Concerns have been raised about events that are planned to take place at a farm in Powys bought 'to support and grow' the Green Man festival by the Welsh Government. In May of 2022, the government purchased the Gilestone Farm site in the Brecon Beacons National Park for £4.25m.
Over the past few months however, ministers have been criticised for buying the farm in the Talybont-on-Usk village before a full business plan was provided. The Green Man festival's managing director, Fiona Stewart, has said that the festival, which is hosted every August at the Glanusk Estate, was "not moving" to Gilestone Farm but has only given vague indications what the site will be used for.
Officials have told local councillors there are plans to host three gatherings a year for as many as 3,000 people at the property. Although no final decision has been made on the site, officials have been discussing leasing it to the festival company. According to Philip Darbyshire, the co-chair of Usk Valley Conservation Group, there are now concerns about the site's future.
