ArcTanGent Festival Tenth Edition
Meshuggah at ArcTanGent Festival, August 2024 - Photo credit Joseph Singh Snaprockandpop (c)
ArcTanGent; from our humble beginnings in August 2013 to our tenth edition in August 2024, it's been a ride! I may say this every year, but without a doubt, ArcTanGent this year was our best one yet; from the line-up to the smooth install, running, and de-rig, to the warmth and friendliness of the community that ATG has become...it couldn't have been better. Even the sun shone on the Mendip Hills (with an obligatory dump of rain, because let's be honest, it wouldn't be ArcTanGent without it!)
In contrast, the road to this milestone has been anything but smooth with steep-learnings and a global pandemic to navigate along the way (just to keep us on our toes). Owning and running an independent festival is never easy, as unfortunately, 2024 has shown us with 59 independent festivals postponing or canceling for good in 2024 alone. Professional battles and personal sacrifices go into making an independent festival what it is, and it is heartbreaking to see so many, well-loved festivals unable to continue due to rising costs and a lack of government support.
ArcTanGent has enabled me to fulfill a childhood dream, to create lifelong memories for millions of people. There is no greater feeling than looking across an audience of elated faces completely immersed in live music, or hearing people singing raucously from a distance at the not-so-silent Silent Disco or the unexpected handshake of thanks. Whilst this dream is mine, the festival is a labor of love, and it wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team. To our staff, crew and volunteers, you all make ArcTanGent what it is and we simply could not do it without you. To our audience, thank you for creating the wonderful ArcTanGent community that has earned itself a reputation that precedes itself.
Celebrating this milestone is however short-lived, we go again...2025...let's be having you!
ArcTanGent Co-founder and Director, Goc O'Callaghan - Photo credit Joseph Singh Snaprockandpop (c)
