A quiet change happens just before the festival season begins - people step into new roles, others hand over their tools and know-how, and the circle of people holding things together changes a little. With each new year, Green Gathering grows in experience, memory and possibility.
We’re really happy to share some of the changes happening in the crew this year, along with a few familiar faces continuing the work that makes this festival feel like home.
Welcome to Will and Laura
We’re delighted to introduce Will Cruze and Laura Jones as our new trainee festival directors.
Both Will and Laura have been busy around Green Gathering for years — often quietly working with Artist Liaison and Stewards to make sure things run smoothly. Now they’re stepping up to take on wider responsibilities, bringing new energy, insight and care into how we plan and build the festival together. It’s a joy to have them with us in this role.
Changes in Safety & Support
We're also welcoming Kat Minter, who'll be taking over from Tim, our longstanding Health & Safety coordinator. Huge thanks to Tim for many years of keeping us safe while wearing a tutu and tiger ears.
Website love
Huge thanks to Jem (Jaijiel Creative), who carried out the revamp of our website, making it more accessible and easier to navigate. The new site is live and already a big step forward for the festival’s online home.
A big thank you to Ellie
Over recent years our incredible Entertainments Coordinator, Ellie Ulyatt, helped shift Green Gathering’s programming from a 70:30 gender imbalance to a festival that not only meets but exceeds the Keychange Pledge — with 58% of last year’s acts led by female or non-binary musicians.
Ellie has decided to step down from coordinating Entertainments this year, but don't worry, Alex and Andrea are stepping up to take on this role. A huge thanks to Ellie!
Alex has coordinated the Raconteurs' Delight spoken word venue for the last two years, as well as putting together the music programme with Ellie in 2025. Andrea has a key role alongside Laura at Artist Liaison.
Returning roles, familiar faces
Some people who were new to their roles last year are now firmly part of the family and continuing in 2026:
Lemons – Firekeeper
Last year, Dreadful Jasper stepped back from keeping our fires going all night and watching over those drawn to the hearth. He handed on this duty and honour to Lemons, who puts a secret (and sometimes not-so-secret) nod to his teaching into every fire she builds but also brings her own traditions to the field.
"The Dreadful Jasper, Twisted Firekeeper, hates being called a mentor. So I'll just say I was very lucky to work alongside him for the last few seasons, and that I am privileged to have been entrusted with keeping the flame alight. We watch. We protect. We remember." - Lemons, Firekeeper
Emma Andrews – Dog Welfare
Emma invented the Downward Dog, a hub on the main drag for canines and their humans to meet, find water, advice, a bit of shade, spare leads and toys. The Dog Welfare team also keep Dog Points dotted around the site — simple places with water, bags and bins — making the festival friendlier for four-legged friends and their humans alike.
Maddie McVeigh – Teens Space
Maddie looks after the Teens Space, tucked under the treeline behind Permaculture. It’s a place young people can drop in for yoga, circus skills, craft activities, aerial hoop, music, food workshops, henna art, board games, books and chill-out time — a gentle, creative space for connection and play.
In a festival like ours, people and relationships matter as much as stages, workshops and bands. Every year new hands help carry the vision forward, and every year the festival grows a little more into itself.
We’re grateful to everyone who gives their time and heart to make Green Gathering feel like a place of welcome, learning and celebration - both on the ground and in the long months of planning that come before.
Here’s to another year of community, curiosity and care. 💚
