Musical headliners include live drum-and-bass ensemble Rudimental, along with Scottish hip-hop trio and Mercury Award recipients for Best Album Young Fathers. Rounding out Phase 1 is a genre-bending collection of artists including JUNUN featuring Shye Ben Tzur & The Rajasthan Express, Kate Simko & The London Electronic Orchestra, Guyanese dub music hero Mad Professor, Brooklyn’s revered dance producers Wolf + Lamb, Matador, and Nastia, along with local favorites Rasmee Isan Soul, Zero Hero, Yena, Srirajah Rockers, The Superglasses Ska Ensemble and DJ Dragon - plus many more artists to be announced soon!
Looking forward to December the excitement surrounding the festivities is palpable, as headliners Rudimental explain:
“We've played festivals all over the world but never in Thailand. Wonderfruit sounds like an incredible party and holiday all in one - we can't wait to go... Shout out to the organisers for pledging to be carbon neutral too.”
International catalysts of fostering a more eco-conscious society, festival organizers Scratch First pledge to offset this year’s carbon footprint by investing in the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, a diverse ecosystem in Indonesia. Every ticket purchased plays an integral role in the preservation of a precious natural resource. With a vision of cultivating creativity and inspiring personal responsibility, Wonderfruit Festival is slated to cement its position as one of the top sustainable festivals in the world.
A homage to festival founders’ commitment to celebrating the arts, and to honor the annual village harvesting of rice-- the grain steeped in Thailand’s rich history, The Farm Stage stands as one of four exhilarating stages. Inspired by ceremonial aesthetics, the newest Wonderfruit stage is the progeny of visionaries PO-D Architects x Thor, who utilize harvested rice as the principle build medium. Also new is cross-cultural collaborative art installation hosted by The British Council, where attendees are invited to assist in the creative process alongside designers. Arts are further illuminated by master puppeteer Nang Sako Talung Dharma, numerous pop-up theatrical performances and breathtaking art installations.
Souls aiming to rejuvenate the body can find balance with exemplary instruction from international Ashtanga master Danny Paradise and Hatha yoga master Anastasis, who are spearheading the wellness schedule. Guests can partake in the inquisitive bike trails lining the venue courtesy of Life Cycling, learn the basics of Muay Thai with legendary boxer Buakaw, or take a lesson in the intricate art of floral sculpture from master designer Sakul Intakul.
Located at the heart of the festival, renowned farm-to-feast experiences return to whet the appetites of revelers with opportunities to engage in culinary workshops and sample sumptuous local faire. Wonderfruit welcomes back Bangkok’s famous Rocketfruit, unique blend of food, cocktails and hip-hop Straight Outta Thonglor (S.O.T), and luxurious, communal outdoor dining at Theater of Feasts - a four-day tour of gastronomic delights.
Lessons in sustainable living will be abundant at Scratch Talks, a Thai-based social enterprise forging change through the arts as a means to engage and create communities of sustainable and socially responsible growth. This will include interactive sessions from art collective Trash Hero, InfiniteEARTH founder Todd Lemons, and Natural Capital Alliance founder Alan Laubsch.
Other festival highlights returning in 2016 include high-fashion and beauty locales A Taste of Wonder and Wonder Salon, wellness environments The Healing Village and Camp Wonder, an interactive, kid-friendly area packed with activities for participants of all ages.
Plan your next escape this Winter - The journey to Wonderfruit 2016 begins now! For more information on securing your 4-day pass, travel and accommodations visit Wonderfruit’s website.
