It’s been likened to a ‘smaller version of Glastonbury’. It’s been labelled ‘family friendly’. ‘Chilled out’. ‘Amazing’. ‘Well organised’. ‘Cool’. And last time TheNorthernLine was there, we swore we’d be back for more.
So… this year we’re doing it. We’re going back for more.

Good timing, too. Because 2014 will be the 13th year that Wickerman festival has graced Dundrennan in Scotland and it’s expected to be the biggest and best yet. (In fact, last year sold out so if you haven’t yet picked up your tickets, we’re guessing that you’re probably out of luck.)

This year, organisers are building on that momentum and have lined up the likes of Dizzee Rascal, NorthernLine favourites British Sea Power, plus del Amitri, Shed Seven, The Feeling, Alabama 3, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Augustines, The Zombies, Roddy Woomble and more – spread across ten stages and tents.

On top of that, we’ve also been told to expect a pretty special kids’ area too, with, in their own words, escapist entertainment and al fresco adventures including Storytelling sessions, singalongs, art workshops and puppet shows.

Ok, we’re beginning to see where this mini Glasto reference comes in. And that’s not exactly a bad thing, given that we’ll also have the kiddos in tow this year.

If you’ve not heard of Wickerman, or you’ve never been, here’s a bit of background for you. It began in 2001 when the festival’s artistic director Sid Ambrose, whilst working with the Stewartry Music Initiative, hit upon the idea of a local counter-culture based family-friendly festival due to the surrounding area being inextricably linked with various locations used within the classic British horror film The Wicker Man starring Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward.

He took the idea to local farmer Jamie Gilroy, and by doing this, they ensured that the festival would eventually settle within a natural amphitheatre of 120 acres (0.49 km2) of prime Galloway grazing land at East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan.

With an idea and a location like that, you have to wonder if luck ever really played a part in the success of Wickerman? From what we’ve seen, heard and read of this festival, it has way more than luck on its side.
See you there this weekend – and don’t miss our updates from the festival itself!

By Barry Bell on July 24, 2014