FESTIVAL NO. 6 PREVIEW

For anyone who has ever dreamt of heading to a European festival with stunning scenery and serenity – it might be closer than you think. Festival No.6, taking place next month, is nestled in the rolling North Wales countryside with all the trappings of a far flung festival with plush green flora and astonishing Mediterranean architecture. It’s a festival unlike any other; refined, laid-back and wonderfully peculiar. Seminal headliners join leading new talent and a dazzling DJ line-up for an unparalleled fete of music, arts and culture.

Despite only being in its fourth year, the 3 day festival has instantaneously gained a reputation for being one that inspires both its performers and its audience, with many relishing the opportunity to present new work in its unusual intimate venues. And venues don’t come more remarkable than those at Festival No.6. From the historic town hall to a treehouse to the grand Piazza and tents overlooking white sandy bays and everything in between, every inch of the Italian inspired village is awash with performances.

Not only is Festival No.6 aesthetically bespoke but the line-up is meticulously curated to ensure that every discerning music lover leaves most satisfied. There’s a great balance between world renowned headliners, established acts and lesser known fledgling acts and with this year’s bill ranging from rock to house, Balearic to folk and Welsh male voice choirs, to say it was eclectic would be an underestimate.

Topping the bill this year are Metronomy, Belle & Sebastian, James and the epochal Grace Jones with the likes of chart-toppers Years & Years, James Bay, Catfish & The Bottlemen and Gaz Coombes bringing up the rear. Tipping Point alumni Young Fathers will also be making an appearance along with the hotly tipped Rae Morris, Shura, SOAK and The Bohicas. Manchester’s Dutch Uncles have been given the honour of curating their own stage; showcasing some superb fresh talent in the form of SLUG, CUZ, Aldous RH, Aero Flynn and Ménage À Trois.

Refreshingly, there appears to be a real endeavour to support new and emerging talent and there’s a few acts that really can’t be missed in such memorable surroundings. Spring King are one such act, the first ever band to be played on Apple’s Beats 1. Yielding highly infectious raw art-pop-punk, their energy and artistry will lend itself perfectly to Portmeirion. Female quartet The Big Moon whose tight harmonies and guitar interplay coupled with exuberant on-stage energy are also bound to set tongues wagging. Hooton Tennis Club with their epical odes and hazy guitars are destined to add to the beguiling atmosphere of the festival most emphatically. But it’s Welshman and former Race Horses frontman Meilyr Jones that could well steal the show. Having returned from a transformative trip to Rome and assembled a 30-man-strong orchestra, he’ll be showcasing his own brand of wild and free experimental music.

Pick up the few tickets that remain HERE

Words by Michelle lloyd at the Tipping Point