With summer just around the corner – and the sun making more of a regular appearance – it’s almost time for the festival season. For those of us in the North East, festivals aren’t always easily accessible but one regional festival making a name for itself is North Yorkshire’s very own Willowman Festival in Thirsk.
For nine years now, Willowman Festival has drawn in top-class musical talent from around the world – and this year is no exception. Friday night welcomes legendary Jamaican reggae artist Little Roy as he entertains the Main Stage performing his own unique take on Nirvana tracks from his studio album, ‘Battle for Seattle’.
Techno outfit Eat Static return for their second appearance at Willowman having performed at the festival during its opening year alongside Saturday night headliners and major crowd pleasers, New Model Army. The Secret Sub Rosa is set to amaze as their incredible cosmic space-themed sets beam down onto all in attendance in this year’s dance tent – well worth the venture down for all the dance music lovers out there.
“For nine years now, Willowman Festival has drawn in top-class musical talent from around the world”
I spoke to festival director, Steve Williams, to find out exactly what we can expect from Willowman Festival this month: “After 3 years, we have managed to secure the Amsterdam band, My Baby. They are one of the most exciting acts I have heard in years. They blend deep slide blues guitar with stunning female airy vocals over some heavy dance beats. We have also spent more time and money bringing lots of children and family entertainers for T’Other Field along with festival favourites Smoky Tentacles in the Chill Out Tent.”
If music alone isn’t enough to keep you and the family occupied, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained; from African drumming to Art Workshops and the Fulcrum Circus, the opportunities to have fun with the family are endless.
A festival wouldn’t be a festival without quality food and drink stalls to help you through the weekend and at Willowman they: “view quality food, drink and music as being interconnected.” A quote from their website confirms their passion and mindset to a perfect festival: ‘Food is an energy provider, drink is a social lubricant and music can intoxicate us all.’
For the veggie and vegans of you out there, there is no shortage of nutritious options available to savour at Willowman this year. A full veggie and vegan café can be found on site, allowing you to indulge in a scrumptious selection of home-cooked organic food cooked by a ‘family-run crew who are more than eager to offer a smile and spread the happiness.’
Camping is one element of the weekend that can often make or break a festival experience, but fear not! Willowman Festival offers three distinct camping areas: one for families and those do not wish to party all night, one for the late-night revellers and one for the caravan community.
Steve added: “For those who have been to much bigger events and made the death march from car to distant campsite –do not despair! The Willowman campsite is only a hop, skip and a jump from the car parking area.”
Willowman Festival spans from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th June 2018 in the fields of Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at willowmanfestival.co.uk/tickets. Adult weekend tickets start at £69.00, while young person’s weekend tickets start at £55.00. Standard weekend tickets exclude camping. Camping is available for an additional fee. Day tickets are also available.
Please visit willowmanfestival.co.uk for more information.
