3 hour set of eclectic deep chill from Bristol-based chill-maestro DJ Mavin and long-term accomplice DJ Chris Cross. 

The Deep Chill lounge – so laid back it’s horizontal. The perfect way to unwind at the end of a long weekend’s partying.

Fruit Smoothie bike starts up meet the Pirate and selfie time (30 minutes)

What the kids learn: Why Eat  a 5 a day rainbow , essential fats, wholefoods, basic hygiene skills (45 minutes)

Learn how to toss a pancake from a champion Tosser 

What the kids learn: Wholefoods not half-foods, essential fats,  basic hygiene skills (45 minutes) 

Then if time make a banana and fruit chocolate wrap

Make your own mini pizza. Please wear non flamable clothing and avoid all flamable liquids (45 Minutes)

What the kids learn: Wholefoods not half-foods, 5 a day, eat a rainbow, essential fats, basic hygiene skills 

Fruit Smoothie bike starts up meet the Pirate and selfie time (30 minutes)

What the kids learn: Why Eat  a 5 a day rainbow , essential fats, wholefoods, basic hygiene skills (45 minutes)

Learn how to toss a pancake from a champion Tosser 

What the kids learn: Wholefoods not half-foods, essential fats,  basic hygiene skills (45 minutes) 

Then if time make a banana and fruit chocolate wrap

Make your own mini pizza. Please wear non flamable clothing and avoid all flamable liquids (45 Minutes)

What the kids learn: Wholefoods not half-foods, 5 a day, eat a rainbow, essential fats, basic hygiene skills 

A discussion as to why we need to raise issues of animal use and abuse wherever we see it. How the bank notes issue relates to the wider animal rights movement and vegans.

Load up your v-guns with communication tips and more from Jeremy who found his voice for the animals. 

Community organizer, vegan book author and former champion fighter discusses the purpose and thrill of developing a vegan festival in Brooklyn’s predominantly Black neighborhood, Bedstuy (Bedford-Stuyvesant). Black VegFest is everything you’ll find at a vegan festival in addition to being focused on systemic change, black self-determination and intersectionality. All are welcome to attend, learn and participate.

Exploring the often contentious relationship between the animal activist community and the institution of law enforcement. Historical perspective, current situations, and nonviolent solutions for moving forward in the face of institutional violence and discrimination.

The Save Movement in the UK has grown to more than 60 groups in just two years, joining a network of 350 worldwide. Learn about our origins in Toronto and the astounding growth that followed, to the work now underway to transform SMUK into a cohesive animal rights organisation.

Fiona Oakes is the consummate and complete ‘animal activist’ having spent her entire life being aware and active for the animals.  Vegan since 6 years of age, Animal Sanctuary proprietor for over 20 years and triple Guinness World Record holder in Marathon events, accomplished and highly acclaimed Public Speaker – Fiona has spoken out positively, passionately and proactively for the animals in whatever she chooses to do.  In this talk Fiona will share her advice, experiences, key motivators, inspirations and aspirations and endeavour to demonstrate how to unlock your full potential for the good of others as she has endeavoured to do whenever and wherever she can.  The most important message being ‘everyone’s activism is equally important and potentially impactful’ and should be recognised and respected as such.  The greatest and most positive step you can take is to decide to do something rather than to ignore and do nothing in the belief you can’t make that much difference. 

Due to popular demand this year’s bodybuilding competition will be held twice – once on Saturday and once on Sunday. All are welcome!

Sunday’s contest will be push ups.

What we eat and what products we buy can improve our world. This talk looks at Veganism in relation to sustainability, ethics, health and world record-breaking athletes to show how it’s possible. It will also reveal the power of individual and group activism, and show ways we can all plant seeds.

King Cassady, a rag tag band of Jazz Gypsies, are an up-and-coming, bartab-running, come-rain-or-come-sunning trio of troubadours bringing you their own blend of Furious Flamenco, Jumpin' Gypsy Jazz and Boppin' Beats.

Having cut their teeth on the streets as buskers and are now carving their way through the London gig and UK festival circuit, King Cassady capture what gets toes tapping and hips shaking. Notable shows include The Southbank Centre, Hootenanny's, Rumpus, The Magic Garden, The Greennote, Stonehenge Festival, Small World Festival and Secret Garden Party.

Now this caravan of carnival are swinging into VegfestUK Bristol this May! Roll Up Your Sleeves And Let Down Your Hair!! Live!! King Cassady For Your Pleasure And Delectation!!

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Samuel Silas Whitlock is a singer/songwriter from Bristol UK. In October 2016 he released his debut EP ‘Darker Shade Of Blue’, an original take on Americana and Alt-Folk. An eclectic mix of musicians from the Bristol music scene add extra instrumentation to the EP, supporting Samuel’s vocals and guitars with banjo, fiddle, bass, drums and vocal harmony.

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Conjuring up the mood of 1930s Paris, fused with the energy of a campfire jam session, The Schmoozenbergs bring bouncy rhythms, jaunty melodies and their own little bit of special sauce to create an irresistibly upbeat gypsy jazz sound.

Two duelling guitars, a violin and a double bass come together to make a lively show full of catchy tunes, intricate musical interplay and playful improvisation.

Since forming in 2012, this Bristol based band have been delighting audiences far and wide…from festivals (including Glastonbury, Green Man, Shambala), to neighbourhood bars, from arts centres to street corners.

Their timeless music is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

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Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP0UZ9nDS2k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtjrz1YSg6Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfLbIsIduW8

Brejeiro will transport you to Brazil through the sunshine and sparkle of Brazilian Choro music.

An infectious and uplifting mix of mandolins, cavaquinho, flute and guitar, with samba, maxixe and polka rhythms, haunting melodies, skilfully improvised and exquisitely arranged.

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“Hugely entertaining….three guys who just light up a room….

…can’t recommend them highly enough….”

Dr Zebo's Wheezy Club is an acoustic  trio of guitar, fiddle and double bass, based in Wiltshire and the Bath area, playing good-time, foot-stomping, swingy, jazzy, folky stuff .

Dr Zebo music includes elements of 1920s/30s/40s jazz songs sung in close harmony, with original folky tunes by members of the band, together with quotes from well-known TV and film music - often played in a tongue-in-cheek way.  One minute you are in the 1930s with an old Ellington, Fletcher Henderson or Stuff Smith number and then you are listening to a Bob Wills fiddle tune (there may have been a Tom Waits' song squeezed in between)!

Overall, this bizarre, funny and quirky kaleidoscope of music is very difficult to get across in a 20 sec video or audio clip. You have to experience it in the flesh!  It’s all very jolly and guaranteed to keep everyone on their toes.

The band consists of Simon Taylor - guitar and vocals, Mike Fossett - fiddle and vocals and Ralf Dorrell - double bass. With a combined performance record of greater than 120 years, there is no lack of experience!

Simon and Mike go back a long way, having grown up together in Filton, Bristol. Both play together in the well-established pub and ceilidh band The Electric Lobsters who have been together for over 30 years and are still banging it out! Mike also plays in the Prog/Rock outfit, BlueDog.

Ralf is very active on the South West music scene as a composer, performer (double bass, bass guitar and trombone), bandleader, ensemble director, lecturer, teacher and workshop tutor. He has been leading workshops on improvisation, composition and jazz since 1984. His compositions have been performed on BBC Radio 3 and at venues including the Purcell Rooms, South Bank, London and St George’s, Brandon Hill, Bristol.

Vegan for over 27 years, Andy Prince performs melodic neo-classical compositions on the Chapman Stick which is tuned to the healing frequency of A=432Hz. His music is meditative, healing and passionate, and his performances are enthralling, atmospheric and moving. Andy has released one beautiful album, “Band of Rain” and has recently been compiling material for a follow-up. His music has often been used to accompany meditation, yoga and alternative therapies and is perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Join the Club Yeyo Saturday daytime session on the Dance Stage with original Club Yeyo/XXX Posse DJ Chris Cross and VegfestUK presenter Karin Ridgers for a fun filled afternoon of music, interviews, special guests and novelty acts alongside some eclectic old school house cuts, a punk half hour and other genres, a live performance at 2pm from One Man and His Beard, and capped with a headline performance at 6pm from Ibiza legend Judge Jules. Full line up and times TBC shortly

A mixture of Dance/Punk music,wrote the Vegfest anthem "Come On Down To Vegfest "in 2015 ( https://soundcloud.com/onemanandhisbeard/come-on-down-to-vegfest ) and played Brighton Vegfest in 2015 and 2016. In 2015 I was featured on Radio 1 Newsbeat playing "Dont Close BBC3 On TV" outside BBC Broadcasting House and in 2016 was played on BBC2  Victoria Derbyshire show playing "Let Us Be Frack Free" during a Fracking documentary. These followed earlier campaigns to save 6 music in 2010, with another song and protest outside Broadcasting House; and Libraries, still ongoing, since 2011. You can see the We Need Libraries video here:

In last 4 years I have written four anti-Badger cull songs including "We Are The Badger Army": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgAI9RDhkG4&t=1s

2018 looks like it's going to be an interesting year with many animal campaigns gathering pace and a new double A side single will be released in June with no doubt more videos to come!

So who is Karin Ridgers?

Karin Ridgers gave up her private banking career to promote vegan living full time. A scary move that has meant she has worked flat out with ups and downs running her own business for 13 years.

Karin was very excited to come third in the VegfestUK Awards for Best Individual Achievement of the Decade. Sir Paul McCartney came first and extreme marathon runner and animal sanctuary owner Fiona came second – so tough competition!

Karin is the founder of VeggieVision TV – the internet TV station that addresses the fact that in the UK there are no vegan friendly TV programmes.

Showing short film clips of cookery, information, experts, celebrities, comedy and now with real people presenters as well as professional presenters in the UK Hollywood, Paris, Hawaii, Thailand and more.

Karin has recently filmed with and interviewed Brian May, Virginia McKenna, Martin Clunes, Anthea Turner, Lorraine Chase, Matthew Wright, Wendy Turner Webster, Laura Hamilton, Peter Eagan, Rick Wakeman, Helen Chamberlain she has also interviewed Sean Hughes and Joanna Lumley.

She is also friends with and knows some high profile vegans including Peter Egan, Wendy Turner Webster, Jasmine Harman, Tim Shieff, Victoria Pearce and the K 9 Angels, Rick Hay and Rose Elliot.

She has worked with Heather Mills and through her work with Veganuary Karin spoke to Uri Gellar and Jasmine Harman on a regular basis about the benefits of being vegan and they are still vegan.

Karin also coaches media and celebrities to be vegan.

Karin now has her own weekly radio show again broadcasting on 98fm over Essex and online via http://www.phoenixfm.com/author/karin

Karin is thrilled to work closely with VegfestUK the biggest vegan festivals in Europe.

She is the VegfestUK ‘MC’. She gains VegfestUK and veganism a lot of media coverage and she encourages and arranges for media to attend the festivals too.

Karin was consulted to write about hidden vegetarian ingredients for the Mailonline and the feature was also written about all over Europe, the UK and even in China!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-3086256/No-bananas-vegetarian-foods-think-meat-free-actually-contain-SECRET-animal-products.html

She has written for Leona Lewis’s blog as well as for the Ocado blog and is the vegan advisor to Centre Parcs.

Karin also runs MAD-Promotions an ethical PR company that focuses on businesses that are making the world a better place.

She can reach all of the media in the world through the very best professional PR technologies.

MAD-Promotions and VeggieVision TV have worked with more than 20 vegan events in the UK bringing them more publicity in mainstream media too.

She also works with many vegans and vegan products too – constantly getting the positive vegan-friendly message into mainstream media.

Karin has gained clients £100,00’s over the years in free editorial coverage – resulting in profiles of clients being raised, clients gaining their own regular columns, running competitions, having products reviewed and more.

Karin helps as many Pro bono clients as possible – Her work saved a local animal sanctuary from being closed down and has helped raise more than £40,000 for animals - this meant that 2,000 UK based animal sanctuaries animals did not have to be put down – saving the lives of over 300 animals.

Karin has taken part in more than 200 radio interviews – all promoting how easy, fun, healthy and kinder it is to lead a vegan life.

When the Managing Editor of BBC Essex met Karin he recommended her to be a ‘Loud Woman’ – a small team of women who regularly appear on Sadie Nines award winning show. One of Karin’s blasts was so popular it was turned into an advert for the show and helped win 2 BBC Gold awards.

Karin was asked to be the voice for vegetarians in the UK and appeared on Sky News live addressing the horse meat scandal. 

http://www.veggievision.tv/karin-ridgers-veggievision-tv-the-vegetarian-voice-during-horsemeat-scandal-2

She also was asked to film for the BBC about her views on the UK’s first vegetarian sweet shop.

Karin is the main live presenter at VegfestUK. She introduces the top acts, she presents the awards and is the moderator for the debates which are filmed in front on a live audience as well as streamed live worldwide.

Some videos are here: http://www.karinridgers.tv/videos.html

Karin has been asked to write for other publications in connection with veggie and vegan living and has recently written for various trade publications on how and why they must cater for vegans.

She meets with hotel and restaurant owners and managers and with the power of VeggieVision TV behind her they listen to how and why to cater for vegans.

Karin has liaised with the managers of Centre Parcs, Butlins through to the best restaurants and hotels in the UK – 5 Red Star Chewton Glen and Roux at the Landau.

Still a favourite quote if from the much loved Joanna Lumley OBE said of Karin:

“And well done Karin who was like a dear black clad bottle of bubbly.”

Karin has also won awards from Viva! and SMTV for her work in spreading the veggie word.

www.karinridgers.tv www.veggievision.tv www.mad-promotions.com

Karin on The VegfestUK Stage Bristol 2016

Liberation Drummer (A.K.A Josh) is a unique performer who delivers a clear animal liberation message through relatable pop music. Having being a street activist for over a year Josh decided to use his musical background to push the vegan movement. His songs describe modern farming in an emotive way. Having only started the project in February 2018 his debut album is due to be released October 2018 containing nine tracks related to the vegan message and ending animal exploitation.

He will be touring the album throughout Europe in the near future and is happy to perform at any venue, from living rooms to stadiums!

Mark Devlin is a UK-based club and radio DJ, music journalist and author, specialising in R&B, soul, hip hop and other forms of black music.

His big radio break was on Galaxy 101 in Bristol in 1996, where he presented the Friday night urban show, The Swing Shift. His current radio venture is the The Sound Of Now on First Radio in Oxford, (which streams live Saturdays 6-8pm GMT at www.firstfm.uk)

Club-wise, Mark has played internationally, spinning in around 40 countries, from the USA and South Africa, to Japan and Australia.

In 2013, he started his conscious music podcast called The Sound of Freedom, showcasing non-corporate, meaningful message music from artists old and new. He has since become an author, publishing the two volumes of his book ‘Musical Truth’ in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

He has been a vegetarian for the past 30 years, and a vegan for the past five.

The full Sound of Freedom podcast archive can be found at:

https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-sound-of-freedom

On-line mixes and radio shows can be found at:

https://www.mixcloud.com/djmarkdevlin/

Paul was one of the founders of Soultrain who’s origins can be traced as far back to 1992 when Paul got together for a one off re-union with 70s Soul Jazz Funk Bristol Dj’s and clubbers from back in the day.

From a one off Re-Union which was full to capacity by 11pm the rest they say is history : we haven't stopped since . Launching Soultrain was a milestone and landmark that has resulted in Bristol's favourite Soul Institution and probably the longest running club night in the country. Let's face it how many clubnights have been running for 25 years+ and are still going strong? with roots and origins tracing back to the early 70's when Paul , Adrian & Steve were importing funk 45’s . Quoted by Massive Attack as ‘ early influencers on The Bristol Sound ‘ . (For additional source of reference see Author Chris Brown book Suited & Booted growing up in Bristol and the music scene in the 70’s and BBC Radio6 Documentary ) In 2001 Soultrain brought US funksters the Fatback Band to Bristol for the first time in 25 years, playing all their hits live at Soultrain. Hits like I found Loving,Wicky Wacky, Bus Stop, Backstroking and Spanish Hustle. This night lives long in the memory. Soultrain are still in direct contact with the Fatback band leader Bill Curtis, with whom we have become very friendly and once acted as tour managers to the band.

In the summer of 2004 Soultrain were invited to host the Dance Tent at the Glastonbury festival. In front of 10,000 funksters Soultrain held it down with the Fatback Band, Sister Sledge, Rose Royce’s Gwen Dickey and Jazzy B's Soul to Soul. Soultrain collective have hosted stages at Glastonbury and Love Saves The Day Festival as well as appearing at London’s famous Ronnie Scott’s.

Soultrain have worked with/ hosted Alexander O'Neal, Shalamar , Roy Ayers, Omar , Loose Ends , Light of the World , Nile Rodgers , Womack & Womack , Mica Paris , Beverley Knight , Shaggy , Heatwave , Cymande , Average White Band , Edwin Starr, Gil Scot Heron, The Real Thing , Blackstreet , Keith Sweat , Norman Jay, Odyssey , Martine Girault , Pee Wee Ellis, Maceo Parker ,Brand New Heavies , Rick Clarke , Don E, Craig Charles etc .

Soultrain have been awarded by The Soul Survivor Magazine As The Top Soul Night outside of London past & present and runners up in 2014. Also voted by The Guardian as the Top Club night out in The West.

Paul Alexander likes his rare groove soul and jazz funk ,retaining all of his original vinyl record collection from the 70's he has been an avid collector ever since, as well as catching US touring artiste when in the UK . He has seen Freddie Jackson, Luther Vandross, Lonnie Liston, The Blackbyrds, Roy Ayers, Al Green, Maceo Parker, Manu Dibango, Herbie Hancock, George Benson , Cameo , Leroy Hutson and Maze as well as many of the original Tamla Motown acts. One of his favourite all time records is William Devaughan's crem' de la crème.

In January 2017 Paul was instrumental in setting up Soultrain Radio DAB with Ricky Reid Bristol’s newest and only independent DAB Radio Station playing soul music 24 hours a day 7 days a week .

Paul’s last event was headlining Craig Charles Funk & Soul NYE Event which attracted 2,000 funksters to Celebrate The New Year at The Colston Hall.

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Mark Stewart has been performing as Elton John since 2010. Capturing Elton’s epic showmanship, powerful vocals and stomping piano-playing, Mark brings you all the greatest hits of this pop music icon, with classics such as ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Crocodile Rock’ and ‘Candle in the Wind’, plus many more you never knew you knew! Transcending generations, Elton’s songs are sure to get you singing, dancing and swaying along; delivered by Mark with true conviction and gusto, as well as plenty of light-hearted banter in between. More than just a tribute act, The Elton John Experience is an homage to one of the most unique and enduring forces in entertainment; high-energy, nostalgic and fun for all the family!

Quintet are a collective of 'bright young things'; resurrecting the songs, instruments and techniques of an otherwise forgotten era, with an irresistible sense of ease and exuberance.  The washboard fidgeting, banjo rolling, horn howling collective of 'sizzling swingsters' have been scorching audiences with their hot-jazz on an international scale since 2012, with headline performances at WOMAD, Latitude, Wilderness and Upton Jazz festival.

Drawing on diverse influences from Gypsy Jazz to Dixieland and R&B, the band go beyond the confines of your average Trad Jass Repertoire, with their 'Vintage Versions' of modern Pop classics such as Toxic, Sing it Back, I bet that you look good and the dance floor, and many more!

''Terrific fun... great musicians!'' Laura Rawlins, BBC Presenter

Quintet are a collective of 'bright young things'; resurrecting the songs, instruments and techniques of an otherwise forgotten era, with an irresistible sense of ease and exuberance.  The washboard fidgeting, banjo rolling, horn howling collective of 'sizzling swingsters' have been scorching audiences with their hot-jazz on an international scale since 2012, with headline performances at WOMAD, Latitude, Wilderness and Upton Jazz festival.

Drawing on diverse influences from Gypsy Jazz to Dixieland and R&B, the band go beyond the confines of your average Trad Jass Repertoire, with their 'Vintage Versions' of modern Pop classics such as Toxic, Sing it Back, I bet that you look good and the dance floor, and many more!

''Terrific fun... great musicians!'' Laura Rawlins, BBC Presenter

Ecklectic Mick is a Vintage DJ who brings the Speakeasy vibes with him wherever he goes. He started producing Electro Swing and Cowboy Swing before moving onto pioneering the latest Vintage Remixed sound of Electro Blues.

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The After Hours have a real reputation for delivering stand out performances at festivals, fetes and functions across Europe.

With an artful mastery of technologies both old and new, the band manage to blend modern dance styles with the sounds of the original dance craze: Swing baby!!

'​'Fusing Jazz with funky bass lines, the Quintet come close to Electro-Swing without dipping their feet to deeply in the generic puddle, clearly encompassing a wide range of influences.. Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae, DnB, House, Balkan... '' - Beat Herder Review

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After having numerous health problems whilst living in London, Elspeth decided to leave her corporate job and headed to Italy to train as a Chef. Following a stint of private chef jobs on super yachts Elspeth trained in Health and Nutrition, became vegan and combined both of her passions and created Elspeth’s Kitchen. Delicious raw desserts that are gluten-free and refined sugar-free, ranging from Salted Date Caramel Slices to Coffee and Walnut No-Cheese Cheesecakes. Her latest venture Norty is a range of scrumptious pudding pots that are supermarket shelf ready.

Check out this fun blog post about Elspeth’s Norty range on the Vegfest Express HERE.

www.elspethhumm.com

Join Nishma of Shambhu’s as she shares her tips and knowledge about spices. Nishma will show you how various spices achieve that exotic vibrancy of flavours, aromas and colours, and indicate their many healing qualities.  Nishma will be demonstrating a protein-rich, spice-enhanced, main dish in this session.

Learn about the fascinating world of ferments.  How they can improve our gut health, help boost our immune system and are feel good foods to lift our spirit.

• Introduction to fermenting veggies and making krauts

• Get started with fermented nut cheeses & raw crackers

Too tired to cook after a long day of work, kids and commuting?! Vegan Chef Day will show you how to eat homemade food every day of the week. Join her to hear pro-chef tricks and tips plus see live recipes – Sweet Potato Dahl and Tuscan Rice with Chickpeas.

In this demo Gayani will demonstrate how to make a banana blossoms curry with jackfruit seeds and Gold dust curry powder.

From the more popular plantain chips, to the less-known donkwa (savoury peanut snack), discover bold and exciting vegan Nigerian snack recipes that are easy to make and unbelievably moreish!

Come and learn how to make a Raspberry Ripple No-Cheese Cheesecake – one of Elspeth from Elspeth’s Kitchen favourite fruity desserts using secret ingredients like Beetroot powder. Learn some top tips from a chef who has been running her successful vegan cake business for over two years. This recipe will be sure to put a smile on your face. 

Sophie Sparham is a spoken word artist and writer based in Derby. Her work has been featured in the People’s History Museum and UK Young Artists Festival. She has shared the stage with punk legends such as Crass’s Steve Ignorant, Subhumans, Inner Terrestrials and Alan Moore.  Sophie has also performed at various festivals such as Rebellion Festival, Y Not, Shambala and Bearded Theory.  She has also recently given a Ted X Talk at the University of Kent on how spoken word can expand our cultural awareness. 

Her poetry mainly focuses on political and social subjects, such as depression, LGBT+ and feminism. Sophie's debut poetry collection ‘Please Mind the Gap’ is available now and features a foreword from Benjamin Zephaniah. 

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As well as writing, Sophie produces radio documentaries. Her documentary, 'St Pancras Pianos', was broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

Photo credit: ACJ Media

Expect killer stand-up, storytelling and characters from this Melbourne-born, London-based comedian. As well as playing comedy clubs and festivals all over the UK, Ireland and Australia, Sarah is also a stalwart of BBC Radio, plus hosted her own radio show on Dalston's NTS Radio "Sarah Bennetto's Mix-Tape", as well as at her cult favourite annual show from backstage at Glastonbury Festival. Sarah is the brains behind Storytellers’ Club, which tours internationally, and guests regularly on huge UK podcasts like Global Pillage, all the great comedy panel shows.

Sarah Bennetto’s past solo comedy shows for Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide, Perth Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival include: a sitcom about office temping, the true story of having lunch with Prince Charles at the Palace, a hour-long ode to boardgames and Victorian parlour games, a study of her insanely good luck (she’s won a car, holidays, the lottery), staging her own funeral live, and this year: every mistake she’s ever made, presented in list form.

Steve Bennett, Chortle UK "A generous serving of sterling gags and astutely witty observations."

★★★★ The Skinny, Edinburgh "In sharing her litany of mistakes, Bennetto covers huge, emotive topics with the lightest of touch and a lightning-fast wit, rattling through stories and quips so quickly that they don't have the opportunity to land too heavily. She’s also in perfect command of the pacing, so when she does want to touch hearts as well as minds… it keeps the audience spellbound.”

★★★★ One4Revew, Edinburgh "With much glee, delight, and wonderfully evocative imagery, Sarah is an excellent performer, frank and genuine, telling relatable stories which are fun and funny. The last mistake is totally unexpected and unheralded – and all the more powerful for being so.”

★★★★½ The Advertiser Newspaper, Adelaide “Self-depreciating, dark, honest and genuinely funny. One of the most enjoyable and original shows I’ve seen this year. It had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. A solid hour of laughs, it culminates in a truly epic finale.”

★★★★ The Age Newspaper, Melbourne "Bennetto delivers effervescent, confident and well-structured stand-up. Her tales of outrageous fortune are suffused with urbanity and wisdom, and buoyed by a lightly rendered sense of nostalgia"

★★★★ Fest Magazine, Edinburgh “A sophisticated mix of stand-up and character comedy, Bennetto succeeds in harnessing the full power of an instinctive comedic mind.”

★★★★ Rip It Up Magazine, Adelaide “A fantastically original concept. She is bright, funny and fast on her feet, with a wonderful collection of silly characters. A vivid package of silly, clever and sometimes self-deprecating humour that stands out amongst the mass.”

★★★★ ThreeWeeks, Edinburgh "Superb. Devastating. Edges towards perfection.”

Adrian N. George is a comedian, improviser, author, and a few other things, and he's preponderantly dark in theme and humour. He has also been called a "nutter". Not sure if that's good or bad.

Oh, and he's a Romanian, so he took your spot, too.

Since starting stand up Jamie has performed across the UK, near some of Britain’s most famous comedy venues and arenas.

His performances are a mix of dead-pan ranting with a high hit rate of punchlines, with the occasional song thrown in for good measure, guaranteed to get the audience laughing.

Kahn has a cat, MS, a girlfriend and a hatred of Trump. Sometimes these things get talked about on stage. Other times he goes for the easy option and talks about being vegan…

When he’s not on stage, he runs www.sleazyvegan.co.uk, www.unsaltedpopcorn.blogspot.co.uk or sleeps.

Unsweetened soya milk, as you ask. No sugar. But cake. Always cake.

Unsalted Popcorn Podcast Sleazy Vegan

Local comedian Sami Stone fell into Comedy through her work as a Storyteller in schools & literature festivals in the UK and overseas, learning that humour is universal. As a Stand-Up of 10 years her work is largely autobiographical, peppered with some social commentary.

Sami was a committed vegetarian from the age of 7 and converted to veganism in 2017, on a well overdue wave of change. She is thrilled to be back at Vegfest.

“Wickedly talented and darkly wonderful” – TIME OUT, LONDON “Intelligent yet wonderfully silly” – MONTREAL GAZETTE “Shows a deft touch at combining truth with humour. Well crafted jokes touched with poignancy” – FRINGE REVIEW “A natural performer. Candid and relaxed.”  – THE AUSTRALIA TIMES “Brilliant Woody Allen type truisms” – THE LATEST “She delivered an erudite and dark set exploring the unseen avenues of comedy” – ARTS AWARD VOICE “Set the room alight with a unique kind of carelessness” – VOICE MAG “She went down a storm, so much so the next person struggled to follow her. A very dry kinda Fleabag. Good vibe. Good set. Get her back” – THE STAND

Ryan Dalton, whose quick-witted, cheeky, and sometimes naughty stories are performed with an aggressive charm. Ryan brings his frustrations to the audience, whether it be a story of an uncomfortable hangover in St Lucia or tales of the tricky guests during his time working as a zoo keeper, he tells his stories with the pent-up anger of a criminal yet the voice of an angel.

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How long have you been vegan?

I have been vegan for around two and a half years.

What’s the most important reason for you to be vegan?

Initially, I was motivated by environmental reasons but as I’ve learnt more about the meat/dairy industries over the past couple of years I would say that my most important reason is to avoid harming & exploiting animals.

What are some of your main musical influences?

I’m influenced by a wide range of music – some of my favourite artists include Bon Iver, Frank Ocean & Kanye West.

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

In terms of a favourite famous artist I would say Stevie Wonder as I love his music. And other vegans I’m inspired by include James Aspey, Earthling Ed, Tim Shieff, Klaus from Plant Based News & Avant Garde Vegan as well as many more.

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be? Don’t forget to include why!

Let’s go with Kanye West – his music has always been forward-thinking & has pushed the boundaries so it’d be cool if this tied in with him being vegan.

Whats your message to people thinking about going vegan?

Going vegan is one of the best things I’ve ever done. There have been so many benefits; my health and overall fitness have improved and I feel more connected to nature & animals, as well as believing that my actions are more aligned with my morals. The myths & misconceptions you might hear about veganism are not true at all – if you were curious I would say just try it for a few weeks & see how good you feel!!

Bringing a fresh fusion of jazz, hip-hop and soul, 6-piece Bristol collective Laimu harness carefully crafted arrangements led by sultry vocals. With their sights set on breaking into the live scene this year, this musical outfit have been honing their signature sound to deliver an innovative reflection of their adapting influences. Hovering somewhere between quirky funk records from the 70s, and the ever evolving soundscapes of hometown Bristol, their debut single 'Fruit' is an immersive experience. With early support from the likes of Jazz FM (radio B-List), TNGC Radio and Tap The Feed, 2018 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Laimu.

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Lauren Martin vocals transfused hip-hop and soul beats, previously known as Ladele she addresses life from her own perspective with a fire from within. Performing both captivating and emotionally charged music and lyrical content Lauren has supported the likes of artists such as Chester P, Skinnyman, Dr Syntax and The Mouse Outfit to name a few. Real life, real music.

Queen V sculpts beautiful and powerful melodies around candid lyrics, creating songs that simply cannot be ignored. She shares the vegan message through both humour and sincerity, with one truth shining through: love is the way. Winner of VegFestUK FxEctive Factor 2018, you don't want to miss your chance to hear this fervent and gifted artist.

Singer/Lyricist, Songwriter, Musician & Producer

Ellis Aaron is a music artist from Bristol, UK. He grew up in a musical family, playing musical instruments, singing and listening to a wide range of genres from a young age. He began to fulfil his passion for music at the age of 16, when he started producing electronic music, before later adding acoustic instrumentation and his vocals to his compositions.

Since then, Ellis has officially embarked on his music journey as an independent artist, releasing music and performing around the country. He has performed as both a singer and supporting musician, at events such as The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 2016, and has been involved in collaboration projects, including a cross national music project between Bristol and Rio, also in 2016. In August 2017, he released his first EP, ‘Focus’, before later releasing his next single, ’Me & You’, both of which have gained regular airplay on radio stations around the world.

Aligning mostly to the genre of soul, he continues to produce, vocal and perform his own tracks, with the aim of translating his interpretation and fondness for multiple genres. Ellis also performs spoken word.

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With her voice described as caramel, warm, soothing and inspiring, singer/songwriter Vanessa Smith has graced the stages and floors of many community events and private celebratory functions.

Vanessa has a natural gift that has been schooled by her upbringing in the Pentecostal church. Her voice also lends to genres such as reggae and soul.

In 2011, by public vote, Vanessa became a regional semi- finalist in the Open Mic Uk competition. Vanessa will appear as one of the Sisters with Voices at St Georges in Bristol and In May will take to flight to perform at Titanic in Lisbon Portugal.

Nadia will be doing mitt-work with Omowale holding and hitting, and will also be illustrating self defence techniques. Nadia will also be performing fitness routines aside me showing women they can accomplish the routines at home.

There will also be time for a Q&A with Omowale and Nadia.

Examining how the mainstream framing of veganism and animal rights makes people continually ask this question, why veganism and animal rights should be a cornerstone of black liberation, and how 

Are you thinking about going vegan? Have you tried being vegan before but come across some challenges? Are you a new vegan? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then please join us at one of our Vegan Approach workshops. During the workshop we outline our 10 simple steps to start you on your vegan journey including what to buy, where to eat, and how to deal with family and friends. We will also answer any questions you have about going vegan.

https://www.facebook.com/TheVeganApproach/

Media savvy vegans ‘Angels for the Innocent Foundation’ are bringing a supersonic, celebrity panel to VegfestUK to talk about how each of them has used their professional position in life in order to make a difference for animals and veganism.

Each of the panellists is in the public eye daily and has made life choices to shape their careers towards animal protection and a vegan lifestyle in order to influence others and make a difference. You too can be a positive role model – Come along and find out how.

Question Time with Darren Jones MP & Dale Vince from Ecotricity, hosted by VegfestUK’s Tim Barford.

Participants will observe examples of veganism and anti-speciesism in classic and modern literature, television, and film; learn how to interpret scientific journalism regarding food, environmental justice, and animals; and find out just what did the 2016 U.S. election teach us about social media content creation, distribution, and consumption (spoiler: vegans should take notes from the Russians)!

The moment I decided to become vegan, I had no clue what I was getting ready to put myself through. I found myself having to get rid of this, get rid of that, can’t eat this, can’t eat that but however it never stopped me from finding solutions… Now I’m here to share my experiences with being a plant-based eater.

After years of struggling with emotional battles around food Chef Day went on a three year journey to discover how to make peace with food. Combining the compassion that sparked her veganism with shifts in mindset, knowledge of nutrition and having fun with food she let go of chaotic eating. 

Pro cyclist Christine Vardaros shares all the knowledge she’s collected over the last 18 years while competing as a vegan at the top level. She’ll teach you everything you need to know about intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet so you can transform yourself into a fat-burning machine.

Fiona Oakes is hard to categorise.  Vegan since the age of 6, she is a triple Guinness World Record holder being the fastest woman to run a Marathon on every Continent plus the North Pole in both running time and days elapsed and an elite Marathoner, having placed highly in some of the World’s most high profile events as well as being a prolific winner of many road races ranging in distance from 5km to Marathon.  She is also an accomplished ultra runner having competed in many of the most gruelling events – including ‘the world’s toughest footrace’ – Marathon des Sables – three times.  Fiona is the founder of Towerhill Stables Animal Sanctuary, established over 20 years ago in order to provide a forever home to animals – both domestic and ex farmed – and is currently caring for over 450 of them.   Fiona is the subject of an upcoming film, Running for Good, being made by the acclaimed Director, Keegan Kuhn –  maker of the current releases Cowspiracy and What the Health – which aims to document a year in her life illustrating how her unique approach allows her to combine top level athletics with the day to day running of her animal sanctuary and public speaking engagements.  Fiona founded The Fiona Oakes Foundation in 2013 to promote veganism through sport and athletic achievement.  Having won many Awards and accolades for both her work with animals, sporting prowess Fiona dedicates her life to inspiring others to adopt an ethical vegan stance either by introducing them to, and allowing them to interact with, the animals at her Sanctuary enabling them to experience, first hand, their different needs, personalities, beauty, innocence and indigence hence enabling them to make the connection as to why it is so wrong to abuse them way.  She also actively advocates and illustrates the viability and sustainability of veganism by her amazing athletic achievements being globally in demand to speak about all her accomplishments on behalf of the animals.

‘Striving for excellence – Top Tips from our Plant-Based athletes’

Panel hosted by Dave Sheahan.

Paul will discuss how much of what we’re told about sports nutrition (especially relative to strength sports) is complete misinformation which he discovered when he switched from a meat heavy diet to eating completely plant based. He puts forth the case that a vegan diet is not just viable for athletes but is in fact optimal. He also speaks of the latest developments in nutrition science that will highly benefit athletes and non-athletes alike. Includes a Q&A session to finish.

Nimai Delgado (IFBB professional bodybuilder) & Jon Venus (Youtube star & bodybuilder) share their personal experience and knowledge in regards to how to build muscle as a vegan.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ask these experts your personal questions on how to apply their knowledge!

The world’s strongest vegan on his journey to dispel the world’s most dangerous myth. Patrik Baboumian has written two books since he went vegan almost 6 years ago and he continues to travel the whole world on his mission to fight a false image of masculinity. In this talk he will let you follow his personal journey that has inspired thousands of young men around the world. 

“Mythbusting – Separating fact from fiction”

Host to be announced shortly…

This will be a presentation on plant protein nutrition, discussing BCAA’s, “complete proteins”, and the importance of micronutrients and phytonutrients. 

There seems to be a misconception that changing our diet and/or lifestyle must always be a radical process. This is not necessarily so. Plant based living foods can make an immediate difference by Adding gradually to our current diet and lifestyle, rather than restricting it.

Jill will explain why plant based Living Foods are such a powerhouse of Nutrition; how they benefit us directly; how they impact our health and longevity in such a positive way and why the gradual “One Step at a Time with Guidance” approach works so well.

Join Jill to learn some of the simple things that you can do in your own home, to start or continue on your way!

www.jillswyers.com

Tim offers 11 simple changes for you to think about in everyday life that could make you feel healthier and more human. How to sleep, breath, what water to drink amongst other tips.

The talk will provide vital information on how to prepare appropriate vegan food that will resolve specific discomforts, and will cover what we need to eat daily to perform at our best, as well as so much more.

Derek Simnett (Youtube star & Nutritionist) & Leo Venus (medical student and YouTuber) share their knowledge on vegan nutrition, healthy living and fitness. This will be a fun Q&A style talk, so bring any questions you may have!  

In this talk, I will be covering popular topics such as how to get the right nutrients in your diet, reducing body fat using training methods such as HIIT and weight lifting, the benefits of intermittent fasting to increase size and strength and burn body fat quickly as well as having a question and answer session at the end for all your queries.