INTERVIEW
MUSIC
L-R, T-B: Madness, Oh My God! It’s The Church, Slamboree, Rudimental
LINDISFARNE FESTIVAL MARIA WINTER SPEAKS TO LINDISFARNE FESTIVAL ORGANISER CONLETH MAENPAA ABOUT THE INSPIRATIONS AND INTENTIONS BEHIND SEPTEMBER’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENT
After many years of success and progression, Lindisfarne Festival is back for 2022 and will be better than ever, with a diverse range of musical acts, workshops and entertainment taking over the Beal Farm site opposite Lindisfarne in Northumberland from Thursday 1st-Sunday 4th September. The festival is headlined by Madness and Rudimental, and you can expect a weekend of non-stop celebrations as this camping extravaganza introduces you to an unparalleled experience which is about so much more than just the music. Located on the breathtaking Northumberland coastline, Lindisfarne Festival’s debut took place in 2015. Having grown steadily year on year, it has blossomed into a magnificent spectacle of cultural delights – from traditional fiddle music to fire-eating acrobats – you name it and Lindisfarne will most likely have it. Festival organiser Conleth Maenpaa talks passionately about the importance of valuing the event’s fundamental intention of togetherness, rather than obsessing over aesthetics. “It’s already grown from three stages to nine, but we’re not looking to increase the size this year as we will lose the intimacy of the event.” By pursuing the traditional festival approach of campfires, tents and activities, Conleth strived to capture the authenticity typical of an event like Glastonbury, influenced by the festival’s vastness in what it has to offer. Lindisfarne successfully adopts that comprehensive nature, from meditation sessions to drumming workshops, with a focus on wellbeing and holistic therapies, and it’s evident how participation and camaraderie is utilised to heighten that sense of adventure. Conleth’s passion for prioritising the experience is also apparent in the diverse range of performers. Focusing on positivity and inclusivity, the beauty of Lindisfarne Festival lies in its inclusion of all genres and artists big or small – there’s something for everyone. The roster is as diverse as it is exciting, with festival goers able to enjoy performances from the likes of Norman Jay MBE, Tokyo Acid Cru, Slamboree, Sheelanagig, Millie Manders
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THE BANDS YOU WILL ENJOY THE MOST ARE THE BANDS YOU PROBABLY WON’T KNOW & The Shut Up, Lindisfarne, Warmduscher, Dub Pistols, Roni Size, Oh My God! It’s The Church and Beans on Toast among many more, and an impressive array of local artists including Andrew Cushin, Lottie Willis, Frankie Jobling, Smoove & Turrell, New York Brass Band, Faye Fantarrow, ZELA and The Whippet Beans. In addition to music, there’s spoken word courtesy of Born Lippy and stand-up comedy from local promoters Punch Drunk Comedy. “You wouldn’t necessarily come across these bands off your own back unless you were at an event like this. Even if you’re a smaller artist you have the chance to be seen by people who actually want to watch. The bands you will enjoy the most are the bands you probably won’t know.” Organising an event on this scale comes with multiple challenges, most recently the escalation in everyday expenses, so ticket prices have been a huge consideration. Despite growing competition with other music events around the region, Conleth refrained from aggressively increasing prices, as his main priority was accessibility. “Our challenge has been to make sure everyone gets to experience the event,” he noted. As a destination festival designed to celebrate the beauty of togetherness accompanied by an assortment of incredible music and an iconic location, Lindisfarne Festival truly is a spectacle you do not want to miss, and Conleth puts it best: “This event is the ultimate end of season festival to experience with friends.” Lindisfarne Festival takes place at Beal Farm, Northumberland from Thursday 1st-Sunday 4th September. www.lindisfarnefestival.com
