This September, discover a hidden palace on the banks of the Thames… Wander from stage to stage with music all around you, and take in the views across the river as you listen to songs by the fireside. See what treasures you might find in the grounds of this incredible 16th century building. At the Nest Collective, we’ve always felt that the shows with as few microphones as possible – with musicians playing unamplified, the old way – have been the most intimate and special. So we decided to create an entire event around this!
No sound checks, no waiting for bands to plug in, just pure continuous music across multiple stages. Magpie’s Nest is the new name of our Unamplifire Festival, taking its new title from our original music night founded in 2005 that grew into the Nest Collective. This September’s event has been created with safety for Covid-19 in mind, and as such has a significantly reduced audience size. It reflects all the spirit and joy of our summer festivals, but has been specially devised to work in these times of distancing and restrictions. It will be smaller, but just as beautiful.
Perhaps Contraption – Multi-award winning, progressive brass band from London. Part choir, part chamber orchestra, part avant rock troupe, they create a truly unique musical experience.
Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith – Amazing duo playing traditional folk music of the British Isles, highlighting issues of ecology, resistance and political struggle.
Alice Zawadzki – Award-winning vocalist, violinist, songwriter and composer.
Tom Moore & Archie Moss – Widely regarded as two of the best players and innovators in traditional folk.
Lady Nade – Within a minute of hearing her voice, this modern soul, blues and folk balladeer will make you feel as if she’s an old friend.
Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa London – The Moroccan musician Simo Lagnawi was raised in the Gnawa tradition and is an award-winning ambassador for Gnawa music. More artists to be announced!