In a little over two weeks Black Deer Festival will finally return to the lush grounds of Eridge Park just outside of Tunbridge Wells. The third edition of this award-winning festival was postponed in 2020 and came so close to happening in 2021 but, well we won't dwell on that. It's been a harrowing couple of years for the live music community and frankly it's a miracle independent festivals like this one still exist. Black Deer 2022 is all set to celebrate! The line-up this year sees a selection of the previously scheduled headliners (Wilco as a UK-exclusive, The Waterboys, Van Morrison) together with an astounding array of international and domestic talent expanding the realm of Americana. With so much music on offer the prospect of wrangling with the festival schedule feels almost overwhelming after so long out of the saddle but fear not, dear reader; here follows a brief overview of the moments you absolutely won't want to miss at Black Deer Festival in 2022.
1. Clash Magazine Takeover - Friday - The Roadhouse Stage: An eclectic mix of artists showcasing the breadth of Americana; from the impeccable blood-harmonies of folk trio Wildwood Kin to the rambunctious guitar-driven rock'n'roll of His Lordship, via the punk-trad fusion of Black Water County, the gritty blues of William Crighton and the ambling soul-infused sounds of Seafoam Green. It's a cliché to say "there's something for everyone here" but...well, there is.
2. The Great Americana Songbook - Saturday - Haley's Bar Stage: The Band's 'The Last Waltz' gets the Black Deer Festival treatment. Hosted by Americana Music Association UK's 2021 Artist of the Year, Robert Vincent, and boasting an embarrassment of incredible guests with a smokin'-hot house band, this promises to be an unforgettable set.
3. Gospel Brunch - Sunday - Live Fire Stage: If you're feeling a little fragile on your final festival morning there is no better medicine than music, specifically gospel music with a side of (free) wings or waffles. It's a favourite among past attendees, the word is out, so get in early and prepare to have your mind, body and soul uplifted.
4. Songwriter Sessions - Daily - The Ridge Stage: Another fan favourite from previous festivals, the traditional 'guitar pull' format is getting a big-top glow up, owing to the overwhelming demand for these intimate acoustic performances. The sacred alchemy of songwriting is revealed through exchange and storytelling by some master artists in this field, including Caroline Spence, John Smith, Emily Barker, William Prince and Lady Nade (just to name a few).
5. Supajam - Daily - The Supajam Stage: Supajam is a unique music and media college that empowers vulnerable young people to re-engage with formal education and find career pathways that they'd otherwise been denied in traditional education because of social, behavioural and emotional challenges. More than just a class project, The Supajam Stage is where students have the opportunity to really put their technical skills on display, in all aspects of stage management, production and - this year, for the first time - performance. There's an inspiring aura around the young talent running this show and it's worth your visit any time of day.
If you're still not sure how to approach the music schedule we suggest starting at the bottom of the artist list and working your way up. If you don't find at least 20 acts you want to see before reaching the headliners, look again!
In addition to the music (as if more were needed) Black Deer also boasts a wealth of entertainment for families of all ages and interests. In the Live Fire Arena you'll find every conceivable form of BBQ available; smoked, roasted and grilled delights for meat-eaters and veggies alike, as well as competitions and demonstrations. If you even have time to eat, guaranteed you won't go hungry at this festival! At The Roadhouse you'll find classic hot rods and custom bikes with no shortage of motorheads eager to talk shop. This isn't the only 'culture' you'll find on site either, as down at The Outpost there's axe-throwing and ironmongery while other traditional skills and crafts can be found on display throughout the deer park. For those especially energetic attendees not content to sit and listen to music all day - children, you know who you are - there's the aptly titled Young Folk portion of the grounds dedicated to entertaining and (hopefully) tiring out little legs and minds with a range of challenging and fun activities including slacklining, tree-climbing, fort-building, guitar, ukulele and harmonica workshops, print-making, clay moulding, skateboarding workshops, arts and crafts and a silent disco. Young Folk is a festival within a festival!
It may seem rather indulgent to be thinking about music festivals again, in the face of global political, economic and humanitarian struggles, but there's also an argument to be made for sharing in this celebration of community. Community and joy, in spite of adversity. No, festivals and live music events aren't rewards we earn for enduring hardships but rather they are the pay-off for unity, for the compassion, attention and openness we show up with these days; a necessity for harmony. Harmony for the greater good. And it's a well known fact; we're stronger when we sing together.
Kendall Wilson