insideKENT Magazine Issue 86 - May 2019 | Page 62

FESTIVALS Black Deer Festival: IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ALL THINGS AMERICANA RETURNING FOR ITS SECOND YEAR AFTER A MONUMENTAL DEBUT, THE AWARD-WINNING BLACK DEER FESTIVAL PROMISES A ONE-OF-A-KIND WEEKEND CELEBRATING ALL THINGS AMERICANA AND COUNTRY. TAKING PLACE IN THE PICTURESQUE SURROUNDINGS OF ERIDGE PARK, BRITAIN’S OLDEST DEER PARK LOCATED ON THE KENT/EAST SUSSEX BORDER NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS, THIS CULTURAL HAVEN IS A FABULOUS FESTIVAL EVENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY. JOHN BUTLER TRIO BAND OF HORSES KRIS KRISTOFFERSON Black Deer has been widely acclaimed as a truly authentic experience; an independent festival born from passion and built from experience thanks to its two female founders whose love and respect for the genre shines through every facet of the festival. You can expect an array of authentic Americana- style meats over at Live Fire, uplifting choral Gospel brunches, smoky whiskeys, bespoke custom motorcycle showcases, and storytelling from cultural pioneers set to a soundtrack played by Black Deer Festival’s expertly curated musical lineup. This year’s stellar performers include Band of Horses, The Staves, Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers, John Butler Trio, Neko Case, The Wandering Hearts and many more talented artists from the expansive Americana, blues, roots, authentic country, folk and bluegrass genres. 62 On top of the incredible music and way of life set that Black Deer invites you to immerse yourself into, the festival is set to welcome an Americana- inspired cinematic experience by award-winning director Nicolas Winding Refn. Over the three days, the byNWR Expressway will showcase a specially curated trilogy of meticulously restored films, each set to serve as a visual reimagining of early Americana alongside the immersive handpicked music and food programming that Black Deer Festival prides itself on. Black Deer offers Americana culture at its most visceral and exists to stay true to the communities and cultures that inhabit this indefinable world. It’s a world that welcomes children of all ages and offers families the chance to create memories that will last forever. Kids can safely climb to the top of ancient oak trees, work together to help to build a Wild West town, or listen to stories around the campfire. Comfort is king at Black Deer and the organisers have gone to great lengths to provide world class production facilities and top of the range accommodation offerings for locals and visitors alike. This family friendly event encourages people of all ages to completely immerse themselves in all aspects of this culture, which is celebrated by millions on either side of the Atlantic and delivering an authentic, roots-style lineup to the UK. www.blackdeerfestival.com