The most beautiful festival in the world preparing to go out with a bang
Interview : Dan Prince
Photos : Khris Cowley – Here and Now and www.timertl.com
Nick welcome to DMCWORLD, where can we find you on this lovely summer’s day?
“Stuck in the office Dan unfortunately – but will manage a swim later with a bit of luck!”
The main focus on this interview is obviously the big news concerning the announcement that 2015 will be the final festival, but before we talk about let’s go back over a decade when yourself, Charlotte and Eddie and Gail O’Calaghan started your new lives in Croatia. Why Croatia, what life had you all left behind, how long had the move been planned…
“We really did not plan anything to be honest – Charlotte and I came here with the kids on a holiday with friends back in August 2004 to visit a friend who lived here in a village called Razanac. When we arrived we really did not have a clue as to how beautiful Croatia was or anything about it, apart from the fact it was part of the former Yugoslavia. Anyway, we were taking a look around the stunning town of Zadar and came across a venue on top of the old city walls overlooking the harbour that was derelict. We found out that it was available and decided to come back and take a look and meet the owner in October. We did just that, and had to make a decision in 10 days if we were to go for it – and we did. I moved over in the following February to start working on the place, whilst Charlotte and the kids stayed back in the UK, sold the house, packed up and came over in June. We opened The Garden Zadar in July 2004 with Fila Brasilia and Adam Regan and Bobby Beige supplying the musical backdrop and its now in its 11th season. Gail and Eddie came over the following year to visit us and loved it so much they too sold up and also moved out with their kids. And we have all lived in Croatia ever since, bringing up our families here.”
The village of Petrcane is a 900 year old fishing village just a short drive from Zadar, we all find ourselves in beautiful parts of the world and think ‘wow, wouldn’t it be amazing to put on a party here’. But you did it. How easy was it getting the locals to agree to let their idyllic haven be taken over by loud music and late nights?
“We lived in Razanac for the first year then a friend found us a house in Petrcane that we moved in to. It was closer to Zadar, and the kids had started school there so it made sense. We were also thinking of ways to attract more people out to take a look at what we had found, and there was talk about putting on some kind of a festival or event. It was then I was walking the dogs around the grounds of the Hotel Pinija, which is se on a beautiful peninsula, and stumbled across an amazing circular disused club and terrace space that had not been touched since the 70s. I immediately thought it was the perfect location. I contacted the director and somehow managed to convince him to let us do it (I think it was The Garden Zadar doing so well which made him say yes). With regards the locals, as we were living there we were also one of the locals, so spoke to all concerned and the majority of the village too were very positive as they could see the benefits. We then went to the city for their help and they agreed too, so we signed a five year lease – and we were off! We then invited a load of friends and family over for what was to become the first Garden Festival in 2006 – we had about 400 turn up lost a load of money and it was bleeding freezing cold…but everyone had a ball and the feedback was great. So it was decided to carry on.”
How encouraging was the Croatian authorities in helping you bring tourism to their country? How closely did they work with you?
“To be honest I think they thought we were a bit mad to begin with, but as The Garden Zadar was doing so well they listened to what we had to say and were very supportive from the start. I think for us staying and living in Croatia, bringing out families up here, and year on year seeing the increase in tourism, has really helped us.”
Tell us about the first year, a word of mouth year where a few hundred arrived. What were some of the comments you received and who played?
“Apart from the weather being pretty awful, generally everyone was like – “This place is amazing!” It was very raw, and for some people the idea of coming to Croatia was a bit alien. For some reason we held it at the beginning of June and it was freezing and windy to begin with – we invited friends and family over to join us and about 400 people made the long trip as in those days there were no budget airlines and it meant a long drive down the coast from Zagreb. But we got a good crew over, and when they arrived they fell in love. Not just the site itself, but Croatia, its lovely people, the humility of the place. It was infectious. Most people who played all asked when could they come back to play again. Everyone had a great time and the feedback was wonderful so although losing a bunch of money we decided to carry on and go for it again – the rest is history.”
As the summers passed, can you remember at what point it hit you just how big The Garden Festival was getting?
“I think it was the third year 2009, we had about 3500 turn and it changed the vibe to be honest. We felt the village infrastructure was at breaking point and the intimate family feeling everyone had loved was lost a little. Don’t get me wrong, it was still great – just different, too. We decided then to cap numbers at 2500 and have stayed there ever since. However, we knew we had something special going, and rather than us grow The Garden Festival to a point that it changed the vibe, we invited friends and promoters to do their own events as we had got the whole production set up; Electric Elephant, Soundwave, Suncebeat, Stop Making Sense and Oulook all had their first year in Petrcane. I think it was at that point where the city and the village started seeing the real benefits of what we were trying to achieve as the events were now becoming more like a holiday with a musical backdrop, with most people coming over – including the artists – staying for a week. It meant that the input into the local economy was strong as the numbers of visitors had grown to approximately 12000, but spread over a 5 to 6 week period meaning that the village and venue never felt overwhelmed.”
In recent years you moved down the Dalmation coast to Tisno, a wooden natural ampitheatre that opens up out onto breathtaking views over the sea and nearbye islands. Was moving to this location when The Garden Festival really moved to the next level?
“The move was not planned at all to be honest with you, but our contract had finished in Petrcane and the hotel for whatever reasons would not renew it. We did not find out until October/November so it was a very stressful period. The city of Zadar tried their hardest to find us another suitable location but to no avail. We then set about searching the coast and Eddie one day came over to Murter and found what is now The Garden Tisno. I think the location is perfect for what we want here, it is naturally beautiful, Tisno itself it a picture postcard town, and the facilities are better. We were welcomed with open arms by the young forward thinking mayor Ivan Klarin, and for the first time we had accommodation onsite, including apartments and the Shikar tents plus there are loads of lovely places to stay in Tisno, and had the whole place to ourselves for us to put our mark on it. We have now been here three years and it has certainly got better and better. The thing I always love about The Garden Festival is that every year I think we will never better that last party, but every year it seems to reach a new level (this year was no different – the best yet!) Tisno is close to Zadar and Split as well, there are beautiful national parks, islands, beaches and much more nearby. It is a truly beautiful country.”
Some of the best parties have been aboard the amazing Argonaughty Boat. What have been some of the highlights out at sea…?
“Wow that’s a difficult one as they all have had their moments J We started in 2006 with one or two boat parties, and now we do 20 over the week. The Futureboogie day time boats are always a blast and I remember Dave Harvey playing Fleetwood Mac and the whole boat singing along – I still get goosebumps. Chali 2na getting on the mic was special on I think Norman Jay’s boat; The Crazy P v El Diablo’s boat that has been there from the start is a winner. Or Eats Everything with Dollop getting everyone to sit on the floor until the beat kicked in, and The Faith Houseboat back in 2006 where the police came out on a launch to collect some money for pizza that someone had ordered and left the restaurant without paying for the pizza. Terry and Stu had a whip round and passed over the money, and we went on our way only to see the police turn back up about 30 minutes later with the bleedin’ pizza! I think there is a great pic of Tristan with a pizza going around on the deck! The boat parties are an integral part of the experience here, you can’t come to The Garden Festival and not go on a boat party, or to our special Secret Island Party.”
You must have thought you’d died and gone to heaven when you first clapped eyes on the 70s discotheque Barbarellas? What DJs have really gone off in there?
“Yes it really was a labour of love for us – to be honest most who have played Barbs have taken the roof off literally – personal faves are Derrick May, Karizma, The Futureboogie guys of course each and every time. Plus Kerry Chandler, Solomun, David August, Ame & Dixon, Kenny Dope, the RA parties, and this year Derrick Carter, Francois K and Carl Craig. It’s important to remember that the old Barbarella’s in Petrcane was a closed club, with a roof – and it was pretty small. The new club near Tisno is fully open air, it really is incredible when the sun comes up at dawn and you are out in the open. We have had some really magical moments there. Also this year we have worked with Mark Broadbent from We Love… Ibiza at Space, and he has curated a series of extra club shows at Barbarella’s this year, which have been fantastic for us.”
A question you have been asked before I am sure, what is the secret to the success of the festival…
“I think always keeping things at a level you can deal with comfortably, having a great team of people that have worked together for a long time certainly helps, and great sound and production. But most of all it is the vibe and feeling everyone gets here and gives too – this is so important to us, in making our events successful and it keeps people coming back year in, year out. So many friendships have blossomed through The Garden Festival, not to say a few weddings and babies also along the way too. If everyone who is there is smiling and spreading love then it cannot fail to be honest. Of course hard bleedin’ work comes into it also!“
I live in Ibiza and it amazing how many people I bump into who have just got back from Croatia for one event or another. Journalists are lazy buggers they like making comparisons – Is Croatia the new Ibiza, is Vegas better than Ibiza etc. But it has to be said, there are definite comparisons to the early days of Ibiza and your Croatian magic?
“Of course people will always make comparisons and especially with Croatia and Ibiza of late, but personally I do not think you can compare. Croatia has blossomed enough to really have its own identity now. Of course there are elements that feel the same, but I think what we have created over here is something completely different. I’m old enough to remember Ibiza in the early days, and was lucky enough to experience it way back before it became what it is now, and if people are saying that what we do brings back memories of the early days in Ibiza I can only take that as a compliment. But Croatia – or at least what happens here at The Garden Tisno – is a world away from the current Ibiza. Ask Mark Broadbent too.”
How important have the Futureboogie team been helping you pick the artists?
“Futurboogie have been involved from the start and for the last 3 years have been responsible for 95% of the bookings. I think it important to keep things fresh and in this game you need to be totally involved and in the clubs, looking out for what’s next and musically exciting. Me and Ed hardly leave here now, so the FB guys have become an integral part in what we do – part of that important team I was talking about earlier…the family!”
Your 10 favourite ever Garden Festival moments…
“For me a proud moment is just walking around the site, day, dusk, night or at dawn, and seeing everyone having fun together. There are endless amazing moments at each festival; not just from all of the acts who have graced the decks and stage here, but the people who have come from all over the world to be here. Perhaps my ten favourite ever moments would be…
1. Chali 2na – impromptu rapping on boat party
2. The police incident with the Faith Houseboat and the pizza
3. Mayer Hawthorne live – Soil & Pimp live – all the artists performances over the years to be honest!
4. Finding Croatia.
5. Finding Tisno
6. Watching us grow year in year out and managing to keep the vibe the same.
7. Meeting so many people who have now become friends and family over the past 10 years.
8. Working with my wife.
9. Watching the kids grow up in a great environment and meeting loads of very cool people.
10. Managing to do what we enjoy FOR SO LONG!!”
If money was no budget and you were operating on Glastonbury levels…who would be on your dream line up?
“I’m not sure we would change that much to be honest and anyway that could be giving some bits away for next year! A lot of The Garden Festival is about the music, but also it is more about the overall experience.”
The obvious question – why are you bowing out now
“I think reaching 10 years is a great achievement and the team needs to concentrate efforts and time on our venues and the other events that happen in them. If we did not bow out at 10 years we would have had to go to 15 years as would have been impossible at 11/12/13 etc. We think we are leaving a strong legacy. The important thing is to make 2015 as good as we can, and then continue to refine and develop the site for years to come.”
Your proudest ever moment at your event…
“There have been lots of proud moments like seeing my son do FOH for one of the bands this year, seeing all the smiling faces around the site is also a nice feeling – also looking at The Garden Festival as a whole and being here at the beginning of what has become something quite special over here. We know the impact The Garden Festival has had, in terms of founding the festival scene and also inspiring many other events to come here too. When we started we never thought this is what would happen. I think we are all proud about what we have started.”
What can you tell us about 2015…anything confirmed yet…any special plans?
“I can’t say anything yet about next year. Of course it will be special, and we think a lot of people who have been here over the years will all be back for the final Garden Festival. Lineup wise loads of people have been in contact asking to play, now they know it is the last one. Dave Harvey has said we need more days to get everyone in already! For now people will have to wait just a bit though. We should have the first names toward the end of the year.”
And so the question we are all thinking, what next for you guys? Another new territory, putting your feet up for a while, opening up a Croatian Anthems bar in Ibiza…?
“We are currently focused on making the 10th anniversary a fitting tribute to everything The Garden Festival is about, then after that to continue to refine and develop The Garden Tisno site for the other festivals. Well actually… I am currently focused on catching up with some sleep after all of the festivals here this summer! And then the work starts for 2015!”
The Garden Festival 2015 – Going Out With A Bang!
Weds 1st – Weds 8th July 2015
@ The Garden Tisno, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia
www.thegardenfestival.eu
www.watchthegardengrow.eu
