Nestled in the bosom of County Durham, Hardwick Festival is the jewel of the local music calendar that keeps getting bigger and better.
This year 2024, Hardwick Festival celebrates its phenomenal 10th anniversary. Set in the idyllic surroundings of Hardwick Country Park, this is the North Easts biggest music festival. No question. Coming off the back of a nearly sold out capacity, and headliners like Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr and the Hacienda Classical. The next instalment set across the 16/17/18th of August is promised to be even bigger and better as indicated by festival owner John Adamson.
The humble beginnings of the festival starts in 2013, with the then one day party headlined by Texas, Jools Holland and Alison Moyet. Adamson saw he has something special in his hands and the next year the festival grew, covering two days and calling up the bigger names of Scouting For Girls, The Jacksons, Simple Minds and Adam Ant. The following years the festival grew from strength to strength. James, Razorlight, Madness, Ocean Colour Scene, Kaiser Chiefs, Shed Seven, Manic Street Preachers, Nile Rodgers, The Specials, Stereophonics and Jake Bugg all played a part in weaving the tapestry of Hardwick Festival.
For those who were lucky enough to goto ‘To The Manor Born’ parties well before the festival back in the early 90’s, they will know of the staunch heritage of House music and the Hardwick Hall venue. Recently celebrating it’s 30th birthday with DJ’s like Graeme Parker, Terry Hunter and Allister Whitehead, the festival pays homage to it’s predecessor of kind with a superb ‘dance’ lineup every year that usual covers two stages sometimes three.
The bond in the festival between headliners of popular music and the electronic music headliners started off right at the beginning. Names like Pete Wharrier, Michael Johnson, Rob Oxley, Paul Taylor and Allister Whitehead were all on the first festival flyer back in 2013. This side of the festival has grown throughout the years with names like Joey Negro, Danny Rampling, Brandon Block, Greg Wilson, Tony Hutchinson, Simon Gibb, Scott Bradford, Norman Jay, Glitterbox DJ’s and many more all appearing in the legendary courtyard.
So, 2024… headliners are Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Richard Ashcroft, The Charlatans, Jack Savoretti, Soul II Soul, Heaven 17, Blossoms and many more. Across the dance areas there is Crazy P, Richy Ahmed, Eats Everything, Fat Tony and Never Dull. Local talent again bolsters the tents with DJ’s like brothers Tony and Mark Hutchinson, Sista Paula, Simon Gibb, Keith Martin, Kev Cannon, Pete Wharrier all joining international DJ’s like Brandon Block, Graeme Park and Jeremy Healy and many more.
Tickets for Hardwick Live are available now here and there is single day tickets as well as camping, glamping, campervan options. The event is held from the 16th of August to the 18th of August, 2024.
