Hampshire’s finest music and food festival is back! Twyford’s own Graze Festival returns for a third year on the 27th August 2017 with a stronger line-up than ever. Held on Humphry’s farm, the one-day outdoor family festival has proven extremely popular with locals and visitors alike over the past two years, and is shaping up to be an even bigger success this time around.
Headlining the event will be one of Britain’s most successful hip hop acts, Stereo MC’s. Founded by rapper Rob Birch and DJ/producer Nick Hallam in 1985, Stereo MC’s are known for their enthusiasm on stage and their irresistible dance anthems. The group have created over ten full albums with major single hits like “Step it Up”, and received two BRIT Awards for their hit album “Connections” in 1992. After touring with the likes of Happy Mondays and EMF, Stereo MC’s are all set to hit the main stage at Graze Festival this summer.
The festival is also thrilled to welcome fellow headliners Republica, a technopop band best known for their hit single “Ready to Go“. The band have found success both in England and the States, and even reached number 4 in the UK Albums chart with their debut self-titled album in 1996. Third on the bill on this entertainment-packed day will be Twyford’s favourite funk/soul outfit, Agency. The now split Bournemouth band were together for 29 years, and are re-forming this summer especially for Graze Festival. Agency’s authentic soulful performances are legendary, and they are known for their unique, funky atmosphere. The band are sure to bring excitement to Graze’s main stage.
As well as these incredible headliners, Graze Festival will be filled back-to-back with a huge variety of performers throughout the course of the day. The two main stages will be home to twelve different acts, including Sussex’s alternative-folk band Noble Jacks, classic singer-songwriter Polly Paulusma, Swedish troubadour Benjamin Folke Thomas, Winchester’s own Ryan O’Reilly and enthusiastic alternative-rock pop duo Rews, returning after their successful Graze appearance last year.
Meanwhile, over at the dedicated Kids’ Stage, the hilarious Rhubarb Theatre will be kicking off the morning in style at 11.30am. Lively performances from acts such as Fushion Choir, Movin Monkeez and Chinese Dancers are sure to get the whole family on their feet!
And if the dancing leaves you hungry for a bite to eat, lunch is sorted with nine unique food and drink stalls, including Twyford’s own The Bugle, offering all kinds of options to satisfy appetites. At Hampshire Fare’s Cookery Demonstration tent, talented chefs will be cooking up something tasty using the finest local produce, and revealing their top tips and tricks every step of the way.
Last year Graze Festival raised over £10,000 for local charities, and this year they are determined to top that figure and give back even more to their wonderful community. Thanks to local enthusiasm and the support from sponsors, Graze hopes to bring everyone together to celebrate and have fun whilst making a difference.
