How To Green Man
Green Man can be a daunting prospect for a newcomer, or even old regulars. We asked a number of grizzled Green vets what tips they had for the crowds this year and their favourite Green Man memories.
Fiona Stewart – Green Man Director
My no.1 top tip of knowledge would be to try a bit of everything on offer! There’s so much to soak in, from hilarious comedians and cult classic films, to live podcasts and emerging bands – so make sure you pick up a lanyard and explore each area. If you want to go beyond the headliners, the glade of trees behind Fortune Falls is home to some weird and wonderful art installations you should definitely check out. And Einstein’s Garden is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, so be sure to bring a curious mind to the scientific adventures that’ll ensue there.
Over 15 years, my favourite Green Man memory has to be for our anniversary last year. When PJ Harvey stepped onto the main stage, with mist coming in from the Black Mountains behind. that was a moment of complete magic.
Ben Coleman – Green Man Programmer
What am I most looking forward to? An impossible question, really. But it’s hard to look past King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard headlining the whole festival on Friday night. Beyond that, John Maus – if you fancy some weird, hi-octane, synth-kissed rock’n’roll – and two Rising acts you shouldn’t miss are Fenne Lily and Buzzard. My top tip for first-timers would be to get lost!
Stephen Black – Sweet Baboo
I’ve been lucky enough to have been asked to play, in one way or another, three times this year. Firstly on Saturday lunchtime with my band, Sweet Baboo, and even if I do say so myself, we’re on fire at the moment. Then later on that night I’ll be rocking the saxophone for Cate Le Bon. Then finally, the following morning, will be the first ever festival appearance by Group Listening, a clarinet and piano project between myself and experimental musician Paul Jones. We’re playing in the Far Out tent so it’s gonna sound pretty bonkers, in a good way I hope.
Outside of that, I’m looking forward to watching Charles Watson, Pictish Trail, Seazoo and Boy Azooga play. Then, my wife and I are taking our son to the whole festival. Camping to boot! I’m not sure if looking forward is quite the right phrase, but we are excited for new experiences.
There’s too many memories of Green Man to mention. Off the top of my head… Bonnie Prince Billy, Neutral Milk Hotel, Lone Pigeon, Euros Childs, Bill Callahan’s Mighty Duck Formation, my first encounter with Pieminister. The Dexys.
If I had to give one top tip for newcomers, it would be to carry snacks, Penquins, gold bars, trios, anything from the chocolate biscuit base family and go see some stuff you might not normally see.
Adam Williams, Clwb Ifor Bach (+ other assorted Clwb denizens)
We’re looking forward to the legend that is [Bristolian cult figure] Big Jeff DJing, we can’t wait to hear what he’s going to bring to the table. Then, there’s Anorac, a documentary with Huw Stephens travelling Wales, meeting his musical heroes and giving insight into the current Welsh language music scene, from a man that nerds out on it.
Also, the opportunity to get lost in the forest late at night and stumble across little art installations along the way, and Hot Toddy’s at the Chai Wallah. Food-wise, the ultimate dinner at Green Man is a Goan fish curry accompanied with a cup of fresh elderflower presse from the Walled Garden – with added gin of course. That should set you up for a great night.
Anything else? We had Stella Donnelly at Clwb back in May and saw her again at The Great Escape festival. She’s an incredible songwriter. She’s from Australia, but was born in Swansea and she spoke to us in Welsh! One of our favourite Green Man memories is from 2014, seeing Mac DeMarco crowdsurf across half the Far Out Tent to climb all the way up a pillar just to jump back into the crowd again. Also, can’t not mention that time Mercury Rev made the whole crowd sob during their Sparklehorse Sea Of Teeth cover.
Info: www.greenman.net
