By Alice James, Third Year, History and French
Over the bank holiday weekend, the first ever edition of Show of Hands is set to take place in Bruton, Somerset. Described as ‘a space for family and friends to enjoy... up-and-coming jazz music in the rolling Somerset hills’, the event promises a laid-back atmosphere deeply rooted in its surrounding landscape and community.
Under the direction of former Truck Festival manager Alex Lane, Show of Hands has been designed with a clear vision in mind: an event that serves people rather than profit. Its grassroots nature is vital to its identity, with organisers choosing to reject all corporate sponsorship in order to ensure that the festival is completely independent.
In the absence of sponsors, the event had to rely on crowdfunding to make this vision a reality. The campaign’s success reflects how, before Show of Hands has even begun, there is a growing community in its support.
In their commitment to putting the people first, the grassroots festival is built around a unique premise: contributors will be able to decide how Show of Hands is shaped. Via an online platform, artists, crew and attendees will be invited to suggest and vote on ideas about how the event should be run. The most popular suggestions will be written into ‘Lore’, described on the event’s website as ‘binding’ articles that ‘dictate how this World should be built’.
We are yet to see what suggestions will be made and how they will shape the festival, but organisers stress that there is no limit to the creativity of ideas that can be put forward. Festival goers can suggest anything from artists to activities to food, as long as it is in line with one rule: proposals must improve the festival’s future, better its community, or spread joy.
The decision to create an audience-led, completely independent festival is perhaps reflective of developments in the UK festival scene in recent years. Corporate sponsorship is coming under increasing scrutiny, and there have been several instances of artists and audiences refusing to compromise on their personal views by associating with, and generating profit for, certain sponsors.
In 2024, Barclays-backed Latitude, Download and Isle of Wight Festival were left scrambling to find new sponsors after a successful boycott forced them to drop the controversial banking firm. Meanwhile, smaller, less commercial festivals have been on the rise. Truck, a festival that has minimal corporate sponsorship and a fund raising money for the local area, saw its highest ever ticket sales last year. This year, it is on track to beat that record.
Show of Hands will therefore be one to watch - will its commitment to its ‘Lore’ make it rigid and unable to adapt to challenges when they arise, or will it be a recipe for success that could rewrite the approach of small festivals across the UK?
Only time can tell how Show of Hand’s unique approach to its programming will pan out, but we can be certain on what the festival has to offer in terms of music. Again, the values of community and innovation have been at the heart of decision making, with Alex Lane stating: ‘We wanted the line-up to reflect the kind of energy we’re building with this festival - open, collaborative and full of life’.
At the top of the bill are American soul artist Lady Wray, Submotion Orchestra offering up a mix of electronica, jazz and soul, and Romane, a ‘standout in the live electronic scene’. Reflecting upon the motivation behind these choices, Lane continued: ‘It’s about bringing together artists who are rooted in their scenes but keen to connect with new audiences’.
This eagerness for discovery is reflected in the rich selection of artists and genres across the wider bill. From Groove Family’s festival exclusive collaboration that will fuse jazz and jungle to My Analog Journal’s club night, the programme moves between Afrobeat, jazz, broken beat, funk and club culture. Whilst a jazz festival at heart, Show of Hands explores how genres and styles blend together, staying true to its vision of a varied line up that is full of life.
Megan Mclean
Alongside the music, a range of activities are also on offer: attendees can get involved in craft or dance, and take advantage of various opportunities for relaxation or meditation. However, the most dazzling of these additional attractions will be the fleet of hot air balloons that will take to the skies twice daily.In their desire to stay rooted within the heritage of their surroundings, Show of Hands is hosting a hot air balloon meet, with rides available for festival goers to purchase.
The festival is shaping up to be a relaxed environment designed with all ages in mind - including students, who can benefit from discounted tickets. For those passionate about jazz, searching for a laid back weekend of live music, or wanting to explore the range of acts on offer, the South West’s newest local festival is not one to miss.
With much more to be announced and the opportunity to make waves within the industry, for anyone interested in independent festivals and grassroots music, Show of Hands is one to watch.
Featured image: PlasterAre you going to Show of Hands next year?!
