Cornwall’s Tropical Pressure Festival Begins 12th July
27 June, 2019Surrounded by granite cliffs and a heavy dose of sea air, music lovers gather each year for Cornwall’s Tropical Pressure Festival in coastal Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Porthtowan.
The festival brings punters and performers together to celebrate the rich cultures of Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean through music, art, food and dance. And this year it’s taking place on the weekend of 12th July.
Acts include Colombia’s mega salsa group, La 33, London’s multicultural cumbia collective Malphino, multi-genred Nickodemus, French-Colombian The Bongo Hop and punky and energetic Afro-Caribbean-influenced Los Gusanos. There’ll be percussive rhythms from Afro-Peruvian electronic quartet, Penya, electro-folkloric vibrations from Argentina’s Rumbo Tumba and sounds bridging the Arabic and Latin American worlds from Afro-Colombian champeta DJ, Edna Martinez.
Pete from On the Corner Records will also play a DJ set and a wealth of African bands from Ethiopia, Reunion, Congo, Cameroon, Sudan and Senegal will be representing the many rhythms of the eclectic African continent that has so influenced Latin and Caribbean music.
At night, the festival will light up with electricity – silent discos, tropical-themed stages, trippy lights and a warm buzz absorbed from the day’s activities will emanate into the night.
In this intimate, family friendly festival, food also plays a vital role in encouraging ecological perspectives and a culture of appreciating difference. The 100% vegetarian food on offer ranges from Sri Lankan curries and Caribbean barbecues to British crumpets and homemade lollies. (If you crave a Peperami or a ham sandwich, meat is permitted in the camping area). Non-disposable food packaging is used throughout.
There are also free workshops on offer, so guests can enjoy group yoga sessions, drumming and more. It’s a space to share cultures, hang out with a range of ages and appreciate the green environment.
If you’re feeling super eco you can cycle to the festival and leave your two wheels in the free bike park. Plus, arrive in clothes you’re sick of and leave in a fresh outfit thanks to the free clothes swap.
You can purchase festival tickets online, and each weekend ticket includes camping over the three days, 12th-14th July. Family tickets and modestly-priced day tickets are also available. See you there!
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