As the clouds parted and the sun beat down on the prestigious grounds of Scorrier House, the gates opened to Cornwall’s newest and most anticipated music festival, The Great Estate
Revealing a series of winding paths, hidden openings, ancient woodland and wild meadows, the weird and wonderful event fused live music, art, food, comedy and fashion. Hosting headline acts Echo and the Bunnymen, Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show and Dr Meaker, the three-day extravaganza burst to life, attracting over 13,000 festival goers.
Topping the bill on Saturday night and pulling a huge crowd were English rock heroes Echo and the Bunnymen. Brimming with attitude and performing a mesmerising set, they saved their most iconic track The Killing Moon’ until the very end, bringing the main stage to a memorable close.
Party veteran’s Dr Meaker had steam rising off the crowd with their headline performance on Friday evening. Delivering a high-energy combination of soulful vocals, saxophones and lively basslines, this Bristol collective had the young and the old on their feet dancing.
Bringing his trunk of funk to The Great Estate for the much-anticipated festival takeover, was the legendary actor, host and broadcaster Craig Charles. Partygoers could be seen running over to the main stage in excitement for Sunday evening’s festival finale.
Also gracing the mainstage across the weekend was The Showhawke Duo who tackled everything from Queen to Tiësto with their unforgettable approach to playing guitar. Other highlights included Loose Salute, The Roustabouts and Newquay local Daisy Clark.
Over on the BBC Introducing Stage, King Creature entertained audiences with an impressive acoustic set, Even Nine proved as brilliant as ever and the beautiful sounds of Ezmay Grace didn’t go unnoticed.
Set in a clearing in the woods, the Woodland Silent Disco quickly became the place to be seen in the small hours. With DJ’s battling it out spinning the best in pop, rock and club classics, the tree lined opening was decorated with an oversized spinning disco ball.
Additional music highlights at The Portal and Madame Wong’s House of Wrong included Land of the Giants, The Correspondents and late night party starters Indian Man DJ Set, Tropical Pressure DJs and Hong Kong Ping Pong.
Festival organiser Ben Hall said: “It was an incredible feeling opening the gates to The Great Estate at weekend. It has been four years in the making but well worth the wait and Scorrier House proved to be the perfect location. When guests entered the grounds of the festival you could see their reaction, it was priceless. We can't wait to get planning next year's event and start conjuring up more magical happenings.”
Nestled within old walled gardens found at the end of a winding path, the Secret Gin Garden quickly became a firm favourite among festival guests. Hosted by the award-winning Tarquin's Gin, the sophisticated space oozed elegance and style.
The Great Estate’s first Wild Wine Club offering was hosted by sommelier Debbie Warner and her handpicked team including head chef at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, Adam Banks. Transforming a derelict horse shed into a Sicilian banquet, the unique dining experience showcased a selection of different wines each paired with a mouth-watering dish including Padstow crab served with shaved fennel and orange salad, wood-fired lamb with broad beans, and a lemon and polenta cake with vanilla mascarpone and lemon curd.
The Sanctuary provided a relaxing haven for those looking to be pampered. Featuring wood fire hot tubs, a sauna yurt, crystal healing and hot stone massage, the eco spa area was the perfect place to unwind. Festival guests also got to enjoy laughter yoga classes, chakra cleansing, sound bath healing and the hangover cure.
The Great Estate’s onsite Captain Inkus Tattoo Parlour and Iron Head’s Traditional Steam Barber Shop were in high demand over the festival weekend with bookings being taken well in advance.
Catering for toddlers through to teens, The Playground was dedicated to entertaining young festival-goers across the weekend. Filled with bouncy castles, workshops and stalls kids were spoilt for choice with dream catcher making sessions, forestry workshops, face painting, circus skills training and storytelling.
Giving festival revellers plenty to marvel at, Talulah Blue entertained audiences with her fusion of burlesque and classic circus. With jaw-dropping performances, the fire dancing follie frequented the stage of Madame Wong’s House of Wrong across the weekend.
Those who required retail therapy took advantage of Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair. Bringing a carefully curated vintage marketplace to The Great Estate grounds, this shopping phenomenon was filled with 50s florals, 80s brights and re-worked denim.
Other exciting features included Dead Beats Poetry Corner, Comedy Hour, tethered hot air balloon rides and camel racing.
From the magnificent light display on Scorrier House by artist Rupert Newman, to the ladies dressed up as the Suffragettes, The Great Estate really did exceed all expectations
Published on 06 June 2017 by Ben Robinson
