DRESSING UP, DANCING AND SHOPPING

Interactive murder mysteries, decadent dancing, cult flicks, burlesque life drawing, cut-price haircuts from Sweeney Todd, crime noir fairy tales and a giant lie detector. Crime is taking over our festival site and Baker Street is the hub. Stroll down here and you’ll encounter some surprises.

Like dancing? Why don’t you take some swing lessons with Swing Mon Amour? Like drawing? How about spending the afternoon doodling burlesque models with Dr Sketchy? Like films? Well Lexi on the Run Cinema is screening classic crime movies throughout the weekend, while The Dig will be hosting late-night lock-ins in the same space. Sort of like a sleepover, but with louder music, hipper films and sexier threads. If you’re more into literature, Spoken Ink are hosting night-time Yurt storytelling, while The Book Club Boutique are back with their very own Speakeasy. Committed to “books, booze and boogie woogie” expect dazzling wordplay and the odd shot of illicit hooch. If you want to rock out try our resident Rockaoke band, who’ll will put a backbeat to whatever you fancy belting out.

We’re also offering you the opportunity to steal things. Artist Alice Llewellyn has produced interpretations of 25 iconic record covers and our interactive theatre group Heritage Arts Company want you to help them steal her art. You can then test your dishonesty on William Hunt’s giant lie detector installation.

If after all the long, late nights you’re worried about fest-hair syndrome, fear not: Sweeney Todd won’t just give you a cut-throat shave. Our on-site hair salon will also offer haircuts, hair washes and even hair straightening. And there’s a pie shop next door if you’re hungry after your hair’s cut. And if you can’t quite shake the urge to go shopping after having your hair done, we have a street’s worth of stalls. As well as hosting acoustic sets and signings, Rough Trade will be selling records.  If you feel your festival garb is a bit drab visit our on-site tailor, Anna Popovich or get a fancy dress makeover at Bizarre Bazaar before accessorising at Gabby Young’s Gabberdashery shop. And if you’re bored of the whole thing, you can always pick up a good book at Beerwolf Books.

Does all this sound tiring? Well there’s always the swimming pool to refresh and revive (at least when the underwater disco’s not on), but we also have some deep tissue massage, metta reflexology and aromatherapy on offer to soothe furrowed festival brows.

Finally, every festival-goer will receive a free radio. Diesel:U:Music Radio are broadcasting an on-site show throughout the weekend to keep you up to date with what’s happening, as well as ensuring you can catch up on anything you’ve missed (or forgotten) from the night before.

Tagged as: Bizarre Bazaar, Dr Sketchy, Heritage Arts Company, Spoken Ink, Standon Calling, The Bookclub Boutique, The Dig