The Big Tent Festival (23rd – 25th July) North Fife

The Big Tent Festival at Falkland North Fife is set in grounds next to Falkland Palace.
Big Tent 2010 is Scotland's biggest eco-festival and takes place Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th July. Well worth attending, there is something really special about this festival, very relaxed, family oriented, joyful with much coverage of environmental interests and activities and that's in addition to fantastic musical entertainment.
Moving with Africa at The Big Tent Festival (23rd – 25th July)
The Big Tent, known as Scotland’s leading environmental festival, is stepping up its global performance programme with the announcement of this year’s festival theme - ‘Moving with Africa’.
Following the recent confirmation of its local music programme, the Big Tent announces its global performance line-up which includes the Zawose Family from Tanzania, Grassroots Zimbabwe and Brazil! Brazil!
Dana MacLeod, Cultural Programme Director for Big Tent said: “The Big Tent’s world music programme has been steadily flourishing over our five year history. This year we are proud to announce an increased international element across the debates, film, performance and children’s’ event programme.

Behind these incredible performance artists is also an interesting story to tell and we hope to give the opportunity to do this. The Zawose Family are completely unlike anything I’ve seen before, their performance style is unique to their own family, it is very delicate and magical.

Theatre ensemble Grassroots Zimbabwe are taking a risk in presenting their heartfelt and powerful work in the UK which is undeniably politically influenced. On a lighter note, they will give festival goers a whole new meaning for those ubiquitous festival wellies by running Gumboot Dance workshops!” After last years weather a welcome addition.

She continued: “Brazil!Brazil! have been touring the great stages of the world and it’s an honour that they will be with us for the whole weekend. Their performance is not least a jaw-dropping display of acrobatic dance and infectious Afro-Brazilian music, but also an expression of street cultures from the Favelas of Brazil. I am sure their fusion of street football and percussion will be particularly memorable as World Cup fever kicks in”

THE ZAWOSE FAMILY

Hailing from Tanzania, the phenomenal Zawose Family has been a celebrated and enduring feature of world music since the early 1990’s. Dressed in costumes made from goatskins and porcupine quills, with ostrich feathered headdresses, the Zawose musical dynasty started with revered musician Hukwe Zawose, who began his singing career in the villages of Tanzania, entertaining working villagers.

Peter Gabriel has been a champion of their music and made the first recordings of their music on his Real World record label catapulting the Zawose Family into international recognition from their small village in Tanzania. Committed to ensuring the beautiful harmonies and infectious rhythms that typified Hukwe's music live on, the family are a living legacy of his work and continue to be part of Real World Records.

Hukwe was committed to building the foundations for the preservation of the musical tradition of the Wagogo tribe and since his death in 2003; his musical tradition has survived thanks to his seven wives, over 40 children and the rest of the community.The new generation of Zawoses continue to make fantastic music and delight audiences worldwide with their extraordinary singing and dancing, elaborate costumes and unique talents.

GRASSROOTS ZIMBABWE

Grassroots Zimbabwe communicate the traditions of Zimbabwe in their song and dance whilst also presenting poignant expression of Harare today in their theatre shows. Using dance, drama and music as a process towards informing and empowering local communities in Zimbabwe and overseas.

BRAZIL! BRAZIL!

As the name suggests, Brazil!Brazil! will bring some Afro-Brazilian flair to the Big Tent. Combining the extraordinary martial art of Capoeira with the music and dance of carnival, and the energetic skills of Brazilian street football, Brazil! Brazil! encompass all of the power and the passion that is Brazil today. Undeniable masters of Capoeira, they have been captivating audiences around the world with their acrobatics, killer moves and carnival music.

Dorothy Browse, Service Manager, Libraries, Arts & Museums said: "Fife Council’s investment in The Big Tent recognises its importance as a key event in this special year of culture. Celebrating Fife 2010 showcases Fife's unique environment, cultural identity and lifestyle activities. The programme of events and opportunities is ambitious, and aims to raise awareness of Fife's heritage and its hidden cultural gems. There is something here for everyone and we know that visitors will take away vibrant images and strong memories of the Kingdom.
Click here for previous years.