Beans on Toast.
We are delighted to be joined by special guest, Beans on Toast, for a campfire session at We Are Not A Festival. Essex born folk songwriter ‘Beans on Toast’ is an extremely unique performer. Twisting an age-old genre with a D.I.Y. approach and contemporary concerns has earned him the title of a cult figure who tells it like it is.
A festival favourite (he’s played Glastonbury every year since 2007) and a prolific writer and performer. He’s written and recorded 11 albums and he’s played every bar, club, venue, pub, festival, party and honky-tonk you can think of.
He’s a hippy, a punk, a poet, a drunk, a die-hard romantic and an eternal optimist. Singing simple songs that tackle big issues. Political protest songs for the modern day, honest and open Love songs. Songs that will make you laugh, but also make you think with no holds barred honesty and quick wit. He’s constantly writing, recording and releasing music and puts out a new album each year on 1st December, which happens to be his birthday.
TENSHEDS. “A truly unique and rare talent” proclaims Rick Wakeman upon presenting Tensheds with the House Of Lords Discretional Rock Award, at a ceremony held at the prestigious London location. This recognition of the highest order came after the release of his 3rd album ‘The Dandy Pink Prince’. A gritty Alternative Blues record, recorded entirely on his near 200 year old grand piano. Praise didn’t stop there for The Dandy Punk Prince, with Classic Rock declaring “You’ll Believe His Hype” and Vive Le Rock, Louder Than War & Penny Black Music hailing him a “Creative Genius”.
JACK SELLEN. With a decade of DJ experience behind him, Jack brings smiles for miles to happy dancers at festivals, parties and clubs – be it alongside close friends Heavenly, Amateurism or Spiritland; as one half of disco/house-gone-country producers the Flying Mojito Bros; as landlord of his Boxpub mobile boozer, or simply as himself.
POPPY OKOTCHA. “What is permaculture?” Permaculture is a simple, accessible design framework used to transform our lives, past sustainable and into regenerative, by observing and then replicating the efficiency of the natural world. Many of its ethics and techniques mirror indigenous wisdom successfully practiced for many years and up to this day. This will be an inspiring introductory conversion into what permaculture is, how, when and why we use it, with specific focus on growing food and medicine.
BOBBY SHOEBOTHAM. Bobby Shoebotham is a singer songwriter from London who takes inspiration from the likes of Brian Fallon, Allison Weiss and Dave Hause. He spent most of his musical career in punk and hardcore bands before forming ‘Mariachi El Pinche Gringo,’ a mariachi band that would somehow take him around the UK and land him on festival stages at home and abroad for the last 8 years. He started releasing his own music about 3 years ago and just released his latest offering ‘The Night Is In My Bones from lockdown,with more tracks and a new EP planned for late 2020.
CíARA RAFFERTY. Cíara Rafferty and her band are based in London and gigging regularly. Cíara’s sound is mellifluous, raw and lyrical. To date, Cíara has featured in ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris’s ‘Under the Apple Tree’ sessions live at Bob’s home, played Country to Country music festival at The O2 Arena, Ramblin Roots Festival, has sang a cappella live on Sky One’s show “Sing”, sharing the stage with Imelda May at London’s iconic venue The Troxy. She is also booked to play at Black Deer Festival this summer. Cíara has had radio play on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, BBC London, Talk Radio and Chris Country. In March, Cíara’s first solo EP ‘Wild’ was released, following her hugely successful sold-out launch party at the London Jukebox. She is currently in the studio writing and recording an album of new material with her band.
XYLAROO. Sisters Coco and Holly blend simple-yet-oh-so-catchy melodies with striking harmonies and lyrics. The bank got started in Maidstone, Kent in the mid 2000s but its roots and branches can be traced too the places the girl are sup in and later lived: Papua New-Guinea, Hong Kong, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and now eats London. Xylaroo found its fee in the Medway music scene doing gigs and open mics as a tow-piece. The banks too caught the eye of independent label Sunday best records. They were signed by Sunday best in 2015 and released their debut album ‘Sweetooth’ in 2016. The band still thrives as a duo but, more often than not now, the sister are accompanied by guiotarist Joe Singleton. Their first album ‘Sweetooth’ was met with rave reviews and Xyalroo’s snood have received radio play - aw well as invites for interviews and acoustic sessions - but the like sof Dermot O’Leary (BBC2), Steve Lamaq (BB6), Edith Bowman (Virgin), John Kennedy (XFM and Clive Anderson (BBC4). Over the last few years the banks have supported MIKA, Frank Turner and Pup ion tours around Europe. They have also supported Will Valley and Matt Berry and the Maypoles on UK tours and Mellyr Jones.
GILDED PLEASURES. The mysterious Gilded Pleasures mobile disco roadshow is never to be seen until the elusive DJ steps up behind the wheels of steel and retracts his first 12 inch from it’s sleeve… moments before the party really begins. Some say he travels through time from the 80’s in a smoke filled Delorian each and every gig… Some say he is permanently cryogenically frozen and is brought back to life backstage moments before he appears... Some say that he is just “too much party’ and he himself understands this so lives as a recluse on a small uninhabited island just off the coast of Ireland, to which the only map is held by a small droid outrunning the forces of the darkside and he will only reappear in public when he believes people are ready to witness him… or the world needs him for 60-90 minutes at a time. Whatever the truth be, the fact is, bearing witness to a Gilded Pleasures set will leave you in a state of such pure, unadulterated 80’s cool that it will further permeate your life to the point that it will make friends and strangers alike adore and want to be you…
CHLOE LEIGH. Inspired by wordsmiths such as Leonard Cohen and Laura Marling, Chloe Leigh’s music portrays sincere tales of love and loss. Born in London, Chloe started gigging around the capital at a young age and has now played a range of iconic festivals and venues across the country, including Glastonbury Festival, 2000 Trees Festival and Camden's Roundhouse. Most recently Chloe Leigh was asked to perform at the Hard Rock's stage at Isle of Wight Festival after launching her debut EP "In Bloom." at one of their London venues. Despite growing up in England, Chloe also takes inspiration from her Spanish roots, carefully blending folk, pop and a touch of Latin flair to create her unique style of writing.
ARIF NAJAK. Arif Najak is recording singer song writer, multi instrumentalist that has genre skipped through the ages and caught the reggae train to explode his political and social conscious message to the masses. Arif Najak’s last project was with 8 piece juggernaut King Porter Stomp. Since King Porter Stomp’s split, Arif Najak has carried on the reggae train implementing a 1 man band style reggae sound sure to make u move to the riddims. So people if you’re ready then get on board.
KARYO. Karyo are a five-piece alternative hip-hop band from Bristol, comprising a tight group of long-time friends and musical collaborators. Their sound pays homage to the boys’ much earlier forays into funk and ska. University and onwards saw the sound develop a heavier edge and elements were gradually incorporated from the band members’ separate explorations of electronic music. Karyo were originally formed as an instrumental outfit in 2016, joined later that year by the formidable lyricist, Henry Wilson. Ollie joined the band in 2018 bringing the spice of live brass to the growing show. Karyo’s music is characterised by offbeat guitars, swung rhythms, Jamie T-esque rap vocals and raucous brass hooks. Samples, MIDI pads and guitar effects are used live to create exciting electronic textures and an engaging performance spectacle. Henrys vocals use metaphor and rhyme to cleverly explore controversial topics such as climate change and UK’s messy political situation. The mood is upbeat and rhythmic with deep, punchy bass and hip-hop drums - perfect for drinking and dancing.
RUSSELL ARNOTT. Journey to The Southern Ocean – the Southern Ocean is one of the stormiest and isolated parts of our ocean. So what is like there? How do you get there? And what do you do once you’re there? Armed with his trusty map, come on a voyage to the Southern Ocean with oceanographer, Russell Arnott to learn about baby dolphins, deep-sea trenches and undiscovered underwater mountains!
SCOTT & MARIA. Scott & Maria create acoustic music straight from the heart, immersed in soulful harmonies. Their indie folk sound lifts the spirits and soothes the soul. They take great inspiration from nature and the human journey. 2020 has seen two single releases – ‘Walk My Own Road’ in May, and ‘Animal’ in January. These have received airplay across the UK (including BBC Introducing), Australia, USA, Canada and Germany. More releases are planned later this year. What people are saying: “Unapologetic, beguiling and utterly beautiful." - Lenny Helsing
MIKE FREEAR.
COMEDY - LORRAINE HOODLESS. Lorraine's comedy is a blend of outrage, confusion and compassion towards what is going on in the world. A glimpse of how she sees the world mixing stories that you wouldn't believe could have happened and 'what if's' to turn the psyche. She should have been at the Edinburgh fringe festival for her first solo show, 'According to Everyone Else' having completed a successful run last year in a double bill 'Actually Totes Amaze'. She is a semi-finalist in the Amused Moose Best Newcomer awards 2020.
COMEDY - CAMPBELL. Pure entertainment at it’s best for Friday night! Campbell is one of the UK’s top comedy magicians and is frequently seen performing his award winning routines at comedy clubs and cabarets across the nation. ‘Future star in the making’ - Daily Sport. ‘Brilliant entertainer, full of enthusiasm’ - Camden Cabaret. Runner Up -Made in Kent Comedy Festival. Runner Up - Battle Of The Wits.
COMEDY - PRINCE ABDI. Headlining our comedy evening - Abdi was originally a primary school teacher, and taught in Brixton and Kilburn/West Hampstead. In his spare time, he performed free comedy shows for a lengthy period to establish himself on the stand-up circuit. As of 2008, Abdi was reportedly the only Somali comedian working in Britain. He has since performed at some of the more established comedy clubs on the United Kingdom circuit, including Hackney Empire, Edinburgh Festival (2007), Trafalgar Square (Eid in the Square), Jongleurs (Various), The Comedy Store, Banana Cabaret, Belfast Empire (Northern Ireland), Up-The-Creek, Headliners, The Broadway Theatre, Hounslow Theatre, The Glee Club (Birmingham), Alexander Palace, Rise Festival and Jive Cape Town Funny Festival.
TOM FORWARD, ECOLOGIST. Join local naturalist and ecologist Tom Forward for a short lunchtime talk, introducing the Ashdown Forest and some of the things that make it so special. This cultural landscape, shaped over thousands of years, host to rare and special habitats that are in need of defending, now more than ever before. Find out what there is to see and enjoy and learn how you can do your bit to help.
SHAUN O'REILLY. Singer/songwriter Shaun O'Reilly blurs the lines between the melancholic mellowness of Elliott Smith and the blues bark of artists like Captain Beefheart. His fondness for folk and Americana led him to jump on the opportunity to pursue a solo career and express his passion for roots music and contemporary songwriting. His vivid blend of storytelling echoes the work of beat authors such as Charles Bukowski, William S. Burroughs and more modern authors such as Irvine Welsh. His words are poignant and poetic, yet down to earth and extremely easy to relate to.
TARAN DRYDEN. Up and coming Bristol based singer songwriter Taran Dryden will be joining us at the campfire on Saturday evening. Missing the festival vibes of acoustic music, relax and unwind to this indie/folk/blues singer. Getting you ready for Beans on Toast, Taran will get you into the campfire spirit!
WOODLAND ILLUMINATIONS. We are lucky to welcome local arts charity Same Sky, the force behind Brighton’s Burning the Clock’s parade which sees thousands of lanterns and crowds celebrate the winter solstice. The woodland will be home to Same Sky’s beautiful lanterns - just follow the trail to discover all the works of art.
FANCY DRESS. Summer evenings bring light, hope and a little optimism. If your favourite festival-wear is hanging sadly in the cupboard, shake it off and show it some love - bring your best-dressed (or worst-dressed if you are no fan of fancy-dress!) self to Saturday night! Rainbows, (eco) glitter, pirate hats, sequin all-in-ones, animal tails .… it’s a free for all!
NATURE TRAILS. Follow the trail to find 10 painted butterflies all showing a type of butterfly you can search for. Find all 10 painted butterflies and all 10 real ones! Onsite our woodland offers the perfect little-leg stroll and plenty of space to run around and explore (be mindful of the lakes in the lower wood). If you are after a longer walk, Ashdown Forest is just next door - and the Trust have given us special direct access.