Two of the UK’s longest-running grassroots festivals – Knockengorroch and The Green Gathering – are joining forces to create a pioneering partnership celebrating Celtic music, land, and nature. Launching at a time when independent festivals are under increasing pressure, Meet Us by the Fireside is a symbol of resilience and unity, offering festival-goers a unique opportunity to experience both events at a discounted rate.
Both festivals are built on shared principles: an eclectic mix of global, folk, and dance music; free workshops to preserve vital heritage skills; vibrant community spirit; and breathtaking natural settings. Knockengorroch, nestled in the Carsphairn Hills of southwest Scotland, is located within a UNESCO Dark Skies Park, while The Green Gathering, held in the Welsh borders, champions nature connection and sustainability.
In 2025, Knockengorroch’s theme of Survival reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the live music and arts sectors, celebrating resilience, regeneration, and the enduring power of culture. The Green Gathering complements this with its focus on off-grid living and the transformative impact of music and art.
Em Weirdigan, Director of The Green Gathering, added: “Bringing together Knockengorroch and Green Gathering in this festival collaboration is so exciting. Our festivals have heaps in common, providing joyous life-changing moments through immersion in music, connection with nature and community spirit. We’re hoping to raise awareness of our shared passions, and learn from our relative strengths – Green Gathering being the UK’s most sustainable festival, and Knockengorroch being rooted in the lands, history and culture of its unique site. With the survival of grassroots festivals in jeopardy, this is the year to come along and meet us by the fireside in Scotland and in Wales!”
Liz Holmes, Director of Knockengorroch, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the equally long established Green Gathering, with which Knockengorroch shares so much, not least incredible festival communities and stunning locations. Both events are bursting with creativity and focused on the environment – Knockengorroch’s unique international music programme and The Green Gathering’s exciting showcase of real life, low impact alternatives which go ‘beyond hedonism’. Our partnership offers an opportunity to experience both festivals at reduced cost and we hope this encourages more visitors to both events, to help sustain us through the current challenges that independent festivals are experiencing across the UK”
As rising costs and funding cuts continue to strain the arts sector, grassroots festivals are a beacon of creativity and connection. Research by A Greener Future found that 20% of Green Gathering attendees were inspired to engage in community initiatives, highlighting the transformative behavioural impact that green community festivals can stimulate.
Amidst a “devastating period for the UK’s festival organisers” – with 72 festivals across the UK forced to cancel in 2024 alone, according to the Association of Independent Festivals – Knockengorroch and Green Gathering are determined to thrive through Celtic collaboration.
The invitation to “meet us by the fireside” is more than a metaphor; it’s a call to reconnect with music, land, and community. Anyone who buys a ticket for one festival can benefit from the discounted offer for the other. By attending both festivals, supporters can experience the magic of ‘Knock n’ Green’ – a celebration of Celtic roots, creativity, and collaboration.
