New South West Festival, Homestead, Announces Line Up

Homestead founders, Will and Jess Lardner. Pic: Coal Poet

Combining music, food, comedy and camping, Homestead will take place from the 18th – 20th July 2025 at Fernhill Farm in the Mendips, just 30 minutes outside of Bristol and Bath. It will be an intimate weekend for just 1500 festival goers, exclusively for those over 25. The festival also aims to challenge the status quo of many UK festivals, by offering an ‘all-inclusive’ ticket, which includes breakfast and Bloody Marys, camping, access to all entertainment, talks and workshops, and no added payment for things such as VIP areas, parking or campervan passes.

Homestead is the brainchild of Bristol based couple Will and Jess Lardner, who have been running and working across many of the country’s most revered and groundbreaking festivals for over a decade. They’ve now turned their expertise, skills and connections to a project of their own, bringing together a lineup of outstanding comedy, live music and DJ talent whilst curating a party that feels personal and welcoming.

The programme for the weekend is a mix of comedy, DJs and live music from a wide range of genres, offering something for everyone, including:

Paul Smith shot to fame with his hilarious online videos that have amassed over a billion views, showcasing his trademark audience interaction style with outrageous true stories from his everyday life. The Liverpudlian has deservedly become a viral sensation, packing out arenas, theatres and taking the comedy world by storm. He will be leading the charge for the inaugural Homestead comedy line up.

Renowned comedian Troy Hawke will be bringing his signature blend of sharp wit and charming eccentricity to Homestead after captivating stages worldwide with his unique observational humour.

Known for their genre-blending mix of punk, funk, and experimental rock, Warmduscher are joining Homestead with their electrifying sound and unpredictable performances, solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting acts in the UK underground scene following the release of their 5th studio album “Too Cold To Hold” released in November 2024.

Fat Dog, hailed for their infectious blend of indie rock and gritty, anthemic sound, have been voted one of BBC Radio 6Music’s Artists of the Year 2024, cementing their place as one of the most exciting new bands to watch in the UK music scene and will be hugely anticipated act at the first Homestead.

Erol Alkan continues to shape the electronic music landscape with his genre-defying mixes and boundary-pushing productions, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s most innovative and influential DJs.

Acclaimed DJ and curator Colleen “Cosmo” Murphy continues to captivate audiences with her masterful mixes of deep house, disco, and soulful grooves, earning a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the global dance music scene.

As well as music and comedy, Homestead will have a big focus on food, and the role it plays in bringing people together, with their Kitchen Table space – a cosy barn space with plenty of comfy seating, which will play host to a special Sunday Roast feast, as well as a wide range of food from expert chefs available all weekend.

Speaking about Homestead, founder Will said:

“Homestead has been ten years in the making for Jess and I. Over the last year we’ve loved working alongside so many of our friends within the music, comedy, food and festival world to finally bring it to life. We really can’t wait for everyone to experience it.

So far we have had an incredible response to the plans we’ve revealed and we’re so excited to finally start announcing our line up. We’re incredibly lucky to have some amazing acts from both the music and comedy world on the bill – including some who aren’t performing at any other UK festivals! But we also hope there are a few you don’t know on there as well. Hopefully some new favourites you can discover and enjoy for the first time!”

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