The Big Chill (music Festival) - History

History

Founded in 1994 by Pete Lawrence and Katrina Larkin, The Big Chill began as a series of ambient parties at the Union Chapel in Islington, but developed into an outdoor festival in 1995, with an unlicenced event in the Black Mountains of Wales. In the early days the most prominent DJ's were Matt Black of Coldcut, Tom Middleton of Global Communication and Mixmaster Morris, also known as the Irresistible Force.

In 1996 the event took place in Norfolk and in 1998 a new home for the event (now known as "The Enchanted Garden") was found at Larmer Tree Gardens in England where it was held for five years. During this time the festival slowly developed its hallmarks, such as high quality visuals, an excellent range of food stalls, highly unusual line-ups and a Body & Soul field with many healers, masseurs and alternative therapists. In 2001 a second summer festival was also held at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. In 2002 the festival moved to Eastnor Castle where it still remains. In 2002 was PK Events Limited was liquidated and 50% shares were sold to the Cantaloupe Group a company which managed a bar chain. A new company Chillfest Limited was created with Katrina Larkin and Pete Lawrence owning 25% each and retaining their controlling management roles in the company. In 2007 the Cantaloupe Group bought out Pete Lawrence who left the company and some of Katrina Larkin's shares and became the majority shareholders. In 2009 the festival went into liquidation and the brand was bought by Festival Republic. Katrina Larkin moved on to work with Festival Republic as creative director, she handed over creative direction to Festival Republic in 2010, Festival Rebublic are now sole owners of The Big Chill.

Throughout its history, The Big Chill has showcased a variety of different music, uptempo as well as ambient. Nowadays, live acts and DJs like Norman Jay, Mr Scruff, Hexstatic, Mixmaster Morris, alucidnation, DJ Derek, Leggo Beast and Gilles Peterson are regular performers, and more dance music is heard, but the festival also provides a diverse range of music from folk and jazz to African and dub.

In addition to a widely varied musical line-up, a focus upon art, films, poetry, circus, cabaret, comedy and gourmet food all play a key part in setting The Big Chill apart from the competition. The Big Chill has, over the years, seen contributions from and collaborations with Spencer Tunick, Pete Fowler, Gavin Turk, Cedric Christie, Peter Blake, Rankin, Bob & Roberta Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Tate Britain, the British Film Institute, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Bompas & Parr, the Roundhouse, Apples & Snakes, Penguin Books, The World Famous, Film4, and the Art Car Boot Fair, to name but a few.