The Big One: The Big Chill 2010

What to wear, who to see, what to drink and everything else

Rhian Daly - 30 July 2010

What, when and where
Taking over the beautiful surroundings of Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire, from 5-8 August, The Big Chill is a mid-summer treat packed with the cream of the cream in the music world today, as well as a whole host of other artsy pursuits. The gorgeous location coupled with the friendly, blissed out atmosphere help The Big Chill live up to its name. If you leave on the Monday morning feeling anything but totally restored and relaxed, you’ve been doing it wrong.

Five to watch

Chrome Hoof
Originally starting out as a duo, Chrome Hoof have got so many members these days they’re impossible to count. Theatrical as well as musical, they often break off into vaudeville interludes just to keep you on your toes. Oh, this is whilst dressed like monks from outer space and all.

Broken Bells
Danger Mouse and him out of The Shins bring their collaborative effort to Herefordshire and boy, is it going to be beautiful. The album might take some getting into but once you see it live, it all makes sense.

Gaggle
Another group well into double figures, Gaggle are an all female alt-choir with a penchant for dressing up. The power of their collective voices can be intimidating, especially with Head Gaggle Coughlin’s menacing electro pounding away in the background.

Kelis
A true superstar, Kelis is guaranteed to put on an amazing show stuffed with classics like ‘Caught Out There’ and, of course, the ubiquitous ‘Milkshake’ as well as the amazing futuro-pop of her new album ‘Fleshtone’.

Magnetic Man
Hands-in-the-air, electrifying and euphoric dance music is what dubstep’s first supergroup (made up of Benga, Skream and Artwork) specialize in. Perfect for dancing the night away and perfect for having the time of your life to.

One to miss

Newton Faulkner
The fact that the man with the ginger dreadlocks is still going should be enough to make you step away from the tent. If people keep encouraging him, he’s just going to carry on.
 Playing a rare UK festival date

MIA
She might have come to prominence on our shores but controversy lover Maya Arulpragasam’s UK appearances are few and far between these days. The only other British festival she’s playing this year is Underage so, unless you’re under 18, this is your only chance to see her over the summer without leaving the country.

Inside tip

Tensnake
Hamburg’s best new DJ has been quietly working up a storm, remixing and creating his own little Italo-disco meets house pieces of heaven. Catch him now before he’s packing out every tent this side of his hometown.

Be at The Big Chill if you like...
Being the first to see the next big thing, music with a side of experimentalism, eco-friendly festivals.

Avoid if you hate...
Middle class office-dwellers cutting loose for the weekend, acoustic guitars, chill out music.

Festival tactics
Be an early bird. Gates open midday on Thursday, and whilst the main entertainment doesn’t start until the next day, it’s worth arriving early so as to avoid the stress of trying to squeeze your tent into one of the remaining gaps. It’ll also give you that extra few hours to soak up the beautiful surroundings of the park.

Fashionista or folky?
One look at who’s playing will tell you the Big Chill is hitting a mid point between the two. As such, you get a range of people (and outfits) who’re almost as exciting as the varied line up.

Alcohol of choice
Pimms, wine or cider.

Take your mum score - 4/10
There’s enough acoustic loveliness here to keep Ma busy as well as arts and craft workshops, poetry readings and quizzes.  

Can I still get tickets?
Surprisingly, with this line up, yes! Full weekend tickets are still available and the price range even differs depending on which point of your life you’ve hit (child, teen, student, adult).

Click here to buy The Big Chill tickets.

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