Preview: Charlbury Riverside Festival
This year’s Charlbury Riverside Festival (voted one of the top ten free festivals to visit by The Guardian) is shaping up to be one for nostalgia and new talent.
A free festival known for showcasing new, local talent and being a hub for regulars on the Oxfordshire music scene, 2023 is delivering this and much more. From festival favourites The Might Redox, Tiger Mendoza and Beard Of Destiny to indie folk darling Dolly Mavies and punk rock party starters Self Help.
For the Oxford Old School, there will be a reunion of The Daisies – one of Oxford’s favourite bands, Radiohead and Supergrass label mates on Parlophone and formative influence for Quickfix Recordings (who are running a stage), reforming after 25 years especially for this year’s festival.
The award winning Smilex will be reuniting to perform a one-off gig with original bassist Jen Acton. As if that wasn’t enough nostalgia, twins of Oxfordshire metal Ryan and Eliot Cole will be propping up a Sunday packed with heavy bands, playing in Kerrang faves Desert Storm, dyanamic duo Wall, plus reuniting with their teen band 20/20 Vision for a one off performance.
From further afield, Cyberbilly inventor Sonny E (held captive inside the mind of Adamski) returns after last year’s hip-shaking set, Brighton’s Blue Spectre, Bedford Hip-Hopper X-It and Toronto alt-rock sensation Blackout Orchestra.
Not to mention a slew of formidable female talent: London based songstress Erika (keyboardist and singer in Skunk Anansie), Chiika, Gigsy and female fronted bands Electric Shepherd and London’s exciting underground rockers Healthy Junkies.
The free festival, which won Best Regional Celebration of Local Talent South East England at the UK Enterprise Awards, is in its 26th year with no corporate sponsorship, run by volunteers and exists on charitable donations, food & drink and merchandise sales alone. Keep all your fingers and toes crossed for some sunshine, then rock up in your best festival gear, and have fun with all your family and friends.
Find out more on the Riverside Festival website.
