The Wickerman '09

Within deepest, darkest Galloway the two coolest activities by far have got to be riding the 7stanes trails and groovin' at the Wickerman Festival.

The Wickerman Festival was born out of a desire to recreate the counter culture vibe of festivals from a bygone era and the Wickerman is fast becoming a haven for those festival goers who are disillusioned with the blandness and outright commercialism of larger events hijacked by the corporate behemoths.

Established since 2002, the festival takes place on 120 acres of prime Galloway grazing land at East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan. The festival is headed up by the infectiously enthusiastic landowner Jamie Gilroy. He feels that 'although on a smaller scale to Glastonbury or T in the Park, the Wickerman seems to have the right formula which is a relaxed, family friendly event with the accent on eclectic tastes in music'. He also adds 'We have a broad fan base who for a couple of days can enjoy the freedom of wide open spaces away from the urban sprawl and daily grind'.

The festival features two main stages, a world music and funk tent, eden zone, a classic Jamaican reggae sound system, acoustic village, scooter tent, children’s area, workshops, beer tent, crafts, camping and, of course, not forgetting a 30 foot Wickerman who is sacrificed to the festival gods on the Saturday night.

The Wickerman, themed on the cult 70's movie of the same name, has gained a reputation within festival goers for being laidback, family friendly, eclectic and as far removed from the large corporate festivals as you can get.

8 stages will feature over 100 acts including:

The Human League, The Zutons, Candi Staton, Billy Bragg (Scottish Festival Exclusive), Dreadzone, Utah Saints, Kid British, The Dickies, Zion, Train, UK Subs, Penetration, Pearl & The Puppets, Luva, Anna, Babygod, Drums Of Death, The French Quarter, Just Tourist, Meursault, Mr. Kil, Punch & The Apostles, Reginald, Remember Remember, The Secondhand Marching Band, The Seventeenth Century, The Velco Quartet, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Debutant Disco, The Dangleberries, Phil Kay - Comedian.

Yurts & Squrts for Hire at Wickerman 2009

Luxurious, bohemian, sustainably built, bright happy comfortable weathertight spaces to make your festival experience more fun, less hastle. Affordable too!

Simply arrive and your yurt or squrt will be waiting for you, just bring yourselves a carry mat and a sleeping bag.

Tipi & Luxury Bell Tents for Hire at Wickerman 2009

If you reserve your Tipi or Luxury Bell Tent before 31st May you can get them at last years prices making a saving of £50.

If you are going to the wonderful Wickerman music festival this year why not forget the hassle of finding and packing all that camping gear and spoil yourselves with a genuine Tipi or Luxury Bell Tent. Just imagine arriving knowing that your paradise home for the weekend ready and waiting. Just add your sleeping bag, park up and party.

For more information on the Wickerman Festival, which takes place on the 24th and 25th July near Kirkcudbright, you can log on to www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

Wickerman Festival Gallery 14 images, last one added on 02-Apr-2009