50
20th & 21st July 2012
p
the WICKERMAN
Wickender your official guide to the festival
s: INTERVIEW
RS E T S I S R O SCISS CRAZY P EY L K C U S n Jorda
INSIDE:
STAGES & TENTS DO's & Don'ts SITEMAP BASSCAMP ALSO AT THE FESTIVAL...
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 02
LAGGAN O UTD O O R ACTIVITIES
MOUNTAIN BIKE PUMP TRAC
THE WICKERMAN
E HAV
K
A A GO
REN
A
FESTIVAL GOLF
SCOOTER TENT
Quiet Camping
7 STANES MTB
DISPLAY
GREENMAN INN
CI G
AR
SOLUS
ET
M
SUMMERISLE STAGE
TE
S
TYRED? SEATING AREA
GO NORTH
WAY TO CARaVAN FIELD
FIRE WALKING
BAR TOKENS
FOOD STALLS
VILLAGE SH O P
VIP
YOGA THERAPIES
TRADERS H HEADP
DISABLED CAMPING & PARKING
ACOUSTIC VILLAGE
CHILDREN's AREA
HO DOWN WENDY HOUSE
EA
NS A S CROW & SO TS EN EM AMUS
CIGARETTES
PIMM'S BAR
ON E AR
LASER QUEST
BAR
NIGHTTIME CINEMA MERCH
DOWN 'n' DIRTY
S ON & S TS OW N CR EME S A US AM
WRISTBAND COLLECTION
MAIN ARENA ENTRANCE
R SAMA
VOLLEYBALL SOCCARENA
BASSCAMP
ITANS
LOST EN R CHILD
SECURITY POLICe AMBULANCE
AXIS
EXIT TO CAMPSITE
LATE & LOUD CAMPING
MAIN CAMPSITE
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 03
WELCOME TO THE WICKERMAN! W
elcome to The Wickerman Festival, our little fest in the (South) West of Scotland. We have an amazing weekend of music and entertainment lined up for you, whether you have come to see the glam rock nu disco of New York's finest - The Scissor Sisters, or plan to be dancing to the early hours to the "King of Space" Steve Lawler or simply looking forward to a weekend of friends old and new, The Wickerman Festival has it all. Personally, this is my eight outing to The Wickerman Festival and it's an absolute pleasure to watch it grow each year and be part of the adventure, previous Wickerman outings I met my girlfriend, got engaged to her and this year we introduce our 7 month old son to the Wicker Family so it's safe to say the ground beneath your feet holds a very special place in my heart. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and if you manage to take a way just a slice of the fun and happy memories that we have had over the years then you are in for a real treat. Enjoy!
Rich Skiddle Summerisle Stage
The Acoustic Village
Headphone Arena
For those lucky enough to have seen The Wickerman Film you will be well aware that Lord Summerisle was king of the manner and grabbed everyone's attention everywhere he turned. Well the Wickerman Main stage is no different, taking prime position at the bottom of a gentle sloping hill which creates a fantastic view for everyone. If it's the Scissor Sisters you are here to see then look no further as the Filthy Gorgeous act head up the action on Friday night.
Featuring the Acoustic Tent, The Ingrid Pit Word Stage & Barabajagal Yurt.
Hundreds of people dancing in a big top, some throwing the hands up in the air dancing to Donna Summers whilst other's mosh and sing along to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody yet not a sound can be heard from the speakers. This is the Headphone Arena, where the sounds are transmitted directly to your very own pair of headphones, and if you don't like what you are listening to you can choose some thing else. Simply Brilliant.
The Scooter Tent Wickerman's second stage is hosted under a huge Big Top - The Scooter Tent. As popular as the main stage, it's bold and it's brash and it's the most likely place to spot a mohican at the festival as the punk lineup is marveled at by many and with acts like the Blockheads and Bad Manners it's easy to see why.
Axis Reggae Tent How does Bob Marley like his Doghnuts? With Jammin! This is Reggae, Velvet Earthquake style as Dr Huxtable, Mikey Don, Bigga Shakatone and the rest of gang rattle the rib cages on a custom built soundsystem until the early hours.
Bass Camp Welcome to The Wickerman Festival's very own dance village, the centre piece of late night entertainment featuring Skiddle.com '2012 - A Bass Odyssey', Em-It Tent & The Vinyl Frontier Outdoor Stage. Open til 5am each night expect to find an eclectic mix of electronic music from heros of house music Steve Lawler & Darren Emerson, disco vivas Crazy P or BBC Radio 1's very own Trance master Jordan Suckley then you are sure to find something to wet your appetite when bedtime simply does not appeal...
Ho Down Wendy House Fiddles, Bells and Whistles it's a Ceilidh in a field and your invited. With names like The Chihuahuas, Inishowen Ceilidh Band and Davy & The Hosebeast it's definately different.
go NORTH Festival Tour Tent The goNORTH festival returns to the Wickerman Festival for it's second year, presenting talent from across Scotland with bands selected following submissions and performances earlier in the year. GoNORTH director Shaun Arnold says "Wickerman has established itself as one of the most diverse festivals on the calendar and has demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting new music across genres. Our stage last year proved a huge success and we are really excited to be returning with twenty of the most exciting new acts in Scotland."
GReenman Inn It's a bar. A very big bar. It's where you get your drinks, discuss the meaning of life and set the world to rights. And if for some reason there isn't enough music around the festival for you, rhythmnreel and Jason Dupuy (DJ Set) keep the wheels of steel spinning til 2am.
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 04
THE BIG INTERVIEW: SCISSOR SISTERS
Collaborations, Calvin Harris, Olympics and new album 'Magic Hour'
H
aving officially launched their fourth album Magic Hour at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire in May, enduring festival favourites Scissor Sisters will play only two more shows in the UK this summer: one at the Wickerman Festival in Dumfries and Galloway, and then representing the USA at the Olympic-themed BT River of Music festival in the shadow of the Tower of London the next day.
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 05
Having officially launched their fourth album Magic Hour at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire in May, enduring festival favourites Scissor Sisters will play only two more shows in the UK this summer: one at the Wickerman Festival in Dumfries and Galloway, and then representing the USA at the Olympic-themed BT River of Music festival in the shadow of the Tower of London the next day. Speaking to the Scissors’ guitarist Babydaddy on the line from his hotel room in London a few days after the Shepherd’s Bush shows, The List asks – why Wickerman? ‘It’s a way for us to get over there,’ he says. ‘We’re planning to do the full festival circuit next summer, but it sounds fun, it should be interesting. I don’t know a lot about it, have you been?’ The List sure has. You know they burn a big pagan wickerman at the end in tribute to the film, right? ‘Wow. That’s all I need to know.’
and that’s no small thing having been around for so long – for ten years now. It’s the perfect kind of pop album in my book, it sounds like who we are, but it’s an evolution. It’s a big hybrid of all the people and things we love right now.’ Among them, and alongside Harris, are a roster of guest producers and artists including Diplo and Stuart ‘Les Rythmes Digitales’ Price. ‘We wanted to work with new people,’ says Babydaddy. ‘People who know how to collaborate and allow us to be Scissor Sisters without pushing their own agenda. That’s the kind of producer Pharrell Williams is. He was interested in giving us a new sound while holding onto what we are. Azealia Banks, on the other hand, we had known her for years, we have the same management. We heard “212” and we thought, she’s finally doing something, she’s great, and so we brought her in.’
‘We wanted to work with new people,’ says Babydaddy. ‘People who know how to collaborate and allow us to be Scissor Sisters without pushing their own agenda.'
He is also unaware that newfound Scissors associate Calvin Harris grew up only a few miles from the site of the festival, blowing away our suspicion that they were playing it on the back of a recommendation. ‘Oh, Calvin’s too busy DJing to come to things like this anyway,’ he laughs. Harris’ collaboration with the group on the new album, the summery, synthesised pop of ‘Only the Horses’, is a direct result of his meeting Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears when they worked together on Kylie Minogue’s album Aphrodite. ‘He’s “the Rihanna guy” to a lot of people,’ says Babydaddy, ‘but I know Jake was a fan of his before all that. They share a love of dance music and having a good time.’ While the record itself doesn’t boast as many immediate pop stormers as ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ or ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’’ – aside from perhaps the pumping samba hi-NRG of ‘Let’s Have a Kiki’ – he’s right when he says it’s unmistakeably a Scissor Sisters record. ‘It feels like the spirit if this band,
Even after a decade, it doesn’t stop here – there will be a UK tour in the autumn, and there’s a possibility the next album will be a greatest hits. So does Babydaddy believe that Shears and Ana Matronic, one of pop’s great performing partnerships, can keep doing this forever? ‘God, I hope not,’ he laughs. ‘I really hope we age gracefully, but then there are worse ways to die than dancing on a stage. Joking aside, I think those two are going to keep hogging the spotlight for as long as they can.’ Source: The List (Issue 698) Date: 15 June 2012
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 06
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 02
T
his is the ninth year of The Acoustic Village brought to you by Acoustic Village Events. Initially organised by your hosts; Nicola, that’s the pink haired MC with the jazzy crutches, Blue, usually busy behind the scenes except when grooving to a band; and Blackie organising the sound and lighting crews.
The Acoustic Village “We all got involved in the festival after performing with our band Quirkus, (back with you this year), and ran the stage when the then organiser was unable to. (difficult to put well… help). These days we couldn’t do it without the collective of people who do everything from the amazing decorations, including live art and fantastic backdrops and help us run the three areas. Our ethos is simple; beautiful music, fantastic poetry and comedy acts in beautiful and creatively decorated places. We even have live art taking place, last year Miranda Bradshaw produced 3 paintings while watching the acts. It’s a family friendly area, plenty of places to sit and chill out and watch, loads of room for dancing too. The Acoustic Village has friends who turn up every year and enjoy the acts and the vibe, it’s always fantastic to see people back again. The Main Acoustic Stage had long ago outgrown the old scout tent and is now housed in the biggest acoustic marquee at a Scottish festival. As always we’ll
be presenting a wealth of talent, from acapella to blues, Senegalese music in 3 languages to hang drums from the Hang project, acoustic folk from Novantae and the hotly tipped Darcy Da Silva Band. This year we are pleased to have Rachel Sermanni returning to the stage after her worldwide success. Before the burning of the Wickerman itself on Saturday Duncan Maitland (Picture House, Pugwash) will be playing songs from his back catalogue, and recent CD as well as songs from the Wickerman Film, and not long before that you can catch Art Magic.( Richard Oakes ex Suede and Sean mcGee). Our own Emma’s Imagination, whose highly anticipated second album is on the way, will be there on Friday afternoon. New upcoming Singer Songwriters including Zoe Bestel, Calum Gilligan, and Jono will feature, and there will be a special appearance by Lee Mottram, who is aiming to raise £40.000 charity ‘dream fund’ with his album ‘40’. Lee will join Quirkus in their set and also appear in the Barabajagal Yurt. Dumfries Community Choir will bring a 30 strong body of singers and an amazing collection of songs
There’s so much more to be found in the programme. In The Ingrid Pit you’ll find Milton Balgoni, that reprobate in the long coat, keeping the stage running and entertaining with his own brand of hilarious Scots poems between acts. Milton started at The Wickerman as an act on the Acoustic Stage, but a talent like him needs his own space, and for the last 5 years he’s been presiding over the mayhem and magic that makes The Ingrid Pit. With hand painted backdrops by Hilda, (yes that biddy whae bides by the stage in her wee tent has a multitude of talents), the place is a fast moving hotbed of talent. ‘The Headless Chicken Comedy Club’ is a new addition for late Friday night with a host of up and coming comedians hosted by the inimitable Jay Lafferty. It’s also the home of the Open Stage, 12 till 1 on both days. Bring your words, songs, music and show us your stuff. Who knows, we might find next years headliners. Neu Reekie, a collective of poets and musicians will be
performing following rave reviews. They and many other acts will be appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. Also Ginger and The Tramp, (led by the fantastic Victor Pope) will be there with comedy song backed by great musicians. There will be close up magic and poetry from Dr Eschaton, and the weekend will finish with Dr Gramophone. Small but perfectly formed is the Barabajagal Yurt. This area allows for a jamming space for festival goers as well as providing this year, African dance Workshops with Denise Brownlee, and appearances from Susi Woodmass, Andy Patterson, Lee Mottram and the beautifully talented Caitlin Gilligan as well as favourites Fudge and Meg. There will also be some traditional music sessions. Check out the blackboard for details. There’s far too much to tell you here, get yourselves to The Acoustic village and find out for yourselves.
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 07
BASSCAMP: 2012 a BASS ODYSSEY
O
pen til 5am each night expect to find an eclectic mix of electronic music from heros of house music Steve Lawler & Darren Emerson, disco vivas Crazy P or BBC Radio 1's very own Trance master Jordan Suckley. Saturday night in the Skiddle.com tent is a completely different vibe. We're heading out on a full disco tip, and heading up affairs is none other than Crazy P, who's latest album ‘When We On’ took the world by storm last September.
Could you describe the sound of the new album? When We On has various influences ranging from orchestral to disco. It's house music with a pop and soul flavour, laced with vocals and coming from warm hearts! it seems like when we on is a departure from the disco euphoria, song-based style of stop, space, return to a more reflective, sample-centric feel. would you agree? Yes it's fair to say... our music is honest to our emotions and to the members involved with making the songs. This time it was myself, Jim and Chris that got together and were more experimental - swapping instruments and using vocal phrase loopers. It's changed organically. It's not been a conscious thing. just heard the keep shelley in athens mix of 'we can only be who we are', which is pretty sweet. are there any remixes of your recent tracks that you're really into? Both Jim and Toddy's [Chris Todd's] mix of Open For Service are superb, you should check them out. Also Craig
Christenson's mix of Twisted is wonderfully indie. There's a few, and for fear of missing anyone out... visit our websitefor the full list! i've read that loop station played a pretty important role in the writing of the new album. what did it allow you to do that you hadn't done before? It allows me, as a vocalist, to experiment at the beginning of ideas, to create harmonies and record immediately anything that comes into my head. It's easier than trying to remember melodies until the lads are ready to record. They can get on with their own experimenting then too. what's the difference between crazy p soundsystem and crazy p live? Live is the full band with guitar, bass, keys, drums and myself. The Soundsystem is the three of us DJ-ing, with me singing over backing tracks which are incorporated into the set. It's a party, with us playing our favourite music and whipping up the crowd. Sometimes when live venues aren't available the Soundsystem is a great option
SKIDDLE.COM TENT SET TIMES Friday 3.00
- 5.00
TOm METCALFE
5.00
- 6.30
Organic DJS
6.30
- 8.00
D.O.D
8.00
- 9.00
Ki Creighton
9.00
- 10.30
Yousef
10.30 - 11.30
Kryder
11.30 - 12.30
Ginny Koppenhol
12.30 - 2.30
Steve Lawler
2.30
- 3.30
Jordan Suckley
3.30
- 5.00
Filter Script
Saturday 4.00
- 6.00
TOm METCALFE
6.00
- 7.30
Dance Lady Dance b2b Dom Jolly Disco (Skiddle All Stars)
7.30
- 8.30
Matt Hinde
8.30
- 10.00
David Dunne
10.00 - 11.45
Graeme Hawley
12.15 - 1.00
Jamie Scahill
1.00
- 2.30
Crazy P Sound System
2.30
- 4.00
Sonny Wharton
4.00
- 5.00
Kid Blast
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 08
T
he Solus Tent began to take form as an idea in 2004, finally evolving into a reality in 2006. From the very start, it didn’t take long for it to leave an impression. The festival needed an emerging Scottish artists stage plus a booker, which it got. Instead of aiming strictly for the populist end of the market, the aim of Solus was straight forward – anybody can play.
United Fruit played the Solus Tent on Friday
The press picked up on it, respect came from the music community. The stage where new bands & artists could perform, down in Dumfriesshire within an eclectic music festival, away from the cities and the music industry, it could calmly take a deep breath in a crowded market. It’s not about awards or reviews (but thank you, they are very very helpful), it’s about a snapshot of Scottish music, now, while helping artists to play in a different environment and gain
exposure. In Solus, we do it because we can. Django Django played Solus in 2010. Twin Atlantic in 2008. Frightened Rabbit in 2007. Nobody really knows anything in the music industry, it’s all guess work + manipulation. That’s not us. This year could be our best one yet. 2013 is already looming.
FIVE Questions FOR RADIO 1's JORDAN SUCKLEY
F
estival favourite and Radio 1 DJ Jordan Suckley returns to Wickerman this month, where he'll be joining the likes of Steve Lawler, Darren Emerson and in the festival's ever popular Bass Camp Arena. We caught up with him for a quick chat ahead of the event....
You will be joining the ‘Bass Camp’ at The Wickerman Festival again this year. Do you enjoy playing in Scotland? Yeah I absolutely love playing in Scotland because they really go for it! In some places I play the clubbers are more reserved, but in Scotland there is no holding back! You’re in good company on your stage, is there anyone that you are looking forward to seeing in particular? I will be getting to event early and having a good look around, so I will try and check out as many acts as possible. I am a big fan of the Plump DJs, so will be checking those for sure! How’s life at Radio 1 as a resident on the ‘In New DJs We Trust’ show? The last few months have been so surreal, I love doing the show and have met some great people at the BBC radio studios. Also I am just happy we still have trance on national radio! What’s your top tip for surviving a UK festival? Nurofen. What’s in the pipeline for the rest of the summer for you? This summer is the busiest I have ever been. I just got back from Argentina last week, it was insane! Also I’m off to Judgement Sundays in September, also Australia, Bali, Poland, Sweden, Creamfields, Global Gathering, USA , Greece and loads of other places.
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 10
FESTIVAL Do's & dont's T
he Wickerman is a fantastic festival and generally has a pretty high standard of behaviour with low crime levels and little need for the extensive emergency services on offer. That said, it's a big field with thousands of people, so here's a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your weekend.
1. It's a marathon, not a sprint. A lot of you will have arrived Thursday lunchtime and will be staying right through til Sunday. That's a potential of 60+ hours of enjoyment, so pace yourself, take it all in and be the last man standing - not the first to hit the floor.
2. Love Thy Neighbour Once you've pitched your tent, make a point of saying hello to the people around you. It's a nice thing to do, they might buy you a drink and more importantly they are likely to keep an eye out and help you if you need it, whether it's watching out for the wrong person going into your tent or making sure you come out of it in the morning.
3. Safety in Numbers The easiest way to stay safe is to stick together. That way if you do get lost, you get lost together. Simple things like taking a friend when you head to the loo or the bar will make the whole experience a lot more fun when you've wandered in the wrong direction in the dark.
4. Make a meeting Point Set yourselves a meeting point and a time for if you do get seperated, and make the meeting point something solid. The left of the main stage sound
tower isn't the most sensible, you would be much better arranging to meet by a particular stall, or even better something with lot's of lights, like a fairground ride (the bungee ball can be seen for miles). Also put a time on it - even if it's on the next full hour.
5. Ditch the valuables You don’t need Ipods, MP3 players or Ipads at The Wickerman – there is enough going on for you to be entertained without them. If you do have valuables, don’t put a padlock on your tent as this will invite thieves. Go and lock them in your car boot.
6. Don't be afraid to ask If you do get lost, or see something suspicious, or have experimented with drink, drugs or legal highs and just don't feel right then ASK. Everyone who is involved with the festival, whether it be a steward in a fluorescent jacket to a sound engineer or store holder has your safety as their number one priority so if you need help then ask the closest person to you - because if they can't help they will quickly be able to find someone that can. Drugs whether they are Class A's or "legal highs" are just as dangerous and illegal at The Wickerman Festival as they are anywhere else. Please do not involve yourself with them, however if you choose too and things don't work out then please do not be afraid to say - you will not be judged however your honesty may save your life.
Other useful info Need someone to talk to? If you’re feeling down, anything happens, or just need someone to talk to, Samaritans has a special festival branch, so head to the Samaritans tent for round-the-clock emotional support.
Main Arena Opening Hours The campsite will be operational on a 24 hour basis, however, the arena will shut down each morning in order to allow for a litter sweep and restocking.
Thursday 18.00 - 02.00 _ Friday 10.00 - 06.00 _ Saturday & Sunday 10.00 - 10.00 (Arena open for 24 hours straight through.)
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 09
Brighouse Bay Touring Site and Golf Course
Wicker Wanderings Marrbury Smokehouse Marrbury Smokehouse in Galloway, is renowned for its luxury smoked foods and supplies some of the UK's elite Michelin-starred chefs and hotels, including the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire where, in July 2005, Marrbury Smoked Salmon was served at the banquet of HRH Queen Elizabeth II to welcome the world's Heads of State to the G8 Summit.
2
4
6
KirKcudbright Town Kircudbright is a beautiful artistic harbour town full of life and culture, whether it be a look round the old castle ruins, visit one of the many art galleries or simply restock at Tesco or the Co-OP. You can have fish and chips by the harbour (Polar Bites), take a long walk or check in for a massage or Spa Day at The Beauty and Fitness Studio (01557 330606) If you do decide to stay in Kircudbright or the area for any amount of time, then we insist you drop by the Masonic Arms on Castle St for a pint of real ale and post festival banter - we might even see you there.
ACROSS 4 Welsh band, played the Mainstage in 2011 5 Siblings you shouldn't run with 8 Sergeant Howie's final BBQ 9 Cast's Hometown DOWN 1 Years the Festival has been running 2 The 'Lone-Star' Band 3 Lord of the Island 4 Barefoot over a bed of hot coals 5 Power the wickerman ticket sales 6 Surname of the Radio 1 DJ AT BASSCAMP 7 DJ Graeme _____ ex-CorRIE actor
8
ANSWERS Across: 4. FEEDER 5. SCISSORSISTERS 8. WICKERMAN 9. LIVERPOOL
9
A couple of years back I was very fortunate enough for the clutch to break in our pickup, and have to spend several nights at the Selkirk Arms in Kircudbright. A 17 bedroom privately owned and managed townhouse hotel in the heart of the pretty harbour town of Kirkcudbright. The rooms are lovely, and
1
3
7
Selkirk Arms
With it's own take away and tea shop head we've had the smoked duck and the fish and chips and suggest you try either! In addition to enjoying fabulous food visitors to Marrbury Smokehouse can also enjoy free entry to Carsluith Castle with its spectacular views across Wigtown Bay. Just jump onto the A75 and head to Carsluith, DG8 7DY.
THE WICKERWORD 5
Give them a call today on 01557 870267 to see if they have any space and then stick DG6 4TS (Borgue) into your Sat Nav.
If you take a right out of the festival and head into Kircudbright, the Selkirk arms is on your left with it's own car park.
Down: 1. ELEVEN 2. TEXAS 3. SUMMERISLE 4. FIREWALK 5. SKIDDLE 6. SUCKLEY 7. HAWLEY
F
ancy leaving the festival for a bit to explore the local area, or indeed extend your holiday and lap up some some glorious sunshine and scottish fresh air? Here's a list of our recommendations of what to try (and yes, we've been to all these places - more than once!)
Brighouse Bay is one of our favourite camp sites in the country. Set on a quiet secluded peninsula the other side of Kircudbright the site has everything including an indoor heated pool, 18 hole golf course, pony trekking as well as the essentials like a well stocked shop and two well equipped toilet blocks. We've had many a camp fire on it's own pebbled beach, which also has it's own jetty and boat launch (perfect for a bit of sea fishing)
dinner fantastic, it's easy to see why it receives an average rating of 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor! Give them a call on 01557 330402 and see if they have a room available!
THE WICKENDER / 20th & 21st July 2012 / PAGE 11
Keep This Fire Burning Burning of the Wickerman with Fireworks Display at Midnight on Saturday
M
any of you may wonder there is a 30ft Wickerman perched on a hill next to the festival arena, or even why it's called The Wickerman Festival in the first place. It began in 2001 when the (then) festivals artistic director Sid Ambrose, whilst working with the Stewartry Music Initiative, hit upon the idea of a local counter-culture based family-friendly festival due to the surrounding area being inextricably linked with various locations used within the classic British horror film The Wicker Man (1973) starring Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward. He took the idea to local farmer Jamie Gilroy, and by doing this, they ensured that the festival would eventually settle within a natural amphitheatre of 120 acres (0.49 km2) of prime Galloway grazing land at East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan.
We won't go into the plot of The Wickerman is frankly, it's a bit bizarre and complicated to explain in just a paragraph. Think Pagan's, missing children, failed harvests and a burning Wickerman, which as most of the the film was shot almost entirely in the small Scottish towns of Gatehouse of Fleet, Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright and a few scenes in the village of Creetown in Dumfries and Galloway it made perfect sense to pay tribute where we can to such a magnificent film. So gather round at 11.45 on Saturday evening and let's watch the big man go up in flames, our offering to the festival gods. Then once you've got home, dig out a copy of THe Wickerman (the 1973 version, not the 2006 Nicolas Cage rubbish) and see what it's all about...
The Wickerman Burns at midnight on Saturday! All music will be stopped whilst the burning takes place. Mike Skinner then takes to the main stage after the burning, with the dance tents open until 5am.
get festivalised with skiddle
Skiddle.com have been providing The Wickerman Festival ticket solution since 2006. Don’t forget, if you are looking for tickets and information on more events and festivals across the UK visit our website or give us a call. We hope you have a fantastic weekend
For tickets & information go to
skiddle.com/festivals