We’re proud as can be to share the first shining array of artists that will bring the festival to life this summer.
We already loved Gwenno before we were transported to sci-fi heights by her live greatness at the festival in 2016. When we heard that her new LP, Le Kov, would be the first to be written and performed entirely in Cornish, her return to St Germans was inked in destiny.
Take all of Suede’s history as understood and put it to one side; many a good judge will have you know that most recent LP, Night Thoughts, was up there with their best. Brett Anderson’s memoir, Coal Black Mornings, is published this March and we are delighted that he’ll be sharing his life story with us.
Baxter Dury, creator of one of the great records of 2017 will headline the Caught by the River stage on Thursday 26 July , as part of its biggest opening day of music since the festival began.
We’re thrilled to welcome enduringly influential punk guitarist, writer and singer Viv Albertine; journalist, writer and commentator, Reni Eddo-Lodge, author of Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People about Race; screenwriter, film director and author Garth Jennings, best known for Sing (2016), Son of Rambow (2007) and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005).
The Como Mamas are three lifelong gospel singers from the small town of Como, Mississippi, who are now a part of the magnificent Daptone Records. Prepare to be changed by their powerful harmonies.
Singer-songwriter, activist, author, commentator and now skiffle drum-beater Billy Bragg will arrive at the Bowling Green with his latest book, Roots, Radicals & Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World, to explore the DIY musical movement that shaped pop music as we know it.
And be warned; now-veteran rock ‘n’ roll rumble punksters Kitty, Daisy & Lewis will tear up Port Eliot with tunes from their latest LP Superscope. Big favourites here.
The Poetry Stage ft. Brian Patten & Hollie McNish
Our new Poetry Stage was the talk of the festival in 2017. Packed throughout, it was a timely illustration of poetry’s resurgence in popularity.. This year, curators Luke Wright and Rosy Carrick are back; and early coups include Brian Patten, one of the true poetry greats, and Hollie McNish, poetry and spoken word sensation, who carried off the prestigious Ted Hughes Award for her collection Nobody Told Me.
Caught by the River: Baxter Dury, Gwenno + more!
One of the great institutions of the festival is the riverside stage of Caught by the River, the online gathering place for all who treasure wildlife, nature, writing, reading, great music and undiscovered heroes. Among the line-up this year are Baxter Dury, Gwenno, Teleman, Nabihah Iqbal, Jim Ghedi, Hannah Peel (pictured), Dads on Drugs, Martha Sprackland, Confidence Man, Adelle Stripe, Will Burns and 77:78, each, in their own way, reflecting these healthy obsessions.
Cookery: Jack Stein, Anna Jones + Russell Norman
Port Eliot takes its food seriously: it has always been a big part of the line-up, not just a side dish. This year, chefs including Anna Jones, Jack Stein, Zoe Adjonyoh and Russell Norman will make the House’s Georgian Big Kitchen their own and head outside to the Open Fire to create flavours, set trends, share techniques and reveal the workings of some of the country’s great kitchens.
A new Port Eliot restaurant will sit right at the front of the House; and Devon’s Oyster Shack will make a corner of the Walled Garden its own, serving fresh, locally-sourced seafood, matched with Plymouth’s Le Vignoble wines.
Learn to survive in the wild with Teri Hatcher!
Now, this is serious. When teachers of outdoor resilience, Survival Wisdom, return to the Port Eliot woodlands, to host master-classes and tell stories of resilience and adventure, they’ll be bringing a special guest with them. Award-winning actress, Teri Hatcher, will share her own experiences and the skills she has acquired and show how they transferred into her daily life. An accomplished chef, Teri will also bring her accessible and insightful food ideas and recipes to the Big Kitchen on the Saturday.
Plus there’ll be late-night astronomy walks and talks, wild swimming, axe-throwing and archery, fermented health foods, a circus school, a bee-trail and breathtaking aerial trapeze lessons cast against the backdrop of the ancient house, among many diversions.
Wildlings Wood, the festival in miniature
Port Eliot is crafted with families in mind, so deep in a mysterious secret part of the woods our younger visitors will be staging the festival of their lives. Wildlings Wood will be a pocket-sized Port Eliot, where children take part, take to the stage and take over. Port Eliot School of Magic, the Place of Cubs and the Wild Food School will all be found within. And there will be a magnificent, nerve-soothing bar RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
There will also be a full Viking Encampment in our family camping area, Jago’s View, where you can learn the Norse way with our resident Vikings, including how to dress and the importance of craft - plus you’ll get your hands on some real weapons and armour!
Head here to read more about the acts confirmed so far, and here to purchase your ticket.
