The Guardian

The festival makeover: swords, gong baths and gigs in a volcano

New experiences, great food and yoga have become a big draw as audiences demand more for their money
Secret Solstice takes small groups down a lava tunnel in Iceland to hear acoustic sets. Photograph: PR

Festivals have moved on from music, mud and a murky pint of cider. This year they are just as likely to involve qoya dancing, racing hovercraft, learning medieval swordplay or dancing in a lava tunnel.

Promoters are turning to activities to lure people to their festivals, as audiences demand new experiences and great food and show less interest in musicians, DJs or even whether there is a stage.

Boutique festivals such as are putting the stress on adventure sports and “wellness” activities with DJs such as and providing a garnish rather than the weekend’s main focus.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Guardian

The Guardian4 min read
‘Everyone Owns At Least One Pair’: $75bn Sneaker Industry Unboxed In Gold Coast Exhibition
What was the world’s first sneaker? Was it made in the 1830s, when the UK’s Liverpool Rubber Company fused canvas tops to rubber soles, creating beach footwear for the Victorian middle class? Or was it a few decades later, about 1870, with the invent
The Guardian4 min read
Lawn And Order: The Evergreen Appeal Of Grass-cutting In Video Games
Jessica used to come for tea on Tuesdays, and all she wanted to do was cut grass. Every week, we’d click The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker’s miniature disc into my GameCube and she’d ready her sword. Because she was a couple of years younger than m
The Guardian4 min read
‘Almost Like Election Night’: Behind The Scenes Of Spotify Wrapped
There’s a flurry of activities inside Spotify’s New York City’s offices in the Financial District. “It’s almost like election night,” Louisa Ferguson, Spotify’s global head of marketing experience says, referring to a bustling newsroom. At the same t

Related Books & Audiobooks