Solstice at Wasing festival announces Saturday’s Grammy and Mercury Prize award-winning headliner
Solstice at Wasing has just announced its Saturday headliner:
The Grammy and Mercury Prize Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer James Blake joins previously announced Anoushka Shankar, Salif Keita, Nubiyan Twist, K.O.G., The Turbans and many more for the 2025 solstice celebrations, in a weekend festival hosted at the beautiful venue The Woodland at Wasing.
Set on Wasing Estate, The Woodland is a stunning enclave right in the heart of the countryside. A unique and mindful space; it is described as a truly transportive venue to see defining live acts, fully immersed in nature.
Taking place from Friday, June 20 to Sunday 22, the festival celebrates the Rite of Summer and will feature performances by world-renowned artists .
James Blake’s performance will be an ‘intimate solo piano show’, perfectly complementing the beauty and peace of Solstice At Wasing.
Blake made his debut in 2009, emerging as pop’s most celebrated outlier with his dynamic solo output, while operating as the enigmatic engine behind some of the most influential albums of the 21st century.
He has produced for Beyoncé, Dave, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Rosalía and more, while Madonna famously said his music makes her jealous and, at the top of this year, Timothée Chalamet called on him to accompany him on piano during his live performance of Dylan deep cuts on Saturday Night Live.
Blake’s 2021 released Friends That Break Your Heart, (his highest charting album in the UK to date) and 2023 released electronic leaning Playing Robots Into Heaven are the latest in a line of his exceptionally received studio albums. He is now gearing up for his seventh.
In 2024, James embraced his independence once again, parting ways with the major label he was previously signed to and embarking on a new chapter with Vault, a direct artist-to-fan streaming platform. Blake marked this era with the release of his CMYK 002 – Let Her Know EP, and singles Thrown Around and Like The End. At the same time, his influence in popular music continued to rise with Bad Cameo, a collaborative studio album with Lil Yachty that highlighted his ever-evolving artistry.
Wasing sees things differently, believing that we are inherently part of nature and that what harms the planet ultimately harms us. Everything is connected. For one magical weekend, Wasing invites concert goers to come together to mark the Summer solstice, which takes place on the same day everywhere on the planet, connecting everyone in a truly global moment.
The Fireside Sessions on the Friday night will be headlined by globally acclaimed artist Anoushka Shankar, and sparks the solstice celebration's shift from day to night with special performances around the fire. For those seeking a free-spirited experience, The Fireside Sessions takes place as an evening concert by the Sacred Glade fire on the estate, giving a moment to connect with nature and the solstice vibes under the stars. The following morning a guided Sunrise Ceremony will take place at dawn to welcome the new sun.
Wasing Estate CEO Andrew Perkins said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have James Blake perform at Solstice at Wasing, joining an incredible bill with Anoushka Shankar and many others.
“Here at Wasing, we are all about creating a real connection between artists, audiences and the natural world and we’re delighted to work with artists who share our ethos.”
Wasing Estate itself is heralded for the way it breaks the mould for country estates and this ethos is reflected in the concerts; Wasing hosts healing retreats enriched with nature immersion, wellbeing festivals, and restorative events with a focus on the connection between the planet and its people. Solstice is alcohol free, allowing guests to be truly connected and present in the moment.
As well as the music, Wasing offers a host of wellbeing packages at the festival, including nature connection meditations, breathwork sessions and Wild Swim & Sauna sessions in the secluded woodland lake and wood-fired sauna. Solstice also offers a jam-packed schedule of nature-based children’s activities including family yoga, crafting, circus skills & parachute games.
Tickets are available now at www.wasing.co.uk/solstice Prices: Two nights (Sat/Sun) £142.50, three nights (Fri/Sat/Sun) £190. Both include an Early Bird discount & Under 12s free + Tipi tents from £400
www.wasing.co.uk/solstice
Anoushka Shankar:
Anoushka Shankar is a globally acclaimed sitarist, composer and activist whose musical journey spans three decades and bridges cultures, genres, and traditions. With thirteen solo albums, Grammy® nominations, and an Ivor Novello nomination, Anoushka has become known for her virtuosic sitar playing, genre-defying compositions, and bold experiments with global, electronic, jazz, and neo-classical music.
The daughter of legendary sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, Anoushka began her professional career at 13, performing worldwide with her father before embarking on a solo career. Her groundbreaking albums—such as Rise, Breathing Underwater, Land of Gold, and Traveller—blend Indian classical music with diverse influences, earning her international acclaim.
Salif Keita:
Back in 2018, giant of African music Salif Keita announced his retirement. However now at the age of 75 the afro-pop champion dubbed ‘The Golden Voice of Africa’ is back. Having spent more than four decades at the forefront of his craft, whilst simultaneously fighting for the rights of albinos and devoting his whole life to defending the right to be different, he is a legend both musically and socially. Do not miss this rare opportunity to see one of the most adventurous, gloriously soulful singer-songwriters on the planet.
The Turbans:
International legends The Turbans bind together music from ‘manywhere’ with their explosive live show. Sonically huge and visually arresting, they are a powerhouse of talent. With its members gathered from Turkey, Bulgaria, Israel, Iran, Greece and England they bring their vibrant and unique sound to audiences who can do nothing more than smile, dance and shout for joy. Their aim is to bring music to the people, young and old alike, mixing vibrant spontaneity and authenticity with multi-genre instrumental and vocal excellence. One people, one planet.
Nubiyan Twist:
Nubiyan Twist are a blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers join forces to create a unique, infectious sound drawing on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, dancehall, soul, reggae and dance music - expect ultra-tight musicianship and a powerful, big band sound. Their vibrant new album - Find Your Flame – features special guest appearances from Nile Rodgers, Seun Kuti, corto.alto and more, seamlessly weaving together global grooves, soul and jazz.
K.O.G:
Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) is a multi-dimensional creative force, combining exquisite writing skills with shamanistic live performance, fierce raps, perfectly on pitch singing across a massive vocal range and some absolutely wicked dance moves. Not to mention his skills as a percussionist, arranger, bandleader and art director. A true poet and storyteller, he uses a mix of English, Pidgin and Ga to paint sonic pictures that reach deep into the souls of everyone ready to listen.
About Wasing Estate:
As one of the most diverse rural estates in England, Wasing is truly unique - a special place to celebrate, connect, grow and heal. The Estate is home to one of the finest wedding venues in the country and is a stunning space where exceptional events are hosted, including immersive musical experiences in woodland amphitheatre, The Mount.
Wasing’s farm underpins its 'Estate to Plate' ethos by providing delicious organic produce and Wasing Wellbeing offers the opportunity to connect with self, each other and nature through rejuvenating retreats & wild swimming.
