:: Big Session Festival 2006

Fri 16 - Sun 18 June 2006, De Montfort Hall & Gardens, Leicester.

Featuring Oysterband, Levellers (Acoustic), Tiny Tin Lady, Nizlopi, Julie Fowlis, Jackie Leven, T & La Touche, June Tabor, Martin Simpson, Spiers & Boden, The 18th Day Of May, Seth Lakeman, Chumbawamba (Acoustic), Warsaw Village Band, Martha Tilston, Hayley Hutchinson, Random Ceilidh Band and more.

3 Stages – FREE Camping – Real Ale – Food & Craft Stalls – Children’s activities

When the Oysterband created the Big Session as a touring concept, the aim was to take the informal, pitch-in spirit of the session, put it on a big stage and see what happens. By ensuring those involved in the Big Session comprise a vibrant and diverse cross-section of the best folk and roots artists on the scene, something special is always going to occur. At the hub of the Big Session are its hosts Oysterband and the guests they invite add a constantly shifting and evolving palette of sounds and repertoire to each performance.

The concept has been a runaway success and eventually provided the genesis for the Big Session Festival - putting the show on the ultimate 'big stage'. Last year's début festival was a sell-out success and this year's festival has now already sold 70% of tickets – so customers are urged to book now to avoid disappointment.

New for 2006!

• A much bigger outdoor marquee stage
• More music throughout the day on Saturday
• A bigger real ale tent
• A third stage in the Orange Tree bar with informal performances, open mic and impromptu sessions
• An expanded market place with more crafts and a wider choice of food – from a Japanese Noodle Bar to gourmet vegetarian food, fresh Caribbean cuisine, a toasty kitchen, a gourmet burger stall in a Moroccan Beduin tent
• Sante Fe Mexican food and lots more!
• New & Exclusive Big Session Ale brewed at Kelham Brewery

It's not really surprising, though, with such a great line-up of artists involved. Artists confirmed so far for this 3 day event include:

• (Friday) Levellers (Acoustic), Nizlopi, June Tabor, Spiers and Boden, Tiny Tin Lady
• (Saturday) Oysterband, Seth Lakeman, Martin Simpson, Julie Fowlis, T & La Touche, the 18th Day of May, Jackie Leven, Martha Tilston, Hayley Hutchinson
• (Sunday) Oysterband, Chumbawamba (Acoustic) and Random Ceilidh Band

This year's festival will also have on sale a 'Big Session' beer (summer pale ale courtesy of a Sheffield brewery and with its own Big Session label for aficionados).

The festival is set in De Montfort Hall and Gardens with live music across three stages: the main auditorium, a marquee stage and informal session. As well as camping, food, real ale and crafts, there will be a designated area for family activities suitable for children of all ages... therefore providing everything you could possible need for the ultimate festival experience!

Booking Information:

Fri 16 - Sun 18 June 2006
Friday 6pm-midnight, Saturday 1pm-11pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm
Tickets: Full Weekend Ticket £55, Kids 12-15 yrs £15, under 12 FREE
FREE camping for weekend ticket holders only
Limited day tickets available from 1 Feb (only 100 day tickets/day)
Call 0116 2 333 111 or book online at http://www.demontforthall.co.uk
http://www.oysterband.co.uk
http://www.bigsessionfestival.com