Glorious sunshine, great music and chilling in a BIG way.

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Last weekend saw The Big Chill 2003 take place at the picturesque Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. God smiled on the 16,000 chilled out punters and the sun shone down all weekend, with most people braving the heat and dancing their sandals off.

“The thing about the Big Chill is that it’s got that club vibe,” says Fred Deakin of Lemon Jelly. “It’s really nice to have a really friendly flavour, it’s not like DJ-ing at something huge.”

And most of the crowd agreed, no one appeared to have a bad word to say. Many commented on the friendly, laid-back atmosphere and that it didn’t feel overcrowded. There was also much praise for the music.

“I keep seeing bands I don’t know but I’ve really been enjoying it. You sit there for a little while and next thing you stand up and start dancing. It’s fantastic,” said one fella. “Most of the stuff I’ve never heard of but I’ve found it fascinating. I’m hoping to change my views on music,” said someone else.

The bands seemed to enjoy it too. “It’s about getting to this open space, doing something that’s escaping everything that’s horrible about modern life,” says Simon from The Bays. And escape they did, with a storming set on Saturday night.

Other highlights included crowd-pleasing stunt drumming from Norwegians Ralph Myerz And The Jack Herren Band, Jimi Tenor’s lounge jazz assault, The Cinematic Orchestra’s live soundtrack to Man With A Movie Camera and Matthew Herbert’s Big Band giving Robbie William’s more than a run for his money.

So all in all a good weekend. Here’s to the next one. Matt Walton 08 August 03

go to fred deakin interview
go to the bays interview
go to ty interview
go to amy winehouse interview and session
go to more big chill links

useful link: www.bigchill.net