As Nozstock Festival prepares for its final bow, we had the opportunity to speak with Ella Nosworthy, the driving force behind this beloved event. Known for its eclectic mix of music genres and warm, familial atmosphere, Nozstock has been a staple in Herefordshire’s cultural calendar for 26 years. In this in-depth interview, Ella shares the festival’s journey, the challenges faced by independent festivals, and what the future holds for the Nozstock family.
Ella Nosworthy explains, “Nozstock is a 5,000-capacity festival in Herefordshire, run by my family and me. It’s been going for 26 years and features 11 stages showcasing various genres, from drum and bass to rock, house, and indie. Festivals should offer more than just music; they should provide new experiences and moments.” She emphasizes the importance of diversity in music, “We feel like festivals shouldn’t be just one genre. There should be more than just music in a field.”
Running a festival is no small feat, and for Ella, it involves juggling multiple roles. “I book the lineup, handle contracts, PR, recruitment, and office management. My brother builds the stages and manages the site, while my mum takes care of ticketing. It’s very much a family affair, supported by an amazing crew.” Ella credits the festival’s success to the dedication and hard work of her family and close friends. “It’s a real labor of love that we all come together to do. We’re surrounded by an amazing crew.”
Nozstock’s humble beginnings can be traced back to a family barbecue on Ella’s father’s farm. “We started as a small gathering with a local performer. It grew organically, involving friends and eventually attracting a thousand people. We realized we needed to get serious, get a license, and ensure proper safety measures. That turning point allowed us to professionalize and expand.” The festival’s growth was driven by passion and community spirit. “It was all just a complete laugh, and it grew really organically like that until one day we had about a thousand people on the farm.”
Transitioning from a private party to a legitimate festival came with its share of challenges. “We had no idea what we were doing initially. Licensing, marketing, and ticketing were all new to us. It was a steep learning curve, but our organic growth allowed us to learn our roles gradually and maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.” This gradual evolution helped the team develop a unique festival experience that has drawn attendees year after year. “People still say to me it feels like they’ve been invited by the family to a private party for the weekend.”
Ella reminisces about the early days: “Our first festival experience was Glastonbury, which shaped our understanding of what a festival should be. It’s about more than music; it’s about the entire experience. That ethos has guided us at Nozstock.” She fondly recalls the formative experiences at Glastonbury with her family. “My parents would take me and my brother to Glastonbury every year. It was like our family holiday.”
Last year’s festival was notably wet and muddy, yet the Nozstock team managed it impressively. “It’s all about wood chip and a dedicated team. The UK weather is unpredictable, so we always prepare for rain. Despite the challenges, rainy festivals can sometimes enhance the sense of camaraderie and fun.” Ella reflects on the efforts of her team during adverse weather conditions. “We have a really amazing team who I think literally were just spreading wood chip every hour of every day. The smell of the wood chips was wonderful, much nicer than the usual mud and old cider smell.”
The decision to end Nozstock was difficult but necessary. “The cost of living crisis and the aftermath of COVID-19 hit us hard. Rising costs and reduced disposable income for festival-goers made it unsustainable. While we could have scaled down or sought sponsorship, it wouldn’t have been the same Nozstock we love,” Ella states. She highlights the broader issues facing independent festivals. “We’ve seen many festivals fold due to financial pressures. To support the industry, we’re advocating for a temporary VAT reduction for festivals. This would provide some breathing space to recover and thrive.”
Despite the challenges, Ella remains hopeful about the future. “We plan to explore smaller, one-day events. This format offers flexibility and allows us to continue bringing people together on the farm without the same level of risk.” Nozstock’s lineup this year reflects its rich history and loyal supporters. “We wanted to bring back artists who’ve supported us over the years. Booking DJs was more economical and practical, but we ensured a diverse lineup to cater to different tastes.”
Ella’s dedication to creating a memorable experience shines through in every detail. “We aim to make our guests feel like they’re part of the family, enjoying a private party on the farm. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re grateful for the support and love from everyone involved.”
As Nozstock prepares for its final curtain call, Ella leaves us with a poignant message: “Support local festivals and music venues. They are vital for nurturing new talent and maintaining a vibrant, diverse cultural scene. Buy tickets early, advocate for policy changes, and keep the spirit of independent music alive.”
For those looking to catch the last Nozstock, tickets are available now for the final festival from July 18th to 21st, 2024. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a legendary event’s grand finale.
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