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Wilkswood Reggae Festival will see artists take to the stage in the middle of the Purbeck countrysideA FESTIVAL which aims to provide some cross-cultural, pan-generational harmony will be held near Swanage. The Wilkswood Reggae Festival will take place from Friday July 14 to Sunday July 16 in the middle of the Purbeck countryside. It is a small family-friendly festival which will feature more than 40 reggae and ska artists, soundsystems, deejays, selectors, acoustic acts, comedians and poets across three stages. Billed first and foremost as a family festival, the Wilkswood Reggae Festival is now in its second year and is the brainchild of Dubwood Productions, a collaboration between Simon and Nicky Coppack, the landlords of the Scott Arms in Kingston (near Corfe Castle, not Jamaica) and members of Dubheart, Bournemouth’s own international reggae stars. As Dave ‘Daddy-U’ Mountjoy, festival co-founder and Dubheart keyboardist explains: “Reggae has always been about love and unity and it has been bringing people of all ages, colours and cultures together for decades." The Main Stage lineup features an compelling mix of genuine reggae legends - including Brinsley ‘Aswad’ Forde, Tippa Irie, Janet ‘Silly Games’ Kay and Mad Professor - alongside fresh, modern torch-bearers like roots rockers Dubheart, ska sorcerers Bombskare, the world fusion of Afro Tallawah and pioneering producer Prince Fatty. The Selector Stage brings together some of the country’s mightiest soundsystem setups (imagine the deep bass rhythms of Notting Hill Carnival relocated to the great outdoors) and includes Mikey Dread’s majestic Channel One Sound, the heavyweight dancehall of Bristol’s Unique Star and the live percussive dub of Gavin ‘Fullness’ Sant. The DJ Derek Memorial Stage - named in honour of the legendary Bristolian DJ who sadly passed away last year - will be showcasing an eclectic mix of soundsystems, selectors, deejays, acoustic acts and spoken word artists. Already confirmed is 18 year old selector (and Lily Allen favourite) Ted at the Controls, Scottish poet and wordsmith Elvis Mcgonagall and ‘The John Peel of Reggae’, DJ Dapper Dan. As well as a compelling and varied lineup of live acts, the Festival will feature a Kid’s Zone, after-hours fire-pit areas and street food stalls. The Main Barn Bar will be serving ice cold Red Stripe, Purbeck Cider and real ales from the Dorset Brewing Company as well as a wide range of wines and spirits. To find out more and to book tickets, go to dubwood.co.uk

 CREDITS ; BRIDPORT NEWS [http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/leisure/stage/15383773.In_harmony_at_family_friendly_reggae_festival/]