The Green Man Festival is one of the highlights of the Welsh festival calendar. Now in its fifteenth year, the festival continues to go from strength to strength boasting one of the best UK festival line-ups of 2017.

We went along last year and, despite the rain, it was a brilliant weekend. Our highlights included James Blake, Floating Points and the brilliant Rhod Gilbert hosting a BBC Wales radio show live from the site.

But the Green Man is about so much more than the music, so here’s our run-down of all you should know.

Green Man Festival 2017 Line-Up

Topping the bill this year? It’s a medley of some of the best in indie, rock, folk and so much more:

• PJ Harvey
• Ryan Adams
• Future Islands
• The Shins
• Michael Kiwanuka
• Kate Tempest
• Sleaford Mods
• Conor Oberst
• Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit

And that’s just the top section of the line up.

Here’s the skinny:

Where is the Green Man Festival 2017?

Good question.

The Green Man Festival unfolds on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, on the stunning Glanusk Estate. The campsite neighbours the banks of the meandering river Usk and, with stages dotted across the parkland, the scenery alone makes it worth a visit.

One of the highlights of the whole weekend is the stunning backdrop behind the main stage. Words don’t really do it justice, so here’s a picture.

Beyond the Music

There’s so much to do beyond the music at the Green Man Festival. And that’s good news. Three full days of standing, cider in hand, watching music can be exhausting. The good people running the show know that. They’ve laid on some some wonderfully curated extra craic to help you enjoy the weekend.

Here are some of the highlights.

Fortune Falls

A secret valley where you can take a break from the hustle and soak up some calm. The area is decorated with interactive art and beautiful light shows.

Comedy and theatre

There is so much on offer for lovers of the spoken word. Multiple stages provide a welcome respite for tired feet – kick back, relax, and enjoy some culture.

The SpaYep, there’s a spa.

Massages, saunas and hot tubs are all on offer. And you can book in advance – that’s something to look forward to if the rain arrives.

Check out the different Areas at the Green Man on their website for more.

Food and Drink at the Green Man Festival

Whether you’re a foodie, or just love an local ale, you won’t be disappointed.

The Green Man hosts its own beer festival, and in 2016 we were blown away with the variety on offer. This year they promise ninety-nine ales, ciders and perries sourced from over twenty Welsh breweries. And the bars stay open 24 hours a day. What’s not to like?

If the grub is your priority, the news get better still. Green Man Festival offers copious variety, including speciality dishes from all corners of the globe. Your dietary needs will be well catered for and fresh ingredients are locally sourced.

Settler’s at the Green Man Featival

One of our favourite things about the Green Man is their Settler’s Pass offering.

It allows you to rock-up a for a full week of beautiful Welsh scenery, based in the Green Man’s idyllic river-side campsites. The pass allows you to get out beyond the confines of the festival and explore what the Brecon Beacons have to offer.

The Green Man crew hook settlers up with discounts at local heritage sites, galleries, castles, outdoor activities and much more. Plus there’s the Settlement Stage with live music and more throughout the week.

By the time the festival rolls round, you’ll be very much in the swing of things.

Can I take my kids to the Green Man Festival?

You sure can. In fact, infants go free and ‘little folk’ blag their way in for just £20-£30 depending on how long you’re staying.

There’s a full schedule of activities, workshops and entertainment for your little folk – and with plenty of friends to be made and a great family-vibe, you’ll probably not see much of them once the weekend gets started.

There’s also an area (‘Somewhere’) for 13-17 year olds, with DJ workshops, design masterclasses, film making and more.

Green Man Festival Tickets

Tickets start at £180 for adults – and £225 if you plan on staying for the week on the Settler’s pass.

There are discounts for students, teens and the little folk – plus they offer a great payment plan for anyone wanting to spread the cost.

Buy tickets on the Green Man website.

Accommodation in the Brecon Beacons

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay nearby, you have plenty of options.

• Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages have a number of cottages in the area.
• Airbnb is also a great option – this link gives you £30 off your first booking.

Travelling to the Green Man Festival

Coach

The best way to get there? Coach.

National Express are offering travel direct to the site starting at £28 from locations across the UK.

Train

The nearest train station is Abergavenny, and there’s a shuttle bus.

Drive/ Car Share

Or you can just drive. There are car parks, but just keep that Monday morning hangover journey home in mind before you hop in the car.

If you are travelling in your own motor, and have space between your camping gear, consider car sharing – there is a page ready to roll on GoCarShare.