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The Vale Earth Fair is set to host a special performance this year, featuring a big-name act that’s bound to draw attention. Youth, a music legend whose career has crossed many boundaries and taken him to the mainstream will be making an appearance at the festival. Originally booked for the Sneakaway Stage, his performance has generated so much buzz that he’s been moved to the larger Bangorang Stage as well as a special DJ performance on the Pixie Stage, although even this will feel very low-key for such an established artist.

Youth's impressive musical journey began as the bass player for the influential punk band Killing Joke. Over the years, his career has expanded into production and dance music, with notable chart success as Blue Pearl. He also co-founded the WAU! Mr Modo label with Alex Paterson of The Orb. His studio wizardry has led to Youth working with Sir Paul McCartney, collaborating as The Fireman in the 1990’s and their most recent release Electric Arguments (2016) which credits Guernsey’s Tim Bran (Dreadzone) as programmer. In the studio he has produced and remixed the likes of Kate Bush, Guns N' Roses, Primal Scream, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Art of Noise, Crowded House, Erasure, U2, INXS, and James, among others. He is also a member of the band Transmission with Tim Bran, Simon Tong of the Verve, and Paul Ferguson of Killing Joke.

This year, Youth’s set at the Vale Earth Fair will be something truly unique. He’s set to perform Ted Hughes' poems from 'Crow', accompanied by music supplied by The Down Boys, the musical arm of London’s Motherwolf Club who have been entertaining us with spoken word and performance art on the Sneakaway Stage in recent years. Known for their distinctive sound described by one critic as "pub rock on the moon," The Down Boys will create a mesmerizing sonic backdrop for Youth’s recital. They’ll also open their set with tracks from their debut album, which has been making waves on the festival circuit this summer. They are not to be missed! The Down Boys will also perform individually as Motherwolf club at 3pm on the Sneakaway Stage and Youth will also be DJing on the Pixie Stage in the evening.

Veterans of the Vale Earth Fair may be a little confused and feeling some deja vu seeing the Bangorang stage again standing where the Magic Pyramid Stage has been for the last few years. The Magic Pyramid Stage, previously organized by Joe Le Long et al. of the Magic Moustache Record Label, has come to a close as he moves to the UK to explore exciting new adventures. In its place, we're thrilled to announce the return of the Bangorang stage! Originating from a group of festival buddies in 2010, inspired by our favourite childhood movie Hook, we’ve crafted a neon pirate-skate-punk, Lost Boys wonderland where the audience never grows up. Staying true to our roots, we create and install décor to provide a one-of-a-kind space for intimate festival sets, blending live and electronic acts that delve into different genres, taking you on a journey through the music we love.

Coastal Connections kicks off the day with deep/progressive house, followed by Andy Boscher with tech house/techno. We’re thrilled to have Mike Meinke showcasing exclusive material with his impressive guitar playing and chill vocals. Also welcomed to the stage will be the ever-popular jazz band Monk who introduced their packed show at the Chaos Peace Tent this year as “We are Monk and we play funk”. Disco Shmisco will transport us back to the disco days with their eclectic set, leading to the renowned artist Youth. Guernsey's X-Cut will grace us with a jump-up jungle set, setting the tone for the mighty Tantale; Torteval-based psych-alt-grunge band and one of Guernsey’s longest-standing acts with their recent and incredible fourth album under their collective belts following their huge album launch at St James earlier this year. The rave officially begins with Guernsey duo Lo Fidelity Sparkle Bitches who are sure to make you move, followed by local legend Leon Robertson, bringing beats and bass to ensure the crowd is not disappointed. The headliner, True Aspekt, a Bangorang stage veteran and formerly one half of Krossbow, is known for his fast-paced mixes, inventive mashups, and genre-blending edits. He flawlessly delivers a range of sound system-ready bangers, including bass house, breaks, dubstep, and drum 'n' bass, promising a set that will take the crowd to the next level.

Headlining the Sneakaway Stage this year is Grant Sharkey, the festival’s main stage compere and a comedian known for his darkly comedic political songs that will have you both thinking and laughing (though not necessarily in that order). His clever lyrics, funky bass lines, and lightning-fast wit guarantee a set you won’t soon forget. Last year, we missed having Grant with us as he was busy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival performing his musical 'Are You Worthy?'. Grant is a beloved figure at the Vale Earth Fair and we're delighted to be welcoming him back, and not least because he helps out with the clean up every year, even though he doesn’t have to!

Sam Hearne, who has passionately curated the Sneakaway Stage for the past five years, is preparing to pass the torch as he shifts his focus to other aspects of the Vale Earth Fair. Sam has evolved the stage into a hub for diverse and innovative performances, earning a special place in the festival's heart. While the future of the Sneakaway Stage remains uncertain, Sam's influence has set a high standard, leaving behind a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire whatever comes next.

Tickets for this year’s festival are still available at: https://www.valeearthfair.org/tickets