Green Man: Festival Organisers Deserve Clarity from Welsh Gov

Two Powys Liberal Democrat Councillors have called on the Welsh Government to provide urgent clarity on the future of music festivals in Wales, as well as increased support, after organisers of Green Man Festival warned that the August 2021 event may not be able to go ahead.

Crickhowell Councillor John Morris (whose ward includes part of the Green Man site) and Talgarth Councillor William Powell want the Welsh Government to clarify why COVID-19 regulations still prohibit large outdoor music festivals, whilst increasingly allowing indoor entertainment and large sports events to take place.

Crickhowell Councillor John Morris (whose ward includes part of the Green Man site) and Talgarth Councillor William Powell want the Welsh Government to clarify why COVID-19 regulations still prohibit large outdoor music festivals, whilst increasingly allowing indoor entertainment and large sports events to take place.

Festival organisers are also still waiting for an update on whether the Welsh Government would financially back an insurance scheme for festivals that are forced to cancel because of the ever-changing coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview with ‘Access All Areas’, Green Man founder and owner Fiona Stewart stated that she had turned down an offer to participate in a Welsh Government-backed pilot scheme, because no assurance would be given that she would receive support if the event was pulled at short notice; therefore creating an unacceptable financial risk.

She also said that Brexit was causing major challenges for festival organisers, including staffing problems and a shortage of some resources, in particular portable shower blocks.

Commenting, John Morris said:

“I find it equally baffling that just a few weeks out from their scheduled date, Green Man still does not have the necessary guidance from Welsh Government to make informed decisions about the 2021 festival.

“Clear guidance needs to be issued to festival organisers in Wales, on what regulations and criteria they may need to follow, as quickly as possible.

“I am also calling for both the Labour Welsh Government and Conservative/Independent Powys County Council to urgently explore any financial assistance that could be provided to Green Man.

“The Green Man Festival is hugely important for the local economy and cultural life of Crickhowell. Two cancelled years in a row, would have a devastating impact on Green Man, but also on many other individuals and businesses in the Usk Valley and Brecon Beacons area.”

Cllr William Powell added:

“There seem to be increasing contradictions in the Welsh Government’s COVID-19 rules with regards to large events. We see packed sports stadiums in England, including full-capacity at Wimbledon, but also crowds at the Sofia Gardens cricket ground in Cardiff. Yet, we still do not know if Green Man – an outdoor gathering in a large open space – can go ahead.

“Given the increasing importance of events-based tourism to the Powys and Welsh economy, it is imperative that major events, such as Green Man, are given clarity and parity of support in insurance from our own Welsh Government.

“We need clearer reassurance from Welsh Government that they are following a consistent, fair, and evidence-based approach to culture and sports events in Wales.”

DIWEDD / END

Note:

Access All Areas, Green Man Festival owner calls for Welsh Reopening, https://accessaa.co.uk/green-man-festival-owner-calls-for-welsh-reopening/, (Accessed 5th July 2021)