BIG CHILL FESTIVAL
2004 to 2007
The Big Chill Festival from 2004 to 2007 at Eastnor Castle was the UK's definitive boutique, chilled-out cultural retreat. It was celebrated for its uniquely relaxed and friendly atmosphere, blending high-quality electronic, funk, soul, and world music with extensive art installations, comedy, and well-being areas. This period cemented its reputation as the most sophisticated and gentle alternative to mainstream rock festivals.
The commitment to visual creativity and personal expression contributed to an atmosphere that was both playful and visually rich. The crowd, often mixing families and creative professionals, was regarded as exceptionally friendly and respectful, reflecting the festival's overall focus on fun, art, and good vibes.
It cultivated an atmosphere of sophisticated escapism, encouraging attendees to slow down and enjoy the beautiful setting of Eastnor Castle. The experience was deeply immersive, blending the music—a seamless mix of ambient, funk, and world sounds—with continuous art installations, lighting, and performance. This focus on creative detail and a friendly, respectful crowd ensured the festival always felt like a communal, bohemian retreat rather than a chaotic event.
The atmosphere was unique because it placed equal weight on music, art, and well-being. By day, people relaxed in the Body & Soul area, browsed the Art Trail installations, or watched films in the cinema tent. By night, the stages offered a seamless journey from ambient and chill-out beats to funk, dub, and soul—all delivered with high-quality sound and stunning visual projections. It was a space that prioritized gentle grooving, communal connection, and a lifelong love of music and creativity over high-octane performance.
I was hired as the freelance atmosphere photographer during this period to capture the festival's unique visual identity
The Big Chill was the creation of Pete Lawrence and Katrina Larkin, whose vision shaped its unique character. Starting the festival based on a shared love of chilled-out electronic music, their organisational style favoured a curated, artistic approach over corporate sponsorship. They focused on nurturing a genuine communal atmosphere and high-quality artistic content—from the music line-up to the extensive art trails—which earned them a reputation for throwing one of the most beloved and creatively led summer events in the UK.
The festival's dedication to wellness was highlighted by the Body & Soul Area, also known as the Healing Area. This space was essential to the Big Chill identity, offering a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation. It featured various services like massage, yoga classes, and alternative therapies.
The food and drink were high-quality, deliberately avoiding typical greasy fare. The selection heavily featured organic and vegetarian food stalls. For drinks, the famous, potent cocktails, like the Reggae Rum Punch, were an integral and defining part of the Big Chill's sophisticated, indulgent fun.
The location was central to The Big Chill's appeal, setting the tone for the entire festival. It was held at Eastnor Castle Deer Park, nestled deep within the scenic Malvern Hills. This stunning backdrop, complete with a historic castle, rolling parkland, and lakes, provided an atmosphere of immediate escapism and beauty. Unlike flat, exposed festival sites, Eastnor's natural environment felt idyllic and vast, allowing the organisers to create distinct areas for music, art, and healing that were easily navigated and never felt crowded.
These images were captured between 2004 and 2007 during my time as the official atmosphere photographer for The Big Chill. They serve as a documentary record of the festival's era at Eastnor Castle, celebrating the vision of Pete Lawrence and Katrina Larkin. All images © 2026 Sophie Laslett. For archive usage or print inquiries, please contact slaslett@hotmail.com
In memory of our lovely friend Sineady the Lady xxx
