Many people love the richly imaginative atmosphere at music festivals.
The artistry, the intoxicating music, and the carefree party vibe offer an enchanting place to let loose, to enjoy yourself, and perhaps afford an opportunity to go a little wild.
Creating a small intentional community that comes together briefly to share an inspired experience is at the heart of Cumberland Wild.
A great festival amplifies all that is already wonderful about the world, like appreciating live music and dancing. But it also tries to add what many people want to see more of in the world, like playfulness, personal expression and freedom from judgment.
This Aug. 18 and 19, organizers of Cumberland Wild will produce a thoughtful new event that is sure to bring together all sorts of interesting people to celebrate and enjoy music.
Cumberland Village Park will be transformed into a microcosm of that utopic vision of peaceful gratitude for the arts. This year organizers are taking a proactive approach to reduce risks that might be encountered by some festival-goers in that party environment.
We all know many incredible men help make music festivals what they are, men who are respectful, kind, considerate and strong. These are the men women can count on for physical and emotional support.
However, festival organizers recognize that some men, especially those under the influence of a party, may not always treat others respectfully. This is a reality that the co-ordinators of Cumberland Wild are addressing in order to provide a safe and joyful experience for everyone.
Cumberland Wild has assembled a team to take harm reduction efforts further than ever before. A quiet area of the festival site will be dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space that welcomes any self-identified woman in need of non-judgmental support, or refuge from the party and other festival-goers.
At this event consent and safety are not an afterthought. The Safe Spaces Crew will stay upstream from incidents that threaten women or members of the LGBTQ+ community through a highly visible awareness campaign that promotes consent, safety and inclusivity. Male ambassadors will be on hand if needed.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to speak up and protect one another at community gatherings of all types. Each person can choose to care about others, and maintain a status quo of decency and good manners.
However, this event wants to create a deliberate climate of inclusivity, and with that, it highlights the need to verbalize what safety looks like. Safety means that harassment will not be tolerated and that a lack of respect for body autonomy has no place in our midst.
If someone finds themselves feeling unsafe there will be a sanctuary space available for them. No questions asked. We believe you. The sanctuary space is called Wild & Empowered and will offer engaging workshops throughout the weekend as well as consent education.
Women are heading to outdoor music events in record numbers and may make up more than half of the audience on any given night. Progressive events are taking steps to keep these music-lovers experiences safe and memorably happy.
Cumberland Wild organizers want women, and the men who love them, to know that they take the physical and emotional safety of every member of the audience very seriously. Cumberland Wild will also have first-aid, bike paramedics, a traditional festival chill-zone and a teahouse.
Ticket holders at this event will find an atmosphere that fulfills the desire for fun and revelry, with an attitude of responsibility for all guests. For more info and to buy tickets check out www.cumberlandwild.com
Weekend and day passes are selling fast. They are available at the Waverley Hotel in Cumberland, and at Bop City Records in Courtenay. Camping is available on site.