If you’re keen to get back out to a festival this summer, after a difficult year, then ALSO 2021 may be just what you’re looking for.
If you haven’t heard of the ALSO Festival before, it’s a festival of ideas. It’s held in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, which is the perfect setting for this year’s line-up of events that aim to relax the body, restore the mind and bring out the animal in us.
This year’s line-up will feature 70 carefully curated events. Which includes talks from world-renowned thinkers, topical debates, creative masterclasses, relaxation, exercise, DJs and comedy – all taking place in the festival’s lakeside setting. And this year’s theme gives a nod to the past year – and looks forward to celebrating better times – with the theme of You animal!
Talks at the festival
If you’re into your stats and data, then it may add up to hear Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter’s talk. The British statistician has been the voice of reason for many during the pandemic. He will be helping us to understand the last year and show us how we can learn from numbers in the future. And exclusive for ALSO 2021, the Professor David Tong will take us on an extraordinary journey into the farthest reaches of the solar system. Tong will also deliver an energetic 45-minute guide to particle physics.
Zeitgeisty, bestselling author of the award-winning Animals and now After the Storm, Emma Jane Unsworth, talks about creativity, motherhood and depression. And shows us how to be simultaneously brave and hilarious.
Celebrate what one artist can do in a lifetime with an immersive exploration of William Blake’s work, philosophy and imagination. Cultural historian John Higgs’ talk will be topped off with the Portobello Choir and a beautiful setting.
Philosopher Roman Krznaric will be telling us how to be a good ancestor, whilst rock star classicist Natalie Haynes will help us understand the most loved and misunderstood of mythological creatures. Plus, zoologist and University of Cambridge animal communication and wolf expert Dr Arik Kershenbaum, talks about the ways animals communicate.
And as if that wasn’t enough, poet Salena Godden promises an exciting, freewheeling ride from prose and poetry to non-fiction. In addition, there’re talks by food expert Carolyn Steel and award-winning author and historian Hallie Rubenhold.
Immersive events at ALSO
It’s not just talks at ALSO this year. There’s a raft of immersive events too. Wild swimming expert has designed a restorative Sunset Swim Experience, timed perfectly to see the extraordinary ALSO lake in the most magical light. And if you want to know more about the history and science of food and drink, then the Whisky & Chocolate Experience will help you do just that.
And for something completely different, try the Kintsugi workshop. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of mending ceramics with a mixture of resin and gold-coloured powder, which hardens to accentuate breaks and cracks.
More music and food to enjoy
The Saturday night will be music night. And the line-up features remarkable blue-eyed soul singer Seramic and rock band Flamingods. So, you’ll finally be able to get your dancing shoes on in the fresh air! And the popular Balearic Brunch paella returns for 2021. It’s a boutique beach bar experience, so you can relax in the sun enjoying our Balearic beats from a live DJ.
If you’re looking for a more laid back, funky vibe, then London International Gospel Choir will kick off your Sunday on the right note. Expect a mix of gospel, pop, jazz, funk, soul, and African song. Plus, you can grab a hot drink and blanket and reset your circadian rhythms to the sounds of The Real String Quartet on Saturday morning. Or enjoy a handpicked ALSO picnic with a fine selection of local farm picnic classics. Perfect for heading to the lake on Saturday afternoon while the orchestra plays.
Family-friendly activities
If you’re looking for festival activities that will entertain the younger members of your family too, then there’s plenty on offer. You can take a walk on the wild side to find the mini beasts that live in and around the festival site. Or join Sohan Kailey as he takes you dancing around the world with songs from his debut album Let’s Naach (Let’s Dance). It’s Bhangra pop music for children and families, and audience participation is a must! Plus, there’ll be a giant Matisse-inspired collage. You’ll be able to drop in and add your own work to this masterpiece in the making.
Finally, the festival is keen on every one staying COVID-19 safe. They’ll be running this year’s event at a reduced capacity with social distancing. Their safety policy can be found here. Once you’ve secured your ticket, the organisers will keep you informed of any additional measures and requirements.
Looking for more festival fun to enjoy this summer? Take a look here!
When: 2nd – 4th July 2021
Where: Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire
£: Tickets prices vary. Adult day tickets cost from £25 and adult weekend tickets from £125
More info: www.also-festival.com