a special guest.