Winterwell - Britain’s best new festival
Words by Dan Jude
At last count, there were 32,086 festivals taking place in Britain this summer. OK, that might be a slight exaggeration, but there are a lot. From rock to reggae, little to large, hardcore to hippy, there’s something for everyone. And with so much on offer, it can be hard to find the right festival for you.
Over the next couple of months - we’ll be bringing you festival previews, reviews and tips, as well as ticket giveaways, to make sure you make the most out of your summer. We start with an interview with Natalie Vincini - one of the founding partners of Winterwell - a boutique festival that delivers a heady mix of ska, reggae, indie, folk, blues, electro and oh so much more, as well as some genuine good-time vibes. Imagine Bestival, but for 2000 people, and you’re close to the magic of Winterwell. We caught up with Natalie to get an insight on the highs and lows of running a festival, and what they’ve got in the pipelines for this summer and beyond…
Disappear Here: How did you get into running festivals?
Natalie Vincini: We have been involved in creating and promoting live music events across the country for over 10 years and always wanted to run our own festival. Winterwell is just the start for us…
DH: You’re now in your 3rd year now - are you pleased with how it’s gone so far?
NV: It’s been incredible, and we are lucky that people who came in the first year have stayed loyal and are coming back for a 3rd year in a row.
DH: What’s your enduring festival memory?
NV: There have been so many, Norman Jay judging the fancy dress, late night lantern launches, crazy Saturdays, lazy Sundays but the most enduring memory for me is seeing the human Hollywood sign coming down the hill at sunset…amazing!
DH: There’s an impressive line-up of small and up-and-coming bands this year. Who was in charge of selecting the bands? And how was the selection process done?
NV: We curate the festival ourselves which is one of the perks but means we need to keep abreast of new music. This year our friends at Moshi Moshi Records came on board to recommend their favourite new bands (Fanfarlo, Teeth, Slow Club, Plugs) as well as taking to the decks themselves.
DH: Who are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
NV: Metronomy are renowned for their riotous live shows so that will be a highlight but Fanfarlo, Magic Arm and the fabulous Nextmen will also be highlights for us…
DH: Which act has stood out for you at Winterwell 07 and 08?
NV:Norman Jay has killed it every year and got every single person up on their feet. We think he might just become a Winterwell institution…
DH: Why did you decide to make the website only accessible to those knowing the password?
NV: To be honest it was just a bit of fun really and a chance for us to keep it a bit more exclusive that all the other festivals out there.
DH: Tell us more about the saucy burlesque….
In honour of the space theme, bad girl of the burlesque scene Miss Agent Lynch will be bringing her pistol, Barbarella boots and a whole lot of sex appeal to the main stage.
DH: What does the festival have to offer other than music?
NV: Lantern launches, 5 a side football, Brazilian cocktail bars, vintage tearooms, slow motion races, robot butlers and much much more.
DH: What’s your advice for hanging out at festivals? What is the number one thing you would take with you?
NV: My best advice from years of getting ‘festival back’ syndrome is getting a big tent & blow up mattress, essential!
DH: Do you think Winterwell attracts a certain type of person?
NV:Young, intelligent, hedonistic and very very sexy.
DH: Who would you like to see play Winterwell in the future?
NV: Roxy Music, The Bees, Beirut, & Hot Brass 8
DH: What sort of feedback do you get from people the come to Winterwell?
NV: They love it, enough said…
DH: What’s the best and worst thing about being a festival organiser?
NV: Worst things is the occasional spider in my tent and the best thing is being a part of the dancing crowds.
DH: What does the future hold for Winterwell?
NV:Hopefully a lots more years and a lot more memories…
Winterwell takes place from June 19th to 21st 2009. One lucky DH reader can WIN A PAIR OF WINTERWELL TICKETS. To have a chance to win, write a poem, story or rap in 48 words or less on the theme of festivals. Send to by 9am on Tuesday June 16th to be in with a chance of winning!
Posted Fri, June 12, 2009