Beautifully bonkers, eclectic and soul-warming; Port Eliot has fast become a highlight of the British festival calendar.
The unique character and charm of this place resinates with everyone who find themselves here and expect to be flooded with feelings of childhood innocence and adventure.
The Cornwall location is quite something, set around a stunning historic home, which is open to everyone for tea. Plunge into in the lake on one of the hottest weekends of the year and wander around the serene grounds in the sunshine — prepare for a scorcher, it's going to be 31 degrees.
There's midnight trapezing, star-studded bed time stories, wild swimming with mermaids and survival in the woods with a surprise Hollywood star. Port Eliot clearly doesn't take itself too seriously.
Activities are endless, look out for Lily Cole screening her short film on the refugee crisis in Greece, Daphne Guinness discussing the relationship between fashion and music and don't miss Jack Stein (Rick Stein's son) demonstrating real cooking in the Big Kitchen.
There's music and madness to float every boat. If you're a fan of BBC 6 music then head to the Caught By The River stage, expect a mix of cosmic disco, folk, and rock ‘n roll down by the estuary. Be sure to catch British Indie favourite Baxter Dury play there on the Thursday.
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Look out for the the big red and blue tent name The Park. Here find the biggest names and the very best in stand-up comedy, conversations, performance poetry and live music. Gaz Coombes from Supergrass will perform here on the Saturday night.
One of my favourite spots is The Church which happens to be the oldest church in Cornwall. Chris Difford songwriter for 70s/80s legends The Squeeze will perform on the Sunday followed by The London African Gospel Choir. What a glorious medley!
There are many options for late night music, keep an eye out for the club hidden behind a hedge. I'll say no more but you'll be there until the wee hours, Port Eliot is one of the few festivals which keeps the music pumping well into the night. My kind of festival!
The food options are limitless. A visit to The Oyster Shack goes without saying. Try Claw for fresh crab rolls, Fleetwood Mac for Mac and Cheese and head to Woody's Pizza for crispy light neapolitan joy with toppings such as Foraged Wild Garlic Pesto with Crispy Kale and Courgette, delicious!
The essentials
When? July 26-29, 2018
Where? St Germans, Cornwall
Who’s headlining? Gaz Coombes, Baxter Dury
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Where should we stay? If you're splashing out go for an air stream otherwise the Yurtel is ideal for luxurious glamping or try the Tangerine Fields if you're on a budget for pre pitches tents.
More information: porteliotfestival.com
More from Annabel Simpson can be found at festibel.com
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