Now in its 5th successful year GocStock is a small but beautifully formed festival set in the magnificent splendour of Eridge Park (a Site of Special Scientific Interest), on June 18-20th, situated only a stones throw away from Tunbridge Wells in the heart of Kent, amongst some of the oldest and most cherished woodlands in the British Isles.
The stage is thus set beautifully for this year’s theme, Lewis Carroll’ s ‘Jabberwocky’ where the organisers Kit Kaboodle have promised us a truly other-worldly festival experience!
Mystical trails weave deep into the forest to reveal hidden lakes, enchanted clearings and the Gimble in The Wabe! A Bedouin tented arena hosting GocStock’s immensely talented and diverse line-up. On your voyage of discovery you will also come across the Psychedeliyurt, a far out hippy decorated yurt connected to 3 parachute tipis inside a magical enclosure adorned with its very own picket fence! Look out for Shnicker Snack Stage featuring comedy and acoustic sessions and the wonderful Buskers Box; an annual favourite at GocStock where any man, woman, jabberwocky or passing busker can perform their songs, jokes, poems and skits to the world. Set deep into the forest will also be the beautifully crafted art workshops, live graffiti, face painting and of course the regulation hooping classes.
After each day’s live sessions the forest floors become the centre piece of joyous nocturnal abandon with DJ’s playing through until dawn in the Tumtum Tree whilst the festival campfires still burn. Static and real-life installations from Shambush (human playing cards playing snap? Kate Bush Aerobics, ‘The Gin Palace’,) provide madcap frivolous intrusions, unashamedly designed to tickle the ‘inner child’, much of which lies at the heart of Gocstock’s ethos and inspiration. That is why GocStock has evolved over the past four years into a ‘Festival of Friends’ where you are welcomed as a friend and leave with many more…
Ah, what to wear, what to wear? The Jabberwocky despises all things colourful, out of the ordinary, unique and indulgent, which is exactly what GocStock loves! So arm yourselves up in a revenge of fancy dress! Firstly, grab a passing peacock and steal a few feathers, add to this Grandma's favourite wedding hat, and then borrow your dog’s teeth! Take the war to the Jabberwocky, firing him with feathers and food dye. Neon is your friend and silly moustaches are a must. Come furry, come feathered, come bejewelled in colour, joy and splendour.
GocStock is a very strong advocate for a cleaner environment and a keen promoter of green initiatives. For example, the festival is off setting the carbon emissions by planting a tree for each car or campervan that turns up, solar powering the main and acoustic stages and using bio-diesel generators throughout the weekend.
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