“The Spirit of Towersey”: Festival Director, Joe Heap on the UK’s Longest-Running independent festival

The UK’s longest-running independent festival is returning to Claydon Estate this August. We had a chat with Festival Director, Joe Heap, about what makes Towersey such a great festival!

So, whether you’re a long-time fan or you’re new to the festival, read on to learn more about the Towersey experience.

What sets Towersey Festival apart from other music festivals?

It’s authentic.  By that I mean, it’s not fabricated by some outside promoter.  It was started by our family and remains in the family.  The people that come are the people who create what it is.  It’s so much more than just big stages.  Its comfortable.  The perfect festival for first timers or those that have done the bigger, crowded festival and want something just that bit easier.

Can you describe the overall atmosphere and community spirit that is fostered at Towersey Festival?

The best word for it is “Belonging”. People from all walks of life feel an immediate sense of belonging.  Its buzzing, exciting, relaxed, homely, welcoming, inspiring….. the list goes on, but what it creates are customers who just love it and feel it belongs to them and they belong at the festival

How has Towersey Festival evolved over the years?

It has changed so many times.  New venues, new artists, new staff, but it stays Towersey.  It has a familiarity to it that people love.

Are there any unique or special traditions associated with Towersey Festival that attendees look forward to each year?

Oh yeah!  So many.  There are two that immediately spring to mind though; the first being the famous Lantern Procession where hundreds of paper lanterns, made over the weekend, parade the site at dusk.  Stunning!  The second is the fact that whichever band is last to play on the mainstage on the final night has to play their own version of “Hey Jude”…. Crazy, and we do not know how that started, but it’s magical.  A big crowd singing that classic, done in a different style each year.

What are the ‘Towersey Values’?

Family is the most important, and by that we mean the wider family.  Even if you come alone, you are part of the Towersey family.  Inclusivity of all ages, genders, race, background….. all are welcome and made welcome.  The Environment is so important, and we do all we can to minimise our impact whilst educating our crowds at the same time.  So many important values but these 3 are key.

What are your top tips for getting the most out of Towersey Festival?

Take time to stop and watch what’s going on.  Take time out to just sit and take it all in.  be in the moment!  Buy a programme in advance so you can pick it up at the gate and crack on with your day or weekend.  Join in.  Dance, Sing, Make, Learn.  It’s more than just watching bands…. but equally, if that’s what you want to do, then there’s loads of that and zero judgement!

How does Towersey Festival incorporate and showcase local talent and artists?

We try to look for local talent and bring young bands to the stages.  We do this by working with local promoters and music nights.  The future of music is in their hands so give them a platform.  Our door is an open one, so come on in if you want to play.

What is your favourite part of organising Towersey Festival

Planning the programme is great fun.  So creative to think about how people will navigate and engage with what starts out as a spreadsheet.  And I love working with my sisters, and an amazing team of passionate, lovely people that make up our team.

If somebody is interested in volunteering at Towersey Festival, what can they expect from the experience?

True comradery.  Something you don’t often feel in today’s society.  A sense of being part of something special.  You’ll meet great people who become lifelong friends and you’ll never look back.  Get involved!

What are you most excited about for this year’s festival and have you any programme highlights that you’re looking forward to?

I love The Proclaimers.  They played with us 5 or 6 years ago and it was such a great night, so I’m excited about having them back.  I’m also excited about a brilliant improvised theatre show we have coming called the Amazing Adventures of Baron Munchausen.  It sounds mad and brilliant.  Plus, Axe throwing of course.  Ha!

To find out more about Towersey Festival, and to book tickets, visit their website at: https://www.towerseyfestival.com/