The Mumble’s favorite Festival!
The Mumble’s favorite Press Officer!
Definitely an interview for the Ages!
Hello Chay – so where are you from & where are you living these days?
I’m from a small village that in Scottish terms is close-ish to Dumfries, called Eastriggs. Although I live in a nearby town named Annan. However, that’s how I preface that answer. Village first. Always!
How long have you been a part of the Eden family?
Can’t actually remember. Maybe 5 or 6 years? I knew Adam Curtis that started Eden from us both having stages at Wickerman, so, it was probably only a matter of time… Dumfries & Galloway is a very creative area. And people tend to gravitate towards each other.
What is your current role?
Press officer. It’s a nice hat to wear as I’ve got a large history within media. And whenever they need me for anything else…it’s a fantastic festival full of passionate multi-taskers.
What do you do when you’re not involved in Scotland’s coolest party?
I have a more normal job in hospitality, which came about because of my background in festivals. Still do the odd bit of journo work as well. After nearly 20 years of booking bands I hung up my boots last year, but, next year, well, I’m getting itchy feet.
Having attended Eden the last couple of years, I can safely say the festival survived the Covid assault on the arts. In fact, last year was one of the best ever – what’s your secret?
How do we do it? Simple answer. With gusto! Eden goers know it’s one of the best festivals in Scotland. The bookers do a fantastic job of trying not to book the obvious. Some bands play just about every festival in Scotland. That’s not really how Eden thinks. It’s about the Eden goers having a seriously good time and thinking about the following year while they are still in The Garden.
For those who have never been to Eden, what have they got to expect from the experience?
Check the above and double it. And don’t forget to be there for the paint fight.
If you could pick any three bands or artists from history to headline the four nights at Eden, who would they be?
I can, in fairness, only answer for myself as all the team at Eden has different tastes. But… Thursday in Rabbie’s Tavern has to be Have Mercy Las Vegas, of course. Then on the Great Mountain stage – Can (Friday), Goat (Saturday) and The Specials (Sunday). Bit obvious but pretty much everything there that you need. Some late night sets from Lee Scratch Perry, KLF and maybe Underworld wouldn’t go amiss.
How’s the line-up looking?
It’s looking great. Having sent it out to a massive mailing list several times and written press releases and various other things, I do work out what I’m probably going to miss in advance…unless I duck out for a bit as I have a couple of family members as my press office assistants.
Has the site got any new additions to the site this year?
The Bodega – Cabaret, workshops… loads. Something that I’m quite excited about as he was (and will still be) MC’ing the Great Mountain, is the Drag Party on The Bodega on Saturday night with Madame Jo Mama & Devine Tension. Shantay you stay, aye?
…& finally, Chay, if there was a mantra for Eden, what would it be?
For me: You are the purveyor of your own good times. We just provide the party. Now go hug a rainbow.
SEE YOU ALL IN THE GARDEN
Mumble Music 