2 replies to this topic

[grumpyhack]

Interesting to try a small 'boutique' festival.  Anyone going or been previously?

[elfweirdigan]

grumpyhack, on 05 August 2010 - 08:28 PM, said:

Interesting to try a small 'boutique' festival.  Anyone going or been previously?

Yeah, I went last year and am going again this year.

It's lovely, a proper holiday rather than one of those exhausting festivals after which you need a holiday.

Small, friendly, a compact site... but mingling into the countryside so you go for a walk and you're all alone, then suddenly there's a bunch of wizards around a campfire... then you enter a bit of woodland and there's decor in the trees (and sometimes hippies in the trees)... it's all very green, both in the literal sense of trees and hedges and long grass and in the entirely-eco-run-off-renewable-energy sense.

There are workshops, stalls, crafts, walkabout-theatre, a very atmospheric bar-in-a-barn and about 3 music venues. It's gentle, with wacky elements. Dressing up and impromptu music-making are encouraged.

Bands-wise, they're not massive names but... Sheelanagig are great, and a friend highly rates Show of Hands. I expect to like at least half of the rest even though I've never heard of most of them.

I've been reading on efestivals about Kendal Calling. 'Reckon Croissant Neuf is about as far away from that kind of festival as it could be. Not saying there's owt wrong with KC - different people have different tastes in festival. Croissant Neuf is more like the Green Fields at Glastonbury or a small slice of the old Big Green Gathering.

This festie is TOTALLY UNCOMMERCIAL. The bar sells local organic ale and cider as well as tequilas and cocktails at reasonable prices - and there's no overpriced 'fast-food' - just sensibly-paced, sensibly-priced yummy food.

Try it (and come learn about low-powered LED lighting at our workshops)

[grumpyhack]

What a wonderful festival. A definite for next year.  Loved the workshops and the general attitude of everyone from organisers to festival goers.
There was so much goodwill all round and I've never seen so many kids with beaming faces having a wonderful, safe time.
There's not many festivals where there's no need for an organised litter pick because people simply think and don't drop litter.
Loved every minute and can't wait for next year.