Elderflower Fields is all about encouraging families to give something new a go. Here we tell the stories of how 15 years of adventures has inspired some of you. Drop us an email if you’d like to tell your story hello@elderflowerfields.co.uk
Who was inspired? DJ Llama G
What and when inspired you?
When I was 15 I did my work experience week helping Sussex Events setup the stages at Elderflower Fields. That same weekend I was offered a DJ slot in the Moonshine Fandango got to fill in last minute for someone on the Main Stage. It was amazing to DJ before the last band of the weekend in front of my very first big festival crowd (even though I was in the back corner of the stage).
I had just started DJing and had never even been on a stage before my first Elderflower Fields. I was nervous prepping some last minute music backstage with my dad but I loved the adrenaline and happiness performing gave me. I wanted to go into the exciting music industry, maybe DJing or maybe stage crew.
What did you do as a result?
After the amazing weekend at Elderflower fields festival I was very lucky to go to Camp Bestival in Dorset and Shambala festival with my best friend as a guest but then I asked for a DJ slot and ended up performing at both festivals at just 15. I have been back to all 3 festivals for the past 3 years.
After I finished secondary school I went to BN1 Arts college in Brighton. I then joined Codesouth.FM who helped me gain confidence in DJing on professional equipment and have supported my development offering opportunities at their events.
I studied Music Production for 2 years at BN1 Arts and learnt a whole range of skills in the music industry.
After being accepted at some of the the best Music Universities in the UK to study Music Business and Events Management I have decided to defer my place and try and get into the industry through the contacts I’ve made first. Who knows what’s next?
What are you up to now?
Summer has been amazing so far, I have helped run DJ events at Horizon and Waterbear Venue in Brighton as well as performing at these events and the Concorde 2.
I’ve continued to love being involved in Elderflower Fields and this year I led the Friday Moonshine Fandango takeover in partnership with Codesouth.FM live streaming all the DJ sets.
In May I worked as stage crew at The Great Escape Festival where I met Lewis Capldi and some amazing acts sponsored by BBC Radio 4 Scotland. With help from BN1 Arts I then worked as stage crew at The RoundHouse in Camden.
I’ve DJ’d at Camp Bestival, and just returned from supporting the stage management crew at Boomtown – a contact I made via Elderflower Fields, and next I’m working as an Artist Liaison at Greenbelt festival then coming back to run my very first event at Waterbear in Brighton this September.
Some advice I would offer any future aspiring artists:
Take ALL the opportunities that are offered to you, you never know what or who they will lead you too. If the opportunities aren’t coming to you chase them and make your own opportunities by reaching out to people or places that you would like to play/work at.
Above all of this – be a super nice person, be proactive, sociable and respectful!
Thanks for being part of Elderflower Fields, George!
If Elderflower Fields has inspired you or your kids, send us your story hello@elderflowerfields.co.uk.
