Torn between a trip to the farm and a music festival? You’ll find the best of both at the annual Lambeth Country Show, which returns to Brockwell Park with its 48th edition – and for the first time since the pandemic, writes Holly O’Mahony…
Running for one weekend only, on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, the Show is expected to see around 120,000 visitors flock to the park. Unlike the majority of London’s summer festivals, it’s free to enter, though you’ll want to bring a bit of pocket money to make the most of its attractions, street food stalls and real cider tent.
Highlights typically include the Dog and Sheep Show, where sheep dogs show off their herding skills, and the Adrenaline Tour for daredevil motorcycle stunts. This is not your typical village green affair though; a stage hosting an eclectic music lineup spanning dub, Afro-beat, disco, jazz, folk, ska and soul lend the festival a uniquely London edge.
A true family festival, there’s plenty for little ones too, from face-painting, bouncy castles and fairground rides to animal-petting courtesy of a flock of fluffies from Vauxhall City Farm.
For music lovers, a highlight is the eclectic, genre-defying mix of acts on the main stage, which is produced by Cultural Promotions and platforms local talent as well as international acts.
Main stage lineup
SATURDAY JULY 16
Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO)
2pm – 3pm
Not your regular orchestra, BCO plays a carousel of grime, rap, soul and disco.
Sir DJ Corey, 3pm – 3.30pm
Soothsayers feat Akin Soul and Youthsayers, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
An afrobeat mashup featuring performances from afro-soul alumni Akin with members of Southsayers and celebrated music education project Youthsayers.
DJ Amika (Reprezent radio),
4.30pm – 5pm
FLOetic Lara aka Lara Lee, 5pm – 6pm
With the help of her band, local resident
Lara focuses on ‘well being in music’ and
extending lyrics to soulful song.
Sir DJ Corey, 6pm – 6.30pm
Heatwave, 6.30pm – 7.40pm
This is not a drill: the original ’70s funk-disco group known for mega hits including ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘The Groove Line’ and ‘Always and Forever’ are headlining Saturday evening at Lambeth Country Show!
SUNDAY JULY 17
The Trojans, 2pm – 3pm
Expect ‘happy ska’ and beats to get your
toes tapping.
Roots Reggae DJ, 3pm-3.30pm
Empresses of Roots, Soul, and Reggae, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
& The Root Souljah
Teshay Makeda alongside Aysha Loren and Dionne Reid deliver a powerful, all-female lineup.
Roots Reggae DJ, 4.30pm – 5pm
Cleveland Watkiss MBE, 5pm – 6pm
Hear the jazz maestro perform hits from The Great Jamaican Songbook.
Roots Reggae DJ, 6pm – 6.20pm
Horace Andy and the Dub Asante Band featuring
Matic Horns, 6.20pm – 7.40pm
Catch the reggae legend and sweet voice of
Massive Attack on his return from Jamaica, singing his long-loved hits plus tracks from his new album Midnight Rockers.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW’S WEBSITE
This article was brought to you from The South Londoner
