Houghton Festival 2023. A celebration of art & music in the Norfolk countryside.

As summer days stretch lazily into warm nights, the tranquil English countryside of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset transforms into a vibrant hub of music, wellness, and cultural activities, thanks to the annual We Out Here Festival. Hosted by the renowned Gilles Peterson, a stalwart of Jazz curation and synonymous with BBC 6Music, this boutique festival unfurls over four days, from August 10-14, creating an immersive celebration of diverse musical genres and shared community experiences.

We Out Here Festival takes its name from the influential 2018 album, which brought together the brightest stars of British jazz such as Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, and Moses Boyd. The festival mirrors this innovative spirit, casting a wide net to welcome international artists and homegrown talents, all against the backdrop of Dorset's idyllic parklands. However, the event goes beyond music, expanding into wellness, family-friendly activities, and cultural happenings, all culminating in a well-rounded festival experience.

Year after year, the festival's lineup impresses with its carefully curated selection of both established and emerging artists. In 2023, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy performances from revered acts such as Roisin Murphy, known for her time with Moloko, Brian Jackson, a long-time collaborator of Gil Scott-Heron, and the Sun Ra Arkestra. Also gracing the stages will be contemporary stars like Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, and Wu Lu, among others.

In addition, festival-goers can soak up summer vibes with DJ sets from Peterson himself, along with other respected names like Jamz Supernova, Mr. Scruff, and LTJ Bukem. But We Out Here is not just about the music. The festival has a strong commitment to high-quality food and drink offerings, arts and cultural programs, crisp sound and production, family activities, and wellness, all complementing its music-led ethos.

Nestled within the lush wooded parkland of Wimborne St Giles, the festival site offers an enchanting setting for unforgettable summer memories. From the seven-acre lake to woodland walks and tucked-away forest pockets, it's a playground for exploration and relaxation.

We Out Here Festival embraces inclusivity and strives to be accessible for all guests. It works closely with the organization Attitude is Everything to ensure a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their requirements. In addition, the festival seeks to involve the local community, offering discounted tickets for residents of nearby villages.

We Out Here Festival is more than a music event; it's a celebration of connection, community, and creativity. So whether you're a jazz aficionado, a dance music enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the shared energy of a festival, We Out Here provides a unique and inclusive experience for all. As Gilles Peterson himself says,

"I really wanted to bring to the UK a festival that celebrates the elements of UK club culture, and the community that surrounds it, that I have been lucky enough to be a part of over the years."

Sean Scully: Smaller Than The Sky

The exhibition Smaller Than The Sky will showcase Scully’s outdoor sculptures alongside works in other media. Scully's powerful paintings will be displayed among the ornate interiors of the house, with a selection of work on paper and key works that reference earlier stages in his career, hung in the North Colonade and Contemporary Gallery.

Sculptures include monumental, open structures in steel, such as Crate of Air, and a new work: Wall of Light, constructed from locally sourced limestone that sit purposefully within the English landscape. The new work encompassed by the exhibition include stacks made of sandstone, wood, glass and marble. There will also be small-scale maquettes showing the artist's development process.

DJ, Broadcaster & writer Haseeb Iqbal will be kicking off a series of spring/summer parties The Last Pub Standing in the garden on Friday 17th March.

From Worldwide FM to independent radio, from Chessidency to the dance floors and now the last pub standing garden, trust that he will bring his infamous selections of Dub, Jazz, Lovers Rock and everything in between.

Free, no tickets needed, arrive early

Poster by Ed Lemay