With the disappointing, but more than understandable, news that Black Deer Fest had to be cancelled this year, they’ve gone and surprised us all (again!) but announcing the 2021 dates but also that they’ve managed to retain most of the acts booked for this year…. for next year!

Black Deer Festival 2021 now take place 18th – 20th June 2021. They have also confirmed next year’s line-up with many of this years’ acts reconfirmed for next year and some exciting new additions.

Americana pioneers Wilco, new collaboration Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant and Suzi Dian, UK legends The Waterboys, Canadian bluegrass hipsters The Dead South, Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May, Grammy-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids and UK troubadour Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly and folk rockers The Felice Brothers have all reconfirmed to play the festival in 2021.

There are also many exciting additions proving there’s a whole lot to look forward to in 2021. Roots music heroes Police Dog Hogan, Caroline Spence, Birds of Chicago, The Lost Brothers and Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are the first new names to be announced for Black Deer 2021.

The wonderful Black Deer Festival returns for a third year in 2021! Read my previous reviews from 2018 and 2019, and while we’ll miss them this summer, Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling, Black Deer Festival Co-Founders, had this to say:

“This announcement has taken longer than we hoped but what was so important, other than the obvious safety of our community, was to do everything we could to make sure we were able to recreate the same excitement for our line-up in 2021 that we were all looking forward to at Black Deer Festival this year. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the artists and their teams in working with us to secure a line-up for 2021 equally as amazing as 2020. In addition to Wilco, The Waterboys, Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant, The Dead South, Imelda May and many more, we’re beyond excited to announce more roots heroes such as Police Dog Hogan, The Lost Brothers and welcome back the uplifting Powerhouse Gospel Choir to deliver what we know will be the best weekend celebration of Americana & Country the UK will have ever seen.”

After attending the first two years, it’s clear that even in a short space of time, co-founders Gill and Debs continue to raise the bar of a modern festival should be but they haven’t lost the most important thing either, an inclusive and welcoming environment, packed full of great music, stunning food (So much BBQ for all palettes) and a truly enjoyable experience – which is what everyone wants from any summer escape.

Even more awesomely, they’ve offered current ticket holders the opportunity to roll over their ticket to 2021 and receive an exclusive limited-edition Black Deer T-shirt, transfer their ticket to a keyworker, or apply for a ticket refund. All ticket holders will be contacted directly by Black Deer’s ticket agency partners via email within the next three days to confirm how to activate their preferred option.

With some members of the Black Deer team having been personally affected by the pandemic and having seen first-hand the incredible work and sacrifices made by so many, they have decided to show their gratitude and thanks by inviting 1,500 NHS and key workers as guests to Black Deer Fest 2021.

I genuinely love this festival.

Black Deer is not just about hearing the music you love, it’s about discovering music you’re going to love and experiencing the unique cultural richness that surrounds this popular way of life we call Americana. The natural ingredients that complete this simple melting pot can all be found at Black Deer – from authentic smokehouse BBQ cooking and a righteous Sunday gospel brunch to the thrill of custom motorcycle culture and a connection with nature to inspire the young folk, the festival is a community gathering for those who love to get it together in the country… we’ll see you in the deer park.

Buy Black Deer Festival tickets now http://blackdeerfestival.com/