Forget Barnum and Bailey; this is the greatest show on Earth if you want to be transported to a bygone era of classic cars, style and glamour. This unique annual motor racing event is held in the spectacular grounds of Lord March’s 12,000-acre Goodwood House estate in West Sussex. In the words of F1 racing legend Jackie Stewart, “There’s nothing close to this in the world. It has the biggest selection of cars and the biggest crowds of spectators too.” Each year crowds come out in droves to witness the action with celebrities such as David Gandy, Rowan Atkinson, Zara Tindall, David Coultard, and Stirling Moss, amongst others mingling with the masses. Even if you’re not into cars and motorcycles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit of things by dressing in vintage attire to herald the golden days of motoring, which often featured a leisurely picnic with fine champagne - all while taking in the countryside views. Arrive in Style To ensure a grand entrance, many attendees arrive in their prized automobiles. For those who really want to make an impression, there’s even the option to arrive by helicopter, thanks to Goodwood’s private airfield. Upon arrival, the first thing guests will notice is the car park, which is usually an experience in itself given the wide variety of jaw-dropping wheels that are typically on display such as a Ferrari Dino, a vintage Rolls Royce or a James Bond style Aston Martin. Racing at Goodwood The overall site is huge and it’s easy to get distracted and miss the racing. For those interested in watching the racing in all its glory, there are information points at various locations with staff on hand to provide advice. The car racing takes place on a 2.5 mile track, which has viewing areas around its complete circumference. Apart from car racing, there is also vintage motorcycle racing with bikes such as Manx Nortons, Dominators, Triumphs and German BMW’s, which were being serviced by mechanics in lederhosen - a sight worth seeing! The track side atmosphere is sensational as spectators can get close to the participating vehicles in the race preparation areas. Another highlight for many people is the Settrington Cup, a children’s race featuring vintage pedal cars. With a bit of luck, one of the participating children might become the next Lewis Hamilton! What to see and do at Goodwood Obviously, the vintage vehicles are the main attraction at Goodwood Revival, but there are also plenty of other vintage installations and activities taking place throughout the site to celebrate the era. Flight displays at Goodwood Goodwood is renowned for its flight displays, which feature WW2 era Spitfires being put through their acrobatic paces. Flight enthusiasts will also love the Mustang on display - one of the most iconic American airplanes used during WW2. For those who want to get up close to the participating vintage planes, there is a viewing area, which provides ample photo opportunities. Music at Goodwood For a non-music event there is a lot of great live music on offer. There are stages scattered around the site including a traditional ballroom with dancing, a band stand, and a fabulous converted 1950s airstream trailer stage. Gasoline Alley, which was designed as an homage to the American surf era, was one of my favourite areas and was definitely the most ‘kicking’ place all day. It featured diner-style catering, rockabilly tunes from the Ding Dong Daddios, and a bevy of spinning dancers in drape suits and big skirts jiving to the infectious beats. Shopping at Goodwood Located near the car park, Over the Road is an area that features multiple clothing and accessories shops and, of course, everything for the car enthusiast. The Fairground at Goodwood Families will love the impressive fairground that will keep the kids happy as they experience the various attractions and rides. Dining at Goodwood When it comes to good food, you’re spoilt for choice. There are many premium food vendors on site as well as fine dining options. Alternatively, you can pre-book a Goodwood picnic (complete with a bottle of cold bubbly) for collection. What to wear
Nearly everyone dresses in period costume; it’s one of those places where you’ll actually look more ridiculous if you don’t make an effort. Think woollen waistcoats and tweed flat caps for the men, and slinky Sixties shifts for the women. For guests who’ve really made an effort with their attire, there is a daily ‘best dressed’ catwalk show. Top tips for visiting Goodwood
Buy Goodwood 2018 tickets Although the festival doesn’t take place until September (7-9), the event always sells out, so now’s the time to start making your enquiries for 2018! To book tickets, visit www.goodwood.com. Robert Dow
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Bestival 2017 is just around the corner (7-10 September)! Kicking off this Thursday, this beloved festival isn’t to be missed. Throughout the festival, visitors can discover a wonderland of exciting arenas including: Castle Stage, Bollywood Stage, Temple Stage and unique areas such as the Ambient Forest, Slow Motion, Cuckoo Clump, Colour Field, Love-Bot Park, The Lawn and Caravanseria. Key acts this year include: The XX, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pet Shop Boys, Little Dragon, Rag’n’Bone Man, Wiley, Laura Mvula, Danny Brown, Loyle Carner, Soul II Soul and The Cuban Brothers, to name a few.
If you’re quick, there’s still time to get your boutique glamping tickets! The exclusive camping experience includes a spacious and beautiful VIP camping area, a funky chill-out bar with food traders serving until late, dedicated toilets and showers, free car parking and 24- hour security. So, what are you waiting for? Get your wellies at the ready and head to Bestival! Ben Ricci Exciting, nostalgic and powerfully performed It has been 22 years since Mercury Prize-nominated electronic duo Leftfield (consisting of Paul Daley and Neil Barnes) released their legendary album Leftism. Voted one of the top 10 albums of all time, and described by Mixmag as “perhaps the best electromic album ever made,” Leftism remains current today. Camp Bestival 2017 was the perfect setting for Leftism’s 22nd anniversary showcase - their biggest gig of the year - performed in front of an appreciative, 20,000 strong crowd who bounced along throughout their set, which featured every performer from Leftism’s original hall of fame (minus Paul Daley, who is no longer part of Leftfield) plus a couple of new additions. During the set, Neil Barnes sang and played a variety of instruments, including guitar, wind instruments, conga drums and an Ektara – a single stringed Indian instrument that looks like a simpler version of a Sitar. Add to that at least seven synths, drum machines and controllers and it made for an exciting, nostalgic and powerfully performed show that conveyed perfection with every note. Fully in charge and overflowing with intense concentration and occasionally jumping around and pumping his arm in the air, Barnes ensured the crowd were in for an enthralling, bass crunching, visually mind-blowing masterclass in old skool electronica. It was in one word - incredible. The sound was outer-planetary and the atmosphere astonishing, with influences of reggae, dub and roots, jungle-infused drum and bass, tribal house and tough symphonic progressive house dominating the show. During ‘Release the Pressure’ MC Cheshire Cat with the Dexterous Earl Sixteen rocked the stage and Neil Cole aka MC Djum Djum’s deep African rhymes left us captivated by his power on ‘Afro-Left’. ‘Bass shaking Inspection (Check One)’ began with dub adroit Danny Red grooving across the stage as he revved up the crowd and his Dancehall patois, were later joined by the formidable MC Cheshire Cat whose street style stage presence was undeniably radical. Enchantress Tarantina mesmerised the audience with her Stevie Nicks-esque hip twisting moves and haunting vocals, replacing Toni Halliday on the first release of ‘Original’, and Ofei delivered a captivating performance, closing the show with ‘21st Century Poem’, with its poignant messages that couldn’t be more relevant today. Leftism 22 was timeless, majestic and mesmerizing. These feelings were echoed by Q Magazine, as they asserted, “It’s hard to overestimate the significance of Leftism, roundly acknowledged upon its release in 1995 as the first truly complete album experience to be created by house musicians and the first quintessentially British one.”
At the final curtain, it was all over too soon, no matter how much the audience wanted ‘one more.’ Instead, Barnes and his team grouped together in what felt like a family shot and exited leaving us all breathless and stirred by what we had just experienced. It was an emotional moment for all dance music aficionados. After the show, we had a chance to catch up with Neil Barnes who said, “I get contacted all the time by people that tell me how much Leftism has changed their life. It changed my life…every single track has a special moment for me, I just try to do it justice.” Watch Destination Delicious’ interview with Neil Barnes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMTawcrCS4Q&feature=youtu.be Buy Leftism 22 here. Ben Ricci *During Camp Bestival 2017 I was hosted by Camp Bestival. All opinions are my own. A Luxury Open Air Barn Dance
Smoked & Uncut is a food and music festival that focuses on locally farm-sourced organic produce, ciders and wines all accompanied with music from local bands and acoustic artists. Visitors can choose to camp for one or two days in the grounds of The Pig boutique hotel and restaurant in Brokenhurst, located in the heart of the New Forest.
The most distinctive feature of the Smoked and Uncut festival was its uncompromising quality. Everything was of top-notch quality and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for everyone, whether it be couples, groups of friends or families.
Set in an open air field, with hay bale seating surrounded by food and drink stalls, it was a great way to mark the beginning of the summer season. The food was sensational and there was lots of choice. I loved the wood fired oven baked chipotle chicken quesadilla. The guacamole was exceptionally delicious with a lovely balance of coriander and lime.
There's nothing better to accompany great food than great music and Smoked & Uncut didn't disappoint. My favourite acts during the day included Portsmouth based band Winters Hill,who opened the festival, and Just Millie and Lucy Mayhew who set the tone with their charming Americana style.
Just Millie has been going from strength to strength recently and she deserves all of the attention she's getting thanks to her bold stage presence, feisty style and powerful vocals, making her one to watch.
Lucy Mayhew performed an acoustic unplugged set with her guitar in a prestigious marquee, complete with leather chesterfield suites, vintage carpets and rugs galore. I particularly loved her honest performance. Lucy played a variety of covers in her unique style, taking well known songs and giving them her own unmistakable narrative.
Smoked and Uncut continues at venues throughout the summer in Devon, Somerset and Limewood in the New Forest. Tickets can be purchased here.
http://www.smokedanduncut.com/ https://www.thepighotel.com/brockenhurst/ *During Smoked and Uncut, I was hosted by The Pig Hotel. All opinions are my own. Ben Ricci Summertime 2017 is set to be one of the biggest ever as far as festival frivolities are concerned, with Camp Festival (27-30 July) expected to reign supreme for its 10th year running.
A family festival at its heart, (but please don’t let this put you off if you don’t have any small creatures of your own), Camp Bestival is a wonderland that keeps on giving across three days of fun-filled festival deliciousness, suitable for all ages and musical tastes. The line up is tantalising. The beautiful grounds of Lulworth Castle are spectacular. The world’s biggest disco ball will be there. The locally sourced food is going to be sublime and hopefully the British weather will be on our side, too. This will be my second time attending this festival and even while I’m writing this preview, the acts and DJs that are appearing give me goosebumps. The line up Headlining Friday night is Grammy and Brit Award winner Mark Ronson, one of Britain’s most successful musicians who continues to set the music industry alight. His collaboration with Bruno Mars on Uptown Funk was the biggest selling tune of 2014 and the fourth most viewed video of all time on YouTube! Saturday sees 80s 2-Tone ska legends and comedic Londoners Madness, who will be performing their 15 top 10 greatest hits, ensuring a party on stage. But the best is saved for Sunday night where Leftfield will celebrate the 22nd anniversary of their ground-breaking album Leftism. This is expected to be an emotional moment for all hardy electronic fans and will be set against the backdrop of a fireworks finale. And if that’s not enough, The Beach Boys’ front man supremo Brian Wilson will present Pet Sounds also on Sunday evening during the sunset. Released back in 1966, Pet Sounds remains one of the greatest pieces of experimental music of all time and shouldn’t be missed. Additional acts over the weekend include All Saints, The Cuban Brothers, The Christians and T'Pau. Sing-along moments and childhood memories will be a-plenty. From a dance point of view – which is very close to my heart – Good Times maestro Norman Jay MBE will be playing along with Rob da Bank, Raindance DJs, Altern-8, Billy Daniel Bunter, Shades of Rhythm and Liquid. I think I might pass out when Liquid plays Sweet Harmony live! It’s my favourite track from way back in 1992. BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox will also be playing an assortment of 80s nostalgia with Clint Boon from the Inspiral Carpets and Bez from the Happy Mondays taking us back to the glory days of Indie gems. To end each night, the amazing Silent Disco will ensure smiles all round. Something for everyone to enjoy This year, the theme is Pop Stars and Rock Stars and the festival organisers thoroughly encourage getting you involved with dressing up. Other activities taking place during the festival include comedy, kids entertainment, massage, creative workshops, gourmet cuisine and family friendly storytelling to spark your imagination. Plus Son Et Lumière Castle Fireworks, The world's biggest bouncy castle, giant kids’ disco with the world’s largest disco ball, the travelling barn, Bollywood, Dingly Dell, Art Town, Freesports park, science tent, Sunday Best Record Shop, wall of death, The Blue Coats' Clubhouse, dressing up area, fancy dress parade, pimp my trolley & beard and moustache competition, face painting tent, maypole dancing, Morris dancers, and the soft play tent for the under 5s ensure that no one will go home bored. I’ll be bringing you the latest news; photos and videos live from Camp Bestival on social media throughout the weekend, so follow me on Instagram mrbenricci and destinationdelicious for regular updates. Camp Bestival takes places between 27-30July at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. For more information visit http://www.campbestival.net/ and buy tickets from Ticketline. Ben Ricci Festival Fever!Ah festival season. The time of the year when we shed our inhibitions (and sometimes our morals) to dance footloose and fancy free in muddy fields - come rain or shine.
With new festivals popping up every year, providing festival goers with a dizzying area of options, it's often information overload. Lucky for you, we've done the sleuthing to find the best UK festivals around, so all you need to worry about is getting your paws on some tickets and planning the all important festival wardrobe! Hmm... now, where did I put the tent, wellies and flask? Best London Festivals 2014 Southwest Four (SW4) Clapham Common, London Line-up: Above & Beyond, Deadmau5, Fedde LeGrand, Pete Tong, Eric Prydz http://www.southwestfour.com/tickets Clapham Calling Clapham Common, London (28-29 June) Line-up: Aerosmith, Stevie Wonder, Jack Johnson http://www.callingfestival.co.uk/tickets And the rest of the UK... Essex Festivals 2014 V Festival (16-17 August) Line-up: Justin Timberlake, The Killers, Paolo Nutini, Example http://www.vfestival.com Somerset Festivals 2014 Glastonbury (27-29 June) Line-up: Arcade Fire, Kasabian, Jack White, Disclosure, Lily Allen http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Isle of Wight Festivals 2014 Isle of Wight Festival (12 -15 June) Line-up: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings of Leon, Calvin Harris Tickets: £190 (weekend) http://www.isleofwightfestival.com Cornwall Festivals 2014 Eden Sessions (21 June - 15 July) The Eden Project, Cornwall Line-up: Ellie Goulding, Elbow, Pixies, Skirllex, Dizzee Rascal Tickets: £35-40 http://www.edensessions.com Glastonbury (27-29 June) Line-up: Arcade Fire, Kasabian, Jack White, Disclosure, Lily Allen http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Manchester Festivals 2014 Parklife Weekender (7 and 8 June) Line-up: Snoop Dogg, Bastille, Rudimental, Disclosure: Tickets: £79.50 (weekend) http://www.parklife.uk.com |
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