Christopher BarrettHomestead, a new independent festival open exclusively to people aged over 25, is to debut on 20 July at Fernhill Farm in the Mendips.
The event is the brainchild of Shindig Productions director Will Lardner and his wife Jess who registered the festival name five years ago. Will and Jess were part of the team responsible for Shindig Festival, a 10,000-capacity independent Somerset-based event that ran for a decade before being closed this year. Jess is currently operations manager at Team Love, which produces events including the Forwards and Love Saves The Day festivals.
The duo said the festival aims to challenge the status quo by offering an ‘all-inclusive’ ticket, which includes breakfast and Bloody Marys, camping, access to all entertainment, talks and workshops, and no added payment for elements such as VIP areas, parking or campervan passes.
They also said there is no ambition to expand Homestead’s capacity beyond 1,500 festivalgoers, with the aim being to maintain an intimate environment with high production values and quality acts.
“We may look at doing another weekend or doing a version overseas but the capacity will remain 1,500,” said Will. “We could see the market is changing and what people want out of festivals is slightly different now, and something that caters for a smaller crowd but with the levels of production and the calibre of acts that you get at large events, just wasn’t there. The uniqueness of what we’re trying to create is based around the 1500 people – we think that’s the sweet spot.”
Located 30 minutes outside of Bristol and Bath, Homestead will provide a mix of comedy, DJs and live music from a wide range of genres. The lineup includes comedians Paul Smith and Troy Hawke along with bands such as Warmduscher (pictured) and Fat Dog. Tickets are priced £300.
Will said, “Homestead has been ten years in the making for Jess and I. Over the last year we’ve loved working alongside so many of our friends within the music, comedy, food and festival world to finally bring it to life. We really can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”