Gig Guide: Fri 1 Aug

The Big Chill @ Eastnoor Castle Deer Park

 - The Big Chill has been labelled the most middle class of music festivals because of its well-heeled clientele.

According to the popular image, this is a weekend destination for families who arrive in estate cars and tuck into an M&S picnic during a thoroughly pleasant set by Mr Scruff or Zero 7.

If the organisers or the punters are fed up of this reputation, then they can take comfort in this year's line-up which has secured a living legend for the final night. Leonard Cohen will be there at the Big Chill on Sunday, sandwiched between French beat-boxing vocalist Camille and George Clooney's favourite DJ, David Holmes.

It's certainly quite a coup to sign up the 73-year-old and it's a splendid location in which to experience the great man's music. Although he has got some more dates later this year if you can't quite face what is considered the poshest event in the festival calendar.

The three days of Big Chill action kicks off with appearances from Natty, Roisin Murphy, Martha Wainwright, The Orb, Martina Topley Bird and Johnny Flynn. And perhaps its image is a bit unfair when you consider they have also booked edgier acts including DJ Krush, Roots Manuva and Matthew Herbert.

Saturday has Mercury Prize outsiders Rachel Unthank and the Winterset and the Portico Quartet back to back, as well as Lykke Li, Beth Orton and a Coldcut DJ set.

And although their own festival wasn't a complete triumph, the Mighty Boosh are playing their comedy electropop set again and there's a DJ appearance from their shaman Naboo. The Boosh also have a hand in the comedy tent, featuring Bill Bailey and Simon Day.

The Big Chill kicks off at Eastnoor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire. And there's no Zero 7 on the bill this year - although Mr Scruff is back where he belongs.

Elsewhere

Ash play Coventry Ricoh Arena

Jools Holland and Marc Almond team up at London ExCel

Mystery Jets play Day 1 of the Y-Not festival in Matlock

Red Light Company head to Liverpool Barfly

Ocean Colour Scene call at Morecambe Dome

Twisted Wheel head to Leeds Cockpit

The Parlotones are at Hertford Marquee

and The Damned play Dudley JBs.

Andre Paine