In 2012 The Big Session is back on the festival scene after a year’s hiatus.  The break was to facilitate a change of venue more than anything and what a venue the Festival has secured!  Catton Hall in South Derbyshire is a tried and tested festival site (currently home to Bloodstock Festival) and provides great access to a beautifully flat and picturesque slab of English countryside next to the River Trent.

One of the real strengths of The Big Session Festival is that it is produced by a dependable and experienced team on all fronts.  The Oysterband (who are the brainchild band behind the whole BS concept) are working closely with Mrs Casey Music who have delivered Towersey Festival for over 30 years and are the team behind the old Sidmouth International Festival as well as numerous one off promotions and events.  They bring all their years of experience to a Festival that already had 6 years of audience and programme development.   Add to this the artistic flair of Tom Rose (Tom Rose Music) who works with such artists as Lau, Joan as Police Woman and Chris Wood and programmes music into the Glee Clubs amongst the many other musical projects he gets involved with and you have a strong festival team.

This team aim to attract an intimate crowd of around 2500 for the first year on the new site but are very keen to continue to develop the ethos that makes Big Session Festival different.

If you have ever stumbled across an afterhour’s music session in a pub or club, then you will know the feeling of inclusiveness and belonging coupled with real excitement and a party atmosphere that those sessions have.  And it’s just this atmosphere that inspired and continues to inspire The Big Session Festival. 

Some of the biggest names on the acoustic scene such as The Leisure Society, Show of Hands, Scott Matthews and Eddi Reader headline, along with the founders of the Big Session concept and legendary political folk rockers Oysterband.  They are joined by the likes of Disraeli and the Small Gods who effortlessly blend cutting edge poetry with folk and hip hop, The Treacherous Orchestra who are taking the sound of Celtic Big Band to another level with their 13 piece wall of sound.  Chumbawamba and their politically fuelled acoustic pop and the collaborative open Songwriters Circle  session “State of the Union” hosted by legendary songwriter Boo Herwerdine.

Up and coming artists come in the shape of Kami Thompson (daughter of Richard) Jesca Hoop, who recently supported Elbow and The Eels on their UK tour and Jake Morley “Great real life lyrics and superb virtuoso playing. That's extraordinary!” Tom Robinson, 6 music

Beyond the music the Big Session prides itself on great family engagement.  “The Orchard” space provides hands on activities, workshops, builds, music and entertainment for the whole family. And then there’s the festival Site.  One of the finest pieces of English countryside has been sought out to provide an idyllic setting for this big get together.

The Big Session is independent of major corporate sponsors and branding........a truly independent and individual event.

Tickets available from here