Green Man celebrate their 15th festival this year, and have booked a suitably star-studded line up to rock the Beacons. The annual music and arts festival – which debuted in 2003 as a one-day micro-fest, and now ushers 20,000 people in for four days – impresses again with a clutch of artistic talent ranging from rousing Americana to the outright alternative.
In her single UK show of 2017, PJ Harvey will be taking to the Black Mountains for a headline set. Harvey’s melodic voice and haunting lyrics have garnered consistent praise for some 25 years, being the only artist to hold two Mercury Prizes. Fans of American alternative rock will not be left wanting either, with alt-country icon Ryan Adams and synthpop breakout stars Future Islands both confirmed. As with PJ Harvey, Green Man have managed to secure exclusive UK appearances for both acts, meaning fans will have to act speedily to ensure they don’t miss out.
In total, nearly three dozen acts have been announced for GM17 initially, with other highlights including fast-rising soul-folk artist Michael Kiwanuka; lush Nashville country veterans Lambchop; Conor Oberst, best known as frontman of Bright Eyes and cult US indie figure Angel Olsen. A secret Thursday night headliner has also been mooted – exciting!
Music is not the sole focus of the festival: there will be a range of arts-based activities and entertainment options available for people of all ages. If the hard partying brings on a thirst then The Courtyard will see it quenched – with a huge assortment of craft beers and ciders on offer. Hunger need not be a worry either, with a feast of artisan culinary delights to excite the pallets of festival-goers. Everything from Welsh sausages to Goan cuisine has been on offer, all made with fresh local ingredients. Families will be happy to know that kids have not been left out with dedicated areas (Somewhere and Little Folk) provided to keep the young’uns busy.
The 15th Green Man will be a celebration of music, art and the best of the Beacons. Where better to spend four hazy August evenings?
Green Man 2017, Glanusk Park Estate, Brecon Beacons, Thurs 17-Sun 20 Aug. Tickets: £180/£155 NUS/£115 teens/£20 under-12s/free under-5s. Info: www.greenman.net
words JOHN BOOTH