The Goo 1
AUG-SEPT 23 electronic music with the live music
stage which hosts everything from grunge to psychedelic rock, to trad. As well as showcasing some of the best upcoming and international acts, Fuinneamh also runs a series of workshops each year, from yoga workshops to herbalism to drug safety talks. Every year the organiser’s broad range of speakers proves the yearning from the public for education on topics that affect them directly. Looking after their attendees is of the utmost importance to the organisers. Situated in a yurt adorned with heaters, blankets, and calming lights, the Psy-Care team can be found practising their methods of harm reduction. Founded by Dr Kathryn Ledden and psychotherapist Michael Ledden, it is a 24-hr medical service that aims to help festival goers that may be experiencing difficulty with psychological problems or drug-related issues. Described by Luke as a “refuge from the madness”, he witnessed these centres located at festivals he attended all across Europe and Fuinneamh became the first Irish festival to accept them into a public space. “I understand that recreational psychedelic use happens at festivals and I believe there needs to be a safety net there because of the challenges that can be raised.” The festival draws on inspiration from Irish heritage. The Ogham Alignment Stage is designed to represent a thirteen-month calendar. Hosting some of the most incredible acts each year, the stage is surrounded by twelve ten-foot crystals with a mandala above the stage to represent the sun. Luke talks about how “it draws inspiration from all the Megalithic sites and stone circles around the country. The ancient people of Ireland were quite advanced in their understanding of the cosmos. This was important as they would plant or harvest specific crops based on their understanding of the time of the year and have festivals in celebration.” Nods to our heritage can be found all over the site. Speaking on the history of festivals Luke states “Festivals are in the history of our land, it’s really beautiful. Festivals are no different now than they were thousands of years ago. Granted they look different but we’re still the same animal, we’re still human. We’re still coming together to do the same thing which is connect and celebrate.” Sustainability is at the core of Fuinneamh. The yearly celebration proves that the way forward for festivals is one focused on sustainability and respect for the land on which we celebrate. “I feel like festival gatherings are important spaces to share information on pressing topics in the world. It’s important that when we gather we are trying to do something positive for the world, otherwise, we’ve missed a huge opportunity. Festivals are places that can inspire positive behavioural changes in the world on things like sustainability, climate or social issues. I feel like festivals can be looked at as a microcosm for bigger models in society. It’s not worth harming the planet and creating a huge mess just so we can have a good time. We have to do this with an element of responsibility and we have to be environmentally sustainable, we can inspire others on how that is so needed in the world right now.” Last year the site was cleaned up in record time with only 4 or 5 tents left. By bringing together a community of like-minded people who place a heavy emphasis on Love, Rhythm and Change it creates a magical experience that gives back to everyone. Tickets for Fuinneamh Festival 2023 can be found at www.fuinneamhfestival.ie PAGE 29