The UK’s Black Deer Festival To Move Back A Year To June 2021
Organisers have also stated that 1500 NHS staff and key workers will be invited as special guests.
Black Deer Festival has announced that this year’s third annual event, due to take place 19-21 June, has been moved to the same weekend, 18-20 June, next year. Organisers have also stated that 1500 NHS staff and key workers will be invited as special guests.
The UK independent Americana gathering, set in the grounds of Eridge Park in Kent, has confirmed many of this year’s scheduled acts for 2021, plus new additions. The postponement has, needless to say, come in the light of the current coronavirus pandemic.
Hayseed Dixie performin at the 2019 Black Deer Festival. Photo: Ania Shrimpton
Among those reconfirmed for the revised bill are Wilco and the new collaboration Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant and Suzi Dian, as well as the Waterboys, the Dead South, Imelda May, the Milk Carton Kids, the Felice Brothers and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.
The first new names to be added to Black Deer’s 2021 line-up are Police Dog Hogan, Caroline Spence, Birds of Chicago, the Lost Brothers and Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra. Many more will be announced in due course.
“The same excitement for our line-up in 2021”
In a statement, Black Deer Festival co-founders Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling said: “This announcement has taken longer than we hoped but what was so important, other than the obvious safety of our community, was to do everything we could to make sure we were able to recreate the same excitement for our line-up in 2021 that we were all looking forward to at Black Deer Festival this year.
Return of Robert Plant, Imelda May et al
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the artists and their teams in working with us to secure a line-up for 2021 equally as amazing as 2020. In addition to Wilco, the Waterboys, Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant, the Dead South, Imelda May and many more, we’re beyond excited to announce more roots heroes such as Police Dog Hogan, the Lost Brothers and welcome back the uplifting Powerhouse Gospel Choir to deliver what we know will be the best weekend celebration of Americana and country the UK will have ever seen.”
The festival has also announced the first names for the Roadhouse Stage, curated for a second year by Desertfest promoters Desertscene London. Such artists as ASG, Prosperina, Black Rainbows, Gorilla, Black Orchids and Lead Desert Blues will perform, and the aforementioned Powerhouse Gospel Choir, a favourite at last year’s inaugural Gospel Brunch, will also return.
Photo: Ania Shrimpton
Current ticket holders are being offered the opportunity to roll over their ticket to 2021 and receive an exclusive limited edition Black Deer T-shirt. They can also transfer their ticket to a key worker or apply for a ticket refund. Black Deer’s ticket agency partners will contact all ticket holders directly via email within the next three days to confirm how to activate their preferred option.
The decision to invite 1500 NHS staff and key workers comes after some Black Deer team members have been personally affected by the pandemic. After witnessing first-hand the “incredible work and sacrifices made by so many,” they are making the gesture as a way of showing their gratitude. More information is available at blackdeerfestival.com.
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