Display depicting home for local music talents to showcase their artistry
In the heart of the UK's music scene, a new venture named Grassroots Rising is set to redefine the festival landscape. This Community Benefit Society (CBS) project, billed as a 'festival of festivals', aims to put power back in the hands of independent festivals, venues, and promoters.
Si Blatchly, the driving force behind the renowned Chai Wallahs touring festival stage, is a key figure in this movement. Blatchly has been involved with Chai Wallahs since 2004, when he combined his passions for health products and music. Over the years, Chai Wallahs has provided a platform for up-and-coming artists, including Ezra Collective, Portico Quartet, Kae Tempest, Rag & Bone Man, and thousands of others.
Chai Wallahs has been a staple at various UK festivals, such as Green Man, Kendal Calling, Secret Garden Party, and Shambala. It has been a place of solace and discovery away from the hustle and bustle of busy main stages, offering an alternative, intimate experience for both artists and audiences.
Blatchly remains passionate about the power of music as a universal language, a form of communication and education, and a source of joy that can evolve one's soul. This sentiment is echoed by Luke Potter, a singer-songwriter, who has seen the importance of spaces like Chai Wallahs for aspiring musicians. Potter credits Chai Wallahs for saving his life on more than one occasion and supporting his band for 10 years.
The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, made up of students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, performed on the Chai Wallahs stage for the first time. Upon performing, they were described as exploding with energy and leaving the crowd "utterly beaming."
However, the UK music festival industry has been facing unprecedented challenges. With 78 festivals reportedly lost in 2024 alone, there is a growing need for initiatives like Grassroots Rising. The Grassroots Rising model is intended to make the event more affordable and provide a showcase for grassroots music.
A crowdfunding campaign for Grassroots Rising will launch in August 2025. If successful, the Grassroots Rising event will take place in June 2026 in Cambridgeshire. The founding members of the Community Benefit Society "Projekt Grassroots Rising" and their plans for the 'Festival of Festivals' are yet to be disclosed.
Positive News, a not-for-profit media organization that relies on financial backing from readers to produce and share their solutions journalism, will likely cover the developments surrounding Grassroots Rising. As the venture progresses, we look forward to witnessing the power of music unite and empower independent festivals, venues, and promoters, and to celebrate the grassroots of the UK's vibrant music scene.
