Knocken T out The Park

It’s nearly September, so the assumption is that the festival gear (minus the wellies, apparently they’re going to be handy for quite some time) and last memories of summer can all be stuffed under the bed until next year. Goodbye, faithful friends.

But wait – what’s this? Another festival? With a line up that promises a heady and almost insanely eclectic line up that puts Glasgow’s underground club The Soundhaus alongside Celtic Punk veterans The Tofu Love Frogs? Drag that battered tent back out; we’re in.

The Knockengorroch Festival is a strange lucky-dip of a concept. Taking place outdoors under a covered arena in the Galloway hills at Knockengorroch Farm in Kirkcudbrightshire, it promises five days of ‘friendliness and great music’, with a mixture or programmed and impromptu acts.

And what acts.

From an extended cabaret stage, open mic and themed sessions covering balkan, celtic, cajun, bluegrass and more, it seems like there quite literally is something for everyone. Load on some reggae from the boys at Mungo’s Hi-Fi Sound System, Bhangra from Tiger Style, and sets from The Latin Dub Sound System (half sound system; half South American orchestra… assumedly the love child of two acts from the 2008 line up) and it’s easy to see why people flock to this event. It’s not shy to diversify from the norm.

For those who want to stimulate more than just their dancing toes; interactive workshops, children’s activities, cinema and fire shows also feature. And suck on this; other festivals - Knockengorroch Festival has its very own publication, written and illustrated by resident artist and festival founder Simon Holmes – perfect for a calming read on your way back to normality.