Secret garden party becomes biggest music festival to embrace social enterprise model

20-23 July 2023

Near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

 

THEME: EPISODE XVII - A NEW HOPE...

 

SECRET GARDEN PARTY BECOMES BIGGEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

TO EMBRACE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MODEL

 

Secret Garden Party, a pioneer of what became known as ‘boutique’ festivals, is now set to evolve into a Social Enterprise based music festival. SGP, inspired by an emerging trend towards a more socially committed business model, has decided to go further, and commit 65% of profits to being a force for good.

The mission of this forof business for SGP is to help in the 'rehabilitation of at risk and disenfranchised individuals via the arts'. In accordance with the rules of being a Social Enterprise at least 65% of profit will go to front line organisations in these sectors. The charities will be chosen by the artists playing and the people coming, and the remainder will go toward in-house partnerships and apprenticeship schemes (such as Bridges For Music).

Launched way back in 2004, Secret Garden Party won several awards over the years for spearheading new ideas:  the ground-breaking introduction of MAST drug-testing, no branding policy, and immersive audience participation to name a few. Secret Garden Party was a breath of fresh air when it appeared on the festival scene, a Party where everyone could be a participant. Musically it was where many artists such as The XX, Florence & The Machine, Dua Lipa, Kae Tempest and Lily Allen cut their teeth. ‘Gardeners’ have always been encouraged to get involved and escape to reality. Many have followed this ethos with a wave of new independent festivals soon emerging up and down the country, and then internationally.

Founder and ‘Head Gardener’ Freddie Fellowes feels Social Enterprise is the logical way forward for him now: "SGP has always been founded on a principle of inclusivity. This is a word that’s meaning has evolved and grown up along with us. As a result, we deeply understand how much work and effort is involved in ensuring that a party is truly inclusive. Recently much has been noted regarding how inclusive the music industry is (or isn’t) and this set us thinking about how much more we could go with our core principles of being progressive, inclusive, and relevant. 

"Rich kids being able to do art for a living may be a reflection of their privilege, but it seems to me like a reflection of the fact that a human that doesn't have to worry about money will often choose art. Everyone is an artist until rent is due. I wish we all had that right….

Our theme for 2023 ‘A New Hope’ is not just some pithy reference to our pledge to have better loos this year. It is a real Declaration of Independence as we are ensuring that Secret Garden Party (Version 2.0) is a force for good by officially becoming a Social Enterprise.” 

After a 5-year hiatus from 2017 then re-launching post-pandemic last year Freddie was eager to establish a more formal set up that will benefit others.

He continues:“It is exciting to continue to show that there is another way to run live events and we know that ‘Why’ things are done is as important to our audience as the ‘How’. So, making this pledge to play it forward is something I see as vital right now. We came back because COVID - and lockdown -opened our eyes to what a privilege it was to hold a gathering such as SGP. Now as we stare down the barrel of a ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ that privilege is something to be leveraged further; by establishing ourselves as a Social Enterprise I can ensure that SGP is, and will always be, a Force for Good.”

The estate where SGP is held is still family run by Freddie and this allows the endeavour much more facility to take it further; workshop space and accommodation facilities to mentor, patron and apprentice individuals will now be available year-round. Watch this space!

All about Social Enterprise | Social Enterprise UK

https://time.com/5651255/business-of-music-festivals/

https://plymsocent.org.uk/another-year-another-festival/

 

Notes to Editors…

Winners: Best Small Festival 2005/2008, UK Festival Awards

Winners: Best Medium-sized Festival 2011, UK Festival Awards

Winners: ‘Act of Independence’ Award for pioneering drug-testing scheme. AIF Awards

Winners: Live Music Business Awards (15-40,000 capacity) 2011, 2012, 2014

Winner: Outstanding Contribution Award Freddie Fellowes 2017, UK Festival Awards

Winner: Festivals Pioneer Award, Freddie Fellowes 2017, AIF Awards

 

The Mouse That Roared

 

The first event to put the audience at the centre of the show and hand them the creativity of the event

The first event to pioneer fine dining.

The first event to truly champion brining Fine Art to the fields

The first to start the trend of theming each show and to put such emphasis on the decor and atmosphere.

The first to pioneer the MAST drugs testing.

The first unsponsored, unbranded and 100% independent event to prove that you can outperform the majors without abandoning your principles. 

 

 

About The Secret Garden Party: www.secretgardenparty.com

 

The award-winning Secret Garden Party is a much-loved and a truly independent event, offering 4 days of immersive entertainment and camping, with the focus on championing new and creative ideas. Situated in a beautiful location by a shimmering lake it offers over 10 live music and dj stages, a multitude of games, parades, performances, secret happenings, thought-provoking art installations, delicious food and drink, outdoor swimming, stunning unique visual displays and much much more. It is all lovingly curated with meticulous attention to detail. The intention is to transport ‘gardeners’ into a temporary magical parallel world in which they can reawaken a carefree sense of childish fun and playfulness. This summer’s line up includes Underworld, The Libertines, Roisin Murphy, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Peaches, Leftfield and many more.

 

‘THE MOST CULTURALLY IMPORTANT FESTIVAL OF 2022….

Festivals aren’t just weekends in fields with music. They bind people, they create culture, and they reinvigorate us to play, like we were children again. Through its attention to detail, inclusive stages – there were so many little labyrinths of queer culture and cabaret culture in tiny little tents going on until 6am, more than perhaps even at Glastonbury – SGP’s return massively enriches the UK festival scene.’ Culture or Trash July 2022

 

“Everywhere there was dazzling attention to detail. Is there any other festival that takes its frivolity so seriously?”  The Times - 5/5 – one of four 5/5 reviews

 

“There is nothing else like Secret Garden Party, anywhere in the world. Everyone is advised to be excellent to each other, and they really are. In summary it would seem that the only applicable word is a very resounding YES.”     Virgin.com

 

 

 

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