AS Glasgow’s Playground Festival gets sets to return for its second year to Rouken Glen Park next month, TTV sat down with the spokesperson Ashleigh Elliott to chat about the event, the return of live music, must-see artists and much more.
How did it feel when you knew that Playground 2021 would be happening?
I don’t think I can quite put into words the amount of emotions! I’d say relieved and excited but most of all – READY TO GO! This has been two years in the making and it’s evolved into something better than we ever could have imagined.
What’s been the biggest lessons these 18 months have taught you about running live events?
It’s taught me to have a gratitude in my life and to remain positive. Which I think has been instrumental to getting through to now (alongside the support of the Playground Festival community, of course). It’s been a difficult year dealing with the unknown and new obstacles but keeping that attitude has made us stronger as a team.
How will it feel when those gates open in just over a month?
I can think of nothing better than standing watching the gates open to Playground Festival on September weekend, I might even greet you with open arms. The feeling of the excitement and the memories that are going to be made this year will last forever, I’m sure.
Who are the new bands every Playground fan should be checking out?
For me it has got to be Connor Fyfe, I’ve watched him perform since he was just 13 and it’s so amazing to see his confidence and talent progress, he is still very young and to be taking to main stage before James and The Libertines on the Friday of the festival I’d say he’s doing something right. And of course, the ever-cool Fauves, another young band packed with talent who played for us in 2019! On the Sunday, definitely catch Franc Moody for some contemporary funk, soul and disco sounds – Expect a modern day jump back to the 70’s.
Can you sum up Playground in a sentence?
Playground Festival is a festival where everyone is welcome, where many generations of people can enjoy the experience of music together – From your mum and dad to your little brother there is something for everyone.
How proud are you to be bringing names like The Libertines, Boy George and Chic to Glasgow?
So proud, the unexpected festival line up brought us some pleasant surprises, while we were gutted to have to change the line-up mid-pandemic from the likes of Kraftwerk and Underworld, managing to secure The Libertines and Orbital for the Friday just created an amazing day we didn’t consider before. Boy George & Culture Club, Roisin Murphy and Erol Alkan thrown in there with Scarlett Randal and Egyptian Lover – It’s bringing one almighty eclectic party that we can’t wait to throw! Nile Rodgers is a firm favourite of the full the Playground team – if you know your music you will know the wealth of talent he brings, he is the perfect person to the be closing Playground 2021 this year.
Is there anything fans should know to have a fun and safe Playground 2021?
Clean your hands, utilise our brand-new cashless wrist band system, be patient with the crew and follow the rules – if we do all this that we can keep having festivals!?
And if it rains: Remember, There’s no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes.
Check out the full line up for Playground Festival below and get your tickets here.
Keep your eyes peeled on TTV as we get set to partner up and head backstage with Playground 2021.
