The Wickerman founder leaves for Willowman

The founder of Southern Scotland's The Wickerman has stepped down from his role as the events artistic director to take up a new position as head of media and marketing with the North Yorkshire based Willowman Festival happening at Lenthor Farm near Osmotherley over four days on the Summer Solstice weekend from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th June 2012.

The events artistic director at The Wickerman, Sid Ambrose originated The Wickerman in 2001 whilst working with a youth organisation called 'The Stewartry Music Initiative'. However the inaugural festival was cancelled due to the Foot and Mouth Epidemic which devastated livestock throughout rural Britain.

The initial event had been designed to attract contemporary musicians to perform in Dumfries and Galloway. The event finally got off the ground in 2002, and has grown to be regarded as one of the 'Big Three' on the Scottish festival circuit. The annual July celebration of music and the arts attracts around 15000 people and is only eclipsed in size by T in the Park and Rock Ness. After 11 years Ambrose has decided to move to pastures new.

Mr Ambrose explained his reasons for moving to Willowman, "The Wickerman experience has been a real rock and roll rollercoaster for me, parties in Nairobi, filming in New York, VIP invites and meeting the great and the good within the music industry has given me a great insight into the entertainment business.

"However, I've felt for some time that my skills lie in developing the brands of fledgling events. The real challenge for me is identifying and promoting the unique selling points of any new venture.

"I therefore decided that l would be better employed at a more traditional style music festival which has not yet reached its full potential. The Willowman takes place over the summer solstice in a very scenic part of Yorkshire and offers a relaxing 4 days of eclectic music washed down with local food and drink."

Mr Ambrose was also keen to point out that in this time of deepening recession many Scottish families are looking for a budget conscious staycation out of the region, "I am delighted to be able to reverse the situation and offer Scottish people an action packed holiday experience in the Heart of Yorkshire with an affordable 4 day festival as the main reason for their visit."

Mr Steve Williams owner of The Willowman festival said, "We are delighted to offer Sid a position in our organisation, l have known him for a number of years and have always valued his integrity and creative ideas, he will be a welcome addition to the team."

Sid also thanked all the fans of The Wickerman for the huge amount of support which allowed the Wickerman to flourish.

Jamie Gilroy, co-founder and owner of The Wickerman Festival site commented, "Everyone on the festival team is extremely grateful to Sid for his valuable contribution over the last ten years and we now wish him every success in his new venture."

Acts confirmed for the family friendly event include Neville Staples Band, Rythmites, DJ Derek, Project 142, White Negroes, Vintage Trouble, John Otway, Subgiant, Chased by Wolves, Wooden Box Fistful of fivers, and 3 Daft Monkeys.

The Willowman Festival will have an acoustic stage, Reggae Sound System Tent and loads for the kids to do. There is also quality trade stands a wide variety of international food stalls and a Real Ale Beer Tent. The site also hosts 'Sentry Circle' a Pagan stone circle used regularly by visiting Pagans. With Summer Solstice that week festival goers could all be dancing in the moonlight.

Limited early bird tickets are priced at £50 for a full weekend including camping (live in vehicles are £15 per vehicle). Other ticket options for youths, campervans etc will be available at a later date.

To buy tickets, click here.

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