Green Man was founded in 2003 by Josephine and Daniel Hagan with support from Kenneth Lower. What started as a fairly modest one-day event with an attendance of 300 has grown to become a four-day festival that attracts around 20,000 attendees from all over the UK and abroad.
The Green Man festival showcases predominantly live music and embraces different genres and styles, including rock, folk, indie, alternative, psychedelia, dance, world music, electronica, Americana, dub, hip hop, rap, blues, reggae, and others. Along with concerts, the festival hosts additional events that focus on various arts such as theater, comedy, film, literature and poetry. Every year, Green Men features around 1,500 acts performing across multiple stages.
The festival site is divided into ten areas, each offering a set of events and activities designed to provide a unique festival experience. For example, The Mountain Stage is located in a natural amphitheater surrounded by the mountains. It hosts headline acts. Other areas include Einstein’s Garden, Fortune Falls, Far Out, Little Folk, The Courtyard, Walled Garden, Somewhere, Nature Nurture, Mountain’s Foot, and Babbling Tongues.
The sections offer an impressive variety of activities such as concerts, DJ sets, film screenings, talks, interactive installations, storytelling and stand-up comedy, children’s entertainment, workshops, yoga sessions, ceilidhs, secret gigs, all-night bonfires, and more. Each section has a unique atmosphere. Some burst with energy and excitement, while others provide a calm environment where festival-goers can unwind and relax.
As far as music line-up is concerned, Green Man features both renowned performers and up-and-coming musicians. Notable artists who have headlined the festival over the years include Jose Gonzalez, Mumford & Sons, Van Morrison, Yann Tiersen, Patti Smith, PJ Harvey, and others.
Green Man is the largest contemporary music and arts festival in Wales that has won several prestigious awards. Welsh Government has given it major event status due to the festival’s positive impact on the image and economy of the region.
Photo: greenman.net
