Winner of the Best Medium sized festival award 2010, the Green Man festival is now in its ninth year. It has carved a niche as a non-corporate and ethically-minded festival. Claire Humphreys, set collector for PRS for Music, tells us what it was like. Pics by Claire, Jo Reilly and Emma Feeney.
As our train sped past the partially constructed Reading Festival site and rain hammered on the window we felt a sense of trepidation... but Wales defied its reputation and delivered the warmest, sunniest Green Man festival for several years now.
As our train sped past the partially constructed Reading Festival site and rain hammered on the window we felt a sense of trepidation... but Wales defied its reputation and delivered the warmest, sunniest Green Man festival for several years now.
And it is in the sunshine that this site, the beautiful Glanusk Park Estate in Powys, Wales, really comes into its own. Where else in the UK do you get a festival where the main stage has a mountain as a backdrop?
This festival is small (capped at a 10,000 capacity), relatively young and really coming into its element as a family-friendly, ethically-minded and non-corporate experience. 2011’s musical programme spanned a range of genres. There was a folk, indie and Americana feel to the main stage acts with Explosions in the Sky, Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine headlining on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Away from the main stage was The Green Man Pub Stage where PRS for Music setlist collectors found a home from home and the crowds imbibed ale, discovered new bands and danced to late night DJs.
Up the hill on the other side of the festival the Far Out Stage and Chai Wallahs kicked the festival off on Thursday night. Tim Minchin’s routine packed the Far Out tent and surrounding area whilst Chai Wallahs cranked up their speakers and the brandy chai started to flow.
This festival is small (capped at a 10,000 capacity), relatively young and really coming into its element as a family-friendly, ethically-minded and non-corporate experience. 2011’s musical programme spanned a range of genres. There was a folk, indie and Americana feel to the main stage acts with Explosions in the Sky, Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine headlining on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Away from the main stage was The Green Man Pub Stage where PRS for Music setlist collectors found a home from home and the crowds imbibed ale, discovered new bands and danced to late night DJs.
Up the hill on the other side of the festival the Far Out Stage and Chai Wallahs kicked the festival off on Thursday night. Tim Minchin’s routine packed the Far Out tent and surrounding area whilst Chai Wallahs cranked up their speakers and the brandy chai started to flow.
On Friday morning, after a cold night, there was the chance to wander around the site before all the stages got going. As well as the wide range of music on offer there was Einstein’s Garden, where art, science and nature came together to entertain and teach kids, the literature, cinema and comedy tents which boasted both classics and new talent and the nature nurture area where you could sauna or sit in a wood fired, outdoor hot tub before enjoying a boozy hot chocolate in the chill of the evening. Anyone wanting a break from the acts could take on a spot of knitting or crochet, drop in on other craft workshops, add to the wishing tree or take in the breathtaking scenery.
So to the music... I’ve read a few reviews which have commented that the line up was a little thin in places this year and perhaps this is true of some of the main acts. Explosions in the Sky were certainly lost on the acoustic of the main stage and I think some of the crowd would’ve liked better known songs from Laura Marling. Both these acts did put on good sets but circumstances conspired against them.
So to the music... I’ve read a few reviews which have commented that the line up was a little thin in places this year and perhaps this is true of some of the main acts. Explosions in the Sky were certainly lost on the acoustic of the main stage and I think some of the crowd would’ve liked better known songs from Laura Marling. Both these acts did put on good sets but circumstances conspired against them.
The standouts were without question The Villagers on the main stage on Friday, Holy Fuck who rocked the Far Out Stage, James Blake and Iron & Wine. Far Out also brought late night dance craziness with the likes of Pilooski, Square Pusher and The 2 Bears catering to those who wanted to stay up late and party.
Over at Chai Wallah I was enjoying a Secret Garden Party reunion with some of my summer favourites including The
Over at Chai Wallah I was enjoying a Secret Garden Party reunion with some of my summer favourites including The
Boxettes, Submotion Orchestra and Scubaroots. Dizraeli & the Small Gods played to a packed tent on Sunday evening and whipped everyone into a frenzy before the Green Man was ritually burnt, the fireworks flared and a familiar face in the form of MC Lazy of Lazy Habits wowed the crowd.
Top new discoveries include Thomas Dybdahl, whose folk-rock was perfect for a sunny Sunday on the main stage and Josh T. Pearson as well as Green Man favourites The Travelling Band.
Green Man was new to me and I have to say I loved it – I’d heard great things about it in the past and, partly due to the glorious weather, it didn’t disappoint me. If you’re looking for a relaxed folk-orientated festival in stunning surroundings with plenty to offer besides music and excellent ales then Green Man is for you.
Top new discoveries include Thomas Dybdahl, whose folk-rock was perfect for a sunny Sunday on the main stage and Josh T. Pearson as well as Green Man favourites The Travelling Band.
Green Man was new to me and I have to say I loved it – I’d heard great things about it in the past and, partly due to the glorious weather, it didn’t disappoint me. If you’re looking for a relaxed folk-orientated festival in stunning surroundings with plenty to offer besides music and excellent ales then Green Man is for you.
