UK Festivals: Greenman August 2009

Our Green Man experience was a while ago, sure, but this was, and I'm certain still is, a great festival and writing about Indietracks made me want to make a record of my Greenman weekend.

Greenman is another independent annual music festival. The festival borrows the stunning stunning Brecon Beacons as its backdrop and, in contrast to festivals like Glasto and Leeds Reading, tent pitches are within a reasonable distance of all the stages and workshop tents. The festival opened with an alternative ceremony of druid rituals, and the fun, folksy, family friendly atmosphere of the festival continued on from there.

Bon Iver, Wilco, Jarvis Cocker and Grizzly Bear were all on the bill for 2009, as well as British Sea Power, She Keeps Bees, Beach House and Camera Obscura and loads more. People sat out on the sloping hillside watching bands perform on the main stage, armed with great food and drink from the host of street food carts and real ale tents. Then there were smaller stages with more music, comedy, literature, poetry and science, and a hookha tent showcasing djs until the wee small hours.

There was an area dedicated to alternative therapies and wellbeing. I was tempted by a 'gong bath' but didn't get around to it. We went to a talk on 'Penisology' and, in complete contrast, went went on a guided walk to learn about worms! Einstein's Garden was another family friendly area with play areas, craft tents and lots of creative pretty. The massive wish tree was one of my favourite things at the festival. People were adding tags over the whole weekend.

This giant sculpture of the Green Man was set alight on the last night of the festival to mark the end of an awesome weekend.

I loved Green Man and wish we could have planned to return. We'll be getting ready for our Southeast Asia trip this year, but if you fancy a laid back, family friendly festival with opportunities to hear new music, chill out in beer tents playing board games, be part of a tough crowd for new comedy acts, or just fancy the opportunity to wear fairy wings, face paint and a daisy crown, I'd recommend Green Man. Did I mention that the toilets and showers are cleaned at least twice daily? Yes, that worked fine for me, too!