L Fest organiser exclusive eFestivals interview

eFestivals caught up with Cindy Edwards, organiser of L Fest, for a quick chinwag about L Fest and all things festivals

How would you describe L Fest?
L Fest is a unique weekend celebration of lesbian culture and community. It includes music, cinema, books and visual art; games and sport; dating and dancing. It’s packed with fun, socialising and creativity. L Fest is fulfilling and inspirational. And it has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The organisers and volunteers aim to make everyone feel welcome and involved.

How would you sell L Fest to eFestivals readers?
There is something for everyone at L Fest, we have such a diverse programme and a wide age range that I could sell it to any lesbian!

How did you get into organising a festival?
I've always been the person to throw a party! I organised a football festival and called it Stanstock 7's. Then I thought this is predominantly lesbians and there's a lot out there who wouldn't like football but like a weekend like this and L Fest was born!

As GOGO Festival was cancelled this year have you sold more tickets than last year?
Ticket sales have been great this year J But we still want more! I think as GOGO cancelled quite late in the day we haven’t really seen ticket sales in from that as festival goers had already made their plans for this year.

What are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
The L Project! I have seen them live but as just 6 of them, but to have the whole group closing the main stage after a fab weekend is going to be amazing!

If you could get a dream line-up of say five acts at L Fest whom would they be and why?
Oohh thats a tough one! We have a great line up this year. At L Fest we want to create a platform for lesbian artists to perform. To be honest as much as id love the commercial line up its not what we are about at the moment.

How do you go about finding acts for L Fest?
I was so surprised to find that people kept approaching us, when we were so new. This year we had over 100 music acts requests!! So its more how do I let bands down gently!

How do you make L Fest better each year?
Its not a case of getting better rather than bigger. Obviously more people means more facilities but we want to keep a tight festival. Others have fallen by trying to grow to quick. We know what our limits are and anything we can do to make the festival better we will.

I've seen some of the L Fest team at a few Heather Peace and Jill Jackson gigs and they seem really dedicated, what sets them apart from anyone else?
The L Fest Crew are amazing! The whole team. The Tour crew, go up and down the country promoting L Fest, but to be honest to go to a different city each weekend and by wearing a green t shirt you can talk to any girl in the bar...well who wouldn't want that job!

Any plans for next year's L Fest yet?
L Fest 2013 was booked last year so we are here to stay!

If you go to a festival what do you look for in a good festival experience?
You may not believe me but L Fest was my first festival experience! I had never been to one before. But I think that’s what makes us different because our ideas are unique and how I would want to be treated at a festival. Come on, how many festivals meet you at the gate with pink wheel barrows and help you with your kit and tent! We have glamping, hair straightening rooms and a masked ball – So I think we are pretty unique offering a good festival experience.


L Fest is held at West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury, in Shropshire, and takes place from Friday 13th until Monday 16th July.

L Project, Jill Jackson, Horse, Heads Hearts, Barcode Zebra, Neon Choir, Christina Novelli, Eeek, Laura Catlow, Kenelis, Elliots Sleeping, Greymatter, Juey, Nicky Mitchell, Geek Girl, Charlotte Oram, JoanOVarc, Stacey Stockwell, Roses & Pirates, Faye Bagley, Elle Robertson, and Lucy Spraggon.

£95 for a weekend ticket. All of the activities are included in the ticket price. Children under 16 can attend for free. Just add a child ticket in the drop down menu when purchasing an adult ticket. To buy tickets, click here.

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