Fieldview is back and we’re feeling pretty good.

So much has happened since we last met in Little Somerford in 2018… The thirst to create a space for freedom of expression, an opportunity to celebrate independent creatives, and celebrate the power of community pushed Fieldview Festival Co-Founders to make the decision in early 2024 that it was time to bring Fieldview back with ‘Fieldview Social Club’. Amongst the many changes since 2018, many of the Fieldview crew and community have had babies – we have a whole new generation to share Fieldview with.

Run on volunteer’s time and energy, we always have some pre-event anticipation. With months of meticulous planning going into the event age old worries appeared – Are we going to sell enough tickets? Will our guests love what we love? Is the weather going to add to the vision, or change it?

As soon as build week started, and a reunion of friends, the Fieldcrew were reminded that the spirit and the energy everyone brings is the heart of Fieldview and it carries the ‘vibe’ throughout the weekend. As the gates opened to the wider Fieldview community everyone felt at home and so excited to welcome everyone back into the field of dreams.

There were outstanding performances from all artists from up and coming artists such as Aisha, Zola Courtney and Mac Lloyd to more established headliners Elli Ingram and True Strays. There was an extra special set from the extra special guests. Over 500 guests came along with the sun to bring their brightest selves and make ‘Fieldview Social Club’ one to remember.

We had workshops galore, ranging from Craft Time, Creative Writing, to Yoga. The introduction of the ‘Kids Space’ (an area not previously part of the festival site) brought entertainment for the smaller Fieldview attendees all weekend with Wand Making, Face Painting, Story Time with local authors and visits from the Fieldview Fairy – there were crafts and workshops running all weekend long. And expected, this year the percentage of children and babies was higher than ever, establishing Fieldview as a trusted family festival space.

The 2024 theme was Play. It was time for play-time together, and the festival became everyone’s playground. Our focus for every Fieldview Festival has always been directed towards ‘A Celebration of The Music, The Arts, and You’. More than ever we noticed how much people used the fields to bring their own contribution. There was a micro-venue called Tinsel-Town, a trombone player popping up any time there was a brass-shaped space that needed filling, outfits that captured eyes and imaginations. Singalongs galores and bodies were moving and shaking to the beat everywhere you looked and countless hugs, smiles and kisses shared.

We’re overwhelmingly happy to say that although the world around us does brings challenges, the weekend of Fieldview Social Club was a reminder of how deeply important free, safe, creative spaces of love and celebration are. We are so happy with the respect we saw for the space we shared, and the love for each other, over the weekend.

Fieldview Social Club 2024 was an opportunity to bring a moment of escape to refuel, reconnect and realign. It has given inspiration for the crew to reconnect with what is important in life. Watch this space as we think about the next steps for Fieldview.

Huge thank you to everyone who gave their time to create, build and deliver the event. You’re all incredible.

Photograph by Paul James x