The past few years have been tough on independent festivals throughout the UK, with rising costs due to Brexit, mass cancellations due to the COVID pandemic, as well as the country seeing more and more extreme weather events throughout the typically busy summer months, ultimately leading to festivals having to cancel and disappoint their eager attendees.
However, while others have struggled, some have managed to carve out some success. Taking place on a farm in Manobier, West Wales, ‘Westival’ has grown dramatically in its 6 years of existence, growing from a party amongst friends, into a festival welcoming 2,500 people through its gates to dance the Welsh nights away. The festival’s sixth rendition took place last year, and was by far its most successful, and as the countdown to this year’s event continues, it’s been confirmed that the Welsh government has pledged funding for the festival for the next 3 years.
This backing will ensure that Westival is not only able to survive, but thrive for the next 3 years, providing an excellent platform for the wonderful array of talent it features each year. Westival dedicates itself to bringing smaller artists to the big stage, with 80% of its slots going to developing artists, providing a resounding community feeling to the festival.
So while corporate festivals continue to dominate, this shows that independent, grassroots festivals can blossom amongst their larger competition, and Westival’s success is a testament that grassroots music culture can fight back, and win.
Tickets for Westival are still on sale, and can be found here: https://www.westival.wales/
