Reggae Land is back to ‘Bowl’ you over

After its storming success in Campbell Park last summer, no-one was surprised when Reggae Land announced it was upsizing to the grand space of The National Bowl for its 2023 delivery, writes Sammy Jones.

On August 5 & 6 some 30,000 music fans will descend on the iconic venue which will, over the course of the weekend, welcome more than 80 artists to four stages.

That all important line-up comprises ‘a mouthwatering mix of reggae icons past, present and future with every facet of the vast sound showcased by the best in the scene,’ promise organisers, and they really have come good on that promise – check that mammoth line-up out for yourselves.

Each of those stages will have its own look and atmosphere and carefully programmed soundtrack; from dub to dancehall, dii-steppers to classic lover’s rock, whatever takes your reggae fancy, you’ll be catered for, with a marvellous mixture of pioneering legends, new school stars and accomplished talents as standard. 

Global chart topper Sean Paul, next level beatboxer Beenie Man, pioneering jungle man Shy FX, reggae boffin David Rodigan, reggae legends Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Mr Vegas,  iconic vocalists Steel Pulse, Tarrus Riley, Junior Marvin & The Legendary Wailers, dub kings like Mad Professor, Channel One, King Tubby’s Sound System, Mungo’s HiFi, Trojan Sound System and Grammy award winner Kabaka Pyramid all figure among the billing.

The always raucous Dub Pistols play one of their famous live shows, Massive Attack and The Wild Bunch man Daddy G pairs off for a special versus set with Dj, director and musician Don Letts, with plenty more from Protoje, Steel Pulse, General Levy, Desmond Decker’s Aces, Macka B & The Roots Ragga Band, Congo Natty and Iration Steppas.

Last year’s family-friendly spectacular was nominated in not one, not two, but three categories at the UK Festival Awards, and now its move to The National Bowl means that Reggae Land is following in the footsteps of artists including Foo Fighters, David Bowie and Queen.

Music aside, and ticket-holders will have to manage their time well to cram in all the good stuff on the menu.

A Reggae flea market, a fairground, an entire Carnival Float stage along with dancers, VIP zone and merchandise stalls will take attention, and you’ll need to refuel with so much good stuff going on.

Luckily, more than 50 food traders will be sizzling over in the Caribbean Food Village, and helping it to slide down, can we suggest something fancy from the Rum Shacks, Gin Bars or Caribbean cocktail bars?

‘Reggae Land will set a new standard for reggae events in the UK,’ say those behind the big bash, and it certainly feels that way.

> Get connected, or cry into your cocktail when you miss out: reggaeland.co.uk 

Saturday

Main Stage

Beenie Man – Steel Pulse – Freddie McGregor & The Big Ship Family – David Rodigan – Desmond Dekker’s Aces ft Delroy Williams – General Levy – Yvonne Curtis – Hosted by Solo Banton 

Big Top

Shy Fx – Daddy G – Don Letts – Natty Campbell – Trojan Sound System – Dub Pistols Live – Horseman – Donovan Kingjay – Bristol Hi Fi – Rhoda Dakar – Chainska Brassika – Hosted by Blak Prophetz

Carnival Stage

Congo Natty – Ed Solo – Deekline – Benny Page – Navigator – Earl Gateshead – Nicky Blackmarket – Mc Magika – King Tubby’s Sound System – DJ Killa Kutz – Shayna Marie – Simma

Rompa’s Reggae Shack Stage

Dub Pistols – DJ Set – Uncle Dugs & Navigator – Daddy Nature – T-Cuts – DJ Dansey & Mister Bounce – DJ Ardi – Ayito – Rolling Thunder

Sunday

Main Stage

Sean Paul – Barrington Levy – Alborosie & Shengen Clan – Kabaka Pyramid – Mr Vegas – Junior Marvin & The Legendary Wailers – Carroll Thompson – Janet Kay – Hosted by Solo Banton

Big Top

Protoje – Lila Ike – Kalpee – Tippa Irie – Channel One – Mungo’s Hi Fi & Friends – Mad Professor – Sister Aisha – Sister Audry – Macka B & The Roots Ragga – Royal Sounds – Hosted by Blak Prophetz

Carnival Stage

Serial Killaz & Top Cat – Iration Steppas – Saxon Sound – Kenny Ken & The Ragga Twins – Izzy Bossy – Ras Demo aka Demolition Man – Jamie Rodigan – Seduction City Sounds – Lady Banton – Night Nurse – Tippa

Rompa’s Reggae Shack Stage

Shumba Youth – Daddy Nature – T-Cuts – DJ Dansey & Mister Bounce – Ayito – DJ Ardi – Savanna Small – Rolling Thunder – Clapper Priest – Chilli-Dubs