Nozstock is a gem hidden in the valleys of Herefordshire

Nozstock Festival 2013

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013
The Farm, Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4LS, England MAP
£95 includes camping

Daily capacity: 5,000

July 26^thfestival goers from all over Britain flocked to Bromyard in Herefordshire for the 15^th instalment of Nozstock: The Hidden Valley. The weekend promised nine stages of music ranging from drum’n bass to hip hop, to toe tapping rock, comedy, theatre, and a gun slingin’ Wild West theme. This home grown festival never fails to disappoint with its eclectic line-up and colourful characters and this year was no exception.

Among the line-up were experienced festival performers such as theDub Pistols, The Correspondents, and Chas & Dave to name a few, along with new comers to the festival circuit such as The Strypes and the up and coming Brighton based band Kitten and The Hip.

It seemed there truly was something for everyone at this festival. The Orchard stage, situated in the middle of the site, hosted all manner of wonderful bands, all of whom seemed really excited to be there, putting on some amazing shows. Despite the incredible line up, the festival is still small enough to get right up close to the stage giving a wonderfully personal feel to the whole set up.

However, any Nozstock regular will tell you, under no uncertain terms, that the dance music line up of the festival is one that will rival even the pricier contenders of the summer. Mr Nozworthy is well known for his love for music of the drum’n bass variety in particular and with artists such as Andy C frequenting the festival year in year out, it’s not one to miss.

Heavy bass lines, sweaty people and strobe lighting make this area a go to point for any dance music lover. I spoke to Sonny Wharton, DJ, producer and all round lovely bloke about his music and experiences at the festival (here), and Nozstock gets the Wharton seal of approval. Even with the near torrential rain on the Saturday night the festival continued to gain momentum throughout the weekend providing the public with some quality live music and entertainment until late into the Sunday evening.

This gem hidden in the valleys of Herefordshire, with its grassroots feel, locally sourced food and drink, the friendly faces of the staff running the festival and the ever astounding range and variety of music and activities creates one of the best atmospheres of any festival I have been to this summer. Nozstock, we salute you!

review by: Bella Whately