The Secret Garden Party is known for its unique and immersive atmosphere, which combined music, art, performance, and interactive experiences in a picturesque outdoor setting. It also has a strong emphasis on community and participation, encouraging attendees to dress up, create their own art installations, and engage in various activities throughout the festival. Let’s dive in!
What Is The Secret Garden Party?
The Secret Garden Party is an annual music and arts festival that has taken place in Abbots Ripton, England since 2004. It is known for its unique and immersive atmosphere, with attendees encouraged to participate in various themed activities and installations throughout the festival grounds.
The event features a diverse lineup of musical acts, as well as performance art, theater, and interactive experiences. The festival is also known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In 2017, the organizers announced that the Secret Garden Party would be coming to an end, citing a desire to end on a high note and explore new creative endeavors.
However, it returned last year for the first time in five years. Organizers have confirmed details of its 2023 installment, with Underworld and The Libertines set to top the bill. So it is looking like a strong contender again for one of the best British music and arts festivals.
The History Of Secret Garden Party
The Secret Garden Party was founded by Freddie Fellowes and James Whewell in 2004 as an alternative to the established mainstream music festivals. It is known for its creative themes, immersive art installations, and diverse musical lineup. The festival was organized by the Secret Productions Limited company, which was co-founded by Freddie Fellowes and Nick Morgan.
Secret Productions Limited is a UK-based event production company that specializes in creating immersive and interactive experiences. They are known for producing events such as Secret Cinema, which combines film screenings with live performances and interactive elements. Secret Productions Limited also produces festivals, corporate events, and private parties.
Secret Garden Party famously has no guestlist or corporate sponsors, so anybody can come.
The Secret Garden Party 2023 – When & Where?
20-23 July 2023 – Episode XVII: A New Hope
From 12 noon on 20th until midnight on 23rd
The festival will take place at Mill Hill Field in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Headliners – What Can You Expect?
The headliners are incredible this year and 2023 has really delivered. For the full line-up, you can see the poster below.
- Underworld – Underworld is a British electronic music group formed in 1980. The band’s core members are Karl Hyde and Rick Smith, who have been working together since the 1980s. They are known for their innovative and experimental approach to electronic music, and have released numerous albums and singles over the years. Some of their most popular songs include “Born Slippy .NUXX”, “Two Months Off”, and “Cowgirl”. They have also collaborated with other artists and contributed music to films and television shows.
- The Libertines – The Libertines are a British rock band which formed in London in 1997. The band consisted of Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, John Hassall, and Gary Powell. They were known for their garage rock sound and their lyrics, which often dealt with drug use, relationships, and the urban life of London. The band gained a cult following in the early 2000s, but their career was plagued by drug use and personal issues. They released two albums, “Up the Bracket” and “The Libertines,” before breaking up in 2004. The band reunited in 2010 for a series of shows and released their third album, “Anthems for Doomed Youth,” in 2015.
- Fat Freddy’s Drop – Fat Freddy’s Drop is a New Zealand-based band that formed in 1999. They are known for their unique blend of reggae, dub, soul, jazz, and electronic music. The band consists of seven members, including a vocalist, saxophonist, trumpeter, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, and drummer. They have released several albums and have gained a strong following both in New Zealand and internationally.
Other Headliners
- Róisín Murphy
- 2MANYDJS live
- Leftfield
- Fabio & Grooverider and the Outlook Orchestra
- De La Soul
- Peaches
- Grandmaster Flash
You can get to know the full list of headliners a little more by using this link.
Accommodation
Secret Garden Party offers a range of accommodation options including camping, glamping, and boutique camping. The boutique camping options include pre-pitched tents, yurts, tipis, and bell tents, as well as luxury options such as Airstream trailers and treehouses. There are also off-site accommodation options available, such as nearby hotels and B&Bs.
Boutique Elysium
Luxury accommodation for couples seeking some respite from the madness
The place for luxury-seeking couples, with access to our fabulous cabaret restaurant, superb champagne bar and quality coffee shop.
Includes admission to a variety of free workshops in the Boutique Hub from whisky tastings to sound baths (subject to availability) or choose to book into our relaxing wellness area or unwind in our pamper parlour to soothe body, mind and soul.
Stylish vacuum toilets and complimentary showers are included, together with the use of free parking and trolley service.
Boutique Xanadu
Boutique party palaces for those who love to share
This is the place for all those who want to party in style with their friends. Larger shared structures set closer to the action, so that you can keep the party alive.
You will have access to the wonderful cabaret restaurant, superb champagne bar and quality coffee shop. Also included is admission to a variety of free workshops in the Boutique Hub from whisky tastings to sound baths (subject to availability). You can choose to book into our relaxing wellness area or unwind in the pamper parlour to soothe body, mind and soul.
Stylish vacuum toilets and complimentary showers are included, together with free parking and the use of trolley service.
Some Words From The Organisers
Arriving in Boutique
Arrive via our private Boutique entrance (including separate accreditation and complimentary parking) so you can skip the main gate queues and get into the festival hassle-free.
We’ll welcome you and your guests at our reception desk and make sure you get settled in properly.
After your check-in, dodge the hassle of lugging your belongings through a busy campsite and make use of our trolley service*. We aim to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Arriving via Coach or Train
If you’re arriving via coach or train on Thursday or Friday, you can pre-book a shuttle to bring you from the main gate of the festival to Boutique (and back again on Sunday or Monday). Just let us know prior to arrival, when you complete the requested “check in” information.
24hr Security
We know how important security is to you. Our 24hr security will reassure you about your stay in Boutique. A number of the structures on offer are also lockable – please check the information for each structure for further details.
Restaurant, Bars and Food Traders
We’re delighted to be offering a variety of food and coffee options in Boutique this year alongside two bars so you can enjoy a shorter wait and more choice.
Pamper Parlour
You’re heading out into the festival and you want to look your best – we’ve got you covered. Hang out in our complimentary Pamper Parlour and make use of our mirrors, hairdryers and hair straighteners before heading out into the festival.
Toilets
We know that toilets were an issue at SGP last year and we’ve overhauled this offering for 2023. As well as composting loos throughout the arena and public campsites, you’ll have access to stylish vacuum loos throughout Boutique which will be cleaned throughout the weekend. A number of accommodation options also come with en-suite facilities – please check the details when making your booking.
Showers
Get involved in the festival, go nuts, get down and dirty and party until you pong!! We’ve got heaps of hot water waiting back in the campsite for you to get cleaned up and cosy. Showers in Boutique are offered on a complimentary basis. Some Boutique structures include towels, but not all. Please check details when making your booking and don’t forget to pack one if needed.
Doing your bit to make the world a better place
This year, by staying in Boutique (Elysium or Xanadu), you will be supporting the Humans for Rights Network – each booking includes a donation to charity within the advertised price. Humans for Rights Network is a grassroots human rights organisation, set up to facilitate an increase in opportunity for people seeking safety to report rights violations and access justice. Our intention is to ensure that individuals claiming asylum in the UK, are heard, listened to and have access to justice. Thank you for supporting the charity and doing your bit to make the world a better place.
Tilted Towers
Pre-pitched tents
Make your festival home your own!
For those of you who are happy bringing all your own home comforts with you and don’t need all the Boutique extras.
Pre-pitched canvas bell tents with access to upgraded toilets and complimentary showers, so you can simply turn up, drop off your kit and get stuck in.
There is no access to the Boutique Hub (i.e. the bars, restaurant and pamper parlour etc) with this option.
Some Words From The Organisers
Arriving at Tilted Towers
Arrive via our dedicated entrance (including separate accreditation – NB. you will need a paid parking pass to access the car park) so you can skip the main gate queues and get into the festival hassle-free.
If you’re arriving via coach or train on Thursday or Friday, you can pre-book a shuttle to bring you from the main gate of the festival to Tilted Towers (and back again on Sunday or Monday). Just let us know prior to arrival, when you complete the requested “check in” information.
Access to Boutique Camping
Please note that accommodation in Tilted Towers does not give you access to Boutique camping or the Boutique hub (including its restaurants, bars and pamper parlour).
Beds & Bedding
Please note that all of the accommodation in Tilted Towers is empty with no beds or bedding provided. Please bring what you need to make yourselves at home.
Food and coffee traders
There will be dedicated coffee traders within Tilted Towers allowing you swift access to caffeine in the mornings. All other food and drink options can be accessed in the main arena.
Toilets
We know that toilets were an issue at SGP last year and we’ve overhauled this offering for 2023. As well as composting loos throughout the arena and public campsites, you’ll have access to stylish vacuum loos in Tilted Towers which will be cleaned throughout the weekend.
Showers
Get involved in the festival, go nuts, get down and dirty and party until you pong!! We’ve got heaps of hot water waiting back in the campsite for you to get cleaned up and cosy. Showers in Tilted Towers are offered on a complimentary basis. Don’t forget to pack your towel!
Extras – Secret Garden Party
And it isn’t just about the music at SGP, oh no! There is so much more, and they like to really take care of you in every way. Why not book a yoga class, refuel with an IV drip or make sure your phone is always fully charged to take the best photo of your favorite act.
Secret Spa – Wellbeing therapies and classes
When Nature Calls – Luxury loos, hot water and hair dryers
IV Drips – Effect Doctors return to the Garden
Phone Charging – Takeaway chargers
Merchandise – SGP merch
Contact
If you have any queries about the event, then feel free to get in touch via email – [email protected] or for any ticketing enquiries, email [email protected]
Summary – Secret Garden Party
As the festival that describes itself as ‘The party that really gives a shit’, I don’t think you will be disappointed if you have already bought your ticket and are heading to Cambridgeshire later this July. Festivals in the UK are popular because they offer a unique cultural experience, showcase a diverse range of music and art, and provide a sense of community and celebration. And SGP is no exception! I will see you there!
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