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Arrested Development to star at Greenbelt festival

Louise Parry
Arrested Development A promotional photo of Arrested Development. Three men and two women sit on a bench inside a small chapel, which has crosses on the wall and stained glass windows. They all pose and look at the camera with serious expressions. They wear denim jeans and two have sunhats on. Arrested Development
Arrested Development will close Greenbelt's final festival at Boughton House in Northamptonshire

Hip hop band Arrested Development and rock duo The Proclaimers will headline a long-running festival's last outing at a stately home.

Greenbelt began in 1974 as a faith, arts and justice festival, and has been held at Boughton House in Northamptonshire since 2014.

The directors announced in September that the annual gathering would be moving, and were keeping their options open about where – or if – it would run in 2027.

Welsh singer and activist Charlotte Church will also appear at this summer's festival, along with singing coach and ordained minister Carrie Grant and broadcaster Cathy Newman.

Martin Heath/BBC A large big top with four gables is set against a backdrop of trees. Crowds of people stand beneath it and outside it, wearing summer clothing. There are some colourful flags and umbrellas aroud, and more marquees in the distance.Martin Heath/BBC
Greenbelt said the cost of providing a "hefty" infrastructure at Boughton House had become increasingly expensive

Known for its politics and focus on social justice, Greenbelt was first dreamed up by bricklayer and theologian James Holloway and Christian musician Steve Shaw.

Christian musicians Sir Cliff Richard and Roy Castle appeared on the bill in 1979, but the festival also welcomed artists known to be atheists such as Bob Geldof and Labi Siffre.

Greenbelt said "iconic hip hop trailblazers Arrested Development" had been on their wishlist "for many years".

"Fronted by artist and campaigning troubadour Speech, the band wear their social conscience and faith firmly on their sleeves," a spokesperson said.

Tricia Yourkevich/BBC The Proclaimers on stage with purple and blue lighting and a background of diamonds and triangles. The singer and guitarist each stand behind a microphone.Tricia Yourkevich/BBC
The Proclaimers, pictured at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015, previously played several times at Greenbelt

After the Covid pandemic, Greenbelt introduced a "pay what you can" ticket policy, which it called "radical and inclusive".

The event, which falls over the August bank holiday, includes a large camping area in the fields around the formal grounds of Boughton House.

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