Within
deepest,
darkest Galloway the two coolest activities by far have got to be
riding the 7stanes trails and groovin' at the Wickerman Festival.
The Wickerman Festival was born
out of a desire to recreate the counter culture vibe of festivals from
a bygone era and the Wickerman is fast becoming a haven for those festival
goers who are disillusioned with the blandness and outright
commercialism of larger events hijacked by the corporate behemoths.
Established
since 2002, the festival takes place on 120 acres of prime Galloway
grazing land at East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan. The festival is
headed up by the infectiously enthusiastic landowner Jamie Gilroy. He
feels that 'although on a smaller scale to Glastonbury or T in the
Park, the Wickerman seems to have the right formula which is a relaxed,
family friendly event with the accent on eclectic tastes in music'. He
also adds 'We have a broad fan base who for a couple of days can enjoy
the freedom of wide open spaces away from the urban sprawl and daily
grind'.
The
festival features two main stages, a world music and funk tent, eden
zone, a classic Jamaican reggae sound system, acoustic village, scooter
tent, children’s area, workshops, beer tent, crafts, camping and, of
course, not forgetting a 30 foot Wickerman who is sacrificed to the
festival gods on the Saturday night.
The Wickerman, themed
on the cult 70's movie of the same name, has gained a reputation within festival
goers for being laidback, family friendly, eclectic and as far removed from the large corporate festivals as you can get.
8 stages will feature
over 100 acts including:
The
Human League, The Zutons, Candi Staton, Billy Bragg (Scottish Festival
Exclusive), Dreadzone, Utah Saints, Kid British, The Dickies, Zion,
Train, UK Subs, Penetration, Pearl & The Puppets, Luva, Anna,
Babygod, Drums Of Death, The French Quarter, Just Tourist, Meursault,
Mr. Kil, Punch & The Apostles, Reginald, Remember Remember, The
Secondhand Marching Band, The Seventeenth Century, The Velco Quartet,
We Were Promised Jetpacks, Debutant Disco, The Dangleberries, Phil Kay
- Comedian.
