» Music: Green Man Festival
Jeff Hemmings chats to Fiona Stewart, MD of the Green Man Festival, to find out what’s in store at this summer’s huge outing
Set in the beautiful Brecon Beacons of Wales, Green Man is one of the most successful boutique festivals in the UK, consistently selling out and attracting a higher calibre of artist each and every year.
I see Green Man has already sold out. What do you put the success of the festival down to?
Green Man always sells out… most people say it’s because they can create their own festival experience there, as there are so many different things to do and see. For me, festivals are all about freedom of expression. It should be a place where you can escape to. It is a homemade festival made mostly at my kitchen table with my friends. In a world which is become overly produced and processed people seem to like this.
What does the idea of the Green Man mean to you?
Freedom, misrule and replenishment, with lots of opportunities to be giddy in a soul squeezingly magical setting.
Are you from Wales? Tell us something unique about the Welsh!
No I am not Welsh, but I am a Welsh admirer. It is a wonderful place and really is another country with a unique heritage, culture and language. Apart from the beauty of the place, there is a synergy between the arts which is a very Welsh thing.
Apart from music, what other art forms are showcased?
The music areas are always popular, but so are the literature, comedy, story telling, film, science and, of course, Einstein’s Garden, which is a cornucopia of science, debate, philosophy, demonstrations, experiments, lectures and art works. There is also the Green Man sculpture which is burnt on Sunday night, and other giant installations. This year we are delighted to premiere the Tony Palmer and Leonard Cohen biopic which has been lost for 37 years.
Who are you particularly looking forward to?
Seeing The Flaming Lips playing on a stage with a mountain backdrop is going to be special, as will be seeing Beirut, the lovely Joanna Newsom, Laura Marling and Mumford and Sons. I am busy most of the weekend but if I have time I do like to have a massage in the Nature and Nurture area, a cocktail in the Walled Garden listening to bands and DJs on the pub stage; maybe a mulled cider in the early morning, listening to the many jamming sessions that take place from professional musicians and just people enjoying playing their own music.
20–22 August, www.greenman.net
