Green Area - History and Mystery

Inspired by the ethics of the Green Fields at Glastonbury and similar events, environmental protest camps, the Criminal Justice Bill, repetitive beats, punk rock and the urge to party outside for free, the Green Area evolved 11 years ago, from the old multi-media stage and various other random elements from the Fair and headed towards the “quiet” corner of Midsummer Common.

Enthusiasm and crew came from a variety of Cambridge activists, squatters, travellers, students, academics, musicians, artists, pagans and lunatics. Much of the organisation was done by the members from Cam-Fin (the Cambridge Free Information Network), Argyle St. Housing Co-op and Arjuna Wholefood Co-op, with help from friends in Brighton and beyond. We suddenly had the vibes of a mini festival within the larger event!

The Green Area continued to develop into the late 90’s with a strong DIY ethic, Schnews became regulars, as did Des the Druid, The Groovy Movies Picture House and the Healing Area. The area mutated and expanded, more trucks turned up and two years later Tim and Stef found themselves “in control”! Stef left in 2005 to co-ordinate the Theatrikals stage and Tim stayed on to hold the Green space...

The stage continued to showcase both local and international acts featuring dance, dub, anarcho-punk and folk, along with a dash of psychedelia. Many well known festival bands have played on the Green Area stage over the years including Tarantism, Seize The Day, 2000DS, Tragic Roundabout, Templeheadz, Keltrix, Flipron, Pink n’ Ruby, plus local DJ’s and Sound Systems and the occasional ranting poet!

Although referred to in the past by some of the committee members as “The dog n string area” the Green Area has become well known for its friendly and chilled vibe, with plenty of activities and space for families and children.

Over the last five years, many magical things have come and gone but a strong core group of committed volunteers remain encouraged by the excellent crew food and special favours!

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Contacting the Green Area

To contact the Green Area, with your questions or comments, or even better, to offer to get involved, email: .

The Green Area Disordinators

Tim Neate: Has been involved in the Fair for many years in numerous disguises, from munted punter to munted performer (Mannamaya), stewarding/crew and now Area Coordinator.
KT Faerie: KT has also been involved with the Fair for a number of years as Parade Coordinator, Merchandise Stalls, Theatrix and Green Areas crew/steward and giant Strawberry maker!
Stewards: The Head Stewards in the Green Area are Dave and Tariq. The stewards are the eyes and ears of the Fair and can be easily spotted in their Hi-Vis jackets. Discover how good the crew food is and be part of the event by volunteering to be a steward!
Dogs In Charge: Freya and Lap Dog. Previously this position was held by Agit.

Wonderful things awaiting you…

Des The Druid and the Tree Circle

Roving druid Des Crow first came to our attention during the road protest scene and has been involved in the Green Area from the beginning. The Druid Tree Circle is intrinsic to the heart of the Green Area. It represents the Wheel of the Year, using 13 native trees symbolising the Pagan festivals and is geomantically aligned to the whole of Midsummer Common.

Des is a member of OBOD and the Arthurian Warband, he often presides over an opening ceremony at midday and usually has a flock of faerie helpers on hand to provide information, natural remedies, a wishing tree, face painting and good vibes. He also has young native trees for sale.

Schnews

Brighton based activists and information network have been closely associated with the Green Area since its conception. Formed in direct response to the Criminal Justice Act, they have been providing free information about protest and direct action for over a decade. Their tent comprises a solar-powered cinema, café and kids-area.

Herbalists

Locally based, qualified herbal practitioners Ness, Emma and friends have an immense knowledge of natural plant-based medicines and have provided a herbal emporium and apothecary for many years. They have an on-site consultancy area, shop, run workshops and this year plan to have a didgeridoo display and story-telling on the dark side of herbalism and witchcraft. Over the years their tents have come from across world from Geo-Domes to Bedouin tents and Tipi’s.

The Healing Area

Run by Farah the Healing Area comprises various workshops and practitioners from the Arjuna healers. Expect to find Deep Tissue and Tui Na Massage, Naturopathy, Reiki, Iridology, Music Therapy, Yoga, Tai Chi and more. Yurt provided by Hearthworks. Donations will go to Lifecraft and The Women’s Resource Centre.

Hearthworks

Festival veterans Hearthworks are a collective who make beautiful Tipis and Yurts. Their nomadic structures have been all over the world from the desert to the Himalayas and they help to organise Europe’s largest Tipi village at Glastonbury Festival. For Strawberry Fair Hearthworks provide a lovely chill-out space and Chai Café in their hospitality Tipi, as well as providing a Mongolian Yurt for the Healing Area. Hearthworks structures are available to buy and hire.

Body-Art Mike

In our tiny (but perfectly formed!) Tipi Village will be placed Body-Art Mike, veteran of the Cambridge party scene and body painter extraordinaire. He’s got glitter and no-one is exempt!

Witch Hazel’s Divination Tipi

Shamanic practitoner Hazel Grove brings her Tipi from Herne Bay and is on hand for Tarot Reading and Sound Healing.

Libra/Aries Labyrinth

Green Area regulars Tim and Jean from the legendary alternative bookshop Libra/Aries return again this year reviving the traditional labyrinth started by Nigel Pennick.

Campaign Stalls

Many local and national campaign groups set-up stalls in the Green Area, expect to find: Norwich Anarchists, Hunt Saboteurs Association, No ID, Cambridge Carbon Footprint, Greenpeace and more. If there’s a palaver, get a balaclava!

The Wishing Tree

This will be the first year for the Northampton based Solar Powered UV Wishing Tree at Strawberry Fair. The Tree currently has over 30,000 wishes on it..come and add yours!

Eco-Arcadia

The world’s first Bio-Diesel powered Gaming Arcade. Check out Pin-Ball and Space Invaders! The emporium is run by Quality Tom of Brighton, this year with the added attraction of the Ambient Lounge. Tom also supplies the marquee for the stage.

And last but certainly not least..

The Green Area Stage

15 years of music experience and mayhem goes into running our Stage. Performances run from midday to 9:45pm and PA and crew are provided by Brighton’s Crackpot Sound System. The stage is powered by Bio-Diesel (from recycled chip fat).

Other Attractions

Other attractions in the Green Area include, a Trailer Park Garden, Maori Carver, Flint Knappers, Wood Carvers, Sacred Arts Space, Wickerwork Dragon and Aldermarston Mutants.

Benefit Gigs

The Green Area could not survive if it wasn’t for the generous donations of those who come to and play at our benefit gigs. As you know Strawberry Fair is entirely volunteer run and has not succumbed to corporate sponsorship, so the budget comes from stall hire and benefit gigs. Over the last three years we have used the gig room in the Portland Arms. The gigs run once a month from September to May and our resident DJ Scott Free has been joined by many diverse local and international acts. Keep an eye out for flyers and come n support your ever smiley Green Area Crew!

Wednesday 21st May

Keltrix (Local Festi-Folk)
Anton Barbeau (Californian Psychedelic Pop)
The Trespassers (Home Grown Reggae)
DJ Scott Free