ZOE NATTRESS, one of the creators of Magical Festival, talks to Jamie Walker

Tell us about the festival. How did it begin?

Magical is a three-day micro festival (with camping) with more than 50 live music acts and DJs. Four of my great friends and I co-founded the festival together. We have a passion for making the most out of life, spending time with our friends and dancing to uplifting music. We created Magical as a place to dance, have fun with friends, learn and grow as a person in a safe environment, where kids can come along too.

We actually started the festival by accident after organising a huge three-day double festival wedding for four of the founders. We never intended to set up a festival, it just… happened.

Who can the public expect to see playing this year?

We have a multi-genre mega lineup of over 50 music acts, including Plump DJs, The Correspondents, Carnival Collective and SK Shlomo. You probably won’t have heard of everyone on the lineup, but we’re certain you’ll love them. We’ve lovingly hand picked our favourite up and coming musicians from the local area.

Are there any acts you are particularly looking forward to seeing?

There are so many to choose from. We’re really excited to experience SK Shlomo’s beatboxing workshop and get involved in some beatboxing ourselves. We’re also super excited to see two up-and-coming artists in particular – Jay Johnson and Oscar Mic.

What makes Magical stand out on a busy and bustling festival circuit?

We’re the friendliest festival in the UK. There’s a real community/family feel – everyone knows each other by the end of it and has joined the Magical family. As well as the amazing music, we also have TED style talks, workshops and activities designed to inspire people to be their best, happiest, true selves.

You describe Magical as a boutique festival. What does that term mean to you?

A hidden gem that the mainstream hasn’t discovered yet, untouched by commercialism. Intimate, independent and high quality. We’ll have under 1,000 attendees at the event, so it’s a very different experience than going to a big commercial festival. There’s no-faff walking long distances with your tent, and there’s space to comfortably experience intimate performances.

What makes Borde Hill Garden such an ideal venue?

We fell in love with Borde Hill the first time we went to visit. Beautiful lakes, woodland and breathtaking views. It really is our field of dreams. Plus the people that run it are lovely and share our vision for creating a festival to celebrate life.

Finally, with such a bustling festival circuit in the UK, why is Magical Festival the one to go to this summer?

Above all, Magical is a place to play, learn, laugh, dance and grow in a haven of pure, ridiculous potential. It’s rare to be able to go to a festival in its early years of operation where everything is so personal. Anyone attending this year will have a very special experience.