About Time: You Discovered Festival No. 6By Alicia Grimshaw
September marks the end of the UK festival season, and if you still haven’t had a chance to coat your new Hunter wellies in mud, and rinse your local Superdrug of dry shampoo – there’s still time. Festival No. 6 is taking place on 7th September in Wales, and there’s still time left to nab yourself a ticket. Dig out your tent from the garage, and stock up on some cheap cider. It’s about time you discovered what Festival No. 6 has to offer.
Festival No. 6: The Run-Down
Festival No.6 is a bespoke banquet of music, arts, culture and gastronomy, taking place over the weekend of the 7-10 September in the magical village of Portmeirion, Wales, home of the cult TV series The Prisoner.
Before No.6, the Festival No.6 gang felt the festival circuit had become a little stale and they wanted to create a more bespoke offering; a carefully curated festival for those who are looking for a more refined weekend. A festival which is a scene but not a herd, which inspires the artists as much as the audience, giving them the opportunity to present new work in unique intimate venues and allowing everyone the chance to put reality on hold for a few days.
Festival No. 6: The Music
Headline acts at this year’s festival include The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, Mogwai, A 50th year celebration of Sgt Pepper and the Summer of Love with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra & The Bootleg Beatles, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, The Cinematic Orchestra, Irvine Welsh, Kate Tempest, Goldie, Maxine Peake and many more.
During the festival the village and the surrounding woods come alive with a unique series of inspiring venues including the Central Piazza, the picturesque Estuary stage, the Late Night Pavilion, Castell Gardens, the historic Town Hall, The Tangled Woods, a floating dancefloor and much more hosting everything from main stage moments to intimate performances from iconic bands, world class DJs and an unparalleled arts and culture programme.
This year, Virgin Trains Village Limits returns to Festival No. 6 with a stellar line-up. As part of the award-winning partnership the popular stage will once again host acclaimed DJs throughout the three-day festival. Hidden deep in the picturesque Gwyllt Woods, the iconic floating dance floor is found in a woodland clearing on a Chinese lake surrounded by large white No. 6 orb-like balloons and a giant hanging disco ball. DJs play from a booth set in the trees, overlooking the dancers below.
Festival No. 6: Activities
Not just a festival for music, No. 6 offers a whole range of activities ranging from health and wellness to boozy brunches. The highly popular stand up paddle boarding returns to Festival No.6 with regular sessions running on the River Dwyryd Estuary throughout the weekend. It’s the perfect excuse to escape for an hour and experience one of Portmeirion’s most stunning spots.
Need a break from excessive drinking? Take part in a yoga session, unwind with a massage or listen to an inspirational talk. The intimate Town Hall Sessions have become a very special part of Festival No.6 over the past few years. Joe Duddell, the No.6 Composer-in-Residence will be creating unique collaborations with very special artists and the No.6 ensemble, which will take place in the intimate setting of the historic Portmeirion Town Hall.
For the first time in No 6’s history, there will be a new Estuary Spa, presented by Kernow Springs. Kick back in a wood-fired hot tub, and enjoy the views of the beautiful estuary. Cold showers, be gone.
Festival No. 6: Food
Take your preconceptions about festival food and throw them out of the window. This isn’t some pithy burger served in a polystyrene tray, the food at No. 6 is so much more. You can experience a bespoke banquet in the wonderful Portmeirion hotel from a Michelin starred chef, dine in the stunning Castell dining room, or explore the many independent festival food stalls, and the Welsh produce market, all chosen with care.
Eat your way round the world with a hand-picked selection of street food heroes. Tuck into hearty mac n’ cheese at Annie Maes, feast on wood-fired doughy numbers at Fundi Pizza, and curb your beef cravings at Honest Burgers.
Festival No. 6: Accommodation
Festival camping doesn’t get much better than this. The Classic Bell Tent has all the charm of sleeping under canvas, but with increased comfort. The Classic Bell Tents include an extra cosy cotton duvet set and bed linen on an inflatable mattress, ambient lighting, vanity mirror, bedside tables and thick fluffy towels.
Pull out all the stops, and opt for the tipi which can comfortably sleep four people. The tipi houses actual metal-framed beds. We repeat: beds.
If the field life isn’t for you, there’s plenty of hotels nearby to rest your weary head. And if you’re in the mood for staying in the thick of it – pitch your tent in the general camping area.
Festival No. 6: Getting There
We’re guessing you’re quite a trek from the Welsh countryside. We hear your pain, and we’ve got your back. As the official travel partner of Festival No. 6, Virgin Trains is offering an exclusive 25% discount on Advance fares, a dedicated hourly ‘Festival No.6 Express’ train service and onboard festival accreditation teams equipped with your festival wristbands, so the fun can begin the moment you step on the train.
To take advantage of an exclusive 25% discount with Virgin Trains on Advance fares train travel to Bangor from across the UK, visit here.
Sounds good, right? Buy your tickets to Festival No. 6 here.