Timber Festival 2018

This weekend, I went to my very first festival along with Sam, who was there to photograph the inaugural Timber Festival. (I've included some of his amazing photos in here so check out his page for more!) Having never been to a festival or camping (since I was a child at least!) I wasn't quite sure what to expect but after a weekend full of adventuring, I feel that I could definitely get into this whole camping festival vibe...

We borrowed Sam's parents' tent, practiced setting it up twice in their garden and after some very last minute shopping for the festival essentials, an evening of blue hair dye and camera gear packing and triple checking, we were finally ready...! 

 

Setting off early Friday morning, with a quick stop for breakfast along the way, awe arrived to glorious sunshine and blue skies. Many, many trips to and from the car later... our little tent home was all set for the weekend, just in time for the festival site to open.

The festival site is situated in Feanedock, a beautiful woodland area in the heart of The National Forest, a brand new forest in the making. We had a relaxed afternoon wandering around, exploring the site and sussing out all the event locations. There was lots going on and you'd find yourself stumbling upon something interesting around every corner, such as the starling Murmuration sculpture as you first walk into the site. 

The Museum of the Moon - Luke Jerram

This was definitely one of my favourite exhibits! We'd actually been to see it previously in the Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool so I was really excited to be able to see it again, this time hanging amongst the trees. We were able to see it both lit up at night and during the day, nothing quite beats a picnic under the moon!

Samuel Mills Photography

The heat finally beat us, after wandering around the site, so it was time to head back to the tent for some hot dogs and recuperation before the evening events. 

This is the Kit 

Really enjoyed this headliner act in particular! 

Found this little guy back at the campsite; I've never seen a beetle like this before, but a quick google search later and I think it's a nettle weevil? Beautiful shade of metallic. 

After a beautiful sunset, our friends arrived to pitch their tent (new and never opened or set up before, naturally) which proved to be an entertaining hour or so in the pitch black. Camping under the stars, exciting new creative festival and good company ticked all the adventure boxes for me. 

Wrapped up warm, we headed out with J & C to experience the festival at night time. After some head bobbing and foot tapping at the Nightingale stage we ambled back with the intention of getting some sleep before the dawn run, only to be drawn in by the intriguing debut Tree & Wood, an immersive, outdoor performance. 

I cannot recommend seeing this enough! You couldn't help but sit down on the forest floor, amongst the trees and lengthening shadows to watch, till the end. Between the fire effects and music, it was hands down one of the most compelling performances I've ever seen. You'd find yourself focusing in on one performance area to then be drawn into the start of the next by a fire sparking or a log splitting; it was fascinating to watch the story unfold as they moved through the performance. 

Tree & Wood - Jony Easterby

Dawn; Sam set his alarm to wake up early to photograph the start of the planned dawn run...

(spoiler; he was the only one who did wake up early haha ) 

After staying up past 1 am last night, I wasn't planning on joining him but after finally experiencing the full camping experience; it really is something to go to bed shivering and wake up drenched in sweat haha, I was ready to head out. 

Luckily for me, the woodland library and hammocks meant I could enjoy a relaxed morning while he worked. May or may not be considering a hammock for our little yard .... 

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” 

― J.R.R. Tolkien

Absolutely couldn't resist trying out some of the delicious food vendors! 

Goody Gujarati

Goody Gujarati

The Allotment

The Allotment

The Farmer's Market

 Some more weekend wanderings ahead... 

The Bewonderment Machine

The Coppice Maze

Forest Monsters

Whispering Wood: Canopy of The Stars

Blue Hair! #quarterlifecrisis

Ian Douglas: Storyteller

"Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure." - J.K Rowling

The Fire Garden was something I was really curious about as it only opened at 8pm... how can you not want to see something signposted as the fire garden?! It was a sight to behold, I wasn't expecting the scale of the event haha. The combination of the natural allure of flickering flames with some moving elements made it hard to draw your eyes away .. 

 

Samuel Mills Photography

 What better way to end the weekend with a masked ball and a fun, upbeat brass band? These were one of my favourite acts - they were so eccentric and full of energy - definitely found myself dancing along! 

Perhaps Contraption

We walked our little socks off this weekend haha- on average around 30, 000 steps per day! There was so much to see and it would be fascinating to return next year to see how it develops. There was definitely something for everyone; from Bollywood dancing to campfire stories and eclectic music to informative talks such as foraging and all about the bees! We've made so many memories here,  I'd definitely like to try out some more festivals.