Full line-up and stage times for all the Festival Fun

Village Green Stage

The beautiful saddlespan stage is back and it’s rockin’ with some of the finest local talent as well as brilliant acts from across the UK.

11.20am-11.50am FyreSky - Essex Undiscovered Winners - enthralling rock act.

12.20pm-12.50pm Courts - Guitar-based funk & hip-hop - like an illegitimate love-in between Jamie T and the Stone Roses.

1.20pm-1.50pm Airways - Fresh from supporting Nothing But Thieves, this is indie rock at its purest. One Foot was track of the week on BBC Introducing, Radio 1.

2.20pm-3pm Ardyn - brother and sister combo and darlings of the Summer Festival scene.

3.30pm-4.10pm Primo Nelson - Original, hard-hitting funk inspired groove. Heavy horns, thumping funk core and husky tones.

4.15pm Special Guest - Leo C (See Oak Stage - SoSlam Young Songwriters LAB act).

4.40pm-5.20pm Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly Get Cape is back, and back for good… returning with his anti fascist, hope filled project. Massive news from one of Southend’s greatest singer-songwriters.

5.50pm-6.40pm Kate Nash - BRIT Award-winner Kate Nash is back from the states and unleashing new material.

7.10pm-8pm Nothing But Thieves - After eighteen whirlwind months of sold out shows, chart topping records and a critically acclaimed album, Southend’s finest come home to headline Village Green 2017.

Middle Age Spread and Urban Allstars - DJs Southend’s popular DJ collective bring their floor-filling skills to work the park, joined by the mighty Urban Allstars spinning all things funky on the decks to get you into the groove.

Daryl Easlea - Compere Author, broadcaster and DJ is thrilled to compere the Village Green Stage for the fifth year running.

Comedy Culinary Big Top

New for 2017 a heady mix of culture, cooking and comedy for all ages, taste-buds and funny-bones.

12.00pm-12.30pm Holly Watson - Accomplished and funny storyteller with a charming friendly style.

12.30pm-2pm Comedy Club 4 Kids - Host, Richard Sandling brings together the best of the UK comedy circuit, including CBBC’s Inel Tomlinson and Andrew O’Neill – keeping all their best jokes clean for kids - their toughest audience yet!

2.30pm-4pm Deborah Frances-White - Global Pillage - This Writers Guild award-winning comedian and writer hosts a brand new comedy panel show podcast all about idiom, culture, customs and norms. Guests include. Desiree Burch and Radu Isac. Be part of the live recording!

4.30pm-5.30pm George Egg. Anarchist Cook - A surreal and absurd mix of stand-up comedy and striking innovation from one of the UK’s most in demand comedians. “It’s a hilarious show, with surprisingly good food” The Times.

6pm-7pm Hardeep Singh Kohli. Chat Masala - BAFTA award-winning and BBC Radio 4 favourite Hardeep (Celebrity Masterchef, The One Show, Question Time) brings his much loved cookery chat show to Village Green, proving that food, thought, and comfort go hand in hand.

Compere - Al Naed - He’s been with us since the very beginning of Village Green, and he’s back for another bumper year of fun!

Global Village

Presented in Partnership with Essex Cultural Diversity Project, The WOMAD Foundation and Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics. Funded by Arts Council England.

12pm–12.30pm Southend Hungarian Group - Hungarian dance workshops led from the stage. Look out for their nearby, all-day, workshops - hand-made pieces of folk art, national costumes and craft activities for children.

12.30pm-1pm Efua Sey Cultural Academy - African drumming workshop brought to Southend from the year-round school of African culture based in Harlow.

1pm-1.45pm BrazilArte - Carnival drums to whip up an amazing street party atmosphere!

1.45pm-2.30pm Abass Dodoo and Mauricio Velasierra - Legendary Ghanaian drummer who tours with Cream’s Ginger Baker and plays with Van Morrison - MEETS - musical stories from the pioneering Colombian flautist.

2.30pm-3.30pm Heidi Heidelberg and Mim Suleiman - Anarchic soprano musician and film composer working with classical, jazz, beatbox and rock influences - MEETS - international force of nature from Zanzibar.

3.30pm-4.15pm Ripton Lindsay - Jamaican master brings traditional and contemporary urban dance.

4.15pm-4.45pm Bollywood Fusion - Bollywood/Bhangra Beats and Dance rhythms.

4.45pm-5.15pm Efua Sey Cultural Academy - African dance performance and acrobats. More from the brilliant academy from Harlow.

5.15pm-6.15pm Group Jam (The WOMAD Foundation artists) A stunning collaboration between the international artists of Global Village.

Jazz Stage

Presented by The Jazz Centre UK, alongside an exhibition of highlights from TJCUK archive, including Louis Armstrong’s trumpet! Curated by Digby Fairweather and Mick Foster.

12pm-12.4pm The Dominic Ashworth Duo - Hugely talented, multi-stylistic guitarist (Dominic) plays with world-class bassist Roger Curphey. The duo will also supply the rhythm section for all our visiting stars!

1.15pm-2.30pm Steve Fishwick - “I can’t think of another trumpeter who can do what he does!” (Wynton Marsalis) This ‘Rising star’ British Jazz Award winner (2002) has risen! with 5* reviews for his recent album ‘In the Empire State’.

3.15pm-4pm Karen Sharp - Starting out with the legendary Humphrey Lyttelton, Karen now leads her own poll winning quartet with pianist Nikki Iles, bassist Dave Green and drummer Steve Brown.

4.45pm-5.30pm Mick Foster - “The greatest all-round saxophonist in the UK” (Jazz Critic, Art Napoleon). Mick’s formidable CV includes everyone from The LPO to Dame Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth and ‘Swing Out Sister’.

6pm-6.45pm Clare Foster / Shanti Jayasinha - Clare’s cool-voiced interpretation of standards is accompanied by the trumpet and flugelhorn of Shanti (Brand New Heavies, John Mayer’s ‘Indo-Jazz Fusions’). A great way to end the day!

Grrrl Zine Stage

Presented by Grrl Zine Fair. Funded by Arts Council England.

All day Grrrl Zine Fair

The DIY Punk Self-Publishing Party curates a full day of alternative scene music, workshops, and talks.

3.30pm-4pm Petty Phase - Petty Phase is a new four-piece outfit bringing the spirit of Riot Grrrl to Southend. Their rama-lama punk sound compares to early Hole, L7, or even The Runaways.

4.30pm-5pm Top Knot - Brighton-based gal band. Having played just a handful of shows they are already getting people excited with their ‘DIY lovers punk’.

5.30pm-6pm Queen Zee and the Sasstones - Pop punk band from Liverpool, “marrying vulgar sonics with earworm melodies”.

6.30pm-7.10pm Big Joanie - Think, Ronettes filtered through 80s DIY and Riot Grrrl.

7.10pm-8pm DJ BBZ London - Monthly exhibition/tun up centered on positive feminine energy and eradicating misogyny for queer women and genderqueer fam of colour.

Grrrl Zine Fair Workshops

Presented by Grrl Zine Fair. Funded by Arts Council England.

11am-11.45am Freer Ideas. Drum Workshop - UK-based music project, empowering marginalised individuals and communities through music lessons, workshops and gigs.

11.45am–12.30pm Estella Adeyeri. Guitar Workshop - Hugely talented musician and singer (JUNK/ Big Joanie/ Witching Waves/ Decolonise Festival Organisation) Estella Adeyeri leads a masterclass session.

11am-3pm Portable Print Studio - Artist-led project running drop in screen printing workshop. Take part for free, and receive your own personalised tote bag!

1.45pm-2.45pm Shadow Sistxrs Fight Club - Workshops in self-protection - physical and psychic. Learn self-defense martial arts techniques, holistic dance movement and delve into the worlds of herbs and crystals.

12.30pm-1.30pm Arts Sisterhood UK - A unique, grassroots Arts and Mental Health organisation offering women and non-binary people affordable art therapy classes.

1.30pm-3.30pm Nail Transphobia - Tackling transphobia through nail art, it’s fabulous activism! Founder Charlie Craggs comes to Village Green with her pop up nail salon.

Mini Green

Presented by Metal Art School. And you don’t even have to be mini to enjoy it!

11.10am–11.30am Miss Bopalong - Interactive family dancing using fun props, engaging stories and much loved songs! Come and Bopalong!

11.40am–12pm Tiny Tales - Puppetry and storytelling from a consummate and charming performer, Hannah Brailsford.

12.10pm–12.35pm Imagination Station Puppet Show - All aboard for Auntie Sarah’s adventure with dinosaurs, mermaids, enormous Aliens and the occasional chicken. Join in for hands on musical puppetry mayhem!

12.45pm–1.35pm Mrs H and the Singalong Band - A riot of colour, music and dance. Nationally renowned for their ability to create music that unites generations, bringing together elements of Folk, Soul, Afro, Latin and Dub.

1.45pm–2.20pm Miss Bopalong

2.30pm–3.10pm Imagination Station Puppet Show

3.20pm–3.50pm Tiny Tales

4pm–4.50pm Mrs H and the Singalong Band

5pm–5.30pm Miss Bopalong Compere - Sarah Dodsworth A Village Green favourite - back again with her fabulous, friendly and welcome-all style.

Idea13 Stage

Presented in partnership with The Railway Hotel, Chinnery’s, Cool Thing Records and South Essex College – an eclectic mix, hand-picked by those in the know about what’s HOT on the local and UK scene.

11.40am-12.10pm Beach For Tiger - Psych pop five piece from Essex and London play following the release of their debut self-titled EP.

12.30pm-1pm The Velveteens - All the way from lovely Leeds and endorsed by Höfner Guitars, the Railway Hotel favourites bring their modern, refreshing, new and edgy tunes to the South.

1.20pm-1.50pm The Scarletts - A powerful and potent sinewy five piece, drawing on the darker side of new wave and laced with psychedelia.

14.10 - 14.40 Suspects - Thrilling 2-piece Indie Punk band have recently premiered their debut single ‘Innocence’. Kerrang! and Radio X are big supporters of the pair.

3pm-3.30pm BAIT - Industrial Punk outfit, featuring members of Asylums. Their pulverising debut album earned them a sold out debut show and a growing army of fans including Radio X’s John Kennedy and Rough Trade.

3.50pm-4.20pm Darren Jones and The World Music Band - Blending Afro beats and world music inspired rhythms with catchy lyrics to deliver an electric performance and vibrant and colourful sound.

4.40pm - 5.20pm Very Special Guests! To be announced on the day. You won’t want to miss them!

5.40pm-6.10pm Holloway Road - Bringing a taste of Nashville to Essex, this multiple award-nominated Country duo are twisting the neck of authentic and keeping things fresh. Country Rock Pop at its most invigorating.

6.30pm-7pm Fifty-Four Plates - ‘With more raw energy than an angry volcano’ (Daily Mirror). Think a rocked up modern Crosby Stills and Nash, taking influence from The Who, and Pearl Jam.

7.20pm-8pm Slim Pickings - Renowned 8-strong party reggae/dub force who won’t rest until you’re moving and grooving.

Ship Full of Bombs

DJ Southend’s cult alternative radio station present a line-up of the coolest DJs on the scene with their incomparably eclectic bag of music gems.

Compere - Ollie Winiberg 
Long-running presenter of BBC Introducing, Ollie’s finger is firmly on the pulse of new music in Essex. 

Chalkwell Park Rooms 
Presented in partnership with Chalkwell Park Rooms, The Railway Hotel, Chinnery’s and Cool Thing Records. 

11.50am-12.20pm The Daisy Bowlers - Wonderfully unique vintage style band with exceptional vocal harmonies.

12.40pm -1.10pm Conor O’Malley - Accomplished Dublin-born soundsmith and lyricist, composing beautiful pieces of folk balladry.

1.30pm-2pm Carousel - 6-piece Americana music collective. Taking inspiration from a plethora of music to fuse country, folk, rock’n’roll, blues and roots.

2.20pm-2.50pm The Phrogs - Long-running legendary Beat Garage band. They turn up, plug in, sometimes tune up, and play with venom. An honour to have them playing Village Green.

3.10-3.40pm Electric Pyramid - Heavyweight riffs, sleazy rock vocals, and attitude in spades. 

4pm-4.30pm Muertos - Drawing their energy from the darker side of life with influences from the freakbeat and garage psych scenes.

4.50pm-5.20pm LJ Howard - With soul infused with RnB and rock, LJ’s unique voice never fails to entertain.

5.40pm-6.10pm The Trusted - Hot, young, and the talk of the town - remixed twice by Pet Shop Boys’ musical MD and wooed by LA. What’s next? Village Green, that’s what!

6.30pm -7pm Longy and the Gospel Trash - A firm Village Green favourite, Longy unveils The Gospel Trash, the six piece band he’s been locked away with for over a year - and the results are incredible!

7.20pm-8pm Big Jacket - Super fresh rock-pop-folk band with great energy and powerful live vocals to get everyone moving.

DJ/Compere- TBC

Oak Stage 
Presented in partnership with SoSlam and South Essex College, this stage is all about the youth – the stars of tomorrow. Make sure you see them here first!

11.45am-12pm Leo C - Move aside, Jonny Cash, Lou Reed and Bob Dylan. Original material from this young singer songwriter. One to watch.

12pm-12.10pm Clem Talbott - Original material, thoughtful pop ballads with dreamy vocals.

12.10pm-12.25pm baVard - Two young busker brothers with catchy original songs and a strong local following.

12.25pm-12.35pm Aaron Wong - Pianist and composer, full of changing dynamics.

12.35pm-12.50pm Lillith Vlkova - Captivatingly unique songs and descriptive story telling.

12.50pm-1pm Noah Fox - Soft and charming experimental guitar work.

1pm-1.15pm Lottie Mollica - Original songs with a soft air of innocence.

1.15pm-1.30pm Caitlin King - Original folk and soul material with passionate lyrics.

1.30pm-1.45pm Anna-Marie Childs - An exciting young talent.

1.45pm-2pm Emily Frith - A luscious combination of country and pop ballads.

2pm-2.25pm Sam Fraser - Putting his own unique spin on modern chart music.

2.30pm-2.50pm Ruth Olajugbagbe - Stunning mature vocalist with a lot of soul.

3pm-3.20pm Jumeaux - Lo-fi pop band with fresh original material and breathtaking harmonies.

3.30pm-4pm Kiera Court - Unique, warm vocal melodies with guitar. Influenced by Norah Jones and Laura Marling, she’s an endearing live watch.

4.10-4.30pm Katy Forkings - A blend of pop and country with a soulful voice and lyrics ahead of her years.

4.40pm-5pm Shazz and BK - Singer/songwriter with eclectic tastes!

5.10pm-5.30pm Ted Groves - Singer/guitar player from Leigh, performing popular covers and original material, influenced by blues, punk and rock.

5.40pm-6pm Eva Tobin - Passionate singer/songwriter from Southend-on-Sea!

6.10pm-6.30pm Josh Gleaves - Essex based music-loving folk-rock singer-songwriter not to be missed!

6.40pm-7pm BLAB - Fiery female-fronted indie-rock four piece!

DJ/Comperes - Hosted by the musicians of the SoSlam Collective

Clever Essex

Presented in partnership with BBC Essex and hosted by the brilliant Rob Jelly. Celebrating all that is clever – past and present – from our brilliant, but often much-maligned county!

12pm-12.30pm Sea Legs! - Join the Rubber Ring Relay Race as we celebrate Lionel Lukin, Essex boy and inventor of the first unsinkable lifeboat back in 1785! 

12.30pm-1pm Radio Gaga - Hear from historian Tim Wander, discover Morse code and learn about Marconi and his time in Chelmsford – the birthplace of radio.

1pm-2pm Mad Science - Don’t miss Dr Dude’s show! Learn all about the brilliant Joseph Lister, a groundbreaking surgeon and pioneer of antiseptic. Get hands on as we explore the barmy world of bacteria.

2pm-3pm Writers Block - Did you know that 101 Dalmations was written by honorary Essex Girl, Dodie Smith? Go dotty with the Dalmation Formation and create your own Love Letter to Southend at our drop-in workshop!

3pm-3.30pm Do the Samba Stretch - Pull up your legwarmers; it’s time to get physical with Miss Bopalong! Join-in with retro aerobics, to the original records used by Essex Girl Eileen Fowler, founder of the Industrial Keep Fit Organisation in 1956.

3.30pm-4pm Wicket Wonders Sam Deards, born in 1842, invented the cricket score board; another great claim for Essex!

4pm-5pm Singalong! Join our cockney knees-up, with special musical guests! Grab a song sheet and celebrate brilliant musicians and performers from our corner of the world, including Peggy Mount, Ken Campbell and Dudley Moore.

5pm-6pm Clever Essex Role Call - Take part in our final show, as we speed through some of the best Clever Essex characters through time, including Boudica, Lee Brilleaux, Margaret Cavendish and many more.
Compere - Rob Jelly, the sonically inquisitive BBC Essex presenter, producer and writer - and yes, his real name is Mr Jelly!

And More...
March of the Makers
New for 2017! Join us in our craft tent, where you will find the best in local designers and makers demonstrating their skills and offering one-off pieces for sale. 

Railing Against the Machine
Local artists and schools have come together to fill the railings of the sports court in Chalkwell Park with colour and imagination to unite! Take in the exhibition or buy a work to take home with you. 

South Essex Schools Estuary Art Group

As part of Railing against the Machine Village Green is proud to present South Essex Schools Estuary Art Group, led by a group of school teachers who meet once a term to share skills and knowledge. On show is work Primary and Secondary schools from Southend, Hockley, Maldon and Basildon

Love Letter to Southend

Launched earlier this year on Valentine’s Day, we invited individuals, schools, community groups, artists, makers to create a Love Letter to Southend to celebrate the Borough’s 125 birthday. We’ve had thousands of responses and here you can see each one! 

Art Car Boot Rally

Vintage clothes, hand-made and home made goods, fancy stationary, vintage bus destination signs, original artworks and much, much more in our Art Car Boot Rally!

Sign of the Times

Artist Ben Connors and Poet Justin Coe have come together to produce this mass installation around the theme of positive protest. Come revel in the message of good ideas, love and unity, meet the makers and add your own message! 

Farmers Market 

Forgotten something for your picnic or fancy some olives with your craft beer? Head over to the farmers market next to the Comedy Culinary stage where you will find fresh backed bread, fine cheeses, Portuguese custard tarts, drinks and snacks of all varieties! 

Pluto Juggling

Festival favourites all set to dazzle with circus skills workshops. Learn juggling, tight rope plate spinning and stilt walking with expert tuition. Find them next to Chalkwell Hall. 

In the Mini Green Area…

Buttercup Club 

A fun toddler group that lets your little one learn and have fun through sensory, tactile messy play.

Metal Art School 

Loads of creative activities, across the whole day including Discover In A Day – join in the fun and gain a nationally recognised Arts Award at the same time! With artist Claire Softley (for ages 5-11yrs) and activities led by our current Arts Award students who are selling limited edition copies of the 2nd issue of DIY magazine PARADISUS.

Jacqson Diego Story Emporium

Stories and books for all the family. Storytellers and poets performing live in our Stories in Bloom tent; workshops to help you create your own stories in our Growing Stories area.

Bricks4Kids 

Interactive family fun featuring everyone’s favourite building brick!

Usborne Books

Book fun for all the family with this evergreen of the children’s publishing world

Mendip Wildlife Community Garden

Join Mendip Wildlife Community Garden in making seed bombs, learning about permaculture, sustainable urban growing, and generally getting messy! 

Urban Farmers

Learn how to grow your own mushrooms at home with this local business. 

Nu Urban Gardeners 

The live art organization inspired by a love of the land and the spirit of Cabaret Voltaire. Design your own sustainable village green, rescue Lord Byron’s dog or see how many peacock themed beer mats you can flip and catch in one go! 

Southend Beekeepers

Real live bees in their observation hive. Learn about the art and craft of beekeeping!

Cultural Engine 

Ever wondered how food impacts on culture, society and the place where you live? Visit Club Critical Theory, a collaboration between UEL and Cultural Engine to find out more whilst cooking up some delicious food to try.

CAST. Recipe Swap

Have your meal times been uninspiring lately? Or perhaps you’ve got that rare thing - a healthy dish that teenagers can’t get enough of? This is the place to visit! A recipe-share of recipes from around the world and closer to home. Bring yours to share . 

In the Picnic Area…

Faceback

Join the Faceback community and meet real live people! Your Face is turned into a badge and worn by someone you haven’t met yet. Your mission is to get your Face back!

Limitless Free Running

Watch the local Parkour crew fly through the air! 

Okami Martial Arts

Exciting Martial Arts demonstration from this local karate and fitness club based in Southend. Find out how to get involved! 

Gestalt Arts

Join Ruth and the opera team from Gestalt Arts, who will be gathering participant’s responses to their local river.

Cycle Southend 

Challenge yourself to cycle on the 45m North Shore track! Tackle technical trials and experience the thrills of single track riding. All ages.

TOMA

Prizes for hitting low-fi, fun-fair favourite, Tin Can Alley - 3 balls per go. Free badges and sculpture fun with recycled materials. 

Coppafeel 

On a mission to stamp out late detection of breast cancer. Come to the boob cube to find out more – and, OF COURSE, grab a snap of yourself dressed as a giant boob!

Mad Science 

Join the team from Mad Science to make slime – if you think Instagram can show you how to do it – think again! This is the real deal!

Round Table Hungry Hippos

Live sized version of the classic greedy game!

CapaTaro 

Emerging Southend theatre company announces ‘Hey Billy, This is Just the Beginning!’ – a new community play. Drop by to find out how you can be involved! 

Charities to visit, learn about and support... 

Essex Wildlife Trust; Guides; Havens Hospice; Olympus/HARP; Open Arts
Round Table; Royal British Legion; Samaritans; Scouts; Southend Theatre; Park Lives and Change for Life

Stilts Pro 

Look up! Stilts Pro are back and taller than ever!

Moth Physical Theatre 

Immersive theatre experience and walkabout act. 

Wisecrackers Theatre Co 

Satirical physical comedy, using mime, clown, puppetry, live music, and bouffon, poking fun at current affairs.

Useful Information

Safe Space
Village Green has a Bronze Award from Attitude is Everything – creating a festival environment that takes accessibility for all seriously. A Safe Space, open between 11am and 6.30pm, will be staffed by disability awareness and dementia friendly, trained volunteers. There will be shade, somewhere to sit in a calm space, a disabled toilet and access to a sterile kitchen and fridge (if medicines need to be stored).

First Aid and Lost Children
Sites for assistance are clearly marked on the festival map.

Leave No Trace
Village Green aspires to the Leave No Trace philosophy. Please treat the park with respect during your visit and dispose of all rubbish created by you responsibly. Please use the waste bins and recycling points provided.

For all the latest information on the festival, visit villagegreenfestival.co.uk