Wild in the Country is 18 hours of non-stop music and fun set in the palatial grounds of Hertfordshire’s Knebworth House. Starting at 1pm on Saturday 5th July, this one day festival is set across six stunningly decorated marquee’d arenas, and the addition, this year, of a Live outdoor stage. The quality of music on offer provides the perfect soundtrack, whilst the Enchanted Wood, a Victorian Fun Fair, Twisted Tea Rooms and a giant chill-out tepee are just some of the surprises in store at Wild in the Country - a day and night of great music, merry-making and mischief.
Hot on the heels of her critically acclaimed sold out UK tour, Wild in the Country will be Bjork’s only UK festival date this year. The Icelandic songstress will bring her unique and powerful theatrics to Knebworth. Tracks from groundbreaking albums such as Vespertine and Volta will be sure to enthral all with her renowned expressive performances - one definitely not to be missed!
This years line-up reflects a diverse collection of artists and DJ’s, with a mixture of live performances and DJ sets. This year will see some exclusive performances, the aforementioned Bjork, and also the confirmed appearance of the legendary Danny Tenaglia. This is a real coup for Wild in the Country as it will be the New Yorker’s first UK festival for 6 years. The range of DJs and live acts will mean there is something to suit everyone, and for festival goers, a non-stop 18 hour musical marathon.
The live performers playing at this years festival are coming from all over the globe to delight the crowds at Wild in the Country. Iceland’s Bjork will be joined by Belgium’s electro/rock outfit Soulwax, Australia’s drum and bass heroes Pendulum, Battles and Hercules & Love Affair from the States, as well as a good measure of UK acts. This includes one of the most promising bands of 2008, Oxford five piece Foals, currently riding high following their Top 5 debut album release, Antidotes. One of the world’s most innovative multi vocalist and beat box musicians Killa Kela will be sure to whip the crowd in to a frenzy with his impressive skills and Kissy Sell Out are just a few of the musical treats one can expect at the new Live stage this year.
Richie Hawtin will be bringing his techno vibe to Knebworth for the day with his own Minus arena, and Soulwax will headline their very own tent. Festival veterans Sister Bliss and Maxi Jazz of Faithless will also be teaming up for a rare joint DJ set. Wild in the Country has one of the strongest DJ line-ups, festival goers will be spoilt for choice, with global stars Sasha, Carl Craig and 2Manydjs all wowing the crowds.
Wild in the Country isn’t just about the music, with a number of alternative treats lined up for the masses; The Victorian Fun Fair with a host of traditional rides including a carousel and old-fashioned Dodgems, will encourage you to get in touch with your inner child, the giant, chill-out tepee with a capacity of 600, where you can find solace away and unwind, or a surreal trip to the twisted tea rooms for high tea and scones!
You can be sure that there will be lots of other surprises and delights to look forward to with Wild In the Country being brought to you by global clubbing phenomenon Renaissance. Drawing upon 16 years of putting on fantastic parties and currently staging in excess of 200 club dates and events around the world each year, Renaissance’s legendary attention to detail will make this a festival experience without equal.
Organiser Geoff Oakes explains: ”The starting point for everything at Wild in the Country is the music and we’ve gone to great lengths to programme a diverse array of acts in a credible and coherent line-up. Of equal importance is the feeling of the most fun you can have in the English countryside. Inside the tents we have created as close to a club experience as is possible, with impeccable sound, stunning décor and lengthy sets from the headliners. Outside is where the personality of the festival really shines through. Discovery is a huge part of the festival experience and we’ve injected a lot of fun and colour into Wild in the Country this year”.
Live Acts
Bjork
Soulwax
Foals
Battles
Pendulum
Booka Shade
Hercules & Love Affair
The Presets
Kissy Sell Out
The Cuban Brothers
Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobious Pip
Metronomy
Killa Kela
Audion
Hearthrob
The Field
XX Teens
Slagsmalsklubben
DJs
Sasha
2Manydjs
Danny Tenaglia (UK Festival Exclusive)
Richie Hawtin
DJ Yoda
Mylo (DJ set)
Faithless (DJ set with Sister Bliss & Maxi Jazz)
Carl Craig
M.A.N.D.Y.
James Zabiela
Dave Seaman
Magda
Marco Corola
Annie Mac ( Radio 1)
Swtich
Yousef
Ame
Plump Djs
Norman Jay
Dixon
Duke Dumont
Audiofly
Serge Santiago
Inxec
Matt Tolfrey
Marcus James
DJ Acim
