Eden 2016

Raehills Meadows

June 9th -12th

VIDEOS ARE CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED – BACK ONLINE SOON

As the eighth annual Eden festival is just beginning to melt once more into its woodland surroundings, its time to take stock of what was a supreme belter of a weekend. So welcome to the garden of Eden. As you drive down the main road to Dumfries the site is situated in a wee valley with woodlands and a river. Adding to the beauty is the village of Eden, with lights, stages, shops, food stalls, childrens’ area, Drive-in Cinema, healing garden, sauna and much more… the theme was set for a wild weekend of bliss.

Just like that wicked early computer game, Sim City, Eden expands each year block-by-block. With a nifty little one-two shimmy, last year’s Melodrome stage was moved into the woods above the Boardwalk stage & became the centre-piece of a wonderful woodland world. Also newly arrived was a five-a-side football pitch & the superb Thunderdome, a brilliant place to hang out & watch folk have dance-offs, which in the afternoon was invariably won by the under-5s who honest to god had some reyt shlinky moves.

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All the stalwarts of Eden were there; the eco-friendly Devorgilla main stage, the circussy second stage in the Furry Chillum tent, Rabbies Tavern which somehow manages to cram two stages underneath its roof, the dance world with its various tents & the cycle driven Boardwalk stage up from Yorkshire. To this were added a plethoric selection of global foodstuffs. The mellow & mixed punters were well caterer’d for, with essential oils, reflexologists, small axe workshops, henna, handmade waistcoats, silver ring making all on offer & a load of good nik-naks for the kids comblended with the pleasant & soul-warming hippy world of peace, healing & variety at the Garden of Eden Bandstand.

This year 8,000 kids & big kids were maxing the festival out for the first time, about which Eden’s kapitano, founder and Co-director Adam Curtis, told the Mumble, “I think the festival has been a resounding success, we have had a very good crowd this year, the atmosphere has been fantastic! There’s been a huge increase in young families attending which we very are happy to see, and we have had a great response to our young performers on the bandstands.” Two of these 8000 actually became one, when Tessa Brechin and Ben Gray from Mochrum, Wigtownshire had a surprise wedding on site watched on by happy festival goers.

Entertainment wise, things began with a bang, with Thursday night seeing Sheffield’s 10-piece Mango Rescue Team fill the Furry Chillum with their avant-garde, footstomping blend of Flamenco, Samba, North African Rai and Central African rumba. A wicked way to start the proceedings. The highlights on the main stage on the Friday was for the Mumble, The Langan Band, who somehow manage to create an eerie, dancey sound from just three musicians, & the snappily-dressed Gentleman’s Dub Club, who both got the site jumping & gossiping about their stellar performances.

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Gentlemen’s Dub Club

Dexter’s delirious crowd

Elsewhere on the site, the Mumble really dug Dexter (The Psychedelic Yardie) a Brixton genius whose tunes were proper jumping, while Edinburgh’s Tinky Disco continue their recent meteoric rise with a fresh & funky set in the Furry Chillum. ‘Superstylin’ Mike Daniel of Groove Armada has really settled into life with a full band & his rappin’ is among the best on the British islands. Funky, soulful and slightly kinky they slided through their set with ease, giving us an delightful start to the weekends musical extravagance … See you at Audio Soup Tinky boys…

Walking through the compound there is a wonderful variety of stalls. For food you have the Noodle Bar, which for £5.00 you can have an array of dishes to select from to go with your noodles. Bargain !!! Pizza is widely available as is good old Fish and Chips. With a corner shop selling toothbrushes, sweets and midge repellent all your forgotten items can be purchased here. Mexican and Haggis are some other options that are available and can be washed down with some local beers served at many of the bars that are around the village. With many a clothes stall you can replace you old festival clobber with some new and amazing pieces from all around the world. One of my favourite shops is “The Monkey Temple” with reasonable prices you can pick up jackets, backpacks, trousers and many other quirky wee gems. There is also a Locker Hire for your personal belongings should you feel the need to protect them. Overall you will not go hungry or cold at Eden as all areas have been taken care off.

Moving through a well happy crowd of weekend warriors I took in the set by King Charles at the Devorgilla Open Air Stage. Thankfully the weather held out and a sweet vibe flowed through the audience as they took to the stage. King Charles are a West London act with singer / songwriter Charles Costa at the helm. With a musical fusion of Alternative Rock, Folk-Pop, Indie with a Latino twist they got the Edeners jumping about like they had ants in their pants. Dance, boogie, jump , shout and scream, it was all going on… Great to have witnessed King Charles at last. Good luck with the tour. Mumbling about in the wee early hours on Saturday morning I placed myself at the mercy of Samedia Shebeen in the Furry Chillum Tent . This concoction of pineapple and coconut music delivers Latino and Caribbean delights to all present. Smooth and silky tunes to twist and shake your soul too, the infectious beats soon took us to a paradise island. Would like to see Samedia in the Snake Pit next year as I think that arena would explode with Samedia Shebeen delivering the goods.

After some of us slipp’d to slumberland to the sonic bibidee-boom of the site’s late-night revelry, the Saturday was another riot of fun & colour. The Dumfries Community Choir got everyone in a good mood with their romps through classic tunes, such as Like A Prayer & Titanium, a colourful hip bunch driven by their madcap, ubercamp songleader.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s No Quarter were young, nubile & brilliant in Rabbies Tavern. At the Boardwalk stage, Nottingham’s beat-boxing street poet Motormouf astounded every dancing & cycling with his boombastic brilliance, setting everyone up for a massive Saturday night.

Throughout the weekend I give myself up to the Children”s Area and helped out by playing games, helping create artistic masterpieces and getting beat by 6 year-olds at football… This is such an important party of Eden festival. Being renowned for having a family and kid friendly atmosphere they can emerge themselves in a weekend of heavenly activities. With so much colour and well planned decoration the Childrens area is like a Alice in Wonderland adventure. It gives me great delight to see families and children enjoying the outdoors and taking home a unforgettable experience.

Rushing over to the main Devorgilla stage to enjoy the addictive energy of Hollie Cook, who we reviewed at the Wee Dub Festival earlier this year”, I was met by a crowd of dub shaking Edeners . Beautiful in voice and presentation Hollie was sharing the same uplifting vibe of those she came to embrace with her seductive songs. Sailing through her sublime set of dub and reggae beats the field soon became a river of musical joy.

A virtual tour of Rabbie’s Tavern by Stephen Scott

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The crown jewel of this was Skye & Ross from Morcheeba, who took everyone in the crowd to another level of bliss completely. Such classics like The Sea, Part of the Process, Trigger Hippy and much more were a memorable must for the fans of Morcheeba and they did not fail. With all the hits and a cover version of David Bowies “Lets Dance” Skye and Ross showed that they haven’t lost the ability to set a stage on fire. Skye”s voice melts through you like hot chocolate on a cold day.. An executed set of excellence !!!!! Eden was happening this year, big time, & not even the dodgy weather could dampen the spirits.

The night was then topped off perfectly by Shakti Mama Disco Diva’s sublime set after midnight at the Lost Disco, topping even last year’s magnificent effort. The Lost Disco is a Edeners place of disco and soul, that keeps them skanking until the wee hours. Shakti Mama said, “Wow ! thank you to everyone who came to my set and who not only rocked The Lost Disco but who endured the rain and kept dancing ! You were all amazing and it was a pleasure to play for you. Once again you were my favourite festival crowd. Thank you for supporting what I do and the music I love to share with you all. Eden was a spectacular blast once again ! It is definitely my favourite festival these days, and being able to DJ at The Lost Disco on the saturday night makes it all the more special. The second half of my set was accompanied by heavy rain, but I didn’t even realise from my sheltered DJ booth, until our wonderful sound guy came out to marvel at how the rain was absolutely chucking it down and yet we were still packed out and the dancing just kept on going ! I was so impressed with my crowd – what stars ! If you were there, then I salute you ! There is nothing like staying power in the face of the elements 🙂 Thank you to everyone who came and supported me and who danced like there was no tomorrow, even in the rain ! 🙂 I had a ball and I hope you all did too :)”

The Yellow Army on military manouvres

Sunday came & pass’d in a fusion of fun, fuzzy heads & more frolicking. All the punters were pals now as the Yellow Movement kicked into gear with a super, crowd-jumping set from Colonel Mustard & the Dijon Five, followed by rockabillying Daniel Meade & the Flying Mules really sitting on the pulse of the moment. A classic afternoon. Last act on was the true blues maestro himself, Edinburgh’s Baz Simpson, who had to wait til 1:15 on the Monday morning to perform. He told the Mumble, ‘ Well Eden it was a belter of a weekend. Amazing new people met, great jams in the campsite, campfire banter and tunes, great set at Rabbies, late night movies at the drive in, loads of random, good vibes, spins on the big wheel both night and day, a beautiful morning spent down by the river at 6am with my partner in crime, Veronic Casey, conga limes, crepes, Boogie and eternal partying…Massive thanks to all in The Tavern for another stompin year in The Garden. Huge amount of work and hours worked by all your crew and always felt very welcome despite festival fatigue. Loved playing the final slot on Sunday night. Just wish the midges didn’t like my blood so much….covered in bites. Still we will be back next year.’

Big Baz Simpson

There was more, much more, in every nook & cranny. But the Mumble can’t be everywhere, & so why don’t you investigate yourself next year – & make sure you get your tickets early, as its sure to be a sell-out.

Reviewers – Emily Beeson & Raymond Speedie

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Mutanja’s spacey, wind-minding theatrics was the most musically diverse thing on at the festival by far

DIVINE’S EDEN

Divine Headed down to Raehills Meadows on the Wednesday before the festival began. It was a beautiful Summers day. My trusty chauffer and myself thoroughly enjoying the scenic route down through the Scottish Borders.

Eden has been a festival that Divine has been involved with since its beginnings in 2009, where it was held in the Heart of The Forest Of Ae. Moving to its present site at Raehills Meadows in 2010. With a glowing reputation evolving over the years. Eden has become the benchmark for family fun. With a loyal and hardworking crew combining talents and determination to create a yearly feast for the senses. each year this beautiful Summer Party has opened its heart to attract an audience that travels far and wide to celebrate the arts, in a very beautiful location.

With a determined vision, the loyal crew behind, what is now a highlight on the Summer festival circuit. Have created a capacity event of epic proportions. Brimming over with creative grace.

As a volunteer artist for Eden myself. Divine has been involved from the beginning. Originally as DJDivine and in most recent years adopting the role of Fire Master. Brought about by rescuing the fire in 2012, When two months of rain fell in forty eight hours over the Eden site.

So for Eden 2016, Divine had increased responsibilities. Running the communal fire with the help of my trusty fire crew. Ross, Steve, Ben and Christine. As a team we kept the flames glowing for the duration of the festival. Throwing a massive welcome party on the Thursday night. Both myself, Christine and Ross entertaining theThursday arrivals with brilliant drumming. Indeed we performed well, warming up the revelers for the weekends fun.

Friday was a busy one, as all of Divines performance’s were on that day. Drumming with Tinky Disco and DJing in the Vishnu Lounge whilst at the same time looking after the communal fire, it was after Tinky Discos debut Eden performance in The Furry Chillum, that the Heavens opened Taking a break from the fire. Divine and Christine headed back to camp in order that I could prepare wardrobe and redo makeup for DjDivines evening performance.

Both of us were understandably exhausted,fighting to stay awake as the rain fell on the canvas above us. Christine wrapped up cozy and drifted off into dream land. While, Divine collected his music and headed for the Vishnu lounge to work my 9pm DJ set.

Now the Vishnu Lounge, managed and conceived by the rather wonderful Agelos and his team of creative’s is a chill out dream, complete with swinging hammocks and sunken baths with a Cozy Ambience that was fitting forFriday nights Divine selection of relaxing melodies. Delivered to an appreciative audience.

I returned to the Fire after my performance, holding the love and tending the flames. Ross began his fire shift at1am and Divine headed for a much deserved sleep.

One of the beautiful things about the fire at Eden, is to observe the changing audience that the flames attract. Early morning ravers coming down off of amazing experience from the night before. as the morning progresses and the ravers retire, families take their place and the hearth becomes a community centerpiece.

Christine went for a dance, came back kissed me on the cheek and then snuggled up next to me. we struck up a drumming circle and created musical magik. As Dusk’s fading light made the flames brighter. The Muse became Saturdays saving grace.

It was a wet Saturday night, The music session was magikal as the rain became heavier, Divine, Eloise Furst,Andrew Currie and Christine headed for the Vishnu Lounge to chill and drum further rythms. Divine was tired and everything was damp. Christine had had enough and by Sunday Morning was longing for her home comforts.

Divine however, still had a days work ahead of him and was determined to have a Good Time. The previous nights rain had stopped, I headed back to the fire and left Christine sleeping. There was a jovial atmosphere around the fire. Everything was nice. The Sun started breaking the clouds and everything started drying out.

It was as the Sun started breaking the clouds, Colonel Mustard And The Djion 5 took to the stage. The only band that I got to to review over the Eden weekend. The Sunshine was fitting as the Eden main arena started filling with The Yellows Movements faithful following. Divine was wearing his pink number.

The Mustards certainly brought rays of much needed sunshine into the hearts of their audience that afternoon. the audience involved as always celebrating this master class of Rock n Roll grace. With David Blairs breathtaking break dancing and stage diving antics. The Band ripped through a tight and thoroughly entertaining concert with John McMustard leading proceedings with his wonderfully entertaining vocal delivery. Accompanied on vocals, (Growing Celebrities In their own right) Little Wing and Fathom Ross. A thrilling horn section, Keyboards played by Colin Syme Rythm Duties shared by David Blair and the Yellow Movements wonderful drummer Craig Ross, on Bass Chinley Biggins. adding the funk on guitar Chris Grant. This Yellow Movement collective,.Lifted the spirits of the whole festival.

Colonel Mustards reputation like so many of Scotlands unsigned and independent Rock N Roll genius. Creating their legend through hard work determination and performing with passion. The Girobabies, The Twistettes, Tinky Disco. et al. The Mustards certainly deliver and the message of every number performed is designed to up lift. The perfect antidote to the cleansing rain of the night before.

A Masterclass of entertainment.
The Yellow Movements Reputation Grows.

Good time Divinexx

A Masterclass of entertainment.
The Yellow Movements Reputation Grows.

Good time Divinexx

Eden 2016 was particularly challenging for Divine, He had bitten off more than he could chew and with a Girlfriend that was nae well. I was torn between duties and the result was that I was not able to perform my duties to the best of my potential. Split down the middle I know that I fell short of the expectation that was had of me in both camps.I did my best. The woman that I love left without saying good bye, (we have since started healing again, she still has a chest infection). It was on the Sunday evening of Eden, I was wondering why I ended up with job of Fire Master. When so many of my talents are unrecognized. I was exhausted, hurting and feeling sorry for myself. I do my best for everyone and get lots of flack. Just as I was about to have a cry, a gentleman came over took my hand and thanked me for saving his life, I stopped him from falling in a very hot fire in 2013. And it was the glowing heart of the fire that I saved in 2013 that forged the position that became Divines. Its not an easy job and does require fitness, patience and stamina.

So Divine apologizes to Eden for not being my best and also to the woman that I love for not being able to be as attentive and understanding as I might have otherwise been,

Eden grows from strength to strength and just like The Yellow Movement. Has become the success that it is, through hard work and determination. Its sell out success this year is the winning grail of all concerned.

And If Music Be The Food Of Love?
Play On!