Saturday
Corn Exchange theatre foyer
The town’s recently refurbished entertainment centre on the town square, hosts sessions in the auditorium and foyer, keeping musical and entertainment traditions alive.
Short Drag Roger The landlocked village of Chalgrove first saw Short Drag Roger singing traditional sea shanties, some dating back as far as the 16th century. With the true character of work songs, the rich chorus harmonies are all their own! In keeping with tradition, Short Drag Roger also write their own shanties, and audience participation is essential. They sing at large music and sea shanty festivals, as well as pubs, clubs, and corporate events. Short Drag Roger has grown from humble beginnings into a truly committed crew keeping shanties alive!
The Keep
Wallingford’s hippest venue, famous for its incredible array of gins and craft beers, hosts a great musical vibe come rain or shine – and maybe some participation (did we mention the gin and beer?).
Hipbone Slim Hipbone Slim (aka Sir Bald) plays drums with feet, guitar with hands, vocals and harmonica with mouth. A one-man band with an extensive repertoire of songs, mixing original material with some choice cover versions. He has toured widely across Europe and South America, and performed at prestigious festivals around the globe, and with his various bands written and recorded over 40 albums. Don't forget your maracas!
The Town Arms
A traditional pub near the picturesque Wallingford bridge, with a beer garden and stage where you can relax and/or rock out.
Ben Hemming In a backward nod to the ways of a bygone era, Ben Hemming didn’t so much find the blues... as the blues found him. Following a particularly troublesome time, he embarked on a musical pilgrimage around America that eventually came to define not just his sound, but also his identity. He's toured Europe and America several times since and released four albums. His latest, ‘Broken Road’, received critical acclaim: The Blues Magazine called him 'A unique musical identity’ while Blues Blast Magazine described his songs as being 'of bleak beauty'. Americana U.K. placed him at the forefront of the ‘New Blues’ movement.
Salters Steamers – Musical boat trips
Float away and end experience Wallingford from a different perspective – a riverboat. Bliss out to jazz on one of Salter’s lovely cruisers.
Oxford Classic Jazz Some of the best exponents of classic jazz in the country today, the band feature the ragtime of Scott Joplin and the masters of the Jazz Age – Fats Waller, Cole Porter, George Gershwin et al. It has been described as “sheer elegance” and “bottled sunshine” by satisfied customers! Frontman Nick Gill will also perform around the festival in a duo with Caroline "The Musical Saw Lady" Watsham, playing music inspired by the great swinging jazz pianists of the past, as well as providing the occasional vocal refrain.
The Dolphin
This family-friendly pub hosts Wallingford Radio 107.3fm in its garden for the entirety of BunkFest. Indulge in one of the pub’s legendary breakfasts, or chill out in the garden whilst listening to a complementary radio show including local bands, interviews and late night dancing.
Richard Strange A well-known and well-loved local DJ, Richard's Ska and 2Tone DJ nights are always packed - come along and feel the groove.
Five Little Pigs
A new addition to Wallingford, but already earning rave reviews, this bar/restaurant with Gin Garden is making its venue debut at Bunkfest with a whole smorgasbord of musical talent.
Lillibet Lillibet brings a poetic, melodic and carefully crafted lyrical vibe, whether she’s taking us on a musical journey into the life of a young woman conscious of today’s dating landscape, or empathising with weary but defiant victims of war – she's never phased by a challenge. Audiences are taken back to several eras at once, which makes for Lillibet’s unique and powerful voice, inspired by the world around her. Her sound is commercial but with its own distinct and memorable quality. This will bring her longevity as an artist as her song writing abilities draw on a wide range of musical traditions and genres.
