Glanusk Estate, Brecon Beacons, Wales, 21-23 August 2009

NESTLED in the Brecon Beacons, on the glorious Glanusk Estate, you will find the Green Man Festival – the Welsh mirror image of our very own Tartan Heart Festival at Belladrum. Rising from the walled gardens of the estate in 2002, just a year older then Bella, there are a sweeping landscape of similarities that make them both special and worth a visit.

Green Man Festival (© Fiona Carr)

Attending my first Welsh festival, I was excited to spend the weekend in the surroundings of a homegrown festival, celebrating the area, boasting how well they can host a festival and boosting the local economy.

Arriving at the gates of the impressive estate, the site was wonderfully similar to that of Belladrum, with lush green open spaces, gardens sweeping down to the main stage and majestic hills surrounding the site. The festivities spilled out across the estate, and crept through the walled gardens. Massage tents, children’s art workshops and walkabout theatre groups all jostled for space amongst the fruit tress and clumps of lavender (most of which were wearing comedy moustaches!).

A Green Man pub, complete with maypole and stage, provided round the clock drinks and entertainment, if you could squeeze it into your packed schedule. You could even take advantage of the beautiful site by rocking up at the start of the week and camping on site for a few extra days to make the most of your holidays and take in some of the wonderful attractions Wales has to offer. In a year when ‘Staycations’ appear to be all the rage, I though this was a great idea and a huge boost to the local economy.

The musical style of the Green Man swings from folk to psychedelic rock, with a smattering of indie and alt country, just to mix things up a little. This suited me down to the ground, though I realise that it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. After a trip to the General Camping Stall for provisions and a wander round the easy-to-navigate site, it was time to catch a band.

After a quick flick through the reasonably priced program (a steal at £5) we were delighted to see how well represented Scotland were on the music front, with about thirteen bands and DJ’s taking their place on the various tents and stages. We set up our picnic blanket at the Main Stage to see Broken Records who had been stuck in traffic until 15 minutes before they stumbled on stage, but it didn’t show with their accomplished string-laden sound swaying between stringed folk and alternative indie.

A quick walk through the trees and up the hill took us to the Far-Out Stage to see Errors curious brand of indie, electro rock. Headliners on the main stage, and current music press darlings Animal Collective failed to connect with the crowd with a slightly lacklustre performance.

Saturday saw me spending most of my day stretched out on a picnic blanket in front of the main stage enjoying the musical delights and soaking up the colourful atmosphere. Glasgow’s The Phantom Band came first with their name really summing up their eclectic sound, which is pretty hard to encapsulate or pin down. Folk Melodies in songs such as ‘Islands’, the complete opposite to the experimental jams and rhythms of their other tunes.

The Aliens came next, though front man Gordon Anderson (another Scot!) appeared to have over-indulged slightly in the beer tent and even the appearance of Kenny Anderson (King Creosote) couldn’t help prevent the car crash live on stage. Luckily Grizzly Bear were up next to chill things out before my highlight of the festival.

Bon Iver is the work of Justin Vernon, who spent three months living off the land in a log cabin deep in the Wisconsin wilderness, to pen his album For Emma, Forever Ago. The vibe of this record is magnificent – very peaceful, very roaring fire – and live he and his band surpassed any expectations I had. I can’t remember the last time I was left so breathlessly overwhelmed by music before. Perfectly beautiful.

It was up with the lark on Sunday morning to start the day off with the Green Man Music Quiz in the literature tent. Let’s just say that three nights under canvas had not improved our musical knowledge. It was then time to soak up a few more bands, namely Trembling Bells, Camera Obscura, Wilco and a few songs from Hawkwind – perfectly described in the program; take partical physics and translate it into rock, that’s Hawkwind’.

All too soon it was the burning of the Green Man sculpture and sky illuminating fireworks that brought an official close to the musical delights of the festival. There was till plenty to see and do, so with a spring in our step we caught a little bit of comedy and a bizarre film called ‘Three Miles North of Molkom’ before heading back to the tents for a good nights sleep.

Now, one of my reviews wouldn’t be complete without a hop, skip and a munch through the gastronomic delights on offer. Where to start?? I think first stop would have to be the restaurant Konstam, with BBC’s own Urban Chef Oliver Rowe sourcing and producing local food on-site. A Pork Belly Salad box, finished off with a Plum & Apple Crumble is a treat anywhere, let alone a festival. The usual fare of fish, chips and burgers sat neatly beside Goan Fish Curries and every flavour of home made pie known to man. All washed down with warm ginger beer, home made lemonade and the usual array of mixed fruits ciders and light ales. A feast of delights to suit anyone’s tastes!

It is the little touches of both Green Man and Belladrum that make them so special. The recyclying, the care and attention shown across the site, the colours and lights in trees and the general sense of community they provide. The chilled out atmosphere, abundance and variety of music, food and activities on offer, and the overall sense of mutual respect of the revelers and the environment, create a wonderfully safe and happy atmosphere for people of all ages. I am already looking forward to the delights of the Green Man Festival and Belladrum Tartan Heart next year.

© Fiona Carr, 2009

Links

• Green Man