Open Air Business February 2018

EVENTS
Performing artists range from circus
performers, magicians, fire performers,
stilt walkers, trapeze artists, poets,
wood carvers and more.
How do you publicise the event?
The festival has grown exponentially
year on year, and although we harness
the power of social media, and have a
fantastic website and marketing team,
we are very lucky that the enjoyment
of our guests means that word of
mouth and sharing of experiences
bring more people to our beautiful
event each year.
What are your plans for this year?
Plans for this year are revealed in
stages over the next few weeks and
months, but we can confirm exclusively
to you that we’re welcoming the
fantastic Captain Accident this year,
as well as returning artists Skybarkers
and Los Pulpos, who always draw
the crowds. Check out our Facebook
page, @unearthedinafield, for exciting
updates as we reveal the top artists
for 2018.
What are your favourite memories?
One moment that springs to mind
is a story about a heavily autistic
gentleman who came along to
Unearthed Festival. He finds social
interaction difficult, but was seen
speaking to people, laughing and
dancing. When his wife was told about
it, she burst into tears of happiness.
This is why we do Unearthed Festival.
Another favourite memory would be
watching Natty playing the headline
gig - everyone was in great spirits, and
I was dancing with my girlfriend Miska;
it was a beautiful moment. I remember
thinking, no matter how many tickets
sold, it would have been worth all the
work just for that moment. There may
have been some kissing going on, too!
Each year we have an epic fire
sculpture which we light on the last
night of the festival. In 2017, the
sculpture was especially large, and
the flames could be seen for miles.
Seeing the sparks of light refract across
people’s faces as they danced joyfully
around the fire as the drums beat and
folk sang was an epic few moments…
“EACH YEAR
WE HAVE AN
EPIC FIRE
SCULPTURE
WHICH WE
LIGHT ON
THE LAST
NIGHT OF THE
FESTIVAL”
until we thought the sparks would set
the trees on fire, then we panicked!
What other outdoor hospitality
sectors do you operate in?
I run the glamping accommodation
agency Quality Unearthed. The
glamping industry owes a debt of
gratitude to festivals, and more
specifically, to festival go-ers. These
are the people who are developing the
skills and have the creative minds to
build unusual structures. There aren’t
many festivals that don’t have tipis
or yurts - these are what you might
say were the original UK glamping
structures.
What advice could you give to
someone coming into the outdoor
event industry?
Get a great team behind you. This
festival would not be able to take place
annually without the support of a
strong management team, marketing
team, loyal volunteers and fantastic
suppliers. Always support local
businesses where possible, as people
come to Pembrokeshire to experience
the authenticity of the area.
Communicating well with your
local council should be a priority, as
well as ensuring you have all relevant
insurances in place before you begin
thinking about acts and events. It is
also important to organise events and
artists that you enjoy, as the more
that staff, management and artists are
enjoying themselves, the more this
sense of happiness transfers to festival
goers.
DETAILS
29 June – 1 July
St Davids, Pembrokeshire
www.unearthedfestival.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 51