TWO of the UK’s longest-running grassroots festivals have joined forces to celebrate Celtic music, land, and nature this summer.
Knockengorroch and The Green Gathering have partnered up to create the Meet Us by the Fireside, which the organisers say is a symbol of resilience and unity at a time when independent festivals are under increasing pressure.
Organisers say the collaboration was forged off the fact that both festivals are built on shared principles, with an eclectic mix of global, folk, and dance music and free workshops to preserve vital heritage skills along with a vibrant community spirit.
The partnership will offer festival-goers the opportunity to experience both events at a discounted rate along with being a symbol of unity. Knockengorroch, which is nestled in the Carsphairn Hills of south-west Scotland, is located within a Unesco Dark Skies Park, while The Green Gathering, held in the Welsh borders, champions nature connection and sustainability.
Liz Holmes, director of Knockengorroch, said the partnership aims to help keep both festivals sustainable during current challenges which face the industry.
She said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the equally long established Green Gathering, with which Knockengorroch shares so much, not least incredible festival communities and stunning locations.
“Both events are bursting with creativity and focused on the environment – Knockengorroch’s unique international music programme and The Green Gathering’s exciting showcase of real life, low impact alternatives which go ‘beyond hedonism’.
“Our partnership offers an opportunity to experience both festivals at reduced cost and we hope this encourages more visitors to both events, to help sustain us through the current challenges that independent festivals are experiencing across the UK.”
This year’s theme of survival at Knockengorroch aims to reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the live music and arts sectors, celebrating resilience, regeneration, and the enduring power of culture, organisers have said. The Green Gathering will focus on off-grid living and the transformative impact of music and art.
Em Weirdigan, director of The Green Gathering, added that both festivals are rooted in history and culture so the initiative to join forces and to learn from each other is an “exciting” proposition.
She said: “Bringing together Knockengorroch and Green Gathering in this festival collaboration is so exciting. Our festivals have heaps in common, providing joyous life-changing moments through immersion in music, connection with nature and community spirit.
“We're hoping to raise awareness of our shared passions, and learn from our relative strengths – Green Gathering being the UK's most sustainable festival, and Knockengorroch being rooted in the lands, history and culture of its unique site. With the survival of grassroots festivals in jeopardy, this is the year to come along and meet us by the fireside in Scotland and in Wales!”
Knockengorroch Festival 2025 will take place from 22–25 May 22 to 15 in Scotland while The Green Gathering 2025 will be held July 31 to August 3 near Chepstow, in the Welsh borders.
