In the past, music festivals have been a key part of the cultural landscape across the UK. Although the major city festivals get a lot of attention around the world, many others are attracted to a very different type of event that occurs in the remote countryside away from the cities.
The farm-based festivals typically draw smaller crowds than their city-based cousins but provide a unique atmosphere that is created from fields, barns, and the surrounding countryside.
The main purpose of the British Farm Festival Guide is to give a general overview of the types of festivals occurring in the countryside and their role in the overall UK festival scene.
Whether it is an independent organiser that began hosting small gatherings in a field, to established summer festivals that are now returning year after year, the farm-based festivals continue to make a significant contribution to the UK’s creative culture. By combining music, local food, art installations, and seasonal celebrations, the farm-based festivals reflect the characteristics of rural life while celebrating modern music communities.
The Origins of Independent Festivals in the UK
Independent festivals in the UK evolved in tandem with the greater growth of music festivals throughout the latter half of the 20th Century. The first large-scale outdoor music festivals showed that outdoor events can also draw thousands of attendees.
Afterward, smaller-scale organisers began creating their own festivals on farms, in fields, and on rural estates.
Typically, these were community-driven projects. Landowners and farmers would donate the use of their property (the fields, barns, etc.) for temporary stages, camping areas and other festival-related activities. Volunteers and independent promoters, in turn, assisted in organizing the line-up, logistics, and visitor amenities.
With this collaborative model, new festivals emerged independently of the commercial entities that supported the larger events.
The countryside environment was the primary factor that defined the early days of these festivals. Instead of investing in elaborate infrastructures, the organizers utilized the natural topography of the fields/barns. The stages were set up in woodland areas or next to hedgerows, and the camping areas extended across the fields each summer.
Rural music festivals are distinct due to a combination of factors.
- Most early farm festivals were organized by local communities looking to introduce new music and culture into rural locations.
- In addition to supporting the careers of established acts, many of the independent promoters behind these early rural festivals supported up-and-coming artists.
- By being located outside of cities the organizers were able to create multiple-day festivals with both camping and a variety of outdoor activities.
- As well as providing food to attendees, local vendors selling handmade crafts provided additional elements to the overall festival environment.
The informal nature of these festivals combined with their focus on the community is what creates an atmosphere that is unique compared to city-based music festivals.
The Atmosphere of Rural Music Festivals
While the rural music festivals and urban festivals have similarities, the setting of the rural festivals greatly affects how visitors engage with the music, the natural surroundings, and with one another.
Fields, hills, and open sky environments contribute to a sense of space that influences the flow of the festival, which is not the same as urban festivals where a more crowded and fast-paced environment exists.
Characteristics That Define the Atmosphere of Countryside Festivals
- A number of open fields and pastures provide space for camping, as well as for staging outdoor performances.
- Rather than attending a festival for just one evening or over a few days, many festival-goers will spend the entire weekend at the festival grounds.
- Small size performance tents enable audiences to be introduced to less well-known artists.
- Food markets and craft stalls that sell local produce and regional specialties add to the overall atmosphere of the festival.
This setting enables the music to be integrated into the surrounding environment instead of standing alone.
Music Genres at Farm Festivals
The variety of music played at country festivals can vary depending upon the specific festival. However, in general, the programs at these festivals tend to comprise a wide variety of music styles.
Independent festival organizers typically book a variety of artists from a number of different genres in order to create a diverse program across a number of stages.
- Indie and alternative music have become closely identified with the farm festival circuit, primarily because many indie bands began building their fan base by performing in smaller clubs and at various festival stages.
- Folk music has long been associated with the farm festival circuit, as folk music’s acoustic format lends itself particularly well to outdoor settings.
- Electronic music has gradually become another regular feature of farm festivals. Late night stages sometimes host DJs and producers who perform after the main bands have finished their sets.
This combination of genres creates a programme that shifts throughout the day.
The Influence of Countryside Settings
The layout of a farm will affect the organization and design of a rural festival. In order for organizers to plan their event they must accommodate the natural landscape and features of the land. For example, the field itself could become the primary arena for the festival and the barn or a converted building could hold smaller performances or artwork exhibitions.
Organizers must also consider seasonal timing. Most farm festivals occur during the late spring/summer months because the farmland is most accessible and the weather conditions are generally better. Festival organizers usually work together with farmers to make sure that the festival does not conflict with the farmer’s schedule.
The country setting where the festival occurs will also influence how attendees experience the festival. Natural settings provide backdrops for the performances and outdoor stages will allow the audience to enjoy music from among the fields or wooded areas.
There are many factors about the country setting that will determine the festival’s design:
- Large open areas of the farm will allow large stages and campsites to be established with minimal construction.
- Existing structures such as barns or buildings on the farm can be transformed into performance venues or art galleries.
- The natural surroundings create the background and contribute to the overall ambiance of the festival.
- Weather and seasonality will determine when the festival will be held, where the stages will be located, and what type of amenities and accommodations will be available to the visitors.
All of these items show how the rural landscape is incorporated into the festival instead of just being a venue for it.
Cultural Significance of Small and Medium-Sized Festivals
Small to medium-sized festivals have a significant role in the United Kingdom’s music scene. Although larger festivals draw international attention, small festivals offer a chance for young and up-and-coming artists to gain exposure to new fans.
Many bands and musicians start out performing at rural festivals. These types of festivals give them the opportunity to try out new material and build their skills as performers. Independent festivals also promote collaborative efforts between the musicians, artists and designers.
Festivals also benefit the local community. When people come to visit the rural area for a weekend festival, they support the local businesses, accommodations and food vendors.