Wild Paths is a new breed of festival, presenting the best in live music from indie, hip-hop and neo-soul, to post-punk and new-wave jazz and pairing it with themed after-parties, conferences, supper clubs, art fairs and a whole lot more.
The festival descends on Norwich for 6 days in October, taking over some of the city’s best-loved venues, and a host of other DIY spaces, including a church and a library. Featuring an eclectic blend of bands, artists, conference speakers and DJ’s, it’s a celebration of music, food, art and culture… and the beautiful city of Norwich.
There’s so much good music! Key acts include Blue Lab Beats, Ross From Friends, Pongo, Jacques Greene, Prima Queen, Panic Shack, Honeyglaze, Noya Rao, Home Counties, Quinn Oulton, Opus Kink, SAHRA, Doomcannon and loads more.
Wild Paths music festival opens again in Norwich on Monday 10th October. Festival organiser Ben Street gives LIFC his top things to see and do:
1. Blue Lab Beats at St Laurence Church
One of the fastest-rising production duos in the world right now, with a Grammy nomination for their work on the Angelique Kidjo album Mother Nature, and a MOBO nomination for ‘Best Jazz Act’, Blue Lab Beats craft a supple, wide-ranging sound that blends boom-bap grooves and jazz-funk hooks. They’ll be headlining St Laurence Church (St Benedict’s Street) on Thursday 13th October. The Wild Paths team have transformed this beautiful building into a live venue, with a well-stocked bar offering up or very own Wild Paths beers!
2. Voodoo Daddy’s – Music, Pizza and Wild Paths Beer on tap!
If you’re looking for some of the best indie, alt-pop, psych and post-punk bands, head to our favourite dive bar/pizza joint down Timber Hill… the infamous Voodoo Daddy’s! All the action starts here with three pre-party shows on the 10th, 11th and 12th Oct and then continues right through till Saturday night. Make sure you catch post-punk newcomers Cheap Teeth on Tuesday, charismatic indie-rockers Prietsgate on Friday and the enchanting, grungey shoegaze of Honeyglaze on Saturday. We also recommend the Dallas Cowboy or the Voodoo Priestess for cheesy pizza goodness!
3. Late-Night Jazz Jam in The Church
The best place to round off a full week of festival goodness is in St Laurence Church for the infamous Wild Paths Late-Night Jazz Jam, featuring a host of festival artists playing and jamming from 11 till 2am! Expect improvisation, experimentation and some jaw dropping musicianship. We’ll see you there to celebrate Wild Paths 22 and dance into the wee hours!
4. Prima Queen and Kitty Perrin at Last Pub Standing
Head over to Last Pub Standing and find a spot in their heated/covered garden area. This little DIY music spot plays host to some of the best alt-indie, shoegaze, psych and soulful goodness on Friday & Saturday. Prima Queen are an all female alt-indie band who conjure up luscious sonic landscapes and leave you feeling all tingly. They’ll be joined on Friday by one of our local folk-indie faves Kitty Perrin, SUDS and a whole host of other amazing bands.
5. Soothing folk and indie at the Wine Bar
Sit back, sip at a glass of red and enjoy some of the most unique and calming folk, jazz and alt-indie at The Wallow Wine Bar (halfway down Exchange Street). Headlined on Friday by Brighton alt-folk two-piece Memorial and on Saturday by the bewitching indie-folk of Elanor Moss.
6. Our House Late Nights at Gonzos
Our friends Levi and Rikki have put together a selection of late-night treats for those who wish to carry on the festivities till 3.30am! Head over to Norwich’s best late-night spot, Gonzos and catch the likes of Ross From Friends, Canadian producer Jacques Greene and Worldwide FM regulars Tina Edwards and Haseeb Iqbal. See you beneath the disco ball!
Wild Paths festival runs from Monday 10th October to Saturday 15th October in multiple venues across Norwich. For more information, line ups and tickets, please visit www.wildpaths.co.uk