The magical musicians, artists and creators appearing at the very first Wildlings Festival …
music with maya
Join festival co-curator Maya (who needs no introduction!), opening the festival on Saturday morning with her ever-popular interactive sessions for younger children, exploring a world of singing, stories and games. Start your Saturday with good vibes galore!
BOSTIN BRASS
One of Birmingham’s finest exports, we welcome the brilliant Bostin Brass to lead us on an opening parade around the festival site, where New Orleans meets Black Sabbath! The roaming party-starters, noise-makers and second-line soul-shakers play a captivating mix of New Orleans brass, jazz, funk, ska, metal and mischief. Later in the day, come and have a go at playing one of the band’s special pBuzz instruments, and help them make brassy noises galore!
SUNTOU SUSSO
We’re very excited to welcome the wonderful multi-instrumentalist Suntou Susso to play a beautiful evening set for us at Wildlings. Kora player, percussionist, singer and composer, Suntou is from The Gambia and was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora, is a 22-string harp-lute, unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Coming from a 700-year-old tradition, Griots play an important cultural role as peacekeepers and oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through generations using song, music and poetry.
Releasing his debut album, Kanéfonyo (Never Give Up) in 2022, Suntou’s career has gone from strength to strength, performing as a solo artist playing traditional kora; leading his six-piece band rooted in Mandinka musical traditions, strongly infused with jazz, funk and soul; and as part of a folk duo blending British and Gambian musical traditions.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians, including Seckou Keita, Solo Cissokho and Mamudou Susso.
family Cèilidh
Led by one of the UK’s leading cèilidh callers, come and join the brilliant musician Michelle Holloway (of leading prog-folk folk band Bonfire Radicals) and friends for an extremely fun and lively cèilidh dance, especially crafted for little people and their slightly bigger adult dance partners!
camilo menjura
Award-winning Colombian guitarist and vocalist Camilo Menjura has a passion for singing and wonderful Latin American guitar, from traditional, earthy tunes to groovy loop station creations. Discover new instruments including the cuatro and charango along with several musical surprises, with some fabulous sounds, songs and creations from across South America!
dj indian man
Closing our first Wildlings Festival to the distant flickers of our glowing camp fire, DJ Indian Man brings his melting pot of melodic magic with a special set to send us towards the end of summer with happy ears. Starting his career as a live touring musician, for the past 10 years dabbling in everything from funk, jazz, and Bhangra, the Indian Man project was born three years ago out of a desire to merge his groundbreaking ‘East meets West’ sound on dancefloors worldwide.
A true world selector, Indian Man absorbs the soundscape of every place he visits. Since returning from his WOMAD resident DJ tour of Chile, Gran Canaria and the UK, he is constantly on the move playing festivals worldwide. Whether rocking Shangri La at Glastonbury or Jai Ho in the New Orleans underground, Indian Man brings you the finest world fusions of electronica and unique musical inspiration from all corners of the globe.
RACHAEL DADD
“folk-pop full of wisdom and instrumental warmth“ – MOJO ★★★★
Songwriter, performer and educator Rachael Dadd has headlined tours around the UK, Europe and Japan alongside wide critical acclaim and coverage for her music.
Rachael writes songs for her Bristol based community choirs BYOB Choir (bring your own baby) and OAK Choir (Of All Kin) – a new inclusive choir celebrating diversity and the coming together in the unity of song.
At Wildlings, Rachael will be joined by several members of OAK choir to lead a lovely session of singing for all ages.
michael loader
Magical Bristol-based storyteller Michael Loader joins us for an intimate Wildlings session, weaving words and theatrical tales into his gentle and enchanting performances.
A storyteller, writer and workshop leader working with all ages from pre-schoolers to elders, Michael works with the Read For Good charity in children’s hospitals, is director of Somerset Storyfest, and storyteller-in-residence with Wild Words at St George’s Bristol. He even has a Blue Peter badge!
ANDY SKELLAm
“a lovely, somnambulist set of songs about wayward hearts, bluebirds and bloodhounds, made intimate in every soft squeak of its chord changes, the whispery husk of Skellam’s voice, and the drawing bows of a cello.”
– The Guardian
We’re lucky to welcome local indie alt-folk musician and visual artist Andy Skellam, who will be playing an intimate acoustic set in our indoor space.
the makers’ bee craft van
Meet Clara Bee – an antique ambulance lovingly transformed into a travelling craft hub! This artistic space-on-wheels invites you to get creative, whatever your age, and take home a handmade treasure from the festival.
Clara will be open all day, buzzing with creativity and colourful workshops.
Sessions are run for a small additional charge, so don’t forget to bring a little cash with you if you can!
farm walk & animal discovery
Guided by a member of the farm team, come for an hour’s walk around Radford Mill Farm and meet a number of animals on your way!
* All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
£2 pp – sign-up on site
poppy & perle facepainting
Specialist face-paint artists Poppy & Perle will be on site to create wonderful bespoke artistry to match the incredible imaginations of children, plus beautiful henna designs!
creative roots fire ceremony
On a mission to reconnect children and families with the wonders of nature, join outdoor learning experts Creative Roots for an early-evening fire-lighting ceremony, and popcorn throughout the night!
MUSICAL SHOW & SHARE
Calling all musicians great and small! Join the excellent Tom Drysdale and his accordion for our relaxed musical show and share session – if you have something to play, perform or conjure from your wildling roots, bring an instrument, story, poem, song or anything else you would like to share with our welcoming community.
yoga with sarah pugh
Join Sarah, an experienced yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching in the UK and Singapore, for an engaging family class exploring gentle, accessible yoga – you’ll move, stretch and connect, exploring the five senses.
