Set deep within a valley surrounded by a stunning, panoramic
mountain range, the Dragon Festival certainly fired up a storm of
an event.
A tribal gathering of peace and tranquility - it was a celebration
of the beauty of our natural world and the life within it.
Sending out of course, the same message as it always has
done.
Fresh-water mountain springs and a dewy mist emanating from the
pure atmosphere really did give that feeling of floating in the
clouds… The drive there was a scenic and breathtaking
experience.
At the same time it was imperative that nominated pilot (moi)
pumped drive-time reflexes to the max to steer car through a
krypton factor mountain range. Twisting the car through sharp
zigzag bends and sudden high-gradient steep hills certainly put
this driver to the test; using at the same time ultimate will-power
to not get distracted by the breathtaking and magnificent surrounds
of this beautiful environment. Driving the car off the edge of a
cliff may have been just one of the major concerns as we tried to
get there at least in one piece! Attempting to get into the town
had to be a little challenging with a few obvious wrong-turns up
dead-end hillsides and the odd (ahem…) scrape…
Car-hire deposit? Sod it… Driving in to actual festival was
worse still. A four-wheel-drive or G-Force tractor would have been
much more sufficient a vehicle. Trawling the car over what felt
like an African safari whilst attempting not to run over festival
friends walking about casually – and wait for it –
waving and smiling at those who had clearly made themselves at home
(dangerous distraction) – well – it all adds up to the
excitement of being in this beautiful place, doesn’t it? A
pathway to semi-disaster though as a slow and distracted manoeuvre
gently tipped the car into giant pothole! With back right hand-side
wheel completely elevated off the ground, I aimlessly wondered
whether to laugh or cry…
This was the point at which the
festival spirit really did kick in to action… A tribe of
people got it together and pushed the car out of the trench-sized
hole. They guided me through what felt like an obstacle course and
in to the heart of where all the action was to take place. Thank
you oh Lord of the Mountains, thank you, thank you! Finally found
place to camp and crashed out for 40 winks.
By the time we woke up, a village was beginning to form around us
and suddenly it was time to go explore the town! An atmosphere of
warmth and excitement filled the village town as we scoured the
place. The epitome of a town coming to life out of nothing; blink
and almost by magic another hundred people miraculously appeared
out of nowhere – adding to the sheer contentment of just
being there. This of course didn’t make finding your tent
very easy as every 6 hours, the village formation appeared to
change; mazes of tents, gazebos, fires, trucks, cars and vans made
sure of that. This mission was not carried out for nothing, so it
would have been criminal NOT to get lost! Staying nicely occupied,
we comfortably fell in to a way of life that was just too good for
words to describe.
A bite to eat or the mission of making a cup of
tea; back to the “house” for a natter round the camp
fire or a visit to the neighbours for a friendly herbal remedy;
then maybe back to town for a beverage at the “no fixed
price” stall – which incidentally may well have been
one of my favourite spots to hang. Who cares about the price of
bread when there are so many other important things to discuss?
Such as how to fool a meat-eater with a convincing veggie sheps pie
- or why a hot dog is called a hot dog – or why purple and
indigo are colours of the same family.
No fixed price stall was the
epitome of how a festival should be and we wouldn’t have it
any other way! Soundsytems, entertainment, dancing, children and
animals were all aspects of the festival that I had plenty of room
to absorb – despite bursting with an un-describable feeling
of fulfilment already… Kiddies were catered for with happy
and well thought-out music and entertainment as families walked
around happy and smiling - Monsters Inc Dragon Fest mix was
definitely a fun source of entertainment for all. Talented energy
fused brightly with sparkly colours as
Lux and the Hundred Monkeys-
Director: Rada. costumes: Nikki B. Original Music Nikki B &
Andy Lee. Puppetry: Anna. Set & Props: Members of the cast.
Film: Emma & Donna. Slides Leslie. Dome: Hinch
Performers:
Siobhan Padmore, Kim, Olga, Jotha, Trudi, Emily, Dave, Nicky,
Vicky, Rebecca, Ruth, Dorot, Iskander, Julia, Bea, Chalotte,
Sharah, Kit, Emily, Rosa, Lara, chris,The children: Nia, Tegan,
Kaya, Aysha, Jasmine, Beth, Kiera, Louanna- performed a modern day
Moulin Rouge (style) show with dancers and trapeze artists
performing an uplifting show to a background of phat, deep, down
and dirty drum nī bass beats. Stunning to say the least as an
unstoppable show lit up the night.
With a wide and alternative mix of music Bodatcha (Andrew and
Jules) played the Green tent, adding an alternative essence to the
rhythmic variety on the menu. Meanwhile at the Dome tent Tribal
Funk enhanced an already vibrant mode. Further variety was kicked
in with an acoustic set, only to be described as fun, entertaining,
lyrical genius set against amazing gramophone-style vocals.
Contrasting sounds and musical talent satisfied the taste buds as
Stiff Biscuit performed a special pro-punk style set with lead
vocalist Francis (former lead vocalist of 80s punk band Poison
Girls). In the mean time, many people were also scattered amongst
sound-systems. Innerfield (also part of the Rocket Festival crew
alongside Turbozone and Planet Yes) kicked off a storm with
exceptional sound on Saturday night as crystal reverberations
spread energy and light with a boppity-bop, squiggly-bop-bop-bop
for a boogie with everyone alike and smiles all around. What an
excellent vibe as the beat went on…
Back to the tent for
another 40 winks and up again for a fresh mint tea and a walk in to
town to meet amigos and of course to be-friend some more. Herbal
remedies on the menu again as we watched and played with the most
tranquil and friendliest of animals, chatting about the wonders of
this heavenly place and of being engulfed so deep within its
beauty. Alex’s back garden is where it all first started with
a positive ambience and a spirit of strength. Only from within a
natural setting of good vibes and people could the message of this
Dragon be sent – a message methinks that need not be spelt
out! So come on and hear it loud nī clear cosī you just know that
this is the way it should all really be! Anu Shukla