For phase 2, Wonderfruit first explores deeper into the world of electronic music with global DJs including German techno aficionado and Herzblut Recordings founder Stephan Bodzin, All Day I Dream favorite YokoO, and fellow dance-inducing producers like Eric Volta, Uone, Marc Antona, Noxro, and Coran. For lovers of indie music, Wonderfruit has tapped into the poignant vocals and synth-driven production of Shura, the highly addicting lyrics of UK singer Lianne La Havas, the acoustic stylings of Blitzen Trapper, and the eclectic sound of Brooklyn duo Buke and Gase. This adds to a lineup that already includes Rudimental, Young Fathers, JUNUN featuring Shye Ben Tzur & The Rajasthan Express, Mad Professor, Nastia, Matador, Kate Simko & London Electronic Orchestra, and more.
In addition to the Farm Stage, which will be ceremonially decorated with harvested rice, Wonderfruit is pleased to announce new stages and an art car that will be gracing the festival grounds this year. First up is the Solar Stage from artist Gregg Fleishman, whose geometrically configured creations are regular highlights at Burning Man. Using his signature panel design structure, The Solar Stage will be the focal point for both the sunrise and sunset in the fields. Next up from revered comic book creator and designer Adam Pollina is Wonder Kar, a large roaming stage that will fit around 30 people at a time. By supporting the art car’s build through an upcoming crowdfunding campaign, guests can earn a chance to ride on the beauteous creation at Wonderfruit. More details to be announced soon.
Beyond the stellar musical additions, Wonderfruit is pleased to announce the first round of chefs and restaurants on the bill for Wonder Feasts 2016. This year’s festivities will include a brunch from Paolo Vitaletti (Peppina / Appia) and Jarrett Wrisley (Soul Food Mahanakorn / Appia), along with meals from the forward-thinking team behind F.A.C.T. Collective. With a focus on Food, Art, Culture and Travel, the pioneering incubator for unforgettable experiences will offer up a unique feast that combines the flavors of northern and southern Thai cuisines. Guests can experience home-grown and wild-foraged ingredients and traditional cooking methods, all exquisitely paired with locally-fermented liquor and wine.
Activities are also plentiful for children at Camp Wonder -- the festival’s interactive and welcoming kid’s camp. With enriching offerings such as storytelling with Heads & Tales, photography with Anthony Cheung, and live painting with Hannah Theodorou, children will surely not be bored. Other activities geared for younger attendees include kids bowling, craft making, exclusive art installations and Kohn Thai performances. There are also nanny services available.
With a theme that focuses on Eco Heroes, the Scratch Talks speaker series including impactful talks from EnVision Corporation CEO Todd Lemons on sustainable technologies, Natural Capital Alliance founder Alan Bausch on the use of Bitcoin's revolutionary Blockchain technology, Dr. Andy Cornish sharing wild stories of his work with sharks and stingrays, Craig Leeson speaking on the film Plastic Oceans, and Trash Hero elaborating on their remarkable beach cleanup campaigns.
Other exciting aspects of the festival include workshops with esteemed organizations including F.A.C.T. Collective, Sampran Riverside, TCDC COMMONS x The Archivist, and Aleph Geddis, along with legendary boxer Buakaw, who will be teaching the basics of Muay Thai and more during his time at Wonderfruit. Other noteworthy additions to the Wellness & Adventures offerings include Melanie Clapp teaching the sacred arts of Reiki and Kundalini, while Rosemary and Ebba will teach yoga classes.
Lovers of interactive art installations will have the chance to witness “Little Monsters” from noted Thai artist, environmentalist and fashion photographer Tom Potisit. He will team up with emerging artist Jitjer to create this roving installation, which reflects the increasingly fragile interdependence between man and ocean. As marine deaths caused by trash have tripled in recent years, the artists hope to spark awareness of the growing problem with waste collected by Trash Hero as a cornerstone for the installation.
To add to its focus on sustainability, Wonderfruit will premiere the film Plastic Oceans ahead of its release in 2017. The adventure documentary brings to light the consequences of our global disposable lifestyle and solving problems such as global waste, energy consumption, environmental impact. and health. Other efforts towards establishing a more sustainable event include the presence of Greenpeace, who will encourage people to take the path of renewable energy by presenting a [RE]Charging Station. The kiosk aims to inspire guests with the hopes that they will permanently adopt a greener lifestyle.
Plan your next escape this Winter - The journey to Wonderfruit 2016 begins now! 4-day passes can be purchased currently for $160. Visit Wonderfruit’s website for more information on securing your ticket, travel and accommodations.
