21 Sun-Kissed Scenes from the UK's Lovely Wilderness Festival

Article by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarus

Thu August 11, 2016 | 00:00 AM


Lush charm and British whimsy were in full force at the sixth edition of Wilderness Festival , which is set on a country estate in the gloriously sun-kissed English countryside.

Attendees experienced an enchanting event that's as immersive as it is quintessentially British. In true UK festival fashion, the grounds are dotted not only with lakes and gorgeous trees, but also with festival-goers in elaborate fancy dress, amidst cricket games, theatrical performances on makeshift stages, or on the myriad lakes in rowboats. The old-world-meets-new-world vibe celebrates eclectic musical talent, food from some of the world’s finest gourmet chefs, productions from theatre’s most inspirational companies, arts, crafts, culture, learning, literature, rejuvenation and relaxation.

For all the lavish, languid days spent wandering the sun-soaked festival grounds, this edition wasn't short on epic moments once night fell. As always, Wilderness's famous Saturday Night Spectacle with Cirque Bijou was an awe-inspiring highlight. Illuminated Optiscopes and umbrella holders showcased the limits of performance that left onlookers brooding with wonderment. Featuring the first ever firewire performance staged in the UK, the thrilling flame-fueled tightrope display continued the Wilderness tradition of pushing the boundaries of what you imagined possible at festivals, cementing its reputation as a pioneer.

The Flaming Lips played their seminal album The Soft Bulletin as the transfixed crowd bowed down in admiration. Over on The Atrium The Wilderness Orchestra presented An Homage to David Bowie, an unmissable and emotional performance that is already etched into the minds of many as a treasured Wilderness memory. Special guests London Contemporary Voices Choir, Kate Nash, The Wilderness Choir and Charlotte Church performed reinterpretations of much-adored David Bowie classics including "Starman," "Life On Mars" and "Heroes."

Elsewhere on the bill, rock n' roll royalty Robert Plant, Roy Ayers, Oxfordshire heroes Glass Animals, Crystal Fighters, Chicago House original Derrick Carter, and many more, dazzled audiences.

Glimpse the photos below for a taste of Wilderness's unique magic.

Wilderness Festival 2016 Justine Trickett 1

Photo by: Justine Trickett

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Andrew Whitton 1

Photo by: Andrew Whitton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Andrew Whitton 1

Photo by: Andrew Whitton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Courtesy Of 1

Wilderness Festival 2016 Jenna Foxton 1

Photo by: Jenna Foxton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Jenna Foxton 1

Photo by: Jenna Foxton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Courtesy Of 1

Wilderness Festival 2016 Jenna Foxton 1

Photo by: Jenna Foxton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Andrew Whitton 1

Photo by: Andrew Whitton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Courtesy Of 1

Wilderness Festival 2016 Danny North 1

Photo by: Danny North

Wilderness Festival 2016 Courtesy Of 1

Wilderness Festival 2016 Andrew Whitton 1

Photo by: Andrew Whitton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Jenna Foxton 1

Photo by: Jenna Foxton

Wilderness Festival 2016 Andrew Whitton 1

Photo by: Andrew Whitton