With so many festivals both in the UK and abroad to chose from this year, Herefordshire’s The Big Chill continues to be one of the most popular events in the summer calendar with people flocking from all over the country to enjoy spectacular music, entertainment and much more.
The Big Chill, now in its fourteenth year is one of the most family-friendly. Set in the glorious Malvern Hills in the grounds of Eastnor Castle Deer Park, this multimedia festival is famous for being both innovative and environmentally conscious.
Unlike many festivals The Big Chill is a three-day music and arts extravaganza that really engages with its natural setting. This year the Arts Trail will be an exhibition of work from twelve contemporary artists featuring photography of the park and a play set in the woodlands, The House of Fairytales by acclaimed artist Gavin Turk. Words in Motion, the spoken word tent, will take place by the lake.
The Body and Soul area will run entirely on solar and pedal power. This is where you go for some pampering as the “Enchanted Garden” plays host to an energising mix of holistic and healing therapies in dedicated rooms.
The Big Chill is a family-friendly festival
Of course if you are going for the music and comedy you won’t be disappointed – with two open air stages and club tents there is something for everyone. The full line up including headliners Leonard Cohen and The Mighty Boosh can be found at www.bigchill.net where tickets can still be bought on line.
Getting There:
The Big Chill has linked with National Express to create a combined festival and coach ticket – a great green initiative for those happy to leave the car at home. Approximately 90% of the carbon footprint of an event like The Big Chill is generated by transport to and from the event so they are taking steps to reduce emissions by encouraging public transport. Coaches will depart on Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August from cities including, Leicester, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, London, Brighton and Portsmouth stopping at various towns en route to the Big Chill.
Return journeys will operate on Monday 4 August with return fares starting from as little as £22. Festival admission and travel packages cost only £150, with no booking or transaction fees.
For more information visit National Express with the Big Chill
If you do need to take your car, the festival is easily accessible, with car parking available for £5. Cyclists will have access to free, secure storage.
Property Market
According to Anthony Clay a partner at Knight Frank’s Hereford office (01432 273087) people from the bustling south-east are rapidly deciding that the area can offer them a far higher quality of life. For many, The Big Chill may be their first visit to the region. ‘The medieval town of Ledbury, with its traditional half timbered buildings, is a delight to visit and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain.
‘The spa town of Malvern is just to the east and sits astride the domineering Malvern Hills and has some excellent cultural venues as well as many renowned schools. However the key to Ledbury’s popularity is that the M50 (Junction 2) is just a couple of miles to the south so it is easy to get to,’ he explains.
Properties on the market near Eastnor Castle
Splendid period family home: click here
Well established and profitable hotel: click here
Immaculate converted barn with exceptional views: click here
