reformed Orbital plan 20th anniversary celebrations for next year's Big Chill

Electronica pioneers Orbital have been confirmed as headliners for the Big Chill festival which happens next year on Friday 7th until Sunday 9th August at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire.

The Hartnoll brothers will be performing their first live show in five years since Orbital split in 2004 at the picturesque location which has four lakes, thick woods and an arboretum.

One of the most influential acts in dance music history, Orbital will bring anthems like 'Chime', and 'The Box', expansive audio-visuals, and their trademark torch-glasses to the Big Chill main stage. The band who introduced an improvisational element to live electronic music formed in 1989 so the headlining performance will also mark their 20th anniversary.

Orbital's Phil Hartnoll said, "It's not an exercise in nostalgia, the time just seems right. Everything just seemed to fall into place. I've played at the Big Chill before, I DJed there and had a really good time - it's an amazing festival. The timing is also good: 20 years of being together."

The band's live return will bring back memories of their headline appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in 1994 that proved to be an era-defining moment.

Brother Paul Hartnoll added, "We've got 15 years of active service, making song. If you boil that down to a 90-minute festival set you should get something thoroughly exciting from beginning to end. Let's put some fun back into it."

The Big Chill offers both families and ravers a diverse range of music including folk, jazz, African, dub, and unique collaborations; as well as art, films, poetry, cabaret, kids spaces, comedy, and literature.

Big Chill Festival Music Programmer Guy Morley commented that "Orbital's return is a massive coup, and a great way to kick things off for next year's festival. I'm delighted that they have chosen to reform for the Big Chill - I've been badgering them for years! Orbital have been one of the most important dance artists of the last two decades, and a huge influence on today's electronica scene."

Tickets for the Big Chill will be available from Monday 1st December.

Latest Updates