MUSIC 2026
LAND OF THE GIANTS
The last time LOTG made an appearance at Castlewood was 10 years ago!
We’re welcoming our 6 piece southwest based legends back with welcome arms. Renowned for intense, high-energy, and fun live shows, with a "jumping" brass section, soulful vocals, and a "barefoot" aesthetic. The guys produce a "genre-defying" blend of ska, reggae, rock, and dub, super funky and upbeat.
The band is actively touring the UK throughout 2026 and we are thrilled to have them back again headlining Castlewood this year.
hORSES ON THE BEACH
Festival favourites including Boomtown, Great Escape, Tropical Pressure and Rock Oyster, HOTB’s music moves seamlessly from catchy in-your-face choruses to intimate, quieter moments. Their diverse set-lists include everything from Latin and Balkan Jazz to Hip Hop, Ska and Reggae.
Living under the same roof in Bristol, it’s no surprise that their energetic stage presence emanates connection, palpable chemistry and effortless friendship.
The lead vocals emanate 'Ska Hayley Williams', the brass section talk power, soul and a touch of giddy energy, while the bass and drums sing along to every song with a bop in their steps.
ANDY QUICK BAND
Previous headliners at Castlewood 2018, these guys know how to entertain!
Formed in Sept 2016 The Andy Quick Band hit the ground running with a highly original debut Album 'The Way Things Are' recorded at the infamous Middle Farm Studio and packed with big riffs and playful lyricism "...soulful, funky, and bursting with confidence..."
The band’s first single 'Liberation' impressed Songwriting Magazine who crowned it song of the day back in January 2017. Cue a 14 date South of England tour in the spring where the band hit form landing them slots at some of the best UK festivals of the summer including Glastonbury, NASS and Sunrise Celebration. Andy is a multifaceted songwriter and as with Land Of The Giants this new live show has evolved into a fascinating mash up: wild blues over Hip Hop beats, retro funk rock n roll, with sprinklings of bhangra and reggae, wrapped around enveloping lyrics and enormous choruses!
Andy has a unique voice and a knack for a catchy chorus, the band is tight and the hype is growing. The imminent release of new record Diamond Sounds signals a heavier, more confident sound by a band that's found their stride and will no doubt enjoy another raucous year on the road.
BLACKDOWN SAMBA
Blackdown Samba began just over ten years ago, growing from the annual Blackdown Beer and Music Festival. Since then they have developed into a well-established and popular community band, prompting foot shuffling and hip swaying at festivals, carnivals. Starting in the vines, Blackdown Samba will bring their procession through the crowds and into main festival field, culminating in an awesome dance in-front of the mainstage, making it irresistible to join in!
RUSSELL SINCLAIR & THE SMOKIN LOCOS
The first thing you’ll notice if you’ve ever caught a live show involving the full Smoking Locos band is that the lineup changes quite frequently – both the faces behind the instruments and the nature and number of the instruments themselves. That’s partly deliberate and partly due simply to availability of personnel at the time.
The core of The Smokin’ Locos is: Drums, Bass, Saxophone and Harmonica. From time to time additional instruments switched in in if the music benefits from it and at such times you will see the numbers in the band grow for a while. In that way Russel Sinclair keep things fresh and alive by introducing new sounds and people with ideas. Foot-stompin' Blues originals and covers with a vintage flavour,
THE YONDER FOLK
Devon Based duo Yonder Folk is a collaboration between the well-loved New Daze frontwoman Jessy Plum, and former Yes Sir Boss frontman and solo artist Matt Sellors. Both accomplished and popular singers in their own right, the duo have joined forces combining guitar, ukulele, mandolin, kick drum, and their distinctive, yet complimentary, voices.
Yonder Folk play a mix of original songs and eclectic covers of timeless folk-rock, pop, country and blues tracks. Appearing at Castlewood 2022, these guys are always a crowd pleaser.
KATE HALL
Emerging in 2023 from Plymouth, United Kingdom, Kate Hall blends indie pop, rnb, soul, blues and singer songwriter into a genre-defying sound. Kate Hall is a singer/songwriter from Plymouth, UK, blending soulful vocals and piano-led pop with touches of R&B and indie grit. Influenced by artists like Amy Winehouse, KT Tunstall, Fiona Apple and Adele, her songs are heartfelt and honest, with a sound that’s both classic and current.
In August 2025 Kate opened The View stage with her band at Boardmasters Festival for BBC Introducing in the southwest. We’re looking forward to seeing her open the MainStage here at Castlewood.
oUR ATLANTIC ROOTS
Cornwall based transatlantic duo ‘Our Atlantic Roots’ fuse together poetic lyrics and cinematic instrumentation, creatively presenting a blend of the cultures they are individually from, by merging genres characterized by their country and folk roots. Audiences consistently praise the duo for their tight vocal harmonies, honest storytelling and for Mac’s impressive guitar performance.
The fully independent and self-managed duo have taken sonic inspiration from artists such as The Civil Wars, The Hollow Coves, The Paper Kites, Novo Amor and The Oh Hellos.
FUNKY GORDANO
Hailing from Wild West Dorset, Funky Gordano plays an eclectic mix of world music, guaranteed to get your feet moving! Expect funky tunes from Jamaica to Jakarta, from Lisbon to Libreville, from Cuba to Castlewood!
JOHN MAYBEY
Jon Maybey, a seasoned guitar and mandolin player, has carved a distinctive niche in the music world with his innovative approach to instrumental performances. Armed with a looper and foot-stomper, Jon's original and traditional compositions combine elements of folk rock, reggae, blues, and Eastern European influences.
With a musical style that is both atmospheric and rhythmically captivating, Jon's solo performances evoke a wide range of emotions within his audience. His artistry not only transports listeners to different musical landscapes but also ignites an irresistible urge to tap their feet and dance along.
THE GROVE
A Manchester based trio who have been playing together since high school, recently releasing some demos on Spotify. The Grove’s music is a melting pot, taking influences from their Mancunian predecessors, the grunge sound of the early 90’s and a range of other artists you’re sure to enjoy!