Reviews of The Wickerman Festival

Reviews

Subba Cultcha - It’s no surprise that The Wickerman is now regarded by many to be Scotland’s greatest music festival. Even less surprising is the ever growing attendance levels. They come from many of Britain’s far away corners just to be a part of it. What makes it so special to people? It has held onto its original ethos and without losing any of its direction or purpose, continues to outshine the bigger and more commercial UK Festivals. T in the Park may claim the greatest line-ups, boast the highest attendance levels and continually stroke its own ego year after year - but it will NEVER in a thousand years come close to meaning as much to people as The Wickerman does right now! And that is what’s important!

 

Virtual Festivals - A Day-Glo fairy screams into a mobile then runs off sobbing, tutu wafting forlornly behind her as a gaggle of other fairies have a concerned huddle about it all. Welcome to the Wickerman where everything is just a little bit different.

 

Efestivals - The burning was symbolic of everything Wickerman stands for - togetherness, spectacle, and a community spirit pulling everyone is the same hedonistic direction. This was my first time at this festival, and it certainly won't be my last. As I walked away from the dying embers of the burned edifice, it was a genuinely emotional moment. You can forget your lager branded, sugar coated mega-fests, this is what true festivals are about, and this is what they should strive to be.

 

Daily Music Guide - Wickerman is highly recommended if you are looking for good music, good people and good vibes in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

 

Dumfries & Galloway Standard - Now and again the fog would part to reveal the heads of mythical beasts; brightly coloured head-dresses; twisted leers and a skeleton or two. The hillside burned red-hot and the smell of smoke permeated a scene that could have easily been taken from a horror movie. This was the climax to the 2008 Wickerman Festival.

 

The Scotsman - A respectful atmosphere prevailed, and even grown men dancing to techno in the campsite at 10am were often doing it alongside their own children. This was a family event which perhaps catered best to those whose wild days are past, yet who want to introduce the next generation gently to the music festival tradition.

 

News of the World - The Wickerman is a firm favourite with fans thanks to a wide-open music policy that covers everything from chart-busting pop to dance and rock. And, of course it all ends with a 30ft high wicker fella going up in flames. What could be better?

 

The Ayrshire Post - A 12 year old boy summed up the mood by saying he enjoyed the Wickerman more than his birthday and Christmas put together.

 

Scotland on Sunday - A favourite on the Scottish festival scene, Wickerman has it all: classic indie, 80s electro-pop, a Hacienda party, up-and-coming talent and, of course, a great big bonfire.

 

Is This Music - Ah, that time of year again. Time for Scotland’s most laid back and, to be honest, downright fun festival.

 

Vibe Scotland - Just as July starts heating up, The Wickerman ignites its own Fiery Frolics of 2008. Voted 2007 UK Grassroots Festival of the Year, this summer promises to bring even more outrageousness, frivolousness and all sorts of Scottish madness to the Solway Coast.

 

World Trip Ventures - Right at the peak of the tourist season (end of July) East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan comes alive with the sound of music emanating from the wonderful Wickerman Music Festival. Deep in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway the Wickerman Festival site is surrounded by the most incredible countryside and, usually, benefits by the gorgeous weather of the area.

 

Times Online - The misfit of Scottish Festivals, the Wickerman is unapologetically unkempt and unshaven. Wickerman offers one of the most diverse selections of music and entertainment for children and young families.

 

Meat Katie (Traffic Magazine) - The festival I love the most is Wickerman Festival in Scotland. They set a massive Wickerman on fire that represents burning your inhibitions and insecurities.

 

The Galloway Ranger - Possibly the largest family friendly music festival in Scotland, the Wickerman has gained a reputation for putting on a weekend of free and easy frivolity. 

 

Scotland on Sunday - Cool, cultish and family friendly

 

Awards & Nominations

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finalist 2008