Reggae festival to return to Jurassic Coast this summer

Johnny Clarke, General Levy, Mad Professor and Zion Train are all set to perform live on the main stage at this year's Wilkswood Reggae Festival in Langton Matravers. 

Held in farmland, the festival will be held over four days from Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21 and features more than 50 upcoming artists and DJs from the UK and abroad. 

Veteran Jamaican singer Johnny Clarke helped define the Flying Cymbals period of the mid-70s working with producer Bunny Lee. 

General Levy promises to bring “high energy” Junglist Massive to the main stage on Saturday night, accompanied by dub producer Joe Ariwa.  

Founded in 2016, Wilkswood Reggae is a family-friendly festival with a dedicated child's field and a wooded clearing featuring storytelling, nature trails and music.  

With a capacity limited to 2,500, the festival is described as “relaxed and intimate” with plenty of camping space, making it “perfect” for families with young children or people who don't like crowds. 

There will also be food, a ‘chill out zone’. Drinks including draught beer, ice cold lager and a varied selection of ciders and scrumpies. 

Organiser Dave Mountjoy said: "Due to the success of previous festivals - and a certain amount of pressure from the Wilkswood Family - we've expanded the festival to four days this year so reggae fans can make a real weekend of it. 

“The line-up is as strong as ever and I'm delighted to be inviting Johnny Clarke and Zion Train for their festival debuts.  

“We had some rain for the first time in eight years last year but, because everything is undercover, we could still put on an amazing show.  

“Odds are we're due a dry one this year and this place is even more beautiful when the sun shines."   

The ticket price includes full admission as well as camping and parking for four nights. There is a glamping field with pre-pitched tents and campervans and caravans are welcome. 

Tickets can be found at https://wilkswoodreggae.com/tickets.