the big session festival 2006

2005 saw the first Big Session Festival at DeMontfort Hall and gardens in the heart of sunny Leicester. It grew from the fertile minds of the Oysterband, who had instigated the Big Session Tour as an informal gathering of the best folk and roots artists around. Being the Oysterband they don't do things by halves and it became a huge success. Rave reviews and Best group in the 2005 radio 2 Folk Awards soon followed. The ensuing album Big Session Volume 1 is sixty five minutes of great collaborative music recorded live in London in May 2004.

Extending the concept to a three day festival seemed the natural thing, with a lot of hard work one of the best festivals of 2005 was staged. A sell-out success. Small enough to be a relaxing place to be, yet large enough to guarantee an astounding range of acts and performances. A good time was had by all, and a staggering 6800 pints of beer guzzled. This year there will be a Big Session Ale brewed specially for the event.

There is probably no better example of the vibrancy and innovation of the folk/roots festival scene at the moment. All of the acts are top class in their own right, together they are a knock out. Add to the mix the collaborative sessions and it becomes a truly unique experience.

The festival is set in De Montfort Hall and Gardens with live music across three stages: the main auditorium, a marquee stage and informal session. As well as camping, food, real ale and crafts, there will be a designated area for family activities suitable for children of all ages... therefore providing everything you could possibly need for the ultimate festival experience!