Reggae in Somerset, an English county a long way from Jamaica or even London for that matter. However Somerset is close enough to St Paul's in Bristol to have soaked up it's musical influence over the years, slowly the sound filtered through, from Tarzen The High Priest at The Bamboo Club to Jah Lokko, Enterprise, Excalibur and Sir Bastian and acts like Black Roots, Restriction, Joshua Moses and Talisman alongside international artists at shows in the long living reggae venues Trinity and the Malcolm X centre. 

Somerset is also where Fairfield House is, home of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie 1 during World War 2

Today, from those roots, reggae has entwined itself into the hearts and minds of many in the county alongside the recent influx of people from London, a city engorged with the influence of black music.

Somerset reggae players include Frome, Glastonbury and Bruton Dub Clubs, Tansha Sound, Element Sound, Bridgwater Reggae Soundsystem, Biggles Sound and Irie Hifi. Internationally known Djs such as Dj Quantize, Nico, FlashtaFari, Commando Selecta, Producers such as Ras Red I, and vocalist/producers Harm0nizer and Mo Flowz alongside vocalist MC MVP

Bruton Dub Club originated from a concept of Hackney based artist Clapper Priest as a conduit of East London Vibes into Somerset venues, bringing London artists such as Empress Lyan S, Black Slate, One Style MDV and The Majestic and Dj's such as Lady Elemental C (Choice Fm) Clifford Jnr (Reggae Roast), Ska V Goldsmith, El Bib, Lana Soundsystem and M.A.S.H Move. 

Over the years they have inspired and included others based in the South West such as Andy V (Swindon FM), Beat Safari, Papa Rich and Roots Inspiration.

Once again Bruton Dub Club are bringing their distinctive flavour, alongside Kaya Festival of world Music and Arts, with the Somerset Kaya Reggae Festival in Castle Cary on Saturday 13th July, noon til midnight. The massive line up includes Radical Dance Faction from Hungerford, One Style MDV and The Majestic from London, Emz Allstars from Portsmouth, The Mighty Rebel Sound Syndicate from Liverpool, Morgan Elwy from Gwynedd and also the T Bone Afrika Allstars from Northampton with compere; Ray Roughler Jones. 

We also have a full Bruton Dub club crew of Clapper Priest Empress Lyan S Mo Flowz Harm0nizer Dj Quantize Flashtafari Commando Audio Soundsystem Papa Rich.

With special guests Lady Elemental C Beat Safari DJ Nico Andy V Ska V Goldsmith Roots Inspiration Clifford Jnr. Ras Red I and Frome Dub Club.

When you are hungry we have

Karibu Africa Catering (AN EKO fundraiser www.educatingkenyanorphans.org) 

Jamrock Caribbean Catering

Kaya Bar

Iso Bar

War is Illegal Merchandising

The Glitter Temple

Poly Anne Facepainting

Saturday 13th July noon to midnight 

CARYFORD HALL, Maggs Lane, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ

Within walking distance of Castle Cary Railway Station

Recommended nearest camping within walking distance (not included in ticket price) The Brook House Inn and Touring Park Station Rd, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7PF. [email protected] 

Telephone: +44 (0)1963 350188 or +44 (0)7950 964255

Limited tickets £30 still available from Skiddle.com

Sponsored by PF Events, Stretch Tents Uk, The Bruton Club and The Brook House Inn

No Food or drink to be brought in, no overnight parking, No Dogs, No drugs,

Tickets limited to 400 so don't delay skiddle today!