I define a good day as when you wake up feeling a bit meh, then see a post on social media reminding you that there’s a new festival happening in your region in the summer, and they’ve managed to get a world class line up! Only having to travel less than fifty miles to get to a festival is the dream for me!
Festival on the Wall is a new three-day boutique festival taking place at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, a World Heritage site and a designated area of Outstanding Beauty. It’s all about communities and getting together with like-minded people to have an amazing time. The line-up announced today sees local boys done-extremely-good electro pop heroes The Pet Shop Boys headlining, alongside 21st troubadour Pete Doherty and The Libertines. If that wasn’t enough, world conquering DJ and Producer Mark Ronson, Newcastle’s very own Maximo Park, Scottish alternative rock band Twin Atlantic and one of my new personal favourites and Beyonce collaborator MNEK also grace the line-up.
As you know if you’re a festival-goer, it’s not just about the music. What about the experience on offer? You won’t be disappointed, with a 1980s retro-themed roller disco in a disused grain store (I hope my ankle can withstand it), the Witchcraft Woods (an enchanted woods area housing tarot readers, artisans and wood carvers by day and I assume a banging party by night), circus acts, bikers and street performers providing late night entertainment at the Mad Max-esque style Thunderdome. I love the idea of Karavanoke; where you can belt out your favourite tunes at caravan-come-karaoke-booths scattered around the site (they have a drinks service)! and how the Main Stage transforms into an immersive cinema area so you can relax before attempting to sleep! And it wouldn’t be a proper festival without a pamper area – ease aching muscles with treatments at the Hot Tub Sanctuary, and fill up on healthy food and juices.
I love the fact that they’ve got Events In The Sky too, a sky platform suspended 100 ft in the air so you can enjoy your favourite act or the sunset floating above the festival. And don’t miss Beefy Melons Temple Of Love and Gratitude offering free yoga, limbo competitions, giant Jenga and gigs during the day, and a massive party at night.
You can currently get Early Bird Weekend Entry tickets (adult £170 + booking fee, student, teen) and the VIP equivalents. Children (aged 12 and under) can go for just £10. There’s the usual regular camping option or avoid the hassle of pitching your tent with a click-and-collect service. You can also choose Community Camping in pre-pitched tents, or if you’re want the best go for Luxury Camping – choose between a tipi or a yurt with concierge service. If you really want to experience the festival in style, VIP tickets include late night VIP access, exclusive restaurants, a food and drink delivery service, VIP showers and toilets, secret performances and more (tickets £330). There’s also a deposit scheme where you can pay 50% now and 50% to be paid before April 1st.
I love the fact that Festival on the Wall also has a big ethical mission – there’s a big emphasis on sustainability and it aims to be the most sustainable festival in the UK. £10 from every ticket sale will be donated to UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation to help vulnerable children around the world live healthier, happier lives. I can vouch that the countryside and surrounding areas are beautiful, some of the best countryside in the UK, and looking after the environment will feature heavily in the ethos of the festival.
Having a great time with friends + helping others + environmental mission = heaven.
*Early bird tickets are available until 8th February.
Find out more about how to get there, camping, food and practicalities here
This sounds amazing!
Yes it sounds like Bestival or Festival No.6 which are both awesome!
Yes it sounds like Bestival or Festival No.6 which are both awesome!
I can't wait! It looks fab.