Music festivals in the UK are mostly held in rural rather than urban settings. This has created a pattern in which the same types of venues (fields, farms, and rural estates) host music and arts festivals along with seasonal celebrations.
The settings for festivals provide an abundance of open space, beautiful natural surroundings and a unique environment that is different from traditional concert venues in cities.
Historically, the association of festivals and farm-based venues became intertwined with the concept of independent festivals. As a result, organizers see rural settings as versatile and as capable of accommodating stages, camping, temporary installations and other amenities for visitors.
Why Farms Are Popular Festival Venues
Farm locations possess qualities that make them ideal for large scale events. A primary advantage of farm-based venue locations is that they provide ample open space. Agricultural properties generally have large open fields that are capable of supporting stages, audience spaces, food vendors, and tenting/ camping arrangements without the constraints of urban space.
Multiple practical explanations exist regarding why farm-based locations continue to be used as popular venues for festivals.
- There is ample open space on many agricultural properties that allows organizers to develop multiple stages, camping spaces and activity areas without overcrowding the entire property.
- The rural setting creates a specific ambiance that is different from both indoor arenas and urban parks.
- Agricultural land can support a variety of temporary structures including tents, lights, and performance platforms.
- In comparison to urban settings, the surrounding rural area can also act as a natural barrier to noise.
These attributes have contributed significantly to the development of the rural festival scene in the UK.
Regional Festival Landscapes
Each region in the UK has its own specific tradition of rural festivals. The location of festivals are influenced by geographic location, local culture, and agricultural practices.
Although many festivals have some similar features, the geography and community connection of the rural area differ greatly from one region to another.
Regional characteristics impact the distribution of country festivals as a result of the following factors:
- The South West is home to a high number of country festivals due to its expansive farmlands and already existing event culture.
- Many Welsh festivals combine natural scenery with artistic and cultural traditions unique to Wales.
- The Midlands offers central venues which are easily accessed by festival attendees from all over the UK.
- In northern England, the setting for festivals is the combination of farmland, rolling hills and historic rural estates.
Regional variation contributes to the variety of the UK festival network.
Countryside Logistics and Accessibility
While a country location affords the opportunity to capitalize on the beauty of the countryside, there are many logistical challenges involved with organizing an event at a rural venue. These include designing and installing all the necessary temporary infrastructure so that thousands of people may move safely through the area. This will typically include roadways for vehicles, designated parking spaces, pathways for pedestrians and emergency services (i.e., fire department, ambulance, police).
Some of the key logistical issues that rural festival organizers must address include:
- Installing temporary roadways and/or pathways to regulate vehicle traffic and pedestrian flow.
- Establishing shuttle transportation links between rural festival sites and nearby urban centers or public transportation hubs (e.g., train station).
- Establishing water, sanitation and waste systems for the duration of the festival.
- Developing safety plans that include medical tents, emergency exit routes and security personnel.
When properly managed, the logistics of rural festivals will allow them to operate efficiently in spite of their remote location from permanent infrastructure.
Agriculture and Seasonal Events
There are several examples of how rural festivals connect with agriculture and the rhythms of rural life:
- A significant number of festivals occur during the summer months when fields are suitable for hosting large crowds.
- The agricultural calendar determines when farmland may be utilized for temporary events such as festivals.
- When a festival has concluded, organizers work with farmers to ensure that the land is restored to its original condition.
- As a continuation of traditional seasonal rural gatherings, rural festivals are able to provide opportunities for participants to engage in social activities in rural settings.
Examples of the connections between modern festivals and the rhythms of rural life highlight the continued relevance of these seasonal activities.
The Countryside as a Cultural Stage
Rural areas across the UK are fast becoming a popular location for music and cultural festivals. Farming land and countryside estates offer a suitable location for large-scale events but can also influence the nature of the event itself.
Attending a festival in a rural area is likely to be more than just listening to live music. Visitors will be surrounded by open countryside and sky, plus the history of farming within those surroundings. This combination of entertainment and rural identity provides a backdrop for modern festivals to continue evolving as a cultural tradition using the countryside as their stage.