New country and folk festival set for Essex this August

Hot Box Country and Folk Festival

Hot Box Live and TAE Live Events have announced the launch of the inaugural Hot Box Country and Folk Festival, at Writtle Green in Essex, on Saturday, August 5.

With a wealth of experience within the live event and live music sectors, both parties have come together to present a stellar line-up of folk and country favourites.

The country stage, curated by Georgie Thorogood of TAE Live, will be headlined by US/UK act Jess and the Bandits, with the amazing Alyssa Bonagura as main support. UK country favourites, Two Ways Home and The Jackson Line, both with a huge local fanbase, are also set to take to the stage. The fifth act for the country stage will be announced in due course.

Jess & the Bandits
Jess and the Bandits will be appearing at the new festival

Jess and the Bandits first formed in 2014 and their sophomore album Smoke & Mirrors debuted at #1 in the UK Country Music Chart, with the band performing at festivals such as Country 2 Country, Cornbury, The Isle of Wight, The Long Road, Black Deer Festival, Nashville Meets London and Buckle and Boots.

Georgie Thorogood, from TAE Live, says: “Having previously held a well-received country music festival in Writtle, it is hugely exciting to be able to bring American and UK country music back to an open air event in the village. The team at Hot Box are very knowledgeable and together the combined line-up of folk and country artists is mouthwatering. The festival is family friendly and we look forward to seeing a great crowd of local residents.”

The team at Hot Box Live are huge fans of folk music and have drawn together some of the hottest UK talent to perform on the folk stage. Headlined by Beans on Toast, the stage will also see performances by Will Varley, Guise, Armoured Man and Wilswood Buoys. With customary appreciation of local artists, Hot Box will also curate a ‘Folk Hour’ to specifically showcase local talent.

Beans on Toast at new festival
Beans on Toast will be headlining the folk stage.
Photo credit: Emma Gibson

After more than 10 years in the game, Essex-born songwriter Beans on Toast has become something of a cult figure. He’s written and recorded 15 albums, he’s played every bar, club, venue, pub, festival, party and honky tonk you can think of and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Dave Hughes, founder of Hot Box, says: “We have worked with some amazing folk acts, primarily within our Chelmsford venue. As a not-for-profit organisation, it is great to be able to expand our offering and support artists with an outdoor event, as well as regular folk nights at the venue. We all love music and it is fantastic to know that the profits we make will continue to support live music artists in Essex and beyond.”

Tickets now on sale at https://www.hotboxfestivals.co.uk/

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