Saturday night at almost midnight the crowds gathered for the ritual burning of the
Wickerman, a 30-foot-tall wicker effigy who is “sacrificed to the festival gods” at midnight. What a sight it was with fire dancers at the base and then the giant fiery torch that sets the giant wicker man alight! After that it was party all night dancing in the Eden Zone tent until 5 a.m. What more could you want in a festival?
The only complaint I have was that the sight had to be vacated by noon and after a night of intensive drinking and only five hours sleep that was a tall order. I could have done with at least three more hours of sleep.
Overall the Wickerman festival was a huge success with fine weather, fantastic and strange people and a feeling of friendship and community that I found refreshing at a large music festival. I am already looking forward to next year.
Photos taken by Creina O'Leary
Article comments
1 - Snarkattack
I would have been there in spirit form were it possible. You capture the feel of these shindigs so well - there's nothing quite like the seediness of partying hard for 2 days straight with people you hardly know and great music. Oh, to be there!
You made it to the VIP area, eh? Nice!
2 - duane
What, no human sacrifices? Party ... ha!
3 - Snarkattack
duane - perhaps that's why they had to clear off so early at the end, sneak in all those sacrifices. They can't do it during the festivities now, can they?
4 - A.L. Harper
Snarkattack - Thank you very much! I was indeed an amazing time. I have never had that much fun at a music festival before. The atmosphere was so laid back. And I got press passes so I was in the VIP area and didn't have to walk a mile to get to the fun.
Duane - Human sacrifices? I guess it depends on what is being sacrificed. *wink*
5 - emma
You're right about Big Strides! They're great live I saw them at Glastonbury last year. can't wait to see them again.
6 - Snarkattack
A.L. - boy am I jealous! Nah, it's good :)
Though after reading Stewart Home's '69 Things To Do With a Dead Princess', I'm more inclined to believe the whole human sacrifice thing. I can't recall whether or not he's Scottish, but that book is set in Scotland. I do recommend it if you come across it.
7 - A.L. Harper
Emma - They have new album out in September. Check out the MP3 of their new song on their site.
Snarkattack - I have not heard of that book but I will look for it. Glad your jealous! *smile*
8 - Scott Butki
Great review
9 - A.L. Harper
Thanks Scott!
10 - Anna Creech
Hm. Sounds a bit like a Brit version of Burning Man.
11 - A.L. Harper
Oh no it much more fun than that. It's not about self reliance or self expression at all. It's about getting pished, shagging strangers and maybe listening to a little music while your doing it.
Actually you maybe right - that is how the Brits express themselves
12 - Chuckstah
I've been to all the Wickerman festivals so far, apart fom last year when I broke my leg the week before(!).
It's definately getting noticably bigger each year, but as the review says still has a counterculture feel to it.
Music wise, the highlight for me was the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, mad as ever 'n tight as hell, with a real character standing in for Alex,(r.i.p.). System 7 and New Model Army both did sterling sets and there was some great stuff in the other stages/tents.
I think it was only the festival site that had to be vacated by mid-day, as we left about then and there was still hundreds of people and tents in the campsite.
Anyone going next year should remember to bring some warm clothing. After a scorching day on saturday, after dark it was freeeeezing!
13 - A.L. Harper
Hey Chuckstah - I know you! It was freezing Saturday night and it blew a gale and pissed. But I thought it was refreshing after the intense heat of Saturday. But it put Jim off! Thank God.