With Just 4 days to go until the beautifully boutique, innovative electronic Farr Festival kicks off for it’s third year on the trot, featuring a killer lineup from the underground up, organiser Oscar Thornton took five minutes to chat to GBC Mag about the growth of the event and what’s in store this year…
FARR FESTIVAL is still such a young festival when compared to the established greats such as Glastonbury and Reading, do you find this a challenge or does it make things easier to organise an event on a smaller scale?
I think we look up to the larger more established festivals but we try not to compare them to Farr, as it would divert our focus and intentions. We’re very aware of the fact that we are still young and we are definitely still learning! Our aim is to stay focused on the case in hand, which is making Farr the best it can be
Smaller festivals have been cropping up increasingly over recent years; do you think this signals a change in what people desire from such events?
Absolutely. The recession has called for cheaper events with an emphasis on the local; and also I think crowds often prefer a more intimate vibe to a party
Do you have plans to expand the size of FARR in the future, or do you have a focus on maintaining something more boutique and intimate?
Boutique and intimate! Without a doubt!
People who attended FARR 2010/11 gave it rave reviews, back when the concept of FARR came into being, did you ever imagine to have such success in its first couple of years?
Yes, I guess we did. We’ve put so much work, time and effort into it. The first year was more a rave in the woods for 600 people, last year it developed and this year we’ve just tried to build on that success.
What’s the best lesson you have learned since starting the process of organising a festival?
I have the tendency to get stressed about the little things, which is pointless…so that – and most importantly, to enjoy yourself!
In comparison to other similar events, FARR isn’t giving much away about what people can expect this year, what¹s your intention behind this?
Wait and see…
Considering FARR is still so young, you have been successful in booking some of the biggest current artists in electronic dance music, how have you managed this?
Through working closely with a wide variety of people in the industry and I guess we’ve just been lucky!
How would you describe the audience that FARR attracts?
Something special, sexy, and wonderful!
When you attend festivals, what do you look for to guarantee a great festival experience?
Space to dance, good group of friends and a couple of cans of cider
Lastly, what are your predictions and aspirations for FARR 2012?
To surprise people.
