In every edition of our What's On guide, we find out what it takes to organise some of the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk's most popular events. In the latest edition, we talk to Luke Howell, Festival Director of the Croissant Neuf Summer Party.
What first inspired you to become involved? My parents started the festival and after I finished college I asked if I could get involved. Each year I took on more and now I’m a director of the festival.
Describe a typical day working at the event. When working on site during the build-up our site manager and I are giving people jobs to do for the day, then after each day’s pile of admin, I join the teams, usually moving around the festival site directing and answering questions. Our crew are amazing; most are volunteers and they do a brilliant job. Once the festival’s started I’m up at 7am and not back in bed until the early hours the following morning. I try to spend a bit of time at the gate meeting and greeting and helping out the stewards and barrow boys, then it’s a case of grabbing some food when I can and doing the rounds, talking to stalls, traders, workshops and the paying public to make sure everything’s running smoothly. In the evenings I’ve been known to wander the site in full fancy-dress whilst talking to one of the other directors on the radio. I try to take part in the pub quiz and 5-a-side football tournament, but if the radio goes and I’m needed, then off I go. I’ll also try to catch some of the bands playing and will usually stay up until 3am, when I can handover to security. Then it’s off for some shut-eye before doing it all again the next day!
Ever had any unusual queries or requests from participants or visitors? One year I was dressed as a Victorian explorer and was sporting a rather fine fake moustache and pith helmet combo which a group of teenage girls were very intent on claiming for themselves. And I was chatting to some participants one year and asked what bands they’d like to see at the festival the following year and they helpfully replied "U2 and Led Zeppelin", jolly helpful.
What do you feel is your event’s main appeal? We’ve purposely kept the festival small so that everyone who comes gets a chance to take part in everything that’s going on. Also, it means that parents can relax in the knowledge that their kids are being well entertained onsite and are in excellent, and safe, company. It’s also an intimate festival and people are always making new friends.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? The best thing is seeing hundreds of people having a fun, relaxing time. The compliments always come and although I’m rubbish at taking them, they show that people enjoy being part of something I’ve helped to create.
And which other Wye Valley & Vale of Usk event would you never miss, and why? Regrettably I often miss other events in the local area but it’s something I intend to put right and I’d like to find a new favourite!
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