This year, Chagstock will be dedicated to the memory of the mother of event organiser Si Ford who died just before Christmas.
As Si explains:‘It was after all in her back garden that the very first private Chagstock took place back in 2003.
‘Her maiden name was Monypenny (the derivation of which is a long interesting story of its’ own), and during the Second World War she joined the WRNS (Women’s Royal Navy Service) and worked at a satellite branch of Bletchley Park working the code breaking machines. Having signed the Official Secrets Act at the time, she was unable even to tell my father what she had been doing until the 1970s. So in a way she was the original “Miss Monypenny”.
‘So with all this in mind, and in her honour, we are going for a theme of Spies and Dolls. We will also be formally re-naming the beer tent Miss Monypennys’!
‘Fancy dress will be encouraged but does not necessarily have to be 007 Bond related – there are plenty of other options! We will be formalising the fancy dress competition this year and will publicise parade and judging times in due course.’
Chagstock 2017, takes place on the weekend of July 21 and 22.
It will be headlined by The Shires and Soul II Soul. Hailing from the Home Counties, The Shires made music history by becoming the first UK country act to score a top 10 album. Soul II Soul are best known for timeless classics Back To Life and breakthrough smash hit Keep On Movin’. They’ve been recognised throughout their 29-year career, winning two Grammies and being nominated for five Brits.
Also confirmed are the two marquee stage headliners; Skinny Lister and Slamboree. Skinny Lister are a high energy six-piece British folk band signed to cult label Xtra Mile.
Slamboree are fast becoming one of the most sought after bands on the scene. Almost certainly the world’s first ‘Pyro-Circus Rave Massive’ act, they are more than just a collection of musicians. Fusing high octane, fire-breathing circus performance with music that can be best described as ‘traditional Balkan folk crossed with full on wobbly bassline rave’.
Hailing from Bangalore in Southern India, Raghu Dixit’s music is a seamless weaving of Indian ethnic folk, Sufi and classical with other traditional and contemporary influences from across the globe.
Led by indefatigable south-Londoner Barry Ashworth, The Dub Pistols have lived every rock ’n’ roll cliché more vividly than almost any other British band.
Also performing will be Mr Tea and The Minions and Billy Rowan, aka The Undercover Hippy.