Festival Preview: On Blackheath 2014

For a start, it’s out of the East London triangle of hip so expect the punters to be perfectly normal, the transport to work, and the food to be reasonably-priced. A farmers market in partnership with John Lewis is even promised.

But what of the music? Well the headliners are a pretty eclectic blend. Glamazonian Grace Jones & Massive Attack are sure to make pretty bombastic headliner combo for the Saturday night, while Frank Turner an Imelda May close Sunday. Away from the headline acts, there’s a refreshing mix further down the bill: Aloe Blacc, Joe Goddard (of Hot Chip, of course), Slowclub and Tom Hickox are sure to keep things pretty relaxed.

Saturday sees Gilles Peterson curating a fabulous mix of world and afrobeats with a second stage line-up that includes: BadBadNotGood, Hiatus Kaiyote, Anushka, Swindle (live), Zara McFarlane, Ibibio Sound Machine and DJ sets from Peterson himself, Thris Tian (Boiler Room) and Bradley Zero.

Sunday sees the Heavenly records crew take over the secondary stage, featuring the likes of Radiophonic Workshop, TOY, Stealing Sheep, Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs, The Wytches, Kid Wave, Steve Mason and Jagwar Ma. DJ sets will come from Don Letts, Heavenly Jukebox and Dave McClean (Django Django).

There’s the usual combination of wholesome japes, interactive games and folksy sets as well as cookery masterclasses, demos and did we mention the streetfood?

Basically if you’re looking for a rather civilised end to your festival season, then get yourself down to Blackheath; we reckon we’re more likely to come back feeling better from there than from any other festival.

Buy your tickets to On Blackheath, 13-14 September, here.