Also festival brings a feast for the mind, body and soul to Compton Verney
The event boasts an array of fascinating talks, live music and more
Mind-expanding ideas, mouthwatering food and feelgood activities aplenty await when the Also Festival returns to Compton Verney this weekend.
Heading the impressive line-up is artist and broadcaster Grayson Perry, writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter Claudia Hammond, who will present a “psychological toolkit for anyone feeling overwhelmed”, tech commentator Jamie Bartlett, who will explain how to talk to AI, and investigative journalist Oliver Bullough, who will tell all about the global economy of money laundering.
Festivalgoers can lose themselves in an array of talks, tours, workshops, experiences and activities. There’s a chance to journey into the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex with Mark P Witton, look at quantum physics with Prof Ben Allanach, explore the history of hand reading with award-winning historian Alison Bashford, take a glimpse into the divine beauty of space with Prof David Tong, consider how maths shapes creativity with Marcus du Sautoy, learn the Charleston with Fiona Ring and plenty else besides.
The musical line-up is full of adventure and joy. There are the genre-defying sounds of Sheep, Dog & Wolf (Daniel McBride), whose avant-pop compositions mix experimentalism, folk and electronica. Tribo will bring their high-energy samba drumming, and DJs will keep guests dancing.
Dishing out the laughs will be multi-award-winning political comedian and activist Mark Thomas and lyrical wit from poet Luke Wright in Later Life Letter. Robin Ince returns to the Woods Stage and for a touch of French flair, and Marcel Lucont presents his acclaimed show Cabaret Fantastique and hosts a panel reflecting on 10 Years of Brexit.
The festival also offers its most ambitious ‘wellness’ programme to date. There will be ‘Neural Reprogramming Meditation’ to rewire ‘limiting beliefs’, a Manifestation Lab to map out the future, and experts from Fortuitous Breathwork. Guests can also try Rasa Fire Yoga, Scented Yoga or go on a guided Scented Walk. The Also Sauna returns, upgraded with ice baths and cold punges, while visitors can take to the water for yoga and enjoy wild swimming at its most magical with guided Dusk, Dawn, and Moonlight sessions under the stars.
Families can choose from a Bat Walk in the Far-Out Forest, a minibeast safari around the picturesque lake or learn circus skills with Patches Circus School. Award-winning Warwick-based theatre group Playbox will bring high energy musical theatre workshops and evening storytelling. There will be a Mini Beasties Safari, a Tiny Dancers Family Rave or kids can build a den with ex-Marine Dave Hamblett. And the Festival Nannies are back to give parents some free time.
There is plenty to entice foodies. Syrian-born chef Imad Alarnab brings his Somerset House-based restaurant Aram to the fields for a special Sunday Long Table Lunch, as well as the Aram by Imad Deli which will be serving up throughout the weekend. River Cottage is putting on a Woodland Long Table Lunch, and Georgia Hearn hosts a demo and tasting with her book The Brunch Club and cooks up a Saturday night feast.
The festival runs from July 10 to 12. Visit also-festival.com to book or for more information.