Hi Cacti X Black Deer Festival

Hi Cacti brings Desert Plants & Southwestern Decor to Black Deer Festival

In green & sunny Eridge Park, Kent thousands of Americana & Country music enthusiasts were welcomed by 88 roots inspired artists performing over 3 days at the 1st Black Deer Festival. The weather couldn't have been better where long sunny days lead into stunning red sunsets ending with star filled night skies to a soundtrack of country, bluegrass, folk, rock, and blues. 

New & old acts such as Passenger, Iron & Wine, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Ward Thomas, Sarah Darling, an 80's vampire favourite Kiefer Sutherland's band and many more performed across the six stages. Some personal faves were Danni Nicholls, Whiskey Shivers, The Sheepdogs, & The Orange Circus Band.

Black Deer described Americana as 'a way of life rooted in, and respectful of, the cultural heritage of America. Americana truly is a phenomenon, and something not just referenced in music, but also in the fields of art, film, fashion, design, and an overall style of living.'

This passion translated across the festival thru custom motor bikes, artisans & makers, vintage, hot rod trucks, barbecue, creative workshops, campfires and cooks all servin' up the taste of the south! 

The Black Deer Mercantile was a fully decked out Americana homage & treasure trove located adjacent to the Main Stage!

Festival goers had a perfect patch of green lawns to overlook the main acts while also able to peruse authentic and handmade wares by traders, makers, & artists curated for the theme of the weekend by Deverells Co. 

Inside the Mercantile marquee was live hand-lettering by Luminor Sign Co, American Folk Art & vintage wares by Deverells Co, Bespoke Guitar builders Atkin Guitars, Cowboy hats by Brixton, live bespoke leatherworks by Golden Bear, vintage and selvedged denim by Bens Leather Goods. Hi Cacti, a Brighton based creative botanical business and 'cactus concept shop, joined this hand picked posse slinging cacti and other desert plants in handmade colourful pots along with Mexican & Native American imports collected from her hometown of Austin, Texas and travels and road trips around the southwest.

The festival clearly surpassed the idea of being...

'more than just a music festival. It's more than an appreciation of a musical genre. Black Deer is a celebration of a way of life.'

All Photos taken by the talented team of photographers for Black Deer Festival:

Photo credit: Carolina Faruolo© Carolina Faruolo 2018.

Photo credit: Louise Roberts© 2018 Louise Roberts.

Photo credit: Laura Palmer© 2018 Laura Palmer.