The Green Man festival is observed every year in mid-August. This year it takes place from August 18 to 21. It takes place in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. It is an independent music, science, and arts festival. The festival has evolved over the years. It lasts for a week and hosts about 25,000 people. There are lots of live musical performances in almost every genre. There are folk, indie, alternative, rock, dance, and Americana performances. The site of the festival is sectioned into 10 parts. There are areas dedicated to hosting literature, film, comedy, science, theater, wellness, and family acts. People can stay the whole week at the festival site to tour and explore the surrounding area.
History of Green Man Festival
Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan founded Green Man Festival in 2003. It started as a 300-person, one-day event at Craig-y-Nos Castle, Brecon. In 2004, the festival became a two-day event at Baskerville Hall, outside Hay-on-Wye, and was attended by about 1,000 people. In 2005, it grew to a three-day event and there were about 3,000 people in attendance. The festival was moved to its current location in 2006 and was held near Crickhowell, at Glanusk Park in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.
That year, the festival had over 6,000 people in attendance. The festival had a daily capacity of 15,000 people in 2012. Mogwai, Van Morrison, and Feist were selected to headline the event. There are amazing music performances and other fun activities. Children and teen zones, tents for literature, film, and comedy, wellness, and spa, and a science engagement area called Einstein’s Garden, are a few of the wonderful activities that people can enjoy.
The festival usually runs at full capacity with tickets selling out months in advance. The event contributed £10.4 million to the Welsh economy in 2018. Green Man Festival supports the economy by focusing on local Welsh food and drink suppliers. It refuses commercial sponsorship to avoid being tied into corporate deals. Workers are employed directly and are paid a fair living wage. The festival uses solar power as much as possible. It has a strong ethical and environmental focus. So Green Man Festival is one of the most loved festivities not only because of the fun but also because it’s sort of environmentally friendly. Giving people all the more reason to join in on the celebrations!
Green Man Festival timeline
Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan establish this festival with only 300 people in attendance.
The festival expands into a two-day event with about 1,000 people in attendance.
The festival continues to grow each year and hits a whopping 20,000 visitors by 2013.
The festival hosts 25,000 guests and is headlined by “Public Service Broadcasting,” “Fleet Foxes,” and “The War on Drugs.”
Green Man Festival FAQs
What happens to the Green Man statue?
At the end of each Green Man Festival, the statue is set on fire.
Are tents allowed at the festival?
Tents are allowed on the festival grounds but you are advised to bring a reasonably sized tent.
Are there campfires at the festival?
Campfires are not allowed on the festival grounds for safety reasons.
Green Man Festival Activities
Attend the festival
The most effective way to celebrate the holiday is to attend the festival. It would be a lot of fun if you are a music lover. However, if you aren’t in the area, maybe host your own little Green Man Festival at home and invite friends and family!
Listen to music
Listen to some of your favorite songs. You can have a little dance party that would definitely make you happy. Prepare some snacks, wear your favorite party clothes, and let the fun begin!
Learn about Wales
The festival is held in Wales every year. You can learn more about the country, its people, and its culture. You can also try out some of the favorite snacks of Wales and share your moments on your social media accounts.
5 Facts About Green Man Festival
The festival has all types of music
DJs and bands play different genres like reggae, indie, Americana, electro, psychedelia, and folk.
Stereolab headlined the festival
Stereolab performed at the event in 2019 along with Four Tet and Idles.
It didn’t hold in 2020
The festival was held digitally that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fiona Stewart became Managing Director
In 2006, Fiona Stewart joined the team as joint Managing Director.
Green Man is progressive
The festival has the only female director with controlling ownership leading a major independent U.K. music festival.
Why We Love Green Man Festival
It’s all about music
Music has a way of putting everyone in a good mood. It has a way of simply making you happy. Hence, this festival brings joy to those that attend and allows them to take a break from their stressful jobs and just have fun.
It brings people together
The festival has drawn music lovers to the festivities every year. It is a fun place to meet happy like-minded people who share the same music taste as you.
It boosts the economy
The festival is a great source of income for Wales. It brings in a lot of money that can go into developing the economy.
Green Man Festival dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | August 18 | Monday |
2026 | August 18 | Tuesday |
2027 | August 18 | Wednesday |
2028 | August 18 | Friday |
2029 | August 18 | Saturday |