There are just three weeks until this summer’s Original Culture Festival returns for its fourth edition, bringing music, unity and culture to Priory Country Park.
On Saturday, 16, and Sunday, 17 August, all roads lead to Bedford for two unforgettable days – and it’s set to be the biggest and best yet.
Born from the dream of Bedford DJ Rowan Forrester (aka Rhino Selekta), Original Culture Events was created to bring something bigger and more meaningful to the local music scene.
The vision was simple but profound: to craft unforgettable events that celebrated the richness of original music cultures and brought people together in joyous unity.
Tragically, Rhino’s journey was cut short in August 2021 when he passed away due to COVID-19, just two weeks before the first event. Though the loss was immeasurable, his legacy and vision live on in every event hosted by Original Culture Events.
Now run by his fiancée Fiona and his close friend Josie, together, they work tirelessly to keep the spirit of Rhino’s passion alive – and everyone’s invited to join in.
This year, Saturday is strictly for the over 18s and features an explosive lineup including Scorcher & Friends, DJ Luck & MC Neat, London Garage Orchestra, DJ AG & Friends, Saxon Sound System, and a full cast of iconic UK names across garage, hip-hop, and reggae.
New for this year is a dedicated R&B zone brought to you by ‘We Are Brunchin’, delivering smooth, soulful tunes all day. There will also be surprise guests hitting the stage throughout the day.
As ever, Sunday is focused on fun, with the emphasis on bringing the whole family together for an uplifting day of music, activities, and celebration.
Sunday’s lineup features Lifford Shillingford, The Pride, Sophia Soul, DJ Covie, Kirsten Knight, and many more plus, there is a dedicated Children’s Area featuring inflatables, face painting, rides, crafts, games bus, and children’s entertainers.
And Garage fans are in for a nostalgia fest, as the “Give Me Garage” Arena brings back 30 years of old school garage classics from the pioneers of the scene.
Tickets are selling fast, and with just three weeks to go, Fiona and Josie cannot wait to celebrate with everyone.
“It means the world to us to be returning for the fourth edition of Original Culture Festival,” said Fiona.
“Each year, the energy grows stronger and the support from our community continues to blow us away. Rhino’s legacy is at the core of everything we do and his vision continues to guide and inspire us to build something meaningful that brings people together in the love of music.”
Josie said: “This year, attendees can expect new talent, a third music area, new rides, food vendors and children’s entertainment, but our heart remains the same: celebrating music, community, unity and creativity.
“There are some incredible people and companies that help us make this event happen, and we would like to thank our amazing sponsors Digital Tax Matters, Goodacres, Concept Event Solutions, Watton Recruitment, Everyone’s Gang and Comms Specialist, who continue to stand behind the vision and bring the festival to life.”
You can buy tickets to Original Culture Festival at their website here.
