A highlights reel from Wilkswood Reggae Festival 2022 showing some of the artists, ambience and atmosphere of this year’s event. A nostalgic trip for everyone who attended and glimpse of what you missed for those of you who didn’t, the festival took place over three days from 21st to 23rd July and was attended by 2,500 reggae lovers, young and old.
The 2022 festival (originally rescheduled from 2020 and 2021 due to coronavirus Covid-19 restrictions) saw reggae legends rub shoulders with upcoming artists and DJs from the UK and abroad with over 50 acts performing across three stages. Headliners on the main stage included legendary musician and producer Dennis Bovell, the evergreen Twinkle Brothers, dub wizard Mad Professor, Prince Fatty (performing with Shniece and Horseman), the Queens of Lovers Rock, Janet Kay and Carol Thompson and reggae dignitaries Sandra Cross and Vivian Jones.
The Jah Spirit Sound System Stage featured exclusive takeovers on each day from three of the UK’s top sound systems, Channel One Soundsystem, Mungo’s HiFi and Sinai Sound, who appeared with their own custom-built speaker rigs. It’s exceptional to get to experience these genuine sound systems outside of the carnival environment, so this was a real treat.
Elsewhere an eclectic collection of acoustic and spoken word acts will appeared on the Bang Mix Family Fringe Stage as well as some late night DJs.
The Wilkswood Reggae Festival is a family-friendly festival and there was plenty to entertain the children including a dedicated kid’s field and a wooded clearing featuring storytelling and music. There was also free workshops in beatboxing, urban dance and rap performance. To encourage the whole family to come along, there are reduced prices for children up to the age of 17 and under-3s are free!
Both the Main Stage and the Jah Spirit Soundsystem Stage are under cover so the music carries on whatever the weather. Elsewhere there’s a chillout zone, street food stalls (including a Jamaican jerk barbecue, wood-fired pizza and vegetarian/vegan food), the main bar serving draught beer and ice cold lager and the Rumshak’s infamous rum cocktails; we’re still trying to work out what the ‘magic ingredient’ is but they taste great and get you dancing!
Organised by Hard Way Promotions and members of Bournemouth’s Dubheart Collective, the festival takes place over three days at Wilkswood Farm in Langton Matravers and the ticket price includes full admission and camping for three nights. There is a glamping field with pre-pitched tents and campervans and caravans are welcome (for a small additional fee).
More details and tickets for the festival available at https://wilkswoodreggae.com
Track: Country Living by Sandra Cross
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2 Responses
Nice one, big up! I'm a Reggae and Hip-Hop producer – Feel free to listen to some of my beats too. Bless
Had such a brilliant time, have already bought tickets for 2023, a top top festival. Lovely vibe, people and amazing staff 🤝👁😎😎