All About 110 Above Festival

Atherstone, UK

Open-air

S – 500-2k

Indie

$$

Local

+3 Days

Intimate and fully independent, the 110 Above festival is the ultimate place to discover brand new music and talents.

Commonly referred to as indie’s best kept secret and self-named as “more than a festival”, 110 Above is the perfect place for music lovers who prefer a smaller setting.

With all the stages being within a comfortable walking distance of each other, this is one festival where it’s easy to get around.

Here’s everything you need to know about 110 Above.

110 Above started out as a birthday celebration

The festival’s beginning was as intimate as it can be, starting out as a birthday party with 20 friends gathered around a campfire.

Music was a central part of the birthday party, and then obviously of the festival in the subsequent years as the group of friends sat in the middle of Gospall fields with a CD player.

One of the individuals attending the party, Michael Lain, became the festival’s founder and turned 110 Above into the popular festival it has become.

The festival began under a different name

110 Above started out as Lainfest, named after the festival’s founder. In 2015, its name changed to how we know it today. The current name represents the height that Gospall Hall Farm is situated at above sea level – 110 meters above.

Since it started as an intimate social circle, the festival’s founder strived to keep 110 Above the way it started. Compared to other commercial festivals like Glastonbury and Creamfields, capacity is carefully limited to give festival-goers the private and intimate feel.

Many talented artists have performed at the festival

The festival has invited many well known performers in the past to its stages.

In 2021, the stage was home to Olivia Dean, Vistas, Amber Run, Junodream and Sundara Karma, with many more artists who gave brilliant performances.

The festival has quite a small capacity

To ensure the festival stays small and intimate, there is a capacity of only 1,000 people for the three days – which means that attendees are closer than ever to the music.

Accommodation comes in the form of teepees, caravans and tents on the site itself, so you’re never too far from where the party is. There are also exclusive glamping options, beautifully furnished in line with the laid-back atmosphere of the festival.

The festival holds Inn Sessions

Inn Sessions by 110 Above is an even more intimate and smaller affair. Held at the same location earlier in the year, the festival celebration is for those that cannot wait until summer to discover new music and listen to old favorites. 

The Inn Sessions take place over the course of two days, offering its 200 attendees a variety of street food to go along with the music on stage.

The festival’s Temple Ruins inspired an iconic piece of music

And here’s a nugget of history. The Temple Ruins that can be seen from Gospall Hall Farm are said to have inspired composer George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, created in 1741.

The festival proudly promotes this, as music runs through the veins of the grounds of Gospall Hall Farm.

More isn’t the only thing present at 110 Above

110 Above is family friendly and offers activities that would excite people of all ages.

Besides enjoying the indie acts that take to the stage, attendees can spend their festival time in workshops and games. You can find face painting stands, games, comedy shows, and even drumming workshops. 

110 Above cares about the environment

Festivals around the world have shown an effort to become more eco-friendly and 110 Above is no exception. 

To protect the beauty of the farm where the festival is held, organisers implemented some policies. These include only using reusable cups and bottles, waste separation for recyclables and non-recyclables, as well as the banning of plastic straws and unnecessary plastic.

A haven for indie music lovers, 110 Above provides an experience like no other festival. Considering how cozy this festival is, it’s best to book your tickets ASAP.