End Of The Road Festival 2016

As the summer draws to a close, there's a final jewel in the UK music festival calendar 2016, to round things off with aplomb. Despite its gloomy name, the chic, boutique End Of The Road, will serve up a life-affirming feast of music and art this September 2-4. Set among the rolling hills of Dorset and Wiltshire, this twinkly fairy-land of a festival has a wonderful communal spirit: no recycling bin is left uncared for, nor local cider left unsampled.

The real draw, though, is the outstanding line-up. Year after year, the focus at End of The Road has been on an expertly curated schedule of folk and indie-oriented delights. The calibre of the headliners is second to none on the boutique festival circuit.

We couldn’t be more excited about Joanna Newsom. Playing her only UK festival date this year, our favourite harpist is one of three headliners. Her album Divers was one of last year’s best, stunning in lyricism and composition, and possessed of a rare magic.

Next up are Animal Collective, a generation-defining group in whose songs techno, campfire sing-a-longs and Beach Boys melodies are unlikely bedfellows. Their new album Painting With is out this year so expect plenty of new material.

Bat for Lashes, a.k.a. Natasha Khan, is the final headliner. She’s a songwriter extraordinaire with a knack for shimmering productions: ‘80s in influence, but infused with contemporary flair.

There’s plenty more on offer too. From the hard-bitten balladry of Phosphorescent to the candid Brooklyn folk of Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts, it’s the perfect place to stumble across your new favourite band.