Green Man 2021: Everything you need to know as Wales' biggest music festival kicks off

Wales' largest music festival is taking place this weekend with thousands expected to attend the four day event in the Brecon Beacons.

The festival was given the go ahead in July after it was forced to cancel last year leaving organisers with just four and a half weeks to set up the festival compared to the usual eight to ten weeks.

  • The first band of the festival takes to the stage

Owner of the festival Fiona Stewart said, "At times it seemed like a dream that we would ever be back in the fields together.

"We cannot wait to see people enjoy the festival again!"

So, if you are one of the lucky ones putting on your wellies and heading to the mountains for three days of live music, what can you expect?

  • What's the weather going to be like?

One of the most important pieces of information for anyone attending a festival is the weather forecast and this year's Green Man could end up very wet at times.

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for Saturday with heavy showers and thunderstorms expected.

It's thought there may be some transport disruption with flooding a possibility.

Showers will continue into Sunday.

Festival goers over 16 will have to be double vaccinated or show proof of a negative Covid test to attend.

  • How green is Green Man?

Similar to previous years, the festival is placing a heavy focus on being green. Organisers have put a range of measures in place to ensure the festival can be as environmentally friendly as possible.

They include:

  • Local beers: Most beers and ciders on offer are brewed in nearby Welsh breweries which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation

  • Plastic straws: Green Man scrapped plastic straws back in 2007 and since then an estimated 250,000 straws have been saved over the years

  • Glitter: No glitter or bio-glitter will be available at the festival this year due to the micro-plastics causing damage to the environment

  • Power: The solar stage will be 100% solar powered and the Omni Tent and Workshop Dome are both powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Phone charging is available by pedal power

  • Tents: At the end of the festival, Help Refugees and Newport to Calais Aid Collective will help collect any unwanted tents, sleeping bags, blankets, coats, boots and food for refugees around the world

  • Are there any Covid restrictions in place?

As Wales moved to Alert Level Zero on August 7, Green Man was given the green light to go ahead this year.

Social distancing is no longer a legal requirement at the outdoor 25,000 capacity event.

Festival goers over 16 will have to prove they have received a negative NHS lateral flow test within 48hrs prior to their arrival, or demonstrate that they have received two Covid vaccinations.

Those attending this event and others in Wales have been urged to be cautious as coronavirus case rates increase.

  • Who is expected to play at this years festival?

Music headliners Little Dragon, Caribou, Mogwai, and Fontaines D.C, Django Django will be among those performing at the festival.

Welsh acts include Gruff Rhys, Charlotte Church, Gwenno and Catrin Finch.

Talking about the festival, Dan Snaith, aka Caribou, said: “There's a kind of magic about Green Man - both that I've experienced myself in the past and that I hear about from friends who go every year.

"I feel very lucky that we're going to headline this year.”

There will also be plenty of film, art, comedy and literature events over the weekend.