Pig's Big Ballroom

This year the Black Dahlia Tent has been reborn as the Pig’s Big Ballroom and is dedicated to the memory of the late great John Peel who used to play a “Pig’s Big” 78 every night on Radio 1.

The venue is programmed by Greg’s Greats and the uniquely analogue Shellac Collective – a group of pals who were inspired to form after the death of John Peel and who are dedicated to bringing you the very best in music from the time before your mother was born. The Shellac Collective DJ using original 10” 78rpm Shellac records and bring with them live bands and acts whose musical roots are deeper than the Cheddar Gorge.

This year the Live acts include:
Neil Innes, Three Bonzos and a Piano, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, Railroad Bill, The Severed Limb , The Dirty Gentlemen , The Darlingtons , The Black Kat Boppers , Fred’s House , Ethan Ash and Simon Stanley-Ward .

The DJ line-up includes:
Greg’s Greats , DJ78 , Flutter and Wow , Tony Tunes , DJ GG and Monks , Darren Harte , Auntie Maureen , It’s a Wind Up and The Rockin’ Old Fart .

Plus:
The Edison Brothers bringing you a world first at Bestival – A live CJ (cylinder jockey) set using a pair of 1905 Phonographs!

Expect a surprisingly danceable selection of Rhythm and Blues, 30s Dance Band, Swing, Skiffle, Jazz, African, Latin, Calypso, Rock-a-billy and Rock and Roll 78s. The music is happy, uplifting and inspiring and never fails to amaze newcomers as to just how good something this old can be!!

So if you want to get away from synthesisers and drum machines for a while – this is the retreat you need… it comes highly recommended!