21 independent UK festivals have been cancelled or postponed since the start of 2024. We’re in crisis people! Why is this happening and what can we do to stop such vital elements of human culture disbanding?
Well I thought who better to ask than the co-founder and director of Wild Fields festival, Ben Street himself. Wild Fields was launched last year as a 4-day camping festival just outside of the fine city of Norwich. Unfortunately due to a cacophony of reasons, it had to be cancelled but unlike so many unfortunate festivals, the determination of Ben and all the Wild Fields team has revived the event as a 2-day non camping festival closer to the city centre.
I was aching to find out the nature of what is cursing these events across the nation. Ben divulges to me, in a tone that suggests he’s had this conversation a few times before, the “cocktail of reasons” people are struggling: Rising venue costs, energy costs, supply provider shortages, staffing shortages, climate risks, Brexit, COVID, blah, blah, blah. A whole host of depressingly bureaucratic reasons. I actually think it would be an easier problem to solve if there was a festival-eating mutant which we could all band together to destroy with the power of music and friendship.
BUT as Ben says, we take away the positives; Wild Fields is able to run with a stellar line-up of acts including the likes of Mercury Prize winners, Ezra Collective, the post-punk unit, Squid and the legendary spoken word performer Kae Tempest. As well as a host of amazing local acts who I can vouch for as an ex-Norwichian such as Sam Eagle and I.Am.Afiya who are definitely up-and-comers with some of silkiest voices to watch out for.
During Ben and I's conversation it became clear to me that everything is hard when putting on a festival especially without a huge cash flow behind you and the fact that Wild Fields has phoenixcally risen is a testament to the passion of the people of Norwich who are making this happen.
We as a people need to support these cultural establishments which ultimately births new talent. Independent festivals and grassroots venues are essential to the music industry circle of life and Wild Fields is going to be a spiritual reminder of that very fact.
And I will be there! With a camera and microphone taking note of both yours and my own spiritual journeys through the Wild Fields of Norwich. So be there!
Rave in Peace NASS Festival ☹
Comments