Hundreds of Ren fans have reportedly bought tickets to travel to the Secret Garden Party from countries all over the world, including Sweden, the USA, South Africa, and Canada.
The fans, many of whom bought the tickets based on little more than rumours, will be congregating at the festival near Huntingdon later this July for the artist’s first live show in more than four years.
Forming a Facebook group called SGP Roots Renegades in March, months prior to Ren being confirmed, his supporters followed a breadcrumb trail of evidence left by the Secret Garden Party organisers.
While Ren, who will be playing on Saturday night, was only confirmed relatively late, on June 20, dozens of highly dedicated fans jumped at even the chance of seeing him and arranged their stays at SGP well in advance of this date.
Organising themselves on Facebook, Ren’s fans have formed a supportive community, enabling people who otherwise would not have the confidence to go to an outdoor music festival to attend through offers of advice and mutual aid.
One fan, asking in the group if they were too old for the Secret Garden Party at 63, received enormous support, with many fans offering advice. A commenter said they’d bought a ticket and were coming over from Canada at age 57, while another advised that they (59) were “not worried about the age thing at all” and “you get all sorts at festivals.”
Others offered advice on things like ID for entry—reminding their peers that Photo ID Cards are available for £30 and folks did not have to risk their passports and IDs. One fan even agreed to bring a communal coolbox, while a number planned stopovers at each other’s homes or campsites.
Known for his viral hit “Hi Ren”, the Welsh hip hop artist, popularly known by his fans as “Our Angel”, has become an inspiration for many who suffer from mental or physical health difficulties and has developed an extremely dedicated fan base.
Speaking about Ren, Secret Garden Party founder and organiser Freddie Fellowes said, “I can safely say that in over twenty years of the Garden Party I have never seen or heard the equal; I am so excited to be creating this show with someone I genuinely believe is one of the most talented human beings of our generation.”
Tickets for SGP Roots are still available.
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