'I founded a big UK music festival and the planning would surprise you'

Daily Mirror

10-05-2025

The founder of the North East's biggest boutique music festival has revealed what it takes to put on such a spectacle as he reveals Glastonbury admiration
As festival goers get ready for yet another epic summer of live music, a founder of a long-running event has revealed the surprising cost to set up such a project.
This year has seen the likes of Glastonbury once again sell out in extraordinary time. The iconic Worthy Farm festival has plans for another memorable year before taking a break until 2027. The likes of Sir Rod Stewart and Olivia Rodrigo will be among the huge names on hand to wow the crowds across the various stages.
‌
Reading & Leeds, Download and Kendall Calling will also be packed with music lovers, as will the likes of Creamfields and the Isle of Wight Festival.
‌
Despite many new festivals popping up over the years, it's a tall order to face the test of time. However, for one founder, he's managed to do just that - and he's explained the intricate planning that goes into such an event.
Founder of Hardwick Festival, John Adamson, has confessed the pricy payout that comes with hosting such a sizeable shindig. Currently setting up for its 11th year in August, Hardwick - held on the grounds of Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield - is the biggest of its kind in the North East.
But John admits he's had to endure a number of stressful situations as it continues to snowball. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror ahead of this year's three-day event, which sees headline acts include Olly Murs, Pet Shop Boys, Sam Ryder and Scissor Sisters, John claimed fans would be surprised at how much such a spectacle costs.
"It costs over £2million to put it on," John confessed. "I don't think people realise how much it costs to put on a boutique festival like this. You've got the likes of the staging, lighting, barriers, sound systems and security to consider before you even think of the main acts."
He admitted it "takes a hell of a lot of planning" - and even revealed they have already started piecing together 2026's offering.
‌
"We tend to use the same suppliers most years," he went on. "I like to use local suppliers and try to use same people. The stage comes from Oxfordshire though, because of the size that's needed." He confessed that having acts like Scissor Sisters and Pet Shop Boys, you've "gotta have a bigger stage!"
However, he explained he likes to stay loyal where possible to his suppliers as that means he can book in advance to avoid any headaches. "Like Sir Alex Ferguson had, we've got to have the right people in the right places," the Newcastle United-mad businessman said.
‌
John joked that now he is getting older he doesn't help to put up the fencing like he used to, but insists he is "always there, pointing the finger" - something he says is crucial to success.
And he says his main bit of advice to others keen to grow such an event is to "persevere".
"One thing i've learned is it's about perseverance," he said. "If you can learn and persevere, you can succeed. I don't know any other boutique festivals like us in the North East are going as long as us, so we must be doing something [right]."
And he admitted he is always keen to keep it fresh, from acts to positioning of stages in order to offer a new "experience" each year. For Hardwick this year, he revealed there will be a new holistic wellness area that "brings that festival feel".