WILD WOOD FESTIVALS
Into the GROOVE IN A GLADE WOODS SPANNING TWO MAGICAL WEEKENDS IN THE FOREST, THE WILD WOOD DISCO AND THE WILD WOOD RUMPUS ARE TREASURED CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL FIXTURES, SAYS MIRIAM BALANESCU
rom fairy tales to ancient mythology, Arthurian legend to Victorian romance, the woods have long been imagined as a
place of magic, mystery and enchantment – think gingerbread houses, forest sprites and green men. It’s what makes them the perfect location for a party. “While working on all sorts of different events in and around Cambridge, Horseheath Racecourse got in touch with me to look at the site,” says the founder and director of The Wild Wood Disco, Vicky Fenton. “I didn’t want to do anything big on the point-to-point area, but fell in love with the woodland and asked if I could put on a party. I had a gut feeling that it would be very special. I could picture exactly what I wanted to do, so I used my small amount of savings and went for it.” The festival’s first edition in 2017 saw 800 people take to the forest for two nights of dancing under a canopy of stars. The intimate, mesmeric setting, decked out with world-class light and sound systems, was an instant hit. With its winding passages, nooks and crannies, Vicky and her team added an extra sprinkle of wonder with secret stages, art installations and hidden surprises. “I got a lot of inspiration from Shambala and the woods at Secret Garden Party,” she says. “[Organiser] Fred Fellowes was really kind and gave me lots
RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE The Wild Wood Disco offers a weekend escape into the forest – with a winning combination of relaxing activities in the day, alongside plenty of partying at night
Vicky’s journey with her two festivals has been tough, but rewarding. “It’s been a huge learning curve, but I love it – I can’t imagine doing anything else now,” she says. “The best thing is having a little idea that you think people will love, then making it happen and watching everyone enjoy it. “I’m told that you can feel the love that has gone into the events,” Vicky continues. “We try to employ locally, use lots of the local food trucks and all of our equipment is local, too.” With non-mainstream festivals in Cambridge few and far between, the Wild Wood parties are putting the county on the map as a destination for vibrant nightlife and entertainment. The pair return this year bigger and better than ever, with a Wild Wood Disco bonus night, complete with warm-up party and a Homoelectric Sunday takeover, while The Wild Wood Rumpus has even more family fun in store – wander to the woods to find out what. The Wild Wood Disco is from 17 to 19 June, and The Wild Wood Rumpus is from 4 to 5 June at the Horseheath Racecourse, Linton.
of advice and support – without him I may not have felt brave enough to get it going.” The Wild Wood Rumpus, the disco’s family-oriented sister, was hot on its heels in 2018. “There isn’t much exciting stuff going on for families around Cambridge,” says Vicky. “The festival is exactly what I would have relished taking my kids to. Nothing like this existed then.” Elissa Gold, a fellow Cambridge mum with years of experience designing children’s areas at events like Wilderness Festival and Standon Calling, climbed onboard as partner for last year. The event sources the best children’s entertainers – from theatre romps and circus escapades, to storytelling sessions. The Wild Wood Rumpus emphasises teaching youngsters about nature. “I want to broaden kids’ imaginations, for them to feel like they can run wild and that it’s their space,” explains Vicky. With bushcraft activities and guided nature walks, there is much to explore. “I hope children learn about nature, but also that there is nothing better than playing outside.”
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JUNE 2022 23
Powered by FlippingBook