"I've been here two days and I haven't even had my tent broken into yet" I remarked. "That's just not very 'Big Chill'" Mr Scruff explains in the late night cafe. The Big Chill: it's a vibe of it's own.
In fact, this festival seems to have an entirely unique way of doing things. Take, by comparison, Glastonbury. 130,000 nutters crammed into a valley. The vast sprawling overnight metropolis is as much a stress assault course as a weekend away. Chez Big Chill the loo's work. You can find your mates. No scallies offer you nasty drugs and, well... dammit it's just so chill.
Arriving on Friday night, even if the journey and ensuing pitch dark tent assembly debacle resembles nothing so much as The Big Stress, it quickly becomes apparent that even Amon Tobin's mind-alteringly twisted rhythms aren't going to break the relaxed vibe of this crowd. But when the surging bass and hallucinogenic percussion gives way to Airto Moriera's 'Celebration Suite' , the assembled throng respond with their uniquely stoned take on Rio celebrations.
Rolling Dorset downs - all green trees and golden crops - surround the lush location. Stately gardens make a wonderful setting for art installations and carp filled pools. The security guards, usually sitting down, simply smile as you approach gates. No meatheads here. Fans sit on the stage if they want to: and why not?
After a summer spent grazing from money greedy slop shops, a huge plate of mixed Thali from the aptly named 'Indian Feast' tent is more than welcome. Even better is the comfortably mellow surroundings in which said Thali is consumed. Again, this is no average festival.
There's even a late night cafe. The arena's have to close at certain times, but here there's somewhere to go. And when Mr Scruff enters after his triumphant set, the football pitch sized tent gives him a hero's welcome.
What The Big Chill has in abundance is a sense of community. Great vibes in an incredible venue. Call me an old hippie (and I'm neither) but give me that over a commercial Rip-U-Fest anyday.
Click on the links below for reviews from the festival:
Zero 7
Jazzanova
Mr Scruff
