News: The Hills Head online for United We Stream Special on 5 December

We’re delighted that Head For The Hills will be hitting your screens for a one-off special on Saturday 5 December, thanks to United We Stream Greater Manchester.

Tier 3 might mean we can’t get together for gigs just yet, but the team behind the festival are bringing a day of gigs, DJ sets and inspiration from the hills to brighten up a dark December weekend.

The day-long special will broadcast live with sets pre-recorded at sites in Ramsbottom, including the festival’s picturesque base at Ramsbottom Cricket Ground, and from organisers The Met in Bury. After a year of challenges and setbacks for everyone who lives, loves and breathes festivals, this will be one last reminder of the power of live music and a spotlight on this brilliant sector as we head into December.  

Sacha Lord said “I’m really pleased that we will be showcasing the best of Head For The Hills on United We Stream Greater Manchester  – This is a cracking small festival, one of the best in the North, rich in local talent and creativity, and it’s right here in Ramsbottom.   

“The Met in Bury has been United We Stream’s home since we began the project at the end of March so creating a virtual Head For The Hills in conjunction with the team there is a perfect way to celebrate the collaborations and creativity that have endured during this year.  

“The restrictions for mass gatherings won’t continue forever and I’m very confident that festivals will be taking place in 2021, but for now this is the next best way to enjoy a day’s music and culture.” 

There will be live festival sets from Greater Manchester artists including I Am Kloot’s John Bramwell and Jesca Hoop alongside Liverpool art-pop trio Stealing Sheep. Acts from further away who have previously found plenty of new fans in the Ramsbottom hills will also be beaming in special performances, with Giant Rooks from Germany, and Elephant Sessions from Scotland. More performers will be announced over the next week, as well as details of DJ sets that will keep you dancing until long after the headliners have usually finished. 

Artistic Director of Head For The Hills and The Met David Agnew said “We feel hugely excited to be able to bring together some of our audience’s most loved acts and discoveries since we started the festival in 2011   

This chance to share a taste of Head For The Hills via the brilliant platform of United We Stream will give thousands of people a flavour of what we hope will return to festival sites across the country next summer.” 

Councillor Jane Black, Cabinet Member for the Cultural Economy, Bury Council said “Head For The Hills and culture in general has a huge impact on life, business and enjoyment across our borough, – and music has become even more important to many residents in recent months.  

We’re delighted that, thanks to a partnership with United We Stream, we’re able to share a taster of one of the most important events in our cultural calendar. We’re looking forward to welcoming music lovers from across the country virtually to Ramsbottom and Bury as we reach the end of 2020.” 

Poet Tony Walsh has become a regular act and great supporter of the festival, and will be hosting and performing at this online version. There’ll also be spoken word from Dublin’s Stephen James Smith, performing live from Ireland. 

Head For The Hills will bring a little festival flavour to the town of Ramsbottom in December with light installations and projections on local landmarks from Walk The Plank and Illimunos.  

Follow United We Stream (@StreamGM) and Head For The Hills (@head4hillsfest) online to see more over the coming days. The festival will be available to watch online for free at unitedwestream.co.uk and headforthehills.org.uk, as well as via facebook.com/head4hillsfest.