CHRISSIE Hynde’s chart-topping band band Pretenders, indie rockers Django Django, acting legend Dame Joan Collins, politicians Rachel Reeves, and Chris Patten, and comedians David Baddiel and Dave Gorman are among the diverse names to star at a fresh festival in north Oxfordshire.
Kite festival bills itself as a celebration of music and ideas, and its line-up reflects that, with familiar names from the worlds of entertainment, literature, politics, art, culture and academia.
The festival, which launched last year, will take place across seven stages in the grounds of the Grade I-listed Palladian mansion in Kirtlington Park from June 9-11.
Brass in Pocket stars Pretenders and Django Django will join previously announced acts Hot Chip, Suede and Candi Staton on the main stage, and newly revealed jazz quintet Ezra Collective, Welsh singer-songwriter Sweet Baboo, all-female indie/alternative rock band Prima Queen, Yama Warashi, Midori Jaeger and Madmadmad.
The Pretenders in Oxford. Picture by Tim Hughes
Aside from the music, there will be leading names taking part in an Ideas programme, with In Conversations (long-form interviews), Think Ins (smaller group discussions), Kite Lessons, debates, live podcasts and comedy.
In Conversations will include Dame Joan Collins, who will be speaking to interviewer Decca Aitkinhead; former doctor and writer of This Is Going To Hurt, Adam Kay; as well as American singer and founder of The Bangles Susanna Hoff.
Django Django
There will be appearances from internationally renowned trans activist, model, writer and broadcaster Munroe Bergdorf; and author of How To Fail, now a chart-topping podcast, Elizabeth Day – who will speak on friendship with award winning editor Jo Elvin.
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will be giving an insight into the British political landscape.
Think Ins, will cover a broad range of subjects such as: Is China Broken? with Hong Kong’s last governor and the Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Chris Patten, and China expert Prof Rana Mitter; Fixing politics with spin-doctor Alastair Campbell; and Jews Don’t Count with comedian and writer David Baddiel – who has been at the forefront of tackling antisemitism.
Alistair Campbell
Climate change, class, anti-racism, #metoo and the NHS will also be discussed.
Kite Lessons will include: how to live fearlessly, with Fats Timbo, a 23-year-old TikTok comedian with 2.5 million followers who rose to prominence for her snappy sketches, quick wit and disability-advocacy; how to own the room, with writer, broadcaster and stand-up comedian Viv Groskop; how to write a speech, with chief speechwriter to Tony Blair Phil Collins (not that one!), and how to have better conversations, with BBC Radio 5Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake.
Other lessons include: how to write, with journalist and author Giles Whittell; how to make a comic, with children’s author and illustrator Emily Haworth-Booth; and a lesson in leadership, with inspirational speaker Simon Sinek.
Podcasts will come from actor Mike Fenton Stevens, who has appeared in everything from Benidorm to The Crown, and comedians Dave Gorman, Rosie Wilby and Lou Sanders.
For children, there will be guest slots from YouTube sensation Jay Foreman, with his show Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children; and comedic historian Greg Jenner, best known for his educational comedy podcast You’re Dead to Me.
Kite is at Kirtlington Park, near Kidlington, from June 9-11.
See kitefestival.co.uk
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