Green Man: The Ultimate Free-Range Experience
The Green Man Festival near Crickhowell, Wales is the ultimate free-range experience.
Posted 22nd September 2009, 5:36pm in Interviews, by Siân Rowe
The Green Man Festival near Crickhowell, Wales is the ultimate free-range experience. Organic food peeps out from under hemp awning, tents lie scattered in acres of stunning national park and - for one weekend only - even bloody hippies aren't that annoying. They've put on some equally out-there bands, with Grizzly Bear, Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart lining up alongside some of the cutest lo-fi acts around.It takes a certain DIY ethos to achieve this kind of laid-back bliss. Since starting the festival at Craig Y Nos Castle in 2003 Jo, Danny and their enthusiastic bunch of friends have been organising everything themselves, from juice stands to jugglers, main stage to main meals. This is Fake DIY speak to festival organiser Fiona Stewart about how they keep things real.
So, still basking in that festival glow?
I always love it and had a great time again this year.
We've heard that you've already started on the next one. What's the planning process like? Any thoughts on headliners yet...?
Organisation for the next festival starts AT the last one! As it's an annual event - there is no rehearsal - so the only way I can see if things work is at the festival itself. I will be look at every areafrom stages to car parks to see if things need improvement or changes. From a creative standpoint I loosely direct and theme areas, but Green Man is a team of creative people who put in their ideas and passion into the festival, not just one person. It's an ongoing process. As for headliners... no comment.
So what do you think the advantages of being such a small team are?
Like all small business' the cost is greatly reduced if a smaller number of people are able to cover more of the tasks. That is part of the reason we can offer large event artists and other content but still be a non corporate unsponsored event.
So no stresses then?
You have to work a lot harder and you definitely have a LOT more responsibility but that there are no stresses apart from that - we'd far prefer to work like this than for a corporate organisation. It allows far more creative freedom and opportunities for silliness...
Things have got pretty big for you guys. Can you explain how the festival started and what the shared idea behind it was? We're assuming it isn't druids that keep it running.
It started as a party for friends and family, there was no real agenda or strategy just the love of good music and fun. Over the years other things which could add to the festival have been added. If there is a shared idea then it is that Green Man is at its core a creative space, where any new idea will be considered if it can add to the festival. From feedback this also seems to be the experience of the people who come, who range from a wide background. Some see it as a big party weekend and stay up for 24 hours if they wish. Others come for the science, art and green issues which come to life in Einstein's Garden. But although they all come from different ages and backgrounds they are all connected by their love of music, art and good living. So maybe that is the shared idea behind Green Man.
This year's festival was our favourite since it moved from Baskerville Hall. How have things changed for you all?
Since moving from Baskerville Hall Green Man has grown from a 1000 licenced event to 15,000 so there have been some changes in that time. But although the festival has got bigger the key elements have not changed that much. It is still a family run festival which has remained independent and unsponsored. The recession has had an effect due to suppliers going out of business or agents wanting fees up front due to other events going under. But we have been luckier than many as because we never received sponsorship, backing or funding in the first place we have not had to experience the outcome of this being withdrawn which must be the awful experience of many other festivals.
So how do you feel about its growth? Doesn't it get a bit scary?
Although it made a big leap in size four years ago the increase has developed steadily with a cap on size in the last two years. It is likely to get bigger but if I was into increasing it for profit this would have happened by now. Any increase will be done thoughtfully, be a fit to the land and not lessen the festival experience.
Did you ever expect it to reach this level of success?
We've just enjoyed doing it and didn't really think about it becoming this successful... haha.
And where are you all planning on taking it in the future?
As far as it and everyone else wants it to go.
But there are LOADS of 'boutique' festivals out there. What is it about Green Man that makes it so special?
We are not sponsored so I don't think we can included in that list. It is what is says on the label - a music festival run by friends and family
Would you consider corporate sponsorship?
We have been approached and just said NO. We'll always say no.
If you had to advise somebody putting on their own festival what would be the best piece of advice you could pass on?
Things have changed dramatically in the festival scene in the last few years. When I developed the Green Man I put no money into it and got no backing. I just used experience and contacts. This would be impossible in the current market... But if you have the drive and ideas then try developing a regular club night. Once you have a core group of monthly regulars of at least 500 people think of doing your own festival. You should be able to fund the total cost of the festival and be able to manage a loss in the first couple of years. But if you can achieve this then go for it and good luck!
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