Top acts at The Big Chill Festival this weekend

Kanye West, Jessie J and Black Country rock legend Robert Plant will be taking to the stage this weekend – at a festival near (ish) you.

They are just soem of the big name acts hitting the stage at the Big Chill Festival 2011 being held at Eastnor Castle in Deer Park, Herefordshire, over the next three days.

Now in its 17th year, the leading 'boutique' festival starts today (Augist 5, 2011) and runs until Sunday (August 7, 2011) and will feature a mix of rock, pop, indie and dance for thousands of music lovers.

US rap star Kanye West, whose hits include Stronger, Gold Digger and Jesus Walks, is headlining the main stage tomorrow night in his only UK festival appearance this year, with charttopping UK newcomer Jessie J appearing before him.

Former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, who retains strong links to his native Black Country, will appear on the same stage the following night.

Other leading acts include dance pair The Chemical Brothers, electro duo Empire Of The Sun, Neneh Cherry and Wild Beasts.

Pop acts Calvin Harris, Example and Chipmunk will all appear on the Revellers stage, while alternative electronic stars like Jamie XX and Four Tet are on the line-up for the People's Ear Stage.

Away from the music, the other attractions include BBC3 comedian Lee Nelson's 'Well Good Party', the therapy and chill field plus the Enchanted Garden.

Meanwhile, the Starburst stage will see DJs including Coronation Street and 6 Music star Craig Charles, who is bringing his Funk and Soul Show.

Melvin Benn, from organiers Festival Republic, said "Having been at the forefront as a 'boutique' event we have put together a programme that reflects The Big Chill's heritage while offering up new and exciting developments for our audiences old and new alike.

"To be able to offer such well respected and diverse performances, from our headliners to our international artists and breakthrough names is a true pleasure and we are thrilled to be able to evolve the musical content of the festival.

"Of course The Big Chill extends to much more than our musical line-up and festival goers will once again be able to enjoy an Art Trail. We are also extremely pleased to be working with the local community to radically expand aspects of the event – such as creating our own family and children's entertainment section, called The Little Chill; a festival within in its own right.

"2011 is going to be a celebration of all that The Big Chill has been throughout its history and a bold step forward to a very bright future."

For Big Chill 2011 ticket details, visit www.bigchill.net/festival/info/tickets

Chris Leggett