Christopher BarrettOrganisers of the independently run Black Deer Festival (cap. 10,000) are staging a two-day version in London.
Following the cancelation of this year’s edition of the long-running Black Deer Festival at Kent’s Eridge Park due to tough economic conditions, the event’s co-founder Gill Tee and MD Chris Russell-Fish have announced details of Black Deer In The City.
Staged in partnership with Tobacco Dock, the inuagral Black Deer In The City will take place on 25–26 October. It has been described by organisers as a hybrid of the greenfield festival and the Black Deer Live shows. Black Deer Live, encompassing a live show touring programme and branded digital radio station, was launched last year.
Black Deer In the City will offer a weekend of Americana music, with more than 50 artists performing across three stages that include Black Deer Live, Haley’s Bar and the Roadhouse (curated by London’s Desertscene). The first wave of artists will be announced at the end of May.
Organisers said a Live Fire area will host BBQ demos from celebrated chefs and pitmasters across the weekend, as well as chilli and hot dog eating contests. There will also be multiple bars, street food, fashion shows and a tattoo parlour.
Russell-Fish said, “The launch of Black Deer Live and Black Deer Radio last summer allowed us to bring Americana music to a wider audience while supporting both established and emerging artists, a core part of our ethos.
“With a growing radio audience and now the launch of Black Deer In The City, we’re excited to offer fans the spirit of our festival through this new format. We’re thrilled to partner with Tobacco Dock for this next chapter and can’t wait to welcome both loyal fans and new faces into the Black Deer community.”
“We are so excited to launch Black Deer In the City, bringing you all the ethos and authenticity of the Black Deer Festival to London,” said Tee. “We will focus on delivering to our wonderful community the music we love — raw, heartfelt Americana, together with its sub-cultures that will blend together to make this event so special. We couldn’t be prouder to partner with Tobacco Dock and we look forward to welcoming everyone to this amazing space in October.”
Tobacco Dock chairman Patrick Donovan added, “As our venue continues to evolve as a hub for community, culture and live entertainment, we’re delighted to be hosting Black Deer in the City. This ground-breaking Americana weekend will set the scene for a diverse programme of music-led events staged within our beautiful heritage building.”