There’s nothing common about Common People
Common People Festival Returns for another year of magic, music and family fun.
Quickly becoming one of the UK’s most sought-after family friendly-festivals, Common People is back this year in not one, but two southern locations, promising revellers nothing short of a “magical May weekend”. Describing itself as a metropolitan festival that unites all tribes under the southern sky, the line-up this year is truly electrifying, pleasing fans for the fourth year in a row with sounds ranging from pop and disco to reggae and R&B.
It’s no surprise that Common People is the festival on everyone’s radar this year, since it is lovingly and expertly brought to us by the award-winning makers of the ever-iconic Bestival. But Common People is far more than mere music, bringing the arts, theatre and a whole host of family-friendly fun into one weekend. Set across two picturesque locations, Common People promises to bring the blithe spirit of Bestival to the heart of each city. There really is no better place to be on this May bank holiday weekend.
Common People Southampton
The city of Southampton is where the magic all began for Common People, back in 2015. From humble roots, a mighty festival has grown, which is certainly showcased in this year’s stellar line-up. Taking place at its yearly venue, Southampton Common, the festival is a feast for the soul with music on offer from artists of almost every genre.
Kicking things off for a sing-a-long special on Saturday in Southampton is none other than girl-power advocate, Lily Allen, alongside Manchester royalty, James. You know this festival is something special when its special guests are legendary girl group All Saints, with other acts from The Sherlocks and Jaguar Skills to The Cuban Brothers and Plastic Mermaids, guaranteeing absolutely top-notch entertainment.
Sunday in Southampton is Disco Day, with the likes of The Jacksons, The New Power Generation and Boney M all taking to the stage, filling your dancing boots with delights. Crazy fancy dress is entirely optional, but those wacky enough to take part get some serious brownie points. Your call!
Common People Oxford
A newer addition to the Common People family is the city of Oxford, which welcomes the festival for another amazing year. Settling down in Oxford’s South Park, the festival has quickly become a summer staple for the southern city.
Alternating between Oxford and Southampton, Saturday will see in the weekend with Disco Day in South Park, with The New Generation, Sparks, The Cuban Brothers and plenty more terrific acts all promising an unforgettable day. Sunday is being headlined by James and hometown heroes, Ride, as well as performances from the likes of Maximo Park, musical duo Honeyblood and the London African Gospel Choir, presenting Paul Simon’s Graceland. As you can see, whether in Southampton or Oxford, Common People promises an electrifying yet laid-back weekend, bringing the quirks and excitement of the flagship festival to these intimate city settings, laying on a diverse line-up with sites full of arty installations and hidden gems.
But wait… There’s more!
Never fear: the carousel format of Common People festival won’t have you missing out on anything, there is plenty going on across both locations for the entirety of the weekend. Most notably, the brand-new Carnival Stage, which will host performances by General Levy, Fred V & Grafix, and more on Saturday, while Sunday’s performers include Craig Charles, Simple with Willow, Em Williams, James Weston, Rodney P & Skitz, and more. Returning favourite, the Unknown Stage, will this year be hosted by local small music venue, The Joiners in Southampton, and by the city’s source of everything musical, Nightshift, in Oxford. What’s more, Common People is committed to keeping the whole family entertained, so not only will there be more music than you can shake a tent post at, there will also be a range of family fun for everyone to enjoy, including a Kids Garden and Bigtopmania Circus – what more could they want?
A note from the Chief…
Bestival master and organiser of Common People, Rob da Bank, has plenty to say about this year’s festival. Yes, he may be slightly biased, but we can formally confirm that he is not wrong, in fact, there are plenty of reasons for him to be boasting about this year’s fantastic weekend. Praising Southampton and Oxford for being the organisation’s favourite places to throw a party, Rob da Bank assures us that this year is something special, with local bands and DJs on show and a real focus on family fun and entertainment. In his words: “a magical May weekend awaits”.
You’ve heard it here first, folks. Common People is the only place to be this bank holiday weekend, which many have already discovered, since Tier 1 tickets are officially sold out! Avoid the dreaded FOMO and snap up your tickets while you still can: http://southampton.commonpeopl e.net/
See you on the common!
By Elise Harvey