Glade Festival - Past and Present

 

With only hours to go until the Glade Festival kicks off we are going to take a look at the Glade festival from it's birth until the present day.

You will also hear from festival organiser Nick Ladd, who will give you a bit of a preview of what you can expect from this years Glade Festival.

Nick went to his first rave in 1989 and hasn't looked back since, producing some seminal outdoor dance festivals including the 2001 Zambia and 2002 South Africa solar eclipse parties, before coming home to England and partnering in the birth of the Glade at Glastonbury. He has since been instrumental in creating the Glade Festival, voted Best Dance Festival in the 2008 UK Festival Awards.

Nick continues to get his inspiration for his events, and life, by travelling around the globe and attending outdoor dance festivals. This makes him exceptionally well qualified to advise on how to have a seriously good time at festivals, as - quite simply - it's what he does. After you have finished reading this article, check out his Thrival Guide at the bottom of this page.

Its journey from its birth place as one of Glastonbury's smaller stages in 2000, to the large scale event it is today, has been an eventful and sometimes emotional journey for the award winning festival and it's organisers. Dealing with everything from difficult licence applications and massive flooding, to reports of crime and heavy handed security, have literally bought tears to the organisers eyes. Set in a wooded area, the Glade Stage was and still is a great little part of Glasto.  With a great lighting system projecting onto the woods, speakers belonging to a fat system and plenty of keen party people, the Glade stage has always been guaranteed to go off! Still a main fixture to this day, Glade was seen by some as an alternative to the rock and guitar dominated festival of the past, long before the dance village became a regular feature.

Playing host to artists such as Annie Mac, Layo and Bushwhacker and breaks god Tayo to name a few, the Glade Stage continues to provide more electronic music you can shake a stick at and more.

Nick Ladd told ravescum "Michael Eavis let us have the only wooded area at Glastonbury and called it the Glade. The stage was initially seen as a bit of antidote to the main dance stage" "The type of music that Glade provides just wasn't being catered for at Glastonbury at that time, so we were happy to step in".

 

After four years as part of Glastonbury it became apparent to Nick and the team that it might be possible to turn Glade into a festival in its own right. "It was the third year of the glade and we were voted the best stage at Glastonbury on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show. We were seeing attendances of between 3000-5000 people on both the Friday and the Saturday nights and we thought, we could do this. So we asked a few of our friends who were artists if they would be onboard. People like Aphex Twin, Rennie Pilgrim, Plump DJ's promised that iif we went ahead with the festival they agreed to play for us for less money than they would normally charge, about a 10th of their normal fee. just to help us get off the ground. We also looked at the other dance music festivals around and most of them were a bit more commercial than Glade so we thought, lets do it!".
So it seems that the organisers had found a huge stinking hole in the market and intended to fill it by launching The Glade as a festival the following year. The very first Glade was held at The Wasing Estate in Aldermaston, Berkshire. Set in several thousand acres of gorgeous Berkshire countryside, Wasing was a perfect choice for this brand new festival. With a capacity of 5550, barely more than the largest crowds drawn to The Glade Stage at Glastonbury, The Festival was born.

The music at the 2004 Glade, which was spread across five music orientated arenas, included performances from artists such as Freq Nasty, Timo Maas and a massive headline appearance from Squarepusher. It seemed for the first time there was a festival that would be catering for all manner of underground dance and electronic music and with probably the best breaks arena of any festival or event in the shape of the Breaksdays tent this was a sure fire winner.

On entering the site it was clear the free party vibe the organisers were trying to create was present, the atmosphere was friendly, laid back and everyone seemed happy. It's our opinion here at ravescum that the festival had been successful in attracting people with the right mindset and it was a pleasure to not have to deal with the idiots and problems that you may encounter at larger more corporate dance music festivals. There was also a lot of time and effort that had gone into the production including the visuals, decoration and a whole host of random entertainers wandering around the site. The attention to detail of the decor within the tents was astounding.

2005 and Glade returned to the Wasing Estate for another weekend of electronic music, magical attractions and general debauchery. The capacity had grown to 8500 and the line up remained as impressive as the previous year. Once again we were going to be treated of the likes of Sasha, Ritchie Hawtin, Layo and Bushwhacker, Dreadzone and Squarepusher to name very few indeed. Tickets sold out well in advance, a definite sign that this festival was gaining popularity and reputation. This year Glade was to be blessed with the sunshine, which can absolutely make a festival more enjoyable. Even though we have all enjoyed trapsing through the mud and filth at many festivals over the years, there is nothing better than laying back listening the music and soaking up the rays. This is what we did this year. Aside from suffering mild sunstroke and sunburn, it was a top weekend and even with the extra capacity, still managed to retain its intimate, mobile soundsystem vibe. This was apparent when entering the festival as the searches in progress were very laid back. There were apparently quite a few gatecrashers who managed to get in over the fence in 2005, which lead to reports of an increase in petty crime. None of our group were victims or witnessed anything at all. In fact we found the whole event to be safe and secure. That could have been the mushrooms though!

2006 came around and Glade headed back to its home on the Wasing Estate. Another stellar line up and of course a slight increase in size to 9000 capacity. The only negative feedback I heard, was the apparent 'heavy handedness' of a minority of the security team in place.There were reports of people being thrown out without any real reason and a few people felt they had been ruffed up. I always wonder about these stories though and sometimes I bet there is more behind the story than mistaken identity or 'I didn't do nuffin'.Once again there was music a plenty with big performances from The Plump DJ's, Krafty Kuts, Coldcut, Hellfish & The DJ Producer and Annie Nightingale to name just a few.This year also saw the first outing of Glades new outdoor stage, 'The Glade Stage'

The 2007 festival seemed like it was never going to go ahead. About ten angry residents voiced their concerns over the steadily growing (now 15,000 capacity) festival whilst an overwhelming 300 other local residents were behind the festival and what it could bring to their area. This coupled with complaints by Thames Valley police about open drug taking and the event being 'unpoliceable' left their position looking doubtful.

Nick told us"There were a small amount of people who were unhappy with possible noise levels in the area, but a large amount of residents (300) who were very excited about Glade taking place again. unfortunately because we live in a 'democracy' the minority were listened to and it looked like it wasn't going to go ahead. Eventually we got the licence and the festival went ahead"

The main dance tent was scrapped for the 2007 event and replaced by a new open air stage for predominantly live acts and two smaller tents comprising a techno tent (Vapor) and the Roots Tent, which is themed on the origins of dance music. There was also a new space called the Nectar Temple, comprising visionary and performance arts. (wikipedia)

 

2007 saw other problems in the shape of awful weather and mud, and plenty of it. The rain came down hard and for a lot of the time and there was terrible flooding throughout the site. The Overkill stage was the worst hit and had to remain shut for a lot of the time. Eventually through sheer determination and hard work the organisers and event team managed to work together to actually  get the tent open again.

Nick explained "It was an absolute nightmare, but we decided that we were going to dig in and sort it out and continue the party. We thought to ourselves, we love this festival and were going to make it work. There was no time for crying we just got on with it!"

Eventually the Overkill stage was opened and was packed to the rafters almost immediately. A success then? Well you would think so, but there were still some complaints of the sound quality and overall sound levels even after all of this effort to get things moving again. I guess some people are never going to be happy, but it seemed that part of the problem was down to the fact that most of the other stages had Hi tech funktion 1 systems in place and the overkill stage didn't. There was a bit of an explanation of what happened by clicking here. I have to say that overall the production levels were high during the 2007 festival and I can't see why anyone would complain, when they might not of had a full 3 day festival at all.

Last years festival became a victim of peoples fear of bad weather and the option of cheaper festivals abroad (wikipedia). As a result, capacity was reduced from 15000 to 12000 and still didn't manage to sell out. Glade managed to secure a 5 year licence to continue holding events at Wasing. 2008 also saw Glade win best dance music festival, beating competition from monsters like Global Gathering, Creamfields and Dance Island. A nice little achievement after only 4 years on the scene. Nick and the team were very happy to receive the recognition for all their hard work and for the festival they love and have helped grow.

"The feedback we get about the festival is great and people love it, that's why they keep coming back. We sell out every year, except for last year, and we have now sold out this year!"

In less than 8 hours, The Glade Festival kicks off at Homelands old home - Matterley Bowl. Even though the organisers managed to secure a five year licence at Wasing, it was decided that moving on would be better. Matterley Bowl is a great site and one that the organisers have handpicked for its size, location and most importantly to address the previous problems with sound levels and restrictions in previous years."This site is surrounded by hills so it works as a sort of barrier for the sound. The music is able to run until 6am Saturday morning and 6am Sunday morning and midnight on Sunday night. We are very happy". We have to agree as well, for this type of event keeping arenas open until 6am both days is pretty sweet. Add to that this years line up (see below) and take away previous sound restrictions and everyone who is attending is in for an absolute sensory overload.

This years ones to watch are Squarepusher who's blend of jazzy drill and bass is amazing live. Adam Freeland Live on the Friday night is also guaranteed to be amazing set.  16-Bit is always amazing and we will be checking out Benga for our dubstep fix. But there are literally hundreds of artists to choose from. The thing I like most about Glade though is the opportunity to listen to music I have never heard before and this year provides plenty of new music for me and with a whole day of DnB courtesy of the South West drum and bass crew, Rinse Out it's going to be a treat.

Ravescum

One thing that we are particularly excited about is the inclusion of 2 nights and one whole day of Drum and Bass.

Nick said "We have always had a sprinkiling of DnB over the years, bringing in big names such as Friction, Noisia. None of us has ever really been involved in the Drum and Bass scene so it has never really cropped up. We do however, all really like Drum and Bass and have some connections with 'Rinse Out' (who will be hosting the DnB arena), so we decided to include it this year".

Ravescum feel this just adds to Glades appeal and makes it even more musically diverse than ever before and adding to the possibility to Glade being crowned best dance music festival 2 years in a row.

Nick Ladds Festival Survival Guide

 

"Survival is for Bear Grills", says international rave legend and Glade Festival co-founder Nick Ladd, "You go to a festival to have a good time!" This is the art of festival 'thrival'...

Glade Festival head honcho and general festival guru Nick Ladd has put together his festival 'Thrival' guide for all those unsure on general procedure for enduring the hardships of the everyday festival, i.e. Glade Festival. On that note, Glade Festival 2009 kicks off from Thursday July 16th to Sunday July 19th at the new site Matterley Bowl in Winchester, Hampshire. The festival will go on louder, later and longer than previous years, and with exclusive live sets from Underworld, Booka Shade, Squarepusher and more it's set to be the biggest yet.

1) IF YOU LOSE ALL YOUR MATES
Don’t worry about it... and especially – do not spend the next five hours looking for them, trying to get a signal on your phone and asking people if they have “seen my mate Dave?” Instead, go and do some stuff that you wouldn’t normally do with your mates. Go and talk to interesting people with beards in the healing field; get some fancy dress on, dance like freak to a Balkan violin band and drink Margaritas. Go to a Tai Chi workshop... or at the very least go and see some bands you have never heard of with some cool people you have never met. Get out of your comfort zones and find the flow and enjoy it! Losing your mates can be a very liberating thing.

2) IF YOUR RIZLAS GET STUCK TOGETHER
Cos they got damp the night before... Try breathing on them as you try and peel them apart. The warm moisture from your breath will reactivate the gum, a bit like steaming a stamp of a letter. Also, if you are trying to roll one in a dark tent and can’t find which side the gum is on, hold the Rizla up and look down its length and all will become clear.

3) DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR TENT
There is a very small minority of complete ar**holes who go to festivals to rip people off. They need to be discouraged in no uncertain terms, my policy with festival valuables is: if it doesn’t fit in my pockets, leave it at home. However, if you have brought the old iPod and speakers so you can chill with your crew early morning back at your camp, then stick it in the free lock up that all good festivals have while you are out partying and then pick it up on the way back. If you see a group of blokes looking like they are robbing tents, go and find security and let em know... it’s up to all of us to take responsibility to stop this crap behaviour.

4) FIND THE NAKED SAUNA
It’s the best way to get a hot shower without having to queue up for hours! You shower before and after the sauna and it’s a great way to cleanse yourself inside and out.

5) DO NOT KEEP ACID IN YOUR SOCK
I was a rave in the desert in Rajasthan about 12 years ago that got busted by the police cos the promoters hadn’t paid them off. They arrived all heavy, truncheons flailing and me and my mate Pete had to rescue our girlfriend’s bags from behind the decks... We ended up with me being chased a mile into the desert by 3 coppers - they were the last people we saw for the next 12 hours... What I did see was lots of snakes, UFO’s, bottomless pits and sand beings from another dimension, none of which were actually there... However, I did have three paper trips I had stashed in my sock and forgotten about which had now absorbed through my skin and I was tripping my tits off...

6) IF YOU NEED YOUR MUM
If you (or anyone you meet) are cold, tired, hungry, skint, sketched out, freaked out or just need someone to talk to, get up to the WELFARE AREA... most good festivals have one, and they are full of lovely people who know what they are doing and are there to help you feel better with hot tea, blankets and calming vibes.

7) BE HERE NOW
Turn your phone off, forget about work, don’t argue with your girlfriend, don’t plan too much and don’t think too much... just wander round and be in the moment... the sensory overload of festivals is particularly good at taking you there.

8) DO NOT USE CANDLES OR GAS STOVES INSIDE YOUR TENT
For what you would think are fairly obvious reasons but you would be surprised at the amount of nitwits whose tents we have to hose down each year.. if you feel like cooking your own breakfast and it’s raining, then find a tent with an awning you can sit under.

9) BE PART OF THE SHOW
The best festivals are the ones where everyone is a part of the show... so get stuck in! Bring your trumpet, (whether you can play it or not), bring your wig collection, your vicar’s outfit or be the Superhero you always wanted to be... make the costume and get into character. Set up a table with a sign, put on a lab coat and pretend to be a psychiatrist; start a Welly Wanging workshop... Practise random acts of kindness... LET YOUR FREAK OUT AND BE THE PERSON YOU WANNA BE!... people will love you for it

10) DONT GET INVOLVED IN FERRET LEGGING OR FIRE BREATHING UNLESS YOU ARE SOBER.
Nuff said here I think.

11) ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATE
One of the most amazing things about festivals is how they change your life... how when you get to work the next week you suddenly realise that you have somehow still got a bit of the weekend’s beautiful reality bubble with you... the longer you stay, the deeper that feeling goes... so take Thursday and Monday off work and really get immersed. Especially stay Sunday night... often it’s the best bit.

12) CHECK OUT THE SMALLER ACTS
We are looking forward to Underworld headlining this year's Glade Festival, but some of my best moments have been catching up and coming bands on the smaller stages as well. I once saw an unknown Ska band with an Elvis impersonator as the lead singer on a stage so small that the lead guitarist had to lean back every time the trombonist extended his slide, the audience was going bananas, its moments like that - the combination of music and humour - that makes the English festival scene completely unique and for my money the best on the planet.

Glade Festival 2009 takes place from Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th July 2009 at the new Matterley Bowl site, Winchester, Hampshire and will go on louder, later and longer than previous years.

The Glade Festival won Best Dance Festival at last year's UK Festival Awards and is a 10,000 capacity event, visited by dance music and free spirited aficionados from around the world. The Glade Festival is known as one of Europe's best underground electronic festivals and will celebrate its sixth birthday in 2009 after starting life as part of Glastonbury festival (of which it is still a part of).