The Big Chill 2011

The Big Chill information

Set in a picturesque location and offering both families and ravers a diverse range of alternative, dance, electronica, and chilled beats from live bands and DJs. The music programme is a mix of everything from legends to new talent, plus a whole range of musical styles from rock, folk, jazz, African, dub, and unique collaborations. Aside from music the festival also has art, films, poetry, cabaret, visuals, and gourmet food.

The dates for 2011 are expected to be from Thursday 4th until Sunday 7th August at the site which has four lakes, thick woods and an arboretum at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire.

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The Big Chill Lineup

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Location of The Big Chill

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History of The Big Chill

Founded in 1994 by Pete Lawrence and Katrina Larkin it began as a series of ambient parties at the Union Chapel in Islington, but developed into an outdoor festival in 1995 with an event in the Black Mountains of Wales. In the early days the most prominent DJs were Matt Black of Coldcut, Tom Middleton of Global Communication and Mixmaster Morris also known as the Irresistible Force.

After a false start that nearly bankrupted the fledgling festival, in 1998 a new home for the event (now known as "The Enchanted Garden") was found at Larmer Tree Gardens in England where it was held for 5 years. During this time it slowly developed its hallmarks, such as high quality visuals, an excellent range of food stalls, highly unusual line-ups and a Body & Soul field with many healers, masseurs and alternative therapists. In 2001 a second summer festival was also held at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

The festival has continued to grow in popularity with attendance and ticket sales generally increasing each year. In 2002 the last festival took place at the Larmer Tree Gardens, and then the event moved to its current home at Eastnor Castle where it now takes place each summer at the beginning of August. Attendance at the first "Enchanted Garden" was only a couple of thousand people, rising to around 6-7000 people towards the end of its time at Larmer Tree Gardens. In 2003 this had increased to 17,500. Additional space at the Eastnor site has permitted the festival to grow further to 27,000 (2004) and 30,000 (2005) people. In 2006 the event was licensed for 35,000 people, and in the 2007 festival was marginally smaller. Nowadays the festival has moved on from the vibes of its small beginnings and has a plethora of corporate sponsors and professionals involved in the production.

Throughout its history, the Big Chill has showcased a variety of music, uptempo as well as ambient. Nowadays DJs like Norman Jay, Mr Scruff and Gilles Peterson are regular performers, and more dance music is heard, but the festival also provides a diverse range of music from folk and jazz to African and dub, as well as art, films, poetry, cabaret and gourmet food. A couple of TV documentaries have helped The Big Chill become a regular fixture of the English summer.

The Big Chill info
What:	The Big Chill
When:	Thu 4th Aug 2011
Where:	Eastnor Castle Deer Park,
How Much:	Adult Weekend Ticket £165 + Bo
Lineup:	2011 Lineup
Tickets:	The Big Chill Tickets
News:	The Big Chill News
Travel:	The Big Chill Travel
Hotels:	The Big Chill Hotels

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