In a stunning wildlife reserve in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, music loving crusties have gathered for five years to attend an event that attempts to revive the ‘old style’ festival in all its glorious idealism; Alchemy. Now in its sixth year, this bohemian carnival of romanticism has developed a reputation of being a capsule in a time where festivals are flooded with beer drowned wide-boys and K glazed chavs. From 19th to 21st September, Alchemy runs alongside the Autumn Equinox so as to properly coincide with their hippie ethos and is completely ‘non-corporate, non-sponsored and non-commercial’; an increasingly rare thing in the massive money making festival industry.
Organisers are dedicated to making the festival affordable, and there are no restrictions on bringing in your own food and drink (except for glass), as is usual with some of the bigger, more company orientated events, pent on making us pay £4 a pint for Brother’s festival cider. Tickets range from £70 for an early bird adult, £15 for a child age 5-15, family passes (for five people) and £20 for a dog ticket. Unfortunately they charge an extra £20 for caravans or campervans and £8 for car parking, but the prices of everything are still ‘high street’ as intended. It seems creators of Alchemy really do care about retaining the fun-loving philosophies of their attendees rather than bringing in the wedge.
As for music, eclectic is the word that springs to mind. From ska-punk and classic rock to banging dance djs, this party of the people caters for all tastes and moods. Past performers include dub ensemble Zion Train, Hakwind’s Nick Turner and Radical Dance Faction (RDF). There will certainly be no lack of varied styles this year either, with over 100 acts on seven different stages. Booked bands for 2014 include Senser, Anarcho-punk act Culture Shock, Headmix Collective and The Defekters. Word on the vine is that Alchemy kicks off at night and the drum and bass tent is the place to be for more invigorating beats. The festival’s almost pagan zeitgeist is most definitely reflected in their uncomplicated (if lacking in info.) website, however, and more acts will hopefully be announced soon.
A family friendly festival, Alchemy has a variety of imaginative activities for children. In the past, circus skills workshops, face-painting, bubble tents and even a children’s open mic have kept little ones as into the weekend antics as the adults – and why should they not be? Working towards a safe and respectful environment is one of the most important aims of Alchemy festival and the ‘old style’ event that seem so beautifully innocent. This year promises fire-pits, fire shows, workshops and ‘walkabout entertainers’ – inspiring things to look at certainly gives many more kid- friendly festivals the edge. Stages include The Kaplick Solar Stage, The Liberty Stage, The Mushroom Stage, The Philosopher’s Stone Stage, The Psychedelic Breakfast Tent, The Toadstool and The Shroomery. Everything sounds wonderfully dedicated to creating a kaleidoscopic hippie-dom.
The ultimate aim of Alchemy is to ‘become a festival totally powered by renewable sources’. They prefer stalls to provide their own power, have ‘green credentials’, be fair trade and sell local or handmade produce. Always open to new and interesting traders, the food variety promises to be vast. Previous years include stone baked pizzas (with facilities for kids to make their own), falafel and exotic kebabs. Arts and crafts are also promoted, and if you are tired of dancing and drinking organic cider, you can entertain yourself by taking one of the many workshops on offer. Come home a skilled bunting maker or back-flipping fire poi performer.
Their devotion to greenness and originality in making it (actually a lot of) fun definitely sets Alchemy apart. Every year they have at least one solar powered stage and one pedal powered, where festival goers can cycle with all their might to run the rig, engaging us in the plan to save the world as well as teaching its importance, and none of it seems like a cliché.
With festivals being so ridiculously big that you get lost just looking for your tent and have to walk ten miles a day, it is really cool that Alchemy’s campsite is only a few minutes’ walk from the main area, making everything just less stressful. The capacity of only 3000 mean everyone is friendlier, the feel is more intimate and everything is easier to see. Looking at previous year’s pictures of Alchemy say it all: kids gazing enraptured at majestic oak trees; girls hula hooping around colourful art installations; long haired guitar-players singing on the autumn grass, and grown men and women dressed as magical creatures. If you’re looking for a community spirited festival, full of weird and wonderful performers and arts suitable for the whole hippie family, then Alchemy will welcome you.
Book tickets here: http://www.alchemyfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to this year’s festival click here.
Photo: GuyBerresfordPhotography.co.uk
