words: STEPHEN NOTTINGHAM
Founded in 2003, Green Man is one of Britain’s best-loved festivals. It first moved to its beautiful setting in Glanusk Park in 2006, the year that Fiona Stewart became its Managing Director, and in 2010 won the Best Medium Sized Festival Award.
The festival continually aims to better itself and this year, as Fiona explains, there’s plenty more to be enjoyed across the many stages and tents: “There are eight stages offering music, comedy, literature, science and film, as well as a great kids’ area so there should be something for everyone.” In terms of music, this year’s top acts include Fleet Foxes, Noah And The Whale, Bellowhead, Laura Marling, Explosions In The Sky, Squarepusher and Gruff Rhys. The festival also supports new and emerging talent, with many unsigned artists performing across the weekend. The opening band will be Will And The People: winners of Green Poll (the festival’s battle of the bands competition).
“Although music is at the heart of Green Man, it is also filled with the kind of unexpected experiences and areas which change a concert into a festival,” explains Fiona. “The people who come to Green Man are very discerning and their ideas are a great resource,” she notes. “Feedback shows audiences want to have the immersive experience that only a festival can offer, and getting this right is integral to the success of Green Man.”
According to Fiona, “originality, authenticity, eccentricity and the unexpected” are essential ingredients at Green Man, and this year will see some new features take their place alongside old favourites. “We are developing the Nature And Nurture massage and therapy area,” says Fiona, “so if you fancy a relaxing therapy between acts then it’s definitely worth booking in early. Also, there are some great new surprises and bonkers experiences in Einstein’s Garden – the art and science area.”
Simon Armitage, Howard Marks and Joe Dunthorne are among the bill in the Literature Tent; Tom Wrigglesworth and Tony Law perform in the Comedy Tent. The sing-a-long Wicker Man is a typical happening in the Cinema Tent, while Chai Wallahs – which takes place in a massive Bedouin marquee – is like a festival within a festival, with food and music from around the world. Green Man stays up late, with the Far Out After Dark stage running until 4am. Tim Minchin will be performing on Thursday evening, for those arriving early, while the festival concludes on Sunday night with the burning of the green man.
The holiday ticket option, where people come for the week leading up to the festival, is becoming an increasingly popular option for people keen to make the absolute most out of their festival experience. “It’s great to see the pleasure people get from discovering the attractions in the area,” explains Fiona. “Primarily it’s the incredible beauty of the area; which I enjoy exploring on long walks with my dog Walter. During the festival build, a group of us walk up Table Mountain each year.” The area is noted for its range of great places to eat, and the festival itself is also gaining a reputation as a foodie event. “Local accommodation is booked out and more and more businesses offer supplies or other services to the festival,” Fiona notes. “We think it’s great that Green Man stimulates tourism and boosts the local economy.”
Refreshingly free of big corporate sponsors – even though this makes it harder to finance – The Green Man Festival has grown whilst also maintaining its independent spirit. “We feel that sponsorship should add to the experience for festival-goers not detract from it,” says Fiona. “If a sponsorship deal brought in something that would really add to the festival from a company that we all felt happy to be associated with, then we would consider it; but that has not happened so far.”
One high profile festival has been cancelled next year, due to logistical problems arising from the Olympics (portable toilets and suchlike); however, Fiona has few concerns on that front “All our suppliers have reassured us that they will be supporting us next year and that is good enough for me. So happily Green Man will be back in 2012 and for as long as you want us.”
Green Man Festival, Fri 19-Sun 21 Aug, Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons. Info: www.greenman.net