FESTIVALS
A SPECTACULAR NEW FESTIVAL IS COMING TO KENT…
BLACK DEER FESTIVAL
22-24 June
THE COUNTDOWN’S BEGUN TO THE UK’S
NEWEST, MOST EXCITING AND ANTICIPATED
SUMMER EVENT. BLACK DEER FESTIVAL TAKES
PLACE AT ERIDGE PARK, BRITAIN’S OLDEST DEER
PARK, N EAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT FROM
FRIDAY 22ND – SUNDAY 24TH JUNE 2018.
Sam Palladio
The festival boasts the best Americana and
country global superstars including headliners
Iron & Wine; TV and movie superstar-turned
singer Kiefer Sutherland; Passenger; Ward
Thomas; double Grammy and AMA UK
award-winner Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit;
Ashley Campbell, daughter of country
music legend Glenn Campbell; plus singer
and star of musical drama TV show Nashville,
Sam Palladio.
More than 50 artists will play across five stages
over three days, showcasing sounds from
Americana, blues, roots, authentic country,
folk and bluegrass genres. However, Black
Deer isn’t just about celebrating the music, it’s
about the lifestyle too with authentic
Americana-style meats, smoky whiskies,
bespoke custom motorcycle showcases and
rooted storytelling from cultural pioneers.
insideKENT caught up with Ashley Campbell
who will be performing at Black Deer...
So you’re coming to Kent this summer, have
you been to the county before?
I have been before – I’ve got a good friend in
Canterbury, which is gorgeous, I love it there.
It’s such a historical and beautiful city. I’m
looking forward to coming back – I can’t wait
to play Kent, it’s going to be a great festival as
there’s so much going on, so much music but
I love that they’re trying to create a little picture
52
Ashley Campbell
of The South (USA) over here in Kent. It’s going
to be stunning with smoky whisky and
barbeques – I think it’s so cool. I love all the
bands and artists who are going to be
performing. It’s the closest taste of Nashville
– the whole festival is going to be amazing.
Your new album has recently been released
in the UK – tell us a bit about it.
I’m so excited that people can finally hear my
music, I’ve been working on it for so long.
The album’s got a great personal feel, some
real personal experiences. I take inspiration
from my personal life when I write songs. It’s
kind of like a vast array of emotions. The album
is entitled The Lonely One and I think all of
the songs show a different colour of lonely. A
few of the songs are about love, but there’s a
great sense of independence about the songs
too. I believe there’s an independence about
being lonely, there’s a positive thing. You know
– you can take care of yourself, you’re strong
and confident on your own.
When people come to see you at Black Deer
in June, what can they expect to see? What’s
a typical Ashley Campbell performance
look like?
I’ll be playing most of the songs from my
album and probably some covers too. It’s
gonna be a whole lot of fun. I’m really looking
forward to meeting some of the fans too.
Alongside Ashley, another artist who is one
of the weekend’s biggest draws is singer and
star of musical drama TV show Nashville, Sam
Palladio. “This is gonna be awesome!” Sam
has been waxing lyrical at the prospect of
coming to Kent this June, where he’ll make
his festival debut at Black Deer.
The comment was made on the 31 year-old’s
Facebook page as it was confirmed the singer
– who was born in the county (in Pembury
near Maidstone and also studied music here)
– would be bringing his guitar and vocal
talents to play for over 10,000 Americana and
country music fans at the inaugural festival.
Sam added: “Super excited to announce I’ll be
playin’ my first UK festival @blackdeerfest!
Dates are 22nd – 24th June and the line-up
is insanely good.”
Tickets are now on sale and camping options
are available. For more information please
visit: www.blackdeerfestival.com